Sequential combination of bortezomib and WEE1 inhibitor, MK-1775, induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma cell lines

Author(s)

Barbosa, Rebecca S. S. ^[1] ; Dantonio, Paola M. ^[1] ; Guimaraes, Tais ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Mariana B. ^[1] ; Fook Alves, Veruska L. ^[1] ; Sandes, Alex Freire ^[1] ; Fernando, Rodrigo Carlini ^[1] ; Colleoni, Gisele W. B. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Clin & Expt Oncol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications; v. 519, n. 3, p. 597-604, NOV 12 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable due to high rates of relapse after various treatment regimens. WEE1 is a cell cycle related gene that regulates the G2/M checkpoint and promotes cell cycle suspension for consequent DNA repair. To date, there are clinical studies for the evaluation of WEE1 inhibitors in the treatment of solid tumors and studies on cell lines of non-MM hematological tumors. Objectives: To perform in vitro functional studies to verify the effect of the inhibition of WEE1 on MM cell lines viability and its potential as therapeutic target. Material and methods: WEEI expression was evaluated in 22 newly diagnosed MM patients and in four MM cell lines, RPMI-8226, U266 and SKO-007 and SK-MM2, by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). After treatment with the WEEI inhibitor (MK-1775), with or without proteasome inhibitor (bortezomib) pretreatment, we assessed cell viability through Prestoblue functional test, microspheres formation in soft agar, and induction of apoptosis and cell cycle alterations by flow cytometry. Results: All MM cell lines showed WEEI expression by qPCR. RPMI-8226 and U266 showed a 50% reduction in cell viability after 24 h of incubation with MK-1775, at concentrations of 5 mu M and 20 mu M, respectively. SKO-007 showed dose and time dependence to this drug. Combination therapy with bortezomib and MK-1775 abolished the formation of soft agar microspheres in the RPMI-8226 cell line (also responsive to the use of both drugs) and U266, but SKO-007 was resistant to all drugs, isolated and combined. However, treatment of bortezomib followed by MK-1775 (sequential treatment) versus bortezomib alone showed statistically significant impact on cell lines total apoptosis: 88.8% vs 74.1% in RPMI-8222 (confirmed by cell cycle experiments); 92.5% vs 86.6% in U266; and 60.2% 30.9% on SKO-007 (p <0.05). Conclusion: The sequential combination of bortezomib and WEE1 inhibitor, MK-1775, induced apoptosis in RPMI-8226, U266, and especially SKO-007 cell lines, more efficiently than the use of the same isolated drugs, highlighting its effect in inhibition of proliferation of tumor cells in MM cell lines. Our data suggest that WEEI can figure as a MM target and that the sequential combination of bortezomib and MK-1775 may be explored in future clinical trials. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/17668-6 - Identification of biomarkers and possible therapeutical targets in B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders
• Grantee: Gisele Wally Braga Colleoni
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/21801-2 - Predictors of severity and new treatments for bone marrow neoplasias
• Grantee: Sara Teresinha Olalla Saad
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/23983-5 - Isolation and characterization of cancer stem-cells from bone marrow samples of newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma
• Grantee: Paola Marino Dantonio
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 17/17101-5 - WEE1 gene relevance and its inhibition effect on Myeloma Multiple cancer stem cell survival
• Grantee: Taís Guimarães
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation