Generic placeholder image

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1871-5206
ISSN (Online): 1875-5992

Research Article

Arsenic Trioxide inhibits Activation of Hedgehog Pathway in Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line SK-N-BE(2) Independent of Itraconazole

Author(s): Xiaoshan Liu, Zhixuan Wang, Xilin Xiong, Chunmou Li, Yu Wu, Mingwei Su, Shu Yang, Meilin Zeng, Wenjun Weng, Ke Huang, Dunhua Zhou, Jianpei Fang, Lvhong Xu, Peng Li, Yafeng Zhu, Kunyin Qiu, Yuhan Ma, Jiaying Lei and Yang Li*

Volume 23, Issue 20, 2023

Published on: 02 October, 2023

Page: [2217 - 2224] Pages: 8

DOI: 10.2174/0118715206259952230919173611

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) remains associated with a low overall survival rate over the long term. Abnormal activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway can activate the transcription of various downstream target genes that promote NB. Both arsenic trioxide (ATO) and itraconazole (ITRA) can inhibit tumor growth.

Objective: To determine whether ATO combined with ITRA can be used to treat NB with HH pathway activation, we examined the effects of ATO and ITRA monotherapy or combined inhibition of the HH pathway in NB.

Methods: Analysis of CCK8 and flow cytometry showed cell inhibition and cell cycle, respectively. Real-time PCR analysis was conducted to assess the mRNA expression of HH pathway.

Results: We revealed that as concentrations of ATO and ITRA increased, the killing effects of both agents on SK-N-BE(2) cells became more apparent. During G2/M, the cell cycle was largely arrested by ATO alone and combined with ITRA, and in the G0/G1 phase by ITRA alone. In the HH pathway, ATO inhibited the transcription of the SHH, PTCH1, SMO and GLI2 genes, however, ITRA did not. Instead of showing synergistic effects in a combined mode, ITRA decreased ATO inhibitory effects.

Conclusion: We showed that ATO is an important inhibitor of HH pathway but ITRA can weaken the inhibitory effect of ATO. This study provides an experimental evidence for the clinical use of ATO and ITRA in the treatment of NB with HH pathway activation in cytology.

Graphical Abstract

[1]
Ponzoni, M.; Bachetti, T.; Corrias, M.V.; Brignole, C.; Pastorino, F.; Calarco, E.; Bensa, V.; Giusto, E.; Ceccherini, I.; Perri, P. Recent advances in the developmental origin of neuroblastoma: an overview. J. Exp. Clin. Cancer Res., 2022, 41(1), 92.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13046-022-02281-w] [PMID: 35277192]
[2]
Morini, M.; Cangelosi, D.; Segalerba, D.; Marimpietri, D.; Raggi, F.; Castellano, A.; Fruci, D.; de Mora, J.F.; Cañete, A.; Yáñez, Y.; Viprey, V.; Corrias, M.V.; Carlini, B.; Pezzolo, A.; Schleiermacher, G.; Mazzocco, K.; Ladenstein, R.; Sementa, A.R.; Conte, M.; Garaventa, A.; Burchill, S.; Luksch, R.; Bosco, M.C.; Eva, A.; Varesio, L. Exosomal microRNAs from longitudinal liquid biopsies for the prediction of response to induction chemotherapy in high-risk neuroblastoma patients: A proof of concept SIOPEN study. Cancers (Basel), 2019, 11(10), 1476.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cancers11101476] [PMID: 31575060]
[3]
Morgenstern, D.A.; London, W.B.; Stephens, D.; Volchenboum, S.L.; Simon, T.; Nakagawara, A.; Shimada, H.; Schleiermacher, G.; Matthay, K.K.; Cohn, S.L.; Pearson, A.D.J.; Irwin, M.S. Prognostic significance of pattern and burden of metastatic disease in patients with stage 4 neuroblastoma: A study from the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group database. Eur. J. Cancer, 2016, 65, 1-10.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2016.06.005] [PMID: 27434878]
[4]
Strother, D.R.; London, W.B.; Schmidt, M.L.; Brodeur, G.M.; Shimada, H.; Thorner, P.; Collins, M.H.; Tagge, E.; Adkins, S.; Reynolds, C.P.; Murray, K.; Lavey, R.S.; Matthay, K.K.; Castleberry, R.; Maris, J.M.; Cohn, S.L. Outcome after surgery alone or with restricted use of chemotherapy for patients with low-risk neuroblastoma: Results of Children’s Oncology Group study P9641. J. Clin. Oncol., 2012, 30(15), 1842-1848.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2011.37.9990] [PMID: 22529259]
[5]
Baker, D.L.; Schmidt, M.L.; Cohn, S.L.; Maris, J.M.; London, W.B.; Buxton, A.; Stram, D.; Castleberry, R.P.; Shimada, H.; Sandler, A.; Shamberger, R.C.; Look, A.T.; Reynolds, C.P.; Seeger, R.C.; Matthay, K.K. Outcome after reduced chemotherapy for intermediate-risk neuroblastoma. N. Engl. J. Med., 2010, 363(14), 1313-1323.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1001527] [PMID: 20879880]
[6]
Wang, Z.; Cunningham, J.M.; Yang, X.H. CisPi: A transcriptomic score for disclosing cis-acting disease-associated lincRNAs. Bioinformatics, 2018, 34(17), i664-i670.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/bty574] [PMID: 30423099]
[7]
Grimmer, M.R.; Weiss, W.A. Childhood tumors of the nervous system as disorders of normal development. Curr. Opin. Pediatr., 2006, 18(6), 634-638.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MOP.0b013e32801080fe] [PMID: 17099362]
[8]
Zanotti, S.; Decaesteker, B.; Vanhauwaert, S.; De Wilde, B.; De Vos, W.H.; Speleman, F. Cellular senescence in neuroblastoma. Br. J. Cancer, 2022, 126(11), 1529-1538.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41416-022-01755-0] [PMID: 35197583]
[9]
Nüsslein-Volhard, C.; Wieschaus, E. Mutations affecting segment number and polarity in Drosophila. Nature, 1980, 287(5785), 795-801.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/287795a0] [PMID: 6776413]
[10]
Varjosalo, M.; Taipale, J. Hedgehog: Functions and mechanisms. Genes Dev., 2008, 22(18), 2454-2472.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1101/gad.1693608] [PMID: 18794343]
[11]
Scales, S.J.; de Sauvage, F.J. Mechanisms of Hedgehog pathway activation in cancer and implications for therapy. Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 2009, 30(6), 303-312.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2009.03.007] [PMID: 19443052]
[12]
Briscoe, J.; Thérond, P.P. The mechanisms of Hedgehog signalling and its roles in development and disease. Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol., 2013, 14(7), 416-429.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrm3598] [PMID: 23719536]
[13]
Raffel, C.; Jenkins, R.B.; Frederick, L.; Hebrink, D.; Alderete, B.; Fults, D.W.; James, C.D. Sporadic medulloblastomas contain PTCH mutations. Cancer Res., 1997, 57, 842-845. Available from: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/57/5/842/503889/SporadicMedulloblastomas-Contain-PTCH-Mutations1
[14]
Mills, L.D.; Zhang, Y.; Marler, R.J.; Herreros-Villanueva, M.; Zhang, L.; Almada, L.L.; Couch, F.; Wetmore, C.; Pasca di Magliano, M.; Fernandez-Zapico, M.E. Loss of the transcription factor GLI1 identifies a signaling network in the tumor microenvironment mediating KRAS oncogene-induced transformation. J. Biol. Chem., 2013, 288(17), 11786-11794.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M112.438846] [PMID: 23482563]
[15]
Schiapparelli, P.; Shahi, M.H.; Enguita-Germán, M.; Johnsen, J.I.; Kogner, P.; Lázcoz, P.; Castresana, J.S. Inhibition of the sonic hedgehog pathway by cyplopamine reduces the CD133+/CD15+ cell compartment and the in vitro tumorigenic capability of neuroblastoma cells. Cancer Lett., 2011, 310(2), 222-231.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2011.07.005] [PMID: 21803487]
[16]
Zhou, Y.; Dai, R.; Mao, L.; Xia, Y.; Yao, Y.; Yang, X.; Hu, B. Activation of sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in S-type neuroblastoma cell lines. J. Huazhong Univ. Sci. Technolog. Med. Sci., 2010, 30(3), 271-277.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11596-010-0342-7] [PMID: 20556567]
[17]
Oue, T.; Yoneda, A.; Uehara, S.; Yamanaka, H.; Fukuzawa, M. Increased expression of the hedgehog signaling pathway in pediatric solid malignancies. J. Pediatr. Surg., 2010, 45(2), 387-392.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2009.10.081] [PMID: 20152358]
[18]
Reifenberger, J.; Wolter, M.; Weber, R.G. Missense mutations in SMOH in sporadic basal cell carcinomas of the skin and primitive neuroectodermal tumors of the central nervous system. Cancer Res., 1998, 58, 1798-1803. Available from: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/58/9/1798/505175/Missense-Mutations-in-SMOHinSporadic-Basal-Cell
[19]
Qi, K.; Li, Y.; Huang, K.; Xiong, X.; Chuchu, F.; Zhang, C.; Weng, W. Pre-application of arsenic trioxide may potentiate cytotoxic effects of vinorelbine/docetaxel on neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. Biomed. Pharmacother., 2019, 113, 108665.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108665] [PMID: 30889490]
[20]
Xiong, X.; Li, Y.; Liu, L.; Qi, K.; Zhang, C.; Chen, Y.; Fang, J. Arsenic trioxide induces cell cycle arrest and affects Trk receptor expression in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells. Biol. Res., 2018, 51(1), 18.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40659-018-0167-6] [PMID: 29898774]
[21]
Beauchamp, E.M.; Ringer, L.; Bulut, G.; Sajwan, K.P.; Hall, M.D.; Lee, Y.C.; Peaceman, D.; Özdemirli, M.; Rodriguez, O.; Macdonald, T.J.; Albanese, C.; Toretsky, J.A.; Üren, A. Arsenic trioxide inhibits human cancer cell growth and tumor development in mice by blocking Hedgehog/GLI pathway. J. Clin. Invest., 2011, 121(1), 148-160.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1172/JCI42874] [PMID: 21183792]
[22]
Wickström, M.; Dyberg, C.; Shimokawa, T.; Milosevic, J.; Baryawno, N.; Fuskevåg, O.M.; Larsson, R.; Kogner, P.; Zaphiropoulos, P.G.; Johnsen, J.I. Arsenic trioxide - An old drug rediscovered. Blood Rev., 2010, 24, 191-199. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268960X10000226?via%3Dihub
[23]
Kim, J.; Tang, J.Y.; Gong, R.; Kim, J.; Lee, J.J.; Clemons, K.V.; Chong, C.R.; Chang, K.S.; Fereshteh, M.; Gardner, D.; Reya, T.; Liu, J.O.; Epstein, E.H.; Stevens, D.A.; Beachy, P.A. Itraconazole, a commonly used antifungal that inhibits Hedgehog pathway activity and cancer growth. Cancer Cell, 2010, 17(4), 388-399.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2010.02.027] [PMID: 20385363]
[24]
Liu, M.; Liang, G.; Zheng, H.; Zheng, N.; Ge, H.; Liu, W. Triazoles bind the C-terminal domain of SMO: Illustration by docking and molecular dynamics simulations the binding between SMO and triazoles. Life Sci., 2019, 217, 222-228.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2018.12.012] [PMID: 30543826]
[25]
Mbaoji, F.N.; Behnisch-Cornwell, S.; Ezike, A.C.; Nworu, C.S.; Bednarski, P.J. Pharmacological evaluation of the anticancer activity of extracts and fractions of Lannea barteri Oliv. (Anacardiaceae) on adherent human cancer cell lines. Molecules, 2020, 25(4), 849.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules25040849] [PMID: 32075139]
[26]
Keyel, M.E.; Reynolds, C.P. Spotlight on dinutuximab in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma: development and place in therapy. Biologics, 2018, 13, 1-12.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S114530] [PMID: 30613134]
[27]
Saulnier Sholler, G.L.; Bond, J.P.; Bergendahl, G.; Dutta, A.; Dragon, J.; Neville, K.; Ferguson, W.; Roberts, W.; Eslin, D.; Kraveka, J.; Kaplan, J.; Mitchell, D.; Parikh, N.; Merchant, M.; Ashikaga, T.; Hanna, G.; Lescault, P.J.; Siniard, A.; Corneveaux, J.; Huentelman, M.; Trent, J. Feasibility of implementing molecular‐guided therapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. Cancer Med., 2015, 4(6), 871-886.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cam4.436] [PMID: 25720842]
[28]
Johnsen, J.I.; Dyberg, C.; Fransson, S.; Wickström, M. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. Pharmacol. Res., 2018, 131, 164-176.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.023] [PMID: 29466695]
[29]
Pinto, N.; Naranjo, A.; Hibbitts, E.; Kreissman, S.G.; Granger, M.M.; Irwin, M.S.; Bagatell, R.; London, W.B.; Greengard, E.G.; Park, J.R.; DuBois, S.G. Predictors of differential response to induction therapy in high-risk neuroblastoma: A report from the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). Eur. J. Cancer, 2019, 112, 66-79.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejca.2019.02.003] [PMID: 30947024]
[30]
Liu, L.; Li, Y.; Xiong, X.; Qi, K.; Zhang, C.; Fang, J.; Guo, H. Low dose of arsenic trioxide inhibits multidrug resistant-related P-glycoprotein expression in human neuroblastoma cell line. Int. J. Oncol., 2016, 49(6), 2319-2330.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2016.3756] [PMID: 27840903]
[31]
Li, C.; Peng, X.; Feng, C.; Xiong, X.; Li, J.; Liao, N.; Yang, Z.; Liu, A.; Wu, P.; Liang, X.; He, Y.; Tian, X.; Lin, Y.; Wang, S.; Li, Y. Excellent early outcomes of combined chemotherapy with arsenic trioxide for stage 4/M neuroblastoma in children: A multicenter nonrandomized controlled trial. Oncol. Res., 2021, 28(7), 791-800.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3727/096504021X16184815905096] [PMID: 33858561]
[32]
Li, Y.; Feng, C.; Chen, Y.; Huang, K.; Li, C.; Xiong, X.; Li, P.; Zhou, D.; Peng, X.; Weng, W.; Deng, X.; Wu, Y.; Fang, J. Improved outcomes with induction chemotherapy combined with arsenic trioxide in stage 4 neuroblastoma: A case series. Technol. Cancer Res. Treat., 2021, 20, 15330338211041454.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15330338211041454] [PMID: 34569870]
[33]
Huang, X.B.; Shi, Y.; Wang, C.S.; Wang, X.D.; Cheng, J.; Che, F.F. Synergistic inhibitory effect of arsenic trioxide combined with itraconazole on hedgehog pathway of multiple myeloma NCI-H929 cells. Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi, 2016, 24(5), 1459-1465.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.7534/j.issn.1009-2137.2016.05.032] [PMID: 27784375]
[34]
Wu, J.W.; Xiao, W.T.; Zeng, Y.J.; Fan, J.X.; Ye, Y.B.; Li, Y.M.; Zhen, R.; Guo, K.Y. Synergistic killing effects of arsenic trioxide combined with itraconazole on KG1a cells. Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi, 2017, 25(4), 1003-1010.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.7534/j.issn.1009-2137.2017.04.008] [PMID: 28823259]
[35]
Boehme, K.A.; Zaborski, J.J.; Riester, R.; Schweiss, S.K.; Hopp, U.; Traub, F.; Kluba, T.; Handgretinger, R.; Schleicher, S.B. Targeting hedgehog signalling by arsenic trioxide reduces cell growth and induces apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma. Int. J. Oncol., 2016, 48(2), 801-812.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2015.3293] [PMID: 26676886]
[36]
Kim, J.; Lee, J.J.; Kim, J.; Gardner, D.; Beachy, P.A. Arsenic antagonizes the Hedgehog pathway by preventing ciliary accumulation and reducing stability of the Gli2 transcriptional effector. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2010, 107(30), 13432-13437.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1006822107] [PMID: 20624968]
[37]
Lin, Z.; Li, W.H. Expansion of hexose transporter genes was associated with the evolution of aerobic fermentation in yeasts. Mol. Biol. Evol., 2011, 28(1), 131-142.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msq184] [PMID: 20660490]
[38]
Meng, Y.; Hu, J.; Chen, Y.; Yu, T.; Hu, L. Silencing MARCH1 suppresses proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells via downregulation of NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Oncol. Rep., 2016, 36(5), 2463-2470.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.3892/or.2016.5076] [PMID: 27633480]
[39]
Chooi, W.H.; Chan, B.P. Compression loading-induced stress responses in intervertebral disc cells encapsulated in 3D collagen constructs. Sci. Rep., 2016, 6(1), 26449.
[http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep26449] [PMID: 27197886]

Rights & Permissions Print Cite
© 2024 Bentham Science Publishers | Privacy Policy