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Zygmunt A, Gubernator J. Metabolism and structure of PDA as the target for new therapies: possibilities and limitations for nanotechnology. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:845-865. [PMID: 38899424 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2370492] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Certainly, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma poses one of the greatest challenges in current oncology. The dense extracellular matrix and low vessel density in PDA tumor impede the effective delivery of drugs, primarily due to the short pharmacokinetics of most drugs and potential electrostatic interactions with stroma components. AREA COVERED Owing to the distinctive metabolism of PDA and challenges in accessing nutrients, there is a growing interest in cell metabolism inhibitors as a potential means to inhibit cancer development. However, even if suitable combinations of inhibitors are identified, the question about their administration remains, as the same hindrances that impede effective treatment with conventional drugs will also hinder the delivery of inhibitors. Methods including nanotechnology to increase drugs in PDA penetrations are reviewed and discussed. EXPERT OPINION Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult tumors to treat due to the small number of blood vessels, high content of extracellular matrix, and specialized resistance mechanisms of tumor cells. One possible method of treating this tumor is the use of metabolic inhibitors in combinations that show synergy. Despite promising results in in vitro tests, their effect is uncertain due to the tumor's structure. In the case of pancreatic cancer, priming of the tumor tissue is required through the sequential administration of drugs that generate blood vessels, increase blood flow, and enhance vascular permeability and extracellular matrix. The use of drug carriers with a size of 10-30 nm may be crucial in the therapy of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Zygmunt
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Gubernator
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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Shinde A, Panchal K, Patra P, Singh S, Enakolla S, Paliwal R, Chaurasiya A. QbD Enabled Development and Evaluation of Pazopanib Loaded Nanoliposomes for PDAC Treatment. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:97. [PMID: 38710894 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02806-w] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the highly fatal types of cancer with high mortality/incidence. Considering the crucial role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in PDAC progression, its inhibition can be a viable strategy for the treatment. Pazopanib, a second-generation VEGF inhibitor, is approved for the treatment of various oncological conditions. However, due to associated limitations like low oral bioavailability (14-39%), high inter/intra-subject variability, stability issues, etc., high doses (800 mg) are required, which further lead to non-specific toxicities and also contribute toward cancer resistance. Thus, to overcome these challenges, pazopanib-loaded PEGylated nanoliposomes were developed and evaluated against pancreatic cancer cell lines. The nanoliposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method, followed by characterization and stability studies. This QbD-enabled process design successfully led to the development of a suitable pazopanib liposomal formulation with desirable properties. The % entrapment of PZP-loaded non-PEGylated and PEGylated nanoliposomes was found to be 75.2% and 84.9%, respectively, whereas their particle size was found to be 129.7 nm and 182.0 nm, respectively. The developed liposomal formulations exhibited a prolonged release and showed desirable physicochemical properties. Furthermore, these liposomal formulations were also assessed for in vitro cell lines, such as cell cytotoxicity assay and cell uptake. These studies confirm the effectiveness of developed liposomal formulations against pancreatic cancer cell lines. The outcomes of this work provide encouraging results and a way forward to thoroughly investigate its potential for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Shinde
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, Pilani, India
| | - Kanan Panchal
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, Pilani, India
| | - Parameswar Patra
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, Pilani, India
| | - Sonali Singh
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, Pilani, India
| | - Sucharitha Enakolla
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, Pilani, India
| | - Rishi Paliwal
- Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, India
| | - Akash Chaurasiya
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, Pilani, India.
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Coppola A, Grasso D, Fontana F, Piacentino F, Minici R, Laganà D, Ierardi AM, Carrafiello G, D’Angelo F, Carcano G, Venturini M. Innovative Experimental Ultrasound and US-Related Techniques Using the Murine Model in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7677. [PMID: 38137745 PMCID: PMC10743777 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a cancer with one of the highest mortality rates in the world. Several studies have been conductedusing preclinical experiments in mice to find new therapeutic strategies. Experimental ultrasound, in expert hands, is a safe, multifaceted, and relatively not-expensive device that helps researchers in several ways. In this systematic review, we propose a summary of the applications of ultrasonography in a preclinical mouse model of PDAC. Eighty-eight studies met our inclusion criteria. The included studies could be divided into seven main topics: ultrasound in pancreatic cancer diagnosis and progression (n: 21); dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) (n: 5); microbubble ultra-sound-mediated drug delivery; focused ultrasound (n: 23); sonodynamic therapy (SDT) (n: 7); harmonic motion elastography (HME) and shear wave elastography (SWE) (n: 6); ultrasound-guided procedures (n: 9). In six cases, the articles fit into two or more sections. In conclusion, ultrasound can be a really useful, eclectic, and ductile tool in different diagnostic areas, not only regarding diagnosis but also in therapy, pharmacological and interventional treatment, and follow-up. All these multiple possibilities of use certainly represent a good starting point for the effective and wide use of murine ultrasonography in the study and comprehensive evaluation of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Coppola
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Circolo Hospital, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.V.)
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Dario Grasso
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Circolo Hospital, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.V.)
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Circolo Hospital, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.V.)
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Filippo Piacentino
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Circolo Hospital, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.V.)
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Roberto Minici
- Radiology Unit, Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.M.)
| | - Domenico Laganà
- Radiology Unit, Dulbecco University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.M.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ierardi
- Radiology Unit, IRCCS Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabio D’Angelo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy;
- Orthopedic Surgery Unit, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Giulio Carcano
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Emergency and Transplant Surgery Department, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Massimo Venturini
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, Circolo Hospital, ASST Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy (M.V.)
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, Insubria University, 21100 Varese, Italy
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An YF, Pu N, Jia JB, Wang WQ, Liu L. Therapeutic advances targeting tumor angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer: Current dilemmas and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188958. [PMID: 37495194 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188958] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignancies, which is generally resistant to various treatments. Tumor angiogenesis is deemed to be a pivotal rate-determining step for tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, anti-angiogenetic therapy is a rational strategy to treat various cancers. However, numerous clinical trials on anti-angiogenetic therapies for PC are overwhelmingly disappointing. The unique characteristics of tumor blood vessels in PC, which are desperately lacking and highly compressed by the dense desmoplastic stroma, are reconsidered to explore some optimized strategies. In this review, we mainly focus on its specific characteristics of tumor blood vessels, discuss the current dilemmas of anti-angiogenic therapy in PC and their underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we point out the future directions, including remodeling the abnormal vasculature or even reshaping the whole tumor microenvironment in which they are embedded to improve tumor microcirculation, and then create therapeutic vulnerabilities to the current available therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fei An
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Basic Medicine, Chang Zhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000,China; Department of Basic Medicine and Institute of Liver Diseases, Shan Xi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Ning Pu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jin-Bin Jia
- Department of Basic Medicine and Institute of Liver Diseases, Shan Xi Medical University, Taiyuan 030000, China.
| | - Wen-Quan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Han ZY, Chen QW, Fu ZJ, Cheng SX, Zhang XZ. Probiotic Spore-Based Oral Drug Delivery System for Enhancing Pancreatic Cancer Chemotherapy by Gut-Pancreas-Axis-Guided Delivery. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:8608-8617. [PMID: 36259687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The chemotherapeutic effectiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is severely hampered by insufficient intratumoral delivery of antitumor drugs. Here, we demonstrate that enhanced pancreatic cancer chemotherapy can be achieved by probiotic spore-based oral drug delivery system via gut-pancreas axis translocation. Clostridium butyricum spores resistant to harsh external stress are extracted as drug carriers, which are further covalently conjugated with gemcitabine-loaded mesoporous silicon nanoparticles (MGEM). The spore-based oral drug delivery system (SPORE-MGEM) migrates upstream into pancreatic tumors from the gut, which increases intratumoral drug accumulation by ∼3-fold compared with MGEM. In two orthotopic PDAC mice models, tumor growth is markedly suppressed by SPORE-MGEM without obvious side effects. Leveraging the biological contact of the gut-pancreas axis, this probiotic spore-based oral drug delivery system reveals a new avenue for enhancing PDAC chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Yi Han
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Wen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuang-Jiong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Xue Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
- Wuhan Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan 430071, People's Republic of China
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Obesity and cancer-extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and adrenergic signaling as unusual suspects linking the two diseases. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:517-547. [PMID: 36074318 PMCID: PMC9470659 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is an established risk factor for several human cancers. Given the association between excess body weight and cancer, the increasing rates of obesity worldwide are worrisome. A variety of obesity-related factors has been implicated in cancer initiation, progression, and response to therapy. These factors include circulating nutritional factors, hormones, and cytokines, causing hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, and adipose tissue dysfunction. The impact of these conditions on cancer development and progression has been the focus of extensive literature. In this review, we concentrate on processes that can link obesity and cancer, and which provide a novel perspective: extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and adrenergic signaling. We describe molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, which represent putative targets for intervention. Liver, pancreas, and breast cancers were chosen as exemplary disease models. In view of the expanding epidemic of obesity, a better understanding of the tumorigenic process in obese individuals might lead to more effective treatments and preventive measures.
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Hospodiuk-Karwowski M, Chi K, Pritchard J, Catchmark JM. Vascularized pancreas-on-a-chip device produced using a printable simulated extracellular matrix. Biomed Mater 2022; 17. [PMID: 36001993 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac8c74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cellular behavior, function, and fate. The ECM surrounding Langerhans islets has not been investigated in detail to explain its role in the development and maturation of pancreatic β-cells. Herein, a complex combination of the simulated ECM (sECM) has been examined with a comprehensive analysis of cell response and a variety of controls. The most promising results were obtained from group containing fibrin, collagen type I, Matrigel®, hyaluronic acid, methylcellulose, and two compounds of functionalized, ionically crosslinking bacterial cellulose (sECMbc). Even though the cell viability was not significantly impacted, the performance of group of sECMbc showed 2 to 4x higher sprouting number and length, 2 to 4x higher insulin secretion in static conditions, and 2 to 10x higher gene expression of VEGF-A, Endothelin-1, and NOS3 than the control group of fibrin matrix (sECMf). Each material was tested in a hydrogel-based, perfusable, pancreas-on-a-chip device and the best group - sECMbc has been tested with the drug Sunitinib to show the extended possibilities of the device for both diabetes-like screening as well as PDAC chemotherapeutics screening for potential personal medicine approach. It proved its functionality in 7 days dynamic culture and is suitable as a physiological tissue model. Moreover, the device with the pancreatic-like spheroids was 3D bioprintable and perfusable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Hospodiuk-Karwowski
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802-1503, UNITED STATES
| | - Kai Chi
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802-1503, UNITED STATES
| | - Justin Pritchard
- Biomedical Engineering Department, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802-1503, UNITED STATES
| | - Jeffrey M Catchmark
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802-1503, UNITED STATES
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Opitz FV, Haeberle L, Daum A, Esposito I. Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246188. [PMID: 34944807 PMCID: PMC8699458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive neoplasm with a poor survival rate. This is mainly due to late detection, which substantially limits therapy options. A better understanding of the early phases of pancreatic carcinogenesis is fundamental for improving patient prognosis in the future. In this article, we focused on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which provides the biological niche for the development of PDAC from its most common precursor lesions, PanIN (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias). Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive tumors with a poor prognosis. A characteristic of PDAC is the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that facilitates bypassing of the immune surveillance. The TME consists of a desmoplastic stroma, largely composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immunosuppressive immune cells, immunoregulatory soluble factors, neural network cells, and endothelial cells with complex interactions. PDAC develops from various precursor lesions such as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN), mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), and possibly, atypical flat lesions (AFL). In this review, we focus on the composition of the TME in PanINs to reveal detailed insights into the complex restructuring of the TME at early time points in PDAC progression and to explore ways of modifying the TME to slow or even halt tumor progression.
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Anticancer Effect of Heparin-Taurocholate Conjugate on Orthotopically Induced Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225775. [PMID: 34830928 PMCID: PMC8616444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225775] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer has a less than 9% 5-year survival rate among patients because it is very difficult to detect and diagnose early. Combinatorial chemotherapy with surgery or radiotherapy is a potential remedy to treat pancreatic cancer. However, these strategies still have side effects such as hair loss, skin soreness and fatigue. To overcome these side effects, angiogenesis inhibitors such as sunitinib are used to deliver targeted blood vessels around tumor tissues, including pancreatic cancer tumors. It is still controversial whether antiangiogenesis therapy is sufficient to treat pancreatic cancer. So far, many scientists have not been focused on the tumor types of pancreatic cancer when they have developed antipancreatic cancer medication. Here, we used heparin–taurocholate (LHT) as an anticancer drug to treat pancreatic cancer through inhibition of angiogenic growth factors. In this study, we examined the anticancer efficacy of LHT on various types of pancreatic cancer in an orthotopic model. Abstract Pancreatic cancers are classified based on where they occur, and are grouped into those derived from exocrine and those derived from neuroendocrine tumors, thereby experiencing different anticancer effects under medication. Therefore, it is necessary to develop anticancer drugs that can inhibit both types. To this end, we developed a heparin–taurocholate conjugate, i.e., LHT, to suppress tumor growth via its antiangiogenic activity. Here, we conducted a study to determine the anticancer efficacy of LHT on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET), in an orthotopic animal model. LHT reduced not only proliferation of cancer cells, but also attenuated the production of VEGF through ERK dephosphorylation. LHT effectively reduced the migration, invasion and tube formation of endothelial cells via dephosphorylation of VEGFR, ERK1/2, and FAK protein. Especially, these effects of LHT were much stronger on PNET (RINm cells) than PDAC (PANC1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells). Eventually, LHT reduced ~50% of the tumor weights and tumor volumes of all three cancer cells in the orthotopic model, via antiproliferation of cancer cells and antiangiogenesis of endothelial cells. Interestingly, LHT had a more dominant effect in the PNET-induced tumor model than in PDAC in vivo. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that LHT could be a potential antipancreatic cancer medication, regardless of pancreatic cancer types.
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Maharjan CK, Ear PH, Tran CG, Howe JR, Chandrasekharan C, Quelle DE. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5117. [PMID: 34680266 PMCID: PMC8533967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are unique, slow-growing malignancies whose molecular pathogenesis is incompletely understood. With rising incidence of pNETs over the last four decades, larger and more comprehensive 'omic' analyses of patient tumors have led to a clearer picture of the pNET genomic landscape and transcriptional profiles for both primary and metastatic lesions. In pNET patients with advanced disease, those insights have guided the use of targeted therapies that inhibit activated mTOR and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways or stimulate somatostatin receptor signaling. Such treatments have significantly benefited patients, but intrinsic or acquired drug resistance in the tumors remains a major problem that leaves few to no effective treatment options for advanced cases. This demands a better understanding of essential molecular and biological events underlying pNET growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines the known molecular alterations associated with pNET pathogenesis, identifying which changes may be drivers of the disease and, as such, relevant therapeutic targets. We also highlight areas that warrant further investigation at the biological level and discuss available model systems for pNET research. The paucity of pNET models has hampered research efforts over the years, although recently developed cell line, animal, patient-derived xenograft, and patient-derived organoid models have significantly expanded the available platforms for pNET investigations. Advancements in pNET research and understanding are expected to guide improved patient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra K. Maharjan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Po Hien Ear
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Catherine G. Tran
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - James R. Howe
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Chandrikha Chandrasekharan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Morfoisse F, De Toni F, Nigri J, Hosseini M, Zamora A, Tatin F, Pujol F, Sarry JE, Langin D, Lacazette E, Prats AC, Tomasini R, Galitzky J, Bouloumié A, Garmy-Susini B. Coordinating Effect of VEGFC and Oleic Acid Participates to Tumor Lymphangiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13122851. [PMID: 34200994 PMCID: PMC8227717 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In cancer, the lymphatic system is hijacked by tumor cells that escape from primary tumor and metastasize to the sentinel lymph nodes. Tumor lymphangiogenesis is stimulated by the vascular endothelial growth factors-C (VEGFC) after binding to its receptor VEGFR-3. However, how VEGFC cooperates with other molecules to promote lymphatic neovessel growth has not been fully determined. Here, we showed that tumor lymphangiogenesis developed in tumoral lesions and in their surrounding adipose tissue (AT). Interestingly, lymphatic vessel density correlated with an increase in circulating free fatty acids (FFA) in the lymph from tumor-bearing mice. We showed that adipocyte-released FFA are uploaded by lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) to stimulate their sprouting. Lipidomic analysis identified the monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) as the major circulating FFA in the lymph in a tumoral context. OA transporters FATP-3, -6 and CD36 were only upregulated on LEC in the presence of VEGFC showing a collaborative effect of these molecules. OA released from adipocytes is taken up by LECs to stimulate the fatty acid β-oxidation, leading to increased adipose tissue lymphangiogenesis. Our results provide new insights on the dialogue between tumors and adipocytes via the lymphatic system and identify a key role for adipocyte-derived FFA in the promotion of lymphangiogenesis, revealing novel therapeutic opportunities for inhibitors of lymphangiogenesis in cancer. Abstract In cancer, the lymphatic system is hijacked by tumor cells that escape from primary tumor and metastasize to the sentinel lymph nodes. Tumor lymphangiogenesis is stimulated by the vascular endothelial growth factors-C (VEGFC) after binding to its receptor VEGFR-3. However, how VEGFC cooperates with other molecules to promote lymphatics growth has not been fully determined. We showed that lymphangiogenesis developed in tumoral lesions and in surrounding adipose tissue (AT). Interestingly, lymphatic vessel density correlated with an increase in circulating free fatty acids (FFA) in the lymph from tumor-bearing mice. We showed that adipocyte-released FFA are uploaded by lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) to stimulate their sprouting. Lipidomic analysis identified the monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) as the major circulating FFA in the lymph in a tumoral context. OA transporters FATP-3, -6 and CD36 were only upregulated on LEC in the presence of VEGFC showing a collaborative effect of these molecules. OA stimulates fatty acid β-oxidation in LECs, leading to increased AT lymphangiogenesis. Our results provide new insights on the dialogue between tumors and adipocytes via the lymphatic system and identify a key role for adipocyte-derived FFA in the promotion of lymphangiogenesis, revealing novel therapeutic opportunities for inhibitors of lymphangiogenesis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Morfoisse
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Fabienne De Toni
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Jeremy Nigri
- CRCM, Inserm UMR 1068, 13001 Marseille, France; (J.N.); (R.T.)
| | - Mohsen Hosseini
- CRCT, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1037, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (M.H.); (J.-E.S.)
| | - Audrey Zamora
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Florence Tatin
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Françoise Pujol
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Sarry
- CRCT, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1037, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (M.H.); (J.-E.S.)
| | - Dominique Langin
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Eric Lacazette
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Anne-Catherine Prats
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | | | - Jean Galitzky
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Anne Bouloumié
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Barbara Garmy-Susini
- I2MC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm UMR 1297, UPS, 31000 Toulouse, France; (F.M.); (F.D.T.); (A.Z.); (F.T.); (F.P.); (D.L.); (E.L.); (A.-C.P.); (J.G.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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RABL6A Promotes Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Angiogenesis and Progression In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060633. [PMID: 34199469 PMCID: PMC8228095 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are difficult-to-treat neoplasms whose incidence is rising. Greater understanding of pNET pathogenesis is needed to identify new biomarkers and targets for improved therapy. RABL6A, a novel oncogenic GTPase, is highly expressed in patient pNETs and required for pNET cell proliferation and survival in vitro. Here, we investigated the role of RABL6A in pNET progression in vivo using a well-established model of the disease. RIP-Tag2 (RT2) mice develop functional pNETs (insulinomas) due to SV40 large T-antigen expression in pancreatic islet β cells. RABL6A loss in RT2 mice significantly delayed pancreatic tumor formation, reduced tumor angiogenesis and mitoses, and extended survival. Those effects correlated with upregulation of anti-angiogenic p19ARF and downregulation of proangiogenic c-Myc in RABL6A-deficient islets and tumors. Our findings demonstrate that RABL6A is a bona fide oncogenic driver of pNET angiogenesis and development in vivo.
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13
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Wang S, Li Y, Xing C, Ding C, Zhang H, Chen L, You L, Dai M, Zhao Y. Tumor microenvironment in chemoresistance, metastasis and immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:1937-1953. [PMID: 32774994 PMCID: PMC7407356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a fatal disease with high malignancy and difficult for early diagnosis. PC causes more than 400,000 patient deaths world widely and becomes the severe health problems. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is comprised of acellular stroma, pancreatic stellate cells, immune cells, and soluble factors. TME is maintained by continuous cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. TME induced by the interaction among pancreatic cancer cells, epithelial cells and stromal cells is essential for the progression of PC and leads to resistance to chemotherapy. Components in the microenvironment can also promote the formation of connective tissue in the primary or metastatic site, or promote the metastatic ability of PC by enhancing angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, and lymph angiogenesis. In addition, the TME also leaves pancreatic cancer unsusceptible to different immunotherapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about TME in PC. And the focus was placed on the role of TME in chemotherapeutic resistance and metastasis in the field of PC. And we also paid attention to the immunological therapy targeting the TME, aiming to provide the novel therapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunda Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yatong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Cheng Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Cheng Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lixin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Menghua Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100730, China
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14
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Wong C, Tang LH, Davidson C, Vosburgh E, Chen W, Foran DJ, Notterman DA, Levine AJ, Xu EY. Two well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor mouse models. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:269-283. [PMID: 31160716 PMCID: PMC7206057 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0355-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a genetic syndrome in which patients develop neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). The prolonged latency of tumor development in MEN1 patients suggests a likelihood that other mutations cooperate with Men1 to induce PanNETs. We propose that Pten loss combined with Men1 loss accelerates tumorigenesis. To test this, we developed two genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs)-MPR (Men1flox/flox Ptenflox/flox RIP-Cre) and MPM (Men1flox/flox Ptenflox/flox MIP-Cre) using the Cre-LoxP system with insulin-specific biallelic inactivation of Men1 and Pten. Cre in the MPR mouse model was driven by the transgenic rat insulin 2 promoter while in the MPM mouse model was driven by the knock-in mouse insulin 1 promoter. Both mouse models developed well-differentiated (WD) G1/G2 PanNETs at a much shorter latency than Men1 or Pten single deletion alone and exhibited histopathology of human MEN1-like tumor. The MPR model, additionally, developed pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) in the same mouse at a much shorter latency than Men1 or Pten single deletion alone as well. Our data also demonstrate that Pten plays a role in NE tumorigenesis in pancreas and pituitary. Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin delayed the growth of PanNETs in both MPR and MPM mice, as well as the growth of PitNETs, resulting in prolonged survival in MPR mice. Our MPR and MPM mouse models are the first to underscore the cooperative roles of Men1 and Pten in cancer, particularly neuroendocrine cancer. The early onset of WD PanNETs mimicking the human counterpart in MPR and MPM mice at 7 weeks provides an effective platform for evaluating therapeutic opportunities for NETs through targeting the MENIN-mediated and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Wong
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Laboratory, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Regeneron Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 10591, USA
| | - Laura H Tang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Christian Davidson
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Evan Vosburgh
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Laboratory, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Wenjin Chen
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - David J Foran
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Daniel A Notterman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Arnold J Levine
- School of Natural Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Eugenia Y Xu
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Laboratory, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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15
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Noninvasive intravital high-resolution imaging of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14636. [PMID: 31601958 PMCID: PMC6787246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical trials of cancer drugs in animal models are important for drug development. The Rip1Tag2 (RT2) transgenic mouse, a model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNET), has provided immense knowledge about PNET biology, although tumour progression occurs in a location inaccessible for real-time monitoring. To overcome this hurdle we have developed a novel platform for intravital 3D imaging of RT2 tumours to facilitate real-time studies of cancer progression. Pre-oncogenic islets retrieved from RT2 mice were implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) of host mice, where they engrafted on the iris, recruited blood vessels and showed continuous growth. Noninvasive confocal and two-photon laser-scanning microscopy through the transparent cornea facilitated high-resolution imaging of tumour growth and angiogenesis. RT2 tumours in the ACE expanded up to 8-fold in size and shared hallmarks with tumours developing in situ in the pancreas. Genetically encoded fluorescent reporters enabled high-resolution imaging of stromal cells and tumour cell migration. Sunitinib treatment impaired RT2 tumour angiogenesis and growth, while overexpression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-B increased tumour angiogenesis though tumour growth was impaired. In conclusion, we present a novel platform for intravital high-resolution and 3D imaging of PNET biology and cancer drug assessment.
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16
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Alleles of Insm1 determine whether RIP1-Tag2 mice produce insulinomas or nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:16. [PMID: 30796198 PMCID: PMC6386750 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The two most common types of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are insulinomas and nonfunctioning PanNETs (NF-PanNETs). Insulinomas are small, rarely metastatic tumors that secrete high amounts of insulin, and nonfunctioning PanNETs are larger tumors that are frequently metastatic but that do not secrete hormones. Insulinomas are modeled by the highly studied RIP1-Tag2 (RT2) transgenic mice when bred into a C57Bl/6 (B6) genetic background (also known as RT2 B6 mice). But there has been a need for an animal model of nonfunctioning PanNETs, which in the clinic are a more common and severe disease. Here we show that when bred into a hybrid AB6F1 genetic background, RT2 mice make nonfunctioning PanNETs. Compared to insulinomas produced by RT2 B6 mice, the tumors produced by RT2 AB6F1 mice were larger and more metastatic, and the animals did not suffer from hypoglycemia or hyperinsulinemia. Genetic crosses revealed that a locus in mouse chromosome 2qG1 was linked to liver metastasis and to lack of insulin production. This locus was tightly linked to the gene encoding Insm1, a beta cell transcription factor that was highly expressed in human insulinomas but unexpressed in other types of PanNETs due to promoter hypermethylation. Insm1-deficient human cell lines expressed stem cell markers, were more invasive in vitro, and metastasized at higher rates in vivo when compared to isogenic Insm1-expressing cell lines. These data demonstrate that expression of Insm1 can determine whether a PanNET is a localized insulinoma or a metastatic nonfunctioning tumor.
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17
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Cortes E, Lachowski D, Robinson B, Sarper M, Teppo JS, Thorpe SD, Lieberthal TJ, Iwamoto K, Lee DA, Okada-Hatakeyama M, Varjosalo MT, Del Río Hernández AE. Tamoxifen mechanically reprograms the tumor microenvironment via HIF-1A and reduces cancer cell survival. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e46557. [PMID: 30538116 PMCID: PMC6322388 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201846557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is fundamental to cancer progression, and the influence of its mechanical properties is increasingly being appreciated. Tamoxifen has been used for many years to treat estrogen-positive breast cancer. Here we report that tamoxifen regulates the level and activity of collagen cross-linking and degradative enzymes, and hence the organization of the extracellular matrix, via a mechanism involving both the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1A). We show that tamoxifen reduces HIF-1A levels by suppressing myosin-dependent contractility and matrix stiffness mechanosensing. Tamoxifen also downregulates hypoxia-regulated genes and increases vascularization in PDAC tissues. Our findings implicate the GPER/HIF-1A axis as a master regulator of peri-tumoral stromal remodeling and the fibrovascular tumor microenvironment and offer a paradigm shift for tamoxifen from a well-established drug in breast cancer hormonal therapy to an alternative candidate for stromal targeting strategies in PDAC and possibly other cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy
- Adenocarcinoma/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cellular Reprogramming/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Mice
- Myosins/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Tamoxifen/administration & dosage
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Cortes
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dariusz Lachowski
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Robinson
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Muge Sarper
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jaakko S Teppo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stephen D Thorpe
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Tyler J Lieberthal
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kazunari Iwamoto
- Laboratory of Cell Systems, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory for Integrated Cellular Systems, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - David A Lee
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mariko Okada-Hatakeyama
- Laboratory of Cell Systems, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory for Integrated Cellular Systems, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Armando E Del Río Hernández
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
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18
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Zhang Z, Ji S, Zhang B, Liu J, Qin Y, Xu J, Yu X. Role of angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer biology and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:1135-1140. [PMID: 30372814 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis, and there is a close parallel between disease mortality and incidence. Malignancy is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the lack of early symptoms. For the majority of advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, therapeutic options are limited. Although several new chemotherapeutic regimens have been developed, the overall response rate remains low. Invasive tumour growth and distant metastasis require angiogenesis, a hallmark of cancer, and angiogenic inhibition is a valuable option for cancer therapy. Some anti-angiogenic drugs have been developed for cancer treatment. This review will focus on the role of angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic treatment strategies as well as combination therapy in pancreatic cancer. Translational information from recent molecular biology and animal studies is also summarized. Finally, the dosing schedule for bevacizumab with other chemotherapeutic protocols for pancreatic cancer treatment is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Li L, Zeng Q, Bhutkar A, Galván JA, Karamitopoulou E, Noordermeer D, Peng MW, Piersigilli A, Perren A, Zlobec I, Robinson H, Iruela-Arispe ML, Hanahan D. GKAP Acts as a Genetic Modulator of NMDAR Signaling to Govern Invasive Tumor Growth. Cancer Cell 2018; 33:736-751.e5. [PMID: 29606348 PMCID: PMC5896248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic linkage analysis previously suggested that GKAP, a scaffold protein of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), was a potential modifier of invasion in a mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET). Here, we establish that GKAP governs invasive growth and treatment response to NMDAR inhibitors of PanNET via its pivotal role in regulating NMDAR pathway activity. Combining genetic knockdown of GKAP and pharmacological inhibition of NMDAR, we implicate as downstream effectors FMRP and HSF1, which along with GKAP demonstrably support invasiveness of PanNET and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer cells. Furthermore, we distilled genome-wide expression profiles orchestrated by the NMDAR-GKAP signaling axis, identifying transcriptome signatures in tumors with low/inhibited NMDAR activity that significantly associate with favorable patient prognosis in several cancer types.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/genetics
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein/genetics
- Gene Expression Profiling/methods
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Heat Shock Transcription Factors/genetics
- Humans
- Mice
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- SAP90-PSD95 Associated Proteins/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Li
- Swiss Institute of Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Qiqun Zeng
- Swiss Institute of Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Arjun Bhutkar
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - José A Galván
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Karamitopoulou
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daan Noordermeer
- Swiss Institute of Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mei-Wen Peng
- Swiss Institute of Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Piersigilli
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; School of Life Science, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aurel Perren
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Inti Zlobec
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 31, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hugh Robinson
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - M Luisa Iruela-Arispe
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Douglas Hanahan
- Swiss Institute of Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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20
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Martínez-Bosch N, Guerrero PE, Moreno M, José A, Iglesias M, Munné-Collado J, Anta H, Gibert J, Orozco CA, Vinaixa J, Fillat C, Viñals F, Navarro P. The pancreatic niche inhibits the effectiveness of sunitinib treatment of pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:48265-48279. [PMID: 27374084 PMCID: PMC5217016 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) are ineffective, making this the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths. Sunitinib is a broad-spectrum inhibitor of tyrosine kinase receptors mostly known for its anti-angiogenic effects. We tested the therapeutic effects of sunitinib in pancreatic cancer using the Ela-myc transgenic mouse model. We showed that Ela-myc pancreatic tumors express PDGFR and VEGFR in blood vessels and epithelial cells, rendering these tumors sensitive to sunitinib by more than only its anti-angiogenic activity. However, sunitinib treatment of Ela-myc mice with either early or advanced tumor progression had no impact on either survival or tumor burden. Further histopathological characterization of these tumors did not reveal differences in necrosis, cell differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis or proliferation. In stark contrast, in vitro sunitinib treatment of Ela-myc– derived cell lines showed high sensitivity to the drug, with increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation. Correspondingly, subcutaneous tumors generated from these cell lines completely regressed in vivo after sunitinib treatments. These data point at the pancreatic tumor microenvironment as the most likely barrier preventing sunitinib treatment efficiency in vivo. Combined treatments with drugs that disrupt tumor fibrosis may enhance sunitinib therapeutic effectiveness in pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mireia Moreno
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anabel José
- Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Iglesias
- Pathology Service, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Héctor Anta
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Gibert
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Judith Vinaixa
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Biomedical Research Institute August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Viñals
- Catalan Institute of Oncology-IDIBELL, Barcelona University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Navarro
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Cui R, Yue W, Lattime EC, Stein MN, Xu Q, Tan XL. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages to combat pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:50735-50754. [PMID: 27191744 PMCID: PMC5226617 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is replete with cells that evolve with and provide support to tumor cells during the transition to malignancy. The hijacking of the immune system in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment is suggested to contribute to the failure to date to produce significant improvements in pancreatic cancer survival by various chemotherapeutics. Regulatory T cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells, and fibroblasts, all of which constitute a complex ecology microenvironment, can suppress CD8+ T cells and NK cells, thus inhibiting effector immune responses. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are versatile immune cells that can express different functional programs in response to stimuli in tumor microenvironment at different stages of pancreatic cancer development. TAM have been implicated in suppression of anti-tumorigenic immune responses, promotion of cancer cell proliferation, stimulation of tumor angiogenesis and extracellular matrix breakdown, and subsequent enhancement of tumor invasion and metastasis. Many emerging agents that have demonstrated efficacy in combating other types of tumors via modulation of macrophages in tumor microenvironments are, however, only marginally studied for pancreatic cancer prevention and treatment. A better understanding of the paradoxical roles of TAM in pancreatic cancer may pave the way to novel preventive and therapeutic approaches. Here we give an overview of the recruitment and differentiation of macrophages, TAM and pancreatic cancer progression and prognosis, as well as the potential preventive and therapeutic targets that interact with TAM for pancreatic cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Cui
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wen Yue
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Edmund C Lattime
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mark N Stein
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Lin Tan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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22
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Contractor T, Kobayashi S, da Silva E, Clausen R, Chan C, Vosburgh E, Tang LH, Levine AJ, Harris CR. Sexual dimorphism of liver metastasis by murine pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors is affected by expression of complement C5. Oncotarget 2017; 7:30585-96. [PMID: 27105526 PMCID: PMC5058703 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In a mouse model for neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas (PanNETs), liver metastasis occurred at a higher frequency in males. Male mice also had higher serum and intratumoral levels of the innate immunity protein complement C5. In mice that lost the ability to express complement C5, there was a lower frequency of metastasis, and males no longer had a higher frequency of metastasis than females. Treatment with PMX53, a small molecule antagonist of C5aR1/CD88, the receptor for complement C5a, also reduced metastasis. Mice lacking a functional gene for complement C5 had smaller primary tumors, which were less invasive and lacked the CD68+ macrophages that have previously been associated with metastasis in this type of tumor. This is the first report of a gene that causes sexual dimorphism of metastasis in a mouse model. In the human disease, which also shows sexual dimorphism for metastasis, clinically advanced tumors expressed more complement C5 than less advanced tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edaise da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Clausen
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Laboratory, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Chang Chan
- Rutgers University Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Evan Vosburgh
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Laboratory, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Laura H Tang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arnold J Levine
- Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ, USA.,Rutgers University Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Chris R Harris
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler Foundation Laboratory, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Rutgers University Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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23
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Andersen LMK, Wegner CS, Simonsen TG, Huang R, Gaustad JV, Hauge A, Galappathi K, Rofstad EK. Lymph node metastasis and the physicochemical micro-environment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografts. Oncotarget 2017; 8:48060-48074. [PMID: 28624797 PMCID: PMC5564626 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients develop lymph node metastases early and have a particularly poor prognosis. The poor prognosis has been shown to be associated with the physicochemical microenvironment of the tumor tissue, which is characterized by desmoplasia, abnormal microvasculature, extensive hypoxia, and highly elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP). In this study, we searched for associations between lymph node metastasis and features of the physicochemical microenvironment in an attempt to identify mechanisms leading to metastatic dissemination and growth. BxPC-3 and Capan-2 PDAC xenografts were used as preclinical models of human PDAC. In both models, lymph node metastasis was associated with high IFP rather than high fraction of hypoxic tissue or high microvascular density. Seven angiogenesis-related genes associated with high IFP-associated lymph node metastasis were detected by quantitative PCR in each of the models, and these genes were all up-regulated in high IFP/highly metastatic tumors. Three genes were mutual for the BxPC-3 and Capan-2 models: transforming growth factor beta, angiogenin, and insulin-like growth factor 1. Further comprehensive studies are needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between the up-regulation of these genes and high IFP and/or high propensity for lymph node metastasis in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Mari K. Andersen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Catherine S. Wegner
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude G. Simonsen
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ruixia Huang
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kanthi Galappathi
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K. Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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24
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Chen CT, Chen YC, Du Y, Han Z, Ying H, Bouchard RR, Hsu JL, Hsu JM, Mitcham TM, Chen MK, Sun HL, Chang SS, Li D, Chang P, DePinho RA, Hung MC. A tumor vessel-targeting fusion protein elicits a chemotherapeutic bystander effect in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:657-672. [PMID: 28401019 PMCID: PMC5385650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal disease characterized by a prominent desmoplastic stroma that may constrain tumor progression but also limit the access of therapeutic drugs. In this study, we explored a tumor-targeting strategy that enlists an engineered anti-angiogenic protein consisting of endostatin and cytosine deaminase linked to uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (EndoCD). This protein selectively binds to tumor vessels to compromise tumor angiogenesis and converts the non-toxic 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to the cytotoxic 5-fluorouracil to produce a chemotherapeutic bystander effect at the pancreatic tumor site. We found that resveratrol increased the protein stability of EndoCD through suppression of chymotrypsin-like proteinase activity and synergistically enhances EndoCD-mediated 5-FC-induced cell killing. In various PDAC mouse models, the EndoCD/5-FC/resveratrol regimen decreased intratumoral vascular density and stroma formation and enhances apoptosis in tumors cells as well as in surrounding endothelial, pancreatic stellate, and immune cells, leading to reduced tumor growth and extended survival. Thus, the EndoCD/5-FC/resveratrol combination may be an effective treatment option for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Te Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yi Du
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Zhenbo Han
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Houston Health Science CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Richard R Bouchard
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Houston Health Science CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical UniversityTaichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia UniversityTaichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Mao Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Trevor M Mitcham
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Mei-Kuang Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Houston Health Science CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Hui-Lung Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shih-Shin Chang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Houston Health Science CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Donghui Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ping Chang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Houston Health Science CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas Houston Health Science CenterHouston, Texas 77030, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology, China Medical UniversityTaichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia UniversityTaichung 413, Taiwan
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25
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Romiti A, Falcone R, Roberto M, Marchetti P. Tackling pancreatic cancer with metronomic chemotherapy. Cancer Lett 2017; 394:88-95. [PMID: 28232048 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic tumours, the majority of which arise from the exocrine pancreas, have recently shown an increasing incidence in western countries. Over the past few years more and more new selective molecules directed against specific cellular targets have become available for cancer therapy, leading to significant improvements. However, despite such advances in therapy, prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains disappointing. Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT), which consists in the administration of continuous, low-dose anticancer drugs, has demonstrated the ability to suppress tumour growth. Thus, it may provide an additional therapeutic opportunity for counteracting the progression of the tumour. Here we discuss evidence arising from preclinical and clinical studies regarding the use of MCT in pancreatic cancer. Good results have generally been achieved in preclinical studies, particularly when MCT was combined with standard dose chemotherapy or antinflammatory, antiangiogenic and immunostimolatory agents. The few available clinical experiences, which mainly refer to retrospective data, have reported good tolerability though mild activity of metronomic schedules. Further studies are therefore awaited to confirm both preclinical findings and the preliminary clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Romiti
- Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Medical Oncology Unit, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rosa Falcone
- Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Medical Oncology Unit, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Roberto
- Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Medical Oncology Unit, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Marchetti
- Sapienza University, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Medical Oncology Unit, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy
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26
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Dauer P, Nomura A, Saluja A, Banerjee S. Microenvironment in determining chemo-resistance in pancreatic cancer: Neighborhood matters. Pancreatology 2017; 17:7-12. [PMID: 28034553 PMCID: PMC5291762 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Every year, nearly 300,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer worldwide, and an equivalent number succumb to this disease. One of the major challenges of pancreatic cancer that contributes to its poor survival rates is the development of resistance to the standard chemotherapy. Heterogeneity of the tumor, the dense fibroblastic stroma, and the aggressive biology of the tumor all contribute to the chemoresistant phenotype. In addition, the acellular components of the tumor microenvironment like hypoxia, stress pathways in the stromal cells, and the cytokines that are secreted by the immune cells, have a definitive role in orchestrating the chemoresistant property of the tumor. In this review, we systematically focus on the role played by the different microenvironmental components in determining chemoresistance of pancreatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Dauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | - Alice Nomura
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ashok Saluja
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sulagna Banerjee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami, FL, USA,Address of Correspondence: PAP Research Building, Rm 109B, 1550 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL 33136, USA, , Phone: 305-243-8242
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27
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Longo V, Brunetti O, Gnoni A, Cascinu S, Gasparini G, Lorusso V, Ribatti D, Silvestris N. Angiogenesis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A controversial issue. Oncotarget 2016; 7:58649-58658. [PMID: 27462915 PMCID: PMC5295459 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) occurs in the majority of cases with early loco-regional spread and distant metastases at diagnosis, leading to dismal prognosis with a 5-year overall survival rate moderately over than 5%. This malignancy is largely resistant to chemotherapy and radiation, but the reasons of the refractoriness to the therapies is still unknown. Evidence is accumulating to indicate that the PDAC microenvironment and vascularity strongly contribute to the clinical features of this disease. In particular, PDAC is characterized by excessive dense extracellular matrix deposition associated to vasculature collapse and hypoxia with low drug delivery, explaining at least partly the low efficacy of antiangiogenic drugs in this cancer. Strategies aimed to modulate tumor stroma favoring vasculature perfusion and chemotherapeutics delivery are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Longo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Gnoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital "Vito Fazi" of Lecce, Lecce, Italy
| | | | | | - Vito Lorusso
- Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.,National Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer Institute "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
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28
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Goliwas KF, Marshall LE, Ransaw EL, Berry JL, Frost AR. A recapitulative three-dimensional model of breast carcinoma requires perfusion for multi-week growth. J Tissue Eng 2016; 7:2041731416660739. [PMID: 27516850 PMCID: PMC4968110 DOI: 10.1177/2041731416660739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinomas are complex, three-dimensional tissues composed of cancer epithelial cells and stromal components, including fibroblasts and extracellular matrix. In vitro models that more faithfully recapitulate this dimensionality and stromal microenvironment should more accurately elucidate the processes driving carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and therapeutic response. Herein, novel in vitro breast carcinoma surrogates, distinguished by a relevant dimensionality and stromal microenvironment, are described and characterized. A perfusion bioreactor system was used to deliver medium to surrogates containing engineered microchannels and the effects of perfusion, medium composition, and the method of cell incorporation and density of initial cell seeding on the growth and morphology of surrogates were assessed. Perfused surrogates demonstrated significantly greater cell density and proliferation and were more histologically recapitulative of human breast carcinoma than surrogates maintained without perfusion. Although other parameters of the surrogate system, such as medium composition and cell seeding density, affected cell growth, perfusion was the most influential parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla F Goliwas
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lauren E Marshall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Evette L Ransaw
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Joel L Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andra R Frost
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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29
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Patient-derived bladder cancer xenografts in the preclinical development of novel targeted therapies. Oncotarget 2016; 6:21522-32. [PMID: 26041878 PMCID: PMC4673283 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal animal models of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are necessary to overcome the current lack of novel targeted therapies for this malignancy. Here we report on the establishment and characterization of patient-derived primary xenografts (PDX). Patient tumors were grafted under the renal capsule of mice and subsequently transplanted over multiple generations. Patient tumor and PDX were processed for analysis of copy number variations by aCGH, gene expression by microarray, and expression of target pathways by immunohistochemistry (IHC). One PDX harbouring an FGFR3 mutation was treated with an inhibitory monoclonal antibody targeting FGFR3. Five PDX were successfully established. Tumor doubling time ranged from 5 to 11 days. Array CGH revealed shared chromosomal aberrations in the patient tumors and PDX. Gene expression microarray and IHC confirmed that PDXs maintain similar patterns to the parental tumors. Tumor growth in the PDX with an FGFR3 mutation was inhibited by the FGFR3 inhibitor. PDXs recapitulate the tumor biology of the patients' primary tumors from which they are derived. Investigations related to tumor biology and drug testing in these models are therefore more likely to be relevant to the disease state in patients. They represent a valuable tool for developing precision therapy in MIBC.
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30
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Narayanan V, Weekes CD. Molecular therapeutics in pancreas cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2016; 8:366-79. [PMID: 27096032 PMCID: PMC4824715 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v8.i4.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the "precision-medicine" paradigm in oncology has ushered in tremendous improvements in patient outcomes in a wide variety of malignancies. However, pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has remained an obstinate challenge to the oncology community and continues to be associated with a dismal prognosis with 5-year survival rates consistently less than 5%. Cytotoxic chemotherapy with gemcitabine-based regimens has been the cornerstone of treatment in PDAC especially because most patients present with inoperable disease. But in recent years remarkable basic science research has improved our understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of PDAC. Whole genomic analysis has exemplified the genetic heterogeneity of pancreas cancer and has led to ingenious efforts to target oncogenes and their downstream signaling cascades. Novel stromal depletion strategies have been devised based on our enhanced recognition of the complex architecture of the tumor stroma and the various mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment that sustain tumorigenesis. Immunotherapy using vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors has also risen to the forefront of therapeutic strategies against PDAC. Furthermore, adoptive T cell transfer and strategies to target epigenetic regulators are being explored with enthusiasm. This review will focus on the recent advances in molecularly targeted therapies in PDAC and offer future perspectives to tackle this lethal disease.
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31
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Caso R, Miller G. Role of tumor associated macrophages in regulating pancreatic cancer progression. World J Immunol 2016; 6:9-18. [DOI: 10.5411/wji.v6.i1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Unfortunately, patient survival has not substantially improved in the last couple of decades despite advances in treatment modalities that have been successful in other cancer types. The poor response of pancreatic cancer to therapy is a major obstacle faced by clinicians. Increasing attention is being paid to how tumor cells and non-tumor cells influence each other in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a highlight in this field because of their vast presence in the tumor microenvironment. TAMs promote angiogenesis, metastasis, and suppress the anti-tumor immune response. Here we review the current understanding of the role of TAMs in regulating the progression of pancreatic cancer.
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32
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Serrao EM, Kettunen MI, Rodrigues TB, Dzien P, Wright AJ, Gopinathan A, Gallagher FA, Lewis DY, Frese KK, Almeida J, Howat WJ, Tuveson DA, Brindle KM. MRI with hyperpolarised [1-13C]pyruvate detects advanced pancreatic preneoplasia prior to invasive disease in a mouse model. Gut 2016; 65:465-75. [PMID: 26347531 PMCID: PMC4789827 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-310114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer (PCa) is treatable by surgery when detected at an early stage. Non-invasive imaging methods able to detect both established tumours and their precursor lesions are needed to select patients for surgery. We investigated here whether pancreatic preneoplasia could be detected prior to the development of invasive cancers in genetically engineered mouse models of PCa using metabolic imaging. DESIGN The concentrations of alanine and lactate and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured in extracts prepared from the pancreas of animals at different stages of disease progression; from pancreatitis, through tissue with predominantly low-grade and then high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and then tumour. (13)C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging ((13)C-MRSI) was used to measure non-invasively changes in (13)C labelling of alanine and lactate with disease progression, following injection of hyperpolarised [1-(13)C]pyruvate. RESULTS Progressive decreases in the alanine/lactate concentration ratio and ALT/LDH activity ratio with disease progression were accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the [1-(13)C]alanine/[1-(13)C]lactate signal ratio observed in (13)C-MRSI images of the pancreas. CONCLUSIONS Metabolic imaging with hyperpolarised [1-(13)C]pyruvate enables detection and monitoring of the progression of PCa precursor lesions. Translation of this MRI technique to the clinic has the potential to improve the management of patients at high risk of developing PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Serrao
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mikko I Kettunen
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- A.I.Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tiago B Rodrigues
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Piotr Dzien
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alan J Wright
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aarthi Gopinathan
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ferdia A Gallagher
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Y Lewis
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jaime Almeida
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - William J Howat
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Kevin M Brindle
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Chakravarty R, Goel S, Hong H, Chen F, Valdovinos HF, Hernandez R, Barnhart TE, Cai W. Hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles for tumor vasculature targeting and PET image-guided drug delivery. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 10:1233-46. [PMID: 25955122 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Development of multifunctional and well-dispersed hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) for tumor vasculature targeted drug delivery and PET imaging. MATERIALS & METHODS Amine functionalized HMSNs (150-250 nm) were conjugated with a macrocyclic chelator, (S)-2-(4-isothiocyanatobenzyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triaceticacid (NOTA), PEGylated and loaded with antiangiogenesis drug, Sunitinib. Cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Tyr-Lys) (cRGDyK) peptide was attached to the nanoconjugate and radiolabeled with (64)Cu for PET imaging. RESULTS (64)Cu-NOTA-HMSN-PEG-cRGDyK exhibited integrin-specific uptake both in vitro and in vivo. PET results indicated approximately 8% ID/g uptake of targeted nanoconjugates in U87MG tumors, which correlated well with ex vivo and histological analyses. Enhanced tumor-targeted delivery of sunitinib was also observed. CONCLUSION We successfully developed tumor vasculature targeted HMSNs for PET imaging and image-guided drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubel Chakravarty
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53792-3252, USA
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Nagathihalli NS, Castellanos JA, Shi C, Beesetty Y, Reyzer ML, Caprioli R, Chen X, Walsh AJ, Skala MC, Moses HL, Merchant NB. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3, Mediated Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment Results in Enhanced Tumor Drug Delivery in a Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer. Gastroenterology 2015; 149:1932-1943.e9. [PMID: 26255562 PMCID: PMC4863449 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the presence of a dense desmoplastic reaction (stroma) that impedes drug delivery to the tumor. Attempts to deplete the tumor stroma have resulted in formation of more aggressive tumors. We have identified signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 as a biomarker of resistance to cytotoxic and molecularly targeted therapy in PDAC. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of targeting STAT3 on the PDAC stroma and on therapeutic resistance. METHODS Activated STAT3 protein expression was determined in human pancreatic tissues and tumor cell lines. In vivo effects of AZD1480, a JAK/STAT3 inhibitor, gemcitabine or the combination were determined in Ptf1a(cre/+);LSL-Kras(G12D/+);Tgfbr2(flox/flox) (PKT) mice and in orthotopic tumor xenografts. Drug delivery was analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry. Collagen second harmonic generation imaging quantified tumor collagen alignment and density. RESULTS STAT3 activation correlates with decreased survival and advanced tumor stage in patients with PDAC. STAT3 inhibition combined with gemcitabine significantly inhibits tumor growth in both an orthotopic and the PKT mouse model of PDAC. This combined therapy attenuates in vivo expression of SPARC, increases microvessel density, and enhances drug delivery to the tumor without depletion of stromal collagen or hyaluronan. Instead, the PDAC tumors demonstrate vascular normalization, remodeling of the tumor stroma, and down-regulation of cytidine deaminase. CONCLUSIONS Targeted inhibition of STAT3 combined with gemcitabine enhances in vivo drug delivery and therapeutic response in PDAC. These effects occur through tumor stromal remodeling and down-regulation of cytidine deaminase without depletion of tumor stromal content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagaraj S. Nagathihalli
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Jason A. Castellanos
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Chanjuan Shi
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yugandhar Beesetty
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Michelle L. Reyzer
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Richard Caprioli
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alex J. Walsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Melissa C. Skala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Harold L. Moses
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nipun B. Merchant
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
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Kahlert C, Fiala M, Musso G, Halama N, Keim S, Mazzone M, Lasitschka F, Pecqueux M, Klupp F, Schmidt T, Rahbari N, Schölch S, Pilarsky C, Ulrich A, Schneider M, Weitz J, Koch M. Prognostic impact of a compartment-specific angiogenic marker profile in patients with pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:12978-89. [PMID: 25483099 PMCID: PMC4350362 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer consists of a heterogenous bulk of tumor cells and stroma cells which contribute to tumor progression by releasing angiogenic factors. Those factors can be detected as circulating serum factors. We performed a compartment-specific analysis of tumor-derived and stroma-derived angiogenic factors to identify biomarkers and molecular targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Kryo-frozen tissue from primary ductal adenocarcinomas (n = 51) was laser-microdissected to isolate tumor and stroma tissue. Expression of 17 angiogenic factors (angiopoietin-2, follistatin, GCSF, HGF, interleukin-8, leptin, PDGF-BB, PECAM-1, VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase -1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -10, -12, and -13) was analyzed using a multiplex elisa assay for tissue-derived proteins and corresponding serum. Our study reveals a compartment-specific expression profile for several angiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases. ROC analysis of corresponding serum samples reveals MMP-7 and MMP-12 as strong classifiers for the diagnosis of patients with pancreatic cancer vs. healthy control donors. High expression of tumor-derived PDGF-BB and MMP-1 correlates with prolonged survival in univariate and multivariate analysis. In conclusion, a distinct expression patterns for angiogenic cytokines and MMPs in pancreatic cancer and surrounding stroma may implicate them as novel targets for cancer treatment. Tumor-derived PDGF-BB and MMP-1 are significant and independent prognostic markers for poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Kahlert
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Maria Fiala
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Gabriel Musso
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Niels Halama
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis (TIGA) Center, Institute for Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sophia Keim
- Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Hamamatsu Tissue Imaging and Analysis (TIGA) Center, Institute for Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven 3000, Belgium. Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis, Vesalius Research Center, Department of Oncology, KU, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Felix Lasitschka
- Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Mathieu Pecqueux
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Fee Klupp
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Nuh Rahbari
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schölch
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Christian Pilarsky
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Alexis Ulrich
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Juergen Weitz
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Moritz Koch
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
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36
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Zhao Y, Adjei AA. Targeting Angiogenesis in Cancer Therapy: Moving Beyond Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Oncologist 2015; 20:660-73. [PMID: 26001391 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2014-0465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Angiogenesis, or the formation of new capillary blood vessels, occurs primarily during human development and reproduction; however, aberrant regulation of angiogenesis is also a fundamental process found in several pathologic conditions, including cancer. As a process required for invasion and metastasis, tumor angiogenesis constitutes an important point of control of cancer progression. Although not yet completely understood, the complex process of tumor angiogenesis involves highly regulated orchestration of multiple signaling pathways. The proangiogenic signaling molecule vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its cognate receptor (VEGF receptor 2 [VEGFR-2]) play a central role in angiogenesis and often are highly expressed in human cancers, and initial clinical efforts to develop antiangiogenic treatments focused largely on inhibiting VEGF/VEGFR signaling. Such approaches, however, often lead to transient responses and further disease progression because angiogenesis is regulated by multiple pathways that are able to compensate for each other when single pathways are inhibited. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptor (PDGFR) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and FGF receptor (FGFR) pathways, for example, provide potential escape mechanisms from anti-VEGF/VEGFR therapy that could facilitate resumption of tumor growth. Accordingly, more recent treatments have focused on inhibiting multiple signaling pathways simultaneously. This comprehensive review discusses the limitations of inhibiting VEGF signaling alone as an antiangiogenic strategy, the importance of other angiogenic pathways including PDGF/PDGFR and FGF/FGFR, and the novel current and emerging agents that target multiple angiogenic pathways for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Significant advances in cancer treatment have been achieved with the development of antiangiogenic agents, the majority of which have focused on inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. VEGF targeting alone, however, has not proven to be as efficacious as originally hoped, and it is increasingly clear that there are many interconnected and compensatory pathways that can overcome VEGF-targeted inhibition of angiogenesis. Maximizing the potential of antiangiogenic therapy is likely to require a broader therapeutic approach using a new generation of multitargeted antiangiogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhao
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Alex A Adjei
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
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37
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Gotink KJ, Broxterman HJ, Honeywell RJ, Dekker H, de Haas RR, Miles KM, Adelaiye R, Griffioen AW, Peters GJ, Pili R, Verheul HMW. Acquired tumor cell resistance to sunitinib causes resistance in a HT-29 human colon cancer xenograft mouse model without affecting sunitinib biodistribution or the tumor microvasculature. Oncoscience 2014; 1:844-53. [PMID: 25621299 PMCID: PMC4303892 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an important clinical problem in treating various cancers. To what extent acquired resistance is determined by microenvironmental host-factors or by tumor cells directly is unknown. We previously found that tumor cells can become resistant to sunitinib in vitro. Here, we studied to what extent in vitro induced resistance of tumor cells determines in vivo resistance to sunitinib. In severe combined immunodeficient mice, tumors were established from HT-29 parental colon cancer cells (HT-29PAR) or the in vitro induced sunitinib resistant HT-29 cells (HT-29SUN). Treatment with sunitinib (40mg/kg/day) inhibited tumor growth of HT-29PAR tumors by 71±5%, while no inhibition of HT-29SUN tumor growth was observed. Intratumoral sunitinib concentrations and reduced MVD were similar in both groups. Ki67 staining revealed that tumor cell proliferation was significantly reduced with 30% in HT-29PAR tumors, but unaffected in HT-29SUN tumors upon sunitinib treatment. The lysosomal capacity reflected by LAMP-1 and -2 expression was higher in HT-29SUN compared to HT-29PAR tumors indicating an increased sequestration of sunitinib in lysosomes of resistant tumors. In conclusion, we demonstrate that tumor cells rather than host-factors may play a crucial role in acquired resistance to sunitinib in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy J Gotink
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ; Department of Medicine, Genitourinary Section, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Henk J Broxterman
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard J Honeywell
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Dekker
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard R de Haas
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kiersten M Miles
- Department of Medicine, Genitourinary Section, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Remi Adelaiye
- Department of Medicine, Genitourinary Section, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roberto Pili
- Department of Medicine, Genitourinary Section, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Henk M W Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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38
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Gao H, Deng L. Sphingosine kinase-1 activation causes acquired resistance against Sunitinib in renal cell carcinoma cells. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 68:419-25. [PMID: 23975598 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-013-9723-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sunitinib has been widely used in cancer treatment, including metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, most patients who initially benefit from Sunitinib develop resistance with extended usage of Sunitinib, which is referred to as "acquired resistance". The molecular mechanisms contributing to this acquired resistance remain poorly understood. In this present study, we established Sunitinib-resistant cell lines from human renal cell lines (786-O, A498, ACHN and CAKI1) by continuous treatment with Sunitinib to explore the molecular mechanism leading to Sunitinib resistance. We found that PDGFR-β expression in cell seems to be a protective factor against Sunitinib resistance formation. In addition, we found that both SK1 and ERK were activated in Sunitinib-resistance cell lines and SK1 and ERK inhibitors could resensitize Sunitinib-resistant cell lines. In conclusion, our observations suggest that SK1 and ERK activation is a feature of resistant cell lines, which serves as an alternative pathway evading anti-tumor activity of Sunitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gao
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266023, Shandong, China
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39
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Shi K, Queiroz KCS, Roelofs JJTH, van Noesel CJM, Richel DJ, Spek CA. Protease-activated receptor 2 suppresses lymphangiogenesis and subsequent lymph node metastasis in a murine pancreatic cancer model. J Pathol 2014; 234:398-409. [DOI: 10.1002/path.4411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Shi
- Centre for Experimental and Molecular Medicine; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Karla CS Queiroz
- Centre for Experimental and Molecular Medicine; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Joris JTH Roelofs
- Department of Pathology; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Dirk J Richel
- Department of Medical Oncology; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - C Arnold Spek
- Centre for Experimental and Molecular Medicine; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam The Netherlands
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40
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Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the Western world. Owing to a lack of specific symptoms and no accessible precursor lesions, primary diagnosis is commonly delayed, resulting in only 15%-20% of patients with potentially curable disease. The standard of care in advanced pancreatic cancer has improved. Apart from gemcitabine (plus erlotinib), FOLFIRINOX and the combination of gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel are novel and promising therapeutic options for patients with metastatic PDAC. A better molecular understanding of pancreatic cancer has led to the identification of a variety of potential molecular therapeutic targets. Many targeted therapies are currently under clinical evaluation in combination with standard therapies for PDAC. This review highlights the current status of targeted therapies and their potential benefit for the treatment of advanced PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kleger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - L Perkhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - T Seufferlein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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41
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Queiroz KCS, Shi K, Duitman J, Aberson HL, Wilmink JW, van Noesel CJM, Richel DJ, Spek CA. Protease-activated receptor-1 drives pancreatic cancer progression and chemoresistance. Int J Cancer 2014; 135:2294-304. [PMID: 24436106 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Protease activated receptor (PAR)-1 expression in tumor cells is associated with disease progression and overall survival in a variety of cancers of epithelial origin; however, the importance of PAR-1 in the tumor microenvironment remains unexplored. Utilizing an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model in which tumor cells are PAR-1 positive whereas stromal cells are PAR-1 negative, we show that PAR-1 expression in the microenvironment drives progression and induces chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer. PAR-1 enhances monocyte recruitment into the tumor microenvironment by regulating monocyte migration and fibroblast dependent chemokine production thereby inducing chemoresistance. Overall, our data identify a novel role of PAR-1 in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and suggest that PAR-1 may be an attractive target to reduce drug resistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla C S Queiroz
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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42
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Mallela J, Ravi S, Jean Louis F, Mulaney B, Cheung M, Sree Garapati U, Chinnasamy V, Wang C, Nagaraj S, Mohapatra SS, Mohapatra S. Natriuretic peptide receptor A signaling regulates stem cell recruitment and angiogenesis: a model to study linkage between inflammation and tumorigenesis. Stem Cells 2014; 31:1321-9. [PMID: 23533187 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA), the signaling receptor for the cardiac hormone, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), is expressed abundantly in inflamed/injured tissues and tumors. NPRA deficiency substantially decreases tissue inflammation and inhibits tumor growth. However, the precise mechanism of NPRA function and whether it links inflammation and tumorigenesis remains unknown. Since both injury repair and tumor growth require stem cell recruitment and angiogenesis, we examined the role of NPRA signaling in tumor angiogenesis as a model of tissue injury repair in this study. In in vitro cultures, aortas from NPRA-KO mice show significantly lower angiogenic response compared to wild-type counterparts. The NPRA antagonist that decreases NPRA expression, inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced angiogenesis. The reduction in angiogenesis correlates with decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) implicating a cell recruitment defect. To test whether NPRA regulates migration of cells to tumors, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were administered i.v., and the results showed that MSCs fail to migrate to the tumor microenvironment in NPRA-KO mice. However, coimplanting tumor cells with MSCs increases angiogenesis and tumorigenesis in NPRA-KO mice, in part by promoting expression of CXCR4 and its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor 1α. Taken together, these results demonstrate that NPRA signaling regulates stem cell recruitment and angiogenesis leading to tumor growth. Thus, NPRA signaling provides a key linkage between inflammation and tumorigenesis, and NPRA may be a target for drug development against cancers and tissue injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Mallela
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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43
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Gerling M, Zhao Y, Nania S, Norberg KJ, Verbeke CS, Englert B, Kuiper RV, Bergström Å, Hassan M, Neesse A, Löhr JM, Heuchel RL. Real-time assessment of tissue hypoxia in vivo with combined photoacoustics and high-frequency ultrasound. Am J Cancer Res 2014; 4:604-13. [PMID: 24723982 PMCID: PMC3982131 DOI: 10.7150/thno.7996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: In preclinical cancer studies, non-invasive functional imaging has become an important tool to assess tumor development and therapeutic effects. Tumor hypoxia is closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and is therefore a key parameter to be monitored. Recently, photoacoustic (PA) imaging with inherently co-registered high-frequency ultrasound (US) has reached preclinical applicability, allowing parallel collection of anatomical and functional information. Dual-wavelength PA imaging can be used to quantify tissue oxygen saturation based on the absorbance spectrum differences between hemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. Experimental Design: A new bi-modal PA/US system for small animal imaging was employed to test feasibility and reliability of dual-wavelength PA for measuring relative tissue oxygenation. Murine models of pancreatic and colon cancer were imaged, and differences in tissue oxygenation were compared to immunohistochemistry for hypoxia in the corresponding tissue regions. Results: Functional studies proved feasibility and reliability of oxygenation detection in murine tissue in vivo. Tumor models exhibited different levels of hypoxia in localized regions, which positively correlated with immunohistochemical staining for hypoxia. Contrast-enhanced imaging yielded complementary information on tissue perfusion using the same system. Conclusion: Bimodal PA/US imaging can be utilized to reliably detect hypoxic tumor regions in murine tumor models, thus providing the possibility to collect anatomical and functional information on tumor growth and treatment response live in longitudinal preclinical studies.
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Krug S, Kühnemuth B, Griesmann H, Neesse A, Mühlberg L, Boch M, Kortenhaus J, Fendrich V, Wiese D, Sipos B, Friemel J, Gress TM, Michl P. CUX1: a modulator of tumour aggressiveness in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:879-90. [PMID: 25248790 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs) constitute a rare tumour entity, and prognosis and treatment options depend on tumour-mediating hallmarks such as angiogenesis, proliferation rate and resistance to apoptosis. The molecular pathways that determine the malignant phenotype are still insufficiently understood and this has limited the use of effective combination therapies in the past. In this study, we aimed to characterise the effect of the oncogenic transcription factor Cut homeobox 1 (CUX1) on proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and angiogenesis in murine and human PNENs. The expression and function of CUX1 were analysed using knockdown and overexpression strategies in Ins-1 and Bon-1 cells, xenograft models and a genetically engineered mouse model of insulinoma (RIP1Tag2). Regulation of angiogenesis was assessed using RNA profiling and functional tube-formation assays in HMEC-1 cells. Finally, CUX1 expression was assessed in a tissue microarray of 59 human insulinomas and correlated with clinicopathological data. CUX1 expression was upregulated during tumour progression in a time- and stage-dependent manner in the RIP1Tag2 model, and associated with pro-invasive and metastatic features of human insulinomas. Endogenous and recombinant CUX1 expression increased tumour cell proliferation, tumour growth, resistance to apoptosis, and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the pro-angiogenic effect of CUX1 was mediated via upregulation of effectors such as HIF1α and MMP9. CUX1 mediates an invasive pro-angiogenic phenotype and is associated with malignant behaviour in human insulinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Krug
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Kühnemuth
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heidi Griesmann
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Leonie Mühlberg
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Boch
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliane Kortenhaus
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volker Fendrich
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Wiese
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bence Sipos
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliane Friemel
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Michl
- Departments of GastroenterologyEndocrinology and MetabolismSurgeryPhilipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, GermanyDepartment of PathologyEberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, GermanyDepartment of PathologyUniversity Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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45
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Kramer-Marek G, Gore J, Korc M. Molecular imaging in pancreatic cancer--a roadmap for therapeutic decisions. Cancer Lett 2013; 341:132-8. [PMID: 23941833 PMCID: PMC3902085 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductaladeno carcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer characterized by multiple molecular alterations, the presence of an intense stroma, poor perfusion, and resistance to therapy. In addition to standard imaging techniques, experimental imaging strategies, such as those utilizing molecular probes, nanoparticle-based agents, and tagged antibodies are actively being explored experimentally. It is hoped that advances in these technologies will allow for detecting PDAC at an early stage, and could serve to validate experimental therapies, rapidly identify non-responders, and assist in the design of novel therapeutic strategies tailored to the patient's molecular profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesse Gore
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Abstract
During cancer progression, bone marrow derived myeloid cells, including immature myeloid cells and macrophages, progressively accumulate at the primary tumour site where they contribute to the establishment of a tumour promoting microenvironment. A marked infiltration of macrophages into the stromal compartment and the generation of a desmoplastic stromal reaction is a particular characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and is thought to play a key role in disease progression and its response to therapy. Tumour associated macrophages (TAMs) foster PDA tumour progression by promoting angiogenesis, metastasis, and by suppressing an anti-tumourigenic immune response. Recent work also suggests that TAMs contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and to the emergence of cancer stem-like cells. Here we will review the current understanding of the biology and the pro-tumourigenic functions of TAMs in cancer and specifically in PDA, and highlight potential therapeutic strategies to target TAMs and to improve current therapies for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Mielgo
- Liverpool Cancer Research UK Centre, Liverpool L7 8XP, UK
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47
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Vinik AI, Raymond E. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: approach to treatment with focus on sunitinib. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2013; 6:396-411. [PMID: 24003340 PMCID: PMC3756637 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x13493878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are relatively rare malignancies. With secretory tumors such as insulinomas, vasoactive intestinal peptideomas, and gastrinomas, the hormone produced causes the symptom complex (e.g. hypoglycemia, peptic ulcer disease). With nonsecretory NETs, the clinical condition is determined by tumoral growth and metastasis. The course of metastatic pNETs may be indolent for several years but progression is often more rapid at later stages, leading to significant disability and a markedly negative impact on quality of life. Until recently, there were few effective systemic treatments for pNETs. Standard chemotherapy produces limited responses and has considerable toxicity. Somatostatin analogues control symptoms in some types of pNETs, but have not yet demonstrated antitumor activity. The recent introduction of targeted therapies, including the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib and the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus, yielded new opportunities for patients with advanced/metastatic pNETs. These drugs, which target key pathways in tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, provided clear clinical benefits in phase III clinical trials, including delayed tumor progression. The pivotal sunitinib phase III trial was discontinued prematurely due to higher rates of death and serious adverse events with placebo and greater progression-free survival (PFS) with sunitinib. In this trial, sunitinib demonstrated encouraging long-term responses as well as PFS and overall survival benefits, and an acceptable safety profile that allowed patients to preserve their quality of life. In every patient subgroup, including secretory and nonsecretory tumors, the hazard ratio for progression or death favored sunitinib. Circulating biomarkers are being investigated for the prediction and monitoring of responses to sunitinib. Although not fully evaluated in pNETs, biomarkers associated with response to sunitinib in several tumor types include soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and 3, interleukin 8, and stromal cell-derived factor 1α. Based on recent data, treatment algorithms have been updated for advanced and metastatic pNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron I. Vinik
- Director of Research and Neuroendocrine Unit, EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510-1001, USA
| | - Eric Raymond
- Beaujon University Hospital, Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, Clichy, France
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48
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Nobis M, McGhee EJ, Morton JP, Schwarz JP, Karim SA, Quinn J, Edward M, Campbell AD, McGarry LC, Evans TRJ, Brunton VG, Frame MC, Carragher NO, Wang Y, Sansom OJ, Timpson P, Anderson KI. Intravital FLIM-FRET imaging reveals dasatinib-induced spatial control of src in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res 2013; 73:4674-86. [PMID: 23749641 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-4545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer invasion and metastasis occur in a complex three-dimensional (3D) environment, with reciprocal feedback from the surrounding host tissue and vasculature-governing behavior. In this study, we used a novel intravital method that revealed spatiotemporal regulation of Src activity in response to the anti-invasive Src inhibitor dasatinib. A fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy-fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FLIM-FRET) Src biosensor was used to monitor drug-targeting efficacy in a transgenic p53-mutant mouse model of pancreatic cancer. In contrast to conventional techniques, FLIM-FRET analysis allowed for accurate, time-dependent, live monitoring of drug efficacy and clearance in live tumors. In 3D organotypic cultures, we showed that a spatially distinct gradient of Src activity exists within invading tumor cells, governed by the depth of penetration into complex matrices. In parallel, this gradient was also found to exist within live tumors, where Src activity is enhanced at the invasive border relative to the tumor cortex. Upon treatment with dasatinib, we observed a switch in activity at the invasive borders, correlating with impaired metastatic capacity in vivo. Src regulation was governed by the proximity of cells to the host vasculature, as cells distal to the vasculature were regulated differentially in response to drug treatment compared with cells proximal to the vasculature. Overall, our results in live tumors revealed that a threshold of drug penetrance exists in vivo and that this can be used to map areas of poor drug-targeting efficiency within specific tumor microenvironments. We propose that using FLIM-FRET in this capacity could provide a useful preclinical tool in animal models before clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Nobis
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow; Section of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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49
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Neesse A, Frese KK, Bapiro TE, Nakagawa T, Sternlicht MD, Seeley TW, Pilarsky C, Jodrell DI, Spong SM, Tuveson DA. CTGF antagonism with mAb FG-3019 enhances chemotherapy response without increasing drug delivery in murine ductal pancreas cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:12325-30. [PMID: 23836645 PMCID: PMC3725120 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1300415110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by abundant desmoplasia and poor tissue perfusion. These features are proposed to limit the access of therapies to neoplastic cells and blunt treatment efficacy. Indeed, several agents that target the PDA tumor microenvironment promote concomitant chemotherapy delivery and increased antineoplastic response in murine models of PDA. Prior studies could not determine whether chemotherapy delivery or microenvironment modulation per se were the dominant features in treatment response, and such information could guide the optimal translation of these preclinical findings to patients. To distinguish between these possibilities, we used a chemical inhibitor of cytidine deaminase to stabilize and thereby artificially elevate gemcitabine levels in murine PDA tumors without disrupting the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we used the FG-3019 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that is directed against the pleiotropic matricellular signaling protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2). Inhibition of cytidine deaminase raised the levels of activated gemcitabine within PDA tumors without stimulating neoplastic cell killing or decreasing the growth of tumors, whereas FG-3019 increased PDA cell killing and led to a dramatic tumor response without altering gemcitabine delivery. The response to FG-3019 correlated with the decreased expression of a previously described promoter of PDA chemotherapy resistance, the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Therefore, alterations in survival cues following targeting of tumor microenvironmental factors may play an important role in treatment responses in animal models, and by extension in PDA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albrecht Neesse
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kristopher K. Frese
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Tashinga E. Bapiro
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Tomoaki Nakagawa
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Christian Pilarsky
- Department of General, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; and
| | - Duncan I. Jodrell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | | | - David A. Tuveson
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, United Kingdom
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
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50
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Hijacking the neuronal NMDAR signaling circuit to promote tumor growth and invasion. Cell 2013; 153:86-100. [PMID: 23540692 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate and its receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) have been associated with cancer, although their functions are not fully understood. Herein, we implicate glutamate-driven NMDAR signaling in a mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumorigenesis (PNET) and in selected human cancers. NMDAR was upregulated at the periphery of PNET tumors, particularly invasive fronts. Moreover, elevated coexpression of NMDAR and glutamate exporters correlated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Treatment of a tumor-derived cell line with NMDAR antagonists impaired cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Flow conditions mimicking interstitial fluid pressure induced autologous glutamate secretion, activating NMDAR and its downstream MEK-MAPK and CaMK effectors, thereby promoting invasiveness. Congruently, pharmacological inhibition of NMDAR in mice with PNET reduced tumor growth and invasiveness. Therefore, beyond its traditional role in neurons, NMDAR may be activated in human tumors by fluid flow consequent to higher interstitial pressure, inducing an autocrine glutamate signaling circuit with resultant stimulation of malignancy.
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