Distribution of Bim determines Mcl-1 dependence or codependence with Bcl-xL/Bcl-2 in Mcl-1-expressing myeloma cells

Blood. 2011 Aug 4;118(5):1329-39. doi: 10.1182/blood-2011-01-327197. Epub 2011 Jun 9.

Abstract

Dependence on Bcl-2 proteins is a common feature of cancer cells and provides a therapeutic opportunity. ABT-737 is an antagonist of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and therefore is a good predictor of Bcl-x(L)/Bcl-2 dependence. Surprisingly, analysis of Mcl-1-dependent multiple myeloma cell lines revealed codependence on Bcl-2/Bcl-x(L) in half the cells tested. Codependence is not predicted by the expression level of antiapoptotic proteins, rather through interactions with Bim. Consistent with these findings, acquired resistance to ABT-737 results in loss of codependence through redistribution of Bim to Mcl-1. Overall, these results suggest that complex interactions, and not simply expression patterns of Bcl-2 proteins, need to be investigated to understand Bcl-2 dependence and how to better use agents, such as ABT-737.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / physiology*
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Biphenyl Compounds / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / physiology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics*
  • Multiple Myeloma / metabolism
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein
  • Nitrophenols / pharmacology
  • Piperazines / pharmacology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / physiology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology
  • Tissue Distribution
  • bcl-X Protein / genetics
  • bcl-X Protein / metabolism
  • bcl-X Protein / physiology*

Substances

  • ABT-737
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • BCL2L1 protein, human
  • BCL2L11 protein, human
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein
  • Nitrophenols
  • Piperazines
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Sulfonamides
  • bcl-X Protein