A novel alkaloid compound, DCZ0358, exerts significant antitumor activity in bortezomib-resistant multiple myeloma cells through inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2023 Feb 25;55(2):215-224. doi: 10.3724/abbs.2023014.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM), the second most common haematological malignancy, is currently incurable because patients often develop multiple drug resistance and experience subsequent relapse of the disease. This study aims to identify a potential therapeutic agent that can counter bortezomib (BTZ) resistance in MM. DCZ0358, a novel alkaloid compound, is found to exert potent cytotoxic effects against BTZ-resistant MM cells in vivo and in vitro. The anti-myeloma activity of DCZ0358 is associated with inhibition of cell proliferation, promotion of cell apoptosis via caspase-mediated apoptotic pathways, and induction of G0/G1 phase arrest via downregulation of cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism shows that DCZ0358 suppresses the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, DCZ0358 can successfully counter BTZ resistance in MM cells. This study provides evidence that warrants future preclinical assessments of DCZ0358 as a therapeutic agent against BTZ resistance in MM.

Keywords: DCZ0358; JAK2/STAT3 pathway; apoptosis; cell cycle arrest; multiple myeloma.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis
  • Bortezomib / metabolism
  • Bortezomib / pharmacology
  • Bortezomib / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase 2 / metabolism
  • Multiple Myeloma* / metabolism
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism

Substances

  • Bortezomib
  • DCZ0358
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Alkaloids
  • JAK2 protein, human
  • Janus Kinase 2
  • STAT3 protein, human
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81900211, 81971529, 81870158 and 82070224), the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai, China (No. 19ZR1467800), and Shanghai Sailing Program, China (No. 21YF1435000).