Abstract
Background: Several studies have described a potential anti-tumour effect of cannabinoids (CNB). CNB receptor 2 (CB2) is mostly present in hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). The present study evaluates the anti-leukaemic effect of CNB.
Methods: Cell lines and primary cells from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients were used and the effect of the CNB derivative WIN-55 was evaluated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo.
Results: We demonstrate a potent antileukemic effect of WIN-55 which is abolished with CB antagonists. WIN-treated mice, xenografted with AML cells, had better survival as compared to vehicle or cytarabine. DNA damage-related genes were affected upon exposure to WIN. Co-incubation with the PARP inhibitor Olaparib prevented WIN-induced cell death, suggesting PARP-mediated apoptosis which was further confirmed with the translocation of AIF to the nucleus observed in WIN-treated cells. Nicotinamide prevented WIN-related apoptosis, indicating NAD+ depletion. Finally, WIN altered glycolytic enzymes levels as well as the activity of G6PDH. These effects are reversed through PARP1 inhibition.
Conclusions: WIN-55 exerts an antileukemic effect through Parthanatos, leading to translocation of AIF to the nucleus and depletion of NAD+, which are reversed through PARP1 inhibition. It also induces metabolic disruptions. These effects are not observed in normal HSC.
© 2024. The Author(s).
References
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- Döhner H, Weisdorf DJ & Bloomfield CD. Acute myeloid leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2015;373:136–52. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1406184
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- Network NCC. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: acute myeloid leukemia. J Natl Compr Cancer. 2019;1:2019.
Grants and funding
- PI17/02177/Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Institute of Health Carlos III)
- PI20/01792/Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Institute of Health Carlos III)
- DTS20/00165/Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Institute of Health Carlos III)
- FI16/00412/Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Institute of Health Carlos III)
- FEHH-Janssen 2020/Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia (Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy)