Mcl-1 Antisense Oligonucleotides Research Articles

Mcl-1 involvement in mitochondrial dynamics is associated with apoptotic cell death.

The B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins are critical regulators of apoptosis and consist of both proapoptotic and antiapoptotic factors. Within this family, the myeloid cell leukemia factor 1 (Mcl-1) protein exists in two forms as the result of alternative splicing. The long variant (Mcl-1L) acts as an antiapoptotic factor, whereas the short isoform (Mcl-1S) displays proapoptotic activity. In this study, using splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), we increased the synthesis of Mcl-1S, which induced a concurrent reduction of Mcl-1L, resulting in increased sensitivity of cancer cells to apoptotic stimuli. The Mcl-1 ASOs also induced mitochondrial hyperpolarization and a consequent increase in mitochondrial calcium (Ca(2+)) accumulation. The high Mcl-1S/L ratio correlated with significant hyperfusion of the entire mitochondrial network, which occurred in a dynamin-related protein (Drp1)-dependent manner. Our data indicate that the balance between the long and short variants of the Mcl-1 gene represents a key aspect of the regulation of mitochondrial physiology. We propose that the Mcl-1L/S balance is a novel regulatory factor controlling the mitochondrial fusion and fission machinery.

Identification of MCL1 as a novel target in neoplastic mast cells in systemic mastocytosis: inhibition of mast cell survival by MCL1 antisense oligonucleotides and synergism with PKC412

AbstractMCL-1 is a Bcl-2 family member that has been described as antiapoptotic in various myeloid neoplasms. Therefore, MCL-1 has been suggested as a potential new therapeutic target. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a myeloid neoplasm involving mast cells (MCs) and their progenitors. In the present study, we examined the expression and functional role of MCL-1 in neoplastic MCs and sought to determine whether MCL-1 could serve as a target in SM. As assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical examination, primary neoplastic MCs expressed MCL-1 mRNA and the MCL-1 protein in all SM patients examined. Moreover, MCL-1 was detectable in both subclones of the MC line HMC-1—HMC-1.1 cells, which lack the SM-related KIT mutation D816V, and HMC-1.2 cells, which carry KIT D816V. Exposure of HMC-1.1 cells or HMC-1.2 cells to MCL-1–specific antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) or MCL-1–specific siRNA resulted in reduced survival and increased apoptosis compared with untreated cells. Moreover, MCL-1 ASOs were found to cooperate with various tyrosine kinase inhibitors in producing growth inhibition in neoplastic MCs, with synergistic effects observed with PKC412, AMN107, and imatinib in HMC-1.1 cells and with PKC412 in HMC-1.2 cells. Together, these data show that MCL-1 is a novel survival factor and an attractive target in neoplastic MCs.

The KIT D816V-Targeting Drug PKC412 Induces Re-Expression of Bim and Synergizes with Mcl-1 Antisense Oligonucleotides in Producing Growth Inhibition in Neoplastic Human Mast Cells.

Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a myeloid neoplasm involving uncommitted and mast cell (MC) committed hematopoietic progenitors. In most SM patients, the transforming c-KIT point mutation D816V is detectable. However, so far, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying KIT D816V-induced transformation. We examined the expression of two Bcl-2 family members, i.e. anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and the pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor Bim, in the KIT D816V+ human mast cell line HMC-1. As assessed by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting, these cells were found to express Mcl-1 mRNA and the Mcl-1 protein, whereas only trace amounts of Bim were detectable in HMC-1 cells. Exposure of HMC-1 cells to the KIT D816V-targeting drug PKC412 resulted in a substantial increase in expression of Bim and in a marked decrease in expression of Mcl-1. Correspondingly, in Ba/F3 cells with doxycycline-inducible expression of KIT D816V (Ton.Kit.D816V), exposure to doxycycline (induction of KIT D816V) resulted in a significant decrease in expression of Bim, and PKC412 was found to counteract the KIT D816V-induced downregulation in Bim in these cells. Transfection of HMC-1 cells with Mcl-1-specific antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or an Mcl-1-specific siRNA resulted in reduced survival and in an increased percentage of apoptotic cells compared to cells transfected with scramble control oligonucleotides. In consecutive experiments, combinations of PKC412 and Mcl-1 ASO were applied using varying drug concentrations. In these experiments, both compounds were found to synergize with each other in producing growth inhibition and apoptosis in HMC-1 cells. By contrast, no synergism was observed with combinations of Mcl-1 ASO and imatinib or with Mcl-1 ASO and 2CdA. In summary, our data show that the Bcl-2 family members Mcl-1 and Bim are differentially expressed in neoplastic MC, and that targeting of Mcl-1 is associated with reduced survival of HMC-1 cells. In addition, our data show that Mcl-1 ASO synergize with PKC412 in producing growth inhibition in neoplastic MC. These data support the concept that optimal growth inhibition of neoplastic MC in aggressive variants of SM may be achieved with combinations of targeted drugs.

Mcl-1 is a relevant molecular target for antisense oligonucleotide strategies in gastric cancer cells

Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide and resistant to various chemotherapeutic regimens. In gastric cancer, the anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein is expressed in up to 75% of all cases and associated with poor prognosis. The biological relevance of Mcl-1 expression in gastric cancer is unclear. Thus, we investigated the functional significance and potential role of Mcl-1 as a molecular target in gastric cancer 1348e treated with Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides. Protein expression, cell growth and apoptosis were assessed for single-agent Mcl-1 AS oligonucleotide treatment and for combinations with docetaxel or cisplatin. Treatment by Mcl-1 AS oligonucleotides resulted in approximately 50% reduction in Mcl-1 protein levels in all gastric cancer cell lines examined. Surprisingly, dose-dependent Mcl-1 downregulation produced a significant increase in apoptosis and up to 60% decrease in cell growth. Moreover, combination of Mcl-1 AS oligonucleotide with docetaxel or cisplatin displayed synergistic anti-tumor activity. In conclusion, the impressive single-agent anti-tumor activity and the synergistic effect of Mcl-1 AS oligonucleotides in combination with chemotherapy might qualify Mcl-1 as a promising molecular target for AS oligonucleotide based treatment strategies for gastric cancer in the future.

Identification of Mcl-1 as a Novel Target in Neoplastic Mast Cells and Demonstration of Cooperative Growth-Inhibitory Effects of mcl-1 Antisense Oligonucleotides, PKC412, and AMN107.

Mcl-1 is a Bcl-2 family-member that has been described to act anti-apoptotic in various myeloid neoplasms and therefore has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a myeloid neoplasm involving myelomastocytic progenitors. We examined the expression and functional role of Mcl-1 in neoplastic mast cells (MC), to determine whether Mcl-1 could serve as a target in MC neoplasms. As assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, primary neoplastic MC were found to express Mcl-1 mRNA and the Mcl-1 protein in a constitutive manner in all patients analyzed. Moreover, the human MC-leukemia cell line HMC-1 was found to express Mcl-1. Transfection of these cells with Mcl-1-specific antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) or an mcl-1-specific siRNA using lipofectin resulted in a reduced survival and increased percentage of apoptotic cells compared to control. The effects of mcl-1 ASO were seen with the HMC-1.1 subclone carrying the G560V c-kit mutation (mcl-1 ASO, 250 nM: 49±4% apoptotic cells compared to control: 3±2%, p<0.05; mcl-1 siRNA: 41±5% vs control: 5±3%, p<0.05) as well as with HMC-1.2 cells carrying both the G560V c-kit mutation and the D816V c-kit mutation (mcl-1 ASO, 250 nM: 36±2% apoptotic cells compared to control: 6±1%, p<0.05; mcl-1 siRNA: 30±6% vs control: 5±2%, p<0.05). Moreover, mcl-1 ASO were found to cooperate with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Novartis Pharma AG) imatinib, AMN107, and PKC412 in producing growth inhibition in HMC-1.2 cells. Together, these data show that Mcl-1 is a novel survival factor and attractive target in neoplastic human MC. Whether the Mcl-1-targeting concept can be developed far enough to reach clinical application remains to be elucidated.

Mcl-1 overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma: A potential target for antisense therapy

Recently, the anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein has been reported as a resistance factor in various types of cancer. Here we investigated the presence of Mcl-1 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and its potential role as a molecular drug target for HCC therapy. HCC specimens of 149 patients were examined by immunohistochemistry for Mcl-1 expression. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) targeting Mcl-1 were evaluated as monotherapy and in combination with cisplatin in the HCC cell lines HepG2 and Snu398. Protein regulation, cell viability, and apoptosis were assessed by western blotting, cell counting, and FACS analysis. Mcl-1 protein is overexpressed in 51% of all cases irrespective of underlying disease. Targeting Mcl-1 by ASO specifically downregulated Mcl-1 protein expression and led to significant dose and time dependent single agent activity in HCC cells characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased cell viability. No significant target regulation or cell death was observed for control oligonucleotide treatment. Upon combination with cisplatin, Mcl-1 ASO revealed a significant chemosensitizing effect. Mcl-1 is overexpressed in half of HCC-tissues. ASO targeting Mcl-1 revealed a prominent single agent and chemosensitizing activity against HCC in vitro. Targeting Mcl-1 might qualify as a promising novel approach in HCC therapy.

Identification of mcl-1 as a BCR/ABL-dependent target in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): evidence for cooperative antileukemic effects of imatinib and mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides

AbstractAntiapoptotic members of the bcl-2 family have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a hematopoietic neoplasm associated with the BCR/ABL oncogene. We have examined expression of MCL-1 in primary CML cells and BCR/ABL-transformed cell lines. Independent of the phase of disease, isolated primary CML cells expressed myeloid cell leukemia-1 (mcl-1) mRNA and the MCL-1 protein in a constitutive manner. The BCR/ABL inhibitor imatinib (=STI571) decreased the expression of MCL-1 in these cells. Correspondingly, BCR/ABL enhanced mcl-1 promoter activity, mcl-1 mRNA expression, and the MCL-1 protein in Ba/F3 cells. BCR/ABL-dependent expression of MCL-1 in Ba/F3 cells was counteracted by the mitogen-activated protein-kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor, PD98059, but not by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002. Identical results were obtained for constitutive expression of MCL-1 in primary CML cells and the CML-derived cell lines K562 and KU812. To investigate the role of MCL-1 as a survival-related target in CML cells, mcl-1 siRNA and mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) were applied. The resulting down-regulation of MCL-1 was found to be associated with a substantial decrease in viability of K562 cells. Moreover, the mcl-1 ASO was found to synergize with imatinib in producing growth inhibition in these cells. Together, our data identify MCL-1 as a BCR/ABL-dependent survival factor and interesting target in CML. (Blood. 2005;105:3303-3311)

Mcl-1 Is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Human Sarcoma

Little is known about the role that Mcl-1, an antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family member, plays in solid tumor biology and susceptibility to anticancer therapy. We observed that the Mcl-1 protein is widely expressed in human sarcoma cell lines of different histological origin (n = 7). Because the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins can significantly contribute to the chemoresistance of human malignancies, we used an antisense strategy to address this issue in sarcoma. SCID mice (n = 6/group) received s.c. injections of SW872 liposarcoma cells. After development of palpable tumors, mice were treated by s.c.-implanted miniosmotic pumps prefilled with saline or antisense or universal control oligonucleotides (20 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks). On days 2, 6, and 10, mice were treated with low-dose cyclophosphamide (35 mg/kg i.p) or saline control. During the experiments, tumor weight was assessed twice weekly by caliper measurements. On day 14, animals were sacrificed. Tumors were weighed and fixed in formalin for immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling analysis. Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides specifically reduced Mcl-1 protein expression but produced no reduction in tumor weight compared with saline-treated control animals. Cyclophosphamide monotreatment caused only modest tumor weight reduction compared with saline control. However, use of Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides combined with cyclophosphamide clearly enhanced tumor cell apoptosis and significantly reduced tumor weight by more than two-thirds compared with respective control treatments. A combination of Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides with low-dose cyclophosphamide provides a synergistic antitumor effect and might qualify as a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance in human sarcoma.

Mcl-1 Antisense Therapy Chemosensitizes Human Melanoma in a SCID Mouse Xenotransplantation Model

It is well established that high expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL can significantly contribute to chemoresistance in a number of human malignancies. Much less is known about the role the more recently described Bcl-2 family member Mcl-1 might play in tumor biology and resistance to chemotherapy. Using an antisense strategy, we here address this issue in melanoma, a paradigm of a treatment-resistant malignancy. After in vitro proof of principle supporting an antisense mechanism of action with specific reduction of Mcl-1 protein as a consequence of nuclear uptake of the Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides employed, antisense and universal control oligonucleotides were administered systemically in combination with dacarbazine in a human melanoma SCID mouse xenotransplantation model. Dacarbazine, available now for more than three decades, still remains the most active single agent for treatment of advanced melanoma. Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides specifically reduced target protein expression as well as the apoptotic threshold of melanoma xenotransplants. Combined Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotide plus dacarbazine treatment resulted in enhanced tumor cell apoptosis and led to a significantly reduced mean tumor weight (mean 0.16 g, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.26) compared to the tumor weight in universal control oligonucleotide plus dacarbazine treated animals (mean 0.35 g, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.44) or saline plus dacarbazine treated animals (mean 0.39 g, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.53). We thus show that Mcl-1 is an important factor contributing to the chemoresistance of human melanoma in vivo. Antisense therapy against the Mcl-1 gene product, possibly in combination with antisense strategies targeting other antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, appears to be a rational and promising approach to help overcome treatment resistance of malignant melanoma.

Protection of CLL B cells by a follicular dendritic cell line is dependent on induction of Mcl-1

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells have defects in apoptosis pathways and therefore accumulate in vivo. However, when removed from the patient and cultured in vitro, these malignant cells rapidly undergo apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that leukemia cell survival is influenced by interactions with nonleukemia cells in the microenvironment of lymph nodes, marrow, and other tissues. To model such cell-cell interactions in vitro, we cultured freshly isolated CLL B cells with a follicular dendritic cell line, HK. CLL B cells cocultured with HK cells were protected from apoptosis, either spontaneous or induced by treatment with anticancer drugs. Protection against spontaneous apoptosis could also be induced by coculturing the CLL B cells with normal dendritic cells (DCs) or with a CD40-ligand (CD154)-expressing fibroblast cell line. Examination of the expression of several apoptosis-regulatory proteins revealed that coculture with HK cells or DCs induced up-regulation of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Mcl-1 in CLL B cells, whereas CD40 ligation increased expression of Bcl-X(L). Cell-cell contact was required for HK-induced protection, and introducing neutralizing antibodies against various adhesion molecules showed that CD44 was involved in HK-mediated survival, whereas CD40, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) were not. Anti-CD44 antibodies also blocked Mcl-1 induction by HK cells. Mcl-1 antisense oligonucleotides reduced leukemia cell expression of Mcl-1, and significantly suppressed HK-induced protection against apoptosis, whereas control oligonucleotides had no effect. Thus, HK cells protect CLL B cells against apoptosis, at least in part through a CD44-dependent mechanism involving up-regulation of Mcl-1, and this mechanism is distinct from that achieved by CD40 ligation. Consequently, the particular antiapoptotic proteins important for CLL survival may vary depending on the microenvironment.