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Background: Combination therapy is a key strategy for minimizing drug resistance, a common problem in cancer therapy. The microtubule-depolymerizing agent vincristine is widely used in the treatment of acute leukemia. In order to decrease toxicity and chemoresistance of vincristine, this study will investigate the effects of combination vincristine and vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)), a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor, on human acute T cell lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Methods: Cell viability experiments were determined by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and cell cycle distributions as well as mitochondria membrane potential were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro tubulin polymerization assay was used to test tubulin assembly, and immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect microtubule distribution and morphology. In vivo effect of the combination was evaluated by a MOLT-4 xenograft model. Statistical analysis was assessed by Bonferroni's t test. Results: Cell viability showed that the combination of vincristine and SAHA exhibited greater cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of 0.88 nM, compared to each drug alone, 3.3 and 840 nM. This combination synergically induced G2/M arrest, followed by an increase in cell number at the sub-G1 phase and caspase activation. Moreover, the results of vincristine combined with an HDAC6 inhibitor (tubastatin A), which acetylated α-tubulin, were consistent with the effects of vincristine/SAHA co-treatment, thus suggesting that SAHA may alter microtubule dynamics through HDAC6 inhibition. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the combination of vincristine and SAHA on T cell leukemic cells resulted in a change in microtubule dynamics contributing to M phase arrest followed by induction of the apoptotic pathway. These data suggest that the combination effect of vincristine/SAHA could have an important preclinical basis for future clinical trial testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have emerged as a promising class of drugs for treatment of cancers, especially subcutaneous T- cell lymphoma. In this study, we demonstrated that MPT0E028, a novel N- hydroxyacrylamidederived HDAC inhibitor, inhibited human colorectal cancer HCT116 cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The results of NCI-60 screening showed that MPT0E028 inhibited proliferation in both solid and hematological tumor cell lines at micromolar concentrations, and was especially potent in HCT116 cells. MPT0E028 had a stronger apoptotic activity and inhibited HDACs activity more potently than SAHA, the first therapeutic HDAC inhibitor proved by FDA. In vivo murine model, the growth of HCT116 tumor xenograft was delayed and inhibited after treatment with MPT0E028 in a dose-dependent manner. Based on in vivo study, MPT0E028 showed stronger anti-cancer efficacy than SAHA. No significant body weight difference or other adverse effects were observed in both MPT0E028- and SAHA-treated groups. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MPT0E028 has several properties and is potential as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 2-aroyl and 2-aryl-5,6,7-trimethoxyquinoline and 4-aroyl-6,7,8-trimethoxyquinoline combretastatin analogs were synthesized and evaluated for their potential anticancer activity. The 4-aroylquinoline 11 inhibited the growth of the human cancer cells lines KB, HT-29, and MKN45, as well as the three human resistant cancer cell lines KB-vin10, KB-S15, and KB-7D, with IC50 values of 217, 327, 239, 246, 213, and 252 nM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Aroylindoline, 1-aroyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, and 1-aroylindole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anticancer activity. The 4-amino and 4-hydroxy-1-aroylindoles 26and 27with IC 50of 0.9 and 0.6 μM, respectively, exhibited antitubulin activity superior or comparable to that of colchicine and combretastatin A-4. They also showed antiproliferative activity with IC 50of 0.3−5.4 nM in a set of human cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel series of 4- and 5-aroylindole derivatives was prepared and evaluated for antitumor activity. Several compounds showed excellent antiproliferative activity as inhibitors of tubulin polymerization. Compounds 13, 14, 15, and 18, with IC50values of 1.9, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.8 M, respectively, exhibited more potent inhibition of tubulin polymerization than colchicine. They also displayed antiproliferative activity, with IC50values ranging from 10 to 43 nM in a variety of human cell lines from different organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 3-subsituted quinolinehydroxamic acids has been synthesised and evaluated for their effect on human lung cancer cell line (A549), human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116) and HDAC isoforms 1, 2, 6, and 8. The results indicated that substitution at C3 of quinoline is favoured for HDAC6 selectivity. Two compounds (25 and 26) were also found to be potent anti-proliferative compounds with IC50 values ranging from 1.29 to 2.13 µM against A549 and HCT116 cells. These compounds displayed remarkable selectivity for HDAC6 over other HDAC isoforms with nanomolar IC50 values. Western blot analysis revealed that compounds of this series activate apoptotic caspase pathway as indicated by cleavage of caspase 3, 8, and 9 and also increase phosphorylated H2AX thus inducing DNA double strand fragmentation in a concentration dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis also displayed a dose dependent increase of cell population in sub G1 phase.

Abstract Background Oncogenic K-Ras signaling highly relies on the canonical Ras/MEK/ERK pathway to contribute to pancreatic cancer progression. However, numerous efforts of MEK inhibitors have failed to provide an optimal antitumor effect for pancreatic cancer in practice. The aim of the present work was to develop a more efficacious therapeutic intervention for MEK inhibitors through combination with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor MPT0E028. Methods The effects of combined therapy on cell viability, apoptosis, protein, and RNA expressions were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, and quantitative PCR analysis. The AsPC-1 xenograft was used to assess antitumor effects in vivo. Results The co-administration of MPT0E028 and MEK inhibitor yielded synergistic effects on cell viability suppression both in K-Ras mutated and wild-type pancreatic cancer cells and also markedly triggered cell apoptosis. Surprisingly, ERK and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were activated by the long-term and low-concentration treatment of MPT0E028 or another HDAC inhibitor alone. Whereas, the pharmacological attenuation of ERK signaling dramatically abolished the MPTE028-induced p-ERK and EGFR expression. Overexpression of HDAC4, HDAC6, and MEK, respectively, reversed the cell death induced by the combined treatment. Finally, the combined treatment decreased the tumor volume in an AsPC-1 xenograft model compared to each individual treatment alone. Conclusions The synergistic anti-survival effect of the combination was suggested to occur via compensation of the MEK inhibitor for activated ERK. Our results indicate that this combination strategy could benefit patients with pancreatic cancer beyond K-Ras status.

Abstract Background There are some limitations of standard chemotherapy for acute leukemia. Vincristine and doxorubicin are commonly used for acute leukemia, but they may induce serious side effects such as cardiomyopathy and neurotoxicity. Furthermore, chemotherapy resistance occurs more and more frequently. Therefore, effective treatment strategies are needed. Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition is considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for acute leukemia, since it is observed that HDAC6 is overexpressed in acute leukemia and regulates tumor survival. Combination therapy for cancer is used to minimize adverse drug effects, reduce drug dosage, enhance efficacy, and prevent drug resistance. In order to improve efficacy of chemotherapy agents of acute leukemia, this study will investigate the effects of combination MPT0G211, a novel histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor, with doxorubicin or vincristine on human acute leukemia cells. Results MPT0G211 combined with doxorubicin induces DNA damage response on human acute myeloid leukemia cells. MPT0G211 can additionally increase Ku70 acetylation and release BAX to mitochondria. Ectopic expression of HDAC6 successively reversed the apoptosis triggered by the combined treatment. Moreover, co-treatment of MPT0G211 and vincristine may alter microtubule dynamics, triggering acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells arrest in mitotic phase followed by induction of the apoptotic pathway. Finally, MPT0G211 plus doxorubicin or vincristine can significantly improve the tumor growth delay in a tumor xenograft model. Conclusions Collectively, our data highlighted that MPT0G211 in combination with chemotherapy drugs has significant anticancer activity, suggesting a novel strategy for the treatment of acute leukemia.

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) commonly occurs during normal aging and during some acute/chronic progressive disorders. In order to avoid oxidative damage, scavenging of these radicals is important. Previously, we identified zinc finger protein 179 (Znf179) as a neuroprotector that increases antioxidant enzymes against superoxide radicals. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the activation and regulation of Znf179 remain unresolved. Here, by performing sequence alignment, bioinformatics analysis, immunoprecipitation using two specific acetyl-lysine antibodies, and treatment with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor SAHA, we determined the lysine-specific acetylation of Znf179. Furthermore, we investigated Znf179 interaction with HDACs and revealed that peroxide insult induced a dissociation of Znf179-HDAC1/HDAC6, causing an increase in Znf179 acetylation. Importantly, HDAC inhibition by SAHA further prompted Znf179 hyperacetylation, which promoted Znf179 to form a transcriptional complex with Sp1 and increased antioxidant gene expression against oxidative attack. In summary, the results obtained in this study showed that Znf179 was regulated by HDACs and that Znf179 acetylation was a critical mechanism in the induction of antioxidant defense systems. Additionally, HDAC inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for induction of Znf179 acetylation, strengthening the Znf179 protective functions against neurodegenerative processes. Keywords: Znf179, SAHA, HDACs, Oxidative stress, Antioxidants

Abstract Background Tumor hypoxia-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical in promoting cancer metastasis. We recently discovered a novel microtubule inhibitor, MPT0B098, that employs a novel antitumor mechanism. It destabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α mRNA by blocking the function of human antigen R. Thus, we proposed that MPT0B098 modulates hypoxia-induced EMT. Methods In vitro IC50 values were determined through the methylene blue dye assay. To investigate molecular events, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and wound healing assay were employed. Results MPT0B098 significantly inhibited HIF-1α expression, epithelial-to-mesenchymal morphology changes, and migratory ability in the human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line OEC-M1. Furthermore, after MPT0B098 treatment, the expression of two mesenchymal markers, vimentin and N-cadherin, was downregulated under hypoxic conditions. Moreover, MPT0B098 suppressed hypoxia-induced EMT in part by inhibiting EMT-activating transcription factors, Twist and SNAI2/Slug. In addition, the inhibition of hypoxia-induced F-actin rearrangement and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation may have contributed to suppression of EMT by MPT0B098in OEC-M1 cells. MPT0B098 significantly inhibited transforming growth factor(TGF)-β-induced phosphorylation of receptor-associated Smad2/3 by downregulating TGF-β mRNA and protein expression. Conclusions Taken together, this study provides a novel insight into the role of MPT0B098 in inhibiting hypoxia-induced EMT, suggesting its potential use for treating head and neck cancers.

Microtubule inhibitors have been shown to inhibit Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signal transduction pathway in various cancer cells. However, little is known of the mechanism by which the microtubule inhibitors inhibit STAT3 activity. In the present study, we examined the effect of a novel small-molecule microtubule inhibitor, MPT0B098, on STAT3 signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Treatment of various OSCC cells with MPT0B098 induced growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, as well as increased the protein level of SOCS3. The accumulation of SOCS3 protein enhanced its binding to JAK2 and TYK2 which facilitated the ubiquitination and degradation of JAK2 and TYK2, resulting in a loss of STAT3 activity. The inhibition of STAT3 activity led to sensitization of OSCC cells to MPT0B098 cytotoxicity, indicating that STAT3 is a key mediator of drug resistance in oral carcinogenesis. Moreover, the combination of MPT0B098 with the clinical drug cisplatin or 5-FU significantly augmented growth inhibition and apoptosis in OSCC cells. Taken together, our results provide a novel mechanism for the action of MPT0B098 in which the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is suppressed through the modulation of SOCS3 protein level. The findings also provide a promising combinational therapy of MPT0B098 for OSCC.

Agents that interfere with mitotic progression by disturbing microtubule dynamics are commonly used for cancer treatment. Previously, a series of aroylquinolone regioisomers as novel microtubule inhibitors were discovered. One of these new compounds, MPT0B214 inhibited tubulin polymerization through strongly binding to the tubulin's colchicine-binding site and had cytotoxic activity in a variety of human tumor cell lines. After treatment with MPT0B214, KB cells were arrested in the G2-M phase before cell death occurred, which were associated with upregulation of cyclin B1, dephosphorylation of Cdc2, phosphorylation of Cdc25C and elevated expression of the mitotic marker MPM-2. Furthermore, the compound induced apoptotic cell death through mitochondria/caspase 9-dependent pathway. Notably, several KB-derived multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines were also sensitive to MPT0B214 treatment. These findings showed that MPT0B214 is a potential compound in the treatment of various malignancies.

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play an important role in the pathologic processes of destructive arthritis by producing a number of catabolic cytokines and metalloproteinases (MMPs). The expression of these mediators is controlled at the transcriptional level. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of magnolol (5,5'-Diallyl-biphenyl-2,2'-diol), the major bioactive component of the bark of Magnolia officinalis, by examining its inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediator secretion and the NF-κB and AP-1 activation pathways and to investigate its therapeutic effects on the development of arthritis in a rat model. The in vitro anti-arthritic activity of magnolol was tested on interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated FLS by measuring levels of IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E(2), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by ELISA and RT-PCR. Further studies on how magnolol inhibits IL-1β-stimulated cytokine expression were performed using Western blots, reporter gene assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and confocal microscope analysis. The in vivo anti-arthritic effects of magnolol were evaluated in a Mycobacterium butyricum-induced arthritis model in rats. Magnolol markedly inhibited IL-1β (10 ng/mL)-induced cytokine expression in a concentration-dependent manner (2.5-25 µg/mL). In clarifying the mechanisms involved, magnolol was found to inhibit the IL-1β-induced activation of the IKK/IκB/NF-κB and MAPKs pathways by suppressing the nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of both transcription factors. In the animal model, magnolol (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited paw swelling and reduced serum cytokine levels. Our results demonstrate that magnolol inhibits the development of arthritis, suggesting that it might provide a new therapeutic approach to inflammatory arthritis diseases.

Recently, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have emerged as a promising class of drugs for treatment of cancers, especially subcutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In this study, we demonstrated that MPT0E028, a novel N-hydroxyacrylamide-derived HDAC inhibitor, inhibited human colorectal cancer HCT116 cell growth in vitro and in vivo. The results of NCI-60 screening showed that MPT0E028 inhibited proliferation in both solid and hematological tumor cell lines at micromolar concentrations, and was especially potent in HCT116 cells. MPT0E028 had a stronger apoptotic activity and inhibited HDACs activity more potently than SAHA, the first therapeutic HDAC inhibitor proved by FDA. In vivo murine model, the growth of HCT116 tumor xenograft was delayed and inhibited after treatment with MPT0E028 in a dose-dependent manner. Based on in vivo study, MPT0E028 showed stronger anti-cancer efficacy than SAHA. No significant body weight difference or other adverse effects were observed in both MPT0E028-and SAHA-treated groups. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MPT0E028 has several properties and is potential as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic drug.