Targeting MYC and BCL2 by a natural compound for "double-hit" lymphoma

Abstract

Concurrent translocations of MYC and BCL2 lead to abnormal expression of both oncoproteins, which contribute to the aggressive clinical characteristics of double-hit lymphoma (DHL). An effective therapy for DHL remains an unmet clinical need. In this study, we showed that both Ca²⁺ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II δ (CAMKIIδ) and γ (CAMKIIγ) were highly expressed in DHL. Both isoforms of CAMKII stabilize c-Myc protein by phosphorylating it at Ser62, increase BCL2 expression, and promote DHL tumor growth. Inhibition of CAMKIIδ and CAMKIIγ by either berbamine (BBM) or one of its derivatives (PA4) led to the down regulation of c-Myc and BCL2 proteins. BBM/PA4 also exhibited anti-tumor efficacy in DHL cell lines and NSG xenograft models. Altogether, CAMKIIδ and CAMKIIγ appear to be critical for DHL tumor development and are promising therapeutic targets for DHL.

Keywords: Bcl2; berbamine; c-Myc; cancer treatment; double-hit lymphoma.