RNA interference targeting of Bcr-Abl increases chronic myeloid leukemia cell killing by 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin

Leuk Res. 2006 May;30(5):553-60. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2005.09.013. Epub 2005 Nov 2.

Abstract

17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) induces degradation of Hsp90 client proteins, including Bcr-Abl, however, its clinical use as an anti-tumor agent may be limited by toxicity and modest efficacy. We reasoned that Bcr-Abl targeting by RNA interference (RNAi) might selectively increase the activity of 17-AAG against Bcr-Abl+ leukemia cells. 17-AAG in combination with targeting small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) reduced Bcr-Abl protein levels, triggered increases in markers of apoptosis and decreased cell viability more effectively than did control siRNA and 17-AAG together, or Bcr-Abl targeting siRNA alone. Combination targeting strategies such as this may therefore achieve enhanced therapeutic potency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology*
  • Benzoquinones / pharmacology*
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / genetics*
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / metabolism
  • Gene Targeting / methods*
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Lactams, Macrocyclic / pharmacology*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / genetics
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / metabolism
  • RNA Interference*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Benzoquinones
  • Lactams, Macrocyclic
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • abl-bcr fusion protein, human
  • tanespimycin
  • Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl