MCL1 expression

Blocking JAK-STAT signaling significantly improved the efficacy of radiotherapy for ESCC. These findings indicate that MCL1 is a critical cell cycle regulator that drives the stemness and radioresistance of ESCC and may thus be a potential target in a combined therapeutic strategy aimed at overcoming radioresistance.

P1, N=45, Recruiting, National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Initiation date: Jul 2025 --> Dec 2024

Our data showed a strong correlation between MCL-1 and distinct immune biomarkers and TME CI in CRC. Our findings suggest MCL-1 is a potential modulator of antitumor immunity, TME, and biomarker in CRC.

KRASG12C inhibitors sotorasib and adagrasib have been approved for the treatment of KRASG12C-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)...Through unbiased high-throughput screening of 1,395 kinase inhibitors, we identified adavosertib, a WEE1 inhibitor, as a promising combination partner of sotorasib...Importantly, WEE1 inhibition re-sensitized resistant cells to sotorasib treatment. The current findings demonstrate that combined inhibition of KRASG12C and WEE1 not only exhibits synergistic antitumor efficacy but also overcomes resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors, thus representing a novel therapeutic strategy for KRASG12C-mutant NSCLC.

However, the clinical development of the small molecule BCL-XL inhibitor ABT-263 has been challenged on account of its on-target and dose-limiting toxicity. Meanwhile, we observed that SIAIS361034 significantly synergized with PTX to inhibit the growth of SCLC xenografts in vivo, without causing exacerbating PTX-induced neutropenia. Taken together, SIAIS361034, shows great potentiality in killing tumors cells, both as a monotherapy and in combination with PTX.

In this respect, the role of MCL-1S in the regulation of apoptosis-unrelated events of the mitochondria physiology, including mitochondria fission and fusion also remains to be determined. In this review, the structure and function of MCL-1S isoform, and MCL-1S-targeting approaches are discussed.

Additionally, dinaciclib affects different cell growth regulators like EGFR and STAT3 on gene and protein level, thus decreasing tumor growth. In summary, our study indicates that dinaciclib acts as a promising anti-tumorigenic agent in 2D and 3D in vitro BTC models and thus encourages further investigation.

Oral TUS markedly extended survival in subcutaneously and orthotopically inoculated xenograft models of FLT3 mutant human AML, was well tolerated, and delivered enhanced activity when combined with venetoclax or 5-azacytidine...Cells selected for stable acquired resistance to TUS exhibited increased BAX and hypersensitivity to venetoclax (1900-fold), navitoclax and MCL1 inhibitors. MV-4-11 FLT3-ITD clones expressing NRASG12D revealed that high-level expression of NRASG12D generated modest resistance to TUS and greater resistance to venetoclax (VEN), yet the TUS/VEN combination exhibited synergy in NRASG12D AML model. Favorable preclinical safety and pharmacology properties, the efficacy of the TUS/VEN combination in a murine model, and the synthetic lethal vulnerability to VEN that accompanies TUS resistance provide the basis for exploration of the TUS/VEN combination in patients with relapsed or refractory AML.

Compared to the conventional culture, there was (i) a lower expression of VCAM1 in both materials, (ii) a higher expression of CCL4 in collagen scaffolds, and (iii) a lower expression of CXCR4 and MCL1 (transcript variant 2) in collagen scaffolds, while it was higher in a CMC-PEG gel. Hence, culture in the material can suppress the expression of a pro-apoptotic gene (MCL1 in collagen scaffolds) or replicate certain gene expression patterns attributed to CLL cells in lymphoid organs (low CXCR4, high CCL4 in collagen scaffolds) or blood (high CXCR4 in CMC-PEG).

We corroborated these findings in human MM datasets, and in ex vivo patient MM cells. These preclinical studies suggest that ASAH1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM).

JLJG was found to effectively modulate the expression levels of these proteins, as well as the expression of downstream genes including BCL2, MCL1, P21, and JAK1, STAT3, thereby inhibiting the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Consequently, this study demonstrates that JLJG prevents the postoperative recurrence of CRA by inhibiting the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and its negative feedback loops.

Concurrently, the phosphorylated protein expression levels of p-ERK1/2, p-MSK1, p-P90RSK, and p-MEK1/2 were diminished following RA treatment. These results suggest that RA has the activity of anti-MM, and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway is involved in the growth inhibition effect of RA on MM cells via cycle arrest and mitochondrial-pathway-dependent apoptosis.

P1, N=29, Completed, National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Active, not recruiting --> Completed | Trial completion date: May 2025 --> Mar 2024

Mechanistically, phospho‑kinase array profiles showed that the enhanced anticancer efficacy of the combination treatment could be attributed to the inhibition of STAT3 signaling, which led to a significant reduction in tumor growth in a pancreatic cancer animal model. The results showed that the repositioning of aripiprazole inhibits cancer cell growth by blocking the STAT3 signaling pathway and effectively enhancing cisplatin‑induced apoptosis, thereby suggesting that the combination of aripiprazole and cisplatin may be a potent chemotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

GNA combined with the MCL-1 inhibitor MIK665 potently suppressed the proliferation of MDS cells...GNA-induced apoptosis was attenuated in either p65 KO or Fas KO cells. These results demonstrate that GNA inhibited tubulin polymerization and induced apoptosis of MDS cells through upregulation of Fas expression mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting a chemotherapeutic strategy for MDS by microtubule dynamics disruption.

In summary, formononetin showed anti-carcinogenic activities in human ALL cells via suppression of cell growth and survival. Formononetin enhanced the apoptotic effect of ABT-737, with contribution by inhibition of the Mcl-1 expression.

In addition, up-regulated MCL1 significantly suppressed the protein levels of ferredoxin 1 and lipoyl synthase, two key regulators of cuproptosis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that cuproptosis is involved in IBS and identifies a cuproptosis-related gene, MCL1, that helps alleviate IBS by promoting cell growth, reducing inflammation, and suppressing cuproptosis, making it a promising therapeutic target in IBS.

Ex-vivo studies confirmed higher efficacy of BTX-A51 on RUNX1 -mutated myeloblasts and demonstrate synergy with azacitidine and venetoclax. Although the overall efficacy was modest, this study lays the groundwork for future studies with improved patient selection and combination approaches.

Our study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of combining cisplatin and S63845, which warrants further investigation.

P1, N=45, Recruiting, National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Not yet recruiting --> Recruiting | Initiation date: Oct 2024 --> Jul 2025

Importantly, this effect could be reversed by blocking G-CSF and GM-CSF stimulation of neutrophils. These findings elucidate the pivotal role of pathologically prolonged neutrophil survival in impairing CD8+ T cell immunity and suggest targeting it as a potential therapeutic strategy for tumors.

We assessed response to BH3 mimetics including ABT-263 (navitoclax), an inhibitor of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL/Bcl-w, and S63845, an inhibitor of Mcl-1, both as single agents and in combination. We found the combination to be highly synergistic in 2D culture and in 3D organoid models of HHNSCC. Given our findings that co-dependency on Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 is common, and co-inhibition of these molecules is synergistic for growth suppression in HNSCC cells, these results elucidate the therapeutic potential of BCL-xL and MCL-1 inhibition in HNSCC.

In summary, usnic acid improves chemosensitivity to ABT-199 by triggering the integrated stress response, leading to decreased levels of MCL-1 protein, suggesting a potential treatment for AML cases resistant to Bcl-2 inhibitors.

Effective induction of apoptosis can be achieved through inhibition or interference with Mcl-1. Thus, this mini review discusses existing Mcl-1 inhibitors.

Since overexpression and prognostic roles of Runx2, activated Akt, Mcl-1, fibronectin, cyclin D1, and β-catenin have been revealed in RCC, it is important to explore the precise mechanisms underlying Runx2 oncogenic effects. Although the linking details between Runx2 and PI3K/Akt have yet to be identified, our findings suggest that Mcl-1 and fibronectin are downstream effectors of Runx2 via a regulatory axis of the PI3K/Akt and their promotion of cell growth, migration, and ABT-737 resistance in RCC cells.

However, the miR‑455‑3p inhibitor had the opposite effect on cells. In conclusion, MEF2A may act as a transcription factor of circPVT1 to promote the malignant process of AML, and knockdown of circPVT1 could inhibit the viability and EMT of AML cells through the miR‑455‑3p/MCL1 axis.

Further, bortezomib-mediated killing of MM cells could be enhanced or inhibited by in vitro manipulation of UPR activities in representative cell lines. In conclusion, MCL1-M based molecular subtypes of MM are characterized by distinct signaling activities from both malignant cells and bone marrow microenvironment, which may drive distinct prognosis and treatment responses.

Multivariate analysis showed that Mcl-1 expression was an independent predictive marker for PFS and OS. Mcl-1 expression could be a predictive marker for favorable response to GnP.

These results were consistent with in vitro findings, where t Ex[miR-143] demonstrated the highest inhibition of HCT116 cell migration and invasion. These findings highlight the potential of tEx[miR-143] as an effective therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer, demonstrating promising results in both targetability and anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Mcl-1 overexpression ameliorates IMQ-induced ROS generation and mitochondrial fragmentation, thereby increasing mitochondrial stability and ultimately attenuating IMQ-induced cell death. Investigating the roles of Mcl-1 in mitochondria is a potential strategy for cancer therapy development.

Our study highlights FCM's potential for rapid Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 quantification, surpassing traditional methods. We propose that direct measurement of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 expression in PCs by FCM, combined with cytogenetic characterization, could improve therapeutic decision-making regarding the use of BH3 mimetics in MM, potentially enhancing outcomes and overcoming resistance.

GSK-3β functions as an oncogene in ATL and could be a potential therapeutic target.

P1, N=29, Active, not recruiting, National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Trial completion date: May 2024 --> May 2025

Small molecule inhibitors of the GS factors can overcome resistance and sensitize otherwise resistant TNBC cells to MCL1 inhibitor treatment. These findings offer insights into potential therapeutic strategies and tumor stratification for MCL1 inhibitor use in TNBC.

In summary, ALM and NALM demonstrate frequent expressions of apoptosis-related proteins BCL2, MCL1, and BIM. Our findings suggest that patients with melanoma, including ALM, may be potential candidates for apoptosis-directed therapies.

The continuous treatment of U937 cells with the benzene metabolite hydroquinone (HQ) generated U937/HQ cells, exhibiting enhanced responsiveness to the cytotoxic effects of ONC212...Collectively, our data suggested that ONC212 upregulated SLC35F2 expression and triggered NOXA-mediated MCL1 degradation in U937, U937/HQ, and HL-60 cells by activating the AKT/NOX4/HuR/ATF4 pathway. The ONC212-induced signaling pathway showed anti-AML activity and enhanced YM155 cytotoxicity.

Furthermore, PEG-PC/PEI-CHO/pCas9-sgMcl1 induced effective apoptosis and tumor suppression in a HeLa tumor xenograft mouse model by downregulating Mcl1 expression. This work may provide an alternative paradigm for the efficient and safe genome editing in cancer.

Moreover, platinum treatment increased the cytoplasm proportion of TCEB3, and the cytoplasm localization of TCEB3 is important for its targeting of MCL-1. This study emphasizes the dual function of TCEB3 in homeostasis maintenance and in cell fate determination under different conditions, and provides a new insight into drug resistance in ovarian cancer.

Pro-survival proteins: MCL-1, BCL-2 and BCL-XL were inhibited using S63845, ABT-199 and A-1331852 respectively. Furthermore, MCL-1 inhibition led to enhanced binding between BCL-XL and BIM, while blocking BCL-XL increased MCL-1/BIM complex formation, indicating the cooperative role of these proteins. Stromal interactions alter the dependence on BCL-2 family members, providing a rationale for dual inhibition to abrogate the protective effect of stroma and restore sensitivity to CFZ.

At the same time, the transcriptional repression due to the degradation significantly reduced downstream gene expression of MYC, MDM2, BCL-2 and MCL-1, and reduced the inflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in PMBCs. These results indicate the beneficial impact of simultaneous CK1α and CDK7/9 degradation for acute myeloid leukemia therapy.

Furthermore, the review highlights emerging research on combination therapies, where BCL-2 inhibitors are used synergistically with other treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes. By understanding and manipulating the BCL-2 family and its associated pathways, we open doors to innovative and more effective cancer treatments, offering hope for resistant and aggressive cases.

Furthermore, following treatments such as cytarabine, a standard in AML treatment for over four decades, drug-persisting leukemic cells exhibit an enhanced reliance on mitochondrial metabolism. In this issue of Cancer Research, two studies investigated dependencies of AML cells on two respiratory substrates, α-ketoglutarate and lactate-derived pyruvate, that support mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) following treatment with the imipridone ONC-213 and the BET inhibitor INCB054329, respectively...In summary, targeting these mitochondrial dependencies might be a promising strategy to kill therapy-naïve and treatment-resistant OXPHOS-reliant LSCs and to delay or prevent relapse. See related articles by Monteith et al., p. 1101 and Su et al., p. 1084.