651
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Wu S, Lao XY, Sun TT, Ren LL, Kong X, Wang JL, Wang YC, Du W, Yu YN, Weng YR, Hong J, Fang JY. Knockdown of ZFX inhibits gastric cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo via downregulating the ERK-MAPK pathway. Cancer Lett 2013; 337:293-300. [PMID: 23587796 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Zinc finger protein X-linked (ZFX) is a zinc finger transcription factor encoded on the X chromosome. Here, we found that ZFX expression was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines and tissues. Knockdown of ZFX induced significant apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in SGC7901 and MGC803 cells. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that knockdown of ZFX inhibited gastric cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo via downregulating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK-MAPK) pathway. Therefore, ZFX play a prominent role in GC tumorigenicity and may have potential applications in the diagnosis or treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wu
- GI Division, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine Renji Hospital, Shanghai Institution of Digestive Disease, Shanghai 200001, China
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652
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Spina A, Sapio L, Esposito A, Di Maiolo F, Sorvillo L, Naviglio S. Inorganic Phosphate as a Novel Signaling Molecule with Antiproliferative Action in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. Biores Open Access 2013; 2:47-54. [PMID: 23515235 PMCID: PMC3569927 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2012.0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is an essential nutrient for living organisms. It plays a key role in diverse physiological functions, including osteoblast differentiation and skeletal mineralization. Relevantly, Pi is emerging as an important signaling molecule capable of modulating multiple cellular functions by altering signal transduction pathways, gene expression, and protein abundance in many cell types. To our knowledge, the consequences of elevated Pi on behavior of breast cancer cells have been poorly addressed. In this study we investigate the effects of Pi on proliferation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We report that Pi inhibits proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells by slowing cell cycle progression, without apoptosis occurrence. We found that Pi causes cells to accumulate in G1 phase in a time-dependent manner. Accordingly, G1 accumulation was associated with a decrease of cyclin A and cyclin E and an increase of cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27 protein levels, respectively. Moreover, the Pi-induced antiproliferative effect was dynamically accompanied by profound changes in ERK1/2 and STAT3 protein and phosphorylation levels in response to Pi. Altogether, our data represent the first evidence of Pi acting as a novel signaling molecule in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, capable of eliciting a strong antiproliferative action and suggest that targeting Pi levels at local sites might represent the rationale for developing novel strategies for therapeutic intervention in triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Spina
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Medical School, Second University of Naples , Naples, Italy
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653
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Spina A, Di Maiolo F, Esposito A, Sapio L, Chiosi E, Sorvillo L, Naviglio S. cAMP Elevation Down-Regulates β3 Integrin and Focal Adhesion Kinase and Inhibits Leptin-Induced Migration of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. Biores Open Access 2013; 1:324-32. [PMID: 23515360 PMCID: PMC3559230 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2012.0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies and a major cause of cancer death among women worldwide. The high mortality rate associated with breast cancer is mainly due to a propensity of the tumor to metastasize, even if small or undetectable. Given the relevant role of leptin in breast cancer growth and metastasis, novel strategies to counteract biological effects of this obesity-linked cytokine are warranted. Recently, we demonstrated that in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, intracellular cAMP elevation completely abrogates both ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in response to leptin. Very surprisingly, this provided evidence that when cAMP levels are increased, leptin drives cells towards apoptosis associated with a marked decrease of Bcl2 protein levels and accompanied by down-regulation of protein kinase A (PKA). The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of cAMP in leptin-associated motility of breast cancer cells. Here we show that cAMP elevation completely prevents leptin-induced migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Interestingly, the inhibition by cAMP-elevating agents of leptin-mediated cell migration is accompanied by a strong decrease of β3 integrin subunit and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein levels. Analysis of the underlying cAMP-dependent molecular mechanisms revealed that PKA blockers partly counteract the inhibition of leptin-induced migration and completely prevent the antiproliferative action by cAMP elevation. Moreover, a cAMP analogue that specifically activates Epac and not PKA has an inhibitory effect on leptin-induced cell migration as well. The present study confirms initial evidence for the efficacy of cAMP elevation against oncogenic effects of leptin, identifies β3 integrin subunit and FAK as proteins strongly down-regulated by cAMP elevation, and suggests that both cAMP/PKA- and cAMP/Epac-dependent pathways are involved in inhibition of leptin-induced migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The potential clinical significance and therapeutic applications of our data are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Spina
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Second University of Naples , Medical School, Naples, Italy
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654
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PI3K and MEK inhibitor combinations: examining the evidence in selected tumor types. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2013; 71:1395-409. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-013-2121-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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655
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Strambi A, Mori M, Rossi M, Colecchia D, Manetti F, Carlomagno F, Botta M, Chiariello M. Structure prediction and validation of the ERK8 kinase domain. PLoS One 2013; 8:e52011. [PMID: 23326322 PMCID: PMC3543423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 8 (ERK8) has been already implicated in cell transformation and in the protection of genomic integrity and, therefore, proposed as a novel potential therapeutic target for cancer. In the absence of a crystal structure, we developed a three-dimensional model for its kinase domain. To validate our model we applied a structure-based virtual screening protocol consisting of pharmacophore screening and molecular docking. Experimental characterization of the hit compounds confirmed that a high percentage of the identified scaffolds was able to inhibit ERK8. We also confirmed an ATP competitive mechanism of action for the two best-performing molecules. Ultimately, we identified an ERK8 drug-resistant “gatekeeper” mutant that corroborated the predicted molecular binding mode, confirming the reliability of the generated structure. We expect that our model will be a valuable tool for the development of specific ERK8 kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Strambi
- Istituto Toscano Tumori-Core Research Laboratory, Signal Transduction Unit, AOU Senese, Siena, Italy
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Siena, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Rossi
- Istituto Toscano Tumori-Core Research Laboratory, Signal Transduction Unit, AOU Senese, Siena, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - David Colecchia
- Istituto Toscano Tumori-Core Research Laboratory, Signal Transduction Unit, AOU Senese, Siena, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Carlomagno
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mario Chiariello
- Istituto Toscano Tumori-Core Research Laboratory, Signal Transduction Unit, AOU Senese, Siena, Italy
- Istituto di Fisiologia Clinica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Siena, Italy
- * E-mail:
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656
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Szankasi P, Reading NS, Vaughn CP, Prchal JT, Bahler DW, Kelley TW. A quantitative allele-specific PCR test for the BRAF V600E mutation using a single heterozygous control plasmid for quantitation: a model for qPCR testing without standard curves. J Mol Diagn 2013; 15:248-54. [PMID: 23313362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel method for mutant allele quantitation using allele-specific PCR. The method uses a heterozygous plasmid containing one wild-type and one mutant sequence as a calibrator that is run at a single concentration, with each quantitative allele-specific PCR run. PCR data from both calibrator alleles, together with predetermined PCR efficiencies, are used to quantitate the mutant allele burden in unknown specimens. We demonstrate the utility of this method by using it to calculate BRAF V600E allele frequencies in cases of hairy-cell leukemia and show that it generates data that are comparable to those obtained via allele quantitation using conventional standard curves over a wide range of allelic ratios. This method is not subject to errors that may be introduced in traditional standard curves as the result of variations in pippetting or errors in the calculation of the absolute copy numbers of standards. Furthermore, it simplifies the workflow in the clinical laboratory and would provide significant advantages for efforts to standardize clinical quantitative PCR testing.
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657
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Giunti S, Antonelli A, Amorosi A, Santarpia L. Cellular signaling pathway alterations and potential targeted therapies for medullary thyroid carcinoma. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:803171. [PMID: 23509459 PMCID: PMC3594951 DOI: 10.1155/2013/803171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parafollicular C-cell-derived medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) comprises 3% to 4% of all thyroid cancers. While cytotoxic treatments have been shown to have limited efficacy, targeted molecular therapies that inhibit rearranged during transfection (RET) and other tyrosine kinase receptors that are mainly involved in angiogenesis have shown great promise in the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced MTC. Multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as vandetanib, which is already approved for the treatment of progressive MTC, and cabozantinib have shown distinct advantages with regard to rates of disease response and control. However, these types of tyrosine kinase inhibitor compounds are able to concurrently block several types of targets, which limits the understanding of RET as a specific target. Moreover, important resistances to tyrosine kinase inhibitors can occur, which limit the long-term efficacy of these treatments. Deregulated cellular signaling pathways and genetic alterations in MTC, particularly the activation of the RAS/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cascades and RET crosstalk signaling, are now emerging as novel and potentially promising therapeutic treatments for aggressive MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Giunti
- Department of Pathology, Centro Oncologico Fiorentino, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa School of Medicine, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amorosi
- Department of Pathology, Centro Oncologico Fiorentino, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Firenze, Italy
| | - Libero Santarpia
- Translational Research Unit, Department of Oncology, Istituto Toscano Tumori, 59100 Prato, Italy
- *Libero Santarpia:
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658
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Explore the Molecular Mechanism of Apoptosis Induced by Tanshinone IIA on Activated Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:734987. [PMID: 23346212 PMCID: PMC3546466 DOI: 10.1155/2012/734987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) is the predominant event in the progression of liver fibrosis, selective clearance of HSC should be a potential strategy in therapy. Salvia miltiorrhiza roots ethanol extract (SMEE) remarkably ameliorates liver fibrogenesis in DMN-administrated rat model. Next, tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), the major compound of SMEE, significantly inhibited rat HSC viability and led to cell apoptosis. Proteome tools elucidated that increased prohibitin is involved in cell cycle arrest under Tan IIA is the treatment while knockdown of prohibitin could attenuate Tan IIA-induced apoptosis. In addition, Tan IIA mediated translocation of C-Raf which interacted with prohibitin activating MAPK and inhibiting AKT signaling in HSC. MAPK antagonist suppressed ERK phosphorylation which was necessary for Tan IIA-induced expression of Bax and cytochrome c. PD98059 also abolished Tan IIA-modulated cleavage of PARP. Our findings suggested that Tan IIA could contribute to apoptosis of HSC by promoting ERK-Bax-caspase pathways through C-Raf/prohibitin complex.
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659
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Cohen A, Crozet MD, Rathelot P, Azas N, Vanelle P. Synthesis and promising in vitro antiproliferative activity of sulfones of a 5-nitrothiazole series. Molecules 2012; 18:97-113. [PMID: 23344190 PMCID: PMC6270398 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis in water of new sulfone derivatives under microwave irradiation is described. This eco-friendly process leads to the expected products in good yields by reaction of various substituted sulfinates (commercially available or obtained by reduction of the corresponding sulfonyl chlorides) with 4-chloromethyl-2-methyl-5-nitro-1,3-thiazole. In order to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of these compounds, several sulfone derivatives are also dichlorinated on the Cα next to the sulfonyl group. An evaluation on different cancer cell lines reveals promising selective in vitro antiproliferative activity toward HepG2 human cell lines by dihydrogenated sulfones, suggesting further research should be to explore their anticancer potential in the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Cohen
- Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR UMR 7273, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin - CS30064 - 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
- Infections Parasitaires, Transmission, Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique IP-TPT UMR MD3, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Univ, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin - CS30064 - 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Maxime D. Crozet
- Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR UMR 7273, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin - CS30064 - 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Pascal Rathelot
- Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR UMR 7273, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin - CS30064 - 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Nadine Azas
- Infections Parasitaires, Transmission, Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique IP-TPT UMR MD3, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Univ, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin - CS30064 - 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; (P.V., for chemistry); (N.A., for biology); Tel.: +33-4-9183-5573 (P.V.); Fax: +33-4-8613-6822 (P.V.); Tel.: +33-4-9183-5564 (N.A.); Fax: +33-4-9183-5537 (N.A.)
| | - Patrice Vanelle
- Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR UMR 7273, Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin - CS30064 - 13385 Marseille cedex 05, France
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed; (P.V., for chemistry); (N.A., for biology); Tel.: +33-4-9183-5573 (P.V.); Fax: +33-4-8613-6822 (P.V.); Tel.: +33-4-9183-5564 (N.A.); Fax: +33-4-9183-5537 (N.A.)
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660
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Neoh CA, Wang RYL, Din ZH, Su JH, Chen YK, Tsai FJ, Weng SH, Wu YJ. Induction of apoptosis by sinulariolide from soft coral through mitochondrial-related and p38MAPK pathways on human bladder carcinoma cells. Mar Drugs 2012; 10:2893-911. [PMID: 23249971 PMCID: PMC3528132 DOI: 10.3390/md10122893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sinulariolide, an isolated compound from the soft coral Sinularia flexibilis, possesses the anti-proliferative, anti-migratory and apoptosis-inducing activities against the TSGH bladder carcinoma cell. The anti-tumor effects of sinulariolide were determined by 3-(4,5-cimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, cell migration assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Sinulariolide inhibited the growth and migration of bladder carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner, as well as induced both early and late apoptosis as determined by the flow cytometer. Also, the sinulariolide-induced apoptosis is related to the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis via caspase-dependent pathways, elucidated by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome C, activation of caspase-3/-9, Bax and Bad, as well as suppression of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL/Mcl-1. Detection of the PARP-1 cleaved product suggested the partial involvement of caspase-independent pathways. Moreover, inhibition of p38MAPK activity leads to the rescue of the cell cytotoxicity of sinulariolide-treated TSGH cells, indicating that the p38MAPK pathway is also involved in the sinulariolide-induced cell apoptosis. Altogether, these results suggest that sinulariolide induces apoptosis against bladder cancer cells through mitochondrial-related and p38MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choo-Aun Neoh
- Department of Research, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung 90059, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Robert Y.-L. Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Research Center for Emerging Viral Infections, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Zhong-Hao Din
- Graduate Institute of Applied Healthy and Biotechnology, Meiho University, Pingtung 91202, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Jui-Hsin Su
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung 94446, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Yu-Kuei Chen
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Meiho University, Pingtung 91202, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Feng-Jen Tsai
- Department of Beauty Science, Meiho University, Pingtung 91202, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Shun-Hsiang Weng
- Department of Hospitality Management, Meiho University, Pingtung 91202, Taiwan; E-Mail:
| | - Yu-Jen Wu
- Department of Beauty Science, Meiho University, Pingtung 91202, Taiwan; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +886-8-7799821 (ext. 8613); Fax: +886-8-7797821
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661
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MEK inhibition as a strategy for targeting residual breast cancer cells with low DUSP4 expression. Breast Cancer Res 2012; 14:324. [PMID: 23127286 PMCID: PMC4053122 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lack of eradication of disseminated breast cancer by chemotherapy is a central clinical problem. Even tumors that show substantial shrinkage after drug treatment frequently relapse and eventually become refractory to all drugs available. The mechanisms underlying this lack of eradication are largely undefined and it is therefore difficult to develop curative strategies using systemic anti-cancer therapy. In a recent article low DUSP4 expression was reported to activate RAS-ERK signaling in residual breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This may be a druggable characteristic because MEK inhibition increases docetaxel sensitivity in a xenograft model.
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662
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Pakladok T, Hosseinzadeh Z, Alesutan I, Lang F. Stimulation of the Na+-coupled glucose transporter SGLT1 by B-RAF. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 427:689-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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663
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Soll C, Riener MO, Oberkofler CE, Hellerbrand C, Wild PJ, DeOliveira ML, Clavien PA. Expression of serotonin receptors in human hepatocellular cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:5902-10. [PMID: 23087410 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-1813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Serotonin is a well-known neurotransmitter and vasoactive substance. Recent research indicates that serotonin contributes to liver regeneration and promotes tumor growth of human hepatocellular cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of serotonin receptors in hepatocellular cancer and analyze their potential as a cytotoxic target. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using a tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the expression of serotonin receptors in the liver from 176 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, of which nontumor tissue was available in 109 patients. Relevant clinicopathologic parameters were compared with serotonin receptor expression. Two human hepatocellular cancer cell lines, Huh7 and HepG2, were used to test serotonin antagonists as a possible cytotoxic drug. RESULTS The serotonin receptors 1B and 2B were expressed, respectively, in 32% and 35% of the patients with hepatocellular cancer. Both receptors were associated with an increased proliferation index, and receptor 1B correlated with the size of the tumor. Serotonin antagonists of receptors 1B and 2B consistently decreased viability and proliferation in Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines. CONCLUSION We identified two serotonin receptors that are often overexpressed in human hepatocellular cancer and may serve as a new cytotoxic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Soll
- Departments of Surgery and Pathology, Swiss Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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664
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Sacco E, Spinelli M, Vanoni M. Approaches to Ras signaling modulation and treatment of Ras-dependent disorders: a patent review (2007--present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 22:1263-87. [PMID: 23009088 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2012.728586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ras proteins are small GTPases molecular switches that cycle through two alternative conformational states, a GDP-bound inactive state and a GTP-bound active state. In the active state, Ras proteins interact with and modulate the activity of several downstream effectors regulating key cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, survival, senescence, migration and metabolism. Activating mutations of RAS genes and of genes encoding Ras signaling members have a great incidence in proliferative disorders, such as cancer, immune and inflammatory diseases and developmental syndromes. Therefore, Ras and Ras signaling represent important clinical targets for the design and development of pharmaceutically active agents, including anticancer agents. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize methods available to down-regulate the Ras pathway and review recent patents covering Ras signaling modulators, as well as methods designed to kill specifically cancer cells bearing activated RAS oncogene. EXPERT OPINION Targeted therapy approach based on direct targeting of molecules specifically altered in Ras-dependent diseases is pursued with molecules that down-regulate expression or inhibit the biological function of mutant Ras or Ras signaling members. The low success rate in a clinical setting of molecules targeting activated members of the Ras pathway may require development of novel approaches, including combined and synthetic lethal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sacco
- University of Milano-Bicocca, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Milano, Italy
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665
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González M, Cerecetto H. Quinoxaline derivatives: a patent review (2006--present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 22:1289-302. [PMID: 22971178 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2012.724677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Quinoxaline scaffold is included in a large number of therapeutic agents because of its physicochemical properties that make the difference between them and the carbono analogue, naphthalene. AREAS COVERED This review of patented products presents the quinoxaline heterocycle as part of the structural patent claims from a medicinal chemistry perspective. EXPERT OPINION We centred our discussion in the various drug patent applications of the quinoxaline and its derivatives. The applications are based firstly in the specific enzyme target with very low development in the disease treatment. Only for cancer and antimicrobial agents they were specifically determined but little is mentioned in order to insight in the last development activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes González
- Grupo de Química Medicinal, Laboratorio de Química Orgánica-Instituto de Química Biológica-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.
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