Biomedical subjects

Daniel M Sullivan

Publications and source records attributed to Daniel M Sullivan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Integrated Genomic and Epigenomic Analysis Reveals Epigenetic Plasticity in Disease Progression and Multidrug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma.

UNLABELLED: Multiple myeloma is marked by recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities and mutations that accumulate as the disease progresses. In this study, we sought to elucidate the transitions driving tumorigenesis and therapy resistance in multiple myeloma using a unique cohort of nearly 900 patients spanning premalignant to late-stage refractory multiple myeloma, comprehensively characterized at molecular and clinical levels. Waves of epigenetic dysregulation drove these critical transitions. In this paradigm, genomic and cytogenetic events unlocked epigenetic plasticity, reshaping multiple myeloma cell biology to evade tumor microenvironment constraints and therapeutic pressures. Functional perturbation studies in an isogenic proteasome inhibitor-resistant cell line model demonstrated enhanced reliance on transcriptional cofactors, supporting a mechanistic link between chromatin plasticity and therapy adaptation. Collectively, these findings support a unifying framework in which genomic heterogeneity unlocks gene regulatory plasticity, enabling plasma cells (PC) to evade microenvironmental constraints and therapeutic pressure. These results provide a mechanistic explanation for sequential relapse without new genomic alterations and nominate epigenetic plasticity-mediated PC adaptation as a therapeutic vulnerability in the heterogeneous genetic background of multiple myeloma. SIGNIFICANCE: Assembly and analysis of a multiple myeloma cohort spanning the continuum from premalignant to late relapse that integrates bulk transcriptomics with single-cell multiomic data provides insights into disease progression and epigenetic plasticity.

Multiple Myeloma↗

PubMed2007

T cell targeting and phagocytosis of apoptotic biliary epithelial cells in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is characterized by loss of tolerance against ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial autoantigens followed by biliary and salivary gland epithelial cell (BEC and SGEC) destruction by autoreactive T cells. It is unclear why BECs and SGECs are targeted. Previous work demonstrated that the reduced form of the major PBC autoantigen predominated in apoptotic BECs and SGECs as opposed to an oxidized form in other apoptotic cells. This led to the hypothesis that presentation of novel self-peptides from phagocytosed apoptotic BECs might contribute to BEC targeting by autoreactive T cells. The effect of autoantigen redox status on self-peptide formation was examined along with the phagocytic ability of BECs. Oxidation of PBC autoantigens first was shown to be due to protein S-glutathionylation of lipoyllysine residues. Absence of protein S-glutathionylation generated novel self-peptides and affected T cell recognition of a lipoyllysine containing peptide. Liver biopsy staining revealed BEC phagocytosis of apoptotic BECs (3.74+/-2.90% of BEC) was present in PBC (7 of 7 cases) but not in normal livers (0 of 3). BECs have the ability to present novel mitochondrial self-peptides derived from phagocytosed apoptotic BECs. Apoptotic cell phagocytosis by non-professional phagocytes may influence the tissue specificity of autoimmune diseases.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

ABCG2 expression, function, and promoter methylation in human multiple myeloma.

We investigated the role of the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) in drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM). Human MM cell lines, and MM patient plasma cells isolated from bone marrow, were evaluated for ABCG2 mRNA expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ABCG2 protein, by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry. ABCG2 function was determined by measuring topotecan and doxorubicin efflux using flow cytometry, in the presence and absence of the specific ABCG2 inhibitor, tryprostatin A. The methylation of the ABCG2 promoter was determined using bisulfite sequencing. We found that ABCG2 expression in myeloma cell lines increased after exposure to topotecan and doxorubicin, and was greater in logphase cells when compared with quiescent cells. Myeloma patients treated with topotecan had an increase in ABCG2 mRNA and protein expression after treatment with topotecan, and at relapse. Expression of ABCG2 is regulated, at least in part, by promoter methylation both in cell lines and in patient plasma cells. Demethylation of the promoter increased ABCG2 mRNA and protein expression. These findings suggest that ABCG2 is expressed and functional in human myeloma cells, regulated by promoter methylation, affected by cell density, up-regulated in response to chemotherapy, and may contribute to intrinsic drug resistance.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

PubMed2006

Increased bioavailability of intravenous versus oral CI-1033, a pan erbB tyrosine kinase inhibitor: results of a phase I pharmacokinetic study.

PURPOSE: In phase I studies with oral CI-1033, dose-limiting toxicities were primarily gastrointestinal, supporting the exploration of i.v. dosing to achieve optimal drug exposures by increasing bioavailability. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Fifty-three patients with advanced nonhematologic malignancies received i.v. CI-1033 via 30-minute infusions (10-500 mg) on a thrice-weekly schedule. Pharmacokinetic samples were collected on days 1 and 8 and evaluated using noncompartmental analysis. RESULTS: Dose levels evaluated were 10, 20, 30, 45, 67.5, 100, 150, 225, 337.5, and 500 mg. The maximum administered dose was 500 mg, whereas the maximum tolerated dose was 225 mg. The most common treatment-related grade 1 to 2 adverse events were rashes (38% of patients), nausea (17%), vomiting (17%), stomatitis (14%), and diarrhea (13%). Most common grade 3 adverse events were hypersensitivity reactions (7.5%), rashes (3.8%), and diarrhea (3.8%). No grade 4 toxicities were observed. Ten of the 53 (19%) patients had disease stabilization at their first efficacy evaluation visit (including two with minor responses). A 5- to 10-fold increase in i.v. C(max) was noted with a 3-fold increase in AUC compared with oral CI-1033 at equivalent doses. Treatment-related gastrointestinal adverse events were notably less frequent with this i.v. regimen. CONCLUSIONS: CI-1033 was safely given i.v. up to 225 mg/dose on a thrice-weekly schedule, with evidence of antitumor activity. At equivalent doses, the bioavailability of i.v. CI-1033 is thrice that of the oral formulation. Treatment with i.v. CI-1033 is feasible and may be warranted when increased drug exposures are desired.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2006

Measurement of multisite oxidation kinetics reveals an active site conformational change in Spo0F as a result of protein oxidation.

When most proteins undergo oxidative damage, they yield a variety of products containing oxidative damage at a large number of sites, most of which are modified substoichiometrically. The resulting complex mixture of products is not amenable to high-resolution structural analyses. The previous methods of structural analysis have relied upon either very generalized structural analyses such as circular dichroism or the creation of a battery of mutants to try to isolate single-residue damage effects. We present a methodology using mass spectrometry to measure the kinetics of oxidation at many sites simultaneously. Previous studies have shown that these kinetics are determined by the chemical nature of the damage site and by the accessibility of that site to the radical. By measuring deviations in the rate of oxidation from the expected pseudo-zero-order kinetics, we can detect and characterize local structural changes due to the oxidative damage. We demonstrate the application of this new technique to the Spo0F protein, a regulator of sporulation in Bacillus subtilis. Circular dichroism studies suggest a partial loss of helical structure of Spo0F as a result of oxidative damage. We report that oxidation causes a three-stage conformational change in Spo0F. Furthermore, we find the dramatic structural changes affect only the region surrounding the active site, while the remainder of the structure remains relatively unperturbed. Finally, we are able to determine that the specific oxidation event that triggers the conformational change at the active site of Spo0F occurs at Met81, a partially conserved methionine in the CheY superfamily.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed2006

Novel 5' untranslated region variants of BCRP mRNA are differentially expressed in drug-selected cancer cells and in normal human tissues: implications for drug resistance, tissue-specific expression, and alternative promoter usage.

To investigate transcriptional activation of the breast cancer resistance protein gene (BCRP/ABCG2), we examined the 5' untranslated region of BCRP mRNA in cell lines with high BCRP transcriptional activity and in normal tissues. Human choriocarcinoma cells with high endogenous BCRP expression (JAR and BeWo) and human cancer cells (MCF-7 and Igrov1) and their BCRP-overexpressing, drug-selected, multidrug-resistant derivatives (MCF-7/AdrVp, Igrov1/MX3, and Igrov1/T8) were studied. Rapid amplification of 5'-cDNA ends-PCR (5'RACE-PCR) revealed at least three novel forms of the untranslated exon 1 (E1a, E1b, and E1c) that are spliced to a common exon 2, with differential expression of these splice variants in the drug-selected cell lines. Additionally, sequence analysis of the 5'RACE-PCR products revealed multiple transcriptional start sites for each variant, particularly in the drug-selected cells. The E1c isoform predominated in drug-selected MCF-7 cell lines and was translated more efficiently in MCF-7 cells than the E1a isoform. Varying patterns of expression of the exon 1 isoforms were observed in a variety of human tissues, suggesting that tissue-specific alternative promoters of BCRP exist. In summary, we find that BCRP overexpression in the drug-selected cells is accompanied by multiple transcriptional start sites and predominance of the more efficiently translated E1c isoform. The exon 1 variation we observe suggests that alternative promoters of the BCRP gene exist.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2006

Phase I study of the taxane BMS-188797 in combination with carboplatin administered every 3 weeks in patients with solid malignancies.

RATIONALE: BMS-188797 is one of several novel taxanes in ongoing clinical development. It has superior activity in experimental tumor models when compared with paclitaxel. BMS-188797 has a single C-4 modification, a 4-desacetyl-4-methylcarbonate, compared with paclitaxel. METHODS: We did a phase I study, in which a fixed dose of carboplatin was combined with a dose escalation schedule of BMS-188797, both administered once every 3 weeks, in patients with advanced solid malignancies. RESULTS: Thirty patients were treated, 11 at the proposed recommended phase II dose. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. There was a linear relationship between administered dose of BMS-188797 and the measured area under the curve (AUC). There was significant interpatient variability of BMS-188797 AUC at the maximum tolerated dose. Two radiographic partial responses were observed: one patient with duodenal adenocarcinoma and one patient with esophageal adenocarcinoma (time on study, 19 and 30 weeks, respectively). CONCLUSION: The recommended phase II dose for BMS-188797 and carboplatin administered on a once-every-3 week schedule is carboplatin AUC = 5 mg min/mL and BMS-188797 at a dose of 135 mg/m(2).

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Sequential oral 9-nitrocamptothecin and etoposide: a pharmacodynamic- and pharmacokinetic-based phase I trial.

PURPOSE: Resistance to topoisomerase (topo) I inhibitors has been related to down-regulation of nuclear target enzyme, whereas sensitization to topo II inhibitors may result from induction of topo II by topo I inhibitors. Here, we evaluated a sequence-specific administration of a topo I inhibitor followed by a topo II inhibitor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Twenty-five patients with advanced or metastatic malignancies were treated with increasing doses (0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, or 2.0 mg/m(2)) of 9-nitrocamptothecin (9-NC) on days 1 to 3, followed by etoposide (100 or 150 mg/d) on days 4 and 5. At the maximally tolerated dose, 20 additional patients were enrolled. The median age was 60 years (range, 40-84 years). Endpoints included pharmacokinetic analyses of 9-NC and etoposide, and treatment-induced modulations of topo I and II expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue were dose-limiting toxicities and occurred in six patients. Despite a median number of four prior regimens (range 1-12), 2 (4%) patients had an objective response and 13 (29%) patients had stable disease. In contrast to the expected modulation in topo I and IIalpha levels, we observed a decrease in topo IIalpha levels, whereas topo I levels were not significantly altered by 9-NC treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Sequence-specific administration of 9-NC and etoposide is tolerable and active. However, peripheral blood mononuclear cells may not be a predictive biological surrogate for drug-induced modulation of topo levels in tumor tissues and should be further explored in larger studies.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Synergistic interaction between histone deacetylase and topoisomerase II inhibitors is mediated through topoisomerase IIbeta.

BACKGROUND: DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors and poisons are among the most efficacious drugs for the treatment of cancer. Sensitivity of cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of topoisomerase II targeting agents is thought to depend on the expression of the topoisomerase IIalpha isoform, and drug resistance is often associated with loss or mutation of topoisomerase IIalpha. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a novel class of compounds that potentiate the antitumor effects of topoisomerase II-targeting agents. METHODS: The interaction between HDACi and topoisomerase II-targeting agents in cancer cells was evaluated as a function of topoisomerase IIalpha and topoisomerase IIbeta expression. Topoisomerase II isoforms were selectively depleted using small interfering RNA and antisense. Drug-induced formation of cleavable complexes involving topoisomerase IIalpha and topoisomerase IIbeta was evaluated by trapped-in-agarose DNA immunostaining and band depletion assays in the presence and absence of HDACi. RESULTS: Preexposure to HDACi increased the cytotoxicity of topoisomerase II poisons. This was associated with a down-regulation of topoisomerase IIalpha expression but had no effects on topoisomerase IIbeta. In the setting of HDACi-induced chromatin decondensation and topoisomerase IIalpha depletion, topoisomerase II poison cytotoxicity was mediated through topoisomerase IIbeta cleavable complex formation. The HDACi-induced sensitization was also observed in cells with target-specific resistance to topoisomerase II poisons. CONCLUSIONS: The recruitment of topoisomerase IIbeta as a target may overcome primary or emergent drug resistance to topoisomerase II-targeting agents and hence may broaden the applicability of this important class of anticancer agents.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed2005

The absolute bioavailability of oral vinorelbine in patients with solid tumors.

UNLABELLED: Due to advances in the methods used to quantitate vinorelbine, this study was conducted to characterize fully the bioavailability of an oral dosage form of vinorelbine. Twenty-seven eligible patients with solid tumors were enrolled onto this study and were treated in a randomized crossover design to receive either 70 mg/m2 orally or 30 mg/m2 intravenously followed by the alternative treatment one week later. Vinorelbine was administered orally as a soft-gelatin capsule. Pharmacokinetic sampling was carried out for 7 days following each dose. Whole blood vinorelbine concentrations were measured using a sensitive LC/MS/MS method. The data from patients were excluded if they vomited within 3 h after the oral dose. RESULTS: Three subjects were removed from study following the first dose due to safety reasons. Of the remaining 24 subjects, five experienced vomiting within 3 h of oral dosing. Total body clearance calculated from the intravenous dose was 43.65 L/h (+/-10.9) and the terminal half-life was estimated to be 49 h. Using complete data from the remaining 19 subjects, the mean absolute bioavailability of the oral dosage formulation of vinorelbine was calculated to be 33% (+/-18%). In conclusion we have characterized the pharmacokinetics of both orally administered and intravenous vinorelbine over 7 days after administration and have determined the mean oral bioavailability of this oral formulation to be 33%.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2005

Valproic acid alters chromatin structure by regulation of chromatin modulation proteins.

Histone acetylation and deacetylation are crucial in the regulation of gene expression. Dynamic changes in gene expression may affect chromatin structure and, consequently, the interaction of chromatin with regulatory factors. In this study, the effects of the antiseizure drug valproic acid (VPA) on the expression of genes that regulate the structure of chromatin and the access of macromolecules to the DNA were investigated. Exposure of breast cancer cells to VPA resulted in rapid dose-dependent hyperacetylation of the histones H3 and H4. VPA further induced a depletion of several members of the structural maintenance of chromatin (SMC) proteins, SMC-associated proteins, DNA methyltransferase, and heterochromatin proteins. Down-regulation of these proteins was associated with chromatin decondensation. The observed alterations of chromatin structure correlated with enhanced sensitivity of DNA to nucleases and increased interaction of DNA with intercalating agents. VPA-induced chromatin decondensation led to a sequence-specific potentiation of DNA-damaging agents in cell culture and xenograft models. Modulation of heterochromatin maintenance proteins was not a direct, but a downstream, effect of histone acetylation. The effects on the chromatin structure were reversible upon drug withdrawal, but obligatory for the potentiation of DNA-damaging agents. In addition to their antitumor activity as single agents, the chromatin decondensation induced by histone deacetylase inhibitors may enhance the efficacy of cytotoxic agents that act by targeting DNA. The proposed mechanism of action suggests an effect of drug sequencing on the antitumor activity of these drugs.

Acetylation↗

PubMed2005

Phase I study of a novel taxane BMS-188797 in adult patients with solid malignancies.

PURPOSE: Preclinical studies show that BMS-188797 has a broad spectrum of antitumor activity in in vitro cytotoxicity assays and tumor xenograft models. We did a phase I trial designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose and the pharmacokinetics of BMS-188797 when administered i.v. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BMS-188797 was administered i.v. over 60 minutes once every 21 days to 51 patients. The initial dose cohort of 3.75 mg/m(2) was set at approximately one third the lethal dose in dogs. Doses were subsequently escalated in cohorts according to a modified Fibonacci design. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients received a total of 160 cycles of therapy. The dose-limiting toxicity of febrile neutropenia occurred in two patients at the 200 mg/m(2) cohort. Moderate to severe sensory neuropathy occurred in 12 patients (24%). Four radiographic partial responses based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors occurred: two in subjects with breast cancer, one in a subject with non-small cell lung cancer, and one in a subject with renal cell carcinoma. The duration of the partial responses observed were 24.1 months (renal cell carcinoma), 5.7 and 4.3 months (breast cancer), and 4.5 months (non-small cell lung cancer). Pharmacokinetics appear linear at doses through 110 mg/m(2) but not at higher doses. CONCLUSION: The dose-limiting toxicity in this single-agent study of BMS-188797 was febrile neutropenia. The recommended phase II dose of BMS-188797 as a single agent is 175 mg/m(2) i.v. for 1 hour administered every 3 weeks.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

In vivo synergy between topoisomerase II and histone deacetylase inhibitors: predictive correlates.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are a promising class of anticancer agents, yet the specific biological effects resulting in cell death are still poorly understood and clinically relevant markers of response are not adequately defined. The anticonvulsant valproic acid has recently emerged as an HDACi, and in vitro studies suggested that valproic acid may potentiate cytotoxic agents. We evaluated the pharmacologic and biological effects of valproic acid on histone acetylation, chromatin structure, and DNA damage induced by topoisomerase II inhibitors in mice bearing breast cancer tumors and developed an ex vivo methodology for response prediction using comet assays. The exposure of mice to valproic acid before exposure to epirubicin led to tumor regression when valproic acid was given for 48 hours at concentrations sufficient for histone hyperacetylation, down-regulation of heterochromatin maintenance proteins, and chromatin decondensation. Tumor response was accurately predicted by ex vivo comet moments. Valproic acid did not exacerbate epirubicin-related toxicity. Antitumor effects were not observed with valproic acid alone despite biologically active valproic acid concentrations. These findings suggest that exposure of tumor-bearing mice to valproic acid potentiated the antitumor effects of topoisomerase II inhibitors without enhancing toxicity. The HDACi-induced histone acetylation and modulation of heterochromatin correlated with potentiation of epirubicin-mediated DNA damage. However, these effects did not result in antitumor activity when using a HDACi alone and hence should not be considered a surrogate marker. Ex vivo comet assays may be useful as a predictive tool when tumor cells are limited and serial biopsies are difficult to obtain.

Acetylation↗

PubMed2004

A phase I open label study of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor CP-609,754 in patients with advanced malignant tumors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this phase I clinical trial was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose and toxicity of CP-609,754 in patients with solid tumors refractory to standard therapies, to determine the cellular effects of CP-609,754 on its molecular target (farnesyltransferase), and to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of this agent. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Consenting patients with adequate bone marrow, liver, and renal function were enrolled with an accelerated dose strategy with single-patient parallel cohorts in whom the drug was given orally either once or twice daily. Once a dose-limiting toxicity was encountered or two patients developed Common Toxicity Criteria > or = grade 2 toxicities, a modified Fibonacci sequence was initiated. Blood samples were collected during cycle 1 for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses. RESULTS: A total of 68 cycles of CP-609,754 was administered to 21 patients enrolled in this study. The dose escalation was from 20 mg once daily to 640 mg twice per day, and at the highest dose level, one of six patients developed a dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 neuropathy. The drug was otherwise well tolerated, and the maximum-tolerated dose was not reached because of the large number of tablets that would have been required for additional dose escalation. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed a proportional increase in exposure with dose, rapid oral absorption, and a half-life of approximately 3 hours. Pharmacodynamic results predict a 95% maximal inhibition of peripheral blood mononuclear cell farnesyltransferase activity 2 hours postdose, on average, with a dose of 400 mg twice per day of CP-609,754. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the safety findings and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses, the RP2D of CP-609,754 is > or =640 mg twice per day.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Human topoisomerase IIalpha nuclear export is mediated by two CRM-1-dependent nuclear export signals.

Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is a major obstacle in the treatment of leukemia and multiple myeloma. We have previously found that myeloma and leukemic cells in transition from low-density log phase conditions to high-density plateau phase conditions export substantial amounts of endogenous topoisomerase II alpha from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In order for topoisomerase-targeted chemotherapy to function, the topoisomerase target must have access to the nuclear DNA. Therefore, the nuclear export of topoisomerase II alpha may contribute to drug resistance, and defining this mechanism may lead to methods to preclude this avenue of resistance. We have identified nuclear export signals for topoisomerase II alpha at amino acids 1017-1028 and 1054-1066, using FITC-labeled BSA-export signal peptide conjugates microinjected into the nuclei of HeLa cells. Functional confirmation of both signals (1017-1028 and 1054-1066) was provided by transfection of human myeloma cells with plasmids containing the gene for a full-length human FLAG-topoisomerase fusion protein, mutated at hydrophobic amino acid residues in the export signals. Of the six putative export signals tested, the two sites above were found to induce export into the cytoplasm. Export by both signals was blocked by treatment of the cells with leptomycin B, indicating that a CRM-1-dependent pathway mediates export. Site-directed mutagenesis of two central hydrophobic residues in either export signal in full-length human topoisomerase blocked export of recombinant FLAG-topoisomerase II alpha, indicating that both signals may be required for export. Interestingly, this pair of nuclear export signals (1017-1028 and 1054-1066) also defines a dimerization domain of the topoisomerase II alpha molecule.

Active Transport, Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed2004

Sequence-specific potentiation of topoisomerase II inhibitors by the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid.

Acetylation of histones leads to conformational changes of DNA. We have previously shown that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), induced cell cycle arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis. In addition to their antitumor effects as single agents, HDAC inhibitors may cause conformational changes in the chromatin, rendering the DNA more vulnerable to DNA damaging agents. We examined the effects of SAHA on cell death induced by topo II inhibitors in breast cancer cell lines. Topo II inhibitors stabilize the topo II-DNA complex, resulting in DNA damage. Treatment of cells with SAHA promoted chromatin decondensation associated with increased nuclear concentration and DNA binding of the topo II inhibitor and subsequent potentiation of DNA damage. While SAHA-induced histone hyperacetylation occurred as early as 4 h, chromatin decondensation was most profound at 48 h. SAHA-induced potentiation of topo II inhibitors was sequence-specific. Pre-exposure of cells to SAHA for 48 h was synergistic, whereas shorter pre-exposure periods abrogated synergy and exposure of cells to SAHA after the topo II inhibitor resulted in antagonistic effects. Synergy was not observed in cells with depleted topo II levels. These effects were not limited to specific types of topo II inhibitors. We propose that SAHA significantly potentiates the DNA damage induced by topo II inhibitors; however, synergy is dependent on the sequence of drug administration and the expression of the target. These findings may impact the clinical development of combining HDAC inhibitors with DNA damaging agents.

Acetylation↗

PubMed2004

The cytoplasmic trafficking of DNA topoisomerase IIalpha correlates with etoposide resistance in human myeloma cells.

In this study we have investigated the role of topoisomerase (topo) IIalpha trafficking in cellular drug resistance. To accomplish this, it was necessary to separate the influence of cell cycle, drug uptake, topo protein levels, and enzyme trafficking on drug sensitivity. Thus, we developed a cell model (called accelerated plateau) using human myeloma H929 cells that reproducibly translocates topo IIalpha to the cytoplasm. Compared to log-phase cells, the cytoplasmic redistribution of topo IIalpha in plateau-phase cells correlated with a 10-fold resistance to VP-16 and a 40-60% reduction in the number of drug-induced double-strand DNA breaks. In addition, 7-fold more VP-16 was necessary to achieve 50% topo IIalpha band depletion, suggesting that there are fewer drug-induced topo-DNA complexes formed in quiescent cells than in log-phase cells. The total cellular amount of topo IIalpha and topo IIbeta protein in log- and plateau-phase cells was similar as determined by Western blot analysis. There was a 25% reduction in S-phase cell number in plateau cells (determined by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation), while there was no significant difference in the equilibrium concentrations of [(3)H]-VP-16 when log cells were compared with plateau cells. Furthermore, the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of topo IIalpha is increased 58-fold in accelerated-plateau H929 cells treated with leptomycin B (LMB) when compared to untreated cells. It appears that the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of topo IIalpha, which decreases the amount of nuclear target enzyme, is a major mechanism of drug resistance to topo II inhibitors in plateau-phase myeloma cells.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

PubMed2003

Tumor p53 status and response to topoisomerase II inhibitors.

It is thought that when tumor cells are treated with anticancer drugs, they die through the apoptotic pathway and that cell resistance to cancer chemotherapy is mainly a resistance to apoptosis commitment. p53 is not functional in nearly half of the tumors examined and because of its involvement (directly or through its target genes) in the apoptotic pathway, drug resistance to chemotherapy has been largely attributed to the status of this "tumor suppressor protein". Topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors are widely used not only as single agents, but also in the majority of combination treatment protocols for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The relationship between p53 and topo II raises many questions about basic regulatory, biochemical, structural and functional characteristics that could be different in cells in different tissues, and most importantly, between different tumor cell types and their normal tissue counterpart. Understanding these relationships may lead to strategies for chemotherapy optimization and further precision targeting of tumor cells in order to avoid drug resistance and thereby chemotherapy failure.

Animals↗