Bisindolymaleimide IX Induces Reversible and Time-Dependent Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Family-Mediated Caspase Activation and Cell Death

Abstract

We have previously shown that Bisindolylmaleimide (Bis) IX is localized in mitochondria but also acts as an inhibitor of transcription and facilitates tumor necrosis factor receptor family-mediated apoptosis (Rokhlin et al. J Biol Chem 2002; 277: 33213-9). In this study, we found that Bis IX is freely distributed both within cells and extracellular medium and acts as a reversible apoptosis-inducing agent. Bis IX was found to induce time-dependent apoptosis in combination with TNF-alpha, TRAIL, and anti-Fas Ab. Using human prostatic carcinoma cell lines DU145 and LNCaP that are resistant to treatment with TNF family death-inducing ligands, we have shown that different, albeit still unidentified, inhibitory factors are responsible for the resistance to TRAIL-, Fas-, and TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis. Our data also suggest that the turnover of apoptosis suppressor factors is much faster in DU145 compared to LNCaP. Lastly, we have found that Bis IX can override the apoptosis- inhibitory effects of Bcl-2 overexpression. In conclusion, Bis IX could be used as a drug to facilitate apoptosis of cancer cells that are resistant to treatment with death-inducing ligands as well as a valuable tool to discern the factors that mediate resistance to different death-inducing ligands.