Current Molecular Medicine - Volume 11, Issue 8, 2011

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a cluster of at least 23 enzymes belonging to the more wide family of endopeptidases called Metzincins, whose structure is characterized by the presence of a zinc ion at the catalytic site. Although the general view of MMPs as physiologic scissors involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and tissue remodeling is still valid, additional functions have recently emerged, including the ability to cleave non ECM molecules such as growth factors, cytokines and chemokines from their membrane-anchored proforms. These functions are utilized by tumor cells and are fundamental in the determination of tumor progression and invasion. The effect of MMPs activity in cancer progression has been traditionally associated with the acquisition by tumor cells of an invasive phenotype, an indispensable requisite for the metastatic spreading of cancer cells. In addition to the traditional view, a new role for MMPs in creating a favourable microenvironment has been proposed, so that MMPs are not only involved in cell invasion, but also in signaling pathways that control cell growth, inflammation, or angiogenesis. Finally, recent evidence suggest a role of MMPs in the so called “pre-metastatic niche” that is the hypothesis of an early distant modification of the premetastatic site by primary cancer cells. This new hypothesis is changing our traditional view about MMPs and provides important insights into the effective time window for the therapeutic use of MMP inhibitors. In this review we provide the main available data about the ability of MMPs in creating a suitable microenvironment for tumor growth in metastatic sites and we indicate the implication of these data on the potential use of MMP inhibitors in the metastatic therapy.

Approximately 70% to 80% of patients with urothelial carcinomas of the bladder are initially diagnosed with non-muscle invasive disease. Superficial, non-muscle invasive bladder cancers (NMIBCs) are managed with cystoscopic transurethral resection of all visible lesions followed by intravesical chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Despite this treatment, up to 70% of these tumors will recur within five years and 15% will ultimately progress to muscle-invasive disease, suggesting that novel therapeutic strategies are necessary. Recent studies have greatly advanced our understanding of urothelial carcinogenesis and have highlighted the distinct molecular pathogenesis of NMIBCs versus muscle-invasive bladder tumors. It is now clear that diverse genetic and epigenetic events are driving the oncogenesis of NMIBCs, thereby attesting to their potential as therapeutic targets for these tumors. This article reviews the molecular pathogenesis of NMIBCs, discusses recently completed and ongoing clinical trials and anticipates the future direction of molecular targeted agents in this disease.

Apoptosis, a programmed cell death, plays a key role in the regulation of tissue homeostasis. However, impairment of its regulation may promote formation and progression of malignancy. An important part of the apoptotic machinery are the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, regulating caspase activity, cell division or cell survival pathways through binding to their baculovirus AIP repeat (BIR) domains and/or by their ubiquitin-ligase RING zinc finger (RZF) activity. The following IAPs have been described so far: NAIP (neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein; BIRC1), cIAP1 and cIAP2 (cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 and 2; BIRC2 and BIRC3, respectively), XIAP (X-chromosome binding IAP; BIRC4), survivin (BIRC5), BRUCE (Apollon; BIRC6), livin (BIRC7) and Ts-IAP (testis-specific IAP; BIRC8). Several studies suggested a potential contribution of IAPs to oncogenesis and resistance to anti-tumor treatment. Increased IAP expression was found in variety of human cancers, including hematological malignancies, such as leukemias and B-cell lymphomas. A correlation between the progression of those diseases and high levels of survivin or XIAP has been reported. Overexpression of XIAP in acute myeloid leukemia or survivin in acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma have been indicated as an unfavorable prognostic factors. Elevated cellular levels of cIAP1, cIAP2, XIAP and survivin correlated with a progressive course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Thus, targeting IAPs with small-molecule inhibitors by their antisense approaches or natural IAP antagonist mimetics, may be an attractive strategy of anti-cancer treatment. Such agents can either directly induce apoptosis of tumor cells or sensitize them to other cytotoxic agents, hence overcoming drug-resistance. This review demonstrates the current knowledge on IAP molecular biology, as well as the mechanisms of action and the development of IAP-targeting agents for treatment of hematological malignancies.

The distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMNs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that primarily affect motor neurons, without significant sensory involvement. New dHMN genes continue to be identified. There are now 11 causative genes described for dHMN, and an additional five genetic loci with unidentified genes. This genetic heterogeneity has further delineated the classification of dHMN, which was previously classified according to mode of inheritance, age at onset, and additional complicating features. Some overlap between phenotypically distinct forms of dHMN is also apparent. The mutated genes identified to-date in dHMN include HSPB1, HSPB8, HSPB3, DCTN1, GARS, PLEKHG5, BSCL2, SETX, IGHMBP2, ATP7A and TRPV4. The pathogenesis of mutations remains to be fully elucidated, however common pathogenic mechanisms are emerging. These include disruption of axonal transport, RNA processing defects, protein aggregation and inclusion body formation, disrupted calcium channel activity, and loss of neuroprotective signalling. Some of these dHMN genes are also mutated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This review examines the growing number of identified dHMN genes, discusses recent insights into the functions of these genes and possible pathogenic mechanisms, and looks at the increasing overlap between dHMN and the other neuropathies CMT2 and SMA.

Despite decades of research, the treatment and management of malignant tumors still remain a formidable challenge for public health. New strategies for cancer treatment are being developed, and one of the most promising treatment strategies involves the application of chemopreventive agents. The search for novel and effective cancer chemopreventive agents has led to the identification of various naturally occurring compounds. Xanthones, from the pericarp, whole fruit, heartwood, and leaf of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn., GML), are known to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacologic properties, including antioxidant, anti- tumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral activities. The potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activities of xanthones have been demonstrated in different stages of carcinogenesis (initiation, promotion, and progression) and are known to control cell division and growth, apoptosis, inflammation, and metastasis. Multiple lines of evidence from numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed that xanthones inhibit proliferation of a wide range of human tumor cell types by modulating various targets and signaling transduction pathways. Here we provide a concise and comprehensive review of preclinical data and assess the observed anticancer effects of xanthones, supporting its remarkable potential as an anticancer agent.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of clonal hematological disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis which causes peripheral cytopenias and a risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Although various forms of chromosomal abnormalities have been detected in approximately 50-60% of patients with de novo MDS and in up to 80% of patients with therapy-related MDS, their molecular significance for pathogenesis and disease progression is not yet fully understood. Recent technical advances in molecular biology have disclosed more accurately details of pathological chromosomal and molecular aberrations in MDS. Such details could not be identified with conventional cytogenetical techniques, including G-banding. In particular, with recent technical advances in comparative genome hybridization or single nucleotide polymorphism array technology, several candidate genes for the pathogenesis of MDS have been identified, which are located in minimally deleted or uniparental disomy segments. Moreover, epigenetic deregulation of gene expression is also likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of MDS. Accordingly, in addition to classical oncogenic abnormalities, such as p53 bnormalities, or NRAS mutation, various molecular abnormalities, such as TET2, RPS14, or c-CBL, have been identified and/or proposed as the novel candidates for molecular basis of the development and progression of MDS. A better understanding of the causative molecular events underlying MDS pathogenesis is essential for the development and establishment of a more effective treatment resulting in a complete cure for MDS. We here review current knowledge regarding the molecular significance of chromosomal and genetic aberrations in MDS and the proposed molecular mechanisms of action of new agents for MDS, such as lenalidomide or azacitidine.

The identification of a relevant effector of Ran GTPase (Ran) signaling and its pathways could provide a novel approach to cancer therapeutics. With recent research highlighting the significant relationship between Ran expression and the occurrence and progression of cancer, the development of a small molecule compound that would decrease the endogenous levels of Ran in the cell would have anti-mitotic effects and could lead to the development of new types of cancer therapeutics. In the absence of Ran binding proteins, Ran is expected to remain locked up in non-productive complexes with importins and is effectively removed from the system. Thus, Ran binding proteins present as a logical molecular target for the inhibition of Ran signaling within the cancer cell. Moreover, this family of proteins has been shown to have various other functions within the cell, some of which are also anti-neoplastic. The purpose of this review is to discuss Ran binding proteins and how their pathways may be exploited to provide an effective cancer treatment.

A common characteristic of the central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative disorders is neuroinflammation, marked by augmented numbers of activated and primed microglia, increased inflammatory cytokines and decreased anti-inflammatory molecules. CNS neuroinflammation is a critical component in the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases which sensitize the brain to produce an exaggerated response to immune stimuli in the periphery. Neuroinflammation might initiate from the periphery and peripheral conditions through disrupted blood-brain barrier powerfully influence various brain pathologies. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) represents a vulnerable area through which pathogens influence the brain and induce CNS neuroinflammation. The pathogens may access the CNS through blood, the nasal olfactory pathways and the GIT. Potential GI pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, induce humoral and cellular immune responses that, owing to the sharing of homologous epitopes (molecular mimicry), cross-react with CNS components thereby contributing and possibly perpetuating neural tissue damage. GIT is strictly connected to the CNS and a bi-directional communication exists between them. The brain is involved in regulating the immune and gut system. Conversely, limited attention has been paid on the GIT role in the development and regulation of the CNS autoimmune diseases. The GIT is the primary immune organ with specialized immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory functions, represented by the gastrointestinal immune system (GIS). This review focuses on the potential GIS and brain dialogue implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Gaining a better understanding of the relationship between GIS and CNS could provide an insight on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of these disorders.