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Hmeljak J, Justice MJ. From gene to treatment: supporting rare disease translational research through model systems. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:12/2/dmm039271. [PMID: 30819728 PMCID: PMC6398488 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.039271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual rare diseases may affect only a few people, making them difficult to recognize, diagnose or treat by studying humans alone. Instead, model organisms help to validate genetic associations, understand functional pathways and develop therapeutic interventions for rare diseases. In this Editorial, we point to the key parameters in face, construct, predictive and target validity for accurate disease modelling, with special emphasis on rare disease models. Raising the experimental standards for disease models will enhance successful clinical translation and benefit rare disease research. Summary: This Editorial discusses the importance of model systems with accurate face, construct, target and predictive validity for rare disease research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julija Hmeljak
- Disease Models & Mechanisms, The Company of Biologists, Bidder Building, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9LF, UK
| | - Monica J Justice
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Molecular Genetics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4 Canada
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Abstract
Cancer is a cumulative manifestation of several complicated disease states that affect multiple organs. Over the last few decades, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, has become a successful model for studying human cancers. The genetic simplicity and vast arsenal of genetic tools available in Drosophila provides a unique opportunity to address questions regarding cancer initiation and progression that would be extremely challenging in other model systems. In this chapter we provide a historical overview of Drosophila as a model organism for cancer research, summarize the multitude of genetic tools available, offer a brief comparison between different model organisms and cell culture platforms used in cancer studies and briefly discuss some of the latest models and concepts in recent Drosophila cancer research.
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53
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Saavedra P, Perrimon N. Drosophila as a Model for Tumor-Induced Organ Wasting. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1167:191-205. [PMID: 31520356 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23629-8_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In humans, cancer-associated cachexia is a complex syndrome that reduces the overall quality of life and survival of cancer patients, particularly for those undergoing chemotherapy. The most easily observable sign of cachexia is organ wasting, the dramatic loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass. Estimates suggest that 80% of patients in advanced stages of cancer show signs of the syndrome and about 20% of cancer patients die directly of cachexia. Because there is no treatment or drug available to ameliorate organ wasting induced by cancer, cachexia is a relevant clinical problem. However, it is unclear how cachexia is mediated, what factors drive interactions between tumors and host tissues, and which markers of cachexia might be used to allow early detection before the observable signs of organ wasting. In this chapter, we review the current mammalian models of cachexia and the need to use new models of study. We also explain recent developments in Drosophila as a model for studying organ wasting induced by tumors and how fly studies can help unravel important mechanisms that drive cachexia. In particular, we discuss what lessons have been learned from tumor models recently reported to induce systemic organ wasting in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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54
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Bangi E. A Drosophila Based Cancer Drug Discovery Framework. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1167:237-248. [PMID: 31520359 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23629-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been growing interest in using Drosophila for drug discovery as it provides a unique opportunity to screen small molecules against complex disease phenotypes in a whole animal setting. Furthermore, gene-compound interaction experiments that combine compound feeding with complex genetic manipulations enable exploration of compound mechanisms of response and resistance to an extent that is difficult to achieve in other experimental models. Here, I discuss how compound screening and testing approaches reported in Drosophila fit into the current cancer drug discovery pipeline. I then propose a framework for a Drosophila-based cancer drug discovery strategy which would allow the Drosophila research community to effectively leverage the power of Drosophila to identify candidate therapeutics and push our discoveries into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdem Bangi
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
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55
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Rahmatika D, Kuroda N, Min Z, Nainu F, Nagaosa K, Nakanishi Y. Inhibitory effects of viral infection on cancer development. Virology 2018; 528:48-53. [PMID: 30576859 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses evoked on viral infections prevent the dissemination of infection that otherwise leads to the development of diseases in host organisms. In the present study, we investigated whether viral infection influences tumorigenesis in cancer-bearing animals using a Drosophila model of cancer. Cancer was induced in the posterior part of wing imaginal discs through the simultaneous inhibition of apoptosis and cell-cycle checkpoints. The larvae and embryos of cancer-induced flies were infected with Drosophila C virus, a natural pathogen to Drosophila, and larval wing discs and adult wings were morphologically examined for cancer characteristics relative to uninfected controls. We found that viral infections brought about an approximately 30% reduction in the rate of cancer development in both wing discs and wings. These inhibitory effects were not observed when growth-defective virus was used to infect animals. These results indicate that productive viral infections repress tumorigenesis in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Rahmatika
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Nanae Kuroda
- School of Pharmacy, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Zhang Min
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Firzan Nainu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Tamalanrea, Kota Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan 90245, Indonesia
| | - Kaz Nagaosa
- Section of Food Sciences, Institute of Regional Innovation, Hirosaki University, Yanagawa, Aomori 038-0012, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Nakanishi
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan; School of Pharmacy, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan.
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56
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Dai X, Xia H, Zhou S, Tang Q, Bi F. Zoledronic acid enhances the efficacy of the MEK inhibitor trametinib in KRAS mutant cancers. Cancer Lett 2018; 442:202-212. [PMID: 30429107 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutation is the most common type of mutation in human cancers. However, the direct pharmacological inhibition of KRAS has not been clinically successful. Trametinib (GSK1120212, Tram), a newer MEK inhibitor, inhibits RAS signaling through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade suppression. The effectiveness of Tram in clinical practice is limited in KRAS mutant tumors compared to that in BRAF mutant tumors. Here, we found that Tram treatment provoked feedback activation of upstream RAS, thus causing an induction of phosphorylated MEK (pMEK) and phosphorylated ERK (pERK) rebound in KRAS mutant tumors. This failure of persistent ERK inhibition led to drug resistance. Zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, disrupts the biological activity of RAS by inhibiting its isoprenylation. Surprisingly, ZA overcame Tram resistance, and augmented antitumor activity was observed in KRAS mutant tumors both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ZA enhanced the effect of Tram partially through the mevalonate pathway. In summary, the combination of the two FDA-approved drugs Tram and ZA may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of KRAS mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hongwei Xia
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Feng Bi
- Department of Medical Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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57
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Ahmadi Y, Karimian R, Panahi Y. Effects of statins on the chemoresistance-The antagonistic drug-drug interactions versus the anti-cancer effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:1856-1865. [PMID: 30372891 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been growing interest in the potential anti-cancer activity of statins based on evidence of their anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and radiosensitizing properties, but no studies have focused on the effects of statins on the chemoresistance. In spite of their direct cytostatic/cytotoxic effects on the cancer cells, statins via drug interactions may affect therapeutic effects of the chemotherapy agents and so cause chemoresistance in cancer cells. Here, we aim to present the molecular mechanisms underlying cytotoxic effects of statins on the cancer cells against those mechanisms by which statins may lead to chemoresistance, in order to clarify whether the positive effects of the co-treatment of statins on the efficiency of chemotherapeutic agents is due to the natural anti-cancer effects of statins or it is due to increasing the cellular concentrations of chemotherapy drugs in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Ahmadi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems biology and poisonings institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ramin Karimian
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems biology and poisonings institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Yunes Panahi
- Chemical Injuries Research Center, Systems biology and poisonings institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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58
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Wei G, Sun L, Qin S, Li R, Chen L, Jin P, Ma F. Dme-Hsa Disease Database (DHDD): Conserved Human Disease-Related miRNA and Their Targeting Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092642. [PMID: 30200613 PMCID: PMC6163619 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal expressions of microRNA (miRNA) can result in human diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. MiRNA mainly exert their biological functions via repressing the expression of their target genes. Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) is an ideal model for studying the molecular mechanisms behind biological phenotypes, including human diseases. In this study, we collected human and D. melanogaster miRNA as well as known human disease-related genes. In total, we identified 136 human disease-related miRNA that are orthologous to 83 D. melanogaster miRNA by mapping "seed sequence", and 677 human disease-related genes that are orthologous to 734 D. melanogaster genes using the DRSC Integrative Ortholog Prediction Tool Furthermore, we revealed the target relationship between genes and miRNA using miRTarBase database and target prediction software, including miRanda and TargetScan. In addition, we visualized interaction networks and signalling pathways for these filtered miRNA and target genes. Finally, we compiled all the above data and information to generate a database designated DHDD This is the first comprehensive collection of human disease-related miRNA and their targeting genes conserved in a D. melanogaster database. The DHDD provides a resource for easily searching human disease-related miRNA and their disease-related target genes as well as their orthologs in D. melanogaster, and conveniently identifying the regulatory relationships among them in the form of a visual network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyun Wei
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China.
- School of Life Sciences, School of Ocean Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lianjie Sun
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shijie Qin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ruimin Li
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Liming Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, Jiangsu, China.
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59
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Powers N, Srivastava A. The Air Sac Primordium of Drosophila: A Model for Invasive Development. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072074. [PMID: 30018198 PMCID: PMC6073991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of invasive properties preceding tumor metastasis is critical for cancer progression. This phenomenon may result from mutagenic disruption of typical cell function, but recent evidence suggests that cancer cells frequently co-opt normal developmental programs to facilitate invasion as well. The signaling cascades that have been implicated present an obstacle to identifying effective therapeutic targets because of their complex nature and modulatory capacity through crosstalk with other pathways. Substantial efforts have been made to study invasive behavior during organogenesis in several organisms, but another model found in Drosophilamelanogaster has not been thoroughly explored. The air sac primordium (ASP) appears to be a suitable candidate for investigating the genes and morphogens required for invasion due to the distinct overlap in the events that occur during its normal growth and the development of metastatic tumor cells. Among these events are the conversion of larval cells in the trachea into a population of mitotically active cells, reduced cell–cell contact along the leading edge of the ASP, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds the structure. Here, we summarize the development of ASPs and invasive behavior observed therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Powers
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Center, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Boulevard, TCCW 351, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
| | - Ajay Srivastava
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Center, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Boulevard, TCCW 351, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
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60
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Iizuka-Ohashi M, Watanabe M, Sukeno M, Morita M, Hoang NTH, Kuchimaru T, Kizaka-Kondoh S, Sowa Y, Sakaguchi K, Taguchi T, Sakai T. Blockage of the mevalonate pathway overcomes the apoptotic resistance to MEK inhibitors with suppressing the activation of Akt in cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:19597-19612. [PMID: 29731968 PMCID: PMC5929411 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing clinical demands for MEK inhibitors in cancer treatment, overcoming the resistance to MEK inhibitors is an urgent problem to be solved. Numerous reports have shown that MEK inhibition results in the activation of PI3K-Akt signaling, which may confer apoptotic resistance to MEK inhibitors. We here demonstrate that the blockade of the mevalonate pathway using the antilipidemic drug statins represses Akt activation following MEK inhibition and induces significant apoptosis when co-treated with CH5126766 or trametinib. These events were clearly negated by the addition of mevalonate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, indicating that the protein geranylgeranylation is implicated in the apoptotic resistance to MEK inhibitors. Furthermore, mechanistically, the combined treatment of CH5126766 with statins upregulated TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which was dependent on inhibition of the mevalonate pathway and is involved in apoptosis induction in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. The present study not only revealed that the mevalonate pathway could be targetable to enhance the efficacy of MEK inhibitors, but also proposes that combinatorial treatment of MEK inhibitors with statins may be a promising therapeutic strategy to sensitize cancer cells to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahiro Iizuka-Ohashi
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Cancer Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Division of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motoki Watanabe
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Cancer Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mamiko Sukeno
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Cancer Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mie Morita
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Cancer Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ngoc Thi Hong Hoang
- Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kuchimaru
- Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shinae Kizaka-Kondoh
- Department of Life Science and Technology, School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sowa
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Cancer Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Sakaguchi
- Division of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Taguchi
- Division of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sakai
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Cancer Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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61
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Modelling Cooperative Tumorigenesis in Drosophila. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4258387. [PMID: 29693007 PMCID: PMC5859872 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4258387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of human metastatic cancer is a multistep process, involving the acquisition of several genetic mutations, tumour heterogeneity, and interactions with the surrounding microenvironment. Due to the complexity of cancer development in mammals, simpler model organisms, such as the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, are being utilized to provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved. In this review, we highlight recent advances in modelling tumorigenesis using the Drosophila model, focusing on the cooperation of oncogenes or tumour suppressors, and the interaction of mutant cells with the surrounding tissue in epithelial tumour initiation and progression.
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62
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Xia H, Dai X, Yu H, Zhou S, Fan Z, Wei G, Tang Q, Gong Q, Bi F. EGFR-PI3K-PDK1 pathway regulates YAP signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: the mechanism and its implications in targeted therapy. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:269. [PMID: 29449645 PMCID: PMC5833379 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0302-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway and Hippo signaling play an important role in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the crosstalk between these two pathways and its implications in targeted therapy remains unclear. We found that the activated EGFR signaling could bypass RhoA to promote the expression of YAP(Yes-associated protein), the core effector of the Hippo signaling, and its downstream target Cyr61. Further studies indicated that EGFR signaling mainly acted through the PI3K-PDK1 (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1) pathway to activate YAP, but not the AKT and MAPK pathways. While YAP knockdown hardly affected the EGFR signaling. In addition, EGF could promote the proliferation of HCC cells in a YAP-independent manner. Combined targeting of YAP and EGFR signaling by simvastatin and the EGFR signaling inhibitors, including the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) gefitinib, the RAF inhibitor sorafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib, presented strong synergistic cytotoxicities in HCC cells. Therefore, the EGFR-PI3K-PDK1 pathway could activate the YAP signaling, and the activated EGFR signaling could promote the HCC cell growth in a YAP-independent manner. Combined use of FDA-approved inhibitors to simultaneously target YAP and EGFR signaling presented several promising therapeutic approaches for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Xia
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xinyu Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huangfei Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhenghai Fan
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guoqing Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Feng Bi
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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63
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Das TK, Cagan RL. Non-mammalian models of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:T91-T104. [PMID: 29348307 PMCID: PMC5935467 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-five years ago, RET was identified as the primary driver of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome. MEN2 is characterized by several transformation events including pheochromocytoma, parathyroid adenoma and, especially penetrant, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Overall, MTC is a rare but aggressive type of thyroid cancer for which no effective treatment currently exists. Surgery, radiation, radioisotope treatment and chemotherapeutics have all shown limited success, and none of these approaches have proven durable in advanced disease. Non-mammalian models that incorporate the oncogenic RET isoforms associated with MEN2 and other RET-associated diseases have been useful in delineating mechanisms underlying disease progression. These models have also identified novel targeted therapies as single agents and as combinations. These studies highlight the importance of modeling disease in the context of the whole animal, accounting for the complex interplay between tumor and normal cells in controlling disease progression as well as response to therapy. With convenient access to whole genome sequencing data from expanded thyroid cancer patient cohorts, non-mammalian models will become more complex, sophisticated and continue to complement future mammalian studies. In this review, we explore the contributions of non-mammalian models to our understanding of thyroid cancer including MTC, with a focus on Danio rerio and Drosophila melanogaster (fish and fly) models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirtha K Das
- Department of Cell Developmental and Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ross L Cagan
- Department of Cell Developmental and Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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64
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Rimkus SA, Wassarman DA. A pharmacological screen for compounds that rescue the developmental lethality of a Drosophila ATM mutant. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190821. [PMID: 29338042 PMCID: PMC5770031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutation of the A-T mutated (ATM) gene. ATM encodes a protein kinase that is activated by DNA damage and phosphorylates many proteins, including those involved in DNA repair, cell cycle control, and apoptosis. Characteristic biological and molecular functions of ATM observed in mammals are conserved in Drosophila melanogaster. As an example, conditional loss-of-function ATM alleles in flies cause progressive neurodegeneration through activation of the innate immune response. However, unlike in mammals, null alleles of ATM in flies cause lethality during development. With the goals of understanding biological and molecular roles of ATM in a whole animal and identifying candidate therapeutics for A-T, we performed a screen of 2400 compounds, including FDA-approved drugs, natural products, and bioactive compounds, for modifiers of the developmental lethality caused by a temperature-sensitive ATM allele (ATM8) that has reduced kinase activity at non-permissive temperatures. Ten compounds reproducibly suppressed the developmental lethality of ATM8 flies, including Ronnel, which is an organophosphate. Ronnel and other suppressor compounds are known to cause mitochondrial dysfunction or to inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which controls the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, suggesting that detrimental consequences of reduced ATM kinase activity can be rescued by inhibiting the function of mitochondria or increasing acetylcholine levels. We carried out further studies of Ronnel because, unlike the other compounds that suppressed the developmental lethality of homozygous ATM8 flies, Ronnel was toxic to the development of heterozygous ATM8 flies. Ronnel did not affect the innate immune response of ATM8 flies, and it further increased the already high levels of DNA damage in brains of ATM8 flies, but its effects were not harmful to the lifespan of rescued ATM8 flies. These results provide new leads for understanding the biological and molecular roles of ATM and for the treatment of A-T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey A. Rimkus
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - David A. Wassarman
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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Strange K. Drug Discovery in Fish, Flies, and Worms. ILAR J 2017; 57:133-143. [PMID: 28053067 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilw034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonmammalian model organisms such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and the zebrafish Danio rerio provide numerous experimental advantages for drug discovery including genetic and molecular tractability, amenability to high-throughput screening methods and reduced experimental costs and increased experimental throughput compared to traditional mammalian models. An interdisciplinary approach that strategically combines the study of nonmammalian and mammalian animal models with diverse experimental tools has and will continue to provide deep molecular and genetic understanding of human disease and will significantly enhance the discovery and application of new therapies to treat those diseases. This review will provide an overview of C. elegans, Drosophila, and zebrafish biology and husbandry and will discuss how these models are being used for phenotype-based drug screening and for identification of drug targets and mechanisms of action. The review will also describe how these and other nonmammalian model organisms are uniquely suited for the discovery of drug-based regenerative medicine therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Strange
- Kevin Strange, Ph.D., is President and CEO of the MDI Biological Laboratory and CEO of Novo Biosciences, Inc
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Abstract
Accumulating epidemiological evidence indicates a strong clinical association between obesity and an increased risk of cancer. The global pandemic of obesity indicates a public health trend towards a substantial increase in cancer incidence and mortality. However, the mechanisms that link obesity to cancer remain incompletely understood. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been increasingly used to model an expanding spectrum of human diseases. Fly models provide a genetically simpler system that is ideal for use as a first step towards dissecting disease interactions. Recently, the combining of fly models of diet-induced obesity with models of cancer has provided a novel model system in which to study the biological mechanisms that underlie the connections between obesity and cancer. In this Review, I summarize recent advances, made using Drosophila, in our understanding of the interplay between diet, obesity, insulin resistance and cancer. I also discuss how the biological mechanisms and therapeutic targets that have been identified in fly studies could be utilized to develop preventative interventions and treatment strategies for obesity-associated cancers. Summary: This Review highlights a Drosophila model of diet-induced obesity and cancer, and how these two models are combined to study the interplay between obesity and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Hirabayashi
- Metabolism and Cell Growth Group, MRC Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC), Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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Zhang T, Hsu FN, Xie XJ, Li X, Liu M, Gao X, Pei X, Liao Y, Du W, Ji JY. Reversal of hyperactive Wnt signaling-dependent adipocyte defects by peptide boronic acids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E7469-E7478. [PMID: 28827348 PMCID: PMC5594642 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621048114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated Wnt signaling and altered lipid metabolism have been linked to obesity, diabetes, and various cancers, highlighting the importance of identifying inhibitors that can modulate Wnt signaling and aberrant lipid metabolism. We have established a Drosophila model with hyperactivated Wnt signaling caused by partial loss of axin, a key component of the Wnt cascade. The Axin mutant larvae are transparent and have severe adipocyte defects caused by up-regulation of β-catenin transcriptional activities. We demonstrate pharmacologic mitigation of these phenotypes in Axin mutants by identifying bortezomib and additional peptide boronic acids. We show that the suppressive effect of peptide boronic acids on hyperactive Wnt signaling is dependent on α-catenin; the rescue effect is completely abolished with the depletion of α-catenin in adipocytes. These results indicate that rather than targeting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway directly, pharmacologic modulation of β-catenin activity through α-catenin is a potentially attractive approach to attenuating Wnt signaling in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Zhang
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Fu-Ning Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Xiao-Jun Xie
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Xinsheng Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Xun Pei
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Yang Liao
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Wei Du
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637;
| | - Jun-Yuan Ji
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843
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Martín-Bermudo MD, Gebel L, Palacios IM. DrosAfrica: Building an African biomedical research community using Drosophila. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 70:58-64. [PMID: 28860103 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The impact that research has on shaping the future of societies is perhaps as significant as never before. One of the problems for most regions in Africa is poor quality and quantity of research-based education, as well as low level of funding. Hence, African researchers produce only around one percent of the world's research. We believe that research with Drosophila melanogaster can contribute to changing that. As seen before in other places, Drosophila can be used as a powerful and cost-effective model system to scale-up and improve both academia and research output. The DrosAfrica project was founded to train and establish a connected community of researchers using Drosophila as a model system to investigate biomedical problems in Africa. Since founding, the project has trained eighty scientists from numerous African countries, and continues to grow. Here, we describe the DrosAfrica project, its conception and its mission. We also give detailed insights into DrosAfrica's approaches to achieve its aims, as well as future perspectives, and opportunities beyond Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- María D Martín-Bermudo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC-Univ. Pablo de Olavide), Sevilla, 41013, Spain.
| | - Luka Gebel
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, Capella Building - Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Isabel M Palacios
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK, and School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
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Epidermal Growth Factor Pathway Signaling in Drosophila Embryogenesis: Tools for Understanding Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9020016. [PMID: 28178204 PMCID: PMC5332939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
EGF signaling is a well-known oncogenic pathway in animals. It is also a key developmental pathway regulating terminal and dorsal-ventral patterning along with many other aspects of embryogenesis. In this review, we focus on the diverse roles for the EGF pathway in Drosophila embryogenesis. We review the existing body of evidence concerning EGF signaling in Drosophila embryogenesis focusing on current uncertainties in the field and areas for future study. This review provides a foundation for utilizing the Drosophila model system for research into EGF effects on cancer.
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The Lantibiotic NAI-107 Efficiently Rescues Drosophila melanogaster from Infection with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:5427-36. [PMID: 27381394 PMCID: PMC4997821 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02965-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We used the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a cost-effective in vivo model to evaluate the efficacy of novel antibacterial peptides and peptoids for treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. A panel of peptides with known antibacterial activity in vitro and/or in vivo was tested in Drosophila Although most peptides and peptoids that were effective in vitro failed to rescue lethal effects of S. aureus infections in vivo, we found that two lantibiotics, nisin and NAI-107, rescued adult flies from fatal infections. Furthermore, NAI-107 rescued mortality of infection with the MRSA strain USA300 with an efficacy equivalent to that of vancomycin, a widely applied antibiotic for the treatment of serious MRSA infections. These results establish Drosophila as a useful model for in vivo drug evaluation of antibacterial peptides.
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Yadav AK, Srikrishna S, Gupta SC. Cancer Drug Development Using Drosophila as an in vivo Tool: From Bedside to Bench and Back. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:789-806. [PMID: 27298020 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used for modeling cancer and as an in vivo tool for the validation and/or development of cancer therapeutics. The impetus for the use of Drosophila in cancer research stems from the high conservation of its signaling pathways, lower genetic redundancy, short life cycle, genetic amenability, and ease of maintenance. Several cell signaling pathways in Drosophila have been used for cancer drug development. The efficacy of combination therapy and uptake/bioavailability of drugs have also been studied. Drosophila has been validated using several FDA-approved drugs, suggesting a potential application of this model in drug repurposing. The model is emerging as a powerful tool for high-throughput screening and should significantly reduce the cost and time associated with drug development. In this review we discuss the applications of Drosophila in cancer drug development. The advantages and limitations of the model are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarish Kumar Yadav
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Saripella Srikrishna
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India.
| | - Subash Chandra Gupta
- Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India.
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