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LYG-202 augments tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis via attenuating casein kinase 2-dependent nuclear
Fei-hong Chen1, Na Lu, Hai-wei Zhang
1State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is being used as an antineoplastic agent in treatment regimens of patients with locally advanced solid tumors, but TNF-α alone is only marginally active. In clinical use, it is usually combined with other chemical agents to increase its tumor response rate. Our previous studies reported that LYG-202 (5-hydroxy-8-methoxy-7-(4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)butoxy)-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one), a synthesized flavonoid with a piperazine substitution, has antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and proapoptotic activities in multiple cancer cell lines. Here we evaluated the antineoplastic effect of TNF-α and analyzed the mechanism underlying its combination with LYG-202. Our results indicated that LYG-202 significantly increased the cytostatic and proapoptotic activity of TNF-α in HepG2 cells and heightened the protein level of apoptosis-related genes including caspase-3, caspase-8/9, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and Bid. The fact that LYG-202 had a fitness score similar to that of the casein kinase 2 (CK2) inhibitor naphthyridine-8-carboxylate (CX-4945) implied to us that it may serve as a potential candidate for CK2 inhibitor, and the kinase activity assay suggested that LYG-202 significantly inhibited CK2 activity. Moreover, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay and luciferase assay showed that LYG-202 blocked the TNF-α-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) survival signaling pathway primarily by inactivating protein kinase CK2. In murine xenograft models, we also found that LYG-202 enhanced TNF-α antineoplastic activity and inhibited CK2 activity and NF-κB-regulated antiapoptotic gene expression. All these results showed that LYG-202 enhanced TNF-α-induced apoptosis by attenuating the CK2-dependent NF-κB pathway and probably is a promising agent in combination with TNF-α.
Insights
LYG-202 enhances tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cancer treatment by inhibiting casein kinase 2 (CK2) and the NF-κB pathway. This combination therapy boosts apoptosis and antineoplastic effects in solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an antineoplastic agent with limited activity alone.
- Combination therapies are crucial for enhancing TNF-α's efficacy in treating solid tumors.
- LYG-202, a novel flavonoid, exhibits antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and proapoptotic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antineoplastic effect of combining TNF-α with LYG-202.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of this combination therapy.
- To investigate LYG-202's potential as a casein kinase 2 (CK2) inhibitor.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using HepG2 cells to assess cytostatic and proapoptotic activities.
- Kinase activity assays to determine LYG-202's effect on CK2.
- Electrophoretic mobility shift and luciferase assays to analyze NF-κB signaling.
- Murine xenograft models to evaluate in vivo efficacy.
Main Results:
- LYG-202 significantly enhanced TNF-α's cytostatic and proapoptotic effects in HepG2 cells.
- LYG-202 demonstrated significant inhibition of CK2 activity.
- LYG-202 blocked TNF-α-induced NF-κB survival signaling by inactivating CK2.
- In vivo studies confirmed enhanced antineoplastic activity and inhibition of CK2/NF-κB pathway.
Conclusions:
- LYG-202 potentiates TNF-α-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the CK2-dependent NF-κB pathway.
- LYG-202 is a promising agent for combination therapy with TNF-α in cancer treatment.
- The findings suggest a novel therapeutic strategy targeting CK2 and NF-κB signaling.
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