HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Inhibition of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase induces apoptosis through multiple mechanisms and displays synergy with inhibition of other isoprenoid biosynthetic enzymes.

Abstract
Inhibitors of isoprenoid synthesis are widely used for treatment of human diseases, including hypercholesterolemia and osteoporosis, and they have the potential to be useful for treatment of cancer. Statin drugs inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, whereas nitrogenous bisphosphonates have more recently been shown to inhibit farnesyl disphosphate synthase. In addition, our laboratory has recently developed several potent and specific bisphosphonate inhibitors of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, including digeranyl bisphosphonate. Because all three enzymes fall in the same biosynthetic pathway and many of the biological effects are due to depletion of downstream products, we hypothesized that simultaneous inhibition of these enzymes would result in synergistic growth inhibition. In this study, we show that inhibition of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase induces apoptosis in K562 leukemia cells. This induction of apoptosis is in part dependent upon both geranylgeranyl diphosphate depletion and accumulation of farnesyl diphosphate. Combinations of either lovastatin or zoledronate with digeranyl bisphosphonate synergistically inhibited growth and induced apoptosis. These combinations also potently inhibited cellular geranylgeranylation. These results support the potential for combinations of multiple inhibitors of isoprene biosynthesis to inhibit cancer cell growth or metastasis at clinically achievable concentrations.
AuthorsAmel Dudakovic, Andrew J Wiemer, Kimberly M Lamb, Laura A Vonnahme, Sara E Dietz, Raymond J Hohl
JournalThe Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics (J Pharmacol Exp Ther) Vol. 324 Issue 3 Pg. 1028-36 (Mar 2008) ISSN: 1521-0103 [Electronic] United States
PMID18083912 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Terpenes
  • Farnesyltranstransferase
Topics
  • Apoptosis (drug effects, physiology)
  • Enzyme Inhibitors (pharmacology)
  • Farnesyltranstransferase (antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis)
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Terpenes (metabolism)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: