Natural Antioxidant Resveratrol Suppresses Uterine Fibroid Cell Growth and Extracellular Matrix Formation In Vitro and In Vivo

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin found in peanuts, grapes, and other plants. Uterine fibroids (UF) are benign growths that are enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of RSV on UF using in vivo and in vitro approaches. In mouse xenograft models, tumors were implanted through the subcutaneous injection of Eker rat-derived uterine leiomyoma cells transfected with luciferase (ELT-3-LUC) in five-week-old female nude (Foxn1nu) mice. When the tumors reached a size of 50–100 mm3, the mice were randomly assigned to intraperitoneal treatment with RSV (10 mg·kg−1) or vehicle control (dimethyl sulfoxide). Tumor tissues were assayed using an immunohistochemistry analysis. We also used primary human leiomyoma cells as in vitro models. Cell viability was determined using the sodium bicarbonate and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The protein expression was assayed using Western blot analysis. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was assayed using quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). Cell apoptosis was assayed using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33342 staining. RSV significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo and decreased the proportion of cells showing expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In addition, RSV decreased the protein expression of PCNA, fibronectin, and upregulated the ratio of Bax (Bcl-2-associated X) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2) in vivo. Furthermore, RSV reduced leiomyoma cell viability, and decreased the mRNA levels of fibronectin and the protein expression of collagen type 1 (COL1A1) and α-SMA (ECM protein marker), as well as reducing the levels of β-catenin protein. RSV induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase. Our findings indicated the inhibitory effects of RSV on the ELT-3-LUC xenograft model and indicated that RSV reduced ECM-related protein expression in primary human leiomyoma cells, demonstrating its potential as an anti-fibrotic therapy for UF.

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Effect of hnRNPA2/B1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma U251 cells via the regulation of AKT and STAT3 pathways

Bioscience Reports ◽

10.1042/bsr20190318 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 40 (7) ◽

Author(s):

Decheng Yin ◽

Chengxiang Kong ◽

Muhu Chen

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Glioma Cells ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Tumor Xenograft ◽

Nuclear Antigen ◽

Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽

Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein

Abstract Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the human central nervous system. Although heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNPA2/B1) was previously presumed to be a tumor-promoting gene, the relationship between hnRNPA2/B1 and glioma is unclear. Targeting hnRNPA2/B1 interference in glioma cells can significantly inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro. In a tumor xenograft model, knockdown of hnRNPA2/B1 suppressed tumor growth in glioma cells in vivo. In terms of a mechanism, the knockdown of hnRNPA2/B1 led to inactivation of the AKT and STAT3 signaling pathways, which ultimately reduced the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), CyclinD1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Collectively, these data suggest that the inhibition of hnRNPA2/B1 can reduce the growth of gliomas through STAT3 and AKT signaling pathways, and this inhibition is expected to be a therapeutic target for gliomas.

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EXTH-46. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF COMBINED VANDETANIB AND EVEROLIMUS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACVR1-MUTANT DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.400 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. ii97-ii97

Author(s):

Diana Carvalho ◽

Peter Richardson ◽

Nagore Gene Olaciregui ◽

Reda Stankunaite ◽

Cinzia Emilia Lavarino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ◽

Pontine Glioma ◽

Serine Threonine Kinase ◽

Orthotopic Xenografts ◽

Extended Survival

Abstract Somatic mutations in ACVR1, encoding the serine/threonine kinase ALK2 receptor, are found in a quarter of children with the currently incurable brain tumour diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Treatment of ACVR1-mutant DIPG patient-derived models with multiple inhibitor chemotypes leads to a reduction in cell viability in vitro and extended survival in orthotopic xenografts in vivo, though there are currently no specific ACVR1 inhibitors licensed for DIPG. Using an Artificial Intelligence-based platform to search for approved compounds which could be used to treat ACVR1-mutant DIPG, the combination of vandetanib and everolimus was identified as a possible therapeutic approach. Vandetanib, an approved inhibitor of VEGFR/RET/EGFR, was found to target ACVR1 (Kd=150nM) and reduce DIPG cell viability in vitro, but has been trialed in DIPG patients with limited success, in part due to an inability to cross the blood-brain-barrier. In addition to mTOR, everolimus inhibits both ABCG2 (BCRP) and ABCB1 (P-gp) transporter, and was synergistic in DIPG cells when combined with vandetanib in vitro. This combination is well-tolerated in vivo, and significantly extended survival and reduced tumour burden in an orthotopic ACVR1-mutant patient-derived DIPG xenograft model. Based on these preclinical data, three patients with ACVR1-mutant DIPG were treated with vandetanib and everolimus. These cases may inform on the dosing and the toxicity profile of this combination for future clinical studies. This bench-to-bedside approach represents a rapidly translatable therapeutic strategy in children with ACVR1 mutant DIPG.

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Potential Metabolite Nymphayol Isolated from Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata) Flower Inhibits MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Growth via Upregulation of Cdkn2a, pRb2, p53 and Downregulation of PCNA mRNA Expressions

Metabolites ◽

10.3390/metabo10070280 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 280

Author(s):

Laila Naif Al-Harbi ◽

Pandurangan Subash-Babu ◽

Manal Abdulaziz Binobead ◽

Maha Hussain Alhussain ◽

Sahar Abdulaziz AlSedairy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Tumor Suppressor ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Cancer Cell ◽

Breast Cancer Cell ◽

Kinase Inhibitor ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Nuclear Antigen ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Mcf 7

Controlled production of cyclin dependent kinases (CDK) and stabilization of tumor suppressor genes are the most important factors involved in preventing carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to explore the cyclin dependent apoptotic effect of nymphayol on breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In our previous study, we isolated the crystal from a chloroform extract of Nymphaea stellata flower petals and it was confirmed as nymphayol (17-(hexan-2-yl)-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol) using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and mass spectroscopy (MS) methods. The cytotoxic effect of nymphayol on MCF-7 cells were analyzed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cellular and nuclear damage was determined using propidium iodide (PI) and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/ErBr) staining. Tumor suppressor and apoptosis related mRNA transcript levels were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nymphayol potentially inhibits MCF-7 cell viability up to 78%, and the IC50 value was observed as 2.8 µM in 24 h and 1.4 µM in 48 h. Treatment with nymphayol significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and the tunnel assay confirmed DNA damage. We found characteristically 76% apoptotic cells and 9% necrotic cells in PI and AO/ErBr staining after 48 h treatment with 2.8 µM of nymphayol. Gene expression analysis confirmed significantly (p ≤ 0.001) increased mRNA levels of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (Cdkn2a), retinoblastoma protein 2 (pRb2), p53, nuclear factor erythroid 2-factor 2 (Nrf2), caspase-3, and decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), murine double minute 2 (mdm2), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression after 48 h. Nymphayol effectively inhibited breast cancer cell viability, and is associated with early expression of Cdkn2a, pRb2, and activation of p53 and caspases.

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MiR-144-3p Aggravated Cartilage Injury in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Regulating BMP2/PI3K/Akt Axis

Modern Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/mr/roab105 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mei-Li Mo ◽

Jin-Mei Jiang ◽

Xiao-Ping Long ◽

Li-Hu Xie

Keyword(s):

Extracellular Matrix ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Cell Injury ◽

Tissue Injury ◽

Cartilage Injury ◽

Luciferase Assay ◽

Tunel Staining ◽

Western Blots

Abstract Objectives Present study aimed to illustrate the role of miR-144-3p in RA. Methods N1511 chondrocytes were stimulated by IL-1β to mimic RA injury model in vitro. Rats were subjected to injection of type II collagen to establish an in vivo RA model and the arthritis index score was calculated. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8. The expression of cartilage extracellular matrix proteins (Collagen II and Aggrecan) and matrix metalloproteinases protein (MMP-13) were determined by qRT-PCR and western blots. Cell apoptosis was measured by Flow cytometry. ELISA was applied to test the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α). Tissue injury and apoptosis were detected by HE staining and TUNEL staining. Interaction of miR-144-3p and BMP2 was verified by dual luciferase assay. Results MiR-144-3p was dramatically increased in IL-1β induced N1511 cells. MiR-144-3p depletion elevated cell viability, suppressed apoptosis, pro-inflammatory cytokine releasing, and extracellular matrix loss in IL-1β induced N1511 cells. Moreover, miR-144-3p targeted BMP2 to modulate its expression negatively. Activation of PI3K/Akt signaling compromised inhibition of BMP2 induced aggravated N1511 cell injury with IL-1β stimulation. Inhibition of miR-144-3p alleviated cartilage injury and inflammatory in RA rats. Conclusion Collectively, miR-144-3p could aggravate chondrocytes injury inflammatory response in RA via BMP2/PI3K/Akt axis.

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Effect of Auraptene on angiogenesis in Xenograft model of breast cancer

Hormone Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation ◽

10.1515/hmbci-2021-0056 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Reza Shiran ◽

Elham Mahmoudian ◽

Abolghasem Ajami ◽

Seyed Mostafa Hosseini ◽

Ayjamal Khojasteh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Gene Expression ◽

Animal Model ◽

Protein Expression ◽

Western Blot ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Concentration Dependent Manner

Abstract Objectives Angiogenesis is the most important challenge in breast cancer treatment. Recently, scientists become interesting in rare natural products and intensive researches was performed to identify their pharmacological profile. Auraptene shows helpful effects such as cancer chemo-preventive, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immuno-modulatory. In this regard, we investigated the anti-angiogenesis effect of Auraptene in in-vitro and in-vivo model of breast cancer. Methods In this study, 4T, MDA-MB-231 and HUVEC cell lines were used. The proliferation study was done by MTT assay. For tube formation assay, 250 matrigel, 1 × 104 HUVEC treated with Auraptene, 20 ng/mL EGF, 20 ng/mL bFGF and 20 ng/mL VEGF were used. Gene expression of important gene related to angiogenesis in animal model of breast cancer was investigated by Real-time PCR. Protein expression of VCAM-1 and TNFR-1 gene related to angiogenesis in animal model of breast cancer was investigated by western-blot. Results Auraptene treatment led to reduction in cell viability of MDA-MB-231 in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, we observed change in the number of tubes or branches formed by cells incubated with 40 and 80 μM Auraptene. Auraptene effect the gene expression of important gene related to angiogenesis (VEGF, VEGFR2, COX2, IFNɣ). Moreover, the western blot data exhibited that Auraptene effect the protein expression of VCAM-1 and TNFR-1. Conclusions Overall, this study shows that Auraptene significantly suppressed angiogenesis via down-regulation of VEGF, VEGFR2, VCAM-1, TNFR-1, COX-2 and up-regulation of IFNγ.

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Rational Combinations Including a Novel Syk Inhibitor, Fostamatinib Disodium (FosD) in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.283.283 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 283-283

Author(s):

Randall M Rossi ◽

Valerie Grose ◽

Polly Pine ◽

Richard I Fisher ◽

Craig T. Jordan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Cell Viability ◽

B Cell ◽

Cell Line ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

Cell Receptor ◽

B Cell Receptor ◽

In Vivo Studies

Abstract Abstract 283 Certain malignant B-cells rely upon B-cell receptor-mediated survival signals. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) initiates and amplifies the B-cell receptor-mediated signal. We and others have demonstrated that fostamatinib disodium (FosD: a prodrug of R406, a potent and specific inhibitor of Syk) induces apoptosis in lymphoma cell lines and primary tumors. A recent clinical trial has demonstrated significant clinical activity of FosD in relapsed/refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and minimal overlap in toxicities with conventional agents. Given this background, future development in B-cell NHL will include rational combinations of FosD and currently available therapies. Therefore, we conducted in vitro and in vivo studies of rational combinations including FosD, in anticipation of clinical trial development. First, using a human DLBCL cell line of GCB genotype, (OCI-Ly19), we analyzed in vitro the combination of R406 with the following agents: fludarabine, rapamycin, rituximab, bendamustine and bortezomib. Increased cytotoxicity was observed using in vitro culture assays with the addition of fludarabine, rapamycin, or rituximab to R406. Cell viability at 72 hours was 25% with R406 alone, 27% for fludarabine alone, and only 9% for the fludarabine/R406. At 48 hours, cell viability was 49% using R406 alone, 31% using rituximab alone, and 21% for rituximab/R406. At 120 hours using primary lymphoma cells (DLCL27), there were no viable cells treated with the rapamycin/FosD combination, compared with rapamycin alone (7%) or FosD alone (25%) The addition of bortezomib or bendamustine to FosD resulted in only a minimal additive increase in cytotoxicity. Results with all combinations were similar with the OCI-Ly10 human DLBCL line of ABC genotype. We then performed in vivo studies by subcutaneous transplantation of the DLBCL cell line OCI-Ly19, (engineered to express luciferase allowing for real time in vivo imaging) into immune deficient NOD/SCID mice which reproducibly formed tumors. Recipient animals were separated into uniform cohorts when the tumors were less than or equal to 500 mm3 in size. The animals were then simultaneously treated with FosD (n=7; 3 gm/kg ad. lib.; translates into 2-5 micromolar R406 systemically throughout the 24h period) and either bortezomib, (n=6; 0.4 mg/kg weekly IP), or rituximab, (n=13; 3 mg/kg, 2x weekly IP). Analysis of the OCI-Ly19 tumor volumes at day 46 showed a median of 2364 mm3 with bortezomib alone compared with 1823 mm3 with bortezomib and FosD. When FosD was combined with rituximab the most significant cytotoxicity was observed: (p=0.01; median tumor volume of 497 mm3 following the combination) in comparison to either FosD alone (3150 mm3) or rituximab alone (1764 mm3). We conclude that the addition of FosD appears to increase activity against NHL of several drugs, including fludarabine and rapamycin. These agents have significant activity in indolent and mantle cell NHL as well as CLL. Moreover, there is no evidence that FosD impedes rituximab responses in vitro or in vivo; in fact we have suggested possible synergy with the combination of rituximab and FosD. Based upon the documented single agent activity of FosD in humans, and this data, clinical trials are now indicated using these promising combinations in NHL and CLL. Disclosures: Pine: Rigel: Employment. Friedberg:Rigel: Research Funding.

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Cytochrome c oxidase III as a mechanism for apoptosis in heart failure following myocardial infarction

AJP Cell Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpcell.00045.2009 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 297 (4) ◽

pp. C928-C934 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Changgong Wu ◽

Lin Yan ◽

Christophe Depre ◽

Sunil K. Dhar ◽

You-Tang Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Cytochrome C ◽

Protein Expression ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Cytochrome C Oxidase ◽

Mitochondrial Gene

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is composed of 13 subunits, of which COX I, II, and III are encoded by a mitochondrial gene. COX I and II function as the main catalytic components, but the function of COX III is unclear. Because myocardial ischemia affects mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, we hypothesized that COX activity and expression would be affected during postischemic cardiomyopathy. This hypothesis was tested in a monkey model following myocardial infarction (MI) and subsequent pacing-induced heart failure (HF). In this model, COX I protein expression was decreased threefold after MI and fourfold after HF ( P < 0.05 vs. sham), whereas COX II expression remained unchanged. COX III protein expression increased 5-fold after MI and further increased 10-fold after HF compared with sham ( P < 0.05 vs. sham). The physiological impact of COX III regulation was examined in vitro. Overexpression of COX III in mitochondria of HL-1 cells resulted in an 80% decrease in COX I, 60% decrease in global COX activity, 60% decrease in cell viability, and threefold increase in apoptosis ( P < 0.05). Oxidative stress induced by H2O2 significantly ( P < 0.05) increased COX III expression. H2O2 decreased cell viability by 47 ± 3% upon overexpression of COX III, but only by 12 ± 5% in control conditions ( P < 0.05). We conclude that ischemic stress in vivo and oxidative stress in vitro lead to upregulation of COX III, followed by downregulation of COX I expression, impaired COX oxidative activity, and increased apoptosis. Therefore, upregulation of COX III may contribute to the increased susceptibility to apoptosis following MI and subsequent HF.

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The CDK9 Inhibitor, Alvocidib, Potentiates the Non-Clinical Activity of Azacytidine or Decitabine in an MCL-1-Dependent Fashion, Supporting Clinical Exploration of a Decitabine and Alvocidib Combination

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-119793 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 4355-4355

Author(s):

Wontak Kim ◽

Clifford Whatcott ◽

Adam Siddiqui-Jain ◽

Stephen Anthony ◽

David J. Bearss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protein Expression ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Single Agent ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Complete Response ◽

Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Phase 1B ◽

Cdk9 Inhibitor

Abstract The hypomethylating agents (HMAs) azacytidine and decitabine exert biological activity via two distinct mechanisms, namely, DNA damage and inhibition of DNA methyltransferases. Azacytidine and decitabine are indicated in the treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). As a result of DNA methyltransferase inhibition, it is hypothesized that HMAs may function by inducing re-expression of key pro-apoptotic proteins such as NOXA, which sequesters the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1, preventing its association with the mitochondrial pore-forming proteins BAX/BAK. Activity of the potent CDK9 inhibitor, alvocidib, is largely driven by targeting of CDK9-dependent MCL-1 expression. Alvocidib is under active clinical investigation, but has also has demonstrated high complete response rates in newly diagnosed AML patients, particularly when administered as part of a cytarabine and mitoxantrone containing regimen (ACM regimen). Given the dual NOXA/MCL-1-targeting ability of combining alvocidib and azacytidine or decitabine, the combination may synergize therapeutically in the treatment of non-clinical models of AML or MDS by means of transcriptional induction of NOXA and repression of MCL-1 expression. Cell viability and induction of apoptosis was assessed following treatment with alvocidib, azacytidine, and decitabine in cells using the Celltiter-Glo and Caspase-Glo assays. Gene expression changes following treatment were assessed using quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression changes with treatment were also measured using standard immunoblotting technique. To assess the in vivo anti-tumor activity of these compounds, xenograft studies in the MOLM13 and additional models of MDS, exploring sequencing and scheduling of alvocidib administration with HMAs, were performed. Treatment of AML cell lines with alvocidib inhibited both mRNA and protein expression of MCL-1 in a time and concentration-dependent fashion. Pre-treatment of cells with alvocidib, to repress MCL-1 expression prior to azacytidine treatment, reduced the azacytidine cell viability EC50 more than 2.5-fold, from 1.8 µM to 0.6 µM in MV4-11 cells. The alvocidib/azacytidine combination also resulted in synergistic increases in caspase activity relative to either single agent within the combination, at multiple dose levels. The combination of azacytidine or decitabine with alvocidib was active in the MOLM13 xenograft model, yielding up to 65.7 or 91.1% tumor growth inhibition (%TGI) in the azacytidine or decitabine combination, respectively. Taken together, the in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that decitabine was more effective at re-expressing NOXA and potentiating alvocidib activity compared to azacytidine. These non-clinical data suggest that an alvocidib/HMA combination may constitute a viable therapeutic regimen whose rationale focuses on hypertargeting of NOXA/MCL-1. Based on these non-clinical results, a Phase 1b/2 clinical study of alvocidib administered in sequence after decitabine in patients with intermediate to high risk MDS is being conducted (Zella 102). Patients will be enrolled in cohorts of 3-6 patients with decitabine administered as a 1-hour IV infusion daily on days 1 to 5 at a dose of 20 mg/m2 followed by a single alvocidib treatment on day 8 as a loading dose over 30 minutes followed by a 4-hour infusion. Treatment will be repeated every 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Enrollment will include MDS patients (Phase 1b) with previously untreated MDS and patients who received fewer than six (6) cycles of previous HMAs, as well as (Phase 2) untreated patients with de novo or secondary MDS. The primary objective is to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended Phase 2 dose of alvocidib when administered in sequence with decitabine. Key Phase 2 endpoints will include complete response rate and improvement in transfusion dependency. Disclosures Kim: Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Whatcott:Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Siddiqui-Jain:Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Anthony:Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Bearss:Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Employment. Warner:Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

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Identification of Potent Paracaspase MALT1 Inhibitors for Hematological Malignancies

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-141146 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 30-30

Author(s):

Wu Yin ◽

Nie Zhe ◽

Andrew Placzek ◽

Michael Trzoss ◽

Goran Krilov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Cell Lymphoma ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

B Cell Lymphoma ◽

B Cell Lymphomas ◽

Publicly Traded ◽

Ongoing Work

Introduction: MALT1 (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1), was identified as a translocation protein fused with cIAP2 in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) B cell lymphomas. MALT1, a key mediator of NF-κB signaling and the main driver of a subset of B-cell lymphomas, functions via formation of a complex with CARMA1 and BCL10 to mediate antigen receptor-induced lymphocyte activation. MALT1 has been considered as a potential therapeutic target for several non-Hodgkin B cell lymphomas as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, we describe the discovery of novel, potent MALT1 inhibitors that result in antiproliferative effects in non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma cells. Results: We have identified novel small molecule MALT1 inhibitors using our proprietary physics-based Free Energy Perturbation (FEP+) modeling technology. Our compounds show potent (sub nM) inhibition of MALT1 enzymatic activity, as well as high binding affinity (sub nM) to MALT1 protein measured by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). BCL10 is a binding partner of MALT1 that is cleaved by MALT1 at the C-terminus. Our inhibitors were efficacious in a target engagement assay showing prevention of BCL10 cleavage in Activated B-cell (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines OCI-LY3 and OCI-LY10, which are Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib-resistant and -responsive respectively. Our compounds are potent inhibitors of IL10 secretion in both OCI-LY3 and OCI-LY10 cells, which is consistent with the inhibition of NF-κB signaling. We also examined the effect of our MALT1 inhibitors on ABC-DLBCL cell proliferation. Our inhibitors demonstrated potent anti-proliferative effects in both OCI-LY3 and OCI-LY10 cell lines, as well as synergistic effects with ibrutinib in a BTKi sensitive ABC-DLBCL cell panel. Examinations of a protease panel and off-target safety screening panel, as well as in vivo high dose tolerability study showed our compound had excellent selectivity and significant safety margin. Plasma IL10 and tumor BCL10 have been identified as robust PD markers in PK/PD studies in both OCI-LY3 and OCI-LY10 tumor bearing mice. Dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition was observed after 3 weeks of treatment in OCI-LY3 xenograft model, with efficacy also observed in combination with venetoclax. Ongoing work: We are continuing to explore the synergistic effects of our compounds with BTK inhibitors in B-cell lymphoma mouse models. Preliminary data showed potent inhibition of IL-2 secretion in Jurkat cells from our compound treatment. Additional studies are ongoing to elucidate the role of MALT1 inhibition in Treg as well as Teffector cells in vitro and in vivo. Refinement of the current inhibitor series, using co-crystal structures, is in progress in preparation for further development of optimized molecules. Conclusion and Future Plans: We have identified novel potent MALT1 protease small molecule inhibitors that are efficacious in the in vitro B-cell lymphoma cell proliferation assays and in the in vivo B-cell lymphoma xenograft model. Our data suggest that targeting MALT1 may expand therapy options for patients with selected B-cell lymphomas, such as ABC-DLBCL. Our work provided insight into the anti-tumor efficacy of our inhibitors in B-cell lymphomas as single agent, and ongoing work will continue to assess the potential combination with BTKi to overcome drug-induced resistance in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. Disclosures Yin: Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Zhe:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Placzek:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Trzoss:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Krilov:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Feng:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Lawrenz:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Pelletier:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Lai:Triplet Therapeutics: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company. Bell:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Calkins:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Grimes:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Tang:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. McRobb:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Gerasyuto:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Feher:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Mondal:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Jensen:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Wright:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Akinsanya:Schrodinger: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.

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Effect of GDC-0449, a hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitor, on tumor activity and on erlotinib and cisplatin in a xenograft model of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activated Hh pathway.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2012.30.15_suppl.e21057 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e21057-e21057

Author(s):

Aamir Ahmad ◽

Fazlul H. Sarkar ◽

Main Maitah ◽

Shadan Ali ◽

Seema Sethi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Motility ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Nsclc Cell Line ◽

M Cells ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Clonogenic Growth

e21057 Background: We have previously shown that chronic exposure of A549 NSCLC cell line to TGF-β1 can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and can make these cell lines (A549-M) resistant to erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor and cisplatin. EMT in A549-M cells was associated with significant activation of signaling through the Hh pathway. We therefore evaluated the activity of GDC-0449, an inhibitor of the Hh pathway, and assessed its activity in combination with erlotinib and cisplatin in A549-M cells both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: We assessed the effects of GDC-0449 (20 nM) on clonogenic growth (colony formation assay), cell motility (wound healing assay) and invasion (matrigel assay) in A549-M cells, and also assessed the activity of GDC-0449 in combination with erlotinib and cisplatin both in vitro (MTT assay) and in an experimental lung metastasis animal model in vivo by injecting A549-M cells through tail vein. Results: A549-M cells showed significantly higher rate of clonogenic growth, cell motility and invasion in vitro and a greater propensity to form metastases in vivo compared to parental A549 cells, and also showed higher resistance to erlotinib and cisplatin. A549-M cells showed higher mRNA levels of Shh (sonic hedgehog, a ligand of the Hh pathway) and ZEB1 and reduced levels of E-cadherin than A549 cells. GDC-0449 significantly reduced growth of A-549-M cell in vitro but had no effect on A-549 cells. GDC-0449 also reduced clonogenic growth, cell motility and invasion of A549-M cells. Pre-treatment with GDC-0449 significantly enhanced the activity of erlotinib (5 and 10 mM) and cisplatin (1mM-10mM) in A549-M cells (p < 0.05) but not in A-549 cells. GDC-0449 reduced the number of lung metastases in the xenograft model and enhanced the activity of erlotinib and cisplatin in this model. Conclusions: This data suggests that the EMT phenotype in NSCLC may be associated with the activation of the Hh signaling pathway. It also suggests that GDC-0449 has anti-tumor activity against NSCLC with activated Hh pathway, and can enhance the effects of erlotinib and cisplatin in such tumors.

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