Inhibition Of P53 Transcriptional Activity Research Articles

Loss of the E6AP Ubiquitin Ligase Induces p53-Dependent Phosphorylation of Human Papillomavirus 18 E6 in Cells Derived from Cervical Cancer.

Cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 oncoproteins contain a well-characterized phosphoacceptor site within the PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1) binding motif (PBM) at the C terminus of the protein. Previous studies have shown that the threonine or serine residue in the E6 PBM is subject to phosphorylation by several stress-responsive cellular kinases upon the induction of DNA damage in cervical cancer-derived cells. However, there is little information about the regulation of E6 phosphorylation in the absence of DNA damage and whether there may be other pathways by which E6 is phosphorylated. In this study, we demonstrate that loss of E6AP results in a dramatic increase in the levels of phosphorylated E6 (pE6) despite the expected overall reduction in total E6 protein levels. Furthermore, phosphorylation of E6 requires transcriptionally active p53 and occurs in a manner that is dependent upon DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA PK). These results identify a novel feedback loop, where loss of E6AP results in upregulation of p53, leading to increased levels of E6 phosphorylation, which in turn correlates with increased association with 14-3-3 and inhibition of p53 transcriptional activity. IMPORTANCE This study demonstrates that the knockdown of E6AP from cervical cancer-derived cells leads to an increase in phosphorylation of the E6 oncoprotein. We show that this phosphorylation of E6 requires p53 transcriptional activity and the enzyme DNA PK. This study therefore defines a feedback loop whereby activation of p53 can induce phosphorylation of E6 and which in turn can inhibit p53 transcriptional activity independently of E6's ability to target p53 for degradation.

RNA-binding protein RBM28 can translocate from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm to inhibit the transcriptional activity of p53

RNA-binding protein RBM28 (RBM28), as a nucleolar component of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, is involved in the nucleolar stress response. Whether and how RBM28 regulates tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we report that RBM28 is frequently overexpressed in various types of cancer and that its upregulation is associated with a poor prognosis. Functional and mechanistic assays revealed that RBM28 promotes the survival and growth of cancer cells by interacting with the DNA-binding domain of tumor suppressor p53 to inhibit p53 transcriptional activity. Upon treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., adriamycin), RBM28 is translocated from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm, which is likely mediated via phosphorylation of RBM28 at Ser122 by DNA checkpoint kinases 1 and 2 (Chk1/2), indicating that RBM28 may act as a nucleolar stress sensor in response to DNA damage stress. Our findings not only reveal RBM28 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for cancers but also provide mechanistic insights into how cancer cells convert stress signals into a cellular response linking the nucleolus to regulation of the tumor suppressor p53.

Abstract P031: MANTRA: A randomized, multicenter, phase 3 study of the MDM2 inhibitor milademetan (RAIN-32) versus trabectedin in patients with de-differentiated liposarcoma

Abstract Background: p53 plays a central role in tumor suppression and maintenance of genome integrity. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is a ubiquitin ligase that inhibits p53 transcriptional activity and induces p53 degradation through ubiquitination. MDM2 amplification occurs in many cancers but is universal in well-differentiated (WD) or de-differentiated (DD) liposarcomas (100% of cases) [Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network. Cell 2017]. Current therapies for WD/DD liposarcomas include anthracycline-based chemotherapy, eribulin, and trabectedin. Inhibition of the MDM2-p53 interaction is a promising therapeutic approach to restore p53 tumor suppressor activity in liposarcomas. Milademetan (RAIN-32) is a small-molecule MDM2 inhibitor that inhibits the MDM2-p53 interaction and restores p53 function at nanomolar concentrations. In a phase 1 study, milademetan showed promising efficacy in patients with WD/DD liposarcoma when administered on an intermittent schedule (260 mg on Days 1–3 and 15–17 every 28 days), with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.4 months [Gounder et al. AACR-NCI-EORTC 2020]. MANTRA (RAIN-3201) is a randomized, multicenter, open-label, phase 3 registration study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of milademetan versus trabectedin in patients with unresectable or metastatic DD liposarcoma with disease progression on ≥1 prior systemic therapies, including ≥1 anthracycline-based regimen (EudraCT: 2021-001394-23). Methods: Eligible patients are ≥18 years of age with histologically confirmed unresectable and/or metastatic DD liposarcoma, with or without a WD component, who have received ≥1 prior systemic therapies, including ≥1 anthracycline-based regimen, with radiographic evidence of progression within 6 months before study entry. Prior treatment with trabectedin or an MDM2 inhibitor is not permitted. Patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive milademetan (260 mg once daily orally Days 1–3 and 15–17 on a 28-day cycle) or trabectedin (1.5 mg/m2 as a 24-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks). Randomization is stratified by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 or 1) and number of prior treatments for liposarcoma (≤2 or >2). Tumor response will be evaluated by RECIST v1.1 at Weeks 8, 16, 24, and 32, and then every 12 weeks. Primary endpoint: PFS by blinded independent central review. Secondary endpoints: overall survival; disease control rate; objective response rate; duration of response; PFS by investigator assessment; safety; health-related quality of life. Exploratory endpoints: molecular markers in peripheral blood and/or tumor tissue; milademetan pharmacokinetics. To demonstrate a 3-month increase in PFS (from 3 to 6 months) corresponding to a hazard ratio of 0.5, approximately 160 patients will be required to observe 105 events with 93.9% power and 2-sided significance level of 5%. MANTRA is currently open to enrollment. Citation Format: Mrinal Gounder, Gary Schwartz, Robin Jones, Shreyaskumar Patel, Silvia Stacchiotti, Andrew Wagner, Vijaya Tirunagaru, Naisargee Shah, Richard Bryce, Robert Doebele. MANTRA: A randomized, multicenter, phase 3 study of the MDM2 inhibitor milademetan (RAIN-32) versus trabectedin in patients with de-differentiated liposarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2021 Oct 7-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P031.

Induction of Apoptosis with Cyrtopodion Scabrum Extract in Colon Cancer Cells: A Preliminary Study on Targeting P53 Signaling Pathway

Background: Cyrtopodion scabrum is a kind of lizard, widely distributed in southwestern, central, and eastern Iran. In our previous studies, we showed the selective anticancer properties of Cyrtopodion scabrum extract (CSE) against certain gastrointestinal cancer cell lines with no significant harmful effects on the normal cells. Method: This in vitro study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of action of CSE in SW742 (colon cancer cell line) using western blotting, real-time PCR, and PI staining/flow cytometry analysis. Results: Western blot analysis showed that CSE up-regulates P53 protein expression significantly in SW742 cancer cell line while QRT-PCR results revealed that P53 mRNA did not increase accordingly. It is proposed that TP53 protein play its role as a tumor suppressor through the protein stability mechanism and not through the increase in the gene expression. Considering this fact, for TP53 stabilization, two of its target genes, p21 and mdm2, were regulated. We evaluated the mRNA expression of these two genes as well. The obtained data showed a significant increase in both genes by CSE (1000 μg/ml), suggesting that the induction of G2 cell cycle arrest, which we previously reported, may happen through P53 and P21over-expression. No significant decrease was observed in apoptosis when SW742 cells were co-treated with CSE and the inhibitor of P53 transcriptional activity, (PFT)-α, indicating that the induction of apoptosis with CSE did not occur through P53-dependent transcriptional activity. Conclusion: The obtained results herein revealed that the observed anti-cancer effect of CSE may occur through TP53 up-regulation, yet with P53-independent transcriptional activity.

Sirt-1 Regulates Physiological Process and Exerts Protective Effects against Oxidative Stress.

Background Recent studies suggest a correlation between the reduced Sirt-1 expression with Alzheimer's diseases (AD) and depression, respectively, suggesting a possible pathogenic role of the altered Sirt-1 expression in neuronal degenerative diseases, such as AD and depression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how Sirt-1 reduction impairs neuronal functions remain unknown. Methods We used the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells to study the role of Sirt-1 expression on physiological roles in neuronal cells. Gain of Sirt-1 was achieved by transiently transfecting Sirt-1 expression plasmid. Sirt-1-specific shRNA was used to elucidate the role of Sirt-1 loss of function. CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Semiquantitative western blotting was used to detect relative protein levels. A further luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to examine the effect of Sirt-1 expression on the transcriptional activity of p53. RT-qPCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of p21, Bax, and Bcl-2, which were the downstream target genes of p53. Results Sirt-1 suppressed the p53 downstream gene p21 transcription, while shRNA-mediated Sirt-1 knockdown resulted in a significant increase in p21 expression, implying a possibility that Sirt-1 promotes neuron proliferation through suppressing p53 transcriptional activity. The mRNA and protein levels of p53 were not affected by the altered Sirt-1 expression, suggesting that Sirt-1 regulates the transcriptional regulatory activity of p53 rather than p53 expression. Indeed, we further confirmed that Sirt-1 appeared to inhibit p53 transcriptional activity by attenuating its acetylation and resulted in a decrease of p53's binding to the p21 promoter. Overexpressed Sirt-1 scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in SK-N-SH with H2O2. Knockdown of Sirt-1 presented opposite effect; the addition of EX527 (Sirt-1 inhibitor) increased ROS accumulation. Conclusions Oxidative stress induces Sirt-1 in neuron cells, and Sirt-1 promotes proliferation in SK-N-SH cells, which protects them from oxidative stress-induced cell death, potentially via suppressing the transcriptional activity of p53. These results provide a molecular explanation underlying how the reduced Sirt-1 potentially causes the AD and depression-related diseases, supporting the idea that Sirt-1 can possibly be used as a diagnostic biomarker and/or therapeutic drug target for the AD and depression-related diseases.

Conversion of the death inhibitor ARC to a killer activates pancreatic β cell death in diabetes.

Loss of insulin-secreting pancreatic β cells through apoptosis contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes, but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identify a pathway in which the cell death inhibitor ARC paradoxically becomes a killer during diabetes. While cytoplasmic ARC maintains β cell viability and pancreatic architecture, a pool of ARC relocates to the nucleus to induce β cell apoptosis in humans with diabetes and several pathophysiologically distinct mouse models. β cell death results through the coordinate downregulation of serpins (serine protease inhibitors) not previously known to be synthesized and secreted by β cells. Loss of the serpin α1-antitrypsin from the extracellular space unleashes elastase, triggering the disruption of β cell anchorage and subsequent cell death. Administration of α1-antitrypsin to mice with diabetes prevents β cell death and metabolic abnormalities. These data uncover a pathway for β cell loss in type 2 diabetes and identify an FDA-approved drug that may impede progression of this syndrome.

CSAG2 is a cancer-specific activator of SIRT1.

SIRT1 is a NAD+ -dependent deacetylase that controls key metabolic and signaling pathways, including inactivating the p53 tumor suppressor. However, the mechanisms controlling SIRT1 enzymatic activity in the context of cancer are unclear. Here, we show that the previously undescribed CSAG2 protein is a direct activator of SIRT1. CSAG2 is normally restricted to expression in the male germline but is frequently re-activated in cancers. CSAG2 is necessary for cancer cell proliferation and promotes tumorigenesis invivo. Biochemical studies revealed that CSAG2 directly binds to and stimulates SIRT1 activity toward multiple substrates. Importantly, CSAG2 enhances SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of p53, inhibits p53 transcriptional activity, and improves cell survival in response to genotoxic stress. Mechanistically, CSAG2 binds SIRT1 catalytic domain and promotes activity independent of altering substrate affinity. Together, our results identify a previously undescribed mechanism for SIRT1 activation in cancer cells and highlight unanticipated approaches to therapeutically modulate SIRT1.

Actinomycin V Suppresses Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma A549 Cells by Inducing G2/M Phase Arrest and Apoptosis via the p53-Dependent Pathway.

Actinomycin V, extracted and separated from marine-derived actinomycete Streptomyces sp., as the superior potential replacement of actinomycin D (which showed defect for its hepatotoxicity) has revealed an ideal effect in the suppression of migration and invasion in human breast cancer cells as referred to in our previous study. In this study, the involvement of p53 in the cell cycle arrest and pro-apoptotic action of actinomycin V was investigated in human non-small-cell lung carcinoma A549 cells. Results from the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that cytotoxic activity of actinomycin V on A549 cells (with wild-type p53) was stronger than the NCI-H1299 cells (p53-deficient). Actinomycin V upregulated both of the protein and mRNA expression levels of p53, p21Waf1/Cip1 and Bax in A549 cells. For this situation, actinomycin V decreased the M-phase related proteins (Cdc2, Cdc25A and Cyclin B1) expression, arrested cells in G2/M phase and subsequently triggered apoptosis by mediating the Bcl-2 family proteins’ expression (Bax and Bcl-2). Furthermore, the effects of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in A549 cells which were induced by actinomycin V could be reversed by the pifithrin-α, a specific inhibitor of p53 transcriptional activity. Collectively, our results suggest that actinomycin V causes up-regulation of p53 by which the growth of A549 cells is suppressed for cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Abstract 2971: Ellagic acid and its metabolite Urolithin A induce prostate cancer cell death in p53 dependent and independent manner

Abstract Carcinoma of the prostate (CaP) is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Treatment of early stages of CaP often involves the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland; whereas malignant cases of advanced CaP generally requires a combination of therapies including removal of the entire prostate, radiotherapy and androgen deprivation. However, significant number of CaP patients relapse the CaP as the disease becomes hormonal independent. Therefore, it is important to target cell death pathways that function independently of androgen signaling. p53 is a common tumor suppressor that mediates apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Inactivation of p53 is common in CaP cells and this repression of p53 function diminishes androgen receptor signaling. The most common negative regulator of p53 is MDM2, which is itself a target gene of p53 to form an autoregulatory negative feedback loop. MDM2 inhibits p53 transcriptional activity through the induction of p53 polyubiquitination and degradation in the proteasome. This loss of p53 may permit CaP cells to undergo uncontrolled cell growth and cancer progression. Previous studies have shown that certain polyphenols, derived from natural products, possess anticancer activity that may be attributed to their repression of MDM2 ligase activity and activation of p53. Pomegranates, berries, and walnuts contain several bioactive compounds, including the Ellagitannins (ETs). ETs are polyphenolic compounds that are hydrolyzed in the stomach to form Ellagic acid (EA) which is itself metabolized in the gut microbiota to Urolithin A (UA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of EA and UA on the p53-MDM2 signaling pathway in CaP cells. Three models of CaP cell lines were used because each harbor different p53 genotypes: LNCaP (p53+/+), 22RV1(p53-/+) and PC3 (p53-/-). Here we found that, when 22RV1 and LNCaP were treated with EA and UA, the interaction between p53 and MDM2 was disrupted. As a result, both EA and UA caused an increase in p53 protein levels and increased the steady-state concentration of p21, a main downstream target gene of p53 that mediates cell cycle arrest. In addition, EA and UA increased the levels of PUMA and NOXA proteins, both target genes of p53 which confer p53’s pro-apoptotic function. Moreover, we confirmed UA inhibits MDM2-mediated polyubiquitination and degradation of p53. Finally, the data show that EA and UA induce apoptosis in PC3 cells (p53-/-), indicating p53 independent role of these compounds. These results suggest that EA and UA may have potential anti-neoplastic activity in CaP cells that may be at least partially attributed to the stabilization and activation of p53. Citation Format: Yasir I. Mohammed Saleem, Mustafa Selim. Ellagic acid and its metabolite Urolithin A induce prostate cancer cell death in p53 dependent and independent manner [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2971.

Association between MDM2 SNP309 and endometrial cancer risk: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis.

Background:Murine double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) plays an important role in the downregulation of P53 tumor suppressor gene. MDM2 inhibits P53 transcriptional activity and thereby results in accelerated tumor formation. Overexpression of MDM2 has been found in several cancer types including endometrial cancer. SNP309 is located in the promoter region of MDM2 and contributes to the overexpression of MDM2. The association between MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and endometrial cancer risk has been investigated in several studies; however, the conclusion remains controversial.Objectives:We performed the present meta-analysis to give a comprehensive conclusion of the association between MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and endometrial cancer susceptibility.Methods:We conducted a literature research on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, OVID, Web of Science, Wan Fang, CNKI, and CQVIP databases up to July 31, 2018. Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of studies. We evaluated the strength of association by combining odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in 5 different genetic models under a fixed-effect model or random-effect model. We further conducted subgroup analysis by ethnicity, source of control, histological type, clinical type, grade, and stage of tumor. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also performed.Results:Nine eligible studies were finally included in our meta-analysis. We found MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism increased the risk of endometrial cancer under allele model (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.41, P = .005), homozygote model (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.13–1.81, P = .003) and recessive model (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.17-2.04, P = .002). Subgroup analysis suggested a similar elevated risk in both Asians and Caucasians. We identified a strong association of enhanced susceptibility to endometrial cancer in endometrioid group (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.28–3.54, P = .004) and Type I group (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.25–2.86, P = .002) under dominant model. We identified no significant publication bias according to Egger's test.Conclusions:Our meta-analysis suggested that MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism increased the risk of endometrial cancer significantly, especially in endometrioid and Type I endometrial cancer, indicating MDM2 could serve as a potential diagnostic factor marker for endometrial cancer.

The Human Papillomavirus E6 PDZ Binding Motif Links DNA Damage Response Signaling to E6 Inhibition of p53 Transcriptional Activity

The presence of a PDZ binding motif (PBM) in the human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 oncoprotein appears to be a characteristic marker of high oncogenic potential and confers interaction with a number of different cellular PDZ domain-containing substrates. The E6 PBM is also subject to phosphorylation, resulting in inhibition of E6 PDZ binding activity and instead allowing E6 to associate with 14-3-3 proteins. In this study, we analyzed the conditions under which the E6 PBM is phosphorylated. We demonstrate that in normal cycling cells, the levels of E6 phosphorylation are very low. However, following exposure of cells to oxidative stress or the induction of DNA damage, there is a striking increase in the levels of E6 phosphorylation. Depending on the specific stimulus, this phosphorylation of E6 can involve the ATM/ATR pathway and is performed primarily through Chk1, although the Chk2 pathway is also involved indirectly through activation of protein kinase A (PKA). To understand the biological relevance of these phospho-modifications of E6, we analyzed their effects upon the ability of E6 to inhibit p53 transcriptional activity. We show that an intact E6 phospho-acceptor site plays an essential role in the ability of E6 to inhibit p53 transcriptional activity on a subset of p53-responsive promoters in a manner that is independent of E6's ability to direct p53 degradation. These results are, to our knowledge, the first example of a DNA damage response controlling PBM-PDZ recognition. This study also provides links between the DNA damage response, the regulation of E6 PBM function, and the inhibition of p53 activity and begins to explain how HPV-infected cells remain within the cell cycle, despite activation of DNA damage response pathways during productive virus infections.IMPORTANCE The cancer-causing HPV E6 oncoproteins all possess a PDZ binding motif at their extreme carboxy termini. Depending upon whether this motif is phosphorylated, E6 can recognize PDZ domain-containing proteins or members of the 14-3-3 family of proteins. We show here that DNA damage response pathways directly signal to the E6 PBM, resulting in Chk1- and Chk2-driven phosphorylation. This phosphorylation is particularly pronounced following treatment of cells with a variety of different chemotherapeutic drugs. A direct functional consequence of this signaling is to confer an enhanced ability upon E6 to inhibit p53 transcriptional activity in a proteasome-independent but phosphorylation-dependent manner. These results are the first example of DNA damage signaling pathways regulating PBM-PDZ interactions and provide the mechanistic link between E6 PBM function and perturbation of p53 activity.

Fluoride induces apoptosis via inhibiting SIRT1 activity to activate mitochondrial p53 pathway in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

There has been a great concern about the neurotoxicity of fluoride since it can pass through the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain. It has been suggested that apoptosis plays a vital role in neurotoxicity of fluoride. However, whether p53-mediated apoptotic pathway is involved is still unclear. Our results showed that apoptosis was induced after treatment with 40 and 60 mg/L of NaF for 24 h in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Exposure to 60 mg/L of NaF for 24 h significantly upregulated the levels of p53 and apoptosis-related proteins including PUMA, cytochrome c (cyto c), cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, whereas downregulated Bcl-2 in SH-SY5Y cells. Meanwhile, fluoride increased p53 nuclear translocation, cyto c release from mitochondria to cytoplasm and mitochondrial translocation of Bax in SH-SY5Y cells. Fluoride-induced increases of apoptotic rates and apoptosis-related protein levels were significantly attenuated by inhibiting p53 transcriptional activity with pifithrin-α. In addition, fluoride inhibited the deacetylase activity of SIRT1 and increased p53 (acetyl K382) level in SH-SY5Y cells. Apoptosis and upregulation of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP and p53 (acetyl K382) induced by fluoride could be ameliorated by SIRT1 overexpression or its activator resveratrol in SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates that fluoride induces apoptosis by inhibiting the deacetylase activity of SIRT1 to activate mitochondrial p53 pathway in SH-SY5Y cells, which depends on p53 transcriptional activity. Thus, SIRT1 may be a promising target to protect against neurotoxicity induced by fluoride.

Abstract B14: Characterization of p53-HDM2 inhibitor in nucleotide excision repair deficient cell line

Abstract The ubiquitin (Ub)/proteasome system has a special role in the control on the cellular concentration of p53 tumor suppressor, a master regulator of cell survival and death. Over the last years, many groups have elucidated the mechanisms of Ub ligase–mediated p53 ubiquitylation under various conditions. One pivotal regulatory mechanism is HDM2-mediated p53 degradation, but it can also export p53 from nucleus impairing its transcriptional activity or by binding p53 transactivation domain, that inhibits p53 transcriptional activity. Rad23 can directly bind Ub and the proteasome and has been shown to act as an adaptor that shuttles the ubiquitylated proteins to the proteasome. Rad23 is required for the degradation of p53 and one possible helper of Rad23 is its binding protein XPC, a key factor for nucleotide excision repair (NER). Mutations in XP proteins can cause xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), a genetic disease that often leads to high rates of skin cancer. Pathogenic mutations in p53 are found in more than 50% of all human malignancies, which makes p53 the most frequently mutated gene in transformed cells in humans. In cancers in which the p53 gene is not mutated, the function of the p53 pathway is often suppressed through overexpression or deregulation of HDM2. We aimed to study the impact of HDM2-P53 inhibition in XPC-deficient fibroblasts by treating these cells with the drug CGM9097, which is a potent inhibitor of HDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction used in preclinical trials. In this poster we present preliminary data. We firstly evaluated CGM9097 cytotoxicity in XPC deficient and corrected cells, combined with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) treatment. XPC deficient cells were more sensitive to 5FU+ CGM9097 than normal fibroblast (MRC5) and correct fibroblast (XPC+ XPC gene) (P<0,05). Protein analysis by Western blotting showed dose-response expression of p53 in both lineages when treated with 5FU, with the higher expression level within 6 h. When cells were treated with 5FU+ CGM9097, XPC-deficient cells presented high levels of p53 even in the untreated fraction compared to corrected cell line, suggesting an impairment of p53 degradation in the absence of XPC. These preliminary data suggest that XPC has an important role in the cytotoxicity of 5FU in cells with impairment of p53. P53 mutant cancers are sensitive to some chemotherapeutic drugs, but the reported sensitivity is generally modest (2-3 fold), and this can be explained by the fact that p53 affects the GGR NER sub pathway through GADD45. In addition, p53-mediated DNA repair may be counterbalanced by the opposing response of apoptosis, also regulated in part by p53. Thus, there appears to be much potential to exploit DNA repair defects in p53 mutant cancers. Citation Format: Douglas Felipe de Lima Silva, Ana Rafaela de Souza Timoteo, Lucymara Fassarela Agnez Lima, Tirzah Braz Petta Lajus. Characterization of p53-HDM2 inhibitor in nucleotide excision repair deficient cell line [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR International Conference held in cooperation with the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG) on Translational Cancer Medicine; May 4-6, 2017; São Paulo, Brazil. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(1_Suppl):Abstract nr B14.

P53-Dependent PUMA to DRAM antagonistic interplay as a key molecular switch in cell-fate decision in normal/high glucose conditions

BackgroundAs an important cellular stress sensor phosphoprotein p53 can trigger cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and regulate autophagy. The p53 activity mainly depends on its transactivating function, however, how p53 can select one or another biological outcome is still a matter of profound studies. Our previous findings indicate that switching cancer cells in high glucose (HG) impairs p53 apoptotic function and the transcription of target gene PUMA.Methods and resultsHere we report that, in response to drug adriamycin (ADR) in HG, p53 efficiently induced the expression of DRAM (damage-regulated autophagy modulator), a p53 target gene and a stress-induced regulator of autophagy. We found that ADR treatment of cancer cells in HG increased autophagy, as displayed by greater LC3II accumulation and p62 degradation compared to ADR-treated cells in low glucose. The increased autophagy in HG was in part dependent on p53-induced DRAM; indeed DRAM knockdown with specific siRNA reversed the expression of the autophagic markers in HG. A similar outcome was achieved by inhibiting p53 transcriptional activity with pifithrin-α. DRAM knockdown restored the ADR-induced cell death in HG to the levels obtained in low glucose. A similar outcome was achieved by inhibition of autophagy with cloroquine (CQ) or with silencing of autophagy gene ATG5. DRAM knockdown or inhibition of autophagy were both able to re-induce PUMA transcription in response to ADR, underlining a reciprocal interplay between PUMA to DRAM to unbalance p53 apoptotic activity in HG. Xenograft tumors transplanted in normoglycemic mice displayed growth delay after ADR treatment compared to those transplanted in diabetics mice and such different in vivo response correlated with PUMA to DRAM gene expression.ConclusionsAltogether, these findings suggest that in normal/high glucose condition a mutual unbalance between p53-dependent apoptosis (PUMA) and autophagy (DRAM) gene occurred, modifying the ADR-induced cancer cell death in HG both in vitro and in vivo.

Acetylation-regulated interaction between p53 and SET reveals a widespread regulatory mode.

SummaryAlthough lysine acetylation is now recognized as a general protein modification for both histones and non-histone proteins1-3, the mechanisms of acetylation mediated actions are not completely understood. Acetylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of p53 was the first example for non-histone protein acetylation4. Yet the precise role of the CTD acetylation remains elusive. Lysine acetylation often creates binding sites for bromodomain-containing “reader” proteins5,6; surprisingly, in a proteomic screen, we identified SET as a major cellular factor whose binding with p53 is totally dependent on the CTD acetylation status. SET profoundly inhibits p53 transcriptional activity in unstressed cells but SET-mediated repression is completely abolished by stress-induced p53 CTD acetylation. Moreover, loss of the interaction with SET activates p53, resulting in tumor regression in mouse xenograft models. Notably, the acidic domain of SET acts as a “reader” for unacetylated CTD of p53 and this mechanism of acetylation-dependent regulation is widespread in nature. For example, p53 acetylation also modulates its interactions with similar acidic domains found in other p53 regulators including VPRBP, DAXX and PELP1 (refs. 7-9), and computational analysis of the proteome identified numerous proteins with the potential to serve as the acidic domain readers and lysine-rich ligands. Unlike bromodomain readers, which preferentially bind the acetylated forms of their cognate ligands, the acidic domain readers specifically recognize the unacetylated forms of their ligands. Finally, the acetylation-dependent regulation of p53 was further validated in vivo by using a knockin mouse model expressing an acetylation-mimicking form of p53. These results reveal that the acidic domain-containing factors act as a new class of acetylation-dependent regulators by targeting p53 and potentially, beyond.

Calmodulin Inhibition Rescues the Effects of Ribosomal Protein Deficiency in in Vitro and In Vivo Diamond Blackfan Anemia Models

Ribosomal protein (RP) mutations are found in many diseases, including Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA), where defective erythropoiesis, craniofacial abnormalities and increased cancer risk are major complications. RP mutations cause p53 activation through accumulation of free RPs that bind and sequester MDM2, the negative regulator of p53. We previously characterized a zebrafish mutant in rps29, a gene found mutated in DBA patients. Rps29-/- embryos have hematopoietic and endothelial defects, including decreased cmyb and flk1 expression and defects in hemoglobinization. Consistent with other animal models of RP dysfunction, p53 knockdown in rps29-/- embryos rescued these defects. To uncover novel compounds that correct the phenotypes of DBA, we performed a chemical screen in rps29-/- embryos. Several structurally distinct calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors successfully rescued hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the mutant embryo. To confirm that CaM inhibitors could rescue mammalian models of DBA, we applied them to human and murine models. Treating cord blood-derived CD34+ cells deficient in RPS19 with the CaM inhibitor, trifluoperazine (TFP), relieved the erythroid differentiation block. Injection of TFP in a DBA murine model significantly increased red blood cell number and Hb levels. Mechanistic studies in A549 cells infected with lentivirus expressing RPS19 shRNA demonstrated that TFP blocks p53 nuclear accumulation and induction of multiple p53 transcriptional target genes (p<0.05). Through p53 genetic manipulation, we determined that TFP inhibits p53 transcriptional activity through its c-terminal domain (CTD). Since this region has many residues that can be phosphorylated by CaM-dependent kinases, we hypothesized that TFP blocked phosphorylation of residues in the CTD. To test this hypothesis, phosphomimetic mutants were transfected into Saos2 cells and p53 transcriptional activity in response to TFP was evaluated using p21mRNA levels. TFP treatment of cells containing WT p53 or a transactivation domain mutant, S15D, resulted in a 4-fold reduction in p21 mRNA levels, while all four phosphomimetic mutants in the CTD had attenuated responses to TFP (<2-fold). The common CaM-dependent kinases that phosphorylate these CTD residues are Chk1 and Chk2. Investigation of the role of Chk1 and Chk2 found that a chk2 morpholino and multiple inhibitors of Chk2, but not Chk1, rescued Hb levels in the rps29-/- embryo (p<0.05). Chk2 inhibitors also mimic CaM inhibition in our in vitro assays. In conclusion, we have shown a novel mechanism by which CaM inhibitors mediate p53 activity through the CTD and can rescue the phenotypes of multiple in vitro and in vivo models of DBA. Our data strongly suggests that CaM or Chk2 inhibitors may be effective therapies for DBA patients, and a clinical trial is being planned with TFP. DisclosuresEbert:Genoptix: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties; H3 Biomedicine: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy. Zon:FATE Therapeutics: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Founder; Scholar Rock: Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Founder.

The PTTG1-targeting miRNAs miR-329, miR-300, miR-381, and miR-655 inhibit pituitary tumor cell tumorigenesis and are involved in a p53/PTTG1 regulation feedback loop.

Deregulation of the pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1), a newly discovered oncogene, is a hallmark of various malignancies, including pituitary tumors. However, the mechanisms regulating PTTG1 expression are still needed to be explored. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of small RNA molecules that act as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression and can play a significant role in tumor development. Here, we identified a series of miRNAs, namely, miR-329, miR-300, miR-381 and miR-655, which could target PTTG1 messenger RNA and inhibit its expression. Interestingly, all four miRNAs significantly that are downregulated in pituitary tumors were mapped to the 14q32.31 locus, which acts as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. Functional studies show that the PTTG1-targeting miRNAs inhibit proliferation, migration and invasion but induce apoptosis in GH3 and MMQ cells. Furthermore, overexpression of a PTTG1 expression vector lacking the 3'UTR partially reverses the tumor suppressive effects of these miRNAs. Next, we identified the promoter region of PTTG1-targeting miRNAs with binding sites for p53. In our hands, p53 transcriptionally activated the expression of these miRNAs in pituitary tumor cells. Finally, we found that PTTG1 could inhibit p53 transcriptional activity to the four miRNAs. These data indicate the existence of a feedback loop between PTTG1 targeting miRNAs, PTTG1 and p53 that promotes pituitary tumorigenesis. Together, these findings suggest that these PTTG1-targeting miRNAs are important players in the regulation of pituitary tumorigenesis and that these miRNAs may serve as valuable therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Scopadulciol, Isolated from Scoparia dulcis, Induces β-Catenin Degradation and Overcomes Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis Ligand Resistance in AGS Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Scopadulciol (1), a scopadulan-type diterpenoid, was isolated from Scoparia dulcis along with three other compounds (2-4) by an activity-guided approach using the TCF reporter (TOP) luciferase-based assay system. A fluorometric microculture cytotoxicity assay (FMCA) revealed that compound 1 was cytotoxic to AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The treatment of AGS cells with 1 decreased β-catenin levels and also inhibited its nuclear localization. The pretreatment of AGS cells with a proteasome inhibitor, either MG132 or epoxomicin, protected against the degradation of β-catenin induced by 1. The 1-induced degradation of β-catenin was also abrogated in the presence of pifithrin-α, an inhibitor of p53 transcriptional activity. Compound 1 inhibited TOP activity in AGS cells and downregulated the protein levels of cyclin D1, c-myc, and survivin. Compound 1 also sensitized AGS cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis by increasing the levels of the death receptors, DR4 and DR5, and decreasing the level of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Collectively, our results demonstrated that 1 induced the p53- and proteasome-dependent degradation of β-catenin, which resulted in the inhibition of TCF/β-catenin transcription in AGS cells. Furthermore, 1 enhanced apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant AGS when combined with TRAIL.

Flavokawain B inhibits the growth of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells via p53 and caspase-dependent mechanisms

The development of novel chemotherapeutic drugs is needed for the treatment of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study, the anti-leukemic effect and the potential molecular mechanisms of action of flavokawain B on ALL were investigated. Flavokawain B was found to significantly inhibit the cellular proliferation of B-ALL and T-ALL cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. It also induced cellular apoptosis by increasing the expression of p53, Bax and Puma, and activating the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Furthermore, the enhancement of p53-dependent apoptosis by flavokawain B could be rescued by pifithrin-α, a pharmacological inhibitor of p53 transcriptional activity. Moreover, the proliferation of leukemia blast cells from 16 patients with ALL was inhibited by flavokawain B, and tumor growth in xenograft mice was also suppressed by this drug. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of flavokawain B for the treatment of ALL.

Activation of Erk and p53 regulates copper oxide nanoparticle-induced cytotoxicity in keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONP) have attracted increasing attention due to their unique properties and have been extensively utilized in industrial and commercial applications. For example, their antimicrobial capability endows CuONP with applications in dressings and textiles against bacterial infections. Along with the wide applications, concerns about the possible effects of CuONP on humans are also increasing. It is crucial to evaluate the safety and impact of CuONP on humans, and especially the skin, prior to their practical application. The potential toxicity of CuONP to skin keratinocytes has been reported recently. However, the underlying mechanism of toxicity in skin cells has remained unclear. In the present work, we explored the possible mechanism of the cytotoxicity of CuONP in HaCaT human keratinocytes and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). CuONP exposure induced viability loss, migration inhibition, and G2/M phase cycle arrest in both cell types. CuONP significantly induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase [Erk], p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase [JNK]) activation in dose- and time-dependent manners. U0126 (an inhibitor of Erk), but not SB 239063 (an inhibitor of p38) or SP600125 (an inhibitor of JNK), enhanced CuONP-induced viability loss. CuONP also induced decreases in p53 and p-p53 levels in both cell types. Cyclic pifithrin-α, an inhibitor of p53 transcriptional activity, enhanced CuONP-induced viability loss. Nutlin-3α, a p53 stabilizer, prevented CuONP-induced viability loss in HaCaT cells, but not in MEF cells, due to the inherent toxicity of nutlin-3α to MEF. Moreover, the experiments on primary keratinocytes are in accordance with the conclusions acquired from HaCaT and MEF cells. These data demonstrate that the activation of Erk and p53 plays an important role in CuONP-induced cytotoxicity, and agents that preserve Erk or p53 activation may prevent CuONP-induced cytotoxicity.