Biology subjects

Cabot, M. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Cabot, M. C..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Acid ceramidase inhibition enhances BCL-2 targeting in venetoclax-resistant acute myeloid leukemia via a cytotoxic integrated stress response

Resistance to combination regimens containing the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a growing clinical challenge for this extensively utilized agent. We previously established the anti-leukemic properties of ceramide, a tumor-suppressive sphingolipid, in AML and demonstrated that upregulated expression of acid ceramidase (AC), a ceramide-neutralizing enzyme, supported leukemic survival and resistance to BH3 mimetics. Here, we report the anti-leukemic efficacy and mechanisms of co-targeting AC and BCL-2 in venetoclax-resistant AML. Analysis of the BeatAML dataset revealed a positive relationship between increased AC gene expression and venetoclax resistance. Targeting AC enhanced single-agent venetoclax cytotoxicity and the venetoclax + cytarabine combination in AML cell lines with primary or acquired venetoclax resistance. SACLAC + venetoclax was equipotent to the combination of venetoclax + cytarabine at reducing cell viability when evaluated ex vivo across a cohort of 71 primary AML patient samples. Mechanistically, SACLAC + venetoclax increased ceramide to levels that trigger a cytotoxic integrated stress response (ISR), ISR-mediated NOXA protein upregulation, mitochondrial dysregulation, and caspase-dependent cell death. Collectively, these data demonstrate the efficacy of co-targeting AC and BCL-2 in AML and rationalize targeting AC as a therapeutic approach to overcome venetoclax resistance.

cancer biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Acid Ceramidase Inhibitor LCL-805 Antagonizes Akt Signaling and Promotes Iron-Dependent Cell Death in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy requiring urgent treatment advancements. Ceramide is a cell death-promoting signaling lipid that plays a central role in therapy-induced cell death. Acid ceramidase (AC), a ceramide-depleting enzyme, is overexpressed in AML and promotes leukemic survival and drug resistance. The ceramidase inhibitor B-13 and next-generation lysosomal-localizing derivatives termed dimethylglycine (DMG)-B-13 prodrugs have been developed but remain untested in AML. Here, we report the in vitro anti-leukemic efficacy and mechanism of DMG-B-13 prodrug, LCL-805, across AML cell lines and primary patient samples. LCL-805 inhibited AC enzymatic activity, increased total ceramides, and reduced sphingosine levels. A median EC50 value of 11.7 M was achieved for LCL-805 in cell viability assays across 32 human AML cell lines. As a single agent tested across a panel of 71 primary AML patient samples, a median EC50 value of 15.8 M was achieved. Exogenous ceramide supplementation with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes, which is entering phase I/II clinical trial for relapsed/refractory AML, significantly enhanced LCL-805 killing. Mechanistically, LCL-805 antagonized Akt signaling and led to iron-dependent cell death distinct from canonical ferroptosis. These findings elucidated key factors involved in LCL-805 cytotoxicity and demonstrated the potency of combining AC inhibition with exogenous ceramide.

cancer biology↗