1
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Kim NH, Lee J, Kim SH, Kang SH, Bae S, Yu CH, Seo J, Kim HT. ALK5/VEGFR2 dual inhibitor TU2218 alone or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors enhances immune-mediated antitumor effects. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:190. [PMID: 39105882 PMCID: PMC11303640 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03777-4] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is present in blood of patients who do not respond to anti-programmed cell death (ligand) 1 [PD-(L)1] treatment, and through synergy with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), it helps to create an environment that promotes tumor immune evasion and immune tolerance. Therefore, simultaneous inhibition of TGFβ/VEGF is more effective than targeting TGFβ alone. In this study, the dual inhibitory mechanism of TU2218 was identified through in vitro analysis mimicking the tumor microenvironment, and its antitumor effects were analyzed using mouse syngeneic tumor models. TU2218 directly restored the activity of damaged cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells inhibited by TGFβ and suppressed the activity and viability of regulatory T cells. The inactivation of endothelial cells induced by VEGF stimulation was completely ameliorated by TU2218, an effect not observed with vactosertib, which inhibits only TGFβ signaling. The combination of TU2218 and anti-PD1 therapy had a significantly greater antitumor effect than either drug alone in the poorly immunogenic B16F10 syngeneic tumor model. The mechanism of tumor reduction was confirmed by flow cytometry, which showed upregulated VCAM-1 expression in vascular cells and increased influx of CD8 + CTLs into the tumor. As another strategy, combination of anti-CTLA4 therapy and TU2218 resulted in high complete regression (CR) rates in CT26 and WEHI-164 tumor models. In particular, immunological memory generated by the combination of anti-CTLA4 and TU2218 in the CT26 model prevented the development of tumors after additional tumor cell transplantation, suggesting that the TU2218-based combination has therapeutic potential in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Hoon Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Lee
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Kang
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sowon Bae
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Hee Yu
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongmin Seo
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun-Taek Kim
- TiumBio Co., Ltd. Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Szalanczy AM, Sherrill C, Fanning KM, Hart B, Caudell D, Davis AW, Whitfield J, Kavanagh K. A Novel TGFβ Receptor Inhibitor, IPW-5371, Prevents Diet-induced Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance in Irradiated Mice. Radiat Res 2024; 202:1-10. [PMID: 38772553 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00202.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
As the number of cancer survivors increases and the risk of accidental radiation exposure rises, there is a pressing need to characterize the delayed effects of radiation exposure and develop medical countermeasures. Radiation has been shown to damage adipose progenitor cells and increase liver fibrosis, such that it predisposes patients to developing metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and insulin resistance. The risk of developing these conditions is compounded by the global rise of diets rich in carbohydrates and fats. Radiation persistently increases the signaling cascade of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), leading to heightened fibrosis as characteristic of the delayed effects of radiation exposure. We investigate here a potential radiation medical countermeasure, IPW-5371, a small molecule inhibitor of TGFβRI kinase (ALK5). We found that mice exposed to sub-lethal whole-body irradiation and chronic Western diet consumption but treated with IPW-5371 had a similar body weight, food consumption, and fat mass compared to control mice exposed to radiation. The IPW-5371 treated mice maintained lower fibrosis and fat accumulation in the liver, were more responsive to insulin and had lower circulating triglycerides and better muscle endurance. Future studies are needed to verify the improvement by IPW-5371 on the structure and function of other metabolically active tissues such as adipose and skeletal muscle, but these data demonstrate that IPW-5371 protects liver and whole-body health in rodents exposed to radiation and a Western diet, and there may be promise in using IPW-5371 to prevent the development of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria M Szalanczy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Chrissy Sherrill
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Katherine M Fanning
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Barry Hart
- Innovation Pathways, Palo Alto, California
| | - David Caudell
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Ashley W Davis
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jordyn Whitfield
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Kylie Kavanagh
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- College of Health and Medicine, University o f Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000, Australia
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3
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Ogata FT, Verma S, Coulson-Thomas VJ, Gesteira TF. TGF-β-Based Therapies for Treating Ocular Surface Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:1105. [PMID: 38994958 PMCID: PMC11240592 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The cornea is continuously exposed to injuries, ranging from minor scratches to deep traumas. An effective healing mechanism is crucial for the cornea to restore its structure and function following major and minor insults. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β), a versatile signaling molecule that coordinates various cell responses, has a central role in corneal wound healing. Upon corneal injury, TGF-β is rapidly released into the extracellular environment, triggering cell migration and proliferation, the differentiation of keratocytes into myofibroblasts, and the initiation of the repair process. TGF-β-mediated processes are essential for wound closure; however, excessive levels of TGF-β can lead to fibrosis and scarring, causing impaired vision. Three primary isoforms of TGF-β exist-TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3. Although TGF-β isoforms share many structural and functional similarities, they present distinct roles in corneal regeneration, which adds an additional layer of complexity to understand the role of TGF-β in corneal wound healing. Further, aberrant TGF-β activity has been linked to various corneal pathologies, such as scarring and Peter's Anomaly. Thus, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which TGF-β1-3 regulate corneal wound healing will enable the development of potential therapeutic interventions targeting the key molecule in this process. Herein, we summarize the multifaceted roles of TGF-β in corneal wound healing, dissecting its mechanisms of action and interactions with other molecules, and outline its role in corneal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando T Ogata
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - Sudhir Verma
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110078, India
| | | | - Tarsis F Gesteira
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, 4901 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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4
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Gong Y, Liu M, Zhang Q, Li J, Cai H, Ran J, Ma L, Ma Y, Quan S. Lysine acetyltransferase 14 mediates TGF-β-induced fibrosis in ovarian endometrioma via co-operation with serum response factor. J Transl Med 2024; 22:561. [PMID: 38867256 PMCID: PMC11167823 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05243-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrogenesis within ovarian endometrioma (endometrioma), mainly induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), is characterized by myofibroblast over-activation and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, contributing to endometrioma-associated symptoms such as infertility by impairing ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that underpin the endometrioma- associated fibrosis progression induced by TGF-β remain poorly understood. METHODS The expression level of lysine acetyltransferase 14 (KAT14) was validated in endometrium biopsies from patients with endometrioma and healthy controls, and the transcription level of KAT14 was further confirmed by analyzing a published single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) dataset of endometriosis. We used overexpression, knockout, and knockdown approaches in immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) or human primary ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EcESCs) to determine the role of KAT14 in TGF-β-induced fibrosis. Furthermore, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying KAT14-shRNA was used in an endometriosis mice model to assess the role of KAT14 in vivo. RESULTS KAT14 was upregulated in ectopic lesions from endometrioma patients and predominantly expressed in activated fibroblasts. In vitro studies showed that KAT14 overexpression significantly promoted a TGF-β-induced profibrotic response in endometrial stromal cells, while KAT14 silencing showed adverse effects that could be rescued by KAT14 re-enhancement. In vivo, Kat14 knockdown ameliorated fibrosis in the ectopic lesions of the endometriosis mouse model. Mechanistically, we showed that KAT14 directly interacted with serum response factor (SRF) to promote the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) by increasing histone H4 acetylation at promoter regions; this is necessary for TGF-β-induced ECM production and myofibroblast differentiation. In addition, the knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of SRF significantly attenuated KAT14-mediating profibrotic effects under TGF-β treatment. Notably, the KAT14/SRF complex was abundant in endometrioma samples and positively correlated with α-SMA expression, further supporting the key role of KAT14/SRF complex in the progression of endometrioma-associated fibrogenesis. CONCLUSION Our results shed light on KAT14 as a key effector of TGF-β-induced ECM production and myofibroblast differentiation in EcESCs by promoting histone H4 acetylation via co-operating with SRF, representing a potential therapeutic target for endometrioma-associated fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Gong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 54-1 LongHua road, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, China
| | - Mian Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 54-1 LongHua road, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base of Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523001, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jinjing Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 54-1 LongHua road, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, China
| | - Hong Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Jing Ran
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Linna Ma
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 54-1 LongHua road, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, China
| | - Yanlin Ma
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research, Hainan Provincial Clinical Research Center for Thalassemia, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Diseases Research and Translation, Ministry of Education, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Hainan Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan Medical University, 54-1 LongHua road, Haikou, Hainan, 570100, China.
| | - Song Quan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 Guangzhou Avenue North, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, China.
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5
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Mansour MA, Hassan GS, Serya RAT, Jaballah MY, Abouzid KAM. Advances in the discovery of activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107332. [PMID: 38581966 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107332] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Activin receptor‑like kinase-5 (ALK5) is an outstanding member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. (TGF-β) signaling pathway integrates pleiotropic proteins that regulate various cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulation within the signaling pathway can cause variety of diseases, such as fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and especially cancer, rendering ALK5 a potential drug target. Hence, various small molecules have been designed and synthesized as potent ALK5 inhibitors. In this review, we shed light on the current ATP-competitive inhibitors of ALK5 through diverse heterocyclic based scaffolds that are in clinical or pre-clinical phases of development. Moreover, we focused on the binding interactions of the compounds to the ATP binding site and the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of each scaffold, revealing new scopes for designing novel candidates with enhanced selectivity and metabolic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai A Mansour
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ghaneya S Hassan
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, School of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo, Egypt; Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Rabah A T Serya
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Maiy Y Jaballah
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Egypt
| | - Khaled A M Abouzid
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Egypt.
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6
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Wong JKM, McCulloch TR, Alim L, Omer N, Mehdi AM, Tuong ZK, Bonfim-Melo A, Chung E, Nicol A, Simpson F, Rhee H, Rossi GR, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. TGF-β signalling limits effector function capacity of NK cell anti-tumour immunity in human bladder cancer. EBioMedicine 2024; 104:105176. [PMID: 38810560 PMCID: PMC11154198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105176] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are important innate immunity players and have unique abilities to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, particularly in settings of antibody-opsonization and antibody-dependant cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, NK cell-based responses in bladder cancers to therapeutic antibodies are typically immunosuppressed, and these immunosuppressive mechanisms are largely unknown. METHODS Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and high-dimensional flow cytometry were used to investigate the phenotype of tumour-infiltrating NK cells in patients with bladder cancer. Further, in vitro, and in vivo models of this disease were used to validate these findings. FINDINGS NK cells within bladder tumours displayed reduced expression of FcγRIIIa/CD16, the critical Fc receptor involved in ADCC-mediated cytotoxicity, on both transcriptional and protein levels. Transcriptional signatures of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-signalling, a pleiotropic cytokine known for its immunosuppressive and tissue residency-inducing effects, were upregulated in tumour-infiltrating NK cells. TGF-β mediated CD16 downregulation on NK cells, was further validated in vitro, which was accompanied by a transition into a tissue residency phenotype. This CD16 downregulation was also abrogated by TGF-βR signalling inhibition, which could also restore the ADCC ability of NK cells subject to TGF-β effects. In a humanized mouse model of bladder cancer, mice treated with a TGF-β inhibitor exhibited increased ADCC activity compared to mice treated only with antibodies. INTERPRETATION This study highlights how TGF-β-rich bladder cancers inhibit NK cell-mediated ADCC by downregulating CD16. TGF-β inhibition represents new avenues to reverse immunosuppression and enhance the tumoricidal capacity of NK cells in bladder cancer. FUNDING The Guimaraes Laboratory is funded by a US Department of Defense-Breast Cancer Research Program-Breakthrough Award Level 1 (#BC200025), a grant (#2019485) awarded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF, with the support of the Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation, Microba Life Sciences, Richie's Rainbow Foundation, Translational Research Institute (TRI) and UQ), and a grant (#RSS_2023_085) funded by a Metro South Health Research Support Scheme. J.K.M.W. is funded by a UQ Research Training Program PhD Scholarship and N.O. is funded by a NHMRC Postgraduate Scholarship (#2021932).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua K M Wong
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Timothy R McCulloch
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Louisa Alim
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Natacha Omer
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Ahmed M Mehdi
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia; QCIF Bioinformatics, Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation Ltd, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zewen Kelvin Tuong
- Ian Frazer Centre for Children's Immunotherapy Research, Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Alexis Bonfim-Melo
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Eric Chung
- Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Jubilee II Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Alice Nicol
- Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Jubilee II Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Fiona Simpson
- Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Handoo Rhee
- Princess Alexandra Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Jubilee II Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
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7
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Arai M, Hanada M, Moriyama H, Ohmoto H, Miyake T, Naka K, Sawa M. Design and synthesis of novel thiazole-derivatives as potent ALK5 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 108:129797. [PMID: 38759932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129797] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
TGF-β is an immunosuppressive cytokine and plays a key role in progression of cancer by inducing immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment. Therefore, inhibition of TGF-β signaling pathway may provide a potential therapeutic intervention in treating cancers. Herein, we report the discovery of a series of novel thiazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of ALK5, a serine-threonine kinase which is responsible for TGF-β signal transduction. Compound 29b was identified as a potent inhibitor of ALK5 with an IC50 value of 3.7 nM with an excellent kinase selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Arai
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., 1-5-5 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Mitsuharu Hanada
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., 1-5-5 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hideki Moriyama
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., 1-5-5 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohmoto
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., 1-5-5 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takahiro Miyake
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., 1-5-5 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Naka
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masaaki Sawa
- Carna Biosciences, Inc., 1-5-5 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
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8
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Nair R, Lannagan TRM, Jackstadt R, Andrusaite A, Cole J, Boyne C, Nibbs RJB, Sansom OJ, Milling S. Co-inhibition of TGF-β and PD-L1 pathways in a metastatic colorectal cancer mouse model triggers interferon responses, innate cells and T cells, alongside metabolic changes and tumor resistance. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2330194. [PMID: 38516270 PMCID: PMC10956632 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2330194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide with a high mortality rate (20-30%), especially due to metastasis to adjacent organs. Clinical responses to chemotherapy, radiation, targeted and immunotherapies are limited to a subset of patients making metastatic CRC (mCRC) difficult to treat. To understand the therapeutic modulation of immune response in mCRC, we have used a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM), "KPN", which resembles the human 'CMS4'-like subtype. We show here that transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), secreted by KPN organoids, increases cancer cell proliferation, and inhibits splenocyte activation in vitro. TGF-β1 also inhibits activation of naive but not pre-activated T cells, suggesting differential effects on specific immune cells. In vivo, the inhibition of TGF-β inflames the KPN tumors, causing infiltration of T cells, monocytes and monocytic intermediates, while reducing neutrophils and epithelial cells. Co-inhibition of TGF-β and PD-L1 signaling further enhances cytotoxic CD8+T cells and upregulates innate immune response and interferon gene signatures. However, simultaneous upregulation of cancer-related metabolic genes correlated with limited control of tumor burden and/or progression despite combination treatment. Our study illustrates the importance of using GEMMs to predict better immunotherapies for mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshmi Nair
- School of infection and immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Anna Andrusaite
- School of infection and immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John Cole
- School of infection and immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Caitlin Boyne
- School of infection and immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Owen J. Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Simon Milling
- School of infection and immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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9
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Uddin MH, Zhang D, Muqbil I, El-Rayes BF, Chen H, Philip PA, Azmi AS. Deciphering cellular plasticity in pancreatic cancer for effective treatments. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:393-408. [PMID: 38194153 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity and therapy resistance are critical features of pancreatic cancer, a highly aggressive and fatal disease. The pancreas, a vital organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, is often affected by two main types of cancer: the pre-dominant ductal adenocarcinoma and the less common neuroendocrine tumors. These cancers are difficult to treat due to their complex biology characterized by cellular plasticity leading to therapy resistance. Cellular plasticity refers to the capability of cancer cells to change and adapt to different microenvironments within the body which includes acinar-ductal metaplasia, epithelial to mesenchymal/epigenetic/metabolic plasticity, as well as stemness. This plasticity allows heterogeneity of cancer cells, metastasis, and evasion of host's immune system and develops resistance to radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. To overcome this resistance, extensive research is ongoing exploring the intrinsic and extrinsic factors through cellular reprogramming, chemosensitization, targeting metabolic, key survival pathways, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of cellular plasticity involving cellular adaptation and tumor microenvironment and provided a comprehensive understanding of its role in therapy resistance and ways to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Dingqiang Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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10
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van Leeuwen LL, Ruigrok MJR, Kessler BM, Leuvenink HGD, Olinga P. Targeted delivery of galunisertib using machine perfusion reduces fibrogenesis in an integrated ex vivo renal transplant and fibrogenesis model. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:464-479. [PMID: 37596999 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fibrosis in kidney allografts is a major post-transplant complication that contributes to graft failure. Lately, multiple potent inhibitors of fibrosis-related pathways have been developed such as galunisertib, an inhibitor of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β/TGFβ1) signalling pathway. This drug, however, poses risks for adverse effects when administered systemically. Therefore, we devised a new repurposing strategy in which galunisertib is administered ex vivo. We combined machine perfusion and tissue slices to explore the antifibrotic effects of galunisertib in renal grafts. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Porcine kidneys were subjected to 30 min of warm ischaemia, 24 h of oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion and 6 h of normothermic machine perfusion with various treatments (i.e. untreated control, TGFβ1, galunisertib or TGFβ1 + galunisertib; n = 8 kidneys per group). To determine whether effects persisted upon ceasing treatment, kidney slices were prepared from respective kidneys and incubated for 48 h. KEY RESULTS Galunisertib treatment improved general viability without negatively affecting renal function or elevating levels of injury markers or by-products of oxidative stress during perfusion. Galunisertib also reduced inflammation and, more importantly, reduced the onset of fibrosis after 48 h of incubation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings demonstrate the value of using machine perfusion for administering antifibrotic drugs such as galunisertib, proving it to be an effective example of repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Leonie van Leeuwen
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Mitchel J R Ruigrok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Henri G D Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA. EMT-induced immune evasion: connecting the dots from mechanisms to therapy. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4265-4287. [PMID: 37966552 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01229-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic program crucial for organismal development and tissue regeneration. Unfortunately, this program is often hijacked by epithelial tumors to facilitate metastasis. Beyond its role in cancer spread, EMT increases cancer cell survival by activating stem cell programs and bypassing apoptotic programs. Importantly, the capacity of EMT to enforce tumor progression by altering the tumor cell phenotype without triggering immune responses opens the intriguing possibility of a mechanistic link between EMT-driven cancers and immune evasion. Indeed, EMT has been acknowledged as a of driver immune evasion, but the mechanisms are still evolving. Here, we review recent insights into the influence of EMT on tumor immune evasion. Specifically, we focus on the mechanistic roles of EMT in immune escape as the basis that may provide a platform for innovative therapeutic approaches in advanced tumors. We summarize promising therapeutic approaches currently in clinical trials and trending preclinical studies aimed at reinvigorating the tumor microenvironment to create immune-permissive conditions that facilitates immune-mediated tumor clearance. We anticipate that this will assist researchers and pharmaceutical companies in understanding how EMT compromises the immune response, potentially paving the way for effective cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
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12
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Hussen BM, Hidayat HJ, Abdullah SR, Mohamadtahr S, Rasul MF, Samsami M, Taheri M. Role of long non-coding RNAs and TGF-β signaling in the regulation of breast cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. Cytokine 2023; 170:156351. [PMID: 37657235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156351] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
The cytokine known as transforming growth factor (TGF) is essential for cell development, differentiation, and apoptosis in BC. TGF-β dysregulation can either promote or inhibit tumor development, and it is a key signaling pathway in BC spread. A recently identified family of ncRNAs known as lncRNAs has received a great deal of effort and is an important regulator of many cellular processes, including transcription of genes, chromatin remodeling, progression of the cell cycle, and posttranscriptional processing. Furthermore, both TGF-β signaling and lncRNAs serve as important early-stage biomarkers for BC diagnosis and prognosis and also play a significant role in BC drug resistance. According to recent studies, lncRNAs can regulate TGF-β by modulating its cofactors in BC. However, the particular functions of lncRNAs and the TGF-β pathway in controlling BC progression are not well understood yet. This review explores the lncRNAs' functional properties in BC as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in the regulation of genes, with a focus on dysregulated TGF-β signaling. Further, we emphasize the functional roles of lncRNAs and TGF-β pathway in the progression of BC to discover new treatment strategies and better comprehend the fundamental cellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cihan University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region 44001, Iraq
| | - Hazha Jamal Hidayat
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Sayran Mohamadtahr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Guo Y, Xu T, Chai Y, Chen F. TGF-β Signaling in Progression of Oral Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10263. [PMID: 37373414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a common malignancy worldwide, accounting for 1.9% to 3.5% of all malignant tumors. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), as one of the most important cytokines, is found to play complex and crucial roles in oral cancers. It may act in a pro-tumorigenic and tumor-suppressive manner; activities of the former include cell cycle progression inhibition, tumor microenvironment preparation, apoptosis promotion, stimulation of cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and suppression of immune surveillance. However, the triggering mechanisms of these distinct actions remain unclear. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signal transduction, focusing on oral squamous cell and salivary adenoid systemic carcinomas as well as keratocystic odontogenic tumors. Both the supporting and contrary evidence of the roles of TGF-β is discussed. Importantly, the TGF-β pathway has been the target of new drugs developed in the past decade, some having demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in clinical trials. Therefore, the achievements of TGF-β pathway-based therapeutics and their challenges are also assessed. The summarization and discussion of the updated knowledge of TGF-β signaling pathways will provide insight into the design of new strategies for oral cancer treatment, leading to an improvement in oral cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medicine School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Tiansong Xu
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yujuan Chai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medicine School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
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14
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Turati M, Mousset A, Issa N, Turtoi A, Ronca R. TGF-β mediated drug resistance in solid cancer. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 71-72:54-65. [PMID: 37100675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.04.001] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is an important signaling molecule which is expressed in three different isoforms in mammals (i.e. TGF-β1, -β2, and -β3). The interaction between TGF-β and its receptor triggers several pathways, which are classified into SMAD-dependent (canonical) and SMAD-independent (non-canonical) signaling, whose activation/transduction is finely regulated by several mechanisms. TGF-β is involved in many physiological and pathological processes, assuming a dualistic role in cancer progression depending on tumor stage. Indeed, TGF-β inhibits cell proliferation in early-stage tumor cells, while it promotes cancer progression and invasion in advanced tumors, where high levels of TGF-β have been reported in both tumor and stromal cells. In particular, TGF-β signaling has been found to be strongly activated in cancers after treatment with chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy, resulting in the onset of drug resistance conditions. In this review we provide an up-to-date description of several mechanisms involved in TGF-β-mediated drug resistance, and we report different strategies that are currently under development in order to target TGF-β pathway and increase tumor sensitivity to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Turati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alexandra Mousset
- Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Treatment Lab, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERMU1194, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, France
| | - Nervana Issa
- Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Treatment Lab, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERMU1194, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, France
| | - Andrei Turtoi
- Tumor Microenvironment and Resistance to Treatment Lab, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERMU1194, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, France.
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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15
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Nixon BG, Gao S, Wang X, Li MO. TGFβ control of immune responses in cancer: a holistic immuno-oncology perspective. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:346-362. [PMID: 36380023 PMCID: PMC10634249 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00796-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The immune system responds to cancer in two main ways. First, there are prewired responses involving myeloid cells, innate lymphocytes and innate-like adaptive lymphocytes that either reside in premalignant tissues or migrate directly to tumours, and second, there are antigen priming-dependent responses, in which adaptive lymphocytes are primed in secondary lymphoid organs before homing to tumours. Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) - one of the most potent and pleiotropic regulatory cytokines - controls almost every stage of the tumour-elicited immune response, from leukocyte development in primary lymphoid organs to their priming in secondary lymphoid organs and their effector functions in the tumour itself. The complexity of TGFβ-regulated immune cell circuitries, as well as the contextual roles of TGFβ signalling in cancer cells and tumour stromal cells, necessitates the use of rigorous experimental systems that closely recapitulate human cancer, such as autochthonous tumour models, to uncover the underlying immunobiology. The diverse functions of TGFβ in healthy tissues further complicate the search for effective and safe cancer therapeutics targeting the TGFβ pathway. Here we discuss the contextual complexity of TGFβ signalling in tumour-elicited immune responses and explain how understanding this may guide the development of mechanism-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana G Nixon
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shengyu Gao
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming O Li
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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16
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Mishra AB, Nishank SS. Therapeutic targeting approach on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to combat cancer metastasis. Med Oncol 2023; 40:190. [PMID: 37247000 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a process in which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, leading to increased motility and invasiveness, which are key factors in cancer metastasis. Targeting EMP has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to combat cancer metastasis. Various strategies have been developed to target EMP, including inhibition of key signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, that regulate EMP, as well as targeting specific transcription factors, such as Snail, Slug, and Twist, that promote EMP. Additionally, targeting the tumor microenvironment, which plays a critical role in promoting EMP, has also shown promise. Several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMP-targeting therapies in inhibiting cancer metastasis. However, further research is needed to optimize these strategies and improve their clinical efficacy. Overall, therapeutic targeting of EMP represents a promising approach for the development of novel cancer therapies that can effectively inhibit metastasis, a major cause of cancer-related mortality.
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17
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Goenka A, Khan F, Verma B, Sinha P, Dmello CC, Jogalekar MP, Gangadaran P, Ahn B. Tumor microenvironment signaling and therapeutics in cancer progression. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:525-561. [PMID: 37005490 PMCID: PMC10174093 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor development and metastasis are facilitated by the complex interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, which comprises stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, among other factors. Stromal cells can adopt new phenotypes to promote tumor cell invasion. A deep understanding of the signaling pathways involved in cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM interactions is needed to design effective intervention strategies that might interrupt these interactions. In this review, we describe the tumor microenvironment (TME) components and associated therapeutics. We discuss the clinical advances in the prevalent and newly discovered signaling pathways in the TME, the immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive chemokines, and currently used inhibitors targeting these pathways. These include both intrinsic and non-autonomous tumor cell signaling pathways in the TME: protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, Notch, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) signaling, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress response, lactate signaling, Metabolic reprogramming, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and Siglec signaling pathways. We also discuss the recent advances in Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4), T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) and Lymphocyte Activating Gene 3 (LAG3) immune checkpoint inhibitors along with the C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)- C-C class chemokines 22 (CCL22)/ and 17 (CCL17), C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2)- chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5)- chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) chemokine signaling axis in the TME. In addition, this review provides a holistic understanding of the TME as we discuss the three-dimensional and microfluidic models of the TME, which are believed to recapitulate the original characteristics of the patient tumor and hence may be used as a platform to study new mechanisms and screen for various anti-cancer therapies. We further discuss the systemic influences of gut microbiota in TME reprogramming and treatment response. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse and most critical signaling pathways in the TME, highlighting the associated newest and critical preclinical and clinical studies along with their underlying biology. We highlight the importance of the most recent technologies of microfluidics and lab-on-chip models for TME research and also present an overview of extrinsic factors, such as the inhabitant human microbiome, which have the potential to modulate TME biology and drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshika Goenka
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of NeurologyThe Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Fatima Khan
- Department of Neurological SurgeryFeinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Bhupender Verma
- Department of OphthalmologySchepens Eye Research InstituteMassachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryHarvard Medical SchoolBoston, 02114MAUSA
| | - Priyanka Sinha
- Department of NeurologyMassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseaseMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, 02129MAUSA
| | - Crismita C. Dmello
- Department of Neurological SurgeryFeinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Manasi P. Jogalekar
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, 94143CAUSA
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future TalentsDepartment of Biomedical Science, School of MedicineKyungpook National UniversityDaegu, 41944South Korea
- Department of Nuclear MedicineSchool of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University HospitalDaegu, 41944South Korea
| | - Byeong‐Cheol Ahn
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future TalentsDepartment of Biomedical Science, School of MedicineKyungpook National UniversityDaegu, 41944South Korea
- Department of Nuclear MedicineSchool of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University HospitalDaegu, 41944South Korea
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18
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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19
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Safaroghli-Azar A, Emadi F, Lenjisa J, Mekonnen L, Wang S. Kinase inhibitors: Opportunities for small molecule anticancer immunotherapies. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103525. [PMID: 36907320 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103525] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
As the fifth pillar of cancer treatment, immunotherapy has dramatically changed the paradigm of therapeutic strategies by focusing on the host's immune system. In the long road of immunotherapy development, the identification of immune-modulatory effects for kinase inhibitors opened a new chapter in this therapeutic approach. These small molecule inhibitors not only directly eradicate tumors by targeting essential proteins of cell survival and proliferation but can also drive immune responses against malignant cells. This review summarizes the current standings and challenges of kinase inhibitors in immunotherapy, either as a single agent or in a combined modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Safaroghli-Azar
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Fatemeh Emadi
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jimma Lenjisa
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Laychiluh Mekonnen
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, University of South Australia, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, SA 5000, Australia.
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20
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Shi ZD, Pang K, Wu ZX, Dong Y, Hao L, Qin JX, Wang W, Chen ZS, Han CH. Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance: mechanisms and new strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 36906600 PMCID: PMC10008648 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment, therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a complete cure. Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity. Several reversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, regulation of transcription factors, activation or suppression of key signaling pathways, as well as modification of the tumor environment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity. Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employ combination treatments. In this review, we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasion from targeted therapy. We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types of tumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies such as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented. We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that are ongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes. These advances provide a direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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21
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da Silva RA, Roda VMDP, Akamine PS, da Silva DS, Siqueira PV, Matsuda M, Hamassaki DE. Blockade of the TGF-β pathway by galunisertib inhibits the glial-mesenchymal transition in Müller glial cells. Exp Eye Res 2023; 226:109336. [PMID: 36455675 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109336] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aging increases the risks for developing fibrocontractile membranes on the retina, which causes significant macular distortion, as in the idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). Retinal Müller glial cells are components of these membranes and may play a key role in the iERM pathogenesis. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces Müller cell transdifferentiation into myofibroblast, reducing glial cell markers (glutamine synthetase, GS, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) and increasing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Our aim was to investigate the effect of the TGF-β inhibitor galunisertib (LY2157299) on the glial-mesenchymal transition and contraction of Müller cells. MIO-M1 human Müller cells were treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL), galunisertib (5, 10 and 20 μM) and TGF-β1+galunisertib for 24h and 48h. Galunisertib cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT and trypan blue, and TGF-β1 blockade by phospho-SMAD3 immunofluorescence. Caspase-3 (cell death indicator), GS, GFAP and α-SMA expression was examined by immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and qPCR analysis. Cell contractility was determined by collagen gel contraction assay with Müller cells incorporated. Galunisertib did not show cytotoxicity at the concentrations evaluated and maintained the Müller cells phenotype, ensuring the GS expression. Galunisertib inhibited the TGF-β1 pathway by decreasing phospho-SMAD3 immunoreactivity, attenuated the α-SMA expression, and prevented the contraction of Müller cells in collagen gel. Although more studies are needed, in vitro assays suggest that galunisertib may be a potential candidate to attenuate the formation of fibrocontractile membranes and prevent retinal detachment and consequent loss of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael André da Silva
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Moraes de Paiva Roda
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Sayami Akamine
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniela Simões da Silva
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paula Veloso Siqueira
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Monique Matsuda
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory of Investigation in Ophthalmology (LIM-33), Division of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Dânia Emi Hamassaki
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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22
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Sounbuli K, Mironova N, Alekseeva L. Diverse Neutrophil Functions in Cancer and Promising Neutrophil-Based Cancer Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415827. [PMID: 36555469 PMCID: PMC9779721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils represent the most abundant cell type of leukocytes in the human blood and have been considered a vital player in the innate immune system and the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Recently, several studies showed that neutrophils play an active role in the immune response during cancer development. They exhibited both pro-oncogenic and anti-tumor activities under the influence of various mediators in the tumor microenvironment. Neutrophils can be divided into several subpopulations, thus contradicting the traditional concept of neutrophils as a homogeneous population with a specific function in the innate immunity and opening new horizons for cancer therapy. Despite the promising achievements in this field, a full understanding of tumor-neutrophil interplay is currently lacking. In this review, we try to summarize the current view on neutrophil heterogeneity in cancer, discuss the different communication pathways between tumors and neutrophils, and focus on the implementation of these new findings to develop promising neutrophil-based cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khetam Sounbuli
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Mironova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-383-363-51-61
| | - Ludmila Alekseeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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23
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Ilg MM, Lapthorn AR, Ralph DJ, Cellek S. Phenotypic screening of 1,953 FDA-approved drugs reveals 26 hits with potential for repurposing for Peyronie's disease. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277646. [PMID: 36508413 PMCID: PMC9744312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing has been shown to bring safe medications to new patient populations, as recently evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated whether we could use phenotypic screening to repurpose drugs for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). PD is a fibrotic disease characterised by continued myofibroblast presence and activity leading to formation of a plaque in the penile tunica albuginea (TA) that can cause pain during erection, erectile dysfunction, and penile deformity. PD affects 3-9% of men with treatment options limited to surgery or injection of collagenase which can only be utilised at late stages after the plaque is formed. Currently there are no approved medications that can be offered to patients presenting with early disease before the formation of the plaque. Drug repurposing may therefore be the ideal strategy to identify medical treatments to address this unmet medical need in early PD. We used primary human fibroblasts from PD patients in a phenotypic screening assay that measures TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast transformation which is the main cellular phenotype that drives the pathology in early PD. A library of FDA-approved 1,953 drugs was screened in duplicate wells at a single concentration (10 μM) in presence of TGF-β1. The myofibroblast marker α-SMA was quantified after 72h incubation. A positive control of SB-505124 (TGF-β1 receptor antagonist) was included on each plate. Hits were defined as showing >80% inhibition, whilst retaining >80% cell viability. 26 hits (1.3%) were identified which were divided into the following main groups: anti-cancer drugs, anti-inflammation, neurology, endocrinology, and imaging agents. Five of the top-ten drugs that increase myofibroblast-transformation appear to act on VEGFR. This is the first phenotypic screening of FDA-approved drugs for PD and our results suggest that it is a viable method to predict drugs with potential for repurposing to treat early PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M. Ilg
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Alice R. Lapthorn
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Ralph
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Selim Cellek
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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24
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Roles of TGF- β in cancer hallmarks and emerging onco-therapeutic design. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e42. [PMID: 36345661 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2022.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a double-edged sword in cancer treatment because of its pivotal yet complex and roles played during cancer initiation/development. Current anti-cancer strategies involving TGF-β largely view TGF-β as an onco-therapeutic target that not only substantially hinders its full utilisation for cancer control, but also considerably restricts innovations in this field. Thereby, how to take advantages of therapeutically favourable properties of TGF-β for cancer management represents an interesting and less investigated problem. Here, by categorising cancer hallmarks into four critical transition events and one enabling characteristic controlling cancer initiation and progression, and delineating TGF-β complexities according to these cancer traits, we identify the suppressive role of TGF-β in tumour initiation and early-stage progression and its promotive functionalities in cancer metastasis as well as other cancer hallmarks. We also propose the feasibility and possible scenarios of combining cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) with onco-therapeutics utilising TGF-β for cancer control given the intrinsic properties of CAP against cancer hallmarks.
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25
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Ruan Q, Lin X, Wang L, Wang N, Zhao Y, Wang H, Tian FY, Hu N, Li Y, Zhao B. An engineered (CAGA)12-EGFP cell-based biosensor for high-content and accurate detection of active TGF-β. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 220:114884. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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26
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Pujala B, Ramachandran SA, Sonawane M, Kamble MM, Panpatil D, Adhikari S, Soni S, Subbareddy V, Shinde BU, Nayak AK, Bansal C, Gupta A, Mukherjee K, Agarwal AK, Guerrero J, Herrera FJ, Bernales S, Guha M, Chakravarty S, Pham SM, Rai R. Discovery of MDV6058 (PF-06952229), a selective and potent TGFβR1 inhibitor: Design, synthesis and optimization. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 75:128979. [PMID: 36089110 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128979] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Compound 1 is a potent TGF-β receptor type-1 (TGFβR1 or ALK5) inhibitor but is metabolically unstable. A solvent-exposed part of this molecule was used to analogue and modulate cell activity, liver microsome stability and mouse pharmacokinetics. The evolution of SAR that led to the selection of 2 (MDV6058 / PF-06952229) as a preclinical lead compound is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahmam Pujala
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Sreekanth A Ramachandran
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Mukesh Sonawane
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Maruti M Kamble
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Dayanand Panpatil
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Swati Adhikari
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Sanjeev Soni
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Venkata Subbareddy
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Bharat U Shinde
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Anjan K Nayak
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Chandni Bansal
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Ashu Gupta
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Kakoli Mukherjee
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Anil K Agarwal
- Integral BioSciences Pvt. Ltd., C-64, Hosiery Complex Phase II Extension, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201306, India
| | - Javier Guerrero
- Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Avenida Zañartu 1482, Ñuñoa, Santiago, 778027, Chile
| | - Francisco J Herrera
- Medivation, Inc., 525 Market Street, 36(th) Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - Sebastian Bernales
- Medivation, Inc., 525 Market Street, 36(th) Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - Mausumee Guha
- Medivation, Inc., 525 Market Street, 36(th) Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA; Pfizer Inc., Pfizer World Wide Research & Development, Building CB-4, 10777 Science Center Dr. La Jolla, CA 92121-1111, USA
| | | | - Son M Pham
- Medivation, Inc., 525 Market Street, 36(th) Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - Roopa Rai
- Medivation, Inc., 525 Market Street, 36(th) Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA.
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27
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Kontandreopoulou CN, Kalopisis K, Viniou NA, Diamantopoulos P. The genetics of myelodysplastic syndromes and the opportunities for tailored treatments. Front Oncol 2022; 12:989483. [PMID: 36338673 PMCID: PMC9630842 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.989483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability, microenvironmental aberrations, and somatic mutations contribute to the phenotype of myelodysplastic syndrome and the risk for transformation to AML. Genes involved in RNA splicing, DNA methylation, histone modification, the cohesin complex, transcription, DNA damage response pathway, signal transduction and other pathways constitute recurrent mutational targets in MDS. RNA-splicing and DNA methylation mutations seem to occur early and are reported as driver mutations in over 50% of MDS patients. The improved understanding of the molecular landscape of MDS has led to better disease and risk classification, leading to novel therapeutic opportunities. Based on these findings, novel agents are currently under preclinical and clinical development and expected to improve the clinical outcome of patients with MDS in the upcoming years. This review provides a comprehensive update of the normal gene function as well as the impact of mutations in the pathogenesis, deregulation, diagnosis, and prognosis of MDS, focuses on the most recent advances of the genetic basis of myelodysplastic syndromes and their clinical relevance, and the latest targeted therapeutic approaches including investigational and approved agents for MDS.
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28
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175537. [PMID: 36080304 PMCID: PMC9457820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data provided by World Health Organization, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of deaths due to cancer worldwide. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the last 10 years developing novel agents for HCC treatment, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Several small molecule inhibitors currently form the core of HCC treatment due to their versatility since they would be more easily absorbed and have higher oral bioavailability, thus easier to formulate and administer to patients. In addition, they can be altered structurally to have greater volumes of distribution, allowing them to block extravascular molecular targets and to accumulate in a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, they can be designed to have shortened half-lives to control for immune-related adverse events. Most importantly, they would spare patients, healthcare institutions, and society as a whole from the burden of high drug costs. The present review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical compounds that are licensed for HCC treatment and other emerging compounds that are still investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. These molecules are targeting different molecular targets and pathways that are proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Current Opportunities for Targeting Dysregulated Neurodevelopmental Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162530. [PMID: 36010607 PMCID: PMC9406959 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and highly lethal type of brain tumor, with poor survival despite advances in understanding its complexity. After current standard therapeutic treatment, including tumor resection, radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy with temozolomide, the median overall survival of patients with this type of tumor is less than 15 months. Thus, there is an urgent need for new insights into GBM molecular characteristics and progress in targeted therapy in order to improve clinical outcomes. The literature data revealed that a number of different signaling pathways are dysregulated in GBM. In this review, we intended to summarize and discuss current literature data and therapeutic modalities focused on targeting dysregulated signaling pathways in GBM. A better understanding of opportunities for targeting signaling pathways that influences malignant behavior of GBM cells might open the way for the development of novel GBM-targeted therapies.
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30
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Xu X, Poulsen KL, Wu L, Liu S, Miyata T, Song Q, Wei Q, Zhao C, Lin C, Yang J. Targeted therapeutics and novel signaling pathways in non-alcohol-associated fatty liver/steatohepatitis (NAFL/NASH). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:287. [PMID: 35963848 PMCID: PMC9376100 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcohol-associated fatty liver/steatohepatitis (NAFL/NASH) has become the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. NASH, an advanced form of NAFL, can be progressive and more susceptible to developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, lifestyle interventions are the most essential and effective strategies for preventing and controlling NAFL without the development of fibrosis. While there are still limited appropriate drugs specifically to treat NAFL/NASH, growing progress is being seen in elucidating the pathogenesis and identifying therapeutic targets. In this review, we discussed recent developments in etiology and prospective therapeutic targets, as well as pharmacological candidates in pre/clinical trials and patents, with a focus on diabetes, hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Importantly, growing evidence elucidates that the disruption of the gut-liver axis and microbe-derived metabolites drive the pathogenesis of NAFL/NASH. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as a signaling mediator, resulting in lipid accumulation, macrophage and hepatic stellate cell activation, further promoting inflammation and liver fibrosis progression during the development of NAFL/NASH. Targeting gut microbiota or EVs may serve as new strategies for the treatment of NAFL/NASH. Finally, other mechanisms, such as cell therapy and genetic approaches, also have enormous therapeutic potential. Incorporating drugs with different mechanisms and personalized medicine may improve the efficacy to better benefit patients with NAFL/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Xu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Kyle L Poulsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lijuan Wu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Qiaoling Song
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingda Wei
- School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunhua Lin
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jinbo Yang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Zafari N, Khosravi F, Rezaee Z, Esfandyari S, Bahiraei M, Bahramy A, Ferns GA, Avan A. The role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic approaches. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24585. [PMID: 35808903 PMCID: PMC9396196 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a high prevalence is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the network of tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts that comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify new therapeutic interventions. METHODS Databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched to provide an overview of the recent research progress related to targeting the TME as a novel therapeutic approach. RESULTS Tumor microenvironment as a result of the cross talk between these cells may result in either advantages or disadvantages in tumor development and metastasis, affecting the signals and responses from the surrounding cells. Whilst chemotherapy has led to an improvement in CRC patients' survival, the metastatic aspect of the disease remains difficult to avoid. CONCLUSIONS The present review emphasizes the structure and function of the TME, alterations in the TME, its role in the incidence and progression of CRC, the effects on tumor development and metastasis, and also the potential of its alterations as therapeutic targets. It should be noted that providing novel studies in this field of research might help us to achieve practical therapeutic strategies based on their interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Zafari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Khosravi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health InstituteHormozgan University of Medical SciencesBandar AbbasIran
| | - Zahra Rezaee
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sahar Esfandyari
- Department of Anatomy, School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mohamad Bahiraei
- Department of Radiology, Besat HospitalHamedan University of Medical SciencesHamedanIran
| | - Afshin Bahramy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical SciencesTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical SchoolDivision of Medical EducationSussexUK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Basic Medical Sciences InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
- Medical Genetics Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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32
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Joshi S, Sharabi A. Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells to enhance natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Jiang W, Zhao T, Zhen X, Jin C, Li H, Ha J. Rapid Determination of 9 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Human Plasma by QuEChERS-UPLC-MS/MS. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:920436. [PMID: 35800447 PMCID: PMC9253689 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.920436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A reliable and rapid method employing QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) pretreatment coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was successfully developed and validated for the analysis of nine tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in human plasma. Biological samples were extracted with acetonitrile and salted out with 350 mg of anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), followed by purification with 40 mg of ethyl enediamine-N-propylsilane (PSA) adsorbents. All analytes and internal standards (IS) were separated on the Hypersil GOLD VANQUISH C18 (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.9 μM) column using the mobile phases composed of acetonitrile (phase A) and 0.1% formic acid in water (phase B) for 8.0 min. Detection was performed by selection reaction monitoring (SRM) in the positive ion electrospray mode. Lenvatinib, sorafenib, cabozantinib, apatinib, gefitinib, regorafenib, and anlotinib rendered good linearity over the range of 0.1–10 ng/ml, and 1–100 ng/ml for tivantinib and galunisertib. All linear correlation coefficients for all standard curves were ≥ 0.9966. The limits of detection (LOD) and the limits of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.003 to 0.11 ng/ml and 0.01–0.37 ng/ml, respectively. The method was deemed satisfactory with an accuracy of -7.34–6.64%, selectivity, matrix effect (ME) of 90.48–107.77%, recovery, and stability. The proposed method is simple, efficient, reliable, and applicable for the detection of TKIs in human plasma samples as well as for providing a reference for the clinical adjustment of drug administration regimen by monitoring the drug concentrations in the plasma of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhen
- Hebei Institute of Drug and Medical Device Inspection, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chengcheng Jin
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hui Li
- Hebei Institute of Drug and Medical Device Inspection, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Li, ; Jing Ha,
| | - Jing Ha
- College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hebei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Li, ; Jing Ha,
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Breast Cancer Metastasis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126806. [PMID: 35743249 PMCID: PMC9224686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Metastasis is the leading cause of high mortality in most cancers. Although predicting the early stage of breast cancer before metastasis can increase the survival rate, breast cancer is often discovered or diagnosed after metastasis has occurred. In general, breast cancer has a poor prognosis because it starts as a local disease and can spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, contributing to a significant impediment in breast cancer treatment. Metastatic breast cancer cells acquire aggressive characteristics from the tumor microenvironment (TME) through several mechanisms including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and epigenetic regulation. Therefore, understanding the nature and mechanism of breast cancer metastasis can facilitate the development of targeted therapeutics focused on metastasis. This review discusses the mechanisms leading to metastasis and the current therapies to improve the early diagnosis and prognosis in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
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Nazari Soltan Ahmad S, Kalantary-Charvadeh A, Hamzavi M, Ezzatifar F, Aboutalebi Vand Beilankouhi E, Toofani-Milani A, Geravand F, Golshadi Z, Mesgari-Abbasi M. TGF-β1 receptor blockade attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice through attenuating Smad and MAPK pathways. J Mol Histol 2022; 53:691-698. [PMID: 35704228 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-022-10078-6] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix components and collagen deposition. TGF-β1 acts as a master switch promoting renal fibrosis through Smad dependent and/or Smad independent pathways. Thirty-five male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups of seven each; sham, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), UUO+galunisertib (150 and 300 mg/kg/day), galunisertib (300 mg/kg/day). The UUO markedly induced renal fibrosis and injury as indicated by renal functional loss, increased levels of collagen Iα1, fibronectin and α-SMA; it also activated both the Smad 2/3 and MAPKs pathways as indicated by increased levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad 2, p-Smad 3, p-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK. These UUO-induced changes were markedly attenuated by oral administration of galunisertib, the TGFβRI small molecule inhibitor. In conclusion, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 receptor blockade can prevent UUO-induced renal fibrosis through indirect modulation of Smad and MAPKs signaling pathways and may be useful as a therapeutic agent in treatment and/or prevention of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashkan Kalantary-Charvadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Masoud Hamzavi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ezzatifar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Attabak Toofani-Milani
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Geravand
- Department of Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Zakieh Golshadi
- Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehran Mesgari-Abbasi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Golgasht Avenue, Tabriz, Iran.
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
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Rana M, Kansal R, Chaib M, Teng B, Morrrison M, Hayes DN, Stanfill AG, Shibata D, Carson JA, Makowski L, Glazer ES. The pancreatic cancer immune tumor microenvironment is negatively remodeled by gemcitabine while TGF-β receptor plus dual checkpoint inhibition maintains antitumor immune cells. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:549-557. [PMID: 35319799 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) tumors have a highly immunosuppressive desmoplastic tumor microenvironment (TME) where immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy has been exceptionally ineffective. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor activation leads to cancer and immune cell proliferation and phenotype, and cytokine production leading to tumor progression and worse overall survival in PDA patients. We hypothesized that TGF-β receptor inhibition may alter PDA progression and antitumor immunity in the TME. Here, we used a syngeneic preclinical murine model of PDA to explore the impact of TGF-β pathway inhibitor galunisertib (GAL), dual checkpoint immunotherapy (anti-PD-L1 and CTLA-4), the chemotherapy gemcitabine (GEM), and their combinations on antitumor immune responses. Blockade of TGF-β and ICI in immune-competent mice bearing orthotopically injected murine PDA cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and was accompanied by antitumor M1 macrophage infiltration. In contrast, GEM treatment resulted in increased PDA tumor growth, decreased antitumor M1 macrophages, and decreased cytotoxic CD8+ T cell subpopulation compared to control mice. Together, these findings demonstrate the ability of TGF-β inhibition with GAL to prime antitumor immunity in the TME and the curative potential of combining GAL with dual ICI. These preclinical results indicate that targeted inhibition of TGF-β may enhance the efficacy of dual immunotherapy in PDA. Optimal manipulation of the immune TME with non-ICI therapy may enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjul Rana
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rita Kansal
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mehdi Chaib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bin Teng
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michelle Morrrison
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Neil Hayes
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ansley G Stanfill
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Nursing, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Shibata
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - James A Carson
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Liza Makowski
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Evan S Glazer
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Baba AB, Rah B, Bhat GR, Mushtaq I, Parveen S, Hassan R, Hameed Zargar M, Afroze D. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling in Cancer-A Betrayal Within. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:791272. [PMID: 35295334 PMCID: PMC8918694 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.791272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A ubiquitously expressed cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a significant role in various ongoing cellular mechanisms. The gain or loss-of-function of TGF-β and its downstream mediators could lead to a plethora of diseases includes tumorigenesis. Specifically, at the early onset of malignancy TGF-β act as tumour suppressor and plays a key role in clearing malignant cells by reducing the cellular proliferation and differentiation thus triggers the process of apoptosis. Subsequently, TGF-β at an advanced stage of malignancy promotes tumorigenesis by augmenting cellular transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition invasion, and metastasis. Besides playing the dual roles, depending upon the stage of malignancy, TGF-β also regulates cell fate through immune and stroma components. This oscillatory role of TGF-β to fight against cancer or act as a traitor to collaborate and crosstalk with other tumorigenic signaling pathways and its betrayal within the cell depends upon the cellular context. Therefore, the current review highlights and understands the dual role of TGF-β under different cellular conditions and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways in modulating cell fate.
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de los Reyes AA, Kim Y. Optimal regulation of tumour-associated neutrophils in cancer progression. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:210705. [PMID: 35127110 PMCID: PMC8808100 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.210705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In a tumour microenvironment, tumour-associated neutrophils could display two opposing differential phenotypes: anti-tumour (N1) and pro-tumour (N2) effector cells. Converting N2 to N1 neutrophils provides innovative therapies for cancer treatment. In this study, a mathematical model for N1-N2 dynamics describing the cancer survival and immune inhibition in response to TGF-β and IFN-β is considered. The effects of exogenous intervention of TGF-β inhibitor and IFN-β are examined in order to enhance N1 recruitment to combat tumour progression. Our approach employs optimal control theory to determine drug infusion protocols that could minimize tumour volume with least administration cost possible. Four optimal control scenarios corresponding to different therapeutic strategies are explored, namely, TGF-β inhibitor control only, IFN-β control only, concomitant TGF-β inhibitor and IFN-β controls, and alternating TGF-β inhibitor and IFN-β controls. For each scheme, different initial conditions are varied to depict different pathophysiological condition of a cancer patient, leading to adaptive treatment schedule. TGF-β inhibitor and IFN-β drug dosages, total drug amount, infusion times and relative cost of drug administrations are obtained under various circumstances. The control strategies achieved could guide in designing individualized therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio A. de los Reyes
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Pioneer Research Center for Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Mathematics, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines
| | - Yangjin Kim
- Department of Mathematics, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
- Mathematical Biosciences Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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van Leeuwen LL, Leuvenink HGD, Olinga P, Ruigrok MJR. Shifting Paradigms for Suppressing Fibrosis in Kidney Transplants: Supplementing Perfusion Solutions With Anti-fibrotic Drugs. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:806774. [PMID: 35083254 PMCID: PMC8784659 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.806774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Great efforts have been made toward addressing the demand for donor kidneys. One of the most promising approaches is to use kidneys from donation after circulatory death donors. These kidneys, however, suffer from more severe ischemia and reperfusion injury than those obtained via donation after brain death and are thus more prone to develop interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Even though machine perfusion is increasingly used to reduce ischemia and reperfusion injury, there are no effective treatments available to ameliorate interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, forcing patients to resume dialysis, undergo re-transplantation, or suffer from premature death. Safe and effective anti-fibrotic therapies are therefore greatly desired. We propose a new therapeutic approach in which machine perfusion solutions are supplemented with anti-fibrotic compounds. This allows the use of higher concentrations than those used in humans whilst eliminating side effects in other organs. To the authors' knowledge, no one has reviewed whether such an approach could reduce interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy; we therefore set out to explore its merit. In this review, we first provide background information on ischemia and reperfusion injury as well as interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, after which we describe currently available approaches for preserving donor kidneys. We then present an evaluation of selected compounds. To identify promising compounds, we analyzed publications describing the effects of anti-fibrotic molecules in precision-cut kidneys slices, which are viable explants that can be cultured ex vivo for up to a few days whilst retaining functional and structural features. LY2109761, galunisertib, imatinib, nintedanib, and butaprost were shown to exert anti-fibrotic effects in slices within a relatively short timeframe (<48 h) and are therefore considered to be excellent candidates for follow-up ex vivo machine perfusion studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Leonie van Leeuwen
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Henri G. D. Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mitchel J. R. Ruigrok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Zhang H, Zhang W, Jiang L, Chen Y. Recent advances in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomark Res 2022; 10:3. [PMID: 35000616 PMCID: PMC8744248 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal malignant tumors in the world. Therapeutic options for advanced HCC are limited. Systemic treatment, especially with conventional cytotoxic drugs, is usually ineffective. For more than a decade, sorafenib has been the only systemic drug that has been proven to be clinically effective for treating advanced HCC. However, over the past three years, the rapid progress of molecular targeted therapies has dramatically changed the treatment landscape for advanced HCC. Immune checkpoint therapies are now being incorporated into HCC therapies, and their combination with molecular targeted therapy is emerging as a tool to enhance the immune response. In this review, we summarize the development and progress of molecular targeted agents and immunotherapies in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Wuyang Zhang
- Clinical skills training center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Longying Jiang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Radiosensitizing effect of galunisertib, a TGF-ß receptor I inhibitor, on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:478-486. [PMID: 34985593 PMCID: PMC9098568 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. Resistance to radiation therapy poses a major clinical problem for patients suffering from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) has emerged as a potential target. This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of galunisertib, a small molecule TGF-ß receptor kinase I inhibitor, on HNSCC cells in vitro. Methods. Three HNSCC cell lines were treated with galunisertib alone, or in combination with radiation. Of those three cell lines, one has a known inactivating mutation of the TGF-ß pathway (Cal27), one has a TGF-ß pathway deficiency (FaDu) and one has no known alteration (SCC-25). The effect on metabolic activity was evaluated by a resazurin-based reduction assay. Cell migration was evaluated by wound-healing assay, clonogenic survival by colony formation assay and cell cycle by FACS analysis. Results. Galunisertib reduced metabolic activity in FaDu, increased in SCC-25 and had no effect on CAL27. Migration was significantly reduced by galunisertib in all three cell lines and showed additive effects in combination with radiation in CAL27 and SCC-25. Colony-forming capabilities were reduced in SCC-25 by galunisertib and also showed an additive effect with adjuvant radiation treatment. Cell cycle analysis showed a reduction of cells in G1 phase in response to galunisertib treatment. Conclusion. Our results indicate a potential antineoplastic effect of galunisertib in HNSCC with intact TGF-ß signaling in combination with radiation.
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Yamamoto A, Saito T, Hosoya T, Kawahata K, Asano Y, Sato S, Mizoguchi F, Yasuda S, Kohsaka H. Therapeutic effect of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor on dermal fibrosis in murine models of systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2021; 74:860-870. [PMID: 34882985 DOI: 10.1002/art.42042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Histology of systemic sclerosis (SSc) includes an increased number of myofibroblasts, where transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a crucial role to promote dermal fibrosis. The objectives of this study were to examine whether the inhibition of cell cycle with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor suppress fibroblast proliferation and the differentiation into myofibroblasts, and the therapeutic effect of a CDK4/6 inhibitor on dermal fibrosis in murine models of SSc in monotherapy or in combination with TGF-β receptor inhibitor (TGFβRI). METHODS SSc fibroblasts were cultured in the presence or absence of TGF-β. Effects of palbociclib (CDKI), a CDK4/6 inhibitor, on fibroblast proliferation and TGF-β-induced differentiation into myofibroblasts were examined with BrdU uptake, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)- and bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis models were used to study the effect of CDKI on dermal fibrosis in monotherapy or in combination with galunisertib, a TGFβRI. RESULTS CDKI suppressed the proliferation of SSc fibroblasts and their TGF-β-induced differentiation into myofibroblast without inhibiting canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signals. Treatment of dermal fibrosis models with CDKI decreased dermal thickness and collagen content, as well as fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast number. The combination therapy with CDKI and TGFβRI exerted additive anti-fibrotic effects. Mechanistically, CDKI suppressed the expression of cellular communication network (CCN) 2 and cadherin-11 important for fibrosis. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the therapeutic effect of CDKI on dermal fibrosis in monotherapy or in combination with TGFβRI. CDKI should be a novel agent for the treatment of SSc, which may be used with TGFβRI to increase the efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Yamamoto
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Saito
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Hosoya
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimito Kawahata
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Mizoguchi
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Yasuda
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kohsaka
- Department of Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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Kharbanda A, Tran P, Zhang L, Leung YK, Li HY, Frett B. Discovery of 4-aminoquinolines as highly selective TGFβR1 inhibitors with an attenuated MAP4K4 profile for potential applications in immuno-oncology. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 225:113763. [PMID: 34419892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment contains high concentrations of TGFβ, a crucial immunosuppressive cytokine. TGFβ stimulates immune escape by promoting peripheral immune tolerance to avoid tumoricidal attack. Small-molecule inhibitors of TGFβR1 are a prospective method for next-generation immunotherapies. In the present study, we identified selective 4-aminoquinoline-based inhibitors of TGFβR1 through structural and rational-based design strategies. This led to the identification of compound 4i, which was found to be selective for TGFβR1 with the exception of MAP4K4 in the kinase profiling assay. The compound was then further optimized to remove MAP4K4 activity, since MAP4K4 is vital for proper T-cell function and its inhibition could exacerbate tumor immunosuppression. Optimization efforts led to compound 4s that inhibited TGFβR1 at an IC50 of 0.79 ± 0.19 nM with 2000-fold selectivity against MAP4K4. Compound 4s represents a highly selective TGFβR1 inhibitor that has potential applications in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupreet Kharbanda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Phuc Tran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lingtian Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Brendan Frett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Xu J, Zhang S, Wu T, Fang X, Zhao L. Discovery of TGFBR1 (ALK5) as a potential drug target of quercetin glycoside derivatives (QGDs) by reverse molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Biophys Chem 2021; 281:106731. [PMID: 34864228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin glycoside derivatives (QGDs) are a class of common compounds with a wide range of biological activities, such as antitumor activities. However, their molecular targets associated with biological activities have not been investigated. In this study, four common QGDs with mutual bioconversion were selected, and studied in the large-scale reverse docking experiments. Network pharmacology analysis showed that most of the four QGDs can bind several potential protein targets that were closely related to breast cancer disease. Among them, a druggable protein, transforming growth factor beta receptor I (TGFBR1/ALK5) was screened via high docking scores for the four QGDs. This protein has been proven to be an important target for the treatment of breast cancer by regulating the proliferation and migration of cancer cells in the past. Subsequently, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MM/GBSA calculation demonstrated that all QGDs could thermodynamically bind with TGFBR1, indicating that TGFBR1 might be one of the potential protein targets of QGDs. Finally, the cytotoxicity test and wound-healing migration assay displayed that isoquercetin, which can perform best in MD experiment, might be a promising agent in the treatment of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Xu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xianying Fang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Linguo Zhao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China; College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China.
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Benjamin DJ, Lyou Y. Advances in Immunotherapy and the TGF-β Resistance Pathway in Metastatic Bladder Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225724. [PMID: 34830879 PMCID: PMC8616345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225724] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bladder cancer accounts for a significant burden to global public health. Despite advances in therapeutics with the advent of immunotherapy, only a small subset of patients benefit from immunotherapy. In this review, we examine the evidence that suggests that the TGF-β pathway may present a resistance mechanism to immunotherapy. In addition, we present possible therapies that may overcome the TGF-β resistance pathway in the treatment of bladder cancer. Abstract Bladder cancer accounts for nearly 200,000 deaths worldwide yearly. Urothelial carcinoma (UC) accounts for nearly 90% of cases of bladder cancer. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy has remained the mainstay of treatment in the first-line setting for locally advanced or metastatic UC. More recently, the treatment paradigm in the second-line setting was drastically altered with the approval of several immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Given that only a small subset of patients respond to ICI, further studies have been undertaken to understand potential resistance mechanisms to ICI. One potential resistance mechanism that has been identified in the setting of metastatic UC is the TGF-β signaling pathway. Several pre-clinical and ongoing clinical trials in multiple advanced tumor types have evaluated several therapies that target the TGF-β pathway. In addition, there are ongoing and planned clinical trials combining TGF-β inhibition with ICI, which may provide a promising therapeutic approach for patients with advanced and metastatic UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Benjamin
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA 92868, USA;
| | - Yung Lyou
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-626-256-2805; Fax: +1-625-301-8233
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Ong CH, Tham CL, Harith HH, Firdaus N, Israf DA. TGF-β-induced fibrosis: A review on the underlying mechanism and potential therapeutic strategies. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 911:174510. [PMID: 34560077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays multiple homeostatic roles in the regulation of inflammation, proliferation, differentiation and would healing of various tissues. Many studies have demonstrated that TGF-β stimulates activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, which result in extracellular matrix deposition. Its increased expression can result in many fibrotic diseases, and the level of expression is often correlated with disease severity. On this basis, inhibition of TGF-β and its activity has great therapeutic potential for the treatment of various fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, systemic sclerosis and etc. By understanding the molecular mechanism of TGF-β signaling and activity, researchers were able to develop different strategies in order to modulate the activity of TGF-β. Antisense oligonucleotide was developed to target the mRNA of TGF-β to inhibit its expression. There are also neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that can target the TGF-β ligands or αvβ6 integrin to prevent binding to receptor or activation of latent TGF-β respectively. Soluble TGF-β receptors act as ligand traps that competitively bind to the TGF-β ligands. Many small molecule inhibitors have been developed to inhibit the TGF-β receptor at its cytoplasmic domain and also intracellular signaling molecules. Peptide aptamer technology has been used to target downstream TGF-β signaling. Here, we summarize the underlying mechanism of TGF-β-induced fibrosis and also review various strategies of inhibiting TGF-β in both preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hao Ong
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43300, Malaysia
| | - Chau Ling Tham
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43300, Malaysia
| | - Hanis Hazeera Harith
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43300, Malaysia
| | - Nazmi Firdaus
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43300, Malaysia
| | - Daud Ahmad Israf
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43300, Malaysia.
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Zhang Y, Parrish KE, Tortolani DR, Poss MA, Huang A, Wan H, Purandare AV, Donnell AF, Kempson J, Hou X, Pawluczyk J, Yip S, Luk E, Raghavan N, Swanson J, Smalley J, Murtaza A, Yang Z, Augustine-Rauch K, Lombardo LJ, Borzilleri R. Long-Acting Tumor-Activated Prodrug of a TGFβR Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15787-15798. [PMID: 34704759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of TGFβ signaling in concert with a checkpoint blockade has been shown to provide improved and durable antitumor immune response in mouse models. However, on-target adverse cardiovascular effects have limited the clinical use of TGFβ receptor (TGFβR) inhibitors in cancer therapy. To restrict the activity of TGFβR inhibitors to tumor tissues and thereby widen the therapeutic index, a series of tumor-activated prodrugs of a selective small molecule TGFβR1 inhibitor 1 were prepared by appending 1 to a serine protease substrate and a half-life extension fatty acid carbon chain. The prodrugs were shown to be selectively metabolized in tumor tissues relative to the heart and blood and demonstrated a prolonged favorable increase in the tumor-to-heart ratio of the active drug in tissue distribution studies. Once-weekly administration of the most tissue-selective compound 10 provided anti-tumor efficacy comparable to the parent compound and reduced systemic exposure of the active drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Karen E Parrish
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - David R Tortolani
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Michael A Poss
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Audris Huang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Honghe Wan
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Ashok V Purandare
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Andrew F Donnell
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - James Kempson
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Xiaoping Hou
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Joseph Pawluczyk
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Shiuhang Yip
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Emily Luk
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Nimmi Raghavan
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Jesse Swanson
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - James Smalley
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Anwar Murtaza
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Zheng Yang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Karen Augustine-Rauch
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Louis J Lombardo
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Robert Borzilleri
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
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Lu YC, Zheng Z, Lowery FJ, Gartner JJ, Prickett TD, Robbins PF, Rosenberg SA. Direct identification of neoantigen-specific TCRs from tumor specimens by high-throughput single-cell sequencing. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002595. [PMID: 34321276 PMCID: PMC8320258 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recognition of neoantigens by T cells plays a major role in cancer immunotherapy. Identification of neoantigen-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) has become a critical research tool for studying T cell-mediated responses after immunotherapy. In addition, neoantigen-specific TCRs can be used to modify the specificity of T cells for T cell-based therapies targeting tumor-specific mutations. Although several techniques have been developed to identify TCR sequences, these techniques still require a significant amount of labor, making them impractical in the clinical setting. Methods Thanks to the availability of high-throughput single-cell sequencing, we developed a new process to isolate neoantigen-specific TCR sequences. This process included the isolation of tumor-infiltrating T cells from a tumor specimen and the stimulation of T cells by neoantigen-loaded dendritic cells, followed by single-cell sequencing for TCR and T-cell activation markers, interferon-γ and interleukin-2. Results In this study, potential neoantigen-specific TCRs were isolated from three melanoma and three colorectal tumor specimens. These TCRs were then synthesized and transduced into autologous T cells, followed by testing the recognition of neoantigens. A total of 28 neoantigen-specific TCRs were identified by this process. If identical TCR sequences were detected from two or more single cells, this approach was highly reliable (100%, 19 out of 19 TCRs). Conclusion This single-cell approach provides an efficient process to isolate antigen-specific TCRs for research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chen Lu
- Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pathology and Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Zhili Zheng
- Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Frank J Lowery
- Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jared J Gartner
- Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Todd D Prickett
- Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul F Robbins
- Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Yang Y, Ye WL, Zhang RN, He XS, Wang JR, Liu YX, Wang Y, Yang XM, Zhang YJ, Gan WJ. The Role of TGF- β Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:6675208. [PMID: 34335834 PMCID: PMC8321733 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6675208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway mediates various biological functions, and its dysregulation is closely related to the occurrence of malignant tumors. However, the role of TGF-β signaling in tumorigenesis and development is complex and contradictory. On the one hand, TGF-β signaling can exert antitumor effects by inhibiting proliferation or inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. On the other hand, TGF-β signaling may mediate oncogene effects by promoting metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune escape. This review summarizes the recent findings on molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling. Specifically, this review evaluates TGF-β's therapeutic potential as a target by the following perspectives: ligands, receptors, and downstream signaling. We hope this review can trigger new ideas to improve the current clinical strategies to treat tumors related to the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Long Ye
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiao-Shun He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jing-Ru Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xue-Mei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Juan Gan
- Department of Pathology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215124, China
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