-
Cancer Cell Mar 2003We used synthetic lethal high-throughput screening to interrogate 23,550 compounds for their ability to kill engineered tumorigenic cells but not their isogenic normal...
We used synthetic lethal high-throughput screening to interrogate 23,550 compounds for their ability to kill engineered tumorigenic cells but not their isogenic normal cell counterparts. We identified known and novel compounds with genotype-selective activity, including doxorubicin, daunorubicin, mitoxantrone, camptothecin, sangivamycin, echinomycin, bouvardin, NSC146109, and a novel compound that we named erastin. These compounds have increased activity in the presence of hTERT, the SV40 large and small T oncoproteins, the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV) E6 and E7 oncoproteins, and oncogenic HRAS. We found that overexpressing hTERT and either E7 or LT increased expression of topoisomerase 2alpha and that overexpressing RAS(V12) and ST both increased expression of topoisomerase 1 and sensitized cells to a nonapoptotic cell death process initiated by erastin.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Death; Cell Line; Cell Transformation, Viral; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; Fibroblasts; Fluoresceins; Fluorescent Dyes; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genetic Engineering; Genotype; Humans; Inhibitory Concentration 50; Molecular Structure; Oncogene Proteins; Piperazines; Retroviridae; Tumor Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 12676586
DOI: 10.1016/s1535-6108(03)00050-3 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation May 2022A combination of anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1/PD-L1 is the most effective cancer immunotherapy but causes high incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Here we...
A combination of anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1/PD-L1 is the most effective cancer immunotherapy but causes high incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Here we report that targeting of HIF-1α suppressed PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, but unexpectedly induced PD-L1 in normal tissues by an IFN-γ-dependent mechanism. Targeting the HIF-1α/PD-L1 axis in tumor cells reactivated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and caused tumor rejection. The HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin potentiated the cancer immunotherapeutic effects of anti-CTLA-4 therapy, with efficacy comparable to that of anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-1 antibodies. However, while anti-PD-1 exacerbated irAEs triggered by ipilimumab, echinomycin protected mice against irAEs by increasing PD-L1 levels in normal tissues. Our data suggest that targeting HIF-1α fortifies the immune tolerance function of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint in normal tissues but abrogates its immune evasion function in the tumor microenvironment to achieve safer and more effective immunotherapy.
Topics: Animals; B7-H1 Antigen; Echinomycin; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Immune Evasion; Immune Tolerance; Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating; Mice; Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35239514
DOI: 10.1172/JCI150846 -
Journal of Hematology & Oncology May 2023Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of several human cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL),...
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of several human cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), which preferentially arise in immunocompromised patients while lack of effective therapeutic options. Oncoproteins Myc and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) have been found closely related to KSHV infection, replication and oncogenesis. However, the strategies of dual targeting these two oncoproteins have never been developed and tested for treatments of KSHV-related malignancies. In the current study, we report that treatment of echinomycin dramatically regresses cell growth both in vitro-cultured KSHV + tumor cells and in vivo KS or PEL xenograft mice models, through simultaneously inhibiting Myc and HIF1α expression. Echinomycin treatment also induces viral lytic gene expression whereas not increasing infectious virions production from KSHV + tumor cells. Our comparative transcriptomic analysis has identified a bunch of new Echinomycin-regulated, Myc- and HIF1α-related genes contributed to KSHV pathogenesis, including KDM4B and Tau, which are required for the survival of KSHV + tumor cells with functional validation. These data together reveal that dual targeting Myc and HIF1α such as using Echinomycin may represent a new and promising option for treatments of these virus-associated malignancies.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Herpesvirus 8, Human; Echinomycin; Virus Latency; Sarcoma, Kaposi; Cell Cycle; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases
PubMed: 37143124
DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01441-5 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Sepsis Associated Encephalopathy (SAE) is a common complication in critically ill patients and perioperative period, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. This study...
OBJECTIVE
Sepsis Associated Encephalopathy (SAE) is a common complication in critically ill patients and perioperative period, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of the HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α)/BNIP3L (Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interaction protein) signaling pathway on SAE.
METHODS
C57BL/6J male mice were divided into four groups, using a random number table method: control group, sham group, sepsis group, sepsis+HIF-1α activity inhibitor (echinomycin) group. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). At 24 h after surgery, brain tissue was sampled. HE was staining to observe changes in the hippocampus structure. Fluoroscopy observes changes in mitochondrial structure. Western blot, QT-PCR, and immunofluorescence were used to assess the amount of expression of HIF-1α and BNIP3L in the hippocampus and mitochondrion of hippocampus neurons. Observation of neuronal apoptosis by TUNEL staining. Seven days after surgery, mice were tested in a Morris water maze test to assess cognitive function after CLP.
RESULTS
Our results show that CLP-induced hippocampus-dependent cognitive deficits were accompanied with increased HIF 1a and decreased BNIP3L, increased protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β, and damage to mitochondrial structures and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus. In addition, administration of echinomycin rescues cognitive deficits, ameliorates HIF-1α and BNIP3L-mediated neuronal pyroptosis and damaged mitochondrial structures, and decreases the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the hippocampus.
CONCLUSIONS
HIF-1α and the BNIP3L promote mitochondrial damage, and neuronal apoptosis and the expression of inflammatory factors may be the mechanism of SAE in critically ill patients and perioperative period.
Topics: Mice; Male; Animals; Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Critical Illness; Echinomycin; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Interleukin-6; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Sepsis; Cognition
PubMed: 36569834
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1095427 -
RSC Advances Sep 2019Echinomycin, a DNA bis-intercalator peptide, belongs to the family of quinoxaline antibiotics. Echinomycin exhibits potent antitumor and antimicrobial activity. However,...
Echinomycin, a DNA bis-intercalator peptide, belongs to the family of quinoxaline antibiotics. Echinomycin exhibits potent antitumor and antimicrobial activity. However, it is highly water insoluble and suffers from low bioavailability and unwanted side effects. Therefore, developing new formulations and delivery systems that can enhance echinomycin solubility and therapeutic potency is needed for further clinical application. In this study, echinomycin has been complexed into the hydrophobic cavity of γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) then encapsulated into PEGylated liposomes. The anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effect has been evaluated against U-87 MG glioblastoma cells. Echinomycin-in-γCD inclusion complexes have been characterized by phase solubility assay, TLC, and H-NMR. The echinomycin-in-γCD inclusion complexes have been loaded into liposomes using a thin film hydration method to end up with echinomycin-in-γCD-in-liposomes. Drug-loaded liposomes were able to inhibit cell proliferation with IC of 1.0 nM. Moreover, echinomycin-in-γCD-in-liposomes were found to inhibit the invasion of U-87 MG cells using the spheroid gel invasion assay. In conclusion, the current work describes for the first time γCD-echinomycin complexes and their encapsulation into PEGylated liposomes.
PubMed: 35529392
DOI: 10.1039/c9ra05636j -
F&S Science May 2022To investigate the antitumor effects of the selective hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) inhibitors echinomycin and PX-478 on uterine fibroids.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the antitumor effects of the selective hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) inhibitors echinomycin and PX-478 on uterine fibroids.
DESIGN
Experimental study using in vitro primary culture systems and an in vivo mouse xenograft model.
SETTING
Academic university center.
PATIENT(S)
Women with uterine fibroids who underwent hysterectomy or myomectomy.
INTERVENTION(S)
Administration of the selective HIF-1 inhibitors echinomycin and PX-478 to the media of the primary cultured uterine fibroid cells and to nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing fibroid xenografts consisting of the primary cultured fibroid cells and type Ⅰ collagen gels beneath the kidney capsule.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay and by measuring caspase 3 and 7 activities. The xenografts were evaluated by gross appearance, surface area, and histology. The Ki-67 index was measured to evaluate proliferation of the xenografts.
RESULT(S)
Both echinomycin and PX-478 inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in fibroid cells cultured under hypoxia and normoxia. Enlargement of the fibroid xenografts was significantly attenuated. The Ki-67 index significantly decreased after the administration of the HIF-1 inhibitors in the xenograft model. Eight of 27 xenografts treated with the HIF-1 inhibitors contained calcification and hyalinizing components from 3 days after the grafting to 2 weeks, suggesting that the HIF-inhibitors induce degeneration of the fibroid xenografts.
CONCLUSION(S)
The selective HIF-1 inhibitors echinomycin and PX-478 show antitumor effects against uterine fibroids both in vitro and in vivo. These findings support the potential use of HIF-1 inhibitors for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
Topics: Animals; Echinomycin; Female; Humans; Hypoxia; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1; Ki-67 Antigen; Leiomyoma; Mice; Mustard Compounds; Phenylpropionates
PubMed: 35560016
DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.01.005 -
Biopolymers Sep 2010The bisintercalator natural products are a family of nonribosomal peptides possessing a range of biological properties that include antiviral, antibiotic, and anticancer... (Review)
Review
The bisintercalator natural products are a family of nonribosomal peptides possessing a range of biological properties that include antiviral, antibiotic, and anticancer activities. The name bisintercalator is derived from the ability to directly bind to duplex DNA through two planar intercalating moieties. Although 19 members of this family of compounds have been identified over the past 50 years, the biosynthetic genes responsible for the formation of four of these molecules (thiocoraline, SW-163, triostin A, and echinomycin) were identified only recently. This recent progress opens an avenue towards understanding how Nature produces these bisintercalating products and provides the potential to develop and identify novel potent analogous lead compounds for clinical applications. This review discusses the mode of action of bisintercalators and summarizes recent genetic and biochemical insights into their biosynthetic production, analog formation, and possible mechanisms by which resistance to these compounds is achieved by their producing organisms.
Topics: Drug Resistance, Microbial; Intercalating Agents; Peptides, Cyclic; Quinoxalines
PubMed: 20578002
DOI: 10.1002/bip.21489 -
Marine Drugs May 2014Diverse actinomycetes produce a family of structurally and biosynthetically related non-ribosomal peptide compounds which belong to the chromodepsipeptide family. These... (Review)
Review
Diverse actinomycetes produce a family of structurally and biosynthetically related non-ribosomal peptide compounds which belong to the chromodepsipeptide family. These compounds act as bisintercalators into the DNA helix. They give rise to antitumor, antiparasitic, antibacterial and antiviral bioactivities. These compounds show a high degree of conserved modularity (chromophores, number and type of amino acids). This modularity and their high sequence similarities at the genetic level imply a common biosynthetic origin for these pathways. Here, we describe insights about rules governing this modular biosynthesis, taking advantage of the fact that nowadays five of these gene clusters have been made public (thiocoraline, triostin, SW-163 and echinomycin/quinomycin). This modularity has potential application for designing and producing novel genetic engineered derivatives, as well as for developing new chemical synthesis strategies. These would facilitate their clinical development.
Topics: Actinobacteria; Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Humans; Intercalating Agents; Structure-Activity Relationship
PubMed: 24821625
DOI: 10.3390/md12052668 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide. GDM patients have a significantly higher rate of cesarean section and postpartum...
BACKGROUND
The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide. GDM patients have a significantly higher rate of cesarean section and postpartum hemorrhage, suggesting changes in uterine contractility. TWIK-1-related potassium channel (TREK1) expressed in the pregnant uterus and its role in uterine contraction. In this study, we examined the expression of HIF-1α and TREK1 proteins in GDM uterine and investigated whether high glucose levels are involved in the regulation of human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs) contraction through TREK1, and verified the role of HIF-1α in this process.
METHODS
Compared the uterine contractility between GDM and normal patients undergoing elective lower segment cesarean section. The HUSMCs were divided into normal glucose group, high glucose group, normal glucose with CoCl2 group, CoCl2 with echinomycin/L-Methionine group, and high glucose with echinomycin/L-Methionine group; Compare the cell contractility of each group. Compared the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and TREK1 protein in each group.
RESULTS
The contractility of human uterine strips induced by both KCl and oxytocin was significantly lower in patients with GDM compared with that in normal individuals, with increased TREK1 and HIF-1α protein expression. The contractility of cultured HUSMCs was significantly decreased under high glucose levels, which was consistent with increased expression of HIF-1α and TREK1 proteins. The contractility of HUSMCs was decreased when hypoxia was induced by CoCl2 and increased when hypoxia was inhibited by echinomycin. The TREK1 inhibitor L-methionine also recovered the decreased contractility of HUSMCs under high glucose levels or hypoxia.
DISCUSSION
The high glucose levels decreased the contractility of the myometrium, and increased expression of HIF-1a and TREK1 proteins play a role in changes in uterus contractility.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Cesarean Section; Cobalt; Echinomycin; Glucose; Hypoxia; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Methionine; Myometrium
PubMed: 36909311
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1115619 -
Nucleic Acids Research May 2023Combination cancer chemotherapy is one of the most useful treatment methods to achieve a synergistic effect and reduce the toxicity of dosing with a single drug. Here,...
Combination cancer chemotherapy is one of the most useful treatment methods to achieve a synergistic effect and reduce the toxicity of dosing with a single drug. Here, we use a combination of two well-established anticancer DNA intercalators, actinomycin D (ActD) and echinomycin (Echi), to screen their binding capabilities with DNA duplexes containing different mismatches embedded within Watson-Crick base-pairs. We have found that combining ActD and Echi preferentially stabilised thymine-related T:T mismatches. The enhanced stability of the DNA duplex-drug complexes is mainly due to the cooperative binding of the two drugs to the mismatch duplex, with many stacking interactions between the two different drug molecules. Since the repair of thymine-related mismatches is less efficient in mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient cancer cells, we have also demonstrated that the combination of ActD and Echi exhibits enhanced synergistic effects against MMR-deficient HCT116 cells and synergy is maintained in a MMR-related MLH1 gene knockdown in SW620 cells. We further accessed the clinical potential of the two-drug combination approach with a xenograft mouse model of a colorectal MMR-deficient cancer, which has resulted in a significant synergistic anti-tumour effect. The current study provides a novel approach for the development of combination chemotherapy for the treatment of cancers related to DNA-mismatches.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Dactinomycin; Echinomycin; Thymine; Base Sequence; Binding Sites; Nucleic Acid Conformation; DNA; Colorectal Neoplasms
PubMed: 36919604
DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad156