51
|
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and primary tumor cells are addicted to the MYC oncoprotein for survival. Little is known, however, about how MYC expression is upregulated in MM cells. The mucin 1 C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) is an oncogenic transmembrane protein that is aberrantly expressed in MM cell lines and primary tumor samples. The present studies demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C with silencing by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 editing or with the GO-203 inhibitor is associated with downregulation of MYC messenger RNA and protein. The results show that MUC1-C occupies the MYC promoter and thereby activates the MYC gene by a β-catenin/transcription factor 4 (TCF4)-mediated mechanism. In this way, MUC1-C (1) increases β-catenin occupancy on the MYC promoter, (2) forms a complex with β-catenin and TCF4, and, in turn, (3) drives MYC transcription. Analysis of MM cells using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction arrays further demonstrated that silencing MUC1-C is associated with downregulation of MYC target genes, including CCND2, hTERT, and GCLC Analysis of microarray data sets further demonstrated that MUC1 levels positively correlate with MYC expression in MM progression and in primary cells from over 800 MM patients. These findings collectively provide convincing evidence that MUC1-C drives MYC expression in MM.
Collapse
|
52
|
David JM, Hamilton DH, Palena C. MUC1 upregulation promotes immune resistance in tumor cells undergoing brachyury-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1117738. [PMID: 27141403 PMCID: PMC4839328 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1117738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a molecular and cellular program in which epithelial cells lose their well-differentiated phenotype and adopt mesenchymal characteristics. This process, which occurs naturally during embryogenesis, has also been shown to be associated with cancer progression and with tumor recurrence following conventional therapies. Brachyury is a transcription factor that mediates EMT during development, and is aberrantly expressed in various human cancers where it promotes tumor cell EMT, metastatic dissemination, and resistance to conventional therapies. We have recently shown that very high expression of brachyury can protect tumor cells against immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In seeking to elucidate mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance, we have discovered a novel positive association between brachyury and mucin-1 (MUC1). MUC1 is overexpressed in the majority of carcinomas, and it has been shown to mediate oncogenic signaling and confer resistance to genotoxic agents. We found that MUC1 is concomitantly upregulated in tumor cell lines that highly express brachyury due to an enhancement of MUC1 mRNA stability. Analysis of patient lung tumor tissues also identified a positive association between these two proteins in the majority of samples. Inhibition of MUC1 by siRNA-based gene silencing markedly enhanced the susceptibility of brachyury-expressing cancer cells to killing by tumor necrosis-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and to perforin/granzyme-dependent lysis by immune cytotoxic cells. These studies confirm a protective role for MUC1 in brachyury-expressing cancer cells, and suggest that inhibition of MUC1 can restore the susceptibility of mesenchymal-like cancer cells to immune attack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Apostolopoulos V, Stojanovska L, Gargosky SE. MUC1 (CD227): a multi-tasked molecule. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4475-500. [PMID: 26294353 PMCID: PMC11113675 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2014-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1 [CD227]) is a high-molecular weight (>400 kDa), type I membrane-tethered glycoprotein that is expressed on epithelial cells and extends far above the glycocalyx. MUC1 is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in adenocarcinomas and in hematological malignancies. As a result, MUC1 has been a target for tumor immunotherapeutic studies in mice and in humans. MUC1 has been shown to have anti-adhesive and immunosuppressive properties, protects against infections, and is involved in the oncogenic process as well as in cell signaling. In addition, MUC1 plays a key role in the reproductive tract, in the immune system (affecting dendritic cells, monocytes, T cells, and B cells), and in chronic inflammatory diseases. Evidence for all of these roles for MUC1 is discussed herein and demonstrates that MUC1 is truly a multitasked molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Lily Stojanovska
- Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
54
|
Rodríguez-Iglesias B, Novella-Maestre E, Herraiz S, Díaz-García C, Pellicer N, Pellicer A. New methods to improve the safety assessment of cryopreserved ovarian tissue for fertility preservation in breast cancer patients. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1493-502.e1-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
55
|
Barham W, Chen L, Tikhomirov O, Onishko H, Gleaves L, Stricker TP, Blackwell TS, Yull FE. Aberrant activation of NF-κB signaling in mammary epithelium leads to abnormal growth and ductal carcinoma in situ. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:647. [PMID: 26424146 PMCID: PMC4590702 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1652-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 1 in 5 women diagnosed with breast cancer are considered to have in situ disease, most often termed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Though recognized as a risk factor for the development of more invasive cancer, it remains unclear what factors contribute to DCIS development. It has been shown that inflammation contributes to the progression of a variety of tumor types, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is recognized as a master-regulator of inflammatory signaling. However, the contributions of NF-κB signaling to tumor initiation are less well understood. Aberrant up-regulation of NF-κB activity, either systemically or locally within the breast, could occur due to a variety of commonly experienced stimuli such as acute infection, obesity, or psychological stress. In this study, we seek to determine if activation of NF-κB in mammary epithelium could play a role in the formation of hyperplastic ductal lesions. METHODS Our studies utilize a doxycycline-inducible transgenic mouse model in which constitutively active IKKβ is expressed specifically in mammary epithelium. All previously published models of NF-κB modulation in the virgin mammary gland have been constitutive models, with transgene or knock-out present throughout the life and development of the animal. For the first time, we will induce activation at later time points after normal ducts have formed, thus being able to determine if NF-κB activation can promote pre-malignant changes in previously normal mammary epithelium. RESULTS We found that even a short pulse of NF-κB activation could induce profound remodeling of mammary ductal structures. Short-term activation created hyperproliferative, enlarged ducts with filled lumens. Increased expression of inflammatory markers was concurrent with the down-regulation of hormone receptors and markers of epithelial differentiation. Furthermore, the oncoprotein mucin 1, known to be up-regulated in human and mouse DCIS, was over-expressed and mislocalized in the activated ductal tissue. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that aberrant NF-κB activation within mammary epithelium can lead to molecular and morphological changes consistent with the earliest stages of breast cancer. Thus, inhibition of NF-κB signaling following acute inflammation or the initial signs of hyperplastic ductal growth could represent an important opportunity for breast cancer prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Barham
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 23rd Ave S and Pierce PRB 325, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Lianyi Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 23rd Ave S and Pierce PRB 325, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Oleg Tikhomirov
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 23rd Ave S and Pierce PRB 325, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Halina Onishko
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 23rd Ave S and Pierce PRB 325, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Linda Gleaves
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Thomas P Stricker
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Timothy S Blackwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA. .,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 691 Preston Building, 2220 Pierce Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Fiona E Yull
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 23rd Ave S and Pierce PRB 325, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA. .,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 691 Preston Building, 2220 Pierce Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Raina D, Agarwal P, Lee J, Bharti A, McKnight CJ, Sharma P, Kharbanda S, Kufe D. Characterization of the MUC1-C Cytoplasmic Domain as a Cancer Target. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135156. [PMID: 26267657 PMCID: PMC4534190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a heterodimeric protein that is aberrantly expressed in diverse human carcinomas and certain hematologic malignancies. The oncogenic MUC1 transmembrane C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) functions in part by transducing growth and survival signals from cell surface receptors. However, little is known about the structure of the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain as a potential drug target. Using methods for structural predictions, our results indicate that a highly conserved CQCRRK sequence, which is adjacent to the cell membrane, forms a small pocket that exposes the two cysteine residues for forming disulfide bonds. By contrast, the remainder of the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain has no apparent structure, consistent with an intrinsically disordered protein. Our studies thus focused on targeting the MUC1 CQCRRK region. The results show that L- and D-amino acid CQCRRK-containing peptides bind directly to the CQC motif. We further show that the D-amino acid peptide, designated GO-203, blocks homodimerization of the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain in vitro and in transfected cells. Moreover, GO-203 binds directly to endogenous MUC1-C in breast and lung cancer cells. Colocalization studies further demonstrate that GO-203 predominantly binds to MUC1-C at the cell membrane. These findings support the further development of agents that target the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain CQC motif and thereby MUC1-C function in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Raina
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, United States of America
- Genus Oncology, Boston, MA, 02118, United States of America
| | | | - James Lee
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, United States of America
| | - Ajit Bharti
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, United States of America
| | - C. James McKnight
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Boston, MA, 02118, United States of America
| | | | - Surender Kharbanda
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, United States of America
- Genus Oncology, Boston, MA, 02118, United States of America
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Kharbanda A, Rajabi H, Jin C, Alam M, Wong KK, Kufe D. MUC1-C confers EMT and KRAS independence in mutant KRAS lung cancer cells. Oncotarget 2015; 5:8893-905. [PMID: 25245423 PMCID: PMC4253405 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) that harbor an oncogenic KRAS mutation are often associated with resistance to targeted therapies. The MUC1-C transmembrane protein is aberrantly overexpressed in NSCLCs and confers a poor outcome; however, the functional role for MUC1-C in mutant KRAS NSCLC cells has remained unclear. The present studies demonstrate that silencing MUC1-C in A549/KRAS(G12S) and H460/KRAS(Q61H) NSCLC cells is associated with downregulation of AKT signaling and inhibition of growth. Overexpression of a MUC1-C(CQC→AQA) mutant, which inhibits MUC1-C homodimerization and function, suppressed both AKT and MEK activation. Moreover, treatment with GO-203, an inhibitor of MUC1-C homodimerization, blocked AKT and MEK signaling and decreased cell survival. The results further demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C suppresses expression of the ZEB1 transcriptional repressor by an AKT-mediated mechanism, and in turn induces miR-200c. In concert with these effects on the ZEB1/miR-200c regulatory loop, targeting MUC1-C was associated with reversal of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibition of self-renewal capacity. Loss of MUC1-C function also attenuated KRAS independence and inhibited growth of KRAS mutant NSCLC cells as tumors in mice. These findings support a model in which targeting MUC1-C inhibits mutant KRAS signaling in NSCLC cells and thereby reverses the EMT phenotype and decreases self-renewal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Kharbanda
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Hasan Rajabi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Caining Jin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Maroof Alam
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Kwok-Kin Wong
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Joshi S, Kumar S, Choudhury A, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Altered Mucins (MUC) trafficking in benign and malignant conditions. Oncotarget 2015; 5:7272-84. [PMID: 25261375 PMCID: PMC4202122 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucins are high molecular weight O-glycoproteins that are predominantly expressed at the apical surface of epithelial cells and have wide range of functions. The functional diversity is attributed to their structure that comprises of a peptide chain with unique domains and multiple carbohydrate moieties added during posttranslational modifications. Tumor cells aberrantly overexpress mucins, and thereby promote proliferation, differentiation, motility, invasion and metastasis. Along with their aberrant expression, accumulating evidence suggest the critical role of altered subcellular localization of mucins under pathological conditions due to altered endocytic processes. The mislocalization of mucins and their interactions result in change in the density and activity of important cell membrane proteins (like, receptor tyrosine kinases) to facilitate various signaling, which help cancer cells to proliferate, survive and progress to more aggressive phenotype. In this review article, we summarize studies on mucins trafficking and provide a perspective on its importance to pathological conditions and to answer critical questions including its use for therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhasini Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, U.S.A
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, U.S.A
| | | | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, U.S.A
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, U.S.A. Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
MUC1-Targeted Cancer Cell Photothermal Ablation Using Bioinspired Gold Nanorods. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128756. [PMID: 26147830 PMCID: PMC4493038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the overexpression of mucin 1 (MUC1) in various epithelial carcinomas and its role in tumorigenesis. These mucins present a novel targeting opportunity for nanoparticle-mediated photothermal cancer treatments due to their unique antenna-like extracellular extension. In this study, MUC1 antibodies and albumin were immobilized onto the surface of gold nanorods using a "primer" of polydopamine (PD), a molecular mimic of catechol- and amine-rich mussel adhesive proteins. PD forms an adhesive platform for the deposition of albumin and MUC1 antibodies, achieving a surface that is stable, bioinert and biofunctional. Two-photon luminescence confocal and darkfield scattering imaging revealed targeting of MUC1-BSA-PD-NRs to MUC1+ MCF-7 breast cancer and SCC-15 squamous cell carcinoma cells lines. Treated cells were exposed to a laser encompassing the near-infrared AuNR longitudinal surface plasmon and assessed for photothermal ablation. MUC1-BSA-PD-NRs substantially decreased cell viability in photoirradiated MCF-7 cell lines vs. MUC1- MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (p < 0.005). Agents exhibited no cytotoxicity in the absence of photothermal treatment. The facile nature of the coating method, combined with targeting and photoablation efficacy, are attractive features of these candidate cancer nanotherapeutics.
Collapse
|
60
|
Mucin 1 is a potential therapeutic target in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Blood 2015; 126:354-62. [PMID: 26048911 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-02-628149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an aggressive neoplasm with limited treatments for patients with advanced disease. The mucin 1 C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) oncoprotein plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and protection from cytotoxic injury mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although CTCL cells exhibit resistance to ROS-induced apoptosis, the expression and functional significance of MUC1 in CTCL have not been previously investigated. Present studies demonstrate that MUC1-C is overexpressed in CTCL cell lines and primary CTCL cells but is absent in resting T cells from healthy donors and B-cell lymphoma cells. We have developed a cell-penetrating peptide that disrupts homodimerization of the MUC1-C subunit necessary for its nuclear translocation and downstream signaling. We show that treatment of CTCL cells with the MUC1-C inhibitor is associated with downregulation of the p53-inducible regulator of glycolysis and apoptosis and decreases in reduced NAD phosphate and glutathione levels. In concert with these results, targeting MUC1-C in CTCL cells increased ROS and, in turn, induced ROS-mediated late apoptosis/necrosis. Targeting MUC1-C in CTCL tumor xenograft models demonstrated significant decreases in disease burden. These findings indicate that MUC1-C maintains redox balance in CTCL cells and is thereby a novel target for the treatment of patients with CTCL.
Collapse
|
61
|
Miller-Kleinhenz JM, Bozeman EN, Yang L. Targeted nanoparticles for image-guided treatment of triple-negative breast cancer: clinical significance and technological advances. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 7:797-816. [PMID: 25966677 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Effective treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with its aggressive tumor biology, highly heterogeneous tumor cells, and poor prognosis requires an integrated therapeutic approach that addresses critical issues in cancer therapy. Multifunctional nanoparticles with the abilities of targeted drug delivery and noninvasive imaging for monitoring drug delivery and responses to therapy, such as theranostic nanoparticles, hold great promise toward the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of TNBC using a single therapeutic platform. The biological and pathological characteristics of TNBC provide insight into several potential molecular targets for current and future nanoparticle-based therapeutics. Extensive tumor stroma, highly proliferative cells, and a high rate of drug resistance are all barriers that must be appropriately addressed in order for these nanotherapeutic platforms to be effective. Utilization of the enhanced permeability and retention effect coupled with active targeting of cell surface receptors expressed by TNBC cells, and tumor-associated endothelial cells, stromal fibroblasts, and macrophages is likely to overcome such barriers to facilitate more effective drug delivery. An in-depth summary of current studies investigating targeted nanoparticles in preclinical TNBC mouse and human xenograft models is presented. This review aims to outline the current status of nanotherapeutic options for TNBC patients, identification of promising molecular targets, challenges associated with the development of targeted nanotherapeutics, the research done by our group as well as by others, and future perspectives on the nanomedicine field and ways to translate current preclinical studies into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Erica N Bozeman
- Winship Cancer Institute, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lily Yang
- Winship Cancer Institute, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Abstract
MUC1 is a glycoprotein that is overexpressed in tumor cells. In normal cells it forms a protective layer against microbes and toxic chemicals, besides providing lubrication on ductal surfaces. Oversecretion of MUC1 provide cancer cells with invasiveness, metastasis, and resistance to death induced by reactive oxygen species. MUC1 is made up of 2 heterodimers, MUC1-N and MUC1-C. MUC1-N is heavily glycosylated at 5 regions of the variable N-tandem repeats. MUC1-C is divisible into extracellular, intracellular, and cytoplasmic domain (MUC1-C/CD). The extracellular domain serves as a docking site for epidermal growth factor receptors and other receptor kinases; the transmembrane domain serves to relay messages from extracellular to MUC1-C/CD. The MUC1-C/CD has 5 phosphorylating sites that on interacting with the SH2 domain of specific proteins can stimulate tumor growth. Therapies targeting MUC1 consists of monoclonal antibodies (MAb), vaccines, or small molecules (aptamers). MAb therapies are mainly aimed at MUC1-N with little success, however, new generation of MAb are being developed for MUC1-C. Vaccines (peptide, carbohydrate, glycopeptide, DNA, and dendritic cell) have been developed that recognizes the aberrant glycosylated region of the variable N-tandem repeats in MUC1-N, whereas new generation vaccines are aimed at the cytoplasmic region of MUC1-C. Aptamers (peptides that resemble DNA, RNA) have been used for blocking the dimerization of CQC region and the 5 phosphorylating region of MUC1-C. In addition, aptamers have been used as cytotoxic drug carriers. However, none of the therapies for MUC1 are currently in clinical application, as they need further refinement and evaluation.
Collapse
|
63
|
Haddon L, Hugh J. MUC1-mediated motility in breast cancer: a review highlighting the role of the MUC1/ICAM-1/Src signaling triad. Clin Exp Metastasis 2015; 32:393-403. [PMID: 25759211 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-015-9711-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with the leading cause of death being metastasis, the spread of cancer to distant organs. For those patients with high-risk estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, an increased expression of the glycoprotein MUC1 is associated with resistance to anti-hormonal therapy, metastasis and death. Tumor cells may use MUC1 to metastasize by exploiting the vascular adhesion pathways used by leukocytes during the inflammatory response. MUC1 is a type 1 transmembrane protein whose cytoplasmic tail acts as a scaffold for several signaling pathways including the non-receptor kinase Src, a signaling molecule involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, adhesion and motility. This review will highlight our current knowledge of how MUC1/ICAM-1 binding can lead to the recruitment and activation of Src and propose a novel role for lipid raft microdomains in this promigratory signaling. Improved understanding of the mechanism of metastases and the underlying signaling cascade is a prerequisite to the discovery of therapeutic targets to prevent metastasis and death in ER+ breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lacey Haddon
- Department of Laboratory of Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
64
|
Hasegawa M, Sinha RK, Kumar M, Alam M, Yin L, Raina D, Kharbanda A, Panchamoorthy G, Gupta D, Singh H, Kharbanda S, Kufe D. Intracellular Targeting of the Oncogenic MUC1-C Protein with a Novel GO-203 Nanoparticle Formulation. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:2338-47. [PMID: 25712682 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The MUC1-C oncoprotein is an intracellular target that is druggable with cell-penetrating peptide inhibitors. However, development of peptidyl drugs for treating cancer has been a challenge because of unfavorable pharmacokinetic parameters and limited cell-penetrating capabilities. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Encapsulation of the MUC1-C inhibitor GO-203 in novel polymeric nanoparticles was studied for effects on intracellular targeting of MUC1-C signaling and function. RESULTS Our results show that loading GO-203 into tetrablock polylactic acid (PLA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polypropylene glycol (PPG)-PEG copolymers is achievable and, notably, is enhanced by increasing PEG chain length. In addition, we found that release of GO-203 from these nanoparticles is controllable over at least 7 days. GO-203/nanoparticle treatment of MUC1-C-positive breast and lung cancer cells in vitro was more active with less frequent dosing than that achieved with nonencapsulated GO-203. Moreover, treatment with GO-203/nanoparticles blocked MUC1-C homodimerization, consistent with on-target effects. GO-203/nanoparticle treatment was also effective in downregulating TIGAR, disrupting redox balance, and inhibiting the self-renewal capacity of cancer cells. Significantly, weekly administration of GO-203/nanoparticles to mice bearing syngeneic or xenograft tumors was associated with regressions that were comparable with those found when dosing on a daily basis with GO-203. CONCLUSIONS These findings thus define an effective approach for (i) sustained administration of GO-203 in polymeric PLA-(PEG-PPG-PEG) nanoparticles to target MUC1-C in cancer cells and (ii) the potential delivery of other anticancer peptide drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Hasegawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raj Kumar Sinha
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Maroof Alam
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Li Yin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Akriti Kharbanda
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Dikshi Gupta
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Harpal Singh
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India.
| | | | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Alam M, Rajabi H, Ahmad R, Jin C, Kufe D. Targeting the MUC1-C oncoprotein inhibits self-renewal capacity of breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2622-34. [PMID: 24770886 PMCID: PMC4058032 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity of breast cancer cells to form mammospheres in non-adherent serum-free culture is used as a functional characteristic of the self-renewing stem-like cell population. The present studies demonstrate that silencing expression of the MUC1-C oncoprotein inhibits growth of luminal MCF-7 and HER2-overexpressing SKBR3 breast cancer cells as mammospheres. We also show that triple-negative MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells are dependent on MUC1-C for growth as mammospheres and tumor xenografts. Similar results were obtained when MUC1-C function was inhibited by expression of a MUC1-C(CQC→AQA) mutant. Moreover, treatment with the MUC1-C inhibitor GO-203, a cell penetrating peptide that binds to the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain and blocks MUC1-C function, confirmed the importance of this target for self-renewal. The mechanistic basis for these findings is supported by the demonstration that MUC1-C activates NF-κB, occupies the IL-8 promoter with NF-κB, and induces IL-8 transcription. MUC1-C also induces NF-κB-dependent expression of the IL-8 receptor, CXCR1. In concert with these results, targeting MUC1-C with GO-203 suppresses IL-8/CXCR1 expression and disrupts the formation of established mammospheres. Our findings indicate that MUC1-C contributes to the self-renewal of breast cancer cells by activating the NF-κB→IL-8/CXCR1 pathway and that targeting MUC1-C represents a potential approach for the treatment of this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maroof Alam
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
66
|
Kilaru RB, Valasani KR, Yellapu NK, Osuru HP, Kuruva CS, Matcha B, Chamarthi NR. Design, synthesis, in silico and in vitro studies of novel 4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives as potent anti-cancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:4580-4585. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
67
|
Wang X, Li S. Protein mislocalization: mechanisms, functions and clinical applications in cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2014; 1846:13-25. [PMID: 24709009 PMCID: PMC4141035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The changes from normal cells to cancer cells are primarily regulated by genome instability, which foster hallmark functions of cancer through multiple mechanisms including protein mislocalization. Mislocalization of these proteins, including oncoproteins, tumor suppressors, and other cancer-related proteins, can interfere with normal cellular function and cooperatively drive tumor development and metastasis. This review describes the cancer-related effects of protein subcellular mislocalization, the related mislocalization mechanisms, and the potential application of this knowledge to cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
68
|
Tomioka Y, Morimatsu M, Nishijima KI, Usui T, Yamamoto S, Suyama H, Ozaki K, Ito T, Ono E. A soluble form of Siglec-9 provides an antitumor benefit against mammary tumor cells expressing MUC1 in transgenic mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:532-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
69
|
Targeting MUC1-C is synergistic with bortezomib in downregulating TIGAR and inducing ROS-mediated myeloma cell death. Blood 2014; 123:2997-3006. [PMID: 24632713 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-11-539395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The proteosome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) induces endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. The mucin 1 C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) oncoprotein is aberrantly expressed in most MM cells, and targeting MUC1-C with GO-203, a cell-penetrating peptide inhibitor of MUC1-C homodimerization, is effective in inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated MM cell death. The present results demonstrate that GO-203 and BTZ synergistically downregulate expression of the p53-inducible regulator of glycolysis and apoptosis (TIGAR), which promotes shunting of glucose-6-phosphate into the pentose phosphate pathway to generate reduced glutathione (GSH). In turn, GO-203 blocks BTZ-induced increases in GSH and results in synergistic increases in ROS and MM cell death. The results also demonstrate that GO-203 is effective against BTZ-resistant MM cells. We show that BTZ resistance is associated with BTZ-induced increases in TIGAR and GSH levels, and that GO-203 resensitizes BTZ-resistant cells to BTZ treatment by synergistically downregulating TIGAR and GSH. The GO-203/BTZ combination is thus highly effective in killing BTZ-resistant MM cells. These findings support a model in which targeting MUC1-C is synergistic with BTZ in suppressing TIGAR-mediated regulation of ROS levels and provide an experimental rationale for combining GO-203 with BTZ in certain settings of BTZ resistance.
Collapse
|
70
|
Abstract
Blasts from approximately one-third of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harbor activating mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor tyrosine kinase that confer a poor prognosis. The Mucin 1-C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) oncoprotein is aberrantly expressed in AML blasts and stem cells; however, there is no known interaction between MUC1-C and FLT3. The present studies demonstrate that MUC1-C associates with wild-type and mutant FLT3 in AML cells. Targeting MUC1-C with the cell-penetrating peptide inhibitor GO-203 disrupts MUC1-C/FLT3 complexes and downregulates FLT3 activation. GO-203 treatment of AML cells was also associated with inhibition of the FLT3 downstream effectors AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and STAT5. The results further show that AML cells with FLT3-activating mutations and resistant to the FLT3 inhibitor midostaurin/PKC412 are sensitive to GO-203-induced growth arrest and death. Moreover, GO-203 increases sensitivity of mutant FLT3 AML cells to FLT3 inhibitor treatment. These results indicate that MUC1-C contributes to FLT3 activation in AML cells and that targeting MUC1-C inhibits the FLT3 signaling pathway. Our findings support the development of MUC1-C inhibitors alone and in combination with agents that target FLT3 for the treatment of wild-type and mutant FLT3 AML.
Collapse
|
71
|
Jochems C, Tucker JA, Vergati M, Boyerinas B, Gulley JL, Schlom J, Tsang KY. Identification and characterization of agonist epitopes of the MUC1-C oncoprotein. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 63:161-74. [PMID: 24233342 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1494-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The MUC1 tumor-associated antigen is overexpressed in the majority of human carcinomas and several hematologic malignancies. Much attention has been paid to the hypoglycosylated variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) region of the N-terminus of MUC1 as a vaccine target, and recombinant viral vector vaccines are also being evaluated that express the entire MUC1 transgene. While previous studies have described MUC1 as a tumor-associated tissue differentiation antigen, studies have now determined that the C-terminus of MUC1 (MUC1-C) is an oncoprotein, and its expression is an indication of poor prognosis in numerous tumor types. We report here the identification of nine potential CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes of MUC1, seven in the C-terminus and two in the VNTR region, and have identified enhancer agonist peptides for each of these epitopes. These epitopes span HLA-A2, HLA-A3, and HLA-A24 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I alleles, which encompass the majority of the population. The agonist peptides, compared to the native peptides, more efficiently (a) generate T-cell lines from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of cancer patients, (b) enhance the production of IFN-γ by peptide-activated human T cells, and (c) lyse human tumor cell targets in an MHC-restricted manner. The agonist epitopes described here can be incorporated into various vaccine platforms and for the ex vivo generation of human T cells. These studies provide the rationale for the T-cell-mediated targeting of the oncogenic MUC1-C, which has been shown to be an important factor in both drug resistance and poor prognosis for numerous tumor types.
Collapse
|
72
|
Kaur S, Kumar S, Momi N, Sasson AR, Batra SK. Mucins in pancreatic cancer and its microenvironment. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 10:607-20. [PMID: 23856888 PMCID: PMC3934431 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2013.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal malignancy with poor prognosis owing to therapeutic resistance, frequent recurrence and the absence of treatment strategies that specifically target the tumour and its supporting stroma. Deregulated cell-surface proteins drive neoplastic transformations and are envisioned to mediate crosstalk between the tumour and its microenvironment. Emerging studies have elaborated on the role of mucins in diverse biological functions, including enhanced tumorigenicity, invasiveness, metastasis and drug resistance through their characteristic O-linked and N-linked oligosaccharides (glycans), extended structures and unique domains. Multiple mucin domains differentially interact and regulate different components of the tumour microenvironment. This Review discusses: the expression pattern of various mucins in the pancreas under healthy, inflammatory, and cancerous conditions; the context-dependent attributes of mucins that differ under healthy and pathological conditions; the contribution of the tumour microenvironment in pancreatic cancer development and/or progression; diagnostic and/or prognostic efficacy of mucins; and mucin-based therapeutic strategies. Overall, this information should help to delineate the intricacies of pancreatic cancer by exploring the family of mucins, which, through various mechanisms in both tumour cells and the microenvironment, worsen disease outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Navneet Momi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Aaron R. Sasson
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, 985870 Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Han YY, Liu HY, Han DJ, Zong XC, Zhang SQ, Chen YQ. Role of glycosylation in the anticancer activity of antibacterial peptides against breast cancer cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:1254-62. [PMID: 23962446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 08/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Antibacterial peptides (ABPs) with cancer-selective toxicity have received much more attention as alternative chemotherapeutic agents in recent years. However, the basis of their anticancer activity remains unclear. The modification of cell surface glycosylation is a characteristic of cancer cells. The present study investigated the effect of glycosylation, in particular sialic acid, on the anticancer activity of ABPs. We showed that aurein 1.2, buforin IIb and BMAP-28m exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward MX-1 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The binding activity, cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity of ABPs were enhanced by the presence of O-, N-glycoproteins, gangliosides and sialic acid on the surface of breast cancer cells. Among N-, O-glycoproteins and ganglioside, O-glycoproteins almost had the strongest effect on the binding and cytotoxicity of the three peptides. Further, up-regulation of hST6Gal1 in CHO-K1 cells enhanced the susceptibility of cells to these peptides. Finally, the growth of MX-1 xenograft tumors in mice was significantly suppressed by buforin IIb treatment, which was associated with induction of apoptosis and inhibition of vascularization. These data demonstrate that the three peptides bind to breast cancer cells via an interaction with surface O-, N-glycoproteins and gangliosides. Sialic acids act as key glycan binding sites for cationic ABP binding to glycoproteins and gangliosides. Therefore, glycosylation in breast cancer cells plays an important role in the anticancer activity of ABPs, which may partly explain their cancer-selective toxicity. Anticancer ABPs with cancer-selective cytotoxicity will be promising candidates for anticancer therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Han
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Life Sciences College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
74
|
Raina D, Uchida Y, Kharbanda A, Rajabi H, Panchamoorthy G, Jin C, Kharbanda S, Scaltriti M, Baselga J, Kufe D. Targeting the MUC1-C oncoprotein downregulates HER2 activation and abrogates trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2013; 33:3422-31. [PMID: 23912457 PMCID: PMC3916940 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with HER2 positive breast cancer often exhibit intrinsic or acquired resistance to trastuzumab treatment. The transmembrane MUC1-C oncoprotein is aberrantly overexpressed in breast cancer cells and associates with HER2. The present studies demonstrate that silencing MUC1-C in HER2-overexpressing SKBR3 and BT474 breast cancer cells results in downregulation of constitutive HER2 activation. Moreover, treatment with the MUC1-C inhibitor, GO-203, was associated with disruption of MUC1-C/HER2 complexes and decreases in tyrosine phosphorylated HER2 (p-HER2) levels. In studies of trastuzumab-resistant SKBR3R and BT474R cells, we found that the association between MUC1-C and HER2 is markedly increased (~20-fold) as compared to that in sensitive cells. Additionally, silencing MUC1-C in the trastuzumab-resistant cells or treatment with GO-203 decreased p-HER2 and AKT activation. Moreover, targeting MUC1-C was associated with downregulation of phospho-p27 and cyclin E, which confer trastuzumab resistance. Consistent with these results, targeting MUC1-C inhibited the growth and clonogenic survival of both trastuzumab-resistant cells. Our results further demonstrate that silencing MUC1-C reverses resistance to trastuzumab and that the combination of GO-203 and trastuzumab is highly synergistic. These findings indicate that MUC1-C contributes to constitutive activation of the HER2 pathway and that targeting MUC1-C represents a potential approach to abrogate trastuzumab resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Raina
- Genus Oncology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Y Uchida
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Kharbanda
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - H Rajabi
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - C Jin
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - M Scaltriti
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Baselga
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - D Kufe
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
|
76
|
Sinn BV, von Minckwitz G, Denkert C, Eidtmann H, Darb-Esfahani S, Tesch H, Kronenwett R, Hoffmann G, Belau A, Thommsen C, Holzhausen HJ, Grasshoff ST, Baumann K, Mehta K, Dietel M, Loibl S. Evaluation of Mucin-1 protein and mRNA expression as prognostic and predictive markers after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Ann Oncol 2013; 24:2316-24. [PMID: 23661292 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdt162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucin-1 (MUC1) is a promising antigen for the development of tumor vaccines. We evaluated the frequency of MUC1 expression and its impact on therapy response and survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pre-treatment core biopsies of patients from the GeparTrio neoadjuvant trial (NCT 00544765) were evaluated for MUC1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC; N = 691) and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR; N = 286) from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. RESULTS MUC1 protein and mRNA was detectable in the majority of cases and was associated with hormone-receptor-positive status (P < 0.001). High MUC1 protein and mRNA expression were associated with lower probability of pathologic complete response (P = 0.017 and P < 0.001) and with longer patient survival (P = 0.03 and P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, MUC1 protein and mRNA expression were independently predictive (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). MUC1 protein and mRNA expression were independently prognostic for overall survival (P = 0.029 and P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS MUC1 is frequently expressed in breast cancer and detectable on mRNA and protein level from FFPE tissue. It provides independent predictive information for therapy response and survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In clinical immunotherapy trials, MUC1 expression may serve as a predictive marker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B V Sinn
- Department of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
77
|
Jin C, Rajabi H, Rodrigo CM, Porco JA, Kufe D. Targeting the eIF4A RNA helicase blocks translation of the MUC1-C oncoprotein. Oncogene 2013; 32:2179-88. [PMID: 22689062 PMCID: PMC3443512 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The oncogenic MUC1 C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) subunit is aberrantly overexpressed in most human breast cancers by mechanisms that are not well understood. The present studies demonstrate that stimulation of non-malignant MCF-10A cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or heregulin (HRG) results in marked upregulation of MUC1-C translation. Growth factor-induced MUC1-C translation was found to be mediated by PI3KAKT, and not by MEKERK1/2, signaling. We also show that activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) pathway decreases tumor suppressor programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4), an inhibitor of the eIF4A RNA helicase, and contributes to the induction of MUC1-C translation. In concert with these results, treatment of growth factor-stimulated MCF-10A cells with the eIF4A RNA helicase inhibitors, silvestrol and CR-1-31-B, blocked increases in MUC1-C abundance. The functional significance of the increase in MUC1-C translation is supported by the demonstration that MUC1-C, in turn, forms complexes with EGF receptor (EGFR) and promotes EGFR-mediated activation of the PI3KAKT pathway and the induction of growth. Compared with MCF-10A cells, constitutive overexpression of MUC1-C in breast cancer cells was unaffected by EGF stimulation, but was blocked by inhibiting PI3KAKT signaling. The overexpression of MUC1-C in breast cancer cells was also inhibited by blocking eIF4A RNA helicase activity with silvestrol and CR-1-31-B. These findings indicate that EGF-induced MUC1-C expression is mediated by the PI3KAKT pathway and the eIF4A RNA helicase, and that this response promotes EGFR signaling in an autoinductive loop. The findings also indicate that targeting the eIF4A RNA helicase is a novel approach for blocking MUC1-C overexpression in breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Jin
- Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
78
|
The role of tumour-associated MUC1 in epithelial ovarian cancer metastasis and progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2013; 32:535-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s10555-013-9423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
79
|
Kharbanda A, Rajabi H, Jin C, Raina D, Kufe D. Oncogenic MUC1-C promotes tamoxifen resistance in human breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:714-23. [PMID: 23538857 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-12-0668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Tamoxifen resistance of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells has been linked in part to activation of receptor tyrosine kinases, such as HER2, and the PI3K-AKT pathway. Mucin 1 (MUC1) is aberrantly overexpressed in about 90% of human breast cancers, and the oncogenic MUC1-C subunit is associated with ERα. The present studies using HER2 overexpressing BT-474 breast cancer cells, which are constitutively resistant to tamoxifen, demonstrate that silencing MUC1-C is associated with (i) downregulation of p-HER2 and (ii) sensitivity to tamoxifen-induced growth inhibition and loss of clonogenic survival. In contrast, overexpression of MUC1-C in tamoxifen-sensitive MCF-7 breast cancer cells resulted in upregulation of p-AKT and tamoxifen resistance. We show that MUC1-C forms complexes with ERα on the estrogen-responsive promoter of Rab31 and that MUC1-C blocks tamoxifen-induced decreases in ERα occupancy. MUC1-C also attenuated tamoxifen-induced decreases in (i) recruitment of the coactivator CREB binding protein, (ii) Rab31 promoter activation, and (iii) Rab31 mRNA and protein levels. The importance of MUC1-C is further supported by the demonstration that targeting MUC1-C with the cell-penetrating peptide inhibitor, GO-203, sensitized tamoxifen-resistant cells to tamoxifen treatment. Moreover, we show that targeting MUC1-C in combination with tamoxifen is highly synergistic in the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. Combined, these findings indicate that MUC1-C contributes to tamoxifen resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Kharbanda
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
80
|
Horm TM, Bitler BG, Broka DM, Louderbough JM, Schroeder JA. MUC1 drives c-Met-dependent migration and scattering. Mol Cancer Res 2012. [PMID: 23193156 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-12-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The transmembrane mucin MUC1 is overexpressed in most ductal carcinomas, and its overexpression is frequently associated with metastatic progression. MUC1 can drive tumor initiation and progression via interactions with many oncogenic partners, including β-catenin, the EGF receptor (EGFR) and Src. The decoy peptide protein transduction domain MUC1 inhibitory peptide (PMIP) has been shown to inhibit the tumor promoting activities of MUC1 in breast and lung cancer, including cell growth and invasion, and its usage suppresses metastatic progression in mouse models of breast cancer. To further characterize the reduced metastasis observed upon PMIP treatment, we conducted motility assays and observed that PMIP inhibits cell motility of breast cancer cells. To determine the mechanism by which PMIP inhibits motility, we evaluated changes in global gene transcription upon PMIP treatment, and identified a number of genes with altered expression in response to PMIP. Among these genes is the metastatic mediator, c-Met, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase that can promote cell scattering, migration, and invasion. To further investigate the role of c-Met in MUC1-dependent metastatic events, we evaluated the effects of MUC1 expression and EGFR activation on breast cancer cell scattering, branching, and migration. We found that MUC1 strongly promoted all of these events and this effect was further amplified by EGF treatment. Importantly, the effect of MUC1 and EGF on these phenotypes was dependent upon c-Met activity. Overall, these results indicate that PMIP can block the expression of a key metastatic mediator, further advancing its potential use as a clinical therapeutic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Horm
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
81
|
Ghosh SK, Pantazopoulos P, Medarova Z, Moore A. Expression of underglycosylated MUC1 antigen in cancerous and adjacent normal breast tissues. Clin Breast Cancer 2012; 13:109-18. [PMID: 23122537 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2012.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mucin 1 antigen (MUC1) is a high-molecular-weight transmembrane glycoprotein with an aberrant expression profile in various malignancies, including breast cancer. Its increased overexpression and underglycosylation in breast cancer is associated with tumor invasiveness and metastatic potential. In this study, we took the next step toward establishing MUC1 as a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target by investigating its expression and posttranslational modification (glycosylation/sialylation). PATIENTS AND METHODS In these studies we used a breast cancer tissue microarray (TMA) and fresh-frozen multistage breast cancer tissues. We analyzed in detail the expression of normal and underglycosylated/sialated MUC1 by immunohistochemical techniques, real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and various analytic techniques. RESULTS We found that changes in cellular localization as well as in upregulation and/or underglycosylation of MUC1 were associated with higher tumor grade. A key finding in this study was that underglycosylated MUC1 (uMUC1) overexpression and sialation were observed in tissues adjacent to tumor but identified as normal on pathology reports. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that uMUC1 can indeed be used as an early diagnostic marker and provide additional insights into breast cancer management.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Blotting, Western
- Breast/metabolism
- Breast/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/genetics
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/pathology
- Early Diagnosis
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Glycosylation
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- Mucin-1/genetics
- Mucin-1/metabolism
- N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neuraminidase/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sialyltransferases/metabolism
- Survival Rate
- Tissue Array Analysis
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Subrata K Ghosh
- Molecular Imaging Laboratory, MGH/HST Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
82
|
Rajabi H, Ahmad R, Jin C, Joshi MD, Guha M, Alam M, Kharbanda S, Kufe D. MUC1-C oncoprotein confers androgen-independent growth of human prostate cancer cells. Prostate 2012; 72:1659-68. [PMID: 22473899 PMCID: PMC3413781 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mucin 1 (MUC1) heterodimeric oncoprotein is overexpressed in human prostate cancers with aggressive pathologic and clinical features. However, few insights are available regarding the functional role of MUC1 in prostate cancer. METHODS Effects of MUC1-C on androgen receptor (AR) expression were determined by RT-PCR, immunoblotting and AR promoter activation. Coimmunoprecipitations, direct binding assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies were performed to assess the interaction between MUC1-C and AR. Cells were analyzed for invasion, growth in androgen-depleted medium, and sensitivity to MUC1-C inhibitors. RESULTS The present studies in androgen-dependent LNCaP and LAPC4 prostate cancer cells demonstrate that the oncogenic MUC1-C subunit suppresses AR expression. The results show that MUC1-C activates a posttranscriptional mechanism involving miR-135b-mediated downregulation of AR mRNA levels. The results further demonstrate that MUC1-C forms a complex with AR through a direct interaction between the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain and the AR DNA-binding domain (DBD). In addition, MUC1-C associates with AR in a complex that occupies the PSA promoter. The interaction between MUC1-C and AR is associated with induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increased invasion. MUC1-C also conferred growth in androgen-depleted medium and resistance to bicalutamide treatment. Moreover, expression of MUC1-C resulted in sensitivity to the MUC1-C inhibitor GO-203 with inhibition of growth in vitro. GO-203 treatment also inhibited growth of established tumor xenografts in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that MUC1-C suppresses AR expression in prostate cancer cells and confers a more aggressive androgen-independent phenotype that is sensitive to MUC1-C inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Rajabi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
83
|
Uchida Y, Raina D, Kharbanda S, Kufe D. Inhibition of the MUC1-C oncoprotein is synergistic with cytotoxic agents in the treatment of breast cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2012; 14:127-34. [PMID: 23114713 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.22634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein that is aberrantly overexpressed in most human breast cancers. The oncogenic MUC1-C subunit promotes survival and blocks the apoptotic response to genotoxic anticancer agents. In the present studies, human MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells were treated with the MUC1-C inhibitor, GO-203, a cell-penetrating peptide that blocks MUC1-C homodimerization and thereby its oncogenic function. Treatment with GO-203 was found to promote the apoptotic response of MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 cells to the therapeutic drugs taxol and doxorubicin (DOX). This effect was (1) attenuated by a pan-caspase inhibitor, and (2) mediated, at least in part, by activation of the effector caspase-7 and cleavage of the downstream substrate PARP. Further analysis of the interaction between GO-203 and taxol using isobolograms, which evaluate the nature of the interaction of two drugs, demonstrated that the combination is highly synergistic. These results were supported by combination index (CI) analysis with values of less than 1. GO-203 was also highly synergistic with DOX in studies of both MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells. These findings indicate that blocking MUC1-C function could be effective in combination with taxol and DOX for the treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasumitsu Uchida
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
84
|
Zhang L, Gallup M, Zlock L, Basbaum C, Finkbeiner WE, McNamara NA. Cigarette smoke disrupts the integrity of airway adherens junctions through the aberrant interaction of p120-catenin with the cytoplasmic tail of MUC1. J Pathol 2012; 229:74-86. [PMID: 22833523 DOI: 10.1002/path.4070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Adherens junctions (AJs) containing epithelial cadherin (E-cad) bound to p120-catenin (p120ctn) and β-catenin (β-ctn) play a crucial role in regulating cell-cell adhesion. Cigarette smoke abrogates cell-cell adhesion between epithelial cells by disrupting E-cad, a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), yet the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We used an organotypic culture of primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells treated with smoke-concentrated medium (Smk) to establish an essential role for the interaction between p120ctn and the cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 (MUC1-CT) in regulating E-cad disruption. Within the first 4 h of smoke exposure, apical MUC1-CT repositioned to the basolateral membrane of pseudo-stratified HBE cells, where it interacted with p120ctn. A time-dependent increase in MUC1-CT/p120ctn complexes occurred in conjunction with a time-dependent dissociation of p120ctn/E-cad/β-ctn complexes, as well as the coordinated degradation of p120ctn and E-cad. Interestingly, Smk induced a similar interaction between MUC1-CT and β-ctn, but this occurred 44 h after MUC1-CT's initial interaction with p120ctn, and well after the AJs were destroyed. Blocking MUC1-CT's interaction with p120ctn using a MUC1-CT dominant-negative peptide, PMIP, successfully abolished Smk's disruptive effects on AJs and recovered apical-basolateral polarity of HBE cells. The MUC1-CT/p120ctn interaction was highly dependent on EGFR/Src/Jnk-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrP) of MUC1-CT. Accordingly, EGFR, Src or Jnk inhibitors (AG1478, PP2, SP600125, respectively) abrogated Smk-induced MUC1-CT-TyrP, MUC1-CT/p120ctn interaction, AJ disruption, and loss of cellular polarity. Our work identified MUC1-CT and p120ctn as important regulators of epithelial polarity and cell-cell adhesion during a smoke-induced EMT-like process. Novel therapeutics designed to inhibit MUC1-CT/p120ctn complex formation may prevent EMT in the smoker's airway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhang
- Francis I Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
85
|
|
86
|
Banerjee S, Mujumdar N, Dudeja V, Mackenzie T, Krosch TK, Sangwan V, Vickers SM, Saluja AK. MUC1c regulates cell survival in pancreatic cancer by preventing lysosomal permeabilization. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43020. [PMID: 22912777 PMCID: PMC3418232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MUC1 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein aberrantly overexpressed in various cancer cells including pancreatic cancer. The cytosolic end of MUC1 (MUC1-c) is extensively involved in a number of signaling pathways. MUC1-c is reported to inhibit apoptosis in a number of cancer cells, but the mechanism of inhibition is unclear. METHOD Expression of MUC1-c was studied in the pancreatic cancer cell line MIAPaCa-2 at the RNA level by using qRTPCR and at the protein level by Western blotting. MUC1-c expression was inhibited either by siRNA or by a specific peptide inhibitor, GO-201. Effect of MUC1-c inhibition on viability and proliferation and lysosomal permeabilization were studied. Association of MUC1-c with HSP70 was detected by co-immunoprecipitation of MUC1-c and HSP70. Localization of MUC1-c in cellular organelles was monitored by immunofluorescence and with immuno- blotting by MUC1-c antibody after subcellular fractionation. RESULTS Inhibition of MUC1-c by an inhibitor (GO-201) or siRNA resulted in reduced viability and reduced proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, GO-201, the peptide inhibitor of MUC1-c, was effective in reducing tumor burden in pancreatic cancer mouse model. MUC1-c was also found to be associated with HSP70 in the cytosol, although a significant amount of MUC1 was also seen to be present in the lysosomes. Inhibition of MUC1 expression or activity showed an enhanced Cathepsin B activity in the cytosol, indicating lysosomal permeabilization. Therefore this study indicates that MUC1-c interacted with HSP70 in the cytosol of pancreatic cancer cells and localized to the lysosomes in these cells. Further, our results showed that MUC1-c protects pancreatic cancer cells from cell death by stabilizing lysosomes and preventing release of Cathepsin B in the cytosol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sulagna Banerjee
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Nameeta Mujumdar
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Mackenzie
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Tara K. Krosch
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Veena Sangwan
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Selwyn M. Vickers
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Masonic Cancer Centre, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ashok K. Saluja
- Division of Basic and Translational Research, Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Masonic Cancer Centre, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
87
|
Smart CE, Askarian Amiri ME, Wronski A, Dinger ME, Crawford J, Ovchinnikov DA, Vargas AC, Reid L, Simpson PT, Song S, Wiesner C, French JD, Dave RK, da Silva L, Purdon A, Andrew M, Mattick JS, Lakhani SR, Brown MA, Kellie S. Expression and function of the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor J (PTPRJ) in normal mammary epithelial cells and breast tumors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40742. [PMID: 22815804 PMCID: PMC3398958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor J, PTPRJ, is a tumor suppressor gene that has been implicated in a range of cancers, including breast cancer, yet little is known about its role in normal breast physiology or in mammary gland tumorigenesis. In this paper we show that PTPRJ mRNA is expressed in normal breast tissue and reduced in corresponding tumors. Meta-analysis revealed that the gene encoding PTPRJ is frequently lost in breast tumors and that low expression of the transcript associated with poorer overall survival at 20 years. Immunohistochemistry of PTPRJ protein in normal human breast tissue revealed a distinctive apical localisation in the luminal cells of alveoli and ducts. Qualitative analysis of a cohort of invasive ductal carcinomas revealed retention of normal apical PTPRJ localization where tubule formation was maintained but that tumors mostly exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic staining, indicating that dysregulation of localisation associated with loss of tissue architecture in tumorigenesis. The murine ortholog, Ptprj, exhibited a similar localisation in normal mammary gland, and was differentially regulated throughout lactational development, and in an in vitro model of mammary epithelial differentiation. Furthermore, ectopic expression of human PTPRJ in HC11 murine mammary epithelial cells inhibited dome formation. These data indicate that PTPRJ may regulate differentiation of normal mammary epithelia and that dysregulation of protein localisation may be associated with tumorigenesis.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Breast Neoplasms/enzymology
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Down-Regulation/genetics
- Epithelial Cells/enzymology
- Epithelial Cells/pathology
- Epithelium/enzymology
- Epithelium/pathology
- Female
- Gene Dosage/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Loci/genetics
- Humans
- Introns/genetics
- Mammary Glands, Animal/enzymology
- Mammary Glands, Animal/growth & development
- Mammary Glands, Animal/pathology
- Mammary Glands, Human/enzymology
- Mammary Glands, Human/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/enzymology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/pathology
- Meta-Analysis as Topic
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pregnancy
- RNA, Antisense/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 3/genetics
- Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 3/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chanel E. Smart
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marjan E. Askarian Amiri
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ania Wronski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marcel E. Dinger
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanna Crawford
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dmitry A. Ovchinnikov
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ana Cristina Vargas
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynne Reid
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter T. Simpson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Song
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christiane Wiesner
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Juliet D. French
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richa K. Dave
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leonard da Silva
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy Purdon
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megan Andrew
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John S. Mattick
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sunil R. Lakhani
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- University of Queensland, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melissa A. Brown
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stuart Kellie
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
88
|
Jin C, Rajabi H, Pitroda S, Li A, Kharbanda A, Weichselbaum R, Kufe D. Cooperative interaction between the MUC1-C oncoprotein and the Rab31 GTPase in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39432. [PMID: 22792175 PMCID: PMC3392244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Rab31 is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases that has been linked to poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer. The MUC1-C oncoprotein is aberrantly overexpressed in most human breast cancers and also confers a poor prognosis. The present results demonstrate that MUC1-C induces Rab31 expression in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells. We show that MUC1-C forms a complex with estrogen receptor α (ERα) on the Rab31 promoter and activates Rab31 gene transcription in an estrogen-dependent manner. In turn, Rab31 contributes to the upregulation of MUC1-C abundance in breast cancer cells by attenuating degradation of MUC1-C in lysosomes. Expression of an inactive Rab31(S20N) mutant in nonmalignant breast epithelial cells confirmed that Rab31 regulates MUC1-C expression. The functional significance of the MUC1-C/Rab31 interaction is supported by the demonstration that Rab31 confers the formation of mammospheres by a MUC1-C-dependent mechanism. Analysis of microarray databases further showed that (i) Rab31 is expressed at higher levels in breast cancers as compared to that in normal breast tissues, (ii) MUC1+ and ER+ breast cancers have increased levels of Rab31 expression, and (iii) patients with Rab31-positive breast tumors have a significantly decreased ten-year overall survival as compared to those with Rab31-negative tumors. These findings indicate that MUC1-C and Rab31 function in an autoinductive loop that contributes to overexpression of MUC1-C in breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caining Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hasan Rajabi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sean Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ailing Li
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Akriti Kharbanda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ralph Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Donald Kufe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
89
|
Kufe DW. MUC1-C oncoprotein as a target in breast cancer: activation of signaling pathways and therapeutic approaches. Oncogene 2012; 32:1073-81. [PMID: 22580612 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a heterodimeric protein formed by two subunits that is aberrantly overexpressed in human breast cancer and other cancers. Historically, much of the early work on MUC1 focused on the shed mucin subunit. However, more recent studies have been directed at the transmembrane MUC1-C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) that functions as an oncoprotein. MUC1-C interacts with EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), ErbB2 and other receptor tyrosine kinases at the cell membrane and contributes to activation of the PI3KAKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. MUC1-C also localizes to the nucleus where it activates the Wnt/β-catenin, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and NF (nuclear factor)-κB RelA pathways. These findings and the demonstration that MUC1-C is a druggable target have provided the experimental basis for designing agents that block MUC1-C function. Notably, inhibitors of the MUC1-C subunit have been developed that directly block its oncogenic function and induce death of breast cancer cells in vitro and in xenograft models. On the basis of these findings, a first-in-class MUC1-C inhibitor has entered phase I evaluation as a potential agent for the treatment of patients with breast cancers who express this oncoprotein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D W Kufe
- Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
90
|
EGFR-mediated carcinoma cell metastasis mediated by integrin αvβ5 depends on activation of c-Src and cleavage of MUC1. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36753. [PMID: 22586492 PMCID: PMC3346745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases and integrins play an essential role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We previously showed that EGF and other growth factors induce human carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis mediated by integrin αvβ5 that is prevented by Src blockade [1]. MUC1, a transmembrane glycoprotein, is expressed in most epithelial tumors as a heterodimer consisting of an extracellular and a transmembrane subunit. The MUC1 cytoplasmic domain of the transmembrane subunit (MUC1.CD) translocates to the nucleus where it promotes the transcription of a metastatic gene signature associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Here, we demonstrate a requirement for MUC1 in carcinoma cell metastasis dependent on EGFR and Src without affecting primary tumor growth. EGF stimulates Src-dependent MUC1 cleavage and nuclear localization leading to the expression of genes linked to metastasis. Moreover, expression of MUC1.CD results in its nuclear localization and is sufficient for transcription of the metastatic gene signature and tumor cell metastasis. These results demonstrate that EGFR and Src activity contribute to carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis mediated by integrin αvβ5 in part by promoting proteolytic cleavage of MUC1 and highlight the ability of MUC1.CD to promote metastasis in a context-dependent manner. Our findings may have implications for the use and future design of targeted therapies in cancers known to express EGFR, Src, or MUC1.
Collapse
|
91
|
Panchamoorthy G, Rehan H, Kharbanda A, Ahmad R, Kufe D. A monoclonal antibody against the oncogenic mucin 1 cytoplasmic domain. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2012; 30:531-5. [PMID: 22149278 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2011.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a heterodimeric protein that is aberrantly overexpressed in diverse human carcinomas and certain hematologic malignancies. The transmembrane MUC1-C subunit confers tumorigenicity and is a target for anti-cancer drug development. In this regard, the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain interacts with multiple effectors that have been linked to transformation. Here we report on the generation of a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the human MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain (MUC1-CD). This IgG1 MAb, designated anti-MUC1-CD, reacts with the NYGQLDIFP epitope. We show that anti-MUC1-CD is useful in immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation experiments. In addition, anti-MUC1-CD can be used to detect expression of the MUC1-C subunit in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. The MUC1-C inhibitor has entered Phase I evaluation for patients with refractory solid tumors. The present results indicate that the anti-MUC1-CD antibody could be useful as a biomarker to identify patients with tumors that may be responsive to MUC1-C inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Govind Panchamoorthy
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
92
|
Rajabi H, Ahmad R, Jin C, Kosugi M, Alam M, Joshi MD, Kufe D. MUC1-C oncoprotein induces TCF7L2 transcription factor activation and promotes cyclin D1 expression in human breast cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:10703-10713. [PMID: 22318732 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.323311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MUC1 is a heterodimeric glycoprotein that is overexpressed in breast cancers. The present studies demonstrate that the oncogenic MUC1 C-terminal subunit (MUC1-C) associates with the TCF7L2 transcription factor. The MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain (MUC1-CD) binds directly to the TCF7L2 C-terminal region. MUC1-C blocks the interaction between TCF7L2 and the C-terminal-binding protein (CtBP), a suppressor of TCF7L2-mediated transcription. TCF7L2 and MUC1-C form a complex on the cyclin D1 gene promoter and MUC1-C promotes TCF7L2-mediated transcription by the recruitment of β-catenin and p300. Silencing MUC1-C in human breast cancer cells down-regulated activation of the cyclin D1 promoter and decreased cyclin D1 expression. In addition, a MUC1-C inhibitor blocked the interaction with TCF7L2 and suppressed cyclin D1 levels. These findings indicate that the MUC1-C oncoprotein contributes to TCF7L2 activation and thereby promotes cyclin D1 expression in breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Rajabi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Caining Jin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Michio Kosugi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Maroof Alam
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Maya Datt Joshi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
| |
Collapse
|
93
|
Albrecht H, Carraway KL. MUC1 and MUC4: switching the emphasis from large to small. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2012; 26:261-71. [PMID: 21728842 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2011.1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The MUC1 and MUC4 membrane mucins are each composed of a large alpha (α) and a small beta (β) subunit. The α subunits are fully exposed at the cell surface and contain variable numbers of repeated amino acid sequences that are heavily glycosylated. In contrast, the β subunits are much smaller and are anchored within the cell membrane, with their amino-terminal portions exposed at the cell surface and their carboxy-terminal tails facing the cytosol. Studies over the last several years are challenging the long-held belief that α subunits play the predominant role in cancer by conferring cellular properties that allow tumor cells to evade immune recognition and destruction. Indeed, the β subunits of MUC1 and MUC4 have emerged as oncogenes, as they engage signaling pathways responsible for tumor initiation and progression. Thus, a switch in the emphasis from the large α to the small β subunits offers attractive possibilities for successful clinical application. Such a focus shift is further supported by the absence of allelic polymorphism and variable glycosylation in the β subunit as well as by the presence of the β subunit in most MUC1 and MUC4 isoforms expressed by tumors. MUC1α, also known as CA15.3, is a Food and Drug Administration-approved serum biomarker for breast cancer, but its use is no longer recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. However, comparison of β subunit expression in normal and malignant breast tissues may offer a novel approach to the exploitation of membrane mucins as biomarkers, as MUC1β-induced gene signatures with prognostic and predictive values in breast cancer have been reported. Preclinical studies with peptides that interfere with MUC1β oncogenic functions also look promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huguette Albrecht
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, California 95817, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
94
|
Raina D, Ahmad R, Rajabi H, Panchamoorthy G, Kharbanda S, Kufe D. Targeting cysteine-mediated dimerization of the MUC1-C oncoprotein in human cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2011; 40:1643-9. [PMID: 22200620 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.1308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The MUC1 heterodimeric protein is aberrantly overexpressed in diverse human carcinomas and contributes to the malignant phenotype. The MUC1-C transmembrane subunit contains a CQC motif in the cytoplasmic domain that has been implicated in the formation of dimers and in its oncogenic function. The present study demonstrates that MUC1-C forms dimers in human breast and lung cancer cells. MUC1-C dimerization was detectable in the cytoplasm and was independent of MUC1-N, the N-terminal mucin subunit that extends outside the cell. We show that the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain forms dimers in vitro that are disrupted by reducing agents. Moreover, dimerization of the MUC1-C subunit in cancer cells was blocked by reducing agents and increased by oxidative stress, supporting involvement of the CQC motif in forming disulfide bonds. In support of these observations, mutation of the MUC1-C CQC motif to AQA completely blocked MUC1-C dimerization. Importantly, this study was performed with MUC1-C devoid of fluorescent proteins, such as GFP, CFP and YFP. In this regard, we show that GFP, CFP and YFP themselves form dimers that are readily detectable with cross-linking agents. The present results further demonstrate that a cell-penetrating peptide that targets the MUC1-C CQC cysteines blocks MUC1-C dimerization in cancer cells. These findings provide definitive evidence that: i) the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain cysteines are necessary and sufficient for MUC1-C dimerization, and ii) these CQC motif cysteines represent an Achilles' heel for targeting MUC1-C function.
Collapse
|
95
|
Inhibition of the MUC1-C oncoprotein induces multiple myeloma cell death by down-regulating TIGAR expression and depleting NADPH. Blood 2011; 119:810-6. [PMID: 22117045 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-07-369686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The MUC1-C oncoprotein is aberrantly expressed in most multiple myeloma cells. However, the functional significance of MUC1-C expression in multiple myeloma is not known. The present studies demonstrate that treatment of multiple myeloma cells with a MUC1-C inhibitor is associated with increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidation of mitochondrial cardiolipin, and loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The MUC1-C inhibitor-induced increases in ROS were also associated with down-regulation of the p53-inducible regulator of glycolysis and apoptosis (TIGAR). In concert with the decrease in TIGAR expression, which regulates the pentose phosphate pathway, treatment with the MUC1-C inhibitor reduced production of NADPH, and in turn glutathione (GSH) levels. TIGAR protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. The suppression of TIGAR and NADPH levels thus contributed to ROS-mediated late apoptosis/necrosis of multiple myeloma cells. These findings indicate that multiple myeloma cells are dependent on MUC1-C and TIGAR for maintenance of redox balance and that targeting MUC1-C activates a cascade involving TIGAR suppression that contributes to multiple myeloma cell death.
Collapse
|
96
|
Mohebtash M, Tsang KY, Madan RA, Huen NY, Poole DJ, Jochems C, Jones J, Ferrara T, Heery CR, Arlen PM, Steinberg SM, Pazdur M, Rauckhorst M, Jones EC, Dahut WL, Schlom J, Gulley JL. A pilot study of MUC-1/CEA/TRICOM poxviral-based vaccine in patients with metastatic breast and ovarian cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:7164-73. [PMID: 22068656 PMCID: PMC3227395 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE PANVAC is a recombinant poxviral vaccine that contains transgenes for MUC-1, CEA, and 3 T-cell costimulatory molecules. This study was conducted to obtain preliminary evidence of clinical response in metastatic breast and ovarian cancer patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Twenty-six patients were enrolled and given monthly vaccinations. Clinical and immune outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS These patients were heavily pretreated, with 21 of 26 patients having 3 or more prior chemotherapy regimens. Side effects were largely limited to mild injection-site reactions. For the 12 breast cancer patients enrolled, median time to progression was 2.5 months (1-37+) and median overall survival was 13.7 months. Four patients had stable disease. One patient had a complete response by RECIST and remained on study for 37 months or more, with a significant drop in serum interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by day 71. Another patient with metastatic disease confined to the mediastinum had a 17% reduction in mediastinal mass and was on study for 10 months. Patients with stable or responding disease had fewer prior therapies and lower tumor marker levels than patients with no evidence of response. For the ovarian cancer patients (n = 14), the median time to progression was 2 months (1-6) and median overall survival was 15.0 months. Updated data are presented here for one patient treated with this vaccine in a previous trial, with a time to progression of 38 months. CONCLUSIONS Some patients who had limited tumor burden with minimal prior chemotherapy seemed to benefit from the vaccine. Further studies to confirm these results are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Mohebtash
- Medical Oncology Branch, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kwong-Yok Tsang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ravi A. Madan
- Medical Oncology Branch, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ngar-Yee Huen
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diane J. Poole
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jacquin Jones
- Medical Oncology Branch, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Theresa Ferrara
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher R. Heery
- Medical Oncology Branch, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Philip M. Arlen
- Medical Oncology Branch, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Seth M. Steinberg
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, National Cancer Institute, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary Pazdur
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Myrna Rauckhorst
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Jones
- Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William L. Dahut
- Medical Oncology Branch, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Medical Oncology Branch, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
97
|
Yin L, Kufe D. MUC1-C Oncoprotein Blocks Terminal Differentiation of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells by a ROS-Mediated Mechanism. Genes Cancer 2011; 2:56-64. [PMID: 21643558 DOI: 10.1177/1947601911405044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) inevitably progresses to a blast phase by mechanisms that are not well understood. The MUC1-C oncoprotein is expressed in CML blasts but not chronic phase cells. The present studies demonstrate that treatment of KU812 and K562 CML cells with a cell-penetrating MUC1-C inhibitor, designated GO-203, is associated with increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of glutathione. GO-203 treatment resulted in the complete downregulation of Bcr-Abl expression and induced cell cycle arrest by a ROS-mediated mechanism that was blocked by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Progression of CML to blast crisis has been linked to dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and an arrest of differentiation. The present results show that inhibition of MUC1-C induces ROS-mediated suppression of β-catenin expression and induction of a differentiated myeloid phenotype. Our studies also show that GO-203 treatment is associated with ROS-induced decreases in ATP and loss of survival by late apoptosis/necrosis. These findings demonstrate that inhibition of the MUC1-C oncoprotein in CML cells disrupts redox balance and thereby 1) downregulates expression of both Bcr-Abl and β-catenin and 2) induces terminal myeloid differentiation by ROS-mediated mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Yin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
98
|
Constantinou PE, Danysh BP, Dharmaraj N, Carson DD. Transmembrane mucins as novel therapeutic targets. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2011; 6:835-848. [PMID: 22201009 PMCID: PMC3245640 DOI: 10.1586/eem.11.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-tethered mucin glycoproteins are abundantly expressed at the apical surfaces of simple epithelia, where they play important roles in lubricating and protecting tissues from pathogens and enzymatic attack. Notable examples of these mucins are MUC1, MUC4 and MUC16 (also known as cancer antigen 125). In adenocarcinomas, apical mucin restriction is lost and overall expression is often highly increased. High-level mucin expression protects tumors from killing by the host immune system, as well as by chemotherapeutic agents, and affords protection from apoptosis. Mucin expression can increase as the result of gene duplication and/or in response to hormones, cytokines and growth factors prevalent in the tumor milieu. Rises in the normally low levels of mucin fragments in serum have been used as markers of disease, such as tumor burden, for many years. Currently, several approaches are being examined that target mucins for immunization or nanomedicine using mucin-specific antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela E Constantinou
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA
| | - Brian P Danysh
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA
| | - Neeraja Dharmaraj
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA
| | - Daniel D Carson
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251-1892, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
99
|
The role of tumor hypoxia in MUC1-positive breast carcinomas. Virchows Arch 2011; 459:367-75. [PMID: 21892751 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-011-1142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Revised: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a glycoprotein that is expressed on apical cell membranes in a variety of normal tissues. MUC1 is involved in cell signaling, inhibition of cell-cell and cell matrix adhesion, apoptosis, proliferation, and transcription. Hypoxia is an important factor that promotes cancer metastasis and stimulates angiogenesis and tumor progression. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) are two molecules that are involved in this process. The role of hypoxia in MUC1+ invasive ductal breast carcinomas is not well established. In this study, the expression of MUC1 was correlated with the hypoxia-associated markers HIF-1α and CAIX, as well as several immunohistochemical markers and clinicopathologic features of prognostic significance in 243 invasive ductal carcinomas. MUC1 was overexpressed in 37.0% of patients and correlated with the expression of estrogen receptor (p = 0.0001), progesterone receptor (p = 0.0001), HIF-1α (p = 0.006), VEGF (p = 0.024), and p53 (p = 0.025). In breast cancer, MUC1 expression has been associated with increased degradation of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα), driving NF-κB to the nucleus and blocking apoptosis and promoting cell survival. We analyzed NF-κB expression in MUC1+ breast carcinoma and found a very significant relationship between these proteins (p = 0.0001). Our findings indicate that MUC1 may play a role in the regulation of hormone receptors by increasing the inactivation of p53 and targeting NF-κB to the nucleus. Our data also support the notion that activation of HIF-1α in MUC1+ breast carcinomas may modulate VEGF expression, allowing a metabolic adaptation to hypoxia.
Collapse
|
100
|
Klinge CM, Radde BN, Imbert-Fernandez Y, Teng Y, Ivanova MM, Abner SM, Martin AL. Targeting the intracellular MUC1 C-terminal domain inhibits proliferation and estrogen receptor transcriptional activity in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:2062-71. [PMID: 21862684 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a diagnostic factor and therapy target in lung adenocarcinoma. MUC1 C-terminal intracellular domain (CD) interacts with estrogen receptor (ER) α and increases gene transcription in breast cancer cells. Because lung adenocarcinoma cells express functional ERα and ERβ, we examined MUC1 expression and MUC1-ER interaction. Because blocking MUC1 CD with an inhibitory peptide (PMIP) inhibited breast tumor growth, we tested whether PMIP would inhibit lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation. We report that MUC1 interacts with ERα and ERβ within the nucleus of H1793 lung adenocarcinoma cells in accordance with MUC1 expression. PMIP was taken up by H23 and H1793 cells and inhibited the proliferation of H1793, but not H23 cells, concordant with higher MUC1 protein expression in H1793 cells. Lower MUC1 protein expression in H23 does not correspond to microRNAs miR-125b and miR-145 that have been reported to reduce MUC1 expression. PMIP had no effect on the viability of normal human bronchial epithelial cells, which lack MUC1 expression. PMIP inhibited estradiol-activated reporter gene transcription and endogenous cyclin D1 and nuclear respiratory factor-1 gene transcription in H1793 cells. These results indicate MUC1-ER functional interaction in lung adenocarcinoma cells and that inhibiting MUC1 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|