scholarly journals Repurposing propranolol as an antitumor agent in von Hippel-Lindau disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 1106-1114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Shepard ◽  
Alejandro Bugarini ◽  
Nancy A. Edwards ◽  
Jie Lu ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau ◽  
Adrenergic Antagonist ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau Disease ◽  
Propranolol Treatment

OBJECTIVEVon Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a tumor predisposition syndrome characterized by CNS hemangioblastomas (HBs) and clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) due to hypoxia-inducible factor activation (pseudohypoxia). Because of the lack of effective medical therapies for VHL, HBs and RCCs account for significant morbidity and mortality, ultimately necessitating numerous neurological and renal surgeries. Propranolol is an FDA-approved pan-beta adrenergic antagonist with antitumor effects against infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and possibly VHL HBs. Here, the authors investigated the antitumor efficacy of propranolol against pseudohypoxia-driven VHL-HBs and VHL-RCCs.METHODSPatient-derived VHL-associated HBs (VHL-HBs) or 786-O-VHL−/− RCC cells were treated with clinically relevant concentrations of propranolol in vitro and assessed with viability assays, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. In vivo confirmation of propranolol antitumor activity was confirmed in athymic nude mice bearing 786-O xenograft tumors. Lastly, patients enrolled in a VHL natural history study (NCT00005902) were analyzed for incidental propranolol intake. Propranolol activity against VHL-HBs was assessed retrospectively with volumetric HB growth kinetic analysis.RESULTSPropranolol decreased HB and RCC viability in vitro with IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values of 50 µM and 200 µM, respectively. Similar to prior reports in infantile hemangiomas, propranolol induced apoptosis and paradoxically increased VEGF-A mRNA expression in patient-derived VHL-HBs and 786-O cells. While intracellular VEGF protein levels were not affected by propranolol treatment, propranolol decreased HIF expression in 786-O cells (7.6-fold reduction, p < 0.005). Propranolol attenuated tumor progression compared with control (33% volume reduction at 7 days, p < 0.005) in 786-O xenografted tumor-bearing mice. Three patients (harboring 25 growing CNS HBs) started propranolol therapy during the longitudinal VHL-HB study. HBs in these patients tended to grow slower (median growth rate 27.1 mm3/year vs 13.3 mm3/year) during propranolol treatment (p < 0.0004).CONCLUSIONSPropranolol decreases VHL-HB and VHL-related RCC viability in vitro likely by modulation of VEGF expression and by inducing apoptosis. Propranolol abrogates 786-O xenograft tumor progression in vivo, and retrospective clinical data suggest that propranolol curtails HB growth. These results suggest that propranolol may play a role in the treatment of VHL-related tumors.

Ginsenoside Rg3 Decreases NHE1 Expression via Inhibiting EGF-EGFR-ERK1/2-HIF-1α Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Novel Antitumor Mechanism

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (08) ◽  
pp. 1915-1931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Li ◽  
Jiaywei Tsauo ◽  
Chong Geng ◽  
He Zhao ◽  
Xuelian Lei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Egf Receptor ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
In Vitro Studies ◽  
Ginsenoside Rg3 ◽  
Antitumor Effects

Na[Formula: see text]/H[Formula: see text] exchanger 1 (NHE1) plays a vital role in the oncogenesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and has been regarded as a promising target for the treatment of HCC. Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), a bioactive ginseng compound, is suggested to possess pleiotropic antitumor effects on HCC. However, the underlying mechanisms of Rg3 suppressing HCC remain unclear. In the present study, we uncovered a novel antitumor mechanism of Rg3 on HCC by decreasing NHE1 expression through in vivo and in vitro studies. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) could dramatically upregulate NHE1 expression, while increasing the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) level and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1[Formula: see text] expression. In the presence of ERK1/2-specific inhibitor PD98059, EGF stimulated HIF-1[Formula: see text] and NHE1 expression was obviously blocked in addition, the presence of HIF-1[Formula: see text]-specific inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeOE2) blocked EGF stimulated NHE1 expression. Moreover, results from in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that Rg3 treatment markedly decreased the expression of EGF, EGF receptor (EGFR), phosphorylated ERK1/2 and HIF-1[Formula: see text]. Conclusively, these findings suggested that NHE1 was stimulated by EGF, and Rg3 could decrease NHE1 expression by integrally inhibiting EGF-EGFR-ERK1/2-HIF-[Formula: see text] signal axis in HCC. Together, our evidence indicated that Rg3 was an effective multi-targets antitumor agent for the treatment of HCC.

scholarly journals A small molecule HIF-1α stabilizer that accelerates diabetic wound healing

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guodong Li ◽  
Chung-Nga Ko ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Chao Yang ◽  
Wanhe Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Diabetic Mice ◽  
Impaired Wound Healing ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau ◽  
Design And Synthesis

AbstractImpaired wound healing and ulcer complications are a leading cause of death in diabetic patients. In this study, we report the design and synthesis of a cyclometalated iridium(III) metal complex 1a as a stabilizer of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). In vitro biophysical and cellular analyses demonstrate that this compound binds to Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and inhibits the VHL–HIF-1α interaction. Furthermore, the compound accumulates HIF-1α levels in cellulo and activates HIF-1α mediated gene expression, including VEGF, GLUT1, and EPO. In in vivo mouse models, the compound significantly accelerates wound closure in both normal and diabetic mice, with a greater effect being observed in the diabetic group. We also demonstrate that HIF-1α driven genes related to wound healing (i.e. HSP-90, VEGFR-1, SDF-1, SCF, and Tie-2) are increased in the wound tissue of 1a-treated diabetic mice (including, db/db, HFD/STZ and STZ models). Our study demonstrates a small molecule stabilizer of HIF-1α as a promising therapeutic agent for wound healing, and, more importantly, validates the feasibility of treating diabetic wounds by blocking the VHL and HIF-1α interaction.

scholarly journals Diverse Effects of Mutations in Exon II of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Tumor Suppressor Gene on the Interaction of pVHL with the Cytosolic Chaperonin and pVHL-Dependent Ubiquitin Ligase Activity

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1947-1960 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Hansen ◽  
Michael Ohh ◽  
Javid Moslehi ◽  
Keiichi Kondo ◽  
William G. Kaelin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Detectable Effect ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Subsequent Formation ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase Activity

ABSTRACT We examined the biogenesis of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) in vitro and in vivo. pVHL formed a complex with the cytosolic chaperonin containing TCP-1 (CCT or TRiC) en route to assembly with elongin B/C and the subsequent formation of the VCB-Cul2 ubiquitin ligase. Blocking the interaction of pVHL with elongin B/C resulted in accumulation of pVHL within the CCT complex. pVHL present in purified VHL-CCT complexes, when added to rabbit reticulocyte lysate, proceeded to form VCB and VCB-Cul2. Thus, CCT likely functions, at least in part, by retaining VHL chains pending the availability of elongin B/C for final folding and/or assembly. Tumor-associated mutations within exon II of the VHL syndrome had diverse effects upon the stability and/or function of pVHL-containing complexes. First, a pVHL mutant lacking the entire region encoded by exon II did not bind to CCT and yet could still assemble into complexes with elongin B/C and elongin B/C-Cul2. Second, a number of tumor-derived missense mutations in exon II did not decrease CCT binding, and most had no detectable effect upon VCB-Cul2 assembly. Many exon II mutants, however, were found to be defective in the binding to and subsequent ubiquitination of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), a substrate of the VCB-Cul2 ubiquitin ligase. We conclude that the selection pressure to mutate VHL exon II during tumorigenesis does not relate to loss of CCT binding but may reflect quantitative or qualitative defects in HIF binding and/or in pVHL-dependent ubiquitin ligase activity.

Phenotypic and Functional Effects of Perifosine on Dendritic Cells.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4803-4803
Author(s):  
Weihua Song ◽  
Teru Hideshima ◽  
Yu-Tzu Tai ◽  
Kenneth C. Anderson ◽  
Nikhil C. Munshi
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Annexin V ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Akt Inhibitor ◽  
Antitumor Effects

Abstract Perifosine is a synthetic novel alkylphospholipid, a new class of antitumor agent which targets cell membranes and inhibits Akt activation. Perifosine inhibits multiple myeloma (MM) cell growth in vitro and in vivo mouse model. Currently perifosine is under the evaluation of phase II clinical trail in MM. Although perifosine has shown significant direct antitumor effects, its effect on immune system has not yet been clarified. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of perifosine on the activity of antigen presenting cells (APCs). Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) from normal human donors were used as the APCs, and mature DCs were obtained by the treatment of TNF-α and IL-1β. Perifosine was used at the concentrations of 2.5 uM, 5 uM and 10 uM for the treatment with DCs. We first evaluated the effect of perifosine on the survival of DCs. We observed that the perifosine treatment up to 48 hours had no effect on viability (>90%) of DCs, assessed by annexin V and PI staining. Alteration of phenotype by perifosine on DCs was further examined by flow cytometry. Our results demonstrated that with dose-dependent manner, perifosine led to a significant down-regulation of surface antigens on immature DCs at 24 and 48 hours, which associated to costimulation (CD40, CD80 and CD86), antigen presentation (HLA-ABC, HLA-DPQR) and maturation (CD83). However, we did not observed significant effect of perifosine on above surface markers on mature DCs. Since DCs play a crucial role on the regulation of Th1/Th2 immune responses by the production of IL-12, we next evaluated IL-12 secretion by DCs with and without perifosine treatment. Importantly, treatment with perifosine significantly decreased LPS-induced-IL-12 production, compared to untreated DCs (untrt vs. trt = 192.29 vs. 166.23 pg/ml (2.5uM), 111.19 pg/ml (5uM) and 44.886 pg/ml (10uM)) at 24 hours. To assess the effect of perifosine on DCs function on the regulation of T cell responses, we stimulated allogenic T cells with mature DCs with or without the pre-treatment of perifosine. The proliferation assay by 3H-TdR incorporation and IFN-γ production by ELISA indicated perifosine-treated DCs had no significant effect on the regulation of T cells function. Taken together, these results showed that DCs function are influenced by the treatment of perifosine. Our pre-clinical data therefore indicates the need to monitor immune functions in patients under the Akt inhibitor treatment.

scholarly journals The Endothelial Landscape and Its Role in Von Hippel–Lindau Disease

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2313
Author(s):  
Isabel de Rojas-P ◽  
Virginia Albiñana ◽  
Lyudmyla Taranets ◽  
Lucía Recio-Poveda ◽  
Angel M. Cuesta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Vascular Diseases ◽  
Hereditary Disease ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Second Hit ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau ◽  
Vhl Protein ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau Disease

Von Hippel–Lindau disease (VHL) is a rare hereditary disease characterized by the predisposal to develop different types of highly vascularized tumors. VHL patients carry a VHL mutation that causes partial lack of functional VHL protein (pVHL) in all cells, and a total lack thereof in cells harboring a second hit mutation. Absence of pVHL generates a prolonged state of pseudo-hypoxia in the cell due to accumulation of hypoxia inducible factor, an important transcription factor regulating pro-tumorigenic genes. The work here presented focuses on characterizing the endothelium of VHL patients, by means of blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs). Transcriptome analysis of VHL-derived BOECs, further supported by in vitro assays, shows that these cells are at a disadvantage, as evidenced by loss of cell adhesion capacity, angiogenesis defects, and immune response and oxidative metabolic gene downregulation, which induce oxidative stress. These results suggest that the endothelium of VHL patients is functionally compromised and more susceptible to tumor development. These findings contribute to shedding light on the vascular landscape of VHL patients preceding the second hit mutation in the VHL gene. This knowledge could be useful in searching for new therapies for these patients and other vascular diseases.

scholarly journals The E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase MDM2 is a novel interactor of the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Falconieri ◽  
Giovanni Minervini ◽  
Raissa Bortolotto ◽  
Damiano Piovesan ◽  
Raffaele Lopreiato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Specific Interaction ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
E3 Ubiquitin Ligases ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered

Abstract Mutations of the von Hippel–Lindau (pVHL) tumor suppressor are causative of a familiar predisposition to develop different types of cancer. pVHL is mainly known for its role in regulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α) degradation, thus modulating the hypoxia response. There are different pVHL isoforms, including pVHL30 and pVHL19. However, little is known about isoform-specific functions and protein–protein interactions. Integrating in silico predictions with in vitro and in vivo assays, we describe a novel interaction between pVHL and mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2). We found that pVHL30, and not pVHL19, forms a complex with MDM2, and that the N-terminal acidic tail of pVHL30 is required for its association with MDM2. Further, we demonstrate that an intrinsically disordered region upstream of the tetramerization domain of MDM2 is responsible for its isoform-specific association with pVHL30. This region is highly conserved in higher mammals, including primates, similarly to what has been already shown for the N-terminal tail of pVHL30. Finally, we show that overexpression of pVHL30 and MDM2 together reduces cell metabolic activity and necrosis, suggesting a synergistic effect of these E3 ubiquitin ligases. Collectively, our data show an isoform-specific interaction of pVHL with MDM2, suggesting an interplay between these two E3 ubiquitin ligases.

scholarly journals Antitumor Effects of Quercetin in Hepatocarcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo Models: A Systematic Review

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2875
Author(s):  
Paula Fernández-Palanca ◽  
Flavia Fondevila ◽  
Carolina Méndez-Blanco ◽  
María J. Tuñón ◽  
Javier González-Gallego ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Antitumor Agent ◽  
Antitumor Activities ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Primary Liver Tumor ◽  
Quercetin Derivatives ◽  
Anticancer Properties

Quercetin is a flavonoid present in fruits, vegetables and plants with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Its beneficial activities have been demonstrated in different human pathologies, including hepatoprotective effects against liver disorders. High mortality and late diagnosis of the primary liver tumor hepatocarcinoma (HCC) makes this cancer an interesting target for the study of quercetin effects. Our aim was to systematically review antitumor activities of quercetin in HCC preclinical studies employing single, encapsulated, combined or derived quercetin forms. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS), and 39 studies were finally included. We found that 17 articles evaluated quercetin effects alone, six used encapsulated strategy, 10 combined this flavonoid, two decided to co-encapsulate it and only four studied effects of quercetin derivatives, highlighting that only nine included in vivo models. Results evidence the quercetin antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties against HCC either alone and with the mentioned strategies; nevertheless, few investigations assessed specific activities on different processes related with cancer progression. Overall, further studies including animal models are needed to deeper investigate the precise mechanisms of action of quercetin as antitumor agent, as well as the potential of novel strategies aimed to improve quercetin effects in HCC.

scholarly journals Constitutive or Induced HIF-2 Addiction is Involved in Resistance to Anti-EGFR Treatment and Radiation Therapy in HNSCC

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Coliat ◽  
Ramolu ◽  
Jégu ◽  
Gaiddon ◽  
Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Clonogenic Survival ◽  
Primary Resistance ◽  
Egfr Inhibition

Background: management of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) include anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) antibodies and radiotherapy, but resistance emerges in most patients. RAS mutations lead to primary resistance to EGFR blockade in metastatic colorectal cancer but are infrequent in HNSCC, suggesting that other mechanisms are implicated. Since hypoxia and Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 (HIF-1) have been associated with treatment failure and tumor progression, we hypothesized that EGFR/mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR)/HIF-1 axis inhibition could radiosensitize HNSCC. Methods: We treated the radiosensitive Cal27 used as control, and radioresistant SQ20B and UD-SCC1 cells, in vivo and in vitro, with rapamycin and cetuximab before irradiation and evaluated tumor progression and clonogenic survival. Results: Rapamycin and cetuximab inhibited the mTOR/HIF-1α axis, and sensitized the SQ20B cell line to EGFR-inhibition. However, concomitant delivery of radiation to SQ20B xenografts increased tumor relapse frequency, despite effective HIF-1 inhibition. Treatment failure was associated with the induction of HIF-2α expression by cetuximab and radiotherapy. Strikingly, SQ20B and UD-SCC1 cells clonogenic survival dropped <30% after HIF-2α silencing, suggesting a HIF-2-dependent mechanism of oncogenic addiction. Conclusions: altogether, our data suggest that resistance to EGFR inhibition combined with radiotherapy in HNSCC may depend on tumor HIF-2 expression and underline the urgent need to develop novel HIF-2 targeted treatments.

scholarly journals New HIF2α inhibitors: potential implications as therapeutics for advanced pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. C9-C19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Almeida Toledo
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Fumarate Hydratase ◽  
Elongation Factor ◽  
Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Von Hippel Lindau ◽  
Therapeutic Opportunity

Two recent independent studies published in Nature show robust responses of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cell lines, preclinical ccRCC xenograft models and, remarkably, a patient with progressive ccRCC despite receiving multiple lines of treatment, to the long-awaited, recently developed inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2α). This commentary published in Endocrine-Related Cancer is based on the recognition of similar molecular drivers in ccRCC and the endocrine neoplasias pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), ultimately leading to stabilization of HIFs. HIF-stabilizing mutations have been detected in the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) gene, as well as in other genes, such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx), fumarate hydratase (FH) and transcription elongation factor B subunit 1 (TCEB1), as well as the gene that encodes HIF2α itself: EPAS1HIF2α. Importantly, the recent discovery of EPAS1 mutations in PPGLs and the results of comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies revealing their oncogenic roles characterized a hitherto unknown direct mechanism of HIF2α activation in human cancer. The now available therapeutic opportunity to successfully inhibit HIF2α pharmacologically with PT2385 and PT2399 will certainly spearhead a series of investigations in several types of cancers, including patients with SDHB-related metastatic PPGL for whom limited therapeutic options are currently available. Future studies will determine the efficacy of these promising drugs against the hotspot EPAS1 mutations affecting HIF2α amino acids 529–532 (in PPGLs) and amino acids 533–540 (in erythrocytosis type 4), as well as against HIF2α protein activated by VHL, SDHx and FH mutations in PPGL-derived chromatin cells.

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