Sensitization of melanoma cells for TRAIL-induced apoptosis by BMS-345541 correlates with altered phosphorylation and activation of Bax

Resistance to TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand)- induced apoptosis limits its therapeutic use. Different strategies of TRAIL sensitization and a dependency on Bax have been reported, but common principles of TRAIL resistance and the way of Bax activation remained poorly understood. Applying a melanoma model of TRAIL-sensitive and -resistant cell lines, efficient sensitization for TRAIL-induced apoptosis is demonstrated by the kinase inhibitor BMS-345541 (N-(1,8-dimethylimidazo(1,2-a)quinoxalin-4-yl)-1,2-ethanediamine hydrochloride), which targets IκB (inhibitor of κB proteins) kinase β (IKKβ). This effect was completely abrogated by Bax knockout as well as by Bcl-2 overexpression, in accordance with a Bax dependency. Early loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c and Smac (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases) clearly indicated the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. Of note, BMS-345541 alone resulted in an early Bax activation, seen by conformational changes and by Bax translocation. The synergistic effects can be explained by Bid activation through TRAIL, which inhibits Bcl-2, and the activation of Bax through BMS-345541. The critical roles of XIAP (X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein), Smac and Bid were clearly proven by overexpression and siRNA knockdown, respectively. The way of Bax activation by BMS-345541 was unraveled by establishing new assays for Bax activation. These showed reduction of the inactivating Bax phosphorylation at serine-184, while the activating Bax phosphorylation at threonine-167 was enhanced. Thus, modulation of Bax phosphorylation appeared as tightly related to TRAIL sensitivity/resistance in melanoma cells, and therapeutic strategies may be considered.