Potentiation of Bortezomib-Induced Killing of Lymphoma Cells by Inhibition of Autophagy and Prevention of I-κBα Degradation

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
Li Jia ◽  
Ganga Gopinathan ◽  
Johanna T Sukumar ◽  
John G. Gribben

Abstract Abstract 116 Previous studies have shown that germinal center B cell-like (GCB) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are resistant to proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib. The mechanism by which GCB-DLBCL cells escape from proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis is unclear. To investigate this further, we examined the proteasomal pathway, expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and autophagy. Using bortezomib or MG-262, we show that DLBCL cells have differential sensitivity to proteasome inhibitor-mediated cell death, even though the effects on proteasome inhibition were similar. DLBCL cells that either over-express anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2, or lack pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax/Bak, are more resistant to proteasome inhibitor-induced reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase-3. Treatment with bortezomib induced autophagy in both sensitive and resistant DLBCL cells, as demonstrated by an accumulation and aggregation of the autophagy marker protein LC3-II. Bortezomib induced accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins and a decrease in the adaptor protein p62, indicating activation of autophagic degradation. Fluorescent microscopy revealed that bortezomib induced p62 recruits both ubiquitinated proteins and LC3-II, suggesting that p62 leads ubiquitinated protein to autophagosomes. Treatment with bortezomib thereby promotes I-kBα degradation, demonstrating that the route of I-κBα degradation is not via the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation system. Bortezomib-induced I-kBα degradation was detected in both DLBCL cell lines and primary DLBCL and follicular lymphoma samples. Chloroquine (CQ), an inhibitor of autophagy, significantly increased bortezomib-induced accumulation of p62 and ubiquitinated proteins, including I-κBα, Bax and p53. CQ alone induced a dose-dependent increase in I-kBα protein levels, indicating that I-κBα protein can be degraded by autophagy even in the absence of proteasome inhibition. Importantly, the combination of proteasome and autophagy inhibitors shows great potential to kill apoptosis-resistant lymphoma cells. Proteasome inhibitor with or without CQ induced cell death in DLBCL cells cannot be blocked completely by either caspase inhibitors or knockdown of Bax/Bak proteins, suggesting that cell death occurs via a caspase-independent pathway. In summary, proteasome inhibitors induce autophagy and confer DLBCL cells resistance by eliminating I-κBα and possibly other pro-apoptotic proteins. Addition of autophagy inhibitors to bortezomib has the potential to induce increased killing in patients with resistant lymphoma. Disclosures: Gribben: Roche: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; GSK: Honoraria; Napp: Honoraria.

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Tsalikis ◽  
Mena Abdel-Nour ◽  
Armin Farahvash ◽  
Matthew T. Sorbara ◽  
Stephanie Poon ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTProtein degradation pathways are critical for maintaining proper protein dynamics within the cell, and considerable efforts have been made toward the development of therapeutics targeting these catabolic processes. We report here that isoginkgetin, a naturally derived biflavonoid, sensitized cells undergoing nutrient starvation to apoptosis, induced lysosomal stress, and activated the lysosome biogenesis geneTFEB. Isoginkgetin treatment led to the accumulation of aggregates of polyubiquitinated proteins that colocalized strongly with the adaptor protein p62, the 20S proteasome, and the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) protein UFD1L. Isoginkgetin directly inhibited the chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, and caspase-like activities of the 20S proteasome and impaired NF-κB signaling, suggesting that the molecule may display its biological activity in part through proteasome inhibition. Importantly, isoginkgetin was effective at killing multiple myeloma (MM) cell linesin vitroand displayed a higher rate of cell death induction than the clinically approved proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. We propose that isoginkgetin disturbs protein homeostasis, leading to an excess of protein cargo that places a burden on the lysosomes/autophagic machinery, eventually leading to cancer cell death.


2018 ◽  
Vol 217 (5) ◽  
pp. 1757-1776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhe Sha ◽  
Helena M. Schnell ◽  
Kerstin Ruoff ◽  
Alfred Goldberg

Proteasome inhibitors are used as research tools and to treat multiple myeloma, and proteasome activity is diminished in several neurodegenerative diseases. We therefore studied how cells compensate for proteasome inhibition. In 4 h, proteasome inhibitor treatment caused dramatic and selective induction of GABARAPL1 (but not other autophagy genes) and p62, which binds ubiquitinated proteins and GABARAPL1 on autophagosomes. Knockdown of p62 or GABARAPL1 reduced cell survival upon proteasome inhibition. p62 induction requires the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 1 (Nrf1), which simultaneously induces proteasome genes. After 20-h exposure to proteasome inhibitors, cells activated autophagy and expression of most autophagy genes by an Nrf1-independent mechanism. Although p62 facilitates the association of ubiquitinated proteins with autophagosomes, its knockdown in neuroblastoma cells blocked the buildup of ubiquitin conjugates in perinuclear aggresomes and of sumoylated proteins in nuclear inclusions but did not reduce the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins. Thus, upon proteasome inhibition, cells rapidly induce p62 expression, which enhances survival primarily by sequestering ubiquitinated proteins in inclusions.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 4701-4701
Author(s):  
Blake T. Aftab ◽  
Daniel J Anderson ◽  
Ronan Le Moigne ◽  
Stevan Djakovic ◽  
Eugen Dhimolea ◽  
...  

Abstract Hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM) have an increased reliance on the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) presumably as a consequence of their high protein synthetic and secretory burden. Chemical agents that target the proteasome, such as bortezomib and carfilzomib, have been successful in treating multiple myeloma; however patients treated with these drugs ultimately relapse. The AAA-ATPase p97/VCP (p97) facilitates ATP-dependent extraction and degradation of ubiquitinated proteins destined for proteasomal elimination. In addition to ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation, p97 is also closely involved in other aspects of protein homeostasis, including endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. Pharmacologic inhibition of p97 provides a compelling therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies that rely on tight regulation of protein homeostasis as a component of their survival. CB-5083 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of p97 ATPase activity with nanomolar enzymatic and cellular potency. Treatment of cancer cells with CB-5083 causes a dramatic increase in poly-ubiquitinated proteins as well as an accumulation of substrates of the UPS and ERAD. CB-5083 causes a profound induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) with consequent activation of the DR5 death receptor, caspase 8, caspase 3/7 and ultimately cell death. Induction of the UPR occurs to a greater magnitude with CB-5083 when compared to the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, suggesting the potential for increased efficacy in cancers with sensitivity to UPR-mediated cell death. In addition, activation of apoptosis and cell death occur more rapidly with CB-5083 than with bortezomib. Sequencing of cell lines made resistant to CB-5083 reveals missense mutations mapping to the D2 ATPase site in p97, supporting on-target association with cytotoxicity. In an expanded panel of MM cell lines there is no correlation between the cytotoxic sensitivity to CB-5083 and the cytotoxic sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors, suggesting differential mechanisms of cytotoxicity and potential activity of CB-5083 in proteasome inhibitor resistant settings. Compared to myeloma cell lines, CB-5083 has reduced cytotoxic potency in immortalized stromal cell lines and in patient-derived CD138-negative bone marrow mononuclear cells. Furthermore, unlike the reduced potency demonstrated by carfilzomib in the context of MM cell-bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) interactions, the cyto-reductive potential of CB-5083 is unaffected in co-cultures of MM cells with patient-derived BMSCs or immortalized BMSCs from healthy donors. In vivo, CB-5083 is orally bioavailable, shows a pharmacodynamic effect in tumor tissue (as measured by poly-ubiquitin accumulation) and demonstrates robust anti-tumor activity across several MM models. CB-5083 treatment of mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts leads to tumor stasis and regression in RPMI8226 and AMO1 MM models, respectively. In advanced models of disseminated, ortho-metastatic disease, intermittent oral administration of CB-5083 demonstrates significant inhibition of myeloma burden and improves survival, with an overall efficacy profile that compares favorably to that of clinically approved proteasome inhibitors. Furthermore, in the Vk*Myc genetically engineered mouse model of MM, treatment with CB-5083 results in a significant reduction in M-spike by 55%. Combination treatment of mice bearing the RPMI8226 subcutaneous xenograft model with CB-5083, dexamethasone and lenalidomide results in tumor regression. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CB-5083 is a potent and selective inhibitor of the p97 ATPase with robust activity in vitro and in vivo in numerous MM models and strongly support clinical evaluation. Based on these observations, a phase 1 dose-escalation trial has recently been initiated and is currently underway in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Disclosures Anderson: Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Le Moigne:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Djakovic:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Rice:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Wong:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Kumar:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Valle:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Menon:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Kiss von Soly:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Wang:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Yao:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Soriano:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Bergsagel:ONYX: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding. Yakes:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Zhou:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Wustrow:Cleave Biosciences: Employment. Rolfe:Cleave Biosciences: Employment.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4466-4466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka Besse ◽  
Marianne Kraus ◽  
Andrej Besse ◽  
Juergen Bader ◽  
Thomas Mehrling ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. EDO-S101 is a first-in-class alkylating, histone-deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) fusion molecule with dual activity that is currently in Phase I. It structurally combines the strong DNA damaging effect of bendamustine with a fully functional pan-HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat. Bendamustine has substantial activity against B-cell malignancies; vorinostat sensitizes the same type of cancers against alkylators or proteasome inhibitors (PI). Bendamustine combined with the PI bortezomib (BTZ) is active against multiple myeloma (MM). Cytotoxicity of PI in MM relies on excess induction of proteotoxic stress and triggering of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Upon proteasome inhibition, HDACi synergize with PI by interfering with the a-tubulin-mediated transport of poly-ubiquitinated proteasome substrates to lysosomal destruction. Indeed, EDO-S101 has strong synergistic cytotoxicity with PI in vitro against hematological malignancies, including MM, mantle cell lymphoma and ABC type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The aim of this work is to characterize the molecular mechanism of action of the synergy of EDO-S101 with PI in comparison to its established structurally related drugs, bendamustine and vorinostat. Methods. The cytotoxic and molecular activity of EDO-S101 in combination with BTZ and other types of PI was assessed in vitro using the RPMI-8226 and several other MM cell lines. HDAC-inhibiting activity, accumulation of poly-ubiquitinated proteins and induction of ER stress, apoptotic signaling and autophagy induction were assessed by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Proteasome activity was measured with activity based probes (ABP). Apoptosis was assessed by AnnexinV/FITC staining with flow cytometry. Cell viability was evaluated by MTS assay. Results. EDO-S101 showed substantially stronger cytotoxicity in combination with PI than melphalan, bendamustine, cyclophosphamide or PI combined with equimolar vorinostat. EDO-S101 had higher HDACi-type of activity, compared to vorinostat, as demonstrated judged in particular by increased a-tubulin acetylation, providing a potential mechanistic basis for its superior synergy with PI. Consistent with this, EDO-S101 alone induced moderate cellular accumulation of poly-ubiquitinated proteins already in the absence of proteasome inhibition, which was potentiated when EDO-S101 was combined with BTZ. EDO-S101 induced activation of the UPR-regulators XBP1 and IRE1 known to control BTZ sensitivity of MM, in contrast to vorinostat or bendamustine alone. Co-treatment with BTZ and EDO-S101 or vorinostat resulted in highly synergistic triggering of the UPR (ATF4, CHOP, BIP). Interestingly, EDO-S101 in addition induced the pro-apoptotic machinery via upregulation of NOXA, downregulation of BCL2 and an increase of the BAX/BCL2 ratio, and also activated autophagy, as evidenced by upregulation of LC3A and LC3B. While this pro-apoptotic signaling of EDO-S101 was highly synergistic with BTZ-induced apoptotic signals, co-treatment with BTZ and vorinostat reduced apoptotic signaling compared to BTZ alone. EDO-S101 reduced c-Myc expression by 60%, while vorinostat had no effect on c-Myc levels. The combination BTZ+EDO-S101 decreased c-Myc levels by approx. 90%, while these levels remained unchanged during treatment with BTZ+vorinostat. Conclusion. EDO-S101 is a first-in-class, dual-mechanism, alkylator-HDAC-inhibitor fusion molecule that combines key structural features of bendamustine and vorinostat. The molecular mode of action of EDO-S101 differs from that of its structurally related drugs by a more effective interaction with a-tubulin, which may in part explain superior synergy with PI. Most importantly, EDO-S101 has a direct pro-apoptotic activity via downregulation of c-Myc and BCL2 while upregulating NOXA, features not observed with vorinostat. This results in highly synergistic signaling with the PI-induced pro-apoptotic effects. EDO-S101 is a promising advancement of bendamustine with molecular features clearly different from and superior to a combination of bendamustine with vorinostat. EDO-S101 should be explored in combination with proteasome inhibitors in particular in poor risk B cell neoplasms with c-Myc overexpression such as aggressive MM, Burkitt lymphoma or "double hit" aggressive B cell lymphoma. Disclosures Besse: Mundipharma-EDO: Other: travel support. Mehrling:Mundipharma-EDO: Employment. Driessen:Mundipharma-EDO: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Consultancy; janssen: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3939-3939
Author(s):  
Juan Gu ◽  
Patil Ritesh ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
George Deeb ◽  
John Gibbs ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3939 The use of proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib (BTZ) has generated much excitement as a potential therapeutic approach capable of effectively treating resistant/refractory lymphoid neoplasm. Clinical outcomes in multiple myeloma and relapsed mantle cell lymphoma demonstrate that these novel agents can overcome resistance demonstrated by a lack of antitumor activity to traditional salvage chemotherapeutic agents. Our group of investigators have demonstrated that proteasome inhibition using BTZ can increase pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member expression and restore chemotherapy sensitivity in rituximab-chemotherapy resistant cell lines (RRCL). To further develop therapeutic strategies targeting the proteasome system, we studied the anti-tumor activity and mechanisms-of-action of MLN2238, a novel irreversible proteasome inhibitor, in pre-clinical lymphoma models. Experiments were conducted in rituximab-chemotherapy sensitive cell lines (RSCL), RRCL, and in tumor cells derived from patients with de novo or relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. Cells were exposed in vitro and/or ex vivo to escalating doses of MLN2238 or BTZ (0.1-10nM) +/− caspase inhibitors (zVAD-fmk or Q-VD-OPh) for 24, 48 and 72h. Differences in mitochondrial potential and cell proliferation were determined by alamar blue reduction using a kinetic assay; changes in ATP content (apoptosis) were determined using the Cell Titer Glow assay. Effects on cell cycle were analyzed by the FASCan DNA method. In addition, lymphoma cells were exposed to MLN2238 or BTZ +/− doxorubicin, gemcitabine or paclitaxel and cell viability was evaluated as described above. In vitro, MLN2238 exhibited more potent concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity and inhibition of cell proliferation in RSCL, RRCL, as well as primary lymphoma cells than BTZ. In vitro exposure of RSCL and RRCL to MLN2238 potentiated the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine, doxorubicin, and paclitaxel and overcame the acquired resistance to chemotherapy drugs in RRCL in a dose-dependent manner. Co-incubation of RSCL with bortezomib, or MLN2232 and either pan-caspase inhibitor led to a significant decrease in BTZ- or MLN2232-induced cell death. In contrast, neither zVAD-fmk nor Q-VD-OPh was capable of blocking BTZ- or MLN2232-induced cell death of RRCL. Our data suggest that BTZ and MLN2238 are also capable of inducing caspase-independent cell death in RRCL. To this regard, we found differences that RRCL are more likely to be in S phase in resting conditions when compared to RSCL. In vitro exposure of RRCL cells to MLN2232 (and to a much lesser degree BTZ) reduced RRCL S-phase and induced arrest at G2/M phase. Collectively, these data suggest that MLN2238 is a potent proteasome inhibitor active in rituximab-chemotherapy sensitive or resistant cell models and potentiates the anti-tumor activity of chemotherapy agents. MLN2232 appears to posses several mechanisms-of-action (induction of apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest) and has the potential of becoming a novel and potent target-specific therapeutic agent in the future treatment of therapy-resistant B-cell lymphoma. (Research, in part, supported by a NIH grant R01 CA136907-01A1 awarded to Roswell Park Cancer Institute). Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Best ◽  
Taylor Hashiguchi ◽  
Adam Kittai ◽  
Nur Bruss ◽  
Cody Paiva ◽  
...  

Abstract Alterations in the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) leave malignant cells in heightened cellular stress, making them susceptible to proteasome inhibition. However, given the limited efficacy of proteasome inhibitors in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), novel approaches to target the UPS are needed. Here, we show that TAK-243, the first small-molecule inhibitor of the ubiquitin activating enzyme (UAE) to enter clinical development, disrupts all ubiquitin signaling and global protein ubiquitination in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells, thereby inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Activation of the ER stress response protein kinase R (PKR)–like ER kinase and phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiator factor 2α led to upregulation of the proapoptotic molecule C/EBP homologous protein and cell death across a panel of DLBCL cell lines independent of cell of origin. Concurrently, targeting UAE led to accumulation of Cdt1, a replication licensing factor, leading to DNA rereplication, checkpoint activation, and cell cycle arrest. MYC oncoprotein sensitized DLBCL cells to UAE inhibition; engineered expression of MYC enhanced while genetic MYC knockdown protected from TAK-243–induced apoptosis. UAE inhibition demonstrated enhanced ER stress and UPR and increased potency compared with bortezomib in DLBCL cell lines. In vivo treatment with TAK-243 restricted the growth of xenografted DLBCL tumors, accompanied by reduced cell proliferation and apoptosis. Finally, primary patient-derived DLBCL cells, including those expressing aberrant MYC, demonstrated susceptibility to UAE inhibition. In sum, targeting UAE may hold promise as a novel therapeutic approach in NHL.


2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (19) ◽  
pp. 12205-12217 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Louise McCormick ◽  
Christopher D. Meiering ◽  
Geoffrey B. Smith ◽  
Edward S. Mocarski

ABSTRACT Human cytomegalovirus carries a mitochondria-localized inhibitor of apoptosis (vMIA) that is conserved in primate cytomegaloviruses. We find that inactivating mutations within UL37x1, which encodes vMIA, do not substantially affect replication in TownevarATCC (Towne-BAC), a virus that carries a functional copy of the betaherpesvirus-conserved viral inhibitor of caspase 8 activation, the UL36 gene product. In Towne-BAC infection, vMIA reduces susceptibility of infected cells to intrinsic death induced by proteasome inhibition. vMIA is sufficient to confer resistance to proteasome inhibition when expressed independent of viral infection. Murine cytomegalovirus m38.5, whose position in the viral genome is analogous to UL37x1, exhibits mitochondrial association and functions in much the same manner as vMIA in inhibiting intrinsic cell death. This work suggests a common role for vMIA in rodent and primate cytomegaloviruses, modulating the threshold of virus-infected cells to intrinsic cell death.


2013 ◽  
Vol 87 (23) ◽  
pp. 13035-13041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela M. Mitchell ◽  
R. Jude Samulski

Proteasome inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib, MG132) are known to enhance adeno-associated virus (AAV) transduction; however, whether this results from pleotropic proteasome inhibition or off-target serine and/or cysteine protease inhibition remains unresolved. Here, we examined recombinant AAV (rAAV) effects of a new proteasome inhibitor, carfilzomib, which specifically inhibits chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity and no other proteases. We determined that proteasome inhibitors act on rAAV through proteasome inhibition and not serine or cysteine protease inhibition, likely through positive changes late in transduction.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1711-1711
Author(s):  
Xiaoming Li ◽  
Tabitha E Wood ◽  
Remco Sprangers ◽  
Xinliang Mao ◽  
Xiaoming Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract The proteasome is an enzymatic complex that rids cells of excess and misfolded proteins and possesses chymotrypin, trypsin, and caspase-like enzymatic activity. To date, all of the proteasome inhibitors approved for clinical use or in clinical trials inhibit the complex competitively by binding the active sites of the enzymes. Here, we report a novel chemical proteasome inhibitor that binds the alpha subunits of the 20S proteasome and inhibits the complex non-competitively through a dual copper-dependent and independent mechanism. In a screen of a focused chemical library for novel proteasome inhibitors, we identified 5-amino-8-hydroxyquinoline (5AHQ). When added to myeloma or leukemia intact cells or cell extracts, 5AHQ inhibited the enzymatic activity of the proteasome at low micromolar concentrations. In order to obtain further insight into the mechanism of action of 5AHQ, we carried out a kinetic analysis of inhibition of the enzymatic activity of purified T. Acidophilium proteasome. By Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis, 5AHQ inhibited the proteasome non-competitively. Next, we investigated the binding of 5AHQ to the proteasome. By NMR analysis, 5AHQ bound the half-proteasome complex comprised of a pair of α-rings, α7-α7, and clear spectral changes were observed that localized to residues Ile159, Val113, Val87, Val82, Leu112, Val89, Val134, Val24 and Leu136 inside the antechamber. In contrast, the competitive inhibitor MG132 that binds the proteolytic chamber did not produce any changes in spectra of α7-α7, as expected. 5AHQ bound copper in a 2:1 stoichiometry with a logβ′ value of 9.09, and the addition of copper to 5AHQ enhanced 5AHQ-mediated inhibition of the proteasome. However, binding intracellular copper was not sufficient to explain the effects of 5AHQ on the proteasome as analogues of 5AHQ that did not bind copper continued to inhibit the proteasome, copper-binding molecules not structurally related to 5AHQ did not affect the proteasome, and 5AHQ inhibited isolated proteasomes in buffers devoid of copper and other heavy metals. Given the effects of 5AHQ on the proteasome, we examined the effects of this molecule on the viability of leukemia and myeloma cell lines. Leukemia, myeloma and solid tumor cell lines were treated with increasing concentrations of 5AHQ for 72 hours and cell viability was measured by the MTS assay. 5AHQ induced cell death in 9/9 myeloma, 6/10 leukemia, and 3/10 solid tumor cell lines with an LD50 ≤5 uM. Cell death was confirmed by Annexin V staining. Consistent with its mechanism of action as a proteasome inhibitor, the ability of 5AHQ to induce cell death matched its ability to inhibit the proteasome. In addition, 5AHQ-mediated cell death was associated with inhibition of the NF-kappaB signalling pathway. As 5AHQ induced cell death in malignant cells, we evaluated the effects of oral 5AHQ in 3 mouse models of leukemia. Sublethally irradiated NOD-SCID mice were injected subcutaneously with OCI-AML2 or K562 human leukemia cells or intraperitoneally with MDAY-D2 murine leukemia cells. After tumor implantation, mice were treated with 5AHQ (50 mg/kg/day) or buffer control by oral gavage. Oral 5AHQ decreased tumor weight and volume in all 3 mouse models compared to control without causing weight loss or gross organ toxicity. In summary, we have identified a new strategy for inhibition of the proteasome and a lead for a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 4209-4209
Author(s):  
Ann Maclaren ◽  
Amy Trauernicht ◽  
Lizbeth Nguyen ◽  
Karen McLachlan

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of mature phenotype leukemic B cells in blood, spleen and lymphoid tissues. While many patients respond initially to combination chemotherapy regimens, many become chemoresistant and all will ultimately relapse. Recently the addition of novel monoclonal antibody therapies such as rituximab and alemtuzumab to these treatment regimens has provided additional therapeutic benefit to chemorefractory CLL patients and prompted interest in the evaluation of additional B cell surface antigens as targets. Lumiliximab is a primatized monoclonal antibody directed against CD23, a glycoprotein expressed on the majority of CLL cells, and is currently under investigation in patients with relapsed CLL. It was previously demonstrated that the primary mechanism of action of lumiliximab in both CD23+ lymphoma B cells and CLL patient samples is sensitization to apoptotic cell death and that lumiliximab enhances apoptosis in vivo when combined with either fludarabine or rituximab (Pathan et al., Blood, 2008). In the present study we sought to determine whether lumiliximab could enhance the apoptotic activity of a range of CLL therapies which induce cell death via distinct apoptotic pathways. Our studies demonstrate that the addition of lumiliximab in combination with the alkylating agent chlorambucil resulted in a dose-dependent and significant increase in apoptosis of CD23+ lymphoma cells. Lumiliximab also resulted in statistically significantly enhanced apoptosis when combined with alemtuzumab as compared to either single agent alone in both CD23+/CD52+ lymphoma cells and CLL patient samples. Examination of the apoptotic pathways induced by these agents revealed that lumiliximab in combination resulted in more dramatic alterations in downstream effectors of apoptosis such as caspase 3, PARP, and DNA fragmentation. Further studies are ongoing to confirm these observations in xenograft models and to delineate the mechanistic basis of the enhanced apoptotic signaling. These data suggest that the use of lumiliximab in combination with current or emerging CLL therapies could be an effective strategy to augment tumor cell killing and may result in new and more effective treatment regimens for the eradication of CLL.


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