Entinostat, a Novel Histone Deacetylase (HiDAC) Inhibitor Enhances the Anti-Tumor Activity of Bortezomib (BTZ) in Rituximab-Chemotherapy Sensitive and Resistant Lymphoma Cell Lines,

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3734-3734
Author(s):  
Cory Mavis ◽  
Sarah Frys ◽  
Juan Gu ◽  
John Gibbs ◽  
Myron S. Czuczman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
In Vitro Exposure ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Abstract Abstract 3734 Deacetylases (DACs) are enzymes that remove the acetyl groups from target proteins [histones (class I) and non-histone proteins (class II)], leading to regulation of gene transcription and other cellular processes. Entinostat (MS-275) is a novel and potent DAC class I inhibitor undergoing pre-clinical and clinical testing. In order to better characterize the role of DAC inhibitors in the treatment of refractory/resistant (r/r) B-cell lymphoma, we studied the anti-tumor activity of entinostat as a single agent or in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) against a panel of rituximab-[chemotherapy]-sensitive cell lines (RSCL), rituximab-[chemotherapy]-resistant cell lines (RRCL), and primary lymphoma cells isolated from patients with treatment-naïve or r/r B-cell lymphoma. In addition, we characterized the mechanisms responsible for entinostat's anti-tumor activity. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines were exposed to escalating doses of entinostat (0.1 to 20uM) +/− BTZ (1–10nM). Changes in mitochondrial potential and ATP synthesis were determined by alamar blue reduction and cell titer glo luminescent assays, respectively. Changes in cell cycle were determined by flow cytometric analysis. Subsequently, protein lysates were isolated from entinostat +/− BTZ exposed cells and changes in members of Bcl-2 and cell cycle family proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. Finally, to characterize entinostat's mechanisms-of-action, lymphoma cells were exposed to entinostat with or without pan-caspase (Q-VD-OPh, 5mM) and changes in cell viability were detected. Entinostat exhibited dose-dependent activity as a single agent against RSCL, RRCL and patient-derived primary tumor cells (N=32). In addition, in vitro exposure of lymphoma cells to entinostat resulted in an increase in G1 and a decrease in S phase. Moreover synergistic activity was observed by combining entinostat with BTZ in vitro. The pharmacological interactions between entinostat and proteasome inhibitor could be explained in part by each agent's effects on the expression levels of cell cycle proteins. In vitro exposure of lymphoma cells to entinostat resulted in p21 upregulation and p53 down-regulation, whereas BTZ exposure lead to up-regulation of Bak and Noxa and downregulation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL. Caspase inhibition diminished entinostat anti-tumor activity in RSCL but not in RRCL. Together this data suggests that entinostat has a dual mechanism-of-action and can induce cell death by caspase-dependent and independent pathways. Our data suggests that entinostat as a single agent is active against rituximab-chemotherapy sensitive and resistant lymphoma cells and potentiates the anti-tumor activity of BTZ. A better understanding in the molecular events (caspase-dependent and -independent) triggered by entinostat in combination with proteasome inhibition is important in order to develop optimal combination strategies using these novel agents in future clinical trials. Disclosures: Czuczman: Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri:Genmab: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy.

MLN2238, a Novel and Potent Proteasome Inhibitor, Induces Caspase-Dependent Cell Death, Cell-Cycle Arrest, and Potentiates the Anti-Tumor Activity of Chemotherapy Agents In Rituximab-Chemotherapy Sensitive or Resistant B-Cell Lymphoma Cell Lines

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3939-3939
Author(s):  
Juan Gu ◽  
Patil Ritesh ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
George Deeb ◽  
John Gibbs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Proteasome Inhibitor ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

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.

Panobinostat, a Novel Histone Deacetylase (HiDAC) Inhibitor Enhances the Anti-Tumor Activity of Bortezomib (BTZ) In Rituximab-Chemotherapy Sensitive and Resistant Lymphoma Cell Lines

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3936-3936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
Ilir Maraj ◽  
Mohammad Muhsin Chisti ◽  
John Gibbs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Proteasome Inhibitor ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Abstract Abstract 3936 Deacetylases (DACs) are enzymes that remove the acetyl groups from target proteins [histones (class I) and non-histone proteins (class II)], leading to regulation of gene transcription and other cellular processes. Panobinostat (LBH589) is a novel and potent DAC class I and II inhibitor undergoing pre-clinical and clinical testing. In order to better characterize the role of DAC inhibitors in the treatment of refractory/resistant B-cell lymphoma., We studied the anti-tumor activity of panobinostat as a single agent or in combination with the proteasome inhibitor (BTZ) against a panel of rituximab-[chemotherapy]-sensitive cell lines (RSCL), rituximab-[chemotherapy]-resistant cell lines (RRCL), and primary lymphoma cells isolated from patients with treatment-naïve or refractory/relapsed B-cell lymphoma. In addition, we characterized the mechanisms responsible for panobinostat anti-tumor activity. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines were exposed to escalating doses of panobinostat (0.5-5nM) +/− BTZ (1-5nM). Changes in mitochondrial potential and ATP synthesis were determined by alamar blue reduction and cell titer glo luminescent assays, respectively. Subsequently, protein lysates were isolated from panobinostat +/− BTZ exposed cells and changes in members of Bcl-2 family proteins were evaluated by Western blot. Finally, to characterize panobinostat's mechanisms-of-action, lymphoma cells were exposed to panobinostat with or without pan-caspase (Q-VD-OPh, 5mM) or autophagy (3-methyladenine [3MA] 5mM) inhibitors and changes in cell viability were detected as above. Optimal experimental conditions were confirmed by Western blot. Panobinostat exhibited dose-dependent activity as a single agent against RSCL, RRCL and patient-derived primary tumor cells (N=25). In addition, synergistic activity was observed by combining panobinostat with BTZ in vitro. The pharmacological interactions between panobinostat and proteasome inhibitor could be explained in part by the effects each agent has on the expression levels of Bcl-2 family members. In vitro exposure of lymphoma cells to panobinostat resulted in Bcl-XL down-regulation, whereas BTZ exposure causes up-regulation of Bak and Noxa and downregulation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL. Caspase inhibition diminished panobinostat anti-tumor activity in RSCL but not in RRCL. On the other hand, exposure of RRCL to 3MA, significantly inhibited the anti-tumor activity of panobinostat in RRCL. Together this data suggest that, panobinostat has a dual mechanism-of-action and can induce cell death by caspase-dependent and -independent pathways. Our data suggests that panobinostat as a single agent is active against rituximab-chemotherapy sensitive and resistant lymphoma cells and potentiates the anti-tumor activity of a proteasome inhibitor (BTZ). A better understanding in the molecular events (caspase-dependent and -independent) triggered by panobinostat in combination with proteasome inhibition is important in order to develop optimal combination strategies using these exciting agents in future clinical trials. (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.

Evaluation of the Anti-Tumor Activity of MLN4924, A Novel NEDD8 Activating Enzyme Inhibitor, in Pre-Clinical Models of Rituximab Chemotherapy-Sensitive or -Resistant B-Cell Lymphoma.

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 2761-2761
Author(s):  
Natalie M Czuczman ◽  
Matthew J. Barth ◽  
Richa Dwar ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
Pavel Klener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
Clinical Models ◽  
Chemotherapy Agents ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Abstract Abstract 2761 Clinical outcome of patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains poor with currently available therapies. Recently, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) appears to play an important role in the development of resistance in MCL and some subtypes of DLBCL. Targeting UPS represents a rational approach in an attempt to eradicate drug-resistant lymphoma clones. MLN4924 is a novel, potent and selective inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) that is necessary for the modification of cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases. We evaluated the anti-tumor activity of MLN4924 against a panel of rituximab-sensitive (RSCL) or rituximab/chemotherapy–resistant (RCRCL) DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma cell lines, cytarabine-sensitive or -resistant (AraCR) MCL cell lines, and primary tumor cells freshly isolated from lymphoma patients (n=13). Lymphoma cells were exposed to escalating doses of MLN4924 alone or in combination with selected chemotherapy agents for up to 72 hrs. Changes in the cell viability or ATP content were determined by alamar Blue reduction or CellTiterGlo assays, respectively. Induction of apoptosis and changes in the levels of NFkB and UPS regulatory proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. Cell cycle alterations were determined by propidium iodide staining and NFkB activity was quantified by flow cytometry using the Imagestream technology. MLN4924 demonstrated time- and dose-dependent anti-lymphoma activity in all cell lines tested. The IC50 in RSCLs were Raji=400nM, RL=1uM and U2932=>3uM. All RCRCLs were less responsive to MLN4924 as a single agent with IC50 concentrations 4–10× those of their respective sensitive parental cell lines. The MCL cell lines Mino, MinoAraCR, Z-138, HBL-2 and HBL-2AraCR were most sensitive to MLN4924 anti-tumor effects (IC50=250nM) with no significant difference between cytarabine-sensitive and -resistant cell lines; while the MCL cell lines Rec-1, Rec-1AraCR, Jeko-1 and Jeko-1AraCR were less sensitive (IC50=500–1000nM). A variable degree of anti-tumor activity was also observed in primary lymphoma cells. In addition to single-agent activity, MLN4924 plus selected anti-lymphoma chemotherapy agents (bortezomib, bendamustine and cytarabine) demonstrated synergy in cytarabine-sensitive and (to a lesser degree) cytarabine-resistant MCL cell lines. Combinations with additional chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin and vincristine) resulted in additive effects. Exposure of MCL cells to MLN4924 resulted in G1 cell cycle arrest. In vitro exposure of the more sensitive MCL cell lines Mino and MinoAraCR to MLN4924 resulted in an increase in p-IkBα and down-regulation of both total and nuclear NFkB. The less sensitive cell lines Rec-1 and Rec-1AraCR demonstrated little to no change in NFkB activation following exposure to MLN4924. Additional studies are ongoing to further define the molecular mechanisms of the anti-tumor activity observed following NAE inhibition by MLN4924 in these pre-clinical models and to further evaluate the activity of MLN4924 in in vivo SCID mouse models of B-cell lymphoma. Our data suggests that MLN4924, a novel NAE inhibitor, is active against B-cell lymphomas, particularly MCL, and is a promising agent warranting further investigation in relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Apoptotic and Non-Apoptotic Cellular Pathways Executed by Bortezomib (BTZ) in Rituximab-Resistant Lymphomas

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 4967-4967
Author(s):  
Juan Gu ◽  
Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
Natalie M Czuczman ◽  
Karen E Thudium ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Mitotic Catastrophe ◽  
M Cell ◽  
Lymphoma Cells

Abstract Abstract 4967 Rituximab-chemotherapy relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell lymphomas represent an emerging clinical challenge that underlies the need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies. A better understanding of the mechanism(s)-of-action of BTZ and other proteasome inhibitors (PI) is likely to aid in the identification of biomarkers that can be used to determine clinical responsiveness and/or help in the rational development of novel PI-based therapeutic combinations (e.g. incorporating biologics, small molecules and/or chemotherapy) in r/r B-cell lymphoma. Previously we demonstrated that rituximab resistance was associated with increased proteasome activity leading to a de-regulation in the apoptotic threshold of lymphoma cells to multiple chemotherapy agents. Pharmacological and genetic (e.g. siRNA silencing of BAK/BAX) inhibition of apoptosis partially affected BTZ activity in rituximab-resistant (RSCL) but not in rituximab-sensitive cell lines (RSCL) suggesting the existence of alternative pathways of cell death associated with PI exposure. To this end we evaluated the contribution of cellular senescence, cell cycle inhibition, or mitotic catastrophe to the anti-tumor activity of BTZ as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in RSCL, RRCL and in primary tumor cells. Lymphoma cells were exposed to BTZ (10-25nM) for 24–48 hrs. Cell senescence was determined by SA-β-gal staining using a senescence assay kit and inverted phase-contrast microscopy was performed. Changes in cell cycle were analyzed by the FACScan DNA method and changes in cell cycle regulatory proteins (i.e. cdc2, cyclinA/B, p21, CDK2/4/6) were analyzed by Western blotting. Mitotic index was determined by Wright-Giemsa stain and positive cells were counted under a Nikon microscope. Mitotic catastrophe was determined by confocal microscopy by staining with α-tubulin antibody. Finally, changes in ATP content was determined by the Cell Titer Glo assay. Baseline differences were observed between RSCL and RRCL in terms of cell morphology, proliferation rate and senescence. RRCL (Raji2R and Raji4RH) were considerably larger in size, had a slower proliferation rate and an exhibited a 3-fold increase the number of cells in senescence than RSCL. In vitro exposure of RSCL and RRCL to BTZ attenuated the number of cells in senescence by 50–75%. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that RRCL had more cells in S phase when compared to RSCL. In vitro exposure to BTZ-induced G2/M arrest in RRCL, but not in RSCL. Overexpression of G2/M cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin B and cdc2 were observed in RRCL and in tumor cells isolated from r/r B-cell lymphoma patients. Mitotic catastrophe with multi-nucleated cells were only detected in RRCLs exposed to BTZ. In vitro and ex vivo exposure of RSCL and RRCL to BTZ potentiated the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel and overcame the acquired resistance to chemotherapy drugs in RRCL and primary tumor cells isolated from r/r lymphoma patients in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggested that BTZ activates several death pathways in B-cell lymphoma pre-clinical models. In addition to apoptosis, BTZ is capable in triggering mitotic catastrophe in rituximab-chemotherapy lymphoma cells with decreased levels of pro-apoptotic proteins. Moreover, sensitization of RRCL to drug therapy involves interplay between cellular senescence attenuation, G2/M cell cycle regulation, and mitotic catastrophe. Hence, proteasome inhibition may provide a novel therapeutic approach for treating apoptosis-resistant B-cell lymphoma. Research, supported in part as a subproject of NIH grant R01 CA136907-01A1 awarded to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Disclosures: Hernandez-Ilizaliturri: Genmab: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy. Czuczman:Millennium: Honoraria, Research Funding.

scholarly journals Targeting XIAP Via Degradation of MDM-2 By MX69 in Aggressive Lymphomas

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 5379-5379
Author(s):  
Sumera Khan ◽  
Kyle Runckel ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
Matthew J. Barth ◽  
Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Parp Cleavage ◽  
Synergistic Activity ◽  
In Vitro Exposure ◽  
Induction Of Apoptosis

Abstract Background: The addition of Rituximab to front-line therapy has improved clinical outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but it has also altered the biology of relapsed/refractory disease. To better understand the mechanisms responsible for Rituximab associated chemotherapy cross-resistance our group developed and characterized several Rituximab resistance cell lines (RRCL). We previously demonstrated using SiRNA interference, that X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is critical for chemotherapy sensitivity and survival in RRCL. MX69, a dual inhibitor of Mdm2 and XIAP that indirectly downregulates XIAP, is undergoing pre-clinical testing. MX69 affects XIAP levels by its effects on the ubiquitination and degradation of endogenous MDM-2, resulting in decrease XIAP translation and activation of caspase 3, 7 and 9 as well as PARP cleavage leading to apoptosis of cancer cells. In our current work, we pharmacologically inhibited XIAP in lymphoma pre-clinical models using MX69. Materials and Methods: A panel of Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL, including RRCL), germinal center B-cell (GCB)-DLBCL (including RRCL), activated B-cell (ABC)-DLBCL, Mantle cell Lymphoma (MCL) and Pre-B cell Leukemia cell lines were exposed to MX69 as a single agent (0-80uM) over 24, 48, 72 hrs and IC50 concentrations were calculated for each cell line. Changes in Mdm2, p53, XIAP and PARP expressions were determined following MX69 exposure (at IC50 doses) for 24 hrs. Induction of apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodine staining. Subsequently, cell lines were exposed to MX69 (0-80 uM), in combination with Doxorubicin (0-1uM), Cytarabine(0-50uM), Vincristine (0-10nM), Etoposide(0-50uM), Carboplatin (0-20uM), Ixazomib (0-1.5uM), Ibrutinib (0-20uM) and Venetoclax (0-10uM) for 48 hours. Cell viability was determined by Cell Titerglo. Coefficient of synergy was calculated using CalcuSyn. Results: In vitro, MX69 single agent exposure induced cell death in a dose and time-dependent manner in all cell lines tested. Western blotting studies confirmed downregulation of Mdm2, XIAP and changes in P53 and PARP, following in vitro exposure to MX69. Induction of apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry in all cell lines tested. The combination of MX69 with Doxorubicin, Cytarabine, Vincristine, Ixazomib, Carboplatin, Etoposide, Ibrutinib, and Venetoclax resulted in significant synergistic activity. The strongest CI of synergy was observed when cell lines were exposed to MX69 and Venetoclax, Ixazomib, Etoposide or Ibrutinib. Conclusion: Our data suggests that in vitro exposure of a wide variety of B-cell lymphoma cell lines (including BL, DLBCL, MCL or RRCL) to MX69 resulted in anti-tumor activity. Perhaps related to its anti-tumor effects, MX69 inhibited XIAP levels. These findings are similar to prior SiRNA XIAP knockdown experiments. Strong synergistic activity was observed when XIAP was combined with various chemotherapy agents and small molecules inhibitors (such as Venetoclax, ixazomib or ibrutinib). Ex vivo experiments using primary tumor cells isolated from lymphoma patients and lymphoma mouse models are been planned. Targeting Mdm2 and XIAP can be an attractive therapeutic strategy in patients with Rituximab-sensitive or -resistant B-cell lymphoma. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The SMAC Mimetic Lcl-161 Demonstrates Anti-Tumor Activity As a Single Agent and Decreases the Apoptotic Threshold of Chemotherapy Agents in Rituximab-Chemotherapy Sensitive and Resistant Lymphoma Pre-Clinical Models

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 61-61
Author(s):  
Kyle Runckel ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
Joseph Skitzki ◽  
Myron S. Czuczman ◽  
Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
Chemotherapy Agents ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Abstract Abstract 61 The loss of response to apoptotic stimulus in lymphoma is a major obstacle in the treatment of primary and refractory B-cell malignancies. While the role of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins in the pathogenesis, maintenance, and progression of many sub-types of B-cell lymphoma is well characterized, the impact of the expression level(s) of other key regulatory proteins of cell death pathways (i.e. inhibitor of apoptosis [IAP] proteins) is less defined. The role of IAP proteins in the acquirement of resistance to rituximab or chemotherapy in B-cell lymphoma is unclear. Overexpression of IAP proteins and loss of expression of its antagonist, the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) correlates with inferior clinical outcomes in a range of malignancies. Perhaps related to the acquisition of resistance, we found that rituximab-resistant cell lines (RRCL) have a deregulation of pro-apoptotic (Bak/Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Mcl-1, Bcl-XL) Bcl-2 family protein expression along with increased expression of the IAP protein survivin. Small molecule SMAC mimetics like LCL-161 are promising agents for lowering the threshold of tumor cell apoptosis, and represent a potential new avenue of therapy for de novo and refractory drug-resistant lymphoma. To this end, we evaluated the anti-tumor activity of LCL-161 in a range of rituximab-sensitive (RSCL), RRCL, and primary lymphoma cells. Cells were exposed to escalating doses of LCL-161 alone or in combination with various chemotherapy agents (i.e. etoposide, doxorubicin, vincristine, gemcitabine, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, bortezomib and cytarabine) for 48 and 72 hrs. Changes in cell viability and ATP content were determined by the CellTiter-Glo viability assay. Protein lysates were obtained from RSCL and RRCL to determine baseline levels of IAP protein family members. LCL-161 displayed significant anti-tumor activity against Burkitt's lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cell lines. Activity was observed in both RSCL and RRCL cell lines. IC50 values for LCL-161 alone were between 35uM and 45uM for the DLBCL lines. Responses were slightly lower in BL and MCL compared to DLBCL cell lines. Synergistic activity between LCL-161 and several chemotherapy agents (e.g. gemcitabine, cytarabine, carboplatin, vincristine, etoposide and bortezomib) commonly used in the management of aggressive lymphoma was seen at physiologically-relevant doses. In vitro exposure of lymphoma cells to LCL-161 decreased the cytotoxic threshold of chemotherapy by 50%, while ex vivo studies with primary patient lymphoma samples showed a decrease of nearly 60%. In vivo studies using a xenograft SCID murine model are planned. In summary, LCL-161 has shown activity both as a single agent, and when combined with several chemotherapy agents in BL, MCL, and DLBCL cell lines as well as primary patient samples. Additionally, LCL-161 exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against RRCLs suggesting an ability to antagonize IAP proteins. This data supports the continued investigation of LCL-161 as a novel and effective targeted agent for the treatment of de novo and refractory aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Discrepancy of CD20 Protein Expression In IHC and FCM Analyses In Primary B-Cell Lymphoma: Relationship Between FCM-Negative Phenotype and Rituximab Binding with Lymphoma Cells

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 5087-5087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takashi Tokunaga ◽  
Akihiro Tomita ◽  
Kazuyuki Shimada ◽  
Junji Hiraga ◽  
Takumi Sugimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Primary Lymphoma ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
Anti Cd20

Abstract Abstract 5087 Background Rituximab is an anti-CD20 chimeric-monoclonal antibody, and its effectiveness for treatment of CD20-positive B-cell lymphomas has been proven over the past 10 years. Although rituximab is now a key molecular targeting drug for CD20-positive lymphomas, some patients with rituximab resistance have emerged. We previously reported that the CD20-protein-negative phenotypic change after using rituximab is one of the critical mechanisms in rituximab resistance (Hiraga J, Tomita A, et al., Blood, 2009., Sugimoto T, Tomita A, et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2009.). Recently, we have recognized that some newly-diagnosed B-cell lymphomas show CD20-protein-positive in immunohistochemistry (IHC) but -negative in flow cytometry (FCM) analyses. For these patients, so far, neither the molecular mechanisms of CD20 IHC(+)/FCM(−) phenotype, nor the relationship between this phenotype and rituximab resistance are clear. Thus, the clinical significance of introducing rituximab therapy for these patients must be elucidated. Aims Analyses of the molecular backgrounds of CD20 IHC(+)/FCM(−) phenotype in primary B-lymphoma cells, and confirmation of the effectiveness of rituximab therapy for the patients who show CD20 IHC(+)/FCM(−) phenotype. Results Primary B-cell lymphoma (diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL), follicular, MALT, mantle cell, and Burkitt) tissues and cells were analyzed by IHC and FCM. Four newly-diagnosed B-cell lymphoma patients showed IHC CD79(+)/CD20(+) and FCM CD19(+)/CD20(−) phenotype using anti-CD20 antibodies L26 for IHC and B1 for FCM, and all were diagnosed as DLBCL. Chromosomal analysis showed complex karyotypes in 3 out of 3 patients analyzed, and no shared abnormalities were confirmed. Primary lymphoma cells from 3 patients were available for further molecular analyses, and the genomic DNA, the total RNA, and the protein from whole cell lysate were obtained from these lymphoma cells. DNA sequencing analysis indicated no significant genetic mutations on the coding sequences (CDS) of MS4A1 (CD20) gene. Semi-quantitative and quantitative RT-PCR indicated that CD20 mRNA expression was almost normal in 2 patients and ≂~f10 times lower in 1 patient compared to the positive control B-lymphoma/leukemia cells. Almost the same expression tendency with RT-PCR was confirmed in immunoblot analysis using whole cell lysate and the two different anti-CD20 antibodies. The molecular weight of the CD20 protein in immunoblotting corresponded to the wild type in these patients. Rituximab binding assay in vitro was performed using primary lymphoma cells from a patient and the fluorescent-labeled rituximab (Alexa488-rituximab). Interestingly, rituximab binding on the surface of the CD19 positive lymphoma cells was confirmed in vitro. Rituximab containing combination chemotherapy was performed, resulting in complete response in all 4 cases after completing 4 to 8 courses. Conclusions and Discussion CD20 IHC(+)/FCM(−) phenotype was confirmed in newly-diagnosed DLBCL patients. Significant abnormalities in CD20 protein and mRNA expression in immunoblotting and RT-PCR were not confirmed, and genetic mutations on CDS of MS4A1 gene, resulting in the conformation change of CD20 protein, were not detected. The possibility of abnormal post-translational modification or aberrant localization of CD20 protein, leading to interference with antibody binding, can not be excluded. Rituximab binding with CD19-positive primary lymphoma cells was confirmed in a patient, suggesting that CD20 IHC(+)/FCM(-) phenotype does not directly indicate the ineffectiveness of rituximab for these cells. Further investigations, performing in vitro CDC and ADCC assay using primary lymphoma cells, are still warranted to show rituximab effectiveness and sensitivity to those cells. Disclosures: Kinoshita: Zenyaku Kogyo Co.: Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Research Funding. Naoe:Zenyaku Kogyo Co.: Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Research Funding.

Itraconazole, an Oral Antifungal Drug, Is Active in Chemotherapy Resistant B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Enhances the Anti-Tumor Activity of Chemotherapy Agents

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 5138-5138
Author(s):  
Juan J Gu ◽  
Lianjuan Yang ◽  
Cory Mavis ◽  
Matthew J. Barth ◽  
Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane Potential ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
In Vitro Exposure ◽  
Chemotherapy Agents ◽  
Anti Tumor Activity

Abstract Background: Relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients previously treated with rituximab-based therapy have poor clinical outcome, according to the results from collaborative trial in relapsed aggressive lymphoma (CORAL) study. It stresses the need to identify and/or optimize novel targeted agents. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlining the acquired resistance to rituximab, we generated and characterized several rituximab-resistant DLBCL cell lines (RRCLs). Itraconazole, an oral antifungal agent, was reported had novel anticancer activity in basal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer and prostate cancer. In our current work, we define and characterize the anticancer activity of itraconazole in preclinical rituximab-sensitive or -resistant lymphoma models. Methods: A panel of rituximab-sensitive (RSCL) and rituximab-resistant (RRCL) cell lines were exposed to escalating doses of itraconazole (0-20μM) for 24, 48 and 72h. Changes in cell viability and cell cycle distribution were evaluated using the Presto Blue assay and flow cytometry respectively. IC50 was calculated by Graphpad Prism6 software. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) following itraconazole exposure was assessed by DiOC6 and flow cytometry. Subsequently lymphoma cells were exposed to itraconazole or vehicle and various chemotherapy agents such as doxorubicin (1µM), dexamethasone (1µM), cDDP (20μg/ml), bortezomib (20nM), carfilzomib (20nM) or MLN2238 (20nM) for 48 hours. Coefficient of synergy was calculated using the CalcuSyn software. Changes in hexokinase II (HKII), Voltage dependent anion channel protein (VDAC), LC3 and BCL-xL expression levels were determined by western blotting after exposure cells to itraconazole. VDAC-HKII interactions following in vitro exposure to itraconazole were determined by immunoprecipitation of VDAC and probing for HKII in RSCL and RRCLs. Result:Itraconazole consistently showed potent, specific, dose-and time- dependent inhibition of all our sensitive and resistant lymphoma cell lines. In vitro exposure cells to itraconazole resulted in a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and caused G2 cell cycle arrest. Itraconazole significantly had a synergistic anti-tumor effect combined with various chemotherapeutic agents, including doxorubicin, dexamethasone, cisplatin and different generations of proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib, carfilzomib or ixazomib) in both RSCL and RRCL. Western blot and immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that following exposure to itraconazole, HKII bound less to mitochondrial specific protein VDAC. Complete silencing of HKII (using HKII siRNA interference) resulted in a rescue of loss in the mitochondrial membrane potential induced by intraconazole. Conclusion: Taking together, our data suggest that itraconazole had a potent anti-tumor activity against rituximab-sensitive or resistant pre-clinical models. The disruption of HKII from mitochondria following itraconazole exposure may contribute to lower the mitochondrial membrane potential and enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy. Our finding highlights itraconazole as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, and strongly supports clinical translation of its use. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Paics Inhibition Is a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for MYC-Positive DLBCL

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 396-396
Author(s):  
Kohta Miyawaki ◽  
Takuji Yamauchi ◽  
Takeshi Sugio ◽  
Kensuke Sasaki ◽  
Hiroaki Miyoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Lymphoma Cells ◽  
Purine Synthesis

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is among the most common hematological malignancies with varying prognosis. As many as forty percent of patients eventually experience relapsed/refractory disease after combinatorial chemo-immunotherapies, R-CHOP, and prognosis after relapse is dismal. MYC is among the most established prognostic factors and associated with clinically-distinct subsets of DLBCL with poor prognosis: double-expressor lymphoma (DEL) and double-hit lymphoma (DHL). MYC is co-expressed with BCL2 in DEL, which consists of 60% of activated B-cell type DLBCL (ABC-DLBCL) cases, while DHL, defined by coexistence of MYC and BCL2/BCL6 rearrangements, were reportedly observed in 15% of germinal center B-cell like DLBCL (GCB-DLBCL). Considering that MYC-positive DLBCLs exhibit dismal outcomes, pharmacological inhibition of MYC activity is highly demanded; however, direct targeting of MYC has been proven challenging. Here we show that PAICS (phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazolesuccinocarboxamide synthase), which catalyzes a critical step in de novo purine synthesis, functions downstream of MYC in DLBCL cells. We further show MRT252040, a newly-developed PAICS inhibitor, effectively suppresses proliferation of MYC-driven DLBCL cells in vitro and in vivo. Through the nCounter-based transcriptome profiling of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from 170 untreated DLBCL patients, we found that MYC and PAICS were co-expressed and their mRNA levels were among the most predictive for poor prognosis after standard R-CHOP therapy. Their expression levels were particularly high in a subset of ABC-DLBCL and extranodal DLBCL, namely in DEL and DHL cases. Importantly, these findings were validated using three independent cohorts (Schmitz et al. NEJM, 2018). MYC and PAICS expression levels were high in most DLBCL lines and low in normal B cells in the lymph nodes, while they were variable in primary DLBCL tissues, revealed by nCounter and immunofluorescence. This trend was more evident in PAICS due presumably to active de novo purine biosynthesis in highly-proliferative cell lines and a subset of DLBCLs, including MYC-positive DLBCLs. These findings were also validated using the DepMap, a publicly-available genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 dropout screen datasets. PAICS was among the top-ranked essential genes for the survival of DLBCL cell lines. Since co-expression of MYC and PAICS in a subset of DLBCL were indicative of a functional relationship between the two factors, we explored publicly-available ChIP-seq datasets to see if MYC directly regulates PAICS expression. As expected, MYC ChIP-seq signals were highly enriched near the PAICS promoter in a series of cancer cell lines. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated MYC knockdown led to reduced levels of PAICS mRNA in MYC-positive DLBCL cells and significantly slowed their growth. Collectively, these data suggest that PAICS is a direct transcriptional target of MYC, playing a key role in proliferation of MYC-positive DLBCL cells. To assess the feasibility of PAICS-inhibition as a therapeutic option for MYC-positive DLBCLs, we tested MRT252040 for its anti-lymphoma activity in vitro and in vivo. To do so, we first assessed cell cycle status and Annexin positivity upon MRT252040 treatment using a series of DLBCL cell lines. As expected, MRT252040-mediated PAICS inhibition induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, MRT252040 treatment significantly delayed proliferation of DLBCL cell lines, namely those harboring MYC rearrangements. Finally, to assess anti-lymphoma activity of MRT252040 in vivo, we tested MRT252040 efficacy using patient-derived xenograft DLBCL. After xenotransplantation, proportions of lymphoma cells per total mononuclear cells in peripheral blood were examined over time by FACS, and MRT252040 (or vehicle) treatment was initiated once lymphoma cells constituted >0.1%. MRT252040-treated mice survived significantly longer than vehicle-treated mice, indicative of therapeutic efficacy of MRT252040 monotherapy against DLBCL in vivo. Our data suggest that MYC regulates the de novo purine synthesis pathway via directly transactivating PAICS expression. We propose that MRT252040, a newly-developed PAICS inhibitor, warrants attention as a novel therapeutic approach for MYC-positive DLBCLs, which otherwise exhibit poor clinical outcomes. Disclosures Ohshima: SRL, Inc.: Consultancy; Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene Corp.: Honoraria, Research Funding; NEC Corp.: Research Funding. Akashi:Sumitomo Dainippon, Kyowa Kirin: Consultancy; Celgene, Kyowa Kirin, Astellas, Shionogi, Asahi Kasei, Chugai, Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Abemaciclib-Based Combinational Therapies to Overcome Therapeutic Resistance in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 33-34
Author(s):  
Yuxuan Che ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Lingzhi Li ◽  
Holly Hill ◽  
Joseph McIntosh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cyclin D1 ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Therapeutic Resistance ◽  
Cycle Arrest ◽  
Mantle Cell ◽  
Ic50 Values

Introduction The past decades witnessed dramatic improvement of overall survival rate of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients by constant efforts in developing novel therapeutic strategies that include ibrutinib and venetoclax. Nevertheless, resistance is still a major challenge in refractory/relapsed MCL patients. Chromosomal translocation t(11:14)(q13:q32) of the cyclin D1 (CCND1) gene is the hallmark of MCL, which leads to overexpression of cyclin D1. This overexpression promotes aberrant cell cycle progression by activating CDK4/6. Abemaciclib is a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor used as a clinical treatment of breast cancer and has been shown to be effective in preclinical human MCL xenograft models. It has also been used in a phase II clinical trial as a single agent among refractory/relapsed MCL patients with an objective response rate of 35.7%. In this preclinical study, we aim to evaluate the benefit of a combinational therapeutic strategy using abemaciclib with other molecular targeting agents among MCL patients with therapeutic resistance. Methods Cytotoxic efficacy of abemaciclib as a single agent and in combination with other drugs on different MCL cell lines and primary lymphoma cells from MCL patients with or without resistance was used as a key criterion for screening beneficial therapeutic strategies. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest assays were conducted to further evaluate those effective combinations. Western blot was performed to investigate the mechanism of action of the combinations. Finally, the efficacy of abemaciclib alone or in combination were assessed in ibrutinib-resistant or venetoclax-resistant MCL PDX models in vivo. Results Our preliminary data showed that all MCL cell lines involved in this study were highly sensitive to abemaciclib treatment with IC50 values ranging from 50 nM to 1 µM. Further investigation of abemaciclib cytotoxicity on ibrutinib and/or venetoclax resistant MCL cell lines showed effective inhibition with a higher IC50 values ranging from 5 µM to 10 µM. More importantly, abemaciclib had potent efficacy on cells from primary MCL patients as well as from patients with acquired ibrutinib resistance. Our recent findings revealed that the addition of PI3K inhibitor TGR-1202 significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of abemaciclib in both sensitive and resistant MCL cell lines. Abemaciclib significantly inhibited phosphorylation of Rb1, the active form of the protein, in 4 different MCL cell lines. The active Rb1 maintains the cell in the G1 phase, preventing progression through the cell cycle and acting as a growth suppressor. The result suggests that CDK4/6 inhibition with abemaciclib disrupts CDK4/6 suppressive activity towards pRb-E2F and induce cell cycle arrest in the MCL cells. Interestingly, abemaciclib somehow interrupted phosphorylation of Chk1, which is continuously phosphorylated and hence activated in the MCL cell lines. Inhibiting activation of Chk1 by abemaciclib may induce cell death via unmonitored and accumulated DNA damage. The efficacy of abemaciclib in combination with Bcl-2 or BTK inhibitors in MCL cell lines and isolated cells from MCL patients are ongoing. These data suggest that abemaciclib in combination with other therapeutic drugs could be beneficial in targeting therapeutic resistant MCL cells. Conclusions Abemaciclib showed impressive therapeutic potency on both MCL cell lines and isolated primary cells from MCL patients, which is likely due to the predominant contribution of cyclin D1-CDK4/6 pathway to malignancy. Other agents, such as PI3K inhibitors, can sensitize abemaciclib in therapeutic resistant MCL cells. Thus, an abemaciclib based multi-drug combinational strategy may be a promising therapy for refractory/relapsed MCL patients in the near future. Disclosures Wang: Beijing Medical Award Foundation: Honoraria; Lu Daopei Medical Group: Honoraria; Kite Pharma: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; Pulse Biosciences: Consultancy; Loxo Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding; Targeted Oncology: Honoraria; OMI: Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses; Nobel Insights: Consultancy; Guidepoint Global: Consultancy; Dava Oncology: Honoraria; Verastem: Research Funding; Molecular Templates: Research Funding; OncLive: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; Oncternal: Consultancy, Research Funding; Juno: Consultancy, Research Funding; BioInvent: Research Funding; VelosBio: Research Funding; Acerta Pharma: Research Funding; InnoCare: Consultancy; MoreHealth: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel, accommodation, expenses, Research Funding.

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