c-FLIP Degradation Research Articles

Withanolide E sensitizes renal carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by increasing cFLIP degradation.

Withanolide E, a steroidal lactone from Physalis peruviana, was found to be highly active for sensitizing renal carcinoma cells and a number of other human cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated apoptosis. Withanolide E, the most potent and least toxic of five TRAIL-sensitizing withanolides identified, enhanced death receptor-mediated apoptotic signaling by a rapid decline in the levels of cFLIP proteins. Other mechanisms by which TRAIL sensitizers have been reported to work: generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in pro-and antiapoptotic protein expression, death receptor upregulation, activation of intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathways, ER stress, and proteasomal inhibition proved to be irrelevant to withanolide E activity. Loss of cFLIP proteins was not due to changes in expression, but rather destabilization and/or aggregation, suggesting impairment of chaperone proteins leading to degradation. Indeed, withanolide E treatment altered the stability of a number of HSP90 client proteins, but with greater apparent specificity than the well-known HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin. As cFLIP has been reported to be an HSP90 client, this provides a potentially novel mechanism for sensitizing cells to TRAIL. Sensitization of human renal carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by withanolide E and its lack of toxicity were confirmed in animal studies. Owing to its novel activity, withanolide E is a promising reagent for the analysis of mechanisms of TRAIL resistance, for understanding HSP90 function, and for further therapeutic development. In marked contrast to bortezomib, among the best currently available TRAIL sensitizers, withanolide E's more specific mechanism of action suggests minimal toxic side effects.

Accelerated Degradation of cFLIP Mediated By Inhibition of Methyltransferases Sensitizes B-Cell Lymphoma Cells to TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis

IntroductionNon-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are characterized by specific abnormalities that alter cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, and apoptotic signaling. Cancer cells can be particularly sensitive to cell death induced by tumor necrosis factor a–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). However, many cancer cells show blocked TRAIL signaling because up-regulated expression of anti-apoptotic factors such as cFLIP. Thus, by further understanding the underpinnings of apoptosis resistance, we will be in a better position to develop strategies that improve TRAIL-induced killing of lymphoma cells.Methods/ResultsNHL cell lines, including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; Mino, JeKo-1, JVM-2 and Z-138), Burkitt lymphoma (BL; Bjab, Ramos, Daudi) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; SU-DHL-4, SU-DHL -6, SU-DHL-9) were treated with 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep); 0.2-5µM) for 24 hours followed by incubation with TRAIL (10-20ng/ml, 6-16hours). Cell death, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were determined by calcein staining, subG1 analysis, and TMRM staining, respectively. Neither DZNep alone nor in combination with TRAIL showed a significant induction of necrosis as determined by LDH-release levels, but DZNep alone showed strong anti-proliferative properties at higher concentrations. Activation of the caspase signaling cascade (caspase-8, -3, and PARP cleavage) was analyzed by Western blotting. TRAIL-induced signaling was significantly increased and caspase-8 processing enhanced in DZNep pretreated cells indicating a regulation at the TRAIL/DISC assembly. Although we observed a reduced expression of DR5 in total cell lysates of DZNep treated cells, the surface receptor levels were not altered. Interestingly, down regulation of the well-known caspase inhibitor, cFLIP, correlated with the DZNep-induced increased TRAIL cell killing in all sensitive NHL cells. The DZNep-treatment did not block NF-kB signaling related to cFLIP expression but profoundly affected cFLIP mRNA and protein stability. Elevated levels of cFLIP targeting miRNA’s were observed and were attributed to some extend with cFLIP regulation.Conclusions: In this study, we investigated the impact of a pan-methyltransferase inhibitor (3-deazaneplanocin A, or DZNep) on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in aggressive NHLs: mantle cell, Burkitt, and diffuse large B-cell. We characterized TRAIL apoptosis regulation and caspase activation in several NHL cell lines pre-treated with DZNep. We found that DZNep increased cancer cell sensitivity to TRAIL signaling by promoting caspase-8 processing through accelerated cFLIP degradation. Blockage of methyltransferase activity induced by DZNep profoundly affected cFLIP mRNA and protein stability, at least in part through increased levels of cFLIP-targeting microRNAs (miR-512-3p and miR-346). However, additional microRNAs and cFLIP-regulating mechanisms appear to be involved in DZNep-mediated enhanced response to extrinsic apoptotic stimuli. The capacity of DZNep to target cFLIP expression on multiple levels underscores its potential in TRAIL-based therapies for NHLs. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

C-FLIP links mTORC2 to apoptosis.

c-FLIP links mTORC2 to apoptosis.

High throughput screening for inhibitors of the HECT ubiquitin E3 ligase ITCH identifies antidepressant drugs as regulators of autophagy.

Inhibition of distinct ubiquitin E3 ligases might represent a powerful therapeutic tool. ITCH is a HECT domain-containing E3 ligase that promotes the ubiquitylation and degradation of several proteins, including p73, p63, c-Jun, JunB, Notch and c-FLIP, thus affecting cell fate. Accordingly, ITCH depletion potentiates the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs, revealing ITCH as a potential pharmacological target in cancer therapy. Using high throughput screening of ITCH auto-ubiquitylation, we identified several putative ITCH inhibitors, one of which is clomipramine—a clinically useful antidepressant drug. Previously, we have shown that clomipramine inhibits autophagy by blocking autophagolysosomal fluxes and thus could potentiate chemotherapy in vitro. Here, we found that clomipramine specifically blocks ITCH auto-ubiquitylation, as well as p73 ubiquitylation. By screening structural homologs of clomipramine, we identified several ITCH inhibitors and putative molecular moieties that are essential for ITCH inhibition. Treating a panel of breast, prostate and bladder cancer cell lines with clomipramine, or its homologs, we found that they reduce cancer cell growth, and synergize with gemcitabine or mitomycin in killing cancer cells by blocking autophagy. We also discuss a potential mechanism of inhibition. Together, our study (i) demonstrates the feasibility of using high throughput screening to identify E3 ligase inhibitors and (ii) provides insight into how clomipramine and its structural homologs might interfere with ITCH and other HECT E3 ligase catalytic activity in (iii) potentiating chemotherapy by regulating autophagic fluxes. These results may have direct clinical applications.

MUC16 mucin (CA125) attenuates TRAIL-induced apoptosis by decreasing TRAIL receptor R2 expression and increasing c-FLIP expression

BackgroundMUC16 (CA125) is a large transmembrane mucin protein (> 200 kDa) aberrantly expressed in approximately 80% of human epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). MUC16 expression in EOC cells is associated with increased tumorigenesis and inhibiton of genotoxic drug-induced apoptosis. However, the mechanism by which MUC16 mediates these effects is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms by which MUC16 attenuates TRAIL-induced apoptosis.MethodsMUC16 expression was down-regulated by stably expressing an anti-MUC16 single-chain antibody (scFv) targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which prevents cell surface localization of MUC16 in OVCAR3 cells. We also generated a MUC16 C-terminal domain (MUC16CTD) construct that was stably expressed in MUC16 negative SKOV3 cells.ResultsWe show that MUC16 attenuates apoptosis, activation of caspase-8 and mitochondria activation in EOC cells in response to TRAIL. MUC16 decreases TRAIL receptor R2 (DR5) expression and inhibits pro-caspase-8 activation at the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). MUC16CTD expression is sufficient to attenuate the TRAIL signaling cascade. MUC16 knockdown decreases caspase-8 inhibitor cFLIP mRNA levels, increases cFLIP degradation, and consequently increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Down-regulation of cFLIP following treatment of MUC16-expressing OVCAR3 cells with cFLIP siRNA also increases TRAIL-induced apoptosis.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that MUC16 protects EOC cells against TRAIL-induced apoptosis through multiple mechanisms including the blockade of TRAIL R2 expression and the regulation of cFLIP expression at both the transcriptional and the protein level.

Histone 3 Methyltransferase (EZH2) Inhibition Enhances TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis In Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cells By Accelerated cFLIP Degradation

Introduction Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is characterized by the t(11:14)(q13:p32) translocation. MCL cells have altered cyclinD1 levels, impaired cell cycle regulation, DNA damage response, and likely defects in apoptosis signaling. Furthermore, up-regulated anti-apoptotic mediators such as the target of NF-κB c-FLIP were correlated with decreased apoptosis signaling. Also many cancer cells and malignant tumors show a prevalent resistance to apoptosis induction by TRAIL. Thus, by understanding the underpinnings of apoptosis resistance, we will be in a better position to develop strategies that improve TRAIL-induced killing of lymphoma cells. Methods/Results MCL cell lines (Mino, JeKo-1, JVM-2 and Z-138) were treated with DZNep (3-Deazaneplanocin A; 0.2-5µM) for 24 h followed by incubation with TRAIL (10-20ng/ml, 6-16h). Cell death, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) were determined by calcein staining, subG1 analysis, and TMRM staining, respectively. Neither DZnep alone nor in combination with TRAIL showed a significant induction of necrosis as determined by LDH-release levels, but DZNep alone showed strong antiproliferative properties at higher concentrations (Promega CellTiter 96 assay). Activation of the caspase signaling cascade (caspase-8, -9, -3, Bid, and PARP cleavage) was analyzed by Western blotting. TRAIL-induced signaling was significantly increased and caspase-8 processing enhanced in DZNep pretreated cells indicating a regulation at the TRAIL/DISC. Although a reduced expression of DR5 in total cell lysates of DZNep treated cell was observed, the surface receptor levels were not altered. Interestingly, downregulation of the well-known caspase inhibitor, cFLIP, correlated with the DZNep-induced increased TRAIL sensitivity in MCL cell lines. However, it appears that cFLIP levels are not reduced due to blocked NF-kB signaling but rather by an accelerated ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Conclusions This study reveals that inhibition of histone methyltransferase (EZH2) activity by DZNep has a profound positive impact on TRAIL signaling; it enhances TRAIL sensitivity by promoting processing of caspase-8 through enhanced cFLIP degradation. The capacity of DZNep to target stability of cFLIP, which represents a center piece in DISC regulation underscores its potential for enhancing efficacy of TRAIL-based cancer therapies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Novel Phosphorylation and Ubiquitination Sites Regulate Reactive Oxygen Species-dependent Degradation of Anti-apoptotic c-FLIP Protein

The cytosolic protein c-FLIP (cellular Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin 1β-converting enzyme inhibitory protein) is an inhibitor of death receptor-mediated apoptosis that is up-regulated in a variety of cancers, contributing to apoptosis resistance. Several compounds found to restore sensitivity of cancer cells to TRAIL, a TNF family death ligand with promising therapeutic potential, act by targeting c-FLIP ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in c-FLIP protein degradation. However, the mechanism by which ROS post-transcriptionally regulate c-FLIP protein levels is not well understood. We show here that treatment of prostate cancer PPC-1 cells with the superoxide generators menadione, paraquat, or buthionine sulfoximine down-regulates c-FLIP long (c-FLIP(L)) protein levels, which is prevented by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Furthermore, pretreatment of PPC-1 cells with a ROS scavenger prevented ubiquitination and loss of c-FLIP(L) protein induced by menadione or paraquat. We identified lysine 167 as a novel ubiquitination site of c-FLIP(L) important for ROS-dependent degradation. We also identified threonine 166 as a novel phosphorylation site and demonstrate that Thr-166 phosphorylation is required for ROS-induced Lys-167 ubiquitination. The mutation of either Thr-166 or Lys-167 was sufficient to stabilize c-FLIP protein levels in PPC-1, HEK293T, and HeLa cancer cells treated with menadione or paraquat. Accordingly, expression of c-FLIP T166A or K167R mutants protected cells from ROS-mediated sensitization to TRAIL-induced cell death. Our findings reveal novel ROS-dependent post-translational modifications of the c-FLIP protein that regulate its stability, thus impacting sensitivity of cancer cells to TRAIL.

Abstract 4609: Novel phosphorylation and ubiquitination sites regulate ROS-dependent degradation of c-FLIP and sensitization of cancer cells to TRAIL.

Abstract The cytosolic protein c-FLIP (cellular Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin 1β-converting enzyme inhibitory protein) is an inhibitor of death receptor-mediated apoptosis that is up-regulated in a variety of cancers, contributing to apoptosis resistance. Several compounds found to restore sensitivity of cancer cells to TRAIL, a TNF family death ligand with promising therapeutic potential, act by targeting c-FLIP ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in c-FLIP protein degradation. However, the mechanism by which ROS post-transcriptionally regulate c-FLIP protein levels is not well understood. We show here that treatment of prostate cancer PPC-1 cells with the superoxide generators menadione or paraquat down-regulates c-FLIP long (c-FLIPL) protein levels, which is prevented by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Furthermore, pretreatment of PPC-1 cells with a ROS scavenger prevented ubiquitination and loss of c-FLIPL protein induced by menadione or paraquat. We identified lysine 167 as a novel ubiquitination site of c-FLIPL important for ROS-dependent degradation. We also identified threonine 166 as a novel phosphorylation site and demonstrate that T166 phosphorylation is required for ROS-induced K167 ubiquitination. The mutation of either T166 or K167 was sufficient to stabilize c-FLIP protein levels in PPC-1, HEK293T, and HeLa cancer cells treated with menadione or paraquat. Accordingly, expression of c-FLIP T166A or K167R mutants protected cells from ROS-mediated sensitization to TRAIL-induced cell death. Our findings reveal novel ROS-dependent post-translational modifications of c-FLIP that regulate c-FLIP protein degradation and subsequent sensitization of cancer cells to TRAIL. Citation Format: Rachel P. Wilkie-Grantham, Shu-Ichi Matsuzawa, John C. Reed. Novel phosphorylation and ubiquitination sites regulate ROS-dependent degradation of c-FLIP and sensitization of cancer cells to TRAIL. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4609. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4609

MTOR Complex 2 Is Involved in Regulation of Cbl-Dependent c-FLIP Degradation and Sensitivity of TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis

The mTOR positively regulates cell proliferation and survival through forming 2 complexes with raptor (mTOR complex 1; mTORC1) or rictor (mTOR complex 2; mTORC2). Compared with the mTORC1, relatively little is known about the biologic functions of mTORC2. This study focuses on addressing whether mTORC2 regulates apoptosis, particularly induced by TRAIL (TNFSF10). Using the mTOR kinase inhibitor, PP242, as a research tool, we found that it synergized with TRAIL to augment apoptosis of cancer cells. PP242 reduced the abundance of the short form of c-FLIP (FLIP(S), CFLAR(S)) and survivin (BIRC5). Enforced expression of ectopic FLIP(S), but not survivin, attenuated augmented apoptosis induced by PP242 plus TRAIL. Thus, it is FLIP(S) downregulation that contributes to synergistic induction of apoptosis by PP242 plus TRAIL. PP242 decreased FLIP(S) stability, increased FLIP(S) ubiquitination, and facilitated FLIP(S) degradation. Moreover, knockdown of the E3 ligase Cbl (CBL) abolished PP242-induced FLIP(S) reduction. Thus, PP242 induces Cbl-dependent degradation of FLIP(S), leading to FLIP(S) downregulation. Consistently, knockdown of rictor or mTOR, but not raptor, mimicked PP242 in decreasing FLIP(S) levels and sensitizing cells to TRAIL. Rictor knockdown decreased FLIP(S) stability, whereas enforced expression of rictor stabilized FLIP(S). Moreover, silencing of Cbl abrogated FLIP(S) reduction induced by rictor knockdown. Collectively we conclude that it is mTORC2 inhibition that results in FLIP(S) downregulation and subsequent sensitization of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our findings provide the first evidence showing that mTORC2 stabilizes FLIP(S), hence connecting mTORC2 signaling to the regulation of death receptor-mediated apoptosis.

Ku70 acetylation and modulation of c-Myc/ATF4/CHOP signaling axis by SIRT1 inhibition lead to sensitization of HepG2 cells to TRAIL through induction of DR5 and down-regulation of c-FLIP

In this study, we investigated the role of c-Myc/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway in sensitization of human hepatoma HepG2 cells to TRAIL. Knockdown of SIRT1 or treatment with SIRT1 inhibitor caused the up-regulation of DR5 and down-regulation of c-FLIP through modulation of c-Myc/ATF4/CHOP pathway, and subsequently enhanced the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of TRAIL on HepG2 cells. Interestingly, SIRT1 interacted directly with c-FLIPL and Ku70, and treatment with SIRT1 inhibitor enhanced acetylation of Ku70 and subsequently decreased its binding to c-FLIP. And this was followed by degradation of c-FLIP. Moreover, Ku70−/− MEF and Ku70-knockdown HepG2 cells showed the increased levels of c-Myc, ATF4, CHOP, and DR5 and decreased level of c-FLIP. These results were followed by increased sensitivity of Ku70−/− MEF cells and Ku70-knockdown HepG2 cells to TRAIL compared with their control cells. These findings reveal for the first time that SIRT1 inhibition increases Ku70 acetylation, and the acetylated Ku70 with a decreased function mediates the induction of DR5 and the down-regulation of c-FLIP by up-regulating c-Myc/ATF4/CHOP pathway, and consequently promotes the TRAIL-induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells. This study provides important mechanistic insight of the synergism exhibited by SIRT1 inhibition and TRAIL.

CHOP down-regulates cFLIPLexpression by promoting ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated cFLIPLdegradation

The transcription factor CHOP/GADD153 is induced during the unfolded protein response and is related to the induction of ER stress-mediated apoptosis. However, how CHOP is organized between the pro-survival and pro-apoptotic roles of ER stress remains largely undefined. In this study, we identified the apoptosis regulating protein suppressed by CHOP. We found that treatment of Caki cells with CHOP-inducing drugs including withaferin A, thapsigargin, brefeldin A, and silybin led to a strong reduction in cFLIP(L) protein levels together with a concomitant increase in the CHOP protein. Interestingly, Wit A down-regulated cFLIP(L) expression via both suppressing mRNA transcription and increasing cFLIPL protein instability. We also found that forced expression of CHOP dose-dependently led to a decrease of cFLIP(L) protein expression but did not alter cFLIP(L) mRNA levels. Additionally, we observed that siRNA-mediated CHOP silencing recovered the cFLIP(L) expression decreased by CHOP-inducing agents in Caki cells. Finally, we showed that CHOP facilitates ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated cFLIP(L) degradation, leading to down-regulation of cFLIP(L). Finally, cFLIP(L) over-expression reduced cell death induced by treatment with brefeldin A, thapsigargin, and silybin. Taken together, our results provide novel evidence that cFLIP(L) is a CHOP control target and that CHOP-induced down-regulation of cFLIP(L) is due to activation of the ubiquitin/proteasome pathways.

Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Multipotent Stromal Cells/Mesenchymal Stem Cells upon Exposure to Fas Ligand

Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) can be differentiated into osteoblasts and chondrocytes, making these cells candidates to regenerate cranio-facial injuries and lesions in long bones. A major problem with cell replacement therapy, however, is the loss of transplanted MSCs at the site of graft. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nonspecific inflammation generated at the ischemic site have been hypothesized to lead to MSCs loss; studies in vitro show MSCs dying both in the presence of ROS or cytokines like FasL. We questioned whether MSCs themselves may be the source of these death inducers, specifically whether MSCs produce ROS under cytokine challenge. On treating MSCs with FasL, we observed increased ROS production within 2 h, leading to apoptotic death after 6 h of exposure to the cytokine. N-acetyl cysteine, an antioxidant, is able to protect MSCs from FasL-induced ROS production and subsequent ROS-dependent apoptosis, though the MSCs eventually succumb to ROS-independent death signaling. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a cell survival factor, is able to protect cells from FasL-induced ROS production initially; however, the protective effect wanes with continued FasL exposure. In parallel, FasL induces upregulation of the uncoupling protein UCP2, the main uncoupling protein in MSCs, which is not abrogated by EGF; however, the production of ROS is followed by a delayed apoptotic cell death despite moderation by UCP2. FasL-induced ROS activates the stress-induced MAPK pathways JNK and p38MAPK as well as ERK, along with the activation of Bad, a proapoptotic protein, and suppression of survivin, an antiapoptotic protein; the latter two key modulators of the mitochondrial death pathway. FasL by itself also activates its canonical extrinsic death pathway noted by a time-dependent degradation of c-FLIP and activation of caspase 8. These data suggest that MSCs participate in their own demise due to nonspecific inflammation, holding implications for replacement therapies.

Abstract 261: The novel Akt inhibitor API-1 induces c-FLIP degradation and synergizes with TRAIL to augment apoptosis independent of Akt inhibition

Abstract API-1 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of Akt, which acts by binding to Akt and preventing its membrane translocation, and has promising preclinical antitumor activity. In this study, we reveal a novel function of API-1 in regulation of c-FLIP levels and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis, independent of Akt inhibition. API-1 effectively induced apoptosis in tested cancer cell lines including activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9. It reduced the levels of c-FLIP without increasing the expression of DR4 or DR5. Accordingly, it synergized with TRAIL to induce apoptosis. Enforced expression of ectopic c-FLIP did not attenuate API-1-induced apoptosis, but inhibited its ability to enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that downregulation of c-FLIP mediates enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by API-1, but is not sufficient for API-1-induced apoptosis. API-1-induced reduction of c-FLIP could be blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Moreover, API-1 increased c-FLIP ubiquitination and decreased c-FLIP stability. These data together suggest that API-1 downregulates c-FLIP by facilitating its ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation. Since other Akt inhibitors including API-2 and MK2206 had minimal effects on reducing c-FLIP and enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis, it is likely that API-1 reduces c-FLIP and enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis independent of its Akt-inhibitory activity. (This study was supported by the Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholar award and National Cancer Institute NIH SPORE P50 grant CA128613. F.R.K. and S-Y.S. are Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholars) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 261. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-261

The Novel Akt Inhibitor API-1 Induces c-FLIP Degradation and Synergizes with TRAIL to Augment Apoptosis Independent of Akt Inhibition

API-1 (pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines) is a novel small-molecule inhibitor of Akt, which acts by binding to Akt and preventing its membrane translocation and has promising preclinical antitumor activity. In this study, we reveal a novel function of API-1 in regulation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) levels and TRAIL-induced apoptosis, independent of Akt inhibition. API-1 effectively induced apoptosis in tested cancer cell lines including activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9. It reduced the levels of c-FLIP without increasing the expression of death receptor 4 (DR4) or DR5. Accordingly, it synergized with TRAIL to induce apoptosis. Enforced expression of ectopic c-FLIP did not attenuate API-1-induced apoptosis but inhibited its ability to enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that downregulation of c-FLIP mediates enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by API-1 but is not sufficient for API-1-induced apoptosis. API-1-induced reduction of c-FLIP could be blocked by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Moreover, API-1 increased c-FLIP ubiquitination and decreased c-FLIP stability. These data together suggest that API-1 downregulates c-FLIP by facilitating its ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation. Because other Akt inhibitors including API-2 and MK2206 had minimal effects on reducing c-FLIP and enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis, it is likely that API-1 reduces c-FLIP and enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis independent of its Akt-inhibitory activity.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor-associated Factor 7 Is Required for TNFα-induced Jun NH2-terminal Kinase Activation and Promotes Cell Death by Regulating Polyubiquitination and Lysosomal Degradation of c-FLIP Protein

The pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α signals both cell survival and death. The biological outcome of TNFα treatment is determined by the balance between survival factors and Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which promotes cell death. Here, we show that TRAF7, the most recently identified member of the TNF receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) family of proteins, is essential for activation of JNK following TNFα stimulation. We also show that TRAF6 and TRAF7 promote unconventional polyubiquitination of the anti-apoptotic protein c-FLIP(L) and demonstrate that degradation of c-FLIP(L) also occurs through a lysosomal pathway. RNA interference-mediated depletion of TRAF7 correlates with increased c-FLIP(L) expression level, which, in turn, results in resistance to TNFα cytotoxicity. Collectively, our results indicate an important role for TRAF7 in the activation of JNK following TNFα stimulation and clearly point to an involvement of this protein in regulating the turnover of c-FLIP and, consequently, cell death.

The NEDD8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor, MLN4924, Cooperates with TRAIL to Augment Apoptosis through Facilitating c-FLIP Degradation in Head and Neck Cancer Cells

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a tumor-selective cytokine with potential anticancer activity and is currently under clinical testing. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), like other cancer types, exhibits varied sensitivity to TRAIL. MLN4924 is a newly developed investigational small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme with potent anticancer activity. This study reveals a novel function of MLN4924 in synergizing with TRAIL to induce apoptosis in HNSCC cells. MLN4924 alone effectively inhibited the growth of HNSCC cells and induced apoptosis. When combined with TRAIL, synergistic effects on decreasing the survival and inducing apoptosis of HNSCC cells occurred. MLN4924 decreased c-FLIP levels without modulating death receptor 4 and death receptor 5 expression. Enforced expression of c-FLIP substantially attenuated MLN4924/TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Thus c-FLIP reduction plays an important role in mediating MLN4924/TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Moreover, MLN4924 decreased c-FLIP stability, increased c-FLIP ubiquitination, and facilitated c-FLIP degradation, suggesting that MLN4924 decreases c-FLIP levels through promoting its degradation. MLN4924 activated c-jun-NH(2)-kinase (JNK) signaling, evidenced by increased levels of phospho-c-Jun in MLN4924-treated cells. Chemical inhibition of JNK activation not only prevented MLN4924-induced c-FLIP reduction, but also inhibited MLN4924/TRAIL-induced apoptosis, suggesting that JNK activation mediates c-FLIP downregulation and subsequent enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis by MLN4924. Because knockdown of NEDD8 failed to activate JNK signaling and downregulate c-FLIP, it is likely that MLN4924 reduces c-FLIP levels and enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis independent of NEDD8 inhibition.

Celecoxib Promotes c-FLIP Degradation through Akt-Independent Inhibition of GSK3

Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor that reduces the risk of colon cancer. However, the basis for its cancer chemopreventive activity is not fully understood. In this study, we defined a mechanism of celecoxib action based on degradation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), a major regulator of the death receptor pathway of apoptosis. c-FLIP protein levels are regulated by ubiquitination and proteasome-mediated degradation. We found that celecoxib controlled c-FLIP ubiquitination through Akt-independent inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), itself a candidate therapeutic target of interest in colon cancer. Celecoxib increased the levels of phosphorylated GSK3, including the α and β forms, even in cell lines, where phosphorylated Akt levels were not increased. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors abrogated Akt phosphorylation as expected but had no effect on celecoxib-induced GSK3 phosphorylation. In contrast, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors abolished celecoxib-induced GSK3 phosphorylation, implying that celecoxib influenced GSK3 phosphorylation through a mechanism that relied upon PKC and not Akt. GSK3 blockade either by siRNA or kinase inhibitors was sufficient to attenuate c-FLIP levels. Combining celecoxib with GSK3 inhibition enhanced attenuation of c-FLIP and increased apoptosis. Proteasome inhibitor MG132 reversed the effects of GSK3 inhibition and increased c-FLIP ubiquitination, confirming that c-FLIP attenuation was mediated by proteasomal turnover as expected. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism through which the regulatory effects of c-FLIP on death receptor signaling are controlled by GSK3, which celecoxib acts at an upstream level to control independently of Akt.

Modeling the TNFα-Induced Apoptosis Pathway in Hepatocytes

The proinflammatory cytokine TNFα fails to provoke cell death in isolated hepatocytes but has been implicated in hepatocyte apoptosis during liver diseases associated with chronic inflammation. Recently, we showed that TNFα is able to sensitize primary murine hepatocytes cultured on collagen to Fas ligand-induced apoptosis and presented a mathematical model of the sensitizing effect. Here, we analyze how TNFα induces apoptosis in combination with the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (ActD). Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to TNFR activation turns out to be critical for sustained activation of JNK which then triggers mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis. In addition, the amount of JNK is strongly upregulated in a ROS-dependent way. In contrast to TNFα plus cycloheximide no cFLIP degradation is observed suggesting a different apoptosis pathway in which the Itch-mediated cFLIP degradation and predominantly caspase-8 activation is not involved. Time-resolved data of the respective pro- and antiapoptotic factors are obtained and subjected to mathematical modeling. On the basis of these data we developed a mathematical model which reproduces the complex interplay regulating the phosphorylation status of JNK and generation of ROS. This model was fully integrated with our model of TNFα/Fas ligand sensitizing as well as with a published NF-κB-model. The resulting comprehensive model delivers insight in the dynamical interplay between the TNFα and FasL pathways, NF-κB and ROS and gives an example for successful model integration.

Abstract 4782: The NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor, MLN4924, cooperates with TRAIL to augment apoptosis through JNK-dependent downregulation of c-FLIP in head and neck cancer cells

Abstract The death ligand, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), is a tumor-selective cytokines with potential anticancer activity and is currently being tested in clinical trials. Like other types of cancers, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells posses varied sensitivity to TRAIL. MLN4924 is a newly developed small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme with potent anticancer activity. Elevated NEDD8 conjugation has been reported in HNSCC cells. However, the effects of MLN4924 on the growth of HNSCC cells and on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HNSCC cells have not been evaluated. In this study, we showed that MLN4924 effectively inhibited the growth of HNSCC cells (IC50s < 0.4 μM) with potent apoptosis-inducing activity. Moreover, MLN4924 synergized with TRAIL to decrease the survival and to induce apoptosis of HNSCC cells. Interestingly, MLN4924 decreased c-FLIP levels with minimal effects on DR4 and DR5 expression. Enforced expression of c-FLIP substantially attenuated MLN4924/TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that c-FLIP reduction plays an important role in mediating cooperative induction of apoptosis by the MLN4924 and TRAIL combination. Furthermore we found that MLN4924 decreased c-FLIP stability, increased c-FLIP ubiqutination and facilitated c-FLIP degradation, suggesting that MLN4924 decreases c-FLIP levels through promoting its degradation via an ubiqutination and proteasome-dependent mechanism. Additionally, MLN4924 potently activated JNK signaling evidenced by increased levels of phospho-c-Jun in MLN4924-treated cells. Blockage of the JNK activation with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 not only prevented MLN4924-induced c-FLIP reduction, but also inhibited MLN4924/TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that JNK activation mediates c-FLIP downregulation and subsequent enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis induced by MLN4924. Our findings thus warrant further evaluation of the efficacy of MLN4924 or its combination with TRAIL against the HNSCC in vivo and highlight a novel mechanism by which MLN4924 modulates apoptosis. (This study was supported by the Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholar award, Department of Defense VITAL W81XWH-04-1-0142 and NIH/NCI Head and Neck Cancer SPORE CA128613 awards. FR Khuri and SY Sun are Georgia Cancer Coalition Distinguished Cancer Scholars) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4782. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4782

Targeting the Anti-Apoptotic Protein c-FLIP for Cancer Therapy

Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major resistance factor and critical anti-apoptotic regulator that inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Fas-L, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis as well as chemotherapy-triggered apoptosis in malignant cells. c-FLIP is expressed as long (c-FLIPL), short (c-FLIPS), and c-FLIPR splice variants in human cells. c-FLIP binds to FADD and/or caspase-8 or -10 in a ligand-dependent and-independent fashion, which in turn prevents death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade. Moreover, c-FLIPL and c-FLIPS are known to have multifunctional roles in various signaling pathways, as well as activating and/or upregulating several cytoprotective signaling molecules. Upregulation of c-FLIP has been found in various tumor types, and its downregulation has been shown to restore apoptosis triggered by cytokines and various chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, c-FLIP is an important target for cancer therapy. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that specifically knockdown the expression of c-FLIPL in diverse human cancer cell lines augmented TRAIL-induced DISC recruitment and increased the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, thereby enhancing effector caspase stimulation and apoptosis. Moreover, small molecules causing degradation of c-FLIP as well as decreasing mRNA and protein levels of c-FLIPL and c-FLIPS splice variants have been found, and efforts are underway to develop other c-FLIP-targeted cancer therapies. This review focuses on (1) the functional role of c-FLIP splice variants in preventing apoptosis and inducing cytokine and drug resistance; (2) the molecular mechanisms that regulate c-FLIP expression; and (3) strategies to inhibit c-FLIP expression and function.