Functional characterization of NAD dependent de-acetylases SIRT1 and SIRT2 in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Sirtuins (SIRT) are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) dependent deacetylases or ADP- ribosyl transferases (ARTs) that deacetylate lysine residues on various proteins regulating a variety of cellular and metabolic processes. These enzymes regulate metabolism, cell survival, differentiation and DNA repair. SIRT proteins play an important role in the survival and drug resistance of cancer cells.

The novel organic arsenical darinaparsin induces MAPK-mediated and SHP1-dependent cell death in T-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma cells and human xenograft models.

Purpose: Darinaparsin (Zio-101) is a novel organic arsenical compound with encouraging clinical activity in relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphoma (TCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL); however, little is known about its mechanism of action.

Experimental Design: TCL cell lines (Jurkat, Hut78, and HH) and HL cell lines (L428, L540, and L1236) were examined for in vitro cell death by MTT assay and Annexin V-based flow cytometry. Jurkat and L540-derived xenografts in SCID mice were examined for in vivo tumor inhibition and survival.

Paradoxical regulation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) by histone deacetylase inhibitor in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is important in cancer, as it regulates various oncogenic genes as well as genes involved in cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Elevated HIF-1 protein promotes a more aggressive tumor phenotype, and greater HIF-1 expression has been demonstrated to correlate with poorer prognosis, increased risk of metastasis and increased mortality. Recent reports suggest that HIF-1 activates autophagy, a lysosomal degradation pathway which may promote tumor cell survival.

The novel anti-MEK small molecule AZD6244 induces BIM-dependent and AKT-independent apoptosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway has been largely unexplored as a potential therapeutic target in lymphoma. The novel 2nd generation anti-MEK small molecule, AZD6244, down-regulated its direct downstream target, phospho-ERK (pERK) in germinal center and nongerminal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines and primary cells. Similar decreased pERK levels were noted despite constitutive activation (CA) of MEK.

Mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in lymphoma cells by the diterpenoid lactone andrographolide, the active component of Andrographis paniculata.

Purpose: Andrographolide is a diterpenoid lactone isolated from Andrographis paniculata (King of Bitters), an herbal medicine used in Asia. It has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antiviral, and immune-stimulant properties. Furthermore, it has been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in leukemia and solid tumor cell lines.

All trans retinoic acid nanodisks enhance retinoic acid receptor mediated apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in mantle cell lymphoma.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32), aggressive clinical behaviour, and poor patient outcomes following conventional chemotherapy. New treatment approaches are needed that target novel biological pathways. All trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a key retinoid that acts through nuclear receptors that function as ligand-inducible transcription factors.

PCI-24781 induces caspase and reactive oxygen species-dependent apoptosis through NF-kappaB mechanisms and is synergistic with bortezomib in lymphoma cells.

Purpose: We investigated the cytotoxicity and mechanisms of cell death of the broad-spectrum histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor PCI-24781, alone and combined with bortezomib in Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoproliferative (CLL/SLL) cells.

Experimental Design: Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle analysis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by flow cytometry, whereas caspase activation was determined by Western blot. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)-related mRNAs were quantified by reverse transcription-PCR, NF-kappaB-related proteins by Western blotting, and NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity by electromobility shift assay.

differential roles for the E2A activation domains in B lymphocytes and macrophages.

The E2A gene encodes two E protein/class I basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, E12 and E47, that are essential for B lymphopoiesis. In addition to the DNA-binding and protein dimerization domain, the E proteins share two highly conserved transcription activation domains. In this study, we show that both activation domains are required for optimal E2A-dependent transcription.