Modulating TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Using Synthetic Triterpenoids

Abstract

We have identified a group of synthetic triterpenoids, 2-cyano-3, 12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid(CDDO) and its derivative 1-(2-cyano-3, 12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oyl) imidazole (CDDO-Im), which induce apoptosis in breast and prostate cancer cells. Moreover, sub-lethal doses(nanomolar range) of triterpenoids sensitize TRAIL-resistant breast and prostate cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. For example, in T47D and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells, TRAIL falls to initiate caspase-8 processing and consequently does not initiate TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Concomitant treatment with CDDO or CDDO-Im reverses the TRAIL-resistant phenotype, leading to rapid induction of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, while having no adverse effects on normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). Mechanistically, CDDO and CDDO-Im 1)down-regulate the anti-apoptotic protein c-FLIP, which inhibits caspase-8 activation at the DISC (death-inducing signaling complex), 2) and induce up-regulation of the death receptors DR4 and DR5 on the cell surface. The combination of CDDO-Im and Trail treatment, we found no significant toxicity in mouse tissues or hematological parameters. In conclusion, triterpenoids used either alone, or in combination with TRAIL, represent a promising new cancer therapy, deserving of further pre-clinical testing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA434105

Entities

People

  • Marc L. Hyer

Organizations

  • Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Apoptosis
  • Body Weight
  • Breast Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Genetics
  • Health Services
  • Lethal Dosage
  • Neoplasms
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Protein C
  • Tissues

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics