Gamma secretase inhibitors enhance vincristine-induced apoptosis in T-ALL in a NOTCH-independent manner

Activating mutations in the NOTCH1 gene are found in over 50 % of T-ALL cases. Since Notch signaling contributes to the leukemia cell survival and growth, targeting Notch signaling using gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSI) has been proposed as a molecularly targeted therapy for the treatment of T-ALL. However, not all T-ALL with NOTCH1 activating mutations respond to GSI treatment. We examined whether GSI could enhance the cytotoxic effect of anti-leukemic agents in the GSI-resistant T-ALL cells although GSI does not have anti-tumor effect as a single agent. GSI significantly increased cell death induced by Vincristine (VCR) but not other anti-leukemic drugs (Methotrexate, Asparaginase, and Cytarabine). The GSI effect in enhancing VCR efficacy was not the result of inhibition of Notch signaling. GSI augmented VCR-induced mitotic arrest, followed by apoptosis. GSI accelerated VCR-triggered loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-mediated apoptosis. Our finding suggests that GSI has other functions besides inhibiting Notch signaling in T-ALL and incorporating GSI into the conventional regimen containing VCR may offer therapeutic advantage by potentiating VCR treatment in leukemia patients.