bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Adenoviral endoplasmic reticulum–targeted mda-7/interleukin-24 vector enhances human cancer cell killing
Authors: Pataer Abujiang , Hu Wenxian , Xiaolin Lu , Chada Sunil , Roth Jack A. , Hunt Kelly K. , Swisher Stephen G.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
We developed several adenoviral vectors designed to target MDA-7 expression to different subcellular compartments [endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, nucleus, and cytosol] and evaluated their ability to enhance apoptosis. Adenoviral ER-targeted mda-7/interleukin-24 vector (Ad-ER-mda7) selectively and effectively inhibited the growth and proliferation of lung (A549 and H1299) and esophageal (Seg1 and Bic1) cancer cells by enhancing cell killing. Both Ad-mda7 and Ad-ER-mda7 activated a novel pathway of ER stress-induced apoptosis characterized by unregulated expression of phosphorylated JNK, phosphorylated c-Jun, and phosphorylated RNA-dependent protein kinase. Caspase-4 activation mediated Ad-mda7- and Ad-ER-mda7-induced cell death. In addition, Ad-mda7- and Ad-ER-mda7-mediated growth inhibition correlated with activation of ER molecular markers RNA-dependent protein kinase and JNK both in vitro (in Ad-mda7- or Ad-ER-mda7-treated lung cancer cells) and in vivo. These findings suggest that vectors targeting the ER (Ad-ER-mda7) may be more effective in cancer gene therapy possibly through more effective induction or ER stress pathways. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(8):2528–35]
Data from MGCD0103, a novel isotype-selective histone deacetylase inhibitor, has broad spectrum antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fournel Marielle , Bonfils Claire , Hou Yu , Yan Pu Theresa , Trachy-Bourget Marie-Claude , Kalita Ann , Liu Jianhong , Lu Ai-Hua , Zhou Nancy Z. , Robert Marie-France , Gillespie Jeffrey , Wang James J. , Ste-Croix Hélène , Rahil Jubrail , Lefebvre Sylvain , Moradei Oscar , Delorme Daniel , MacLeod A. Robert , Besterman Jeffrey M. , Li Zuomei
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Nonselective inhibitors of human histone deacetylases (HDAC) are known to have antitumor activity in mice in vivo, and several of them are under clinical investigation. The first of these, Vorinostat (SAHA), has been approved for treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Questions remain concerning which HDAC isotype(s) are the best to target for anticancer activity and whether increased efficacy and safety will result with an isotype-selective HDAC inhibitor. We have developed an isotype-selective HDAC inhibitor, MGCD0103, which potently targets human HDAC1 but also has inhibitory activity against HDAC2, HDAC3, and HDAC11 in vitro. In intact cells, MGCD0103 inhibited only a fraction of the total HDAC activity and showed long-lasting inhibitory activity even upon drug removal. MGCD0103 induced hyperacetylation of histones, selectively induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle blockade in various human cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. MGCD0103 exhibited potent and selective antiproliferative activities against a broad spectrum of human cancer cell lines in vitro, and HDAC inhibitory activity was required for these effects. In vivo, MGCD0103 significantly inhibited growth of human tumor xenografts in nude mice in a dose-dependent manner and the antitumor activity correlated with induction of histone acetylation in tumors. Our findings suggest that the isotype-selective HDAC inhibition by MGCD0103 is sufficient for antitumor activity in vivo and that further clinical investigation is warranted. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(4):759–68]
Data from Global microRNA Analysis of the NCI-60 Cancer Cell Panel
Authors: Søkilde Rolf , Kaczkowski Bogumil , Podolska Agnieszka , Cirera Susanna , Gorodkin Jan , Møller Søren , Litman Thomas
Published: April 2023

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a group of short noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. They are involved in many biological processes, including development, differentiation, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. Because miRNAs may play a role in the initiation and progression of cancer, they comprise a novel class of promising diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers and potential drug targets. By applying an LNA-enhanced microarray platform, we studied the expression profiles of 955 miRNAs in the NCI-60 cancer cell lines and identified tissue- and cell-type–specific miRNA patterns by unsupervised hierarchical clustering and statistical analysis. A comparison of our data to three previously published miRNA expression studies on the NCI-60 panel showed a remarkably high correlation between the different technical platforms. In addition, the current work contributes expression data for 369 miRNAs that have not previously been profiled. Finally, by matching drug sensitivity data for the NCI-60 cells to their miRNA expression profiles, we found numerous drug–miRNAs pairs, for which the miRNA expression and drug sensitivity profiles were highly correlated and thus represent potential candidates for further investigation of drug resistance and sensitivity mechanisms. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(3); 375–84. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Quantitative live imaging of cancer and normal cells treated with Kinesin-5 inhibitors indicates significant differences in phenotypic responses and cell fate
Authors: Orth James D. , Tang Yangzhong , Shi Jade , Loy Clement T. , Amendt Christiane , Wilm Claudia , Zenke Frank T. , Mitchison Timothy J.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Kinesin-5 inhibitors (K5I) are promising antimitotic cancer drug candidates. They cause prolonged mitotic arrest and death of cancer cells, but their full range of phenotypic effects in different cell types has been unclear. Using time-lapse microscopy of cancer and normal cell lines, we find that a novel K5I causes several different cancer and noncancer cell types to undergo prolonged arrest in monopolar mitosis. Subsequent events, however, differed greatly between cell types. Normal diploid cells mostly slipped from mitosis and arrested in tetraploid G1, with little cell death. Several cancer cell lines died either during mitotic arrest or following slippage. Contrary to prevailing views, mitotic slippage was not required for death, and the duration of mitotic arrest correlated poorly with the probability of death in most cell lines. We also assayed drug reversibility and long-term responses after transient drug exposure in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Although many cells divided after drug washout during mitosis, this treatment resulted in lower survival compared with washout after spontaneous slippage likely due to chromosome segregation errors in the cells that divided. Our analysis shows that K5Is cause cancer-selective cell killing, provides important kinetic information for understanding clinical responses, and elucidates mechanisms of drug sensitivity versus resistance at the level of phenotype. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3480–9]
Data from Bortezomib is ineffective in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Märten Angela , Zeiss Nina , Serba Susanne , Mehrle Stefan , von Lilienfeld-Toal Marie , Schmidt Jan
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potency of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib ± gemcitabine in vitro and in vivo in pancreatic carcinoma. It could be shown that bortezomib induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of pancreatic carcinoma very efficiently in vitro. In contrast, in an orthotopic pancreatic adenocarcinoma mouse model, gemcitabine treatment inhibited tumor growth, whereas bortezomib promoted it. Bortezomib-treated animals showed significantly higher tumor burden compared with gemcitabine-treated and control animals, although bortezomib was locally active and induced a decrease of proteasome activity, which was most pronounced following the simultaneous administration of gemcitabine. Also, tumor progression was not caused by immunosuppression as a result of proteasome inhibition. Interestingly, anti-CD31 staining of tumors showed that angiogenesis was significantly increased in the tumors of bortezomib-treated mice compared with the tumors of control animals. In addition, bortezomib resulted an increase of pericytes, vascular endothelial growth factor, RGS-5, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the tumor. Although this study supports efficacy of bortezomib against pancreatic carcinoma in vitro, it strongly indicates that bortezomib therapy has a significant tumor-promoting effect in vivo by induction of angiogenesis. The data are in accordance with the complete failure of bortezomib in a phase II trial for this indication. Choosing the right schedule of gemcitabine and bortezomib showed some synergistic effects, but the gain might not be big enough to compensate the potentially detrimental effects. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3624–31]
Data from Modulation of drug resistance by artificial transcription factors
Authors: Blancafort Pilar , Tschan Mario P. , Bergquist Sharon , Guthy Daniel , Brachat Arndt , Sheeter Dennis A. , Torbett Bruce E. , Erdmann Dirk , Barbas Carlos F.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The efficiency of chemotherapeutic treatments in cancer patients is often impaired by the acquisition of drug resistance. Cancer cells develop drug resistance through dysregulation of one or more genes or cellular pathways. To isolate efficient regulators of drug resistance in tumor cells, we have adopted a genome-wide scanning approach based on the screening of large libraries of artificial transcription factors (ATFs) made of three and six randomly assembled zinc finger domains. Zinc finger libraries were linked to a VP64 activation domain and delivered into a paclitaxel-sensitive tumor cell line. Following drug treatment, several ATFs were isolated that promoted drug resistance. One of these ATFs, 3ZF-1-VP, promoted paclitaxel resistance in cell lines having mutated or inactivated p53, such as MDA-MB-435 and Kaposi's sarcoma cell lines. 3ZF-1-VP also induced strong resistance to etoposide, vincristine, and cisplatinum. Linkage of a repression domain to the selected ATF resulted in enhanced sensitivity to multiple drugs, particularly vincristine, cisplatinum, and 5-fluorouracil. Small interfering RNA–mediated inhibition of p53 revealed that 3ZF-1-VP activated both p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms to promote survival, whereas other ATF required intact p53. Real-time expression analysis and DNA microarrays showed that several ATFs up-regulated targets of p53, such as the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1, and genes participating in the p14ARF-MDM2-p53 tumor suppressor pathway, such as hDMP1. Thus, ATF can be used to map genes and pathways involved in drug resistance phenotypes and have potential as novel therapeutic agents to inhibit drug resistance. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(3):688–97]
Data from Microsomal antiestrogen-binding site ligands induce growth control and differentiation of human breast cancer cells through the modulation of cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Payré Bruno , de Medina Philippe , Boubekeur Nadia , Mhamdi Loubna , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Tercé François , Fourquaux Isabelle , Goudounèche Dominique , Record Michel , Poirot Marc , Silvente-Poirot Sandrine
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The microsomal antiestrogen-binding site (AEBS) is a high-affinity membranous binding site for the antitumor drug tamoxifen that selectively binds diphenylmethane derivatives of tamoxifen such as PBPE and mediates their antiproliferative properties. The AEBS is a hetero-oligomeric complex consisting of 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ8-Δ7-isomerase and 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ7-reductase. High-affinity AEBS ligands inhibit these enzymes leading to the massive intracellular accumulation of zymostenol or 7-dehydrocholesterol (DHC), thus linking AEBS binding to the modulation of cholesterol metabolism and growth control. The aim of the present study was to gain more insight into the control of breast cancer cell growth by AEBS ligands. We report that PBPE and tamoxifen treatment induced differentiation in human breast adenocarcinoma cells MCF-7 as indicated by the arrest of cells in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle, the increase in the cell volume, the accumulation and secretion of lipids, and a milk fat globule protein found in milk. These effects were observed with other AEBS ligands and with zymostenol and DHC. Vitamin E abrogates the induction of differentiation and reverses the control of cell growth produced by AEBS ligands, zymostenol, and DHC, showing the importance of the oxidative processes in this effect. AEBS ligands induced differentiation in estrogen receptor-negative mammary tumor cell lines SKBr-3 and MDA-MB-468 but with a lower efficiency than observed with MCF-7. Together, these data show that AEBS ligands exert an antiproliferative effect on mammary cancer cells by inducing cell differentiation and growth arrest and highlight the importance of cholesterol metabolism in these effects. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(12):3707–18]
Data from Proteomic characterization of cytoskeletal and mitochondrial class III β-tubulin
Authors: Cicchillitti Lucia , Penci Roberta , Di Michele Michela , Filippetti Flavia , Rotilio Domenico , Donati Maria Benedetta , Scambia Giovanni , Ferlini Cristiano
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Class III β-tubulin (TUBB3) has been discovered as a marker of drug resistance in human cancer. To get insights into the mechanisms by which this protein is involved in drug resistance, we analyzed TUBB3 in a panel of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cell lines. We identified two main different isoforms of TUBB3 having a specific electrophoretic profile. We showed that the apparently higher molecular weight isoform is glycosylated and phosphorylated and it is localized in the cytoskeleton. The apparently lower molecular weight isoform is instead found exclusively in mitochondria. We observed that levels of phosphorylation and glycosylation of TUBB3 are associated with the resistant phenotype and compartmentalization into cytoskeleton. By two-dimensional nonreduced/reduced SDS-PAGE analysis, we also found that TUBB3 protein in vivo forms protein complexes through intermolecular disulfide bridges. Through TUBB3 immunoprecipitation, we isolated protein species able to interact with TUBB3. Following trypsin digestion, these proteins were characterized by mass spectrometry analysis. Functional analysis revealed that these proteins are involved in adaptation to oxidative stress and glucose deprivation, thereby suggesting that TUBB3 is a survival factor able to directly contribute to drug resistance. Moreover, glycosylation of TUBB3 could represent an attractive pathway whose inhibition could hamper cytoskeletal compartmentalization and TUBB3 function. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(7):2070–9]
Data from Antitumor activity and pharmacokinetic properties of PF-00299804, a second-generation irreversible pan-erbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Gonzales Andrea J. , Hook Kenneth E. , Althaus Irene W. , Ellis Paul A. , Trachet Erin , Delaney Amy M. , Harvey Patricia J. , Ellis Teresa A. , Amato Danielle M. , Nelson James M. , Fry David W. , Zhu Tong , Loi Cho-Ming , Fakhoury Stephen A. , Schlosser Kevin M. , Sexton Karen E. , Winters R. Thomas , Reed Jessica E. , Bridges Alex J. , Lettiere Daniel J. , Baker Deborah A. , Yang Jianxin , Lee Helen T. , Tecle Haile , Vincent Patrick W.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Signaling through the erbB receptor family of tyrosine kinases contributes to the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival of a variety of cell types. Abnormalities in members of this receptor family have been shown to play a role in oncogenesis, thus making them attractive targets for anticancer treatments. PF-00299804 is a second-generation irreversible pan-erbB receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently in phase I clinical trials. PF-00299804 is believed to irreversibly inhibit erbB tyrosine kinase activity through binding at the ATP site and covalent modification of nucleophilic cysteine residues in the catalytic domains of erbB family members. Oral administration of PF-00299804 causes significant antitumor activity, including marked tumor regressions in a variety of human tumor xenograft models that express and/or overexpress erbB family members or contain the double mutation (L858R/T790M) in erbB1 (EGFR) associated with resistance to gefitinib and erlotinib. Furthermore, PF-00299804 shows exceptional distribution to human tumor xenografts and excellent pharmacokinetic properties across species. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(7):1880–9]
Data from Anticancer Activity of a Combination of Cisplatin and Fisetin in Embryonal Carcinoma Cells and Xenograft Tumors
Authors: Tripathi Rakshamani , Samadder Tanmoy , Gupta Sarika , Surolia Avadhesha , Shaha Chandrima
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Use of chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin is limited because of its toxicity. Therefore, efforts continue for the discovery of novel combination therapies with cisplatin to reduce its effective treatment dose. This study evaluates the potential of fisetin, a flavonoid, to increase cisplatin cytotoxicity in human embryonal carcinoma NT2/D1 cells. Addition of fisetin to cisplatin enhanced cisplatin cytoxicity in vitro at four times lower dose than that required by cisplatin monotherapy for similar cytotoxic effects. Cisplatin, fisetin monotherapy, and addition of fisetin to cisplatin in a combination increased FasL expression. Cisplatin and fisetin as single agents activated caspases-8 and -3 and caspases-9 and -7, respectively, whereas combination treatment activated all 4 caspases. Increases in p53 and p21 and decreases in cyclin B1 and survivin occurred, all effects being more exaggerated with the combination. Fisetin, with or without cisplatin, increased expression of proapoptotic protein Bak and induced its mitochondrial oligomerization. Bid truncation and mitochondrial translocation of Bid and p53 was induced by fisetin in the presence or absence of cisplatin. Downregulation of p53 by short hairpin RNA during drug treatment decreased p21 levels but caused survivin increase, thus reducing cell death. Upstream to p53, inhibition of p38 phosphorylation reduced p53 phosphorylation and cell death. In a NT2/D1 mouse xenograft model, combination therapy was most effective in reducing tumor size. In summary, findings of this study suggest that addition of fisetin to cisplatin activates both the mitochondrial and the cell death receptor pathway and could be a promising regimen for the elimination of embryonal carcinoma cells. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(2); 255–68. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Antimigratory effect of TK1-2 is mediated in part by interfering with integrin α2β1
Authors: Kim Hyun-Kyung , Oh Dae-Shik , Lee Sang-Bae , Ha Jung-Min , Joe Young Ae
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The recombinant two kringle domain of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (TK1-2) has been shown to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumor cell growth despite of sharing a low amino acid sequence homology with angiostatin. Here, we explored a possible inhibitory mechanism of action of TK1-2 by focusing on antimigratory effect. TK1-2 effectively inhibited endothelial cell migration induced by basic fibroblast growth factor or vascular endothelial growth factor in a dose-dependent manner and tube formation on Matrigel. It blocked basic fibroblast growth factor–induced or vascular endothelial growth factor–induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions. Interestingly, TK1-2 alone induced the weak phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, whereas it inhibited focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation induced by growth factors. When immobilized, TK1-2 promoted adhesion and spreading of endothelial cells compared with bovine serum albumin. However, treatment with anti-α2β1 blocking antibody markedly diminished endothelial cell adhesion to immobilized TK1-2 compared with anti-αvβ3 or anti-α5β1 antibody. Pretreatment of soluble TK1-2 also altered the binding level of anti-α2β1 antibody to endothelial cells in fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Indeed, a blocking antibody against integrin α2β1 or knocking down of integrin α2 expression prevented the inhibitory effect of TK1-2 in cell migration. Therefore, these results suggest that TK1-2 inhibits endothelial cell migration through inhibition of signaling and cytoskeleton rearrangement in part by interfering with integrin α2β1. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(7):2133–41]
Data from Gene expression profiling-based identification of cell-surface targets for developing multimeric ligands in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Balagurunathan Yoganand , Morse David L. , Hostetter Galen , Shanmugam Vijayalakshmi , Stafford Phillip , Shack Sonsoles , Pearson John , Trissal Maria , Demeure Michael J. , Von Hoff Daniel D. , Hruby Victor J. , Gillies Robert J. , Han Haiyong
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Multimeric ligands are ligands that contain multiple binding domains that simultaneously target multiple cell-surface proteins. Due to cooperative binding, multimeric ligands can have high avidity for cells (tumor) expressing all targeting proteins and only show minimal binding to cells (normal tissues) expressing none or only some of the targets. Identifying combinations of targets that concurrently express in tumor cells but not in normal cells is a challenging task. Here, we describe a novel approach for identifying such combinations using genome-wide gene expression profiling followed by immunohistochemistry. We first generated a database of mRNA gene expression profiles for 28 pancreatic cancer specimens and 103 normal tissue samples representing 28 unique tissue/cell types using DNA microarrays. The expression data for genes that encode proteins with cell-surface epitopes were then extracted from the database and analyzed using a novel multivariate rule-based computational approach to identify gene combinations that are expressed at an efficient binding level in tumors but not in normal tissues. These combinations were further ranked according to the proportion of tumor samples that expressed the sets at efficient levels. Protein expression of the genes contained in the top ranked combinations was confirmed using immunohistochemistry on a pancreatic tumor tissue and normal tissue microarrays. Coexpression of targets was further validated by their combined expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines using immunocytochemistry. These validated gene combinations thus encompass a list of cell-surface targets that can be used to develop multimeric ligands for the imaging and treatment of pancreatic cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(9):3071–80]
Data from Selective and Potent Raf Inhibitors Paradoxically Stimulate Normal Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth
Authors: Carnahan Josette , Beltran Pedro J. , Babij Carol , Le Quynh , Rose Mark J. , Vonderfecht Steven , Kim Joseph L. , Smith Adrian L. , Nagapudi Karthik , Broome Martin A. , Fernando Manory , Kha Hue , Belmontes Brian , Radinsky Robert , Kendall Richard , Burgess Teresa L.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Raf inhibitors are under clinical investigation, specifically in patients with tumor types harboring frequent activating mutations in B-Raf. Here, we show that cell lines and tumors harboring mutant B-Raf were sensitive to a novel series of Raf inhibitors (e.g., V600EB-Raf A375, IC50 on cells = 2 nmol/L; ED50 on tumor xenografts = 1.3 mg/kg). However, in cells and tumors with wild-type B-Raf, exposure to Raf inhibitors resulted in a dose-dependent and sustained activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. In some of these cell lines, Raf inhibition led to entry into the cell cycle, enhanced proliferation, and significantly stimulated tumor growth in vivo. Inhibition with structurally distinct Raf inhibitors or isoform-specific small interfering RNA knockdown of Raf showed that these effects were mediated directly through Raf. Either A-Raf or C-Raf mediated the Raf inhibitor–induced mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation in an inhibitor-specific manner. These paradoxical effects of Raf inhibition were seen in malignant and normal cells in vitro and in vivo. Hyperplasia of normal epithelial cells in the esophagus and the stomach was evident in mice with all efficacious Raf inhibitors (n = 8) tested. An implication of these results is that Raf inhibitors may induce unexpected normal cell and tumor tissue proliferation in patients. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(8); 2399–410. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Quantification of endothelial cell–targeted anti–Bcl-2 therapy and its suppression of tumor growth and vascularization
Authors: Jain Harsh Vardhan , Nör Jacques Eduardo , Jackson Trachette Levon
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins in the Bcl family are key regulators of programmed cell death. It is the interaction between these molecules that determines cellular response to apoptotic signals, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. In recent experiments designed to study tumor angiogenesis, Bcl-2 upregulation in endothelial cells was shown to be a critical mediator of vascular development. In this article, we develop a mathematical model that explicitly incorporates the response of endothelial cells to variations in proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins in the Bcl family, as well as the administration of specific antiangiogenic therapies targeted against Bcl-2. The model is validated by comparing its predictions to in vitro experimental data that reports microvessel density prior to and following the administration of 0.05 to 5.0 μmol/L of BL193, a promising small molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2. Numerical simulations of in vivo treatment of tumors predict the existence of a threshold for the amount of therapy required for successful treatment and quantify how this threshold varies with the stage of tumor growth. Furthermore, the model shows how rapidly the least effective dosage of BL193 decreases if an even moderately better inhibitor of Bcl-2 is used and predicts that increasing cell wall permeability of endothelial cells to BL193 does not significantly affect this threshold. A critical challenge of experimental therapeutics for cancer is to decide which drugs are the best candidates for clinical trials. These results underscore the potential of mathematical modeling to guide the development of novel antiangiogenic therapies and to direct drug design. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(10):2926–36]
Data from A novel agonistic antibody to human death receptor 4 induces apoptotic cell death in various tumor cells without cytotoxicity in hepatocytes
Authors: Sung Eun-Sil , Park Kyung-Jin , Lee Seung-Hyun , Jang Yoon-Seon , Park Sang-Koo , Park Yoo-Hoi , Kwag Won-Jae , Kwon Myung-Hee , Kim Yong-Sung
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The proapoptotic tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors death receptor (DR) 4 and DR5 are attractive targets to develop the receptor-specific agonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) as anticancer agents because of their tumor-selective cell death–inducing activity. Here, we report a novel agonistic mAb, AY4, raised against human DR4 in mice. ELISA analysis revealed that AY4 specifically bound to DR4 without competition with TRAIL for the binding. Despite distinct binding regions of AY4 on DR4 from those of TRAIL, AY4 as a single agent induced caspase-dependent apoptotic cell death of several tumor types through the extrinsic and/or intrinsic pathways without substantial cytotoxicity to normal human hepatocytes. Further, the AY4-sensitive cells followed the same cell death characteristics classified as type I and type II cells by the response to TRAIL, suggesting that the cell death profiles in responses to DR4 and/or DR5 stimulation are determined by the downstream signaling of the receptor rather than the kind of receptor. Noticeably, AY4 efficiently induced cell death of Jurkat cells, which have been reported to be resistant to other anti-DR4 agonistic mAbs, most likely due to the unique epitope property of AY4. In vivo administration of AY4 significantly inhibited tumor growth of human non–small cell lung carcinoma preestablished in athymic nude mice. Conclusively, our results provide further insight into the DR4-mediated cell death signaling and potential use of AY4 mAb as an anticancer therapeutic agent, particularly for DR4-responsive tumor types. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(8):2276–85]
Data from Preclinical In vivo Evaluation of Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of a Novel MEK1/2 Kinase Inhibitor RO5068760 in Multiple Tumor Models
Authors: Daouti Sherif , Higgins Brian , Kolinsky Kenneth , Packman Kathryn , Wang Huisheng , Rizzo Christine , Moliterni John , Huby Nicholas , Fotouhi Nader , Liu Mei , Goelzer Petra , Sandhu Harpreet K. , Li Jia Kui , Railkar Aruna , Heimbrook David , Niu Huifeng
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Targeting the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway represents a promising anticancer strategy. Recently, we have reported a novel class of potent and selective non–ATP-competitive MEK1/2 inhibitors with a unique structure and mechanism of action. RO5068760 is a representative of this class showing significant efficacy in a broad spectrum of tumors with aberrant mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation. To understand the relationship between systemic exposures and target (MEK1/2) inhibition as well as tumor growth inhibition, the current study presents a detailed in vivo characterization of efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of RO5068760 in multiple xenograft tumor models. For inhibition of MEK1/2 as measured by the phosphorylated ERK levels, the estimated EC50s in plasma were 1.36 μmol/L (880 ng/mL) and 3.35 μmol/L (2168 ng/mL) in LOX melanoma and HT-29 colorectal cancer models, respectively. A similar EC50 (1.41 μmol/L or 915 ng/mL) was observed in monkey peripheral blood lymphocytes. To achieve tumor growth inhibition (≥90%), an average plasma drug concentration of 0.65 or 5.23 μmol/L was required in B-RafV600E or K-Ras mutant tumor models, respectively, which were remarkably similar to the IC90 values (0.64 or 4.1 μmol/L) determined in vitro for cellular growth inhibition. With equivalent in vivo systemic exposures, RO5068760 showed superior efficacy in tumors harboring B-RafV600E mutation. The plasma concentration time profiles indicate that constant p-ERK suppression (>50%) may not be required for optimal efficacy, especially in highly responsive tumors. This study may facilitate future clinical trial design in using biochemical markers for early proof of mechanism and in selecting the right patients and optimal dose regimen. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(1); 134–44
Data from Small interfering RNA library screen of human kinases and phosphatases identifies polo-like kinase 1 as a promising new target for the treatment of pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas
Authors: Hu Kaiji , Lee Cathy , Qiu Dexin , Fotovati Abbas , Davies Alastair , Abu-Ali Samah , Wai Daniel , Lawlor Elizabeth R. , Triche Timothy J. , Pallen Catherine J. , Dunn Sandra E.
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma, consisting of alveolar (aRMS) and embryonal (eRMS) subtypes, is the most common type of sarcoma in children. Currently, there are no targeted drug therapies available for rhabdomyosarcoma. In searching for new molecular therapeutic targets, we carried out genome-wide small interfering RNA (siRNA) library screens targeting human phosphatases (n = 206) and kinases (n = 691) initially against an aRMS cell line, RH30. Sixteen phosphatases and 50 kinases were identified based on growth inhibition after 72 hours. Inhibiting polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) had the most remarkable impact on growth inhibition (∼80%) and apoptosis on all three rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines tested, namely, RH30, CW9019 (aRMS), and RD (eRMS), whereas there was no effect on normal muscle cells. The loss of PLK1 expression and subsequent growth inhibition correlated with decreased p-CDC25C and Cyclin B1. Increased expression of WEE 1 was also noted. The induction of apoptosis after PLK1 silencing was confirmed by increased p-H2AX, propidium iodide uptake, and chromatin condensation, as well as caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Pediatric Ewing's sarcoma (TC-32), neuroblastoma (IMR32 and KCNR), and glioblastoma (SF188) models were also highly sensitive to PLK1 inhibition. Finally, based on cDNA microarray analyses, PLK1 mRNA was overexpressed (>1.5 fold) in 10 of 10 rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines and in 47% and 51% of primary aRMS (17 of 36 samples) and eRMS (21 of 41 samples) tumors, respectively, compared with normal muscles. Similarly, pediatric Ewing's sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and osteosarcoma tumors expressed high PLK1. We conclude that PLK1 could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of a wide range of pediatric solid tumors including rhabdomyosarcoma. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(11):3024–35]
Data from Identification of Predictive Markers of Response to the MEK1/2 Inhibitor Selumetinib (AZD6244) in K-ras–Mutated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tentler John J. , Nallapareddy Sujatha , Tan Aik Choon , Spreafico Anna , Pitts Todd M. , Morelli M. Pia , Selby Heather M. , Kachaeva Maria I. , Flanigan Sara A. , Kulikowski Gillian N. , Leong Stephen , Arcaroli John J. , Messersmith Wells A. , Eckhardt S. Gail
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Mutant K-ras activity leads to the activation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway in approximately 44% of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors. Accordingly, several inhibitors of the MEK pathway are under clinical evaluation in several malignancies including CRC. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize predictive biomarkers of response to the MEK1/2 inhibitor AZD6244 in CRC in order to maximize the clinical utility of this agent. Twenty-seven human CRC cell lines were exposed to AZD6244 and classified according to the IC50 value as sensitive (≤0.1 μmol/L) or resistant (>1 μmol/L). All cell lines were subjected to immunoblotting for effector proteins, K-ras/BRAF mutation status, and baseline gene array analysis. Further testing was done in cell line xenografts and K-ras mutant CRC human explants models to develop a predictive genomic classifier for AZD6244. The most sensitive and resistant cell lines were subjected to differential gene array and pathway analyses. Members of the Wnt signaling pathway were highly overexpressed in cell lines resistant to AZD6244 and seem to be functionally involved in mediating resistance by shRNA knockdown studies. Baseline gene array data from CRC cell lines and xenografts were used to develop a k-top scoring pair (k-TSP) classifier, which predicted with 71% accuracy which of a test set of patient-derived K-ras mutant CRC explants would respond to AZD6244, providing the basis for a patient-selective clinical trial. These results also indicate that resistance to AZD6244 may be mediated, in part, by the upregulation of the Wnt pathway, suggesting potential rational combination partners for AZD6244 in CRC. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(12); 3351–62. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Gene expression profiling of imatinib and PD166326-resistant CML cell lines identifies Fyn as a gene associated with resistance to BCR-ABL inhibitors
Authors: Grosso Sébastien , Puissant Alexandre , Dufies Maeva , Colosetti Pascal , Jacquel Arnaud , Lebrigand Kevin , Barbry Pascal , Deckert Marcel , Cassuto Jill Patrice , Mari Bernard , Auberger Patrick
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Imatinib is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), but resistance develops in all phases of this disease. The purpose of the present study was to identify the mode of resistance of newly derived imatinib-resistant (IM-R) and PD166326-resistant (PD-R) CML cells. IM-R and PD-R clones exhibited an increase in viability and a decrease in caspase activation in response to various doses of imatinib and PD166326, respectively, as compared with parental K562 cells. Resistance involved neither mutations in BCR-ABL nor increased BCR-ABL, MDR1 or Lyn expression, all known modes of resistance. To gain insight into the resistance mechanisms, we used pangenomic microarrays and identified 281 genes modulated in parental versus IM-R and PD-R cells. The gene signature was similar for IM-R and PD-R cells, accordingly with the cross-sensitivity observed for both inhibitors. These genes were functionally associated with pathways linked to development, cell adhesion, cell growth, and the JAK-STAT cascade. Especially relevant were the increased expression of the tyrosine kinases AXL and Fyn as well as CD44 and HMGA2. Small interfering RNA experiments and pharmacologic approaches identified FYN as a candidate for resistance to imatinib. Our findings provide a comprehensive picture of the transcriptional events associated with imatinib and PD166326 resistance and identify Fyn as a new potential target for therapeutic intervention in CML. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(7):1924–33]
Data from The antitumoral effect of Paris Saponin I associated with the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Xiao Xue , Bai Peng , Bui Nguyen Tri M. , Xiao Jianguo , Liu Shanling , Yang Gong , Hu Lina , Chen Xinlian , Zhang Xuemei , Liu Jinsong , Wang He
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Rhizoma Paridis, a traditional Chinese medicine, has shown promise in cancer prevention and therapy. In the present study, we isolated Paris Saponin I (PSI), an active component of Rhizoma paridis, and evaluated its effects on a panel of human cell lines and in a mouse model of human ovarian cancer to explore the mechanisms of its activity. PSI had more potent and selective cytotoxic effects on tumor cell lines than etoposide had, promoting dramatic G2-M phase arrest and apoptosis in SKOV3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PSI treatment increased levels of Bax, cytochrome c, activated caspase-3, active caspase-9, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and decreased both Bcl-2 expression levels and extracellular signal–regulated kinase-1/2 activity. We also assessed the antitumor efficacy of i.p. and p.o. PSI administration in mice bearing SKOV3 tumors; both significantly inhibited the growth of SKOV3 cells in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model (by 66% and 52%, respectively). These results indicate that PSI mediates its effects via mitochondrial apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, and G2-M cell cycle arrest. Most important, the efficacy of PSI in xenografts when administered p.o. or i.p. suggests its clinical potential. Thus, PSI is a potent antitumor compound and should be developed as a natural agent for cancer therapy.[Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(5):1179–88]
Data from Structure-based design of an urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor–derived peptide inhibiting cell migration and lung metastasis
Authors: Carriero Maria Vincenza , Longanesi-Cattani Immacolata , Bifulco Katia , Maglio Ornella , Lista Liliana , Barbieri Antonio , Votta Giuseppina , Masucci Maria Teresa , Arra Claudio , Franco Renato , De Rosa Mario , Stoppelli Maria Patrizia , Pavone Vincenzo
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) plays a central role in sustaining the malignant phenotype and promoting tumor metastasis. The Ser88-Arg-Ser-Arg-Tyr92 is the minimum chemotactic sequence of uPAR required to induce the same intracellular signaling as its ligand uPA. Here, we describe the generation of new peptide inhibitors of cell migration and invasion derived from SRSRY by a drug design approach. Ac-Arg-Glu-Arg-Phe-NH2 (i.e., RERF), which adopts a turned structure in solution, was selected for its ability to potently prevent SRSRY-directed cell migration. Fluorescein-RERF associates with very high affinity to RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells expressing the human formyl peptide receptor (FPR). Accordingly, femtomolar concentrations of RERF prevent agonist-dependent internalization of FPR and inhibit N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe–dependent migration in a dose-dependent manner. In the absence of FPR, fluorescein-RERF binds to cell surface at picomolar concentrations in an αv integrin–dependent manner. The involvement of vitronectin receptor is further supported by the findings that 100 pmol/L RERF selectively inhibits vitronectin-dependent RBL-2H3 cell migration and prevents SRSRY-triggered uPAR/αv association. Furthermore, RERF reduces the speed of wound closure and the extent of Matrigel invasion by human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells without affecting cell proliferation. Finally, a 3- to 5-fold reduction of lung metastasis number and size in nude mice following i.v. injection of green fluorescent protein–expressing HT1080 cells in the presence of 3.32 mg/kg RERF is observed. Our findings indicate that RERF effectively prevents malignant cell invasion in vivo with no signs of toxicity and may represent a promising prototype drug for anticancer therapy. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(9):2708–17]
Data from Phospholipase A2 Activity of Peroxiredoxin 6 Promotes Invasion and Metastasis of Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Ho Jin-Nyoung , Lee Seung Bum , Lee Seung-Sook , Yoon Sung Hwan , Kang Ga Young , Hwang Sang-Gu , Um Hong-Duck
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Peroxiredoxins (PRDX) are a family of thiol-dependent peroxidases. Among the six mammalian members of this family, PRDX6 is the only protein that additionally exhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity. The physiologic role of this interesting PRDX6 feature is largely unknown at present. In this study, we show that PRDX6 increases the metastatic potential of lung cancer cells. Functional analyses of the enzymatic activities of PRDX6, using specific pharmacologic inhibitors and mutagenesis studies, reveal that both peroxidase and PLA2 activities are required for metastasis. Specifically, peroxidase activity facilitates the growth of cancer cells, and PLA2 activity promotes invasiveness. Further investigation of the latter event discloses that PLA2 activity promotes accumulation of arachidonic acid, which, in turn, induces the invasive pathway involving p38 kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Akt, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator. This study is the first to define the functions of the enzymatic activities of PRDX6 in metastasis and to show the involvement of arachidonic acid in PRDX6 action in intact cells. These novel findings provide a significant step toward elucidating the role of PRDX6 in cancer and the mechanism of its action. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(4); 825–32. ©2010 AACR.
Data from MUC1 oncoprotein is a druggable target in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Joshi Maya Datt , Ahmad Rehan , Yin Li , Raina Deepak , Rajabi Hasan , Bubley Glenn , Kharbanda Surender , Kufe Donald
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Human prostate cancers are dependent on the androgen receptor for their progression. The MUC1 heterodimeric oncoprotein is aberrantly overexpressed in prostate cancers; however, it is not known if MUC1 is of functional importance to these tumors. To assess dependence on MUC1, we synthesized an inhibitor, designated GO-201, which interacts directly with the MUC1-C subunit at its oligomerization domain. Treatment of MUC1-positive DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells with GO-201, and not an altered version, resulted in inhibition of proliferation. GO-201 also induced necrotic cell death that was associated with increases in reactive oxygen species, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and depletion of ATP. By contrast, GO-201 had no effect against MUC1-negative LNCaP, CWR22Rv1, and MDA-PCa-2b prostate cancer cells. Significantly, GO-201 treatment of DU145 and PC3 xenografts growing in nude mice resulted in complete tumor regression and prolonged lack of recurrence. These findings indicate that certain prostate cancer cells are dependent on MUC1-C for growth and survival and that directly targeting MUC1-C results in their death in vitro and in tumor models. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(11):3056–65]
Data from Therapeutic value of glycosaminoglycans in cancer
Authors: Yip George W. , Smollich Martin , Götte Martin
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans are unbranched polysaccharides composed of repeating units of alternating uronic acids and amino sugars. Most glycosaminoglycans are covalently attached to core proteins to form proteoglycans. Posttranslational modifications result in specific motifs that bind to a large variety of ligands, thus regulating growth factor signaling, cellular behavior, inflammation, angiogenesis, and the proteolytic environment. Dysregulated expression of glycosaminoglycans is present in cancer and reported to correlate with clinical prognosis in several malignant neoplasms. Recent knowledge on the biological roles of these molecules in cancer biology, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis has promoted the development of drugs targeting them. Pharmaceutical approaches include the use of chemically modified heparins and glycosaminoglycans with defined structures, combination of inhibitors of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and polyamine depletion, and biologically active glycosaminoglycan-binding peptides. In addition, glycosaminoglycans are used as tumor-specific delivery and targeting vehicles for toxins and chemotherapeutics. Encouraging results in animal studies and clinical trials show the clinical relevance of glycosaminoglycan-based drugs and the use of glycosaminoglycans as therapeutic targets. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(9):2139–48]
Data from Evaluation of a chemical library of small-molecule Dishevelled antagonists that suppress tumor growth by down-regulating T-cell factor–mediated transcription
Authors: You Liang , Xu Zhidong , Punchihewa Chandanamali , Jablons David M. , Fujii Naoaki
Published: April 2023

Abstract
We describe the rational generation of small-molecule agents that suppress tumor cell growth by down-regulating canonical Wnt signaling. We first produced a chemical library of the derivatives of indole-2-ketones and carbinols; we then screened them by using scalable assays of biochemical antagonism of Dishevelled-1 PDZ domain interactions and cell-based assays of Dishevelled-1–driven T-cell factor–mediated transcription. Compounds showing parallel effects in these assays were tested for selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. A new compound (24) that met the criteria for high biochemical antagonism, T-cell factor–mediated transcription, and induction of tumor-selective apoptosis was found to significantly suppress the growth of tumor xenografts in mice. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(6):1633–8]
Data from Oncogenic transformation confers a selective susceptibility to the combined suppression of the proteasome and autophagy
Authors: Ding Wen-Xing , Ni Hong-Min , Gao Wentao , Chen Xiaoyun , Kang Jeong Han , Stolz Donna B. , Liu Jinsong , Yin Xiao-Ming
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The proteasome and the autophagy systems are two evolutionarily conserved mechanisms for degrading intracellular materials. They are functionally coupled and suppression of the proteasome promotes autophagy. Although suppression of the proteasome leads to cell death, suppression of autophagy can be either prodeath or prosurvival. To understand the underlining mechanism of this dichotomy and its potential clinical implications, we treated various transformed and nontransformed human cells with proteasome inhibitors. We found that whether autophagy served a prosurvival role in this scenario was contingent on the cellular oncogenic status. Thus, autophagy suppression enhanced apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibitors in transformed cells, but not in nontransformed cells. Oncogenic transformation enhanced the ability of cells to initiate autophagy in response to stress, reflecting a stronger dependence of transformed cells on autophagy for survival. Indeed, a combined use of bortezomib, the only Food and Drug Administration–approved proteasome inhibitor for clinical use, and chloroquine, which inhibits autophagy by disturbing lysosomal functions, suppressed tumor growth more significantly than either agent alone in a xenograft model. These findings indicate that suppression of both intracellular degradation systems could constitute a novel strategy for enhanced cancer control in a tumor-specific way. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(7):2036–45]