1
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Healy FM, Turner AL, Marensi V, MacEwan DJ. Mediating kinase activity in Ras-mutant cancer: potential for an individualised approach? Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1441938. [PMID: 39372214 PMCID: PMC11450236 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1441938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that there is a considerable number of oncogenic mutations within the Ras superfamily of small GTPases which are the driving force behind a multitude of cancers. Ras proteins mediate a plethora of kinase pathways, including the MAPK, PI3K, and Ral pathways. Since Ras was considered undruggable until recently, pharmacological targeting of pathways downstream of Ras has been attempted to varying success, though drug resistance has often proven an issue. Nuances between kinase pathway activation in the presence of various Ras mutants are thought to contribute to the resistance, however, the reasoning behind activation of different pathways in different Ras mutational contexts is yet to be fully elucidated. Indeed, such disparities often depend on cancer type and disease progression. However, we are in a revolutionary age of Ras mutant targeted therapy, with direct-targeting KRAS-G12C inhibitors revolutionising the field and achieving FDA-approval in recent years. However, these are only beneficial in a subset of patients. Approximately 90% of Ras-mutant cancers are not KRAS-G12C mutant, and therefore raises the question as to whether other distinct amino acid substitutions within Ras may one day be targetable in a similar manner, and indeed whether better understanding of the downstream pathways these various mutants activate could further improve therapy. Here, we discuss the favouring of kinase pathways across an array of Ras-mutant oncogenic contexts and assess recent advances in pharmacological targeting of various Ras mutants. Ultimately, we will examine the utility of individualised pharmacological approaches to Ras-mediated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M. Healy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Amy L. Turner
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Marensi
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Chester Medical School, University of Chester, Chester, United Kingdom
| | - David J. MacEwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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2
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Casacuberta-Serra S, González-Larreategui Í, Capitán-Leo D, Soucek L. MYC and KRAS cooperation: from historical challenges to therapeutic opportunities in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:205. [PMID: 39164274 PMCID: PMC11336233 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS and MYC rank amongst the most commonly altered oncogenes in cancer, with RAS being the most frequently mutated and MYC the most amplified. The cooperative interplay between RAS and MYC constitutes a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, profoundly influencing tumor development. Together and individually, these two oncogenes regulate most, if not all, hallmarks of cancer, including cell death escape, replicative immortality, tumor-associated angiogenesis, cell invasion and metastasis, metabolic adaptation, and immune evasion. Due to their frequent alteration and role in tumorigenesis, MYC and RAS emerge as highly appealing targets in cancer therapy. However, due to their complex nature, both oncogenes have been long considered "undruggable" and, until recently, no drugs directly targeting them had reached the clinic. This review aims to shed light on their complex partnership, with special attention to their active collaboration in fostering an immunosuppressive milieu and driving immunotherapeutic resistance in cancer. Within this review, we also present an update on the different inhibitors targeting RAS and MYC currently undergoing clinical trials, along with their clinical outcomes and the different combination strategies being explored to overcome drug resistance. This recent clinical development suggests a paradigm shift in the long-standing belief of RAS and MYC "undruggability", hinting at a new era in their therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Íñigo González-Larreategui
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Capitán-Leo
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain.
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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3
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Mormando M, Puliani G, Bianchini M, Lauretta R, Appetecchia M. The Role of Inositols in Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1004. [PMID: 39199391 PMCID: PMC11353224 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Inositols have demonstrated a role in cancer prevention and treatment in many kinds of neoplasms. Their molecular mechanisms vary from the regulation of survival and proliferative pathways to the modulation of immunity and oxidative stress. The dysregulation of many pathways and mechanisms regulated by inositols has been demonstrated in endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors but the role of inositol supplementation in this context has not been clarified. The aim of this review is to summarize the molecular basis of the possible role of inositols in endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors, proposing it as an adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marialuisa Appetecchia
- Oncological Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.P.); (M.B.); (R.L.)
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4
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Klomp JA, Klomp JE, Stalnecker CA, Bryant KL, Edwards AC, Drizyte-Miller K, Hibshman PS, Diehl JN, Lee YS, Morales AJ, Taylor KE, Peng S, Tran NL, Herring LE, Prevatte AW, Barker NK, Hover LD, Hallin J, Chowdhury S, Coker O, Lee HM, Goodwin CM, Gautam P, Olson P, Christensen JG, Shen JP, Kopetz S, Graves LM, Lim KH, Wang-Gillam A, Wennerberg K, Cox AD, Der CJ. Defining the KRAS- and ERK-dependent transcriptome in KRAS-mutant cancers. Science 2024; 384:eadk0775. [PMID: 38843331 PMCID: PMC11301402 DOI: 10.1126/science.adk0775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
How the KRAS oncogene drives cancer growth remains poorly understood. Therefore, we established a systemwide portrait of KRAS- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent gene transcription in KRAS-mutant cancer to delineate the molecular mechanisms of growth and of inhibitor resistance. Unexpectedly, our KRAS-dependent gene signature diverges substantially from the frequently cited Hallmark KRAS signaling gene signature, is driven predominantly through the ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, and accurately reflects KRAS- and ERK-regulated gene transcription in KRAS-mutant cancer patients. Integration with our ERK-regulated phospho- and total proteome highlights ERK deregulation of the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and other components of the cell cycle machinery as key processes that drive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) growth. Our findings elucidate mechanistically the critical role of ERK in driving KRAS-mutant tumor growth and in resistance to KRAS-ERK MAPK targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Clint A. Stalnecker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kirsten L. Bryant
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A. Cole Edwards
- Cell Biology & Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kristina Drizyte-Miller
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Priya S. Hibshman
- Cell Biology & Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J. Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics & Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ye S. Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alexis J. Morales
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Khalilah E. Taylor
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sen Peng
- Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Nhan L. Tran
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
| | - Laura E. Herring
- Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alex W. Prevatte
- Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Natalie K. Barker
- Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Jill Hallin
- Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Saikat Chowdhury
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oluwadara Coker
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hey Min Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Craig M. Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Prson Gautam
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Olson
- Mirati Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - John P. Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lee M. Graves
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kian-Huat Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Cell Biology & Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Channing J. Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Cell Biology & Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics & Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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5
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Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Exploiting the therapeutic implications of KRAS inhibition on tumor immunity. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:338-357. [PMID: 38471457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, RAS oncogenic proteins have transitioned from being deemed undruggable to having two clinically approved drugs, with several more in advanced stages of development. Despite the initial benefit of KRAS-G12C inhibitors for patients with tumors harboring this mutation, the rapid emergence of drug resistance underscores the urgent need to synergize these inhibitors with other therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes. RAS mutant tumor cells can create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting an increased susceptibility to immunotherapies following RAS inhibition. This provides a rationale for combining RAS inhibitory drugs with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, achieving this synergy in the clinical setting has proven challenging. Here, we explore how understanding the impact of RAS mutant tumor cells on the TME can guide innovative approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies, review progress in both pre-clinical and clinical stages, and discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Downward
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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6
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Nissley DV, Stephen AG, Yi M, McCormick F. Progress in Targeting KRAS Directly. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2797:1-12. [PMID: 38570448 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3822-4_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
RAS research has entered the world of translational and clinical science. Progress has been based on our appreciation of the role of RAS mutations in different types of cancer and the effects of these mutations on the biochemical, structural, and biophysical properties of the RAS proteins themselves, particularly KRAS, on which most attention has been focused. This knowledge base, while still growing, has enabled creative chemical approaches to targeting KRAS directly. Our understanding of RAS signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells plays an important role for developing RAS inhibitors but also continues to reveal new approaches to targeting RAS through disruption of signaling complexes and downstream pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Andrew G Stephen
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ming Yi
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
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7
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Abooali M, Yasinska IM, Schlichtner S, Ruggiero S, Berger SM, Cholewa D, Milošević M, Bartenstein A, Fasler-Kan E, Sumbayev VV. Activation of immune evasion machinery is a part of the process of malignant transformation of human cells. Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101805. [PMID: 37844478 PMCID: PMC10587773 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant transformation of human cells is associated with their re-programming which results in uncontrolled proliferation and in the same time biochemical activation of immunosuppressive pathways which form cancer immune evasion machinery. However, there is no conceptual understanding of whether immune evasion machinery pathways and expression of immune checkpoint proteins form a part of the process of malignant transformation or if they are triggered by T lymphocytes and natural killers (NK) attempting to attack cells which are undergoing or already underwent malignant transformation. To address this fundamental question, we performed experimental malignant transformation of BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelium cells and RC-124 non-malignant human kidney epithelial cells using bracken extracts containing carcinogenic alkaloid called ptaquiloside. This transformation led to a significant upregulation of cell proliferation velocity and in the same time led to a significant upregulation in expression of key immune checkpoint proteins - galectin-9, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1). Their increased expression levels were in line with upregulation of the levels and activities of HIF-1 transcription complex and transforming growth factor beta type 1 (TGF-β)-Smad3 signalling pathway. When co-cultured with T cells, transformed epithelial cells displayed much higher and more efficient immune evasion activity compared to original non-transformed cells. Therefore, this work resolved a very important scientific and clinical question and suggested that cancer immune evasion machinery is activated during malignant transformation of human cells regardless the presence of immune cells in microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Abooali
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
| | - Inna M Yasinska
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Schlichtner
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom; DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; Division of Personalized Medical Oncology (A420), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Personalized Oncology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Hospital Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ruggiero
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern and Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Steffen M Berger
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern and Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dietmar Cholewa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern and Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Milan Milošević
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern and Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Bartenstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern and Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Inselspital Bern, University of Bern and Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Vadim V Sumbayev
- Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, United Kingdom.
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8
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Prahallad A, Weiss A, Voshol H, Kerr G, Sprouffske K, Yuan T, Ruddy D, Meistertzheim M, Kazic-Legueux M, Kottarathil T, Piquet M, Cao Y, Martinuzzi-Duboc L, Buhles A, Adler F, Mannino S, Tordella L, Sansregret L, Maira SM, Graus Porta D, Fedele C, Brachmann SM. CRISPR Screening Identifies Mechanisms of Resistance to KRASG12C and SHP2 Inhibitor Combinations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:4130-4141. [PMID: 37934115 PMCID: PMC10722132 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Although KRASG12C inhibitors show clinical activity in patients with KRAS G12C mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumor malignancies, response is limited by multiple mechanisms of resistance. The KRASG12C inhibitor JDQ443 shows enhanced preclinical antitumor activity combined with the SHP2 inhibitor TNO155, and the combination is currently under clinical evaluation. To identify rational combination strategies that could help overcome or prevent some types of resistance, we evaluated the duration of tumor responses to JDQ443 ± TNO155, alone or combined with the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib and/or the cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor ribociclib, in xenograft models derived from a KRASG12C-mutant NSCLC line and investigated the genetic mechanisms associated with loss of response to combined KRASG12C/SHP2 inhibition. Tumor regression by single-agent JDQ443 at clinically relevant doses lasted on average 2 weeks and was increasingly extended by the double, triple, or quadruple combinations. Growth resumption was accompanied by progressively increased KRAS G12C amplification. Functional genome-wide CRISPR screening in KRASG12C-dependent NSCLC lines with distinct mutational profiles to identify adaptive mechanisms of resistance revealed sensitizing and rescuing genetic interactions with KRASG12C/SHP2 coinhibition; FGFR1 loss was the strongest sensitizer, and PTEN loss the strongest rescuer. Consistently, the antiproliferative activity of KRASG12C/SHP2 inhibition was strongly enhanced by PI3K inhibitors. Overall, KRAS G12C amplification and alterations of the MAPK/PI3K pathway were predominant mechanisms of resistance to combined KRASG12C/SHP2 inhibitors in preclinical settings. The biological nodes identified by CRISPR screening might provide additional starting points for effective combination treatments. SIGNIFICANCE Identification of resistance mechanisms to KRASG12C/SHP2 coinhibition highlights the need for additional combination therapies for lung cancer beyond on-pathway combinations and offers the basis for development of more effective combination approaches. See related commentary by Johnson and Haigis, p. 4005.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Weiss
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hans Voshol
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Grainne Kerr
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tina Yuan
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - David Ruddy
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Piquet
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Yichen Cao
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Flavia Adler
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Luca Tordella
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Carmine Fedele
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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9
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Jagadeeshan S, Novoplansky OZ, Cohen O, Kurth I, Hess J, Rosenberg AJ, Grandis JR, Elkabets M. New insights into RAS in head and neck cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188963. [PMID: 37619805 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
RAS genes are known to be dysregulated in cancer for several decades, and substantial effort has been dedicated to develop agents that reduce RAS expression or block RAS activation. The recent introduction of RAS inhibitors for cancer patients highlights the importance of comprehending RAS alterations in head and neck cancer (HNC). In this regard, we examine the published findings on RAS alterations and pathway activations in HNC, and summarize their role in HNC initiation, progression, and metastasis. Specifically, we focus on the intrinsic role of mutated-RAS on tumor cell signaling and its extrinsic role in determining tumor-microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity, including promoting angiogenesis and enhancing immune escape. Lastly, we summarize the intrinsic and extrinsic role of RAS alterations on therapy resistance to outline the potential of targeting RAS using a single agent or in combination with other therapeutic agents for HNC patients with RAS-activated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankar Jagadeeshan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
| | - Ofra Z Novoplansky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
| | - Oded Cohen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Soroka Medical Center, Beersheva, Israel.
| | - Ina Kurth
- Division of Radiooncology-Radiobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ari J Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
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10
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Smith AE, Chan S, Wang Z, McCloskey A, Reilly Q, Wang JZ, Patel HV, Koshizuka K, Soifer HS, Kessler L, Dayoub A, Villaflor V, Adkins DR, Bruce JY, Ho AL, Perez CA, Hanna GJ, Gascó Hernández A, Saunders A, Dale S, Gutkind JS, Burrows F, Malik S. Tipifarnib Potentiates the Antitumor Effects of PI3Kα Inhibition in PIK3CA- and HRAS-Dysregulated HNSCC via Convergent Inhibition of mTOR Activity. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3252-3263. [PMID: 37339176 PMCID: PMC10543974 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Outcomes for patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are poor, with median overall survival (OS) ranging from 6 to 18 months. For those who progress on standard-of-care (chemo)immunotherapy, treatment options are limited, necessitating the development of rational therapeutic strategies. Toward this end, we targeted the key HNSCC drivers PI3K-mTOR and HRAS via the combination of tipifarnib, a farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor, and alpelisib, a PI3Kα inhibitor, in multiple molecularly defined subsets of HNSCC. Tipifarnib synergized with alpelisib at the level of mTOR in PI3Kα- or HRAS-dependent HNSCCs, leading to marked cytotoxicity in vitro and tumor regression in vivo. On the basis of these findings, the KURRENT-HN trial was launched to evaluate the effectiveness of this combination in PIK3CA-mutant/amplified and/or HRAS-overexpressing R/M HNSCC. Preliminary evidence supports the clinical activity of this molecular biomarker-driven combination therapy. Combined alpelisib and tipifarnib has potential to benefit >45% of patients with R/M HNSCC. By blocking feedback reactivation of mTORC1, tipifarnib may prevent adaptive resistance to additional targeted therapies, enhancing their clinical utility. SIGNIFICANCE The mechanistically designed, biomarker-matched strategy of combining alpelisib and tipifarnib is efficacious in PIK3CA- and HRAS-dysregulated head and neck squamous carcinoma and could improve outcomes for many patients with recurrent, metastatic disease. See related commentary by Lee et al., p. 3162.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Keiichi Koshizuka
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alan L. Ho
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Cesar A. Perez
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Florida Cancer Specialists, Orlando, Florida
| | | | | | | | | | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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11
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Madsen RR, Toker A. PI3K signaling through a biochemical systems lens. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105224. [PMID: 37673340 PMCID: PMC10570132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Following 3 decades of extensive research into PI3K signaling, it is now evidently clear that the underlying network does not equate to a simple ON/OFF switch. This is best illustrated by the multifaceted nature of the many diseases associated with aberrant PI3K signaling, including common cancers, metabolic disease, and rare developmental disorders. However, we are still far from a complete understanding of the fundamental control principles that govern the numerous phenotypic outputs that are elicited by activation of this well-characterized biochemical signaling network, downstream of an equally diverse set of extrinsic inputs. At its core, this is a question on the role of PI3K signaling in cellular information processing and decision making. Here, we review the determinants of accurate encoding and decoding of growth factor signals and discuss outstanding questions in the PI3K signal relay network. We emphasize the importance of quantitative biochemistry, in close integration with advances in single-cell time-resolved signaling measurements and mathematical modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralitsa R Madsen
- MRC-Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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12
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Safaroghli-Azar A, Sanaei MJ, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) classes: From cell signaling to endocytic recycling and autophagy. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175827. [PMID: 37269974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lipid signaling is defined as any biological signaling action in which a lipid messenger binds to a protein target, converting its effects to specific cellular responses. In this complex biological pathway, the family of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) represents a pivotal role and affects many aspects of cellular biology from cell survival, proliferation, and migration to endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, metabolism, and autophagy. While yeasts have a single isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammals possess eight PI3K types divided into three classes. The class I PI3Ks have set the stage to widen research interest in the field of cancer biology. The aberrant activation of class I PI3Ks has been identified in 30-50% of human tumors, and activating mutations in PIK3CA is one of the most frequent oncogenes in human cancer. In addition to indirect participation in cell signaling, class II and III PI3Ks primarily regulate vesicle trafficking. Class III PI3Ks are also responsible for autophagosome formation and autophagy flux. The current review aims to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on the latest discoveries regarding PI3Ks-mediated cell biological processes. Also, we unravel the mechanisms by which pools of the same phosphoinositides (PIs) derived from different PI3K types act differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Safaroghli-Azar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Sran S, Bedrosian TA. RAS pathway: The new frontier of brain mosaicism in epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106074. [PMID: 36907520 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As cells divide during development, errors in DNA replication and repair lead to somatic mosaicism - a phenomenon in which different cell lineages harbor unique constellations of genetic variants. Over the past decade, somatic variants that disrupt mTOR signaling, protein glycosylation, and other functions during brain development have been linked to cortical malformations and focal epilepsy. More recently, emerging evidence points to a role for Ras pathway mosaicism in epilepsy. The Ras family of proteins is a critical driver of MAPK signaling. Disruption of the Ras pathway is most known for its association with tumorigenesis; however, developmental disorders known as RASopathies commonly have a neurological component that sometimes includes epilepsy, offering evidence for Ras involvement in brain development and epileptogenesis. Brain somatic variants affecting the Ras pathway (e.g., KRAS, PTPN11, BRAF) are now strongly associated with focal epilepsy through genotype-phenotype association studies as well as mechanistic evidence. This review summarizes the Ras pathway and its involvement in epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders, focusing on new evidence regarding Ras pathway mosaicism and the potential future clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahibjot Sran
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Tracy A Bedrosian
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
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14
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Burke JE, Triscott J, Emerling BM, Hammond GRV. Beyond PI3Ks: targeting phosphoinositide kinases in disease. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:357-386. [PMID: 36376561 PMCID: PMC9663198 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00582-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lipid phosphoinositides are master regulators of almost all aspects of a cell's life and death and are generated by the tightly regulated activity of phosphoinositide kinases. Although extensive efforts have focused on drugging class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), recent years have revealed opportunities for targeting almost all phosphoinositide kinases in human diseases, including cancer, immunodeficiencies, viral infection and neurodegenerative disease. This has led to widespread efforts in the clinical development of potent and selective inhibitors of phosphoinositide kinases. This Review summarizes our current understanding of the molecular basis for the involvement of phosphoinositide kinases in disease and assesses the preclinical and clinical development of phosphoinositide kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Joanna Triscott
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Gerald R V Hammond
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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15
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Leone GM, Candido S, Lavoro A, Vivarelli S, Gattuso G, Calina D, Libra M, Falzone L. Clinical Relevance of Targeted Therapy and Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition in Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1252. [PMID: 37111737 PMCID: PMC10142433 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) represents the second most diagnosed tumor and the malignancy with the highest mortality rate. In recent years, tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of this tumor thanks to the discovery, testing, and clinical approval of novel therapeutic approaches. Firstly, targeted therapies aimed at inhibiting specific mutated tyrosine kinases or downstream factors were approved in clinical practice. Secondly, immunotherapy inducing the reactivation of the immune system to efficiently eliminate LC cells has been approved. This review describes in depth both current and ongoing clinical studies, which allowed the approval of targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibitors as standard of care for LC. Moreover, the present advantages and pitfalls of new therapeutic approaches will be discussed. Finally, the acquired importance of human microbiota as a novel source of LC biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets to improve the efficacy of available therapies, was analyzed. Therapy against LC is increasingly becoming holistic, taking into consideration not only the genetic landscape of the tumor, but also the immune background and other individual variables, such as patient-specific gut microbial composition. On these bases, in the future, the research milestones reached will allow clinicians to treat LC patients with tailored approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Leone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Vivarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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16
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Petkova M, Kraft M, Stritt S, Martinez-Corral I, Ortsäter H, Vanlandewijck M, Jakic B, Baselga E, Castillo SD, Graupera M, Betsholtz C, Mäkinen T. Immune-interacting lymphatic endothelial subtype at capillary terminals drives lymphatic malformation. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20220741. [PMID: 36688917 PMCID: PMC9884640 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, encoding p110α-PI3K, are a common cause of venous and lymphatic malformations. Vessel type-specific disease pathogenesis is poorly understood, hampering development of efficient therapies. Here, we reveal a new immune-interacting subtype of Ptx3-positive dermal lymphatic capillary endothelial cells (iLECs) that recruit pro-lymphangiogenic macrophages to promote progressive lymphatic overgrowth. Mouse model of Pik3caH1047R-driven vascular malformations showed that proliferation was induced in both venous and lymphatic ECs but sustained selectively in LECs of advanced lesions. Single-cell transcriptomics identified the iLEC population, residing at lymphatic capillary terminals of normal vasculature, that was expanded in Pik3caH1047R mice. Expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including monocyte/macrophage chemokine Ccl2, in Pik3caH1047R-iLECs was associated with recruitment of VEGF-C-producing macrophages. Macrophage depletion, CCL2 blockade, or anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibition limited Pik3caH1047R-driven lymphangiogenesis. Thus, targeting the paracrine crosstalk involving iLECs and macrophages provides a new therapeutic opportunity for lymphatic malformations. Identification of iLECs further indicates that peripheral lymphatic vessels not only respond to but also actively orchestrate inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Petkova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marle Kraft
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Simon Stritt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ines Martinez-Corral
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ortsäter
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michael Vanlandewijck
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Campus Flemingsberg, Neo, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Bojana Jakic
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eulàlia Baselga
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Sandra D. Castillo
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Campus Flemingsberg, Neo, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Karimi N, Moghaddam SJ. KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer: Targeting Molecular and Immunologic Pathways, Therapeutic Advantages and Restrictions. Cells 2023; 12:749. [PMID: 36899885 PMCID: PMC10001046 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations are among the most common oncogenic mutations in human cancers. Among RAS mutations, KRAS has the highest frequency and is present in almost 30% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Lung cancer is the number one cause of mortality among cancers as a consequence of outrageous aggressiveness and late diagnosis. High mortality rates have been the reason behind numerous investigations and clinical trials to discover proper therapeutic agents targeting KRAS. These approaches include the following: direct KRAS targeting; synthetic lethality partner inhibitors; targeting of KRAS membrane association and associated metabolic rewiring; autophagy inhibitors; downstream inhibitors; and immunotherapies and other immune-modalities such as modulating inflammatory signaling transcription factors (e.g., STAT3). The majority of these have unfortunately encountered limited therapeutic outcomes due to multiple restrictive mechanisms including the presence of co-mutations. In this review we plan to summarize the past and most recent therapies under investigation, along with their therapeutic success rate and potential restrictions. This will provide useful information to improve the design of novel agents for treatment of this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Karimi
- Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul 34899, Turkey
| | - Seyed Javad Moghaddam
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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18
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Ismail M, Martin SR, George R, Houghton F, Kelly G, Chaleil RAG, Anastasiou P, Wang X, O'Reilly N, Federico S, Joshi D, Nagaraj H, Cooley R, Hui NS, Molina-Arcas M, Hancock DC, Tavassoli A, Downward J. Characterisation of a cyclic peptide that binds to the RAS binding domain of phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110α. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1889. [PMID: 36732563 PMCID: PMC9894841 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28756-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
P110α is a member of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) enzyme family that functions downstream of RAS. RAS proteins contribute to the activation of p110α by interacting directly with its RAS binding domain (RBD), resulting in the promotion of many cellular functions such as cell growth, proliferation and survival. Previous work from our lab has highlighted the importance of the p110α/RAS interaction in tumour initiation and growth. Here we report the discovery and characterisation of a cyclic peptide inhibitor (cyclo-CRVLIR) that interacts with the p110α-RBD and blocks its interaction with KRAS. cyclo-CRVLIR was discovered by screening a "split-intein cyclisation of peptides and proteins" (SICLOPPS) cyclic peptide library. The primary cyclic peptide hit from the screen initially showed a weak affinity for the p110α-RBD (Kd about 360 µM). However, two rounds of amino acid substitution led to cyclo-CRVLIR, with an improved affinity for p110α-RBD in the low µM (Kd 3 µM). We show that cyclo-CRVLIR binds selectively to the p110α-RBD but not to KRAS or the structurally-related RAF-RBD. Further, using biophysical, biochemical and cellular assays, we show that cyclo-CRVLIR effectively blocks the p110α/KRAS interaction in a dose dependent manner and reduces phospho-AKT levels in several oncogenic KRAS cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ismail
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Stephen R Martin
- Structural Biology, Science Technology Platforms, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Roger George
- Structural Biology, Science Technology Platforms, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Francesca Houghton
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Geoff Kelly
- Structural Biology, Science Technology Platforms, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Raphaël A G Chaleil
- Biomolecular Modelling Lab, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Panayiotis Anastasiou
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Xinyue Wang
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Nicola O'Reilly
- Peptide Chemistry, Science Technology Platforms, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Stefania Federico
- Peptide Chemistry, Science Technology Platforms, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Dhira Joshi
- Peptide Chemistry, Science Technology Platforms, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Hemavathi Nagaraj
- Peptide Chemistry, Science Technology Platforms, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Rachel Cooley
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ning Sze Hui
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Miriam Molina-Arcas
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - David C Hancock
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ali Tavassoli
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Julian Downward
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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19
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Targeting Class I-II-III PI3Ks in Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances in Tumor Biology and Preclinical Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030784. [PMID: 36765741 PMCID: PMC9913247 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) enzymes, producing signaling phosphoinositides at plasma and intracellular membranes, are key in intracellular signaling and vesicular trafficking pathways. PI3K is a family of eight enzymes divided into three classes with various functions in physiology and largely deregulated in cancer. Here, we will review the recent evidence obtained during the last 5 years on the roles of PI3K class I, II and III isoforms in tumor biology and on the anti-tumoral action of PI3K inhibitors in preclinical cancer models. The dependency of tumors to PI3K isoforms is dictated by both genetics and context (e.g., the microenvironment). The understanding of class II/III isoforms in cancer development and progression remains scarce. Nonetheless, the limited available data are consistent and reveal that there is an interdependency between the pathways controlled by all PI3K class members in their role to promote cancer cell proliferation, survival, growth, migration and metabolism. It is unknown whether this feature contributes to partial treatment failure with isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors. Hence, a better understanding of class II/III functions to efficiently inhibit their positive and negative interactions with class I PI3Ks is needed. This research will provide the proof-of-concept to develop combination treatment strategies targeting several PI3K isoforms simultaneously.
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20
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Yang H, Zhou X, Fu D, Le C, Wang J, Zhou Q, Liu X, Yuan Y, Ding K, Xiao Q. Targeting RAS mutants in malignancies: successes, failures, and reasons for hope. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:42-74. [PMID: 36316602 PMCID: PMC9859734 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes and play critical roles in the development and progression of malignancies. The mutation, isoform (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS), position, and type of substitution vary depending on the tissue types. Despite decades of developing RAS-targeted therapies, only small subsets of these inhibitors are clinically effective, such as the allele-specific inhibitors against KRASG12C . Targeting the remaining RAS mutants would require further experimental elucidation of RAS signal transduction, RAS-altered metabolism, and the associated immune microenvironment. This study reviews the mechanisms and efficacy of novel targeted therapies for different RAS mutants, including KRAS allele-specific inhibitors, combination therapies, immunotherapies, and metabolism-associated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Dongliang Fu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Chenqin Le
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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21
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Angulo-Urarte A, Graupera M. When, where and which PIK3CA mutations are pathogenic in congenital disorders. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:700-714. [PMID: 39196083 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00107-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
PIK3CA encodes the class I PI3Kα isoform and is frequently mutated in cancer. Activating mutations in PIK3CA also cause a range of congenital disorders featuring asymmetric tissue overgrowth, known as the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS), with frequent vascular involvement. In PROS, PIK3CA mutations arise postzygotically, during embryonic development, leading to a mosaic body pattern distribution resulting in a variety of phenotypic features. A clear skewed pattern of overgrowth favoring some mesoderm-derived and ectoderm-derived tissues is observed but not understood. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of the determinants of PIK3CA-related pathogenesis in PROS, including intrinsic factors such as cell lineage susceptibility and PIK3CA variant bias, and extrinsic factors, which refers to environmental modifiers. We also include a section on PIK3CA-related vascular malformations given that the vasculature is frequently affected in PROS. Increasing our biological understanding of PIK3CA mutations in PROS will contribute toward unraveling the onset and progression of these conditions and ultimately impact on their treatment. Given that PIK3CA mutations are similar in PROS and cancer, deeper insights into one will also inform about the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Angulo-Urarte
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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22
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Geng X, Srinivasan RS. Molecular Mechanisms Driving Lymphedema and Other Lymphatic Anomalies. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a041272. [PMID: 35817543 PMCID: PMC9341459 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic vasculature regulates fluid homeostasis by absorbing interstitial fluid and returning it to blood. Lymphatic vasculature is also critical for lipid absorption and inflammatory response. Lymphatic vasculature is composed of lymphatic capillaries, collecting lymphatic vessels, lymphatic valves, and lymphovenous valves. Defects in any of these structures could lead to lymphatic anomalies such as lymphedema, cystic lymphatic malformation, and Gorham-Stout disease. Basic research has led to a deeper understanding of the stepwise development of the lymphatic vasculature. VEGF-C and shear stress signaling pathways have evolved as critical regulators of lymphatic vascular development. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations in genes that are involved in these signaling pathways are associated with lymphatic anomalies. Importantly, drugs that target these molecules are showing outstanding efficacy in treating certain lymphatic anomalies. In this article, we summarize these exciting developments and highlight the future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Geng
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73013, USA
| | - R Sathish Srinivasan
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73013, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117, USA
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23
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Simula L, Alifano M, Icard P. How Phosphofructokinase-1 Promotes PI3K and YAP/TAZ in Cancer: Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102478. [PMID: 35626081 PMCID: PMC9139230 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We propose that PFK1 promotes a positive feedback loop with PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways in cancer cells. Therefore, targeting PFK1 (or its product F-1,6-BP) could improve the efficacy of PI3K and YAP/TAZ inhibitors currently tested in clinical trials. To this aim, we suggest the use of citrate, which is a physiologic and potent inhibitor of PFK1. Abstract PI3K/AKT is one of the most frequently altered signaling pathways in human cancers, supporting the activation of many proteins sustaining cell metabolism, proliferation, and aggressiveness. Another important pathway frequently altered in cancer cells is the one regulating the YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators, which promote the expression of genes sustaining aerobic glycolysis (such as WNT, MYC, HIF-1), EMT, and drug resistance. Of note, the PI3K/AKT pathway can also regulate the YAP/TAZ one. Unfortunately, although PI3K and YAP inhibitors are currently tested in highly resistant cancers (both solid and hematologic ones), several resistance mechanisms may arise. Resistance mechanisms to PI3K inhibitors may involve the stimulation of alternative pathways (such as RAS, HER, IGFR/AKT), the inactivation of PTEN (the physiologic inhibitor of PI3K), and the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL and MCL1 proteins. Therefore, it is important to improve current therapeutic strategies to overcome these limitations. Here, we want to highlight how the glycolytic enzyme PFK1 (and its product F-1,6-BP) promotes the activation of both PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ pathways by several direct and indirect mechanisms. In turn, PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ can promote PFK1 activity and F-1,6-BP production in a positive feedback loop, thus sustaining the Warburg effect and drug resistance. Thus, we propose that the inhibition of PFK1 (and of its key activator PFK2/PFKFB3) could potentiate the sensitivity to PI3K and YAP inhibitors currently tested. Awaiting the development of non-toxic inhibitors of these enzymes, we propose to test the administration of citrate at a high dosage, because citrate is a physiologic inhibitor of both PFK1 and PFK2/PFKFB3. Consistently, in various cultured cancer cells (including melanoma, sarcoma, hematologic, and epithelial cancer cells), this “citrate strategy” efficiently inhibits the IGFR1/AKT pathway, promotes PTEN activity, reduces Bcl-xL and MCL1 expression, and increases sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. It also inhibits the development of sarcoma, pancreatic, mammary HER+ and lung RAS-driven tumors in mice without apparent toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Simula
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Cochin Institute, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, University of Paris, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Marco Alifano
- INSERM U1138, Integrative Cancer Immunology, University of Paris, 75006 Paris, France;
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, APHP, Paris-Descartes University, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Icard
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, APHP, Paris-Descartes University, 75014 Paris, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France
- Correspondence:
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24
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Sciortino C, Viglialoro V, Nucci M, Polito MG, Cortesi E, Gelibter A, Gazzaniga P, Nicolazzo C, Siringo M, Caponnetto S. Response to immunotherapy in KRAS G12C mutated NSCLC: a single-centre retrospective observational study. Oncotarget 2022; 13:686-693. [PMID: 35574217 PMCID: PMC9093982 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-small cell lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. New strategies in molecular therapies are being explored to detect and target genetic mutations in NSCLC. Therefore, it is also important to understand the interaction between these mutations and other therapies. This study focuses on possible correlations between the KRAS-G12C mutation and response of patients treated with immunotherapy. Methods: Twenty-two patients with stage IV NSCLC undergoing immunotherapy were divided into two groups treated with first- and second-line therapy, respectively. KRAS-G12C mutation was detected by liquid biopsy Idylla KRAS assay. Results: In first-line treated patients, there was no significant increase in PFS in patients with the KRAS mutation (20 months versus 14.5 months, HR = 1.31; CI 95% = 0.25–6.71; p value = 0.76) and no difference in OS (OS = 21 months, HR = 1; CI 95% = 0.17–6.2; p value > 0.99). In the second group, KRAS G12C mutated patients had a median PFS of 23 months compared with a median PFS of only 5 months among nonmutated patients (HR = 3.28; CI 95% = 0.86–12.5; p value = 0.03). Conclusion: The results of this study do not reveal a clear correlation between mutation and response to immunotherapy. The mechanism regulating immune system activity in the tumor microenvironment remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Sciortino
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Viglialoro
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Nucci
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariam Grazia Polito
- Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Cortesi
- Medical Oncology Unit B, Department of Radiological Oncological and Pathological Sciences, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alain Gelibter
- Medical Oncology Unit B, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Nicolazzo
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Siringo
- Medical Oncology Unit B, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Caponnetto
- Medical Oncology Unit B, Department of Radiology, Oncology and Pathology, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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25
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Li JX, Li RZ, Ma LR, Wang P, Xu DH, Huang J, Li LQ, Tang L, Xie Y, Leung ELH, Yan PY. Targeting Mutant Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Current Difficulties, Integrative Treatments and Future Perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875330. [PMID: 35517800 PMCID: PMC9065471 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, several gene mutations, including the anaplastic lymphoma kinase, epidermal growth factor receptor, ROS proto-oncogene 1 and rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS), have been discovered in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the isoform most frequently altered in RAS-mutated NSCLC cases. Due to the structural and biochemical characteristics of the KRAS protein, effective approaches to treating KRAS-mutant NSCLC still remain elusive. Extensive recent research on KRAS-mutant inhibitors has made a breakthrough in identifying the covalent KRASG12C inhibitor as an effective agent for the treatment of NSCLC. This review mainly concentrated on introducing new covalent KRASG12C inhibitors like sotorasib (AMG 510) and adagrasib (MRTX 849); summarizing inhibitors targeting the KRAS-related upstream and downstream effectors in RAF/MEK/ERK pathway and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway; exploring the efficacy of immunotherapy and certain emerging immune-related therapeutics such as adoptive cell therapy and cancer vaccines. These inhibitors are being investigated in clinical trials and have exhibited promising effects. On the other hand, naturally extracted compounds, which have exhibited safe and effective properties in treating KRAS-mutant NSCLC through suppressing the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, as well as through decreasing PD-L1 expression in preclinical studies, could be expected to enter into clinical studies. Finally, in order to confront the matter of drug resistance, the ongoing clinical trials in combination treatment strategies were summarized herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Rui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
| | - Peng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
| | - Dong-Han Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
| | - Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
| | - Li-Qi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
| | - Ling Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutics, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Preparation Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
- Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
- Dr. Neher’s Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
| | - Pei-Yu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, China
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26
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Abstract
Macropinocytosis is an evolutionarily conserved endocytic pathway that mediates non-selective uptake of extracellular fluid in bulk. Macropinocytosis is initiated by localized polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton, which generates plasma membrane protrusions that enclose part of the environment into large endocytic vesicles. From amoebae to mammalian cells, the actin dynamics that drive macropinosome formation are regulated by a conserved set of intracellular signaling proteins including Ras superfamily GTPases and PI3-kinases. In mammalian cells, multiple upstream signaling pathways control activity of these core regulators in response to cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic stimuli. Growth factor signaling pathways play a central role in macropinocytosis induction. In addition, an increasing number of functionally diverse processes has been identified as macropinocytosis regulators, including several nutrient-sensing and developmental signaling pathways. Many of these signaling pathways have proto-oncogenic properties, and their dysregulation drives the high macropinocytic activity that is commonly observed in cancer cells. These regulatory principles illustrate how macropinocytosis is controlled by complex upstream inputs to exert diverse cellular functions in physiological and pathological contexts.
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27
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Burge RA, Hobbs GA. Not all RAS mutations are equal: A detailed review of the functional diversity of RAS hot spot mutations. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 153:29-61. [PMID: 35101234 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The RAS family of small GTPases are among the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancer. Approximately 20% of cancers harbor a RAS mutation, and >150 different missense mutations have been detected. Many of these mutations have mutant-specific biochemical defects that alter nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, effector interactions and cell signaling, prompting renewed efforts in the development of anti-RAS therapies, including the mutation-specific strategies. Previously viewed as undruggable, the recent FDA approval of a KRASG12C-selective inhibitor has offered real promise to the development of allele-specific RAS therapies. A broader understanding of the mutational consequences on RAS function must be developed to exploit additional allele-specific vulnerabilities. Approximately 94% of RAS mutations occur at one of three mutational "hot spots" at Gly12, Gly13 and Gln61. Further, the single-nucleotide substitutions represent >99% of these mutations. Within this scope, we discuss the mutational frequencies of RAS isoforms in cancer, mutant-specific effector interactions and biochemical properties. By limiting our analysis to this mutational subset, we simplify the analysis while only excluding a small percentage of total mutations. Combined, these data suggest that the presence or absence of select RAS mutations in human cancers can be linked to their biochemical properties. Continuing to examine the biochemical differences in each RAS-mutant protein will continue to provide additional breakthroughs in allele-specific therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Burge
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - G Aaron Hobbs
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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28
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Abstract
In this review, I provide a brief history of the discovery of RAS and the GAPs and GEFs that regulate its activity from a personal perspective. Much of this history has been driven by technological breakthroughs that occurred concurrently, such as molecular cloning, cDNA expression to analyze RAS proteins and their structures, and application of PCR to detect mutations. I discuss the RAS superfamily and RAS proteins as therapeutic targets, including recent advances in developing RAS inhibitors. I also describe the role of the RAS Initiative at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in advancing development of RAS inhibitors and providing new insights into signaling complexes and interaction of RAS proteins with the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States.
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29
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Shen M, Qi R, Ren J, Lv D, Yang H. Characterization With KRAS Mutant Is a Critical Determinant in Immunotherapy and Other Multiple Therapies for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 11:780655. [PMID: 35070984 PMCID: PMC8766810 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.780655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a frequent type of cancer, which is mainly characterized clinically by high aggressiveness and high mortality. KRAS oncoprotein is the most common molecular protein detected in NSCLC, accounting for 25% of all oncogenic mutations. Constitutive activation of the KRAS oncoprotein triggers an intracellular cascade in cancer cells, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation of cancer cells and aberrant cell survival states. The results of multiple clinical trials have shown that different KRAS mutation subtypes exhibit different sensitivities to different chemotherapy regimens. Meanwhile, anti-angiogenic drugs have shown differential efficacy for different subtypes of KRAS mutated lung cancer. It was explored to find if the specificity of the KRAS mutation subtype would affect PD-L1 expression, so immunotherapy would be of potential clinical value for the treatment of some types of KRAS mutations. It was discovered that the specificity of the KRAS mutation affected PD-L1, which opened up immunotherapy as a potential clinical treatment option. After several breakthrough studies, the preliminary test data of many early clinical trials showed that it is possible to directly inhibit KRAS G12C mutation, which has been proved to be a targeted treatment that is suitable for about 10%-12% of patients with advanced NSCLC, having a significant impact on the prolongation of their survival and the improvement of their quality of life. This article reviews the latest progress of treatments for NSCLC with KRAS mutation, in order to gain insight into the biological diversity of lung cancer cells and their potential clinical implications, thereby enabling individualized treatment for patients with KRAS-mutant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Shen
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rongbin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Enze Hospital, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Justin Ren
- Biological Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Dongqing Lv
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Enze Hospital, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Enze Hospital, Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
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30
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Abstract
Macropinocytosis is a critical route of nutrient acquisition in pancreatic cancer cells. Constitutive macropinocytosis is promoted by mutant KRAS, which activates the PI3Kα lipid kinase and RAC1, to drive membrane ruffling, macropinosome uptake and processing. However, our recent study on the KRASG12R mutant indicated the presence of a KRAS-independent mode of macropinocytosis in pancreatic cancer cell lines, thereby increasing the complexity of this process. We found that KRASG12R-mutant cell lines promote macropinocytosis independent of KRAS activity using PI3Kγ and RAC1, highlighting the convergence of regulation on RAC signaling. While macropinocytosis has been proposed to be a therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, our studies have underscored how little we understand about the activation and regulation of this metabolic process. Therefore, this review seeks to highlight the differences in macropinocytosis regulation in the two cellular subtypes while also highlighting the features that make the KRASG12R mutant atypical.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Aaron Hobbs
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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31
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Class I PI3K Biology. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:3-49. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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32
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Rajpurohit T, Bhattacharya S. Moving Towards Dawn: KRas Signaling and Treatment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2022; 15:904-928. [PMID: 35088684 DOI: 10.2174/1874467215666220128161647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
"Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)" is robust, nearly clueless, and all-around deadly among all tumors. Below 10 %, the general 5-year endurance period has remained adamantly unaltered in the last 30 years, regardless of enormous clinical and therapeutic endeavors. The yearly number of deaths is more than the number of recently analyzed cases. Not a classic one, but "Carbohydrate Antigen CA19- 9" remains the prevailing tool for diagnosis. MicroRNAs and non-invasive techniques are now incorporated for the effective prognosis of PDAC than just CA19-9. Mutated "Rat sarcoma virus Ras" conformation "V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog KRas" is 95 % accountable for PDAC, and its active (GTP-bound) formation activates signaling cascade comprising "Rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma Raf"/"Mitogen-activated protein kinase MEK"/ "Extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERK" with "Phosphoinositide 3-kinase PI3K"/ "protein kinase B Akt"/ "mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR" pathways. KRas has acquired the label of 'undruggable' since the crosstalk in the nexus of pathways compensates for Raf and PI3K signaling cascade blocking. It is arduous to totally regulate KRascoordinated PDAC with traditional medicaments like "gemcitabine GEM" plus nabpaclitaxel/ FOLFIRINOX. For long-haul accomplishments aiming at KRas, future endeavors should be directed to combinatorial methodologies to adequately block KRas pathways at different standpoints. Currently they are contributing to healing PDAC. In this review article, we outline the function of KRas in carcinogenesis in PDAC, its signaling cascade, former techniques utilized in hindering Kras, current and future possibilities for targeting Kras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Rajpurohit
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405, India
| | - Sankha Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM'S NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405, India
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Dominant Role of PI3K p110α over p110β in Insulin and β-Adrenergic Receptor Signalling. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312813. [PMID: 34884613 PMCID: PMC8657683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Attribution of specific roles to the two ubiquitously expressed PI 3-kinase (PI3K) isoforms p110α and p110β in biological functions they have been implicated, such as in insulin signalling, has been challenging. While p110α has been demonstrated to be the principal isoform activated downstream of the insulin receptor, several studies have provided evidence for a role of p110β. Here we have used isoform-selective inhibitors to estimate the relative contribution of each of these isoforms in insulin signalling in adipocytes, which are a cell type with essential roles in regulation of metabolism at the systemic level. Consistent with previous genetic and pharmacological studies, we found that p110α is the principal isoform activated downstream of the insulin receptor under physiological conditions. p110α interaction with Ras enhanced the strength of p110α activation by insulin. However, this interaction did not account for the selectivity for p110α over p110β in insulin signalling. We also demonstrate that p110α is the principal isoform activated downstream of the β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR), another important signalling pathway in metabolic regulation, through a mechanism involving activation of the cAMP effector molecule EPAC1. This study offers further insights in the role of PI3K isoforms in the regulation of energy metabolism with implications for the therapeutic application of selective inhibitors of these isoforms.
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34
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Li Y, Yuan Y, Zhang F, Guo A, Cao F, Song M, Fu Y, Xu X, Shen H, Zheng S, Pan Y, Chang W. Therapeutic Suppression of FAK-AKT Signaling Overcomes Resistance to SHP2 Inhibition in Colorectal Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:739501. [PMID: 34790119 PMCID: PMC8591248 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.739501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SHP2 mediates signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Ser and Thr kinase AKT, and its inhibitors offer an unprecedented opportunity for cancer treatment. Although the ERK signaling variation after SHP2 inhibition has been well investigated, the AKT signaling variation in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is still unknown. Therefore, we performed immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics analyses to explore the significance of p-SHP2 in CRC. A panel of CRC cell lines with the SHP2 inhibitor, SHP099, was used to assess the effects on viability and signaling. The inhibitors of AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling were examined in combination with SHP099 as potential strategies to enhance the efficacy and overcome resistance. Frequent resistance to the SHP2 inhibitor was observed in CRC cells, even in those without RAS mutations. We observed rapid adaptive reactivation of the AKT pathway in response to SHP2 inhibition, possibly driven by the reactivation of RTKs or released p-FAK. High baseline p-FAK may also be associated with CRC cell resistance to SHP2 inhibition. Co-inhibition of FAK abrogated the feedback reactivation of AKT in response to SHP2 inhibition. Moreover, the combined inhibition of SHP2 with AKT or FAK resulted in sustained AKT pathway suppression and improved antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Our study found that reactivation of the AKT pathway is a key mechanism of adaptive resistance to SHP2 inhibition, highlighting the potential significance of AKT and FAK inhibition strategies to enhance the efficacy of SHP2 inhibitors in CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuncang Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aizhen Guo
- Department of General Practice, Yangpu Center Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuao Cao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yating Fu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Shen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yamin Pan
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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35
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Sylvester DE, Chen Y, Grima N, Saletta F, Padhye B, Bennetts B, Wright D, Krivanek M, Graf N, Zhou L, Catchpoole D, Kirk J, Latchoumanin O, Qiao L, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Jamieson R, Dalla-Pozza L, Byrne JA. Rare germline variants in childhood cancer patients suspected of genetic predisposition to cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2021; 61:81-93. [PMID: 34687117 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of cancer-predisposing germline variants in childhood cancer patients is important for therapeutic decisions, disease surveillance and risk assessment for patients, and potentially, also for family members. We investigated the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic germline variants in selected childhood cancer patients with features suggestive of genetic predisposition to cancer. Germline DNA was subjected to exome sequencing to filter variants in 1048 genes of interest including 176 known cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). An enrichment burden analysis compared rare deleterious germline CPG variants in the patient cohort with those in a healthy aged control population. A subset of predicted deleterious variants in novel candidate CPGs was investigated further by examining matched tumor samples, and the functional impact of AXIN1 variants was analyzed in cultured cells. Twenty-two pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants detected in 13 CPGs were identified in 19 of 76 patients (25.0%). Unclear association with the diagnosed cancer types was observed in 11 of 19 patients carrying P/LP CPG variants. The burden of rare deleterious germline variants in autosomal dominant CPGs was significantly higher in study patients versus healthy aged controls. A novel AXIN1 frameshift variant (Ser321fs) may impact the regulation of β-catenin levels. Selection of childhood cancer patients for germline testing based on features suggestive of an underlying genetic predisposition could help to identify carriers of clinically relevant germline CPG variants, and streamline the integration of germline genomic testing in the pediatric oncology clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne E Sylvester
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yuyan Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natalie Grima
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Federica Saletta
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bhavna Padhye
- The Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce Bennetts
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dale Wright
- Sydney Genome Diagnostics, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Krivanek
- Histopathology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Graf
- Histopathology Department, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Li Zhou
- Sydney Children's Tumour Bank Network, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- Sydney Children's Tumour Bank Network, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Judy Kirk
- Familial Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olivier Latchoumanin
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney & Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liang Qiao
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney & Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mandy Ballinger
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre & Genomic Cancer Medicine, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Thomas
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre & Genomic Cancer Medicine, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn Jamieson
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Eye and Developmental Genetics Research Group, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Children's Medical Research Institute, and Disciplines of Genetic Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luciano Dalla-Pozza
- The Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Byrne
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,NSW Health Statewide Biobank, NSW Health Pathology, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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36
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Tago K, Ohta S, Aoki-Ohmura C, Funakoshi-Tago M, Sashikawa M, Matsui T, Miyamoto Y, Wada T, Oshio T, Komine M, Matsugi J, Furukawa Y, Ohtsuki M, Yamauchi J, Yanagisawa K. K15 promoter-driven enforced expression of NKIRAS exhibits tumor suppressive activity against the development of DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumors. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20658. [PMID: 34667224 PMCID: PMC8526694 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00200-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NKIRAS1 and NKIRAS2 (also called as κB-Ras) were identified as members of the atypical RAS family that suppress the transcription factor NF-κB. However, their function in carcinogenesis is still controversial. To clarify how NKIRAS acts on cellular transformation, we generated transgenic mice in which NKIRAS2 was forcibly expressed using a cytokeratin 15 (K15) promoter, which is mainly activated in follicle bulge cells. The ectopic expression of NKIRAS2 was mainly detected in follicle bulges of transgenic mice with NKIRAS2 but not in wild type mice. K15 promoter-driven expression of NKIRAS2 failed to affect the development of epidermis, which was evaluated using the expression of K10, K14, K15 and filaggrin. However, K15 promoter-driven expression of NKIRAS2 effectively suppressed the development of skin tumors induced by treatment with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). This observation suggested that NKIRAS seemed to function as a tumor suppressor in follicle bulges. However, in the case of oncogenic HRAS-driven cellular transformation of murine fibroblasts, knockdown of NKIRAS2 expression drastically suppressed HRAS-mutant-provoked cellular transformation, suggesting that NKIRAS2 was required for the cellular transformation of murine fibroblasts. Furthermore, moderate enforced expression of NKIRAS2 augmented oncogenic HRAS-provoked cellular transformation, whereas an excess NKIRAS2 expression converted its functional role into a tumor suppressive phenotype, suggesting that NKIRAS seemed to exhibit a biphasic bell-shaped enhancing effect on HRAS-mutant-provoked oncogenic activity. Taken together, the functional role of NKIRAS in carcinogenesis is most likely determined by not only cellular context but also its expression level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Tago
- Division of Structural Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Ohta
- Division of Structural Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Chihiro Aoki-Ohmura
- Division of Structural Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Megumi Funakoshi-Tago
- Division of Hygienic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Miho Sashikawa
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takeshi Matsui
- Laboratory for Evolutionary Cell Biology of the Skin, School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0982, Japan
| | - Yuki Miyamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Taeko Wada
- Division of Stem Cell Regulation, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Oshio
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Mayumi Komine
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Jitsuhiro Matsugi
- Division of Structural Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yusuke Furukawa
- Division of Stem Cell Regulation, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Mamitaro Ohtsuki
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Junji Yamauchi
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Neurology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan
| | - Ken Yanagisawa
- Division of Structural Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
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37
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Cintas C, Douche T, Dantes Z, Mouton-Barbosa E, Bousquet MP, Cayron C, Therville N, Pont F, Ramos-Delgado F, Guyon C, Garmy-Susini B, Cappello P, Burlet-Schiltz O, Hirsch E, Gomez-Brouchet A, Thibault B, Reichert M, Guillermet-Guibert J. Phosphoproteomics Identifies PI3K Inhibitor-selective Adaptive Responses in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Therapy and Resistance. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2433-2445. [PMID: 34552006 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K pathway is highly active in human cancers. The four class I isoforms of PI3K are activated by distinct mechanisms leading to a common downstream signaling. Their downstream redundancy is thought to be responsible for treatment failures of PI3K inhibitors. We challenged this concept, by mapping the differential phosphoproteome evolution in response to PI3K inhibitors with different isoform-selectivity patterns in pancreatic cancer, a disease currently without effective therapy. In this cancer, the PI3K signal was shown to control cell proliferation. We compared the effects of LY294002 that inhibit with equal potency all class I isoenzymes and downstream mTOR with the action of inhibitors with higher isoform selectivity toward PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, or PI3Kγ (namely, A66, TGX-221 and AS-252424). A bioinformatics global pathway analysis of phosphoproteomics data allowed us to identify common and specific signals activated by PI3K inhibitors supported by the biological data. AS-252424 was the most effective treatment and induced apoptotic pathway activation as well as the highest changes in global phosphorylation-regulated cell signal. However, AS-252424 treatment induced reactivation of Akt, therefore decreasing the treatment outcome on cell survival. Reversely, AS-252424 and A66 combination treatment prevented p-Akt reactivation and led to synergistic action in cell lines and patient organoids. The combination of clinically approved α-selective BYL-719 with γ-selective IPI-549 was more efficient than single-molecule treatment on xenograft growth. Mapping unique adaptive signaling responses to isoform-selective PI3K inhibition will help to design better combinative treatments that prevent the induction of selective compensatory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Cintas
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Thibault Douche
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Zahra Dantes
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Mouton-Barbosa
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5089, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Bousquet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5089, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Coralie Cayron
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicole Therville
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Pont
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France
| | - Fernanda Ramos-Delgado
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Camille Guyon
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Turin, Italy
| | - Odile Burlet-Schiltz
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5089, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Turin, Italy
| | - Anne Gomez-Brouchet
- IUCT-O, Institut Claudius Regaud, Hopitaux de Toulouse, Biobank, Toulouse, France
| | - Benoît Thibault
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Julie Guillermet-Guibert
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France. .,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
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38
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Icard P, Alifano M, Donnadieu E, Simula L. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate promotes PI3K and glycolysis in T cells? Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:540-543. [PMID: 34016523 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We propose that fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (F-1,6-BP) promotes a feedback loop between phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK1), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and PFK2/PFKFB3, which enhances aerobic glycolysis and sustains effector T (Teff) cell activation, while oxidative metabolism is concomitantly downregulated. This regulation, promoted by low citrate and mitochondrial ATP synthesis, also sustains the Warburg effect in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Icard
- Université Caen Normandie, INSERM U1086, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Locally Aggressive Cancers, Caen 14000, France.
| | - Marco Alifano
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMR-S 1224, Cellular Homeostasis and Cancer, Paris 75014, France
| | - Emmanuel Donnadieu
- Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, University of Paris, Paris 75014, France
| | - Luca Simula
- Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, University of Paris, Paris 75014, France
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39
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Cuesta C, Arévalo-Alameda C, Castellano E. The Importance of Being PI3K in the RAS Signaling Network. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1094. [PMID: 34356110 PMCID: PMC8303222 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are essential mediators of a multitude of cellular processes, and its deregulation is frequently associated with cancer appearance, progression, and metastasis. Ras-driven cancers are usually aggressive and difficult to treat. Although the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first Ras G12C inhibitor is an important milestone, only a small percentage of patients will benefit from it. A better understanding of the context in which Ras operates in different tumor types and the outcomes mediated by each effector pathway may help to identify additional strategies and targets to treat Ras-driven tumors. Evidence emerging in recent years suggests that both oncogenic Ras signaling in tumor cells and non-oncogenic Ras signaling in stromal cells play an essential role in cancer. PI3K is one of the main Ras effectors, regulating important cellular processes such as cell viability or resistance to therapy or angiogenesis upon oncogenic Ras activation. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the understanding of Ras-dependent activation of PI3K both in physiological conditions and cancer, with a focus on how this signaling pathway contributes to the formation of a tumor stroma that promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.C.); (C.A.-A.)
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40
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Ghomlaghi M, Hart A, Hoang N, Shin S, Nguyen LK. Feedback, Crosstalk and Competition: Ingredients for Emergent Non-Linear Behaviour in the PI3K/mTOR Signalling Network. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6944. [PMID: 34203293 PMCID: PMC8267830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/mTOR signalling pathway plays a central role in the governing of cell growth, survival and metabolism. As such, it must integrate and decode information from both external and internal sources to guide efficient decision-making by the cell. To facilitate this, the pathway has evolved an intricate web of complex regulatory mechanisms and elaborate crosstalk with neighbouring signalling pathways, making it a highly non-linear system. Here, we describe the mechanistic biological details that underpin these regulatory mechanisms, covering a multitude of negative and positive feedback loops, feed-forward loops, competing protein interactions, and crosstalk with major signalling pathways. Further, we highlight the non-linear and dynamic network behaviours that arise from these regulations, uncovered through computational and experimental studies. Given the pivotal role of the PI3K/mTOR network in cellular homeostasis and its frequent dysregulation in pathologies including cancer and diabetes, a coherent and systems-level understanding of the complex regulation and consequential dynamic signalling behaviours within this network is imperative for advancing biology and development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ghomlaghi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.G.); (A.H.); (N.H.); (S.S.)
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.G.); (A.H.); (N.H.); (S.S.)
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Nhan Hoang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.G.); (A.H.); (N.H.); (S.S.)
| | - Sungyoung Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.G.); (A.H.); (N.H.); (S.S.)
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Lan K. Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (M.G.); (A.H.); (N.H.); (S.S.)
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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41
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Abstract
Lymphatic vessels maintain tissue fluid homeostasis by returning to blood circulation interstitial fluid that has extravasated from the blood capillaries. They provide a trafficking route for cells of the immune system, thus critically contributing to immune surveillance. Developmental or functional defects in the lymphatic vessels, their obstruction or damage, lead to accumulation of fluid in tissues, resulting in lymphedema. Here we discuss developmental lymphatic anomalies called lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies that manifest as localized or multifocal lesions of the lymphatic vasculature, respectively. They are rare diseases that are caused mostly by somatic mutations and can present with variable symptoms based upon the size and location of the lesions composed of fluid-filled cisterns or channels. Substantial progress has been made recently in understanding the molecular basis of their pathogenesis through the identification of their genetic causes, combined with the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms in animal disease models and patient-derived lymphatic endothelial cells. Most of the solitary somatic mutations that cause lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies occur in genes that encode components of oncogenic growth factor signal transduction pathways. This has led to successful repurposing of some targeted cancer therapeutics to the treatment of lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies. Apart from the mutations that act as lymphatic endothelial cell-autonomous drivers of these anomalies, current evidence points to superimposed paracrine mechanisms that critically contribute to disease pathogenesis and thus provide additional targets for therapeutic intervention. Here, we review these advances and discuss new treatment strategies that are based on the recently identified molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taija Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Sweden (T.M.)
| | - Laurence M Boon
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Center for Vascular Anomalies, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B.).,Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.)
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (L.M.B., M.V.).,Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium (M.V.)
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Biomedicum, University of Helsinki, Finland (K.A.)
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Ritter M, Bresgen N, Kerschbaum HH. From Pinocytosis to Methuosis-Fluid Consumption as a Risk Factor for Cell Death. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:651982. [PMID: 34249909 PMCID: PMC8261248 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.651982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The volumes of a cell [cell volume (CV)] and its organelles are adjusted by osmoregulatory processes. During pinocytosis, extracellular fluid volume equivalent to its CV is incorporated within an hour and membrane area equivalent to the cell's surface within 30 min. Since neither fluid uptake nor membrane consumption leads to swelling or shrinkage, cells must be equipped with potent volume regulatory mechanisms. Normally, cells respond to outwardly or inwardly directed osmotic gradients by a volume decrease and increase, respectively, i.e., they shrink or swell but then try to recover their CV. However, when a cell death (CD) pathway is triggered, CV persistently decreases in isotonic conditions in apoptosis and it increases in necrosis. One type of CD associated with cell swelling is due to a dysfunctional pinocytosis. Methuosis, a non-apoptotic CD phenotype, occurs when cells accumulate too much fluid by macropinocytosis. In contrast to functional pinocytosis, in methuosis, macropinosomes neither recycle nor fuse with lysosomes but with each other to form giant vacuoles, which finally cause rupture of the plasma membrane (PM). Understanding methuosis longs for the understanding of the ionic mechanisms of cell volume regulation (CVR) and vesicular volume regulation (VVR). In nascent macropinosomes, ion channels and transporters are derived from the PM. Along trafficking from the PM to the perinuclear area, the equipment of channels and transporters of the vesicle membrane changes by retrieval, addition, and recycling from and back to the PM, causing profound changes in vesicular ion concentrations, acidification, and-most importantly-shrinkage of the macropinosome, which is indispensable for its proper targeting and cargo processing. In this review, we discuss ion and water transport mechanisms with respect to CVR and VVR and with special emphasis on pinocytosis and methuosis. We describe various aspects of the complex mutual interplay between extracellular and intracellular ions and ion gradients, the PM and vesicular membrane, phosphoinositides, monomeric G proteins and their targets, as well as the submembranous cytoskeleton. Our aim is to highlight important cellular mechanisms, components, and processes that may lead to methuotic CD upon their derangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Ritter
- Center for Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
- Gastein Research Institute, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis und Rehabilitation, Salzburg, Austria
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Nikolaus Bresgen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Understanding the Central Role of Citrate in the Metabolism of Cancer Cells and Tumors: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126587. [PMID: 34205414 PMCID: PMC8235534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Citrate plays a central role in cancer cells’ metabolism and regulation. Derived from mitochondrial synthesis and/or carboxylation of α-ketoglutarate, it is cleaved by ATP-citrate lyase into acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate. The rapid turnover of these molecules in proliferative cancer cells maintains a low-level of citrate, precluding its retro-inhibition on glycolytic enzymes. In cancer cells relying on glycolysis, this regulation helps sustain the Warburg effect. In those relying on an oxidative metabolism, fatty acid β-oxidation sustains a high production of citrate, which is still rapidly converted into acetyl-CoA and oxaloacetate, this latter molecule sustaining nucleotide synthesis and gluconeogenesis. Therefore, citrate levels are rarely high in cancer cells. Resistance of cancer cells to targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), is frequently sustained by aerobic glycolysis and its key oncogenic drivers, such as Ras and its downstream effectors MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt. Remarkably, in preclinical cancer models, the administration of high doses of citrate showed various anti-cancer effects, such as the inhibition of glycolysis, the promotion of cytotoxic drugs sensibility and apoptosis, the neutralization of extracellular acidity, and the inhibition of tumors growth and of key signalling pathways (in particular, the IGF-1R/AKT pathway). Therefore, these preclinical results support the testing of the citrate strategy in clinical trials to counteract key oncogenic drivers sustaining cancer development and resistance to anti-cancer therapies.
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Ras Isoforms from Lab Benches to Lives-What Are We Missing and How Far Are We? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126508. [PMID: 34204435 PMCID: PMC8233758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The central protein in the oncogenic circuitry is the Ras GTPase that has been under intense scrutiny for the last four decades. From its discovery as a viral oncogene and its non-oncogenic contribution to crucial cellular functioning, an elaborate genetic, structural, and functional map of Ras is being created for its therapeutic targeting. Despite decades of research, there still exist lacunae in our understanding of Ras. The complexity of the Ras functioning is further exemplified by the fact that the three canonical Ras genes encode for four protein isoforms (H-Ras, K-Ras4A, K-Ras4B, and N-Ras). Contrary to the initial assessment that the H-, K-, and N-Ras isoforms are functionally similar, emerging data are uncovering crucial differences between them. These Ras isoforms exhibit not only cell-type and context-dependent functions but also activator and effector specificities on activation by the same receptor. Preferential localization of H-, K-, and N-Ras in different microdomains of the plasma membrane and cellular organelles like Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and endosome adds a new dimension to isoform-specific signaling and diverse functions. Herein, we review isoform-specific properties of Ras GTPase and highlight the importance of considering these towards generating effective isoform-specific therapies in the future.
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Molina-Arcas M, Samani A, Downward J. Drugging the Undruggable: Advances on RAS Targeting in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:899. [PMID: 34200676 PMCID: PMC8228461 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Around 20% of all malignancies harbour activating mutations in RAS isoforms. Despite this, there is a deficiency of RAS-targeting agents licensed for therapeutic use. The picomolar affinity of RAS for GTP, and the lack of suitable pockets for high-affinity small-molecule binding, precluded effective therapies despite decades of research. Recently, characterisation of the biochemical properties of KRAS-G12C along with discovery of its 'switch-II pocket' have allowed development of effective mutant-specific inhibitors. Currently seven KRAS-G12C inhibitors are in clinical trials and sotorasib has become the first one to be granted FDA approval. Here, we discuss historical efforts to target RAS directly and approaches to target RAS effector signalling, including combinations that overcome limitations of single-agent targeting. We also review pre-clinical and clinical evidence for the efficacy of KRAS-G12C inhibitor monotherapy followed by an illustration of combination therapies designed to overcome primary resistance and extend durability of response. Finally, we briefly discuss novel approaches to targeting non-G12C mutant isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Samani
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Julian Downward
- Oncogene Biology Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK;
- Lung Cancer Group, Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
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Castel P, Toska E, Engelman JA, Scaltriti M. The present and future of PI3K inhibitors for cancer therapy. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:587-597. [PMID: 35118422 PMCID: PMC8809509 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide-3- kinase (PI3K) signaling regulates cellular proliferation, survival and metabolism, and its aberrant activation is one of the most frequent oncogenic events across human cancers. In the last few decades, research focused on the development of PI3K inhibitors, from preclinical tool compounds to the highly specific medicines approved to treat patients with cancer. Herein we discuss current paradigms for PI3K inhibitors in cancer therapy, focusing on clinical data and mechanisms of action. We also discuss current limitations in the use of PI3K inhibitors including toxicities and mechanisms of resistance, with specific emphasis on approaches aimed to improve their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Castel
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eneda Toska
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Wu N, Huang Y, Liu F, Xu X, Liu B, Wei J. KRAS gene status in gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma patients and acts as biomarker of MEK inhibitor. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1020-1030. [PMID: 34295553 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-20-617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a specific subtype of stomach cancer with unique epidemiology. Here, we sought to explore the role of KRAS in SRCC. Methods KRAS status was studied both in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and internal cohorts. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. We explored patients' survival and clinicopathological characteristics in terms of KRAS mutation and expression. We also explored KRAS status and drug response curve of MEK/mTOR inhibitors in SRCC cell lines. Results Patients with KRAS mutations and copy number variation (CNV) showed higher mRNA level compared to non-mutant cases (P=0.003 and P<0.001). In internal cohort, 15 samples harbored KRAS mutations. Survival analysis showed that these patients had significantly lower overall survival (OS) (P=0.048). We further analyzed 75 patients with sufficient FFPE samples. Eight patients showed KRAS mutations and one patient showed KRAS amplification. The median OS was 12.5 months for patients with KRAS mutation, and 19.5 months for patients without KRAS mutation (P=0.005). Positive expression of KRAS as shown by IHC was detected in majority of SRCC samples, which was higher than our intestinal cohort (28% vs. 12.6%, P=0.033). We further explored the correlation between KRAS status and drug sensitivity in 4 SRCC cell lines. SNU601 and SNU668, which harbored KRAS mutation, were hypersensitive to MEK and mTOR inhibitors than KRAS wide type cell lines KATO-III and NUGC-4. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that KRAS gene plays an important role in SRCC and reveals therapeutic potential of targeting tumors by inhibiting MEK and mTOR pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandie Wu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Huang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangcen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingyun Xu
- Department of Pathology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
Colorectal cancer has served as a genetic and biological paradigm for the evolution of solid tumors, and these insights have illuminated early detection, risk stratification, prevention, and treatment principles. Employing the hallmarks of cancer framework, we provide a conceptual framework to understand how genetic alterations in colorectal cancer drive cancer cell biology properties and shape the heterotypic interactions across cells in the tumor microenvironment. This review details research advances pertaining to the genetics and biology of colorectal cancer, emerging concepts gleaned from immune and single-cell profiling, and critical advances and remaining knowledge gaps influencing the development of effective therapies for this cancer that remains a major public health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiexi Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xingdi Ma
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Deepavali Chakravarti
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shabnam Shalapour
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Wang Q, Tao C, Hannan A, Yoon S, Min X, Peregrin J, Qu X, Li H, Yu H, Zhao J, Zhang X. Lacrimal gland budding requires PI3K-dependent suppression of EGF signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/27/eabf1068. [PMID: 34193412 PMCID: PMC8245041 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf1068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The patterning of epithelial buds is determined by the underlying signaling network. Here, we study the cross-talk between phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Ras signaling during lacrimal gland budding morphogenesis. Our results show that PI3K is activated by both the p85-mediated insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and Ras-mediated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. On the other hand, PI3K also promotes extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling via a direct interaction with Ras. Both PI3K and ERK are upstream regulators of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and, together, they prevent expansion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression from the lacrimal gland stalk to the bud region. We further show that this suppression of EGF signaling is necessary for induction of lacrimal gland buds. These results reveal that the interplay between PI3K, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and mTOR mediates the cross-talk among FGF, IGF, and EGF signaling in support of lacrimal gland development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chenqi Tao
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Abdul Hannan
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sungtae Yoon
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuanyu Min
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - John Peregrin
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiuxia Qu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hongge Li
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Honglian Yu
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Jean Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xin Zhang
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Konishi T, Yoshidome H, Shida T, Furukawa K, Takayashiki T, Kuboki S, Takano S, Miyazaki M, Ohtsuka M. Phosphorylated mTOR expression as a predictor of survival after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:598-606. [PMID: 34061356 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) plays a crucial role in the process of cancer progression. Common gene mutations of colorectal cancer lead to the activation of the PI3k/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this study, we determined whether p-mTOR expression in colorectal liver metastases is a predictive marker of prognosis following liver resection. METHODS Eighty-one patients with colorectal liver metastases who had undergone curative resection were evaluated using immunohistochemistry of p-mTOR. Data regarding clinicopathological features and patient survival were analyzed. RESULTS The p-mTOR expression in colorectal liver metastases was detected in 55 (67.9%) patients. Patients whose metastases had high p-mTOR expression showed a significantly lower overall survival rate after resection as compared to patients with low p-mTOR expression (p = 0.016), while there was no significant difference in the disease-free survival between the two groups. Repeat resection for recurrence was performed more frequently in patients with p-mTOR positive than others (p = 0.024). Multivariate analysis showed that p-mTOR expression was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival after liver resection (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS mTOR was frequently activated in colorectal liver metastases, and the p-mTOR expression was a biological marker for predicting the overall survival of patients with colorectal liver metastases following liver resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Konishi
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yoshidome
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Surgery, Oami Municipal Hospital, Oami-Shirasato-shi, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Shida
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Katsunori Furukawa
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Takayashiki
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuboki
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Takano
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaru Miyazaki
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohtsuka
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-Ku, Chiba, Japan
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