Biology subjects

Burnier, J. V.

Publications and source records attributed to Burnier, J. V..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

The combination of nelfinavir and cisplatin drives lytic cell death through a caspase-8/caspase-3/GSDME axis in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells

PurposeCisplatin (CDDP) is the most active chemotherapy for ovarian cancer; primary or acquired resistance signals a poor prognosis. Nelfinavir (NFV), an HIV protease inhibitor, has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in multiple cancer models, but its interaction with CDDP in ovarian cancer has yet to be demonstrated. In this work, we addressed whether the combination of CDDP and NFV provides treatment advantage in platinum (Pt)-resistant ovarian cancer cells. MethodsDrug synergy between NFV and CDDP was assessed using cell vitality assays and Loewe additivity modelling. Apoptotic and pyroptotic signalling were evaluated by immunoblotting, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and caspase inhibition. Transcriptomic changes were assessed by bulk mRNA sequencing followed by differential gene expression analysis and gene set enrichment analysis. ResultsNFV synergized with CDDP to reduce the viability of Pt-resistant ovarian cancer cells, promoting a regulated lytic cell death phenotype involving apoptotic and pyroptotic features. Combination treatment induced caspase-8 and caspase-3 activation, and downstream gasdermin E (GSDME) processing. Inhibition of caspase-3 significantly attenuated cell death, and caspase-8 inhibition rescued viability and prevented Bid cleavage, caspase-3 activation, and GSDME cleavage. These effects occurred in the context of enhanced endoplasmic reticulum stress, increased DNA damage with reduced DNA repair, and impaired Akt-driven survival signalling. ConclusionsOur findings establish that NFV synergizes with CDDP in killing Pt-resistant ovarian cancer cells by promoting a caspase-8-dependent apoptotic-to-secondary pyroptotic response, supporting further investigation of NFV as a potential drug to be repurposed to increase the efficacy of Pt-based therapy.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2025

The AhR is a Critical Regulator of the Pulmonary Response to Cannabis Smoke

Cannabis use is prevalent worldwide, with smoking being the most common method of consumption. When smoking cannabis, users are exposed to both harmful combustion products as well as cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD have purported anti-inflammatory effects through activation of cannabinoid receptors; however, the minimal expression of these receptors in lung tissue suggests that respiratory effects of cannabis may be mediated through alternative pathways. One potential mediator of these effects is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Notably, the AhR is activated by both combustion products and cannabinoids. This receptor is also known to dampen lung inflammation induced by tobacco smoke or air pollution. Therefore, we hypothesized that AhR activation would reduce susceptibility to the harmful effects of inhaled cannabis smoke. To investigate this hypothesis, Ahr+/- and Ahr-/- mice were exposed to air or cannabis smoke using a controlled puff regimen over a three-day period. In the first study to characterize the effects of cannabis smoke on lung tissue and the pulmonary secretome, including extracellular vesicles and secreted proteins, we found that acute exposure induced neutrophilia, vascular leakage, and activation of tissue remodeling pathways, all of which were regulated by AhR. These findings highlight not only the detrimental effects of cannabis smoke on lung health but also the pivotal role of the AhR as a key regulator of the pulmonary response to cannabis smoke exposure.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2023

Tumour Extracellular Vesicles Induce Neutrophil Extracellular Traps To Promote Lymph Node Metastasis

Lymph nodes (LNs) are frequently the first sites of metastasis. Currently, the only prognostic LN assessment is determining metastasis status. However, there is evidence suggesting that LN metastasis is facilitated by a pre-metastatic niche induced by tumour derived extracellular vehicles (EVs). Therefore, it is important to detect and modify the LN environmental changes. We have previously reported that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can sequester and promote distant metastasis. Here, we first confirmed that LN NETs are associated with reduced patient survival. Next, we demonstrated that NETs deposition precedes LN metastasis and NETs inhibition abolishes LN metastases in animal mode. Furthermore, we discovered that EVs are essential to the formation of LN NETs. Lymphatic endothelial cells secrete CXCL8/2 in response to EVs inducing NETs formation and the promotion of LN metastasis. Our findings are the first to reveal the role of EV induced NETs in LN metastasis and provide potential immunotherapeutic vulnerabilities. Graphic AbstractIllustrative demonstration of the LNs premetastatic niche formation induced by EVs and NETs. Primary tumour constantly secretes EVs, which were actively uptaken by LECs. LECs subsequently secretes CXCL8 or CXCL2 upon EV reception. CXCL8 and CXCL2 are both neutrophil chemoattractants and potent NETs inducers. The following neutrophil recruitment and NETs formation lead to increased LN metastasis burden. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=173 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/532413v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (51K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@c0c371org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15f6a92org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14dbeedorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@131d3eb_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Nelfinavir induces cytotoxicity towards high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells regardless of platinum sensitivity, involving induction of the unfolded protein response, modulation of protein synthesis, DNA damage, lysosomal impairment, and potentiation of toxicity caused by proteasome inhibition

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a significant cause of mortality among women worldwide. Traditional treatment consists of platinum-based therapy; however, rapid development of platinum resistance contributes to lower life expectancy, warranting newer therapies to supplement the current platinum-based protocol. Repurposing market-available drugs as cancer therapeutics is a cost- and time-effective way to avail new therapies to drug-resistant patients. The anti-HIV agent nelfinavir (NFV) has shown promising toxicity against various cancers; however, its role against HGSOC is unknown. Here, we studied the effect of NFV against HGSOC cells obtained from patients along disease progression and carrying different sensitivities to platinum. NFV triggered, independently of platinum sensitivity, a dose-dependent reduction of HGSOC cell number and viability, and a parallel increase in hypo-diploid DNA content. Moreover, a dose-dependent reduction of clonogenic survival of cells escaping the acute toxicity was indicative of long-term residual damage. In addition, dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of H2AX indicated NFV-mediated DNA damage, which was associated with decreased survival and proliferation signals driven by the AKT and ERK pathways. NFV also mediated a dose-dependent increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules associated with long-term inhibition of protein synthesis and concurrent cell death; such events were accompanied by a proapoptotic environment, signaled by increased phospho- eIF2, ATF4, and CHOP, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved executer caspase-7. Finally, we show that NFV potentiates the short-term cell cycle arrest and long-term toxicity caused by the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Overall, our in vitro study demonstrates that NFV can therapeutically target HGSOC cells of differential platinum sensitivities via several mechanisms, suggesting its prospective repurposing benefit considering its good safety profile.

cancer biology↗