Abstract | PURPOSE: Despite robust antitumor activity in diverse preclinical models, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor agonists have not demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, underscoring the need to identify agents that enhance their activity. We postulated that the metabolic stress induced by the diabetes drug metformin would sensitize breast cancer cells to TRAIL receptor agonists. METHODS: RESULTS:
Metformin sensitized diverse TNBC cells to TRAIL receptor agonists. Metformin selectively enhanced the sensitivity of transformed breast epithelial cells to TRAIL receptor agonist-induced caspase activation and apoptosis with little effect on untransformed breast epithelial cells. These effects of metformin were accompanied by robust reductions in the protein levels of XIAP, a negative regulator of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Silencing XIAP in TNBC cells mimicked the TRAIL-sensitizing effects of metformin. Metformin also enhanced the antitumor effects of TRAIL in a metastatic murine TNBC model. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that metformin enhances the activity of TRAIL receptor agonists, thereby supporting the rationale for additional translational studies combining these agents.
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Authors | Elena Strekalova, Dmitry Malin, Harisha Rajanala, Vincent L Cryns |
Journal | Breast cancer research and treatment
(Breast Cancer Res Treat)
Vol. 163
Issue 3
Pg. 435-447
(Jun 2017)
ISSN: 1573-7217 [Electronic] Netherlands |
PMID | 28324269
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
- TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
- TNFSF10 protein, human
- X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein
- XIAP protein, human
- Metformin
- Caspases
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Topics |
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(administration & dosage)
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(administration & dosage)
- Apoptosis
(drug effects)
- Caspases
(genetics)
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
(drug effects)
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
(genetics)
- Female
- Humans
- Metformin
(administration & dosage)
- Mice
- RNA Interference
- Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
(agonists, genetics)
- TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
(genetics)
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms
(drug therapy, genetics, pathology)
- X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein
(antagonists & inhibitors, genetics)
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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