Abstract
Background and Objectives. Imatinib mesylate (IM) is the choice treatment for Bcr/Abl-positive malignancies. Emergence of resistance to IM warrants the exploration of novel well-tolerated anticancer agents. We intended to evaluate the effect of PS-341 on proliferation, survival, and cellular events in Bcr/Abl-positive cells sensitive and resistant to IM, and to investigate the effect of PS-341 and IM in conjunction. Design and Methods. Bcr/Abl-positive cell lines sensitive (p210Bcr/Abl KBM5, p210Bcr/Abl KBM7, and p190Bcr/Abl Z-119) or resistant (KBM5-R) to IM were treated with PS-341 alone or in combination with IM. The effect on cell growth was determined using the MTT assay. Cell-cycle analysis was performed by propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was evaluated by measurement of sub-G1 DNA content, annexin V binding, and caspase 3 activity assays. Levels of apoptotic proteins, P-IkBα, Bcr/Abl, and phosphorylated Bcr/Abl were determined by western blotting. NF-kB activity was evaluated by electromobility gel shift assays. Results. PS-341 exerted growth inhibition effects in IM-sensitive and -resistant cells. This phenomenon correlated with accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase of cell cycle; transient downregulation of NFκB DNA binding activity; downregulation of Bcl-xL; activation of caspase 3, induction of apoptosis; inhibition of expression and phosphorylation of Bcr/Abl. Sequential combination of PS-341 followed by IM demonstrated a synergistic pro-apoptotic effect in IM-sensitive cells; concomitant exposure was antagonistic. Interpretation and Conclusions. PS-341 suppresses growth and induces apoptosis in Bcr/Abl-positive cells sensitive and resistant to IM. The use of PS-341 should be explored in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia resistant to IM. Trials of combinations of PS-341 and IM require cautious design.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 853-863 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Haematologica |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 8 |
State | Published - Aug 1 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- CML
- PS-341
- STI571-resistant cell lines
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hematology