Synergy and Resistance Mechanisms in R115777 and PS-341 Models of Myeloma and Leukemia

The farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 (Zarnestra, Tipifarnib) has been found to have clinical activity in diverse hematopoietic tumors. Clinical efficacy, however, does not correlate with Ras mutation status or inhibition of farnesyl transferase. To further elucidate the mechanisms by which R115777 induces apoptosis and to investigate drug resistance, we have identified and characterized a R115777-resistant human myeloma cell line. 8226/R5 cells were found to be at least 50 times more resistant to R115777 compared with the parent cell line 8226/S. 8226/R5 cells were insensitive to a diverse group of antitumor agents including PS-341 (Bortezomib, Velcade). Comparison of gene expression profiles between resistant and sensitive cells revealed expression changes in several genes involved in myeloma survival and drug resistance. Identification and characterization of the 8226/R5 cell line helped us evaluate and confirm that the Akt tumor survival pathway plays an important role in Tipifarnib induced apoptosis and resistance in myeloma cells. Additionally, 8226/R5 cells helped to evaluate other molecules exhibiting synergistic cell death. In this study, we investigated the activity of R115777 combined with Bortezomib in microenvironment models of multiple myeloma and AML. The combination proved to be synergistic in multiple myeloma and AML cell lines treated in suspension culture. Even in tumor cells relatively resistant to Tipifarnib, combined activity was maintained. Of importance, activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response was enhanced and correlated with apoptosis and reversal of CAM-DR. Our study provides the preclinical rationale for trials testing the Tipifarnib and Bortezomib combination in patients with multiple myeloma and AML

Characterization of a R115777 Resistant Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line with Cross-Resistance to PS-341

Abstract Multiple myeloma is an incurable disease where new treatment strategies are required to improve on current treatment standards. Based on this knowledge we have performed a phase II clinical trial testing the farnesyltransferase inhibitor R115777 in patients with relapsed myeloma (Alsina M. et al, Blood 2004). R115777 was found to have a favorable toxicity profile and 64% of patients achieved disease stabilization. RAS mutation and inhibition of farnesyltransferase did not correlate with clinical efficacy; findings consistent with our prior observation that R115777 induces apoptosis via a Ras independent mechanism (Beaupre D.M. et al, Mol. Cancer Ther. 2004). In order to further characterize the mechanisms by which R115777 induces apoptosis in myeloma cells and to investigate drug resistance, we have identified and characterized a R115777 resistant human myeloma cell line. 8226/S cells were cultured continuously in increasing concentrations of R115777 for over 6 months. 8226/R5 cells were found to be nearly 50 times more resistant to R115777 compared to the parent cell line. K-Ras remained prenylated in both resistant and sensitive cells after R115777 treatment; however, HDJ-2 farnesylation was inhibited in both lines implying that farnesyltranseferase (the drug target) is not modified. 8226/R5 cells were also resistant to a diverse group of anti-tumor agents including PS-341. Many 8226 lines that acquire drug resistance have elevated expression of P-glycoprotein. We found that P-glycoprotein expression is not increased in the 8226/R5 line and furthermore influx and efflux of R115777 was similar in both parent and resistant cells. Expression of the drug resistance proteins hsp27, 70, and 90 were also not increased. Comparison of 8226/S and 8226/R5 gene expression profiles revealed increased expression of JAK2 in resistant cells. Interestingly, STAT3 phosphorylation was significantly increased in the 8226/R5 line consistent with its reported role in myeloma drug resistance. Experiments are underway to delineate the contribution of JAK2 to the multidrug resistant phenotype. Characterization of aberrant JAK2 activation is relevant since constitutive STAT3 activity is frequently observed in primary myeloma isolates

Tipifarnib-Induced Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma Cells Depends on Ca2+ Influx through Plasma Membrane Ca2+ ChannelsS⃞

A major contributing factor to the high mortality rate associated with acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma is the development of resistance to chemotherapy. We have shown that the combination of tipifarnib, a nonpeptidomimetic farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI), with bortezomib, a proteosome inhibitor, promotes synergistic death and overcomes de novo drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines. Experiments were undertaken to identify the molecular mechanisms by which tipifarnib produces cell death in acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma cell lines (U937 and 8226, respectively). Tipifarnib, but not other FTIs tested [N-[4-[2(R)-amino-3-mercaptopropyl]amino-2-phenylbenzoyl]methionine methyl ester trifluoroacetate salt (FTI-277) and 2′-methyl-5-((((1-trityl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl)amino)methyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid (FTI-2153), promotes elevations in intracellular free-calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in both cell lines. These elevations in [Ca2+]i were accompanied by highly dynamic plasmalemmal blebbing and frequently resulted in membrane lysis. The tipifarnib-induced elevations in [Ca2+]i were not blocked by thapsigargin or ruthenium red, but were inhibited by application of Ca2+-free extracellular solution and by the Ca2+ channel blockers Gd3+ and La3+. Conversely, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) potentiated the tipifarnib-evoked [Ca2+]i overload. Preventing Ca2+ influx diminished tipifarnib-evoked cell death, whereas 2-APB potentiated this effect, demonstrating a link between tipifarnib-induced Ca2+ influx and apoptosis. These data suggest that tipifarnib exerts its effects by acting on a membrane channel with pharmacological properties consistent with store-operated channels containing the Orai3 subunit. It is noteworthy that Orai3 transcripts were found to be expressed at lower levels in tipifarnib-resistant 8226/R5 cells. Our results indicate tipifarnib causes cell death via a novel mechanism involving activation of a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel and intracellular Ca2+ overload

Cellular Translocation of a γ-AApeptide Mimetic of Tat Peptide

Cell-penetrating peptides including the trans-activating transcriptional activator (Tat) from HIV-1 have been used as carriers for intracellular delivery of a myriad of cargoes including drugs, molecular probes, DNAs and nanoparticles. Utilizing fluorescence flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that a γ-AApeptide mimetic of Tat (48–57) can cross the cell membranes and enter the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells, with efficiency comparable to or better than that of Tat peptide (48–57). Deletion of the four side chains of the γ-AApeptide attenuates translocation capability. We also establish that the γ-AApeptide is even less toxic than the Tat peptide against mammalian cells. In addition to their low toxicity, γ-AApeptides are resistant to protease degradation, which may prove to be advantageous over α-peptides for further development of molecular transporters for intracellular delivery

Cellular Translocation of a γ-AApeptide Mimetic of Tat Peptide

Cell-penetrating peptides including the trans-activating transcriptional activator (Tat) from HIV-1 have been used as carriers for intracellular delivery of a myriad of cargoes including drugs, molecular probes, DNAs and nanoparticles. Utilizing fluorescence flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that a γ-AApeptide mimetic of Tat (48–57) can cross the cell membranes and enter the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells, with efficiency comparable to or better than that of Tat peptide (48–57). Deletion of the four side chains of the γ-AApeptide attenuates translocation capability. We also establish that the γ-AApeptide is even less toxic than the Tat peptide against mammalian cells. In addition to their low toxicity, γ-AApeptides are resistant to protease degradation, which may prove to be advantageous over α-peptides for further development of molecular transporters for intracellular delivery