51
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Wang Y, Tortorella M. Molecular design of dual inhibitors of PI3K and potential molecular target of cancer for its treatment: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:114039. [PMID: 34894440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling network is a key event in many human cancers and therefore enormous efforts have been made in the development of PI3K inhibitors. However, due to intrinsic and acquired resistance as well as poor drug tolerance, limited therapeutic efficacy has been achieved with these agents. In view of the fact that PI3K inhibitors can show synergistic antitumor effects with other cancer agents, namely mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors, dual inhibition of both targets by a single-molecule is regarded as a promising complementary or alternative therapeutic strategy to overcome the drawbacks of just PI3K monotherapy. In this review, we discuss the theoretical foundation for designing PI3K-based dual-target inhibitors and summarize the structure-activity relationships and clinical progress of these dual-binding agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanze Wang
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 510530, PR China.
| | - Micky Tortorella
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health - Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, 510530, PR China
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Houde N, Beuret L, Bonaud A, Fortier-Beaulieu SP, Truchon-Landry K, Aoidi R, Pic É, Alouche N, Rondeau V, Schlecht-Louf G, Balabanian K, Espéli M, Charron J. Fine-tuning of MEK signaling is pivotal for limiting B and T cell activation. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110223. [PMID: 35021072 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
MEK1 and MEK2, the only known activators of ERK, are attractive therapeutic candidates for both cancer and autoimmune diseases. However, how MEK signaling finely regulates immune cell activation is only partially understood. To address this question, we specifically delete Mek1 in hematopoietic cells in the Mek2 null background. Characterization of an allelic series of Mek mutants reveals the presence of distinct degrees of spontaneous B cell activation, which are inversely proportional to the levels of MEK proteins and ERK activation. While Mek1 and Mek2 null mutants have a normal lifespan, 1Mek1 and 1Mek2 mutants retaining only one functional Mek1 or Mek2 allele in hematopoietic cell lineages die from glomerulonephritis and lymphoproliferative disorders, respectively. This establishes that the fine-tuning of the ERK/MAPK pathway is critical to regulate B and T cell activation and function and that each MEK isoform plays distinct roles during lymphocyte activation and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Houde
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Laurent Beuret
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Amélie Bonaud
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Simon-Pierre Fortier-Beaulieu
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Kim Truchon-Landry
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Rifdat Aoidi
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Émilie Pic
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Nagham Alouche
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Vincent Rondeau
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Géraldine Schlecht-Louf
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Karl Balabanian
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Marion Espéli
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Jean Charron
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada; Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry & Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Work over the past several decades has identified that aberrations in the ErbB signaling pathways are key drivers of oncogenesis, and concurrent efforts to discover targetable vulnerabilities to counter this aberrant oncogenic signaling offer tremendous promise in treating a host of human cancers. These efforts have been centered primarily on EGFR (also known as HER1), leading to the discovery of the first targeted therapies approved for head and neck cancer. More recently, HER2 and HER3 signaling pathways have been identified as highly dysregulated in head and neck cancer. This review highlights the HER2 and HER3 signaling pathways and clinical efforts to target these receptors and their aberrant signaling to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and other head and neck malignancies, including salivary gland carcinomas. This includes the use of small molecule inhibitors and blocking antibodies, both as single agents or as part of multimodal precision targeted and immunotherapies.
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Kohtamäki L, Arjama M, Mäkelä S, Ianevski P, Välimäki K, Juteau S, Ilmonen S, Ungureanu D, Kallioniemi O, Murumägi A, Hernberg M. High-throughput ex vivo drug testing identifies potential drugs and drug combinations for NRAS-positive malignant melanoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 15:101290. [PMID: 34837846 PMCID: PMC8633005 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy options for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) have considerably improved over the past decade. However, many patients still need effective therapy after unsuccessful immunotherapy, especially patients with BRAF-negative tumors who lack the option of targeted treatment second line. Therefore, the elucidation of efficient and personalized therapy options for these patients is required. In this study, three patient-derived cancer cells (PDCs) were established from NRAS Q61-positive MM patients. The response of PDCs and five established melanoma cell lines (two NRAS-positive, one wild type, and two BRAF V600-positive) was evaluated toward a panel of 527 oncology drugs using high-throughput drug sensitivity and resistance testing. The PDCs and cell lines displayed strong responses to MAPK inhibitors, as expected. Additionally, the PDCs and cell lines were responsive to PI3K/mTOR, mTOR, and PLK1 inhibitors among other effective drugs currently undergoing clinical trials. Combinations with a MEK inhibitor were tested with other targeted agents to identify effective synergies. MEK inhibitor showed synergy with multikinase inhibitor ponatinib, ABL inhibitor nilotinib, PI3K/mTOR inhibitor pictilisib, and pan-RAF inhibitor LY3009120. The application of the patients' cancer cells for functional drug testing ex vivo is one step further in the process of identifying potential agents and agent combinations to personalize treatment for patients with MM. Our preliminary study results suggest that this approach has the potential for larger-scale drug testing and personalized treatment applications in our expansion trial. Our results show that drug sensitivity and resistance testing may be implementable in the treatment planning of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kohtamäki
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mariliina Arjama
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Siru Mäkelä
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Philipp Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Välimäki
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Juteau
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Suvi Ilmonen
- Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Surgery, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniela Ungureanu
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland; Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Astrid Murumägi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Micaela Hernberg
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
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55
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Xie J, Zou Y, Gao T, Xie L, Tan D, Xie X. Therapeutic Landscape of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221099230. [PMID: 35499382 PMCID: PMC9067050 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221099230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer (HER2+BC) is a common malignancy that is prone to recurrence and metastasis in the early stages, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. Many studies have suggested that targeted therapy promotes clinical outcomes in HER2+BC. With the introduction of trastuzumab in 1998, the prognosis of patients with early HER2+BC has improved significantly. However, owing to obstinate drug resistance and adverse events, the addition of new agents in standardized treatment has become a research hotspot. These promising agents include antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and anti-HER2 combined therapies. This article provides a brief description of the biology of BC and the expression of HER2, with the aim to provide an overview of the therapeutic landscape of HER2+BC by reviewing research results and introducing the latest evidence to provide a reference for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindong Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yutian Zou
- Department of Breast Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liming Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Duxun Tan
- South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoming Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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56
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Banasavadi-Siddegowda YK, Namagiri S, Otani Y, Sur H, Rivas S, Bryant JP, Shellbourn A, Rock M, Chowdhury A, Lewis CT, Shimizu T, Walbridge S, Kumarasamy S, Shah AH, Lee TJ, Maric D, Yan Y, Yoo JY, Kumbar SG, Heiss JD, Kaur B. Targeting protein arginine methyltransferase 5 sensitizes glioblastoma to trametinib. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac095. [DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) remains dismal because therapeutic approaches have limited effectiveness. A new targeted treatment using MEK inhibitors, including trametinib, has been proposed to improve GBM therapy. Trametinib had a promising preclinical effect against several cancers, but its adaptive treatment resistance precluded its clinical translation in GBM. Previously, we have demonstrated that protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is upregulated in GBM and its inhibition promotes apoptosis and senescence in differentiated and stem-like tumor cells, respectively. We tested whether inhibition of PRMT5 can enhance the efficacy of trametinib against GBM.
Methods
Patient-derived primary GBM neurospheres (GBMNS) with transient PRMT5 knockdown were treated with trametinib and cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, ELISA, and western blot were analyzed. In vivo, NSG mice were intracranially implanted with PRMT5-intact and -depleted GBMNS, treated with trametinib by daily oral gavage, and observed for tumor progression and mice survival rate.
Results
PRMT5 depletion enhanced trametinib-induced cytotoxicity in GBMNS. PRMT5 knockdown significantly decreased trametinib-induced AKT and ERBB3 escape pathways. However, ERBB3 inhibition alone failed to block trametinib-induced AKT activity suggesting that the enhanced antitumor effect imparted by PRMT5 knockdown in trametinib-treated GBMNS resulted from AKT inhibition and not ERBB3 inhibition. In orthotopic murine xenograft models, PRMT5-depletion extended the survival of tumor-bearing mice, and combination with trametinib further increased survival.
Conclusion
Combined PRMT5/MEK inhibition synergistically inhibited GBM in animal models and is a promising strategy for GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sriya Namagiri
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Yoshihiro Otani
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, Texas , USA
| | - Hannah Sur
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Sarah Rivas
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Jean-Paul Bryant
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Allison Shellbourn
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Mitchell Rock
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Ashis Chowdhury
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Cole T Lewis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, Texas , USA
| | - Toshihiko Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, Texas , USA
| | - Stuart Walbridge
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Sivarajan Kumarasamy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Diabetes Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University , Athens, Ohio , USA
| | - Ashish H Shah
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Tae Jin Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, Texas , USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- Flow and Imaging Cytometry Core Facility, NINDS, NIH , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Yuanqing Yan
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University , Chicago, Illinois , USA
| | - Ji Young Yoo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, Texas , USA
| | - Sangamesh G Kumbar
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health , Farmington, Connecticut , USA
| | - John D Heiss
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland , USA
| | - Balveen Kaur
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, Texas , USA
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57
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Fanini F, Bandini E, Plousiou M, Carloni S, Wise P, Neviani P, Murtadha M, Foca F, Fabbri F, Vannini I, Fabbri M. MicroRNA-16 Restores Sensitivity to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Outperforms MEK Inhibitors in KRAS-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13357. [PMID: 34948154 PMCID: PMC8705178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Chemotherapy, the treatment of choice in non-operable cases, achieves a dismal success rate, raising the need for new therapeutic options. In about 25% of NSCLC, the activating mutations of the KRAS oncogene define a subclass that cannot benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The tumor suppressor miR-16 is downregulated in many human cancers, including NSCLC. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate miR-16 treatment to restore the TKI sensitivity and compare its efficacy to MEK inhibitors in KRAS-mutated NSCLC. METHODS We performed in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate whether miR-16 could be exploited to overcome TKI resistance in KRAS-mutated NSCLC. We had three goals: first, to identify the KRAS downstream effectors targeted by mir-16, second, to study the effects of miR-16 restoration on TKI resistance in KRAS-mutated NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo, and finally, to compare miR-16 and the MEK inhibitor selumetinib in reducing KRAS-mutated NSCLC growth in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We demonstrated that miR-16 directly targets the three KRAS downstream effectors MAPK3, MAP2K1, and CRAF in NSCLC, restoring the sensitivity to erlotinib in KRAS-mutated NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo. We also provided evidence that the miR-16-erlotinib regimen is more effective than the selumetinib-erlotinib combination in KRAS-mutated NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the biological preclinical rationale for using miR-16 in combination with erlotinib in the treatment of NSCLC with KRAS-activating mutations.
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MESH Headings
- A549 Cells
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Female
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/genetics
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- MicroRNAs/biosynthesis
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Mutation
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/metabolism
- RNA, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fanini
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Factory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (F.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Erika Bandini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (E.B.); (M.P.); (F.F.); (I.V.)
| | - Meropi Plousiou
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (E.B.); (M.P.); (F.F.); (I.V.)
| | - Silvia Carloni
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Factory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (F.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Petra Wise
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Paolo Neviani
- Extracellular Vesicle Core, The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA;
| | - Mariam Murtadha
- Judy and Bernard Briskin Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA;
| | - Flavia Foca
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy;
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (E.B.); (M.P.); (F.F.); (I.V.)
| | - Ivan Vannini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (E.B.); (M.P.); (F.F.); (I.V.)
| | - Muller Fabbri
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
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Haidar M, Jacquemin P. Past and Future Strategies to Inhibit Membrane Localization of the KRAS Oncogene. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413193. [PMID: 34947990 PMCID: PMC8707736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most studied oncogenes. It is well known that KRAS undergoes post-translational modifications at its C-terminal end. These modifications are essential for its membrane location and activity. Despite significant efforts made in the past three decades to target the mechanisms involved in its membrane localization, no therapies have been approved and taken into the clinic. However, many studies have recently reintroduced interest in the development of KRAS inhibitors, either by directly targeting KRAS or indirectly through the inhibition of critical steps involved in post-translational KRAS modifications. In this review, we summarize the approaches that have been applied over the years to inhibit the membrane localization of KRAS in cancer and propose a new anti-KRAS strategy that could be used in clinic.
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59
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LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method for quantification of binimetinib and venetoclax, and their pharmacokinetic interaction. Bioanalysis 2021; 14:75-86. [PMID: 34841894 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2021-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Because of several prospective benefits, binimetinib (BMT)-venetoclax (VTC) combination can be a better therapeutic strategy to treat cancer. Results: An LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of BMT and VTC in rat plasma has been developed and validated. Specificity, accuracy, precision and stability results met the acceptance criteria for validation. Accuracy and precisions at all quality control levels were <15%. The study revealed that co-administration of BMT and VTC has no significant effect on their pharmacokinetics. Conclusion: The developed method can provide accurate results for quantification of BMT and VTC over the range of 5-500 ng/ml. The reported pharmacokinetic interaction study results will be useful for future consideration of the combined treatment of BMT and VTC in anticancer chemotherapy regimens.
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60
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Li Y, Yuan Y, Zhang F, Guo A, Cao F, Song M, Fu Y, Xu X, Shen H, Zheng S, Pan Y, Chang W. Therapeutic Suppression of FAK-AKT Signaling Overcomes Resistance to SHP2 Inhibition in Colorectal Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:739501. [PMID: 34790119 PMCID: PMC8591248 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.739501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SHP2 mediates signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) to extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Ser and Thr kinase AKT, and its inhibitors offer an unprecedented opportunity for cancer treatment. Although the ERK signaling variation after SHP2 inhibition has been well investigated, the AKT signaling variation in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is still unknown. Therefore, we performed immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics analyses to explore the significance of p-SHP2 in CRC. A panel of CRC cell lines with the SHP2 inhibitor, SHP099, was used to assess the effects on viability and signaling. The inhibitors of AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling were examined in combination with SHP099 as potential strategies to enhance the efficacy and overcome resistance. Frequent resistance to the SHP2 inhibitor was observed in CRC cells, even in those without RAS mutations. We observed rapid adaptive reactivation of the AKT pathway in response to SHP2 inhibition, possibly driven by the reactivation of RTKs or released p-FAK. High baseline p-FAK may also be associated with CRC cell resistance to SHP2 inhibition. Co-inhibition of FAK abrogated the feedback reactivation of AKT in response to SHP2 inhibition. Moreover, the combined inhibition of SHP2 with AKT or FAK resulted in sustained AKT pathway suppression and improved antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Our study found that reactivation of the AKT pathway is a key mechanism of adaptive resistance to SHP2 inhibition, highlighting the potential significance of AKT and FAK inhibition strategies to enhance the efficacy of SHP2 inhibitors in CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuncang Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aizhen Guo
- Department of General Practice, Yangpu Center Hospital, Medical School of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuao Cao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery/Clinical Nutrition, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yating Fu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Shen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yamin Pan
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway Is Required for JCPyV Infection in Primary Astrocytes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113218. [PMID: 34831441 PMCID: PMC8624856 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are a main target of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) in the central nervous system (CNS), where the destruction of these cells, along with oligodendrocytes, leads to the fatal disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). There is no cure currently available for PML, so it is essential to discover antivirals for this aggressive disease. Additionally, the lack of a tractable in vivo models for studying JCPyV infection makes primary cells an accurate alternative for elucidating mechanisms of viral infection in the CNS. This research to better understand the signaling pathways activated in response to JCPyV infection reveals and establishes the importance of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in JCPyV infection in primary human astrocytes compared to transformed cell lines. Using RNA sequencing and chemical inhibitors to target PI3K, AKT, and mTOR, we have demonstrated the importance of this signaling pathway in JCPyV infection of primary astrocytes not observed in transformed cells. Collectively, these findings illuminate the potential for repurposing drugs that are involved with inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and cancer treatment as potential therapeutics for PML, caused by this neuroinvasive virus.
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Duan S, Moro L, Qu R, Simoneschi D, Cho H, Jiang S, Zhao H, Chang Q, de Stanchina E, Arbini AA, Pagano M. Loss of FBXO31-mediated degradation of DUSP6 dysregulates ERK and PI3K-AKT signaling and promotes prostate tumorigenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109870. [PMID: 34686346 PMCID: PMC8577224 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
FBXO31 is the substrate receptor of one of many CUL1-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL1) complexes. Here, we show that low FBXO31 mRNA levels are associated with high pre-operative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and Gleason grade in human prostate cancer. Mechanistically, the ubiquitin ligase CRL1FBXO31 promotes the ubiquitylation-mediated degradation of DUSP6, a dual specificity phosphatase that dephosphorylates and inactivates the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-1 and -2 (ERK1/2). Depletion of FBXO31 stabilizes DUSP6, suppresses ERK signaling, and activates the PI3K-AKT signaling cascade. Moreover, deletion of FBXO31 promotes tumor development in a mouse orthotopic model of prostate cancer. Treatment with BCI, a small molecule inhibitor of DUSP6, suppresses AKT activation and prevents tumor formation, suggesting that the FBXO31 tumor suppressor activity is dependent on DUSP6. Taken together, our studies highlight the relevance of the FBXO31-DUSP6 axis in the regulation of ERK- and PI3K-AKT-mediated signaling pathways, as well as its therapeutic potential in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Loredana Moro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Rui Qu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Daniele Simoneschi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hyunwoo Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shaowen Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Huiyong Zhao
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Arnaldo A Arbini
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Michele Pagano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, The Alexandria Center for Life Science, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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63
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Rampioni Vinciguerra GL, Dall'Acqua A, Segatto I, Mattevi MC, Russo F, Favero A, Cirombella R, Mungo G, Viotto D, Karimbayli J, Pesce M, Vecchione A, Belletti B, Baldassarre G. p27kip1 expression and phosphorylation dictate Palbociclib sensitivity in KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:951. [PMID: 34654798 PMCID: PMC8519959 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04241-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In colorectal cancer, mutation of KRAS (RASMUT) reduces therapeutic options, negatively affecting prognosis of the patients. In this setting, administration of CDK4/6-inhibitors, alone or in combination with other drugs, is being tested as promising therapeutic strategy. Identifying sensitive patients and overcoming intrinsic and acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibition represent still open challenges, to obtain better clinical responses. Here, we investigated the role of the CDK inhibitor p27kip1 in the response to the selective CDK4/6-inhibitor Palbociclib, in colorectal cancer. Our results show that p27kip1 expression inversely correlated with Palbociclib response, both in vitro and in vivo. Generating a model of Palbociclib-resistant RASMUT colorectal cancer cells, we observed an increased expression of p27kip1, cyclin D, CDK4 and CDK6, coupled with an increased association between p27kip1 and CDK4. Furthermore, Palbociclib-resistant cells showed increased Src-mediated phosphorylation of p27kip1 on tyrosine residues and low doses of Src inhibitors re-sensitized resistant cells to Palbociclib. Since p27kip1 showed variable expression in RASMUT colorectal cancer samples, our study supports the possibility that p27kip1 could serve as biomarker to stratify patients who might benefit from CDK4/6 inhibition, alone or in combination with Src inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Luca Rampioni Vinciguerra
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Santo Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dall'Acqua
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ilenia Segatto
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Mattevi
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesca Russo
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Andrea Favero
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cirombella
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Santo Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mungo
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Davide Viotto
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Javad Karimbayli
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Margherita Pesce
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Santo Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Santo Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy.
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New strategies for targeting kinase networks in cancer. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101128. [PMID: 34461089 PMCID: PMC8449055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted strategies against specific driver molecules of cancer have brought about many advances in cancer treatment since the early success of the first small-molecule inhibitor Gleevec. Today, there are a multitude of targeted therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer. However, the initial efficacy of virtually every targeted treatment is often reversed by tumor resistance to the inhibitor through acquisition of new mutations in the target molecule, or reprogramming of the epigenome, transcriptome, or kinome of the tumor cells. At the core of this clinical problem lies the assumption that targeted treatments will only be efficacious if the inhibitors are used at their maximum tolerated doses. Such aggressive regimens create strong selective pressure on the evolutionary progression of the tumor, resulting in resistant cells. High-dose single agent treatments activate alternative mechanisms that bypass the inhibitor, while high-dose combinatorial treatments suffer from increased toxicity resulting in treatment cessation. Although there is an arsenal of targeted agents being tested clinically and preclinically, identifying the most effective combination treatment plan remains a challenge. In this review, we discuss novel targeted strategies with an emphasis on the recent cross-disciplinary studies demonstrating that it is possible to achieve antitumor efficacy without increasing toxicity by adopting low-dose multitarget approaches to treatment of cancer and metastasis.
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65
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Coupez D, Hulo P, Touchefeu Y, Denis MG, Bennouna J. KRAS mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer: from a de facto ban on anti-EGFR treatment in the past to a potential biomarker for precision medicine. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1325-1334. [PMID: 34378483 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1967318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The high frequency of RAS mutations, particularly KRAS mutations, in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the ineffectiveness of anti-EGFR antibodies in treating this disease has created a significant unmet medical need, especially for treating patients in the metastatic phase of this disease. There are many different types of RAS mutations, the most frequent being G12V (c.35 G > T (p.G12V)), G12D (c.35 G > A (p.G12D)), and G13D (c.38 G > A (p.G13D)). Here, we provide an overview of RAS mutations in CRC and their therapeutic implications. AREAS COVERED The therapeutic strategies against metastatic CRC with RAS mutations are elaborated according to patient and disease characteristics and integrated into a multiline strategy. The complexity of the molecular structure of RAS and its relationship with the MAPK/ERK pathway partly explain the initial therapeutic failure with MEK or farnesyltransferase inhibitors. Conversely, the development of direct KRAS inhibitors or drugs targeting RAS regulators (e.g. SOS1 and SHP2) has opened new therapeutic fields, requiring the distinction of each KRAS mutation type. EXPERT OPINION In the future, KRAS inhibitors, including SOS1 and SHP2 inhibitors, might be used in combination with other signal transduction inhibitors, such as MEK inhibitors or anti-EGFR antibodies, which block alternative pathways of activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahna Coupez
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital of Nantes, France
| | - Pauline Hulo
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital of Nantes, France
| | - Yann Touchefeu
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital of Nantes, France.,Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, University Hospital of Nantes, France
| | - Marc G Denis
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Nantes, Nantes, France
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Cuesta C, Arévalo-Alameda C, Castellano E. The Importance of Being PI3K in the RAS Signaling Network. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1094. [PMID: 34356110 PMCID: PMC8303222 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are essential mediators of a multitude of cellular processes, and its deregulation is frequently associated with cancer appearance, progression, and metastasis. Ras-driven cancers are usually aggressive and difficult to treat. Although the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first Ras G12C inhibitor is an important milestone, only a small percentage of patients will benefit from it. A better understanding of the context in which Ras operates in different tumor types and the outcomes mediated by each effector pathway may help to identify additional strategies and targets to treat Ras-driven tumors. Evidence emerging in recent years suggests that both oncogenic Ras signaling in tumor cells and non-oncogenic Ras signaling in stromal cells play an essential role in cancer. PI3K is one of the main Ras effectors, regulating important cellular processes such as cell viability or resistance to therapy or angiogenesis upon oncogenic Ras activation. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in the understanding of Ras-dependent activation of PI3K both in physiological conditions and cancer, with a focus on how this signaling pathway contributes to the formation of a tumor stroma that promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.C.); (C.A.-A.)
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67
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Zeng T, Cao Y, Gu T, Chen L, Tian Y, Li G, Shen J, Tao Z, Lu L. Alpha-Enolase Protects Hepatocyte Against Heat Stress Through Focal Adhesion Kinase-Mediated Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Pathway. Front Genet 2021; 12:693780. [PMID: 34349784 PMCID: PMC8326979 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.693780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating pieces of evidence showed that α-enolase (ENO1) is a multifunctional protein that plays a crucial role in a variety of pathophysiological processes. In our previous study, differential expression of ENO1 was observed in different heat-tolerance duck breeds. Here, we examined in vitro expression level of ENO1 in hepatocytes against heat stress. The mechanisms of ENO1 on cell glycolysis, growth, and its potential regulatory pathways were also analyzed. The results showed that ENO1 expression in messenger RNA and protein levels were both greatly increased in heat-treated cells compared with non-treated cells. ENO1-overexpressed cells significantly elevated cell viability and glycolysis levels. It was further shown that stably upregulated ENO1 activated focal adhesion kinase-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and its downstream signals. In addition, the interaction between ENO1 and 70-kDa heat shock protein was detected using co-immunoprecipitation. Our research suggests that ENO1 may interact with 70-kDa heat shock protein to protect hepatocyte against heat stress through focal adhesion kinase-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zeng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Information Traceability for Agricultural Products, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongqing Cao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Gu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Tian
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Information Traceability for Agricultural Products, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoqin Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Information Traceability for Agricultural Products, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junda Shen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenrong Tao
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lizhi Lu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Information Traceability for Agricultural Products, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hangzhou, China
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68
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Koh SB, Ross K, Isakoff SJ, Melkonjan N, He L, Matissek KJ, Schultz A, Mayer EL, Traina TA, Carey LA, Rugo HS, Liu MC, Stearns V, Langenbucher A, Saladi SV, Ramaswamy S, Lawrence MS, Ellisen LW. RASAL2 Confers Collateral MEK/EGFR Dependency in Chemoresistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4883-4897. [PMID: 34168046 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE While chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), identifying and managing chemoresistant tumors has proven elusive. We sought to discover hallmarks and therapeutically actionable features of refractory TNBC through molecular analysis of primary chemoresistant TNBC specimens. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed transcriptional profiling of tumors from a phase II clinical trial of platinum chemotherapy for advanced TNBC (TBCRC-009), revealing a gene expression signature that identified de novo chemorefractory tumors. We then employed pharmacogenomic data mining, proteomic and other molecular studies to define the therapeutic vulnerabilities of these tumors. RESULTS We reveal the RAS-GTPase-activating protein (RAS-GAP) RASAL2 as an upregulated factor that mediates chemotherapy resistance but also an exquisite collateral sensitivity to combination MAP kinase kinase (MEK1/2) and EGFR inhibitors in TNBC. Mechanistically, RASAL2 GAP activity is required to confer kinase inhibitor sensitivity, as RASAL2-high TNBCs sustain basal RAS activity through suppression of negative feedback regulators SPRY1/2, together with EGFR upregulation. Consequently, RASAL2 expression results in failed feedback compensation upon co-inhibition of MEK1/2 and EGFR that induces synergistic apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. In patients with TNBC, high RASAL2 levels predict clinical chemotherapy response and long-term outcomes, and are associated via direct transcriptional regulation with activated oncogenic Yes-Associated Protein (YAP). Accordingly, chemorefractory patient-derived TNBC models exhibit YAP activation, high RASAL2 expression, and tumor regression in response to MEK/EGFR inhibitor combinations despite well-tolerated intermittent dosing. CONCLUSIONS These findings identify RASAL2 as a mediator of TNBC chemoresistance that rewires MAPK feedback and cross-talk to confer profound collateral sensitivity to combination MEK1/2 and EGFR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siang-Boon Koh
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth Ross
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Steven J Isakoff
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nsan Melkonjan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lei He
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karina J Matissek
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Schultz
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica L Mayer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Lisa A Carey
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Hope S Rugo
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Minetta C Liu
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Vered Stearns
- Johns Hopkins University and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Adam Langenbucher
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Srinivas Vinod Saladi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sridhar Ramaswamy
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael S Lawrence
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Leif W Ellisen
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Kitazawa M, Miyagawa Y, Koyama M, Nakamura S, Hondo N, Miyazaki S, Muranaka F, Tokumaru S, Yamamoto Y, Ehara T, Kuroiwa M, Tanaka H, Komatsu D, Takeoka M, Soejima Y. Drug sensitivity profile of minor KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer using mix culture assay: The effect of AMG-510, a novel KRAS G12C selective inhibitor, on colon cancer cells is markedly enhanced by the combined inhibition of MEK and BCL-XL. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 15:148. [PMID: 34094546 PMCID: PMC8165703 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer with a Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) gene mutation is considered to be resistant to anti-EGFR agents. G12D is the most common KRAS mutation in colorectal cancer, followed by G12V and G13D. According to clinical and basic research data, patients with colorectal cancer exhibiting G12D and G12V KRAS mutations are resistant to anti-EGFR agents; however, this is not true of G13D and other minor mutations, which are still not well understood. The current study focused on minor KRAS mutations (G12A, G12C, G12S, Q61H and A146T) and evaluated whether these were resistant to anti-EGFR antibodies using a mix culture assay. The results demonstrated that all KRAS mutations, including minor mutations, were resistant to two anti-EGFR agents: Cetuximab and panitumumab. The combined effect of MEK and BCL-XL inhibition on colorectal cancer cells with KRAS minor mutations were subsequently evaluated. The combined effect of MEK and BCL-XL inhibitors was confirmed in all KRAS minor mutations. The sensitivity of AMG510, a novel KRAS G12C selective inhibitor, was also assessed. The mix culture assay revealed that AMG510 selectively exerted an antitumor effect on colon cancer cells with a G12C KRAS mutation. The combination of MEK and BCL-XL inhibition markedly enhanced the effect of AMG510 in colon cancer cells. The current study suggested that AMG510 may have potential clinical use in combination with MEK and BCL-XL inhibitors in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer exhibiting the G12C KRAS mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Kitazawa
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yusuke Miyagawa
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Makoto Koyama
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Nao Hondo
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Satoru Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Futoshi Muranaka
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shigeo Tokumaru
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yuta Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takehito Ehara
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Kuroiwa
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tanaka
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Daisuke Komatsu
- Department of Surgery, Jinai Hospital, Ina, Nagano 396-0026, Japan
| | - Michiko Takeoka
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yuji Soejima
- Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8621, Japan
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Sheffels E, Kortum RL. The Role of Wild-Type RAS in Oncogenic RAS Transformation. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050662. [PMID: 33924994 PMCID: PMC8146411 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS family of oncogenes (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) are among the most frequently mutated protein families in cancers. RAS-mutated tumors were originally thought to proliferate independently of upstream signaling inputs, but we now know that non-mutated wild-type (WT) RAS proteins play an important role in modulating downstream effector signaling and driving therapeutic resistance in RAS-mutated cancers. This modulation is complex as different WT RAS family members have opposing functions. The protein product of the WT RAS allele of the same isoform as mutated RAS is often tumor-suppressive and lost during tumor progression. In contrast, RTK-dependent activation of the WT RAS proteins from the two non-mutated WT RAS family members is tumor-promoting. Further, rebound activation of RTK–WT RAS signaling underlies therapeutic resistance to targeted therapeutics in RAS-mutated cancers. The contributions of WT RAS to proliferation and transformation in RAS-mutated cancer cells places renewed interest in upstream signaling molecules, including the phosphatase/adaptor SHP2 and the RasGEFs SOS1 and SOS2, as potential therapeutic targets in RAS-mutated cancers.
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71
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Bilal F, Arenas EJ, Pedersen K, Martínez-Sabadell A, Nabet B, Guruceaga E, Vicent S, Tabernero J, Macarulla T, Arribas J. The Transcription Factor SLUG Uncouples Pancreatic Cancer Progression from the RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 Pathway. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3849-3861. [PMID: 33903121 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-4263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutations in some isoforms of RAS or RAF are drivers of a substantial proportion of cancers. The main Raf effector, MEK1/2, can be targeted with several highly specific inhibitors. The clinical activity of these inhibitors seems to be mixed, showing efficacy against mutant BRAF-driven tumors but not KRAS-driven tumors, such as pancreatic adenocarcinomas. To improve our understanding of this context-dependent efficacy, we generated pancreatic cancer cells resistant to MEK1/2 inhibition, which were also resistant to KRAS and ERK1/2 inhibitors. Compared with parental cells, inhibitor-resistant cells showed several phenotypic changes including increased metastatic ability in vivo. The transcription factor SLUG, which is known to induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, was identified as the key factor responsible for both resistance to MEK1/2 inhibition and increased metastasis. Slug, but not similar transcription factors, predicted poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients and induced the transition to a cellular phenotype in which cell-cycle progression becomes independent of the KRAS-RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway. SLUG was targeted using two independent strategies: (i) inhibition of the MEK5-ERK5 pathway, which is responsible for upregulation of SLUG upon MEK1/2 inhibition, and (ii) direct PROTAC-mediated degradation. Both strategies were efficacious in preclinical pancreatic cancer models, paving the path for the development of more effective therapies against pancreatic cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that SLUG confers resistance to MEK1/2 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer by uncoupling tumor progression from KRAS-RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling, providing new therapeutic opportunities. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/14/3849/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiz Bilal
- Preclinical Research Programs, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique J Arenas
- Preclinical Research Programs, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kim Pedersen
- Preclinical Research Programs, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Martínez-Sabadell
- Preclinical Research Programs, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Behnam Nabet
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Guruceaga
- Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Center for Applied Medical Research, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Silvestre Vicent
- Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Center for Applied Medical Research, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Teresa Macarulla
- Clinical Research Programs, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.,Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (HUVH), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical Research Programs, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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72
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John L, Krauth MT, Podar K, Raab MS. Pathway-Directed Therapy in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1668. [PMID: 33916289 PMCID: PMC8036678 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder with an unmet medical need, in particular for relapsed and refractory patients. Molecules within deregulated signaling pathways, including the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, but also the PI3K/AKT-pathway belong to the most promising evolving therapeutic targets. Rationally derived compounds hold great therapeutic promise to target tumor-specific abnormalities rather than general MM-associated vulnerabilities. This paradigm is probably best depicted by targeting mutated BRAF: while well-tolerated, remarkable responses have been achieved in selected patients by inhibition of BRAFV600E alone or in combination with MEK. Targeting of AKT has also shown promising results in a subset of patients as monotherapy or to resensitize MM-cells to conventional treatment. Approaches to target transcription factors, convergence points of signaling cascades such as p53 or c-MYC, are emerging as yet another exciting strategy for pathway-directed therapy. Informed by our increasing knowledge on the impact of signaling pathways in MM pathophysiology, rationally derived Precision-Medicine trials are ongoing. Their results are likely to once more fundamentally change treatment strategies in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas John
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- CCU Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Theresa Krauth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Klaus Podar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Mitterweg 10, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria;
| | - Marc-Steffen Raab
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- CCU Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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73
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Ryabaya OO, Abramov IS, Khochenkov DA, Akasov R, Sholina NV, Prokofieva AA. Rapamycin synergizes the cytotoxic effects of MEK inhibitor binimetinib and overcomes acquired resistance to therapy in melanoma cell lines in vitro. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:987-1000. [PMID: 33683500 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01089-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective The problem of drug resistance to BRAF-targeted therapy often occurs in melanoma treatment. Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the mechanisms of acquired resistance and a potential target for treatment. In the current research, we investigated that dual inhibition of mTOR and MEK synergistically reduced the viability of melanoma cells in vitro. Methods A combination of rapamycin (a macrolide immunosuppressant, mTOR inhibitor) and binimetinib (an anti-cancer small molecule, selective inhibitor of MEK) was studied using a panel of melanoma cell lines, including patient-derived cells. Results It was found, that combinatorial therapy of rapamycin (250 nM) and binimetinib (2 μM) resulted in 25% of cell viability compared to either rapamycin (85%) or binimetinib alone (50%) for A375 and vemurafenib-resistant Mel IL/R cells. The suppressed activation of mTOR and MEK by combined rapamycin and binimetinib treatment was confirmed using Western blot assay. Cell death occured via the apoptosis pathway; however, the combination treatment significantly increased the apoptosis only for Mel IL/R cells. The enhanced cytotoxic effect was also associated with enhanced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Conclusion In general, we provide the evidence that dual inhibition of mTOR and MEK could be promising for further preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana O Ryabaya
- Department of the Experimental Diagnostic and Tumor Therapy N.N., Bloknin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow, 115478, Russia.
| | - Ivan S Abramov
- Center of Strategical Planning, Moscow, Russia, 10-1 Pogodinskaya Street, Moscow, 119121, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Khochenkov
- Department of the Experimental Diagnostic and Tumor Therapy N.N., Bloknin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow, 115478, Russia.,Togliatti State University, Belorusskaya str. 14, Togliatti, 445020, Russia
| | - Roman Akasov
- Institute of Molecular Medicine Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia.,Department of Biomaterials and Biotechnologies, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.,Federal Scientific Research Center «Crystallography and Photonics», Russian Academy of Sciences, 17a Butlerova st, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Nataly V Sholina
- Department of the Experimental Diagnostic and Tumor Therapy N.N., Bloknin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow, 115478, Russia.,Institute of Molecular Medicine Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Street, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Anastasia A Prokofieva
- Department of the Experimental Diagnostic and Tumor Therapy N.N., Bloknin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, 24 Kashirskoe Shosse, Moscow, 115478, Russia
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74
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Lim S, Khoo R, Juang YC, Gopal P, Zhang H, Yeo C, Peh KM, Teo J, Ng S, Henry B, Partridge AW. Exquisitely Specific anti-KRAS Biodegraders Inform on the Cellular Prevalence of Nucleotide-Loaded States. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2021; 7:274-291. [PMID: 33655066 PMCID: PMC7908030 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c01337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Mutations to RAS proteins (H-, N-, and K-RAS) are among the most common oncogenic drivers, and tumors harboring these lesions are some of the most difficult to treat. Although covalent small molecules against KRASG12C have shown promising efficacy against lung cancers, traditional barriers remain for drugging the more prevalent KRASG12D and KRASG12V mutants. Targeted degradation has emerged as an attractive alternative approach, but for KRAS, identification of the required high-affinity ligands continues to be a challenge. Another significant hurdle is the discovery of a hybrid molecule that appends an E3 ligase-recruiting moiety in a manner that satisfies the precise geometries required for productive polyubiquitin transfer while maintaining favorable druglike properties. To gain insights into the advantages and feasibility of KRAS targeted degradation, we applied a protein-based degrader (biodegrader) approach. This workflow centers on the intracellular expression of a chimeric protein consisting of a high-affinity target-binding domain fused to an engineered E3 ligase adapter. A series of anti-RAS biodegraders spanning different RAS isoform/nucleotide-state specificities and leveraging different E3 ligases provided definitive evidence for RAS degradability. Further, these established that the functional consequences of KRAS degradation are context dependent. Of broader significance, using the exquisite degradation specificity that biodegraders can possess, we demonstrated how this technology can be applied to answer questions that other approaches cannot. Specifically, application of the GDP-state specific degrader uncovered the relative prevalence of the "off-state" of WT and various KRAS mutants in the cellular context. Finally, if delivery challenges can be addressed, anti-RAS biodegraders will be exciting candidates for clinical development.
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75
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Lamtha T, Tabtimmai L, Bangphoomi K, Kiriwan D, Malik AA, Chaicumpa W, van Bergen En Henegouwen PMP, Choowongkomon K. Generation of a nanobody against HER2 tyrosine kinase using phage display library screening for HER2-positive breast cancer therapy development. Protein Eng Des Sel 2021; 34:6462358. [PMID: 34908139 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein overexpression is found in ~30% of invasive breast carcinomas and in a high proportion of noninvasive ductal carcinomas in situ. Targeted cancer therapy is based on monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors and reflects a new era of cancer therapy. However, delivery to tumor cells in vivo is hampered by the large size (150 kDa) of conventional antibodies. Furthermore, there are many disadvantages with the current anti-HER2 drug, including drug resistance and adverse effects. Nanobodies (15 kDa), single-domain antibody (sdAb) fragments, can overcome these limitations. This study produced the recombinant sdAb against the HER2-tyrosine kinase (HER2-TK) domain using phage display technology. Three specific anti-HER2-TK sdAbs were selected for further characterization. Hallmark VHH residue identification and amino acid sequence analysis revealed that clone numbers 4 and 22 were VH antibodies, whereas clone number 17 was a VH H antibody (nanobody). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of VHH17 exhibited significantly greater HER2 kinase-inhibition activity than the other clones. Consistent with these results, several charges and polar residues of the HER2-TK activation loop that were predicted based on mimotope analysis also appeared in the docking result and interacted via the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 loops of VHH17. Furthermore, the cell-penetrable VHH17 (R9 VHH17) showed cell-penetrability and significantly decreased HER2-positive cancer cell viability. Thus, the VH H17 could be developed as an effective therapeutic agent to treat HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomanai Lamtha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kasetsart University, Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Lueacha Tabtimmai
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
| | - Kunan Bangphoomi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kasetsart University, Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Duangnapa Kiriwan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kasetsart University, Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Aijaz A Malik
- Center of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Laboratory for Research and Technology Development, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Paul M P van Bergen En Henegouwen
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CH, the Netherlands
| | - Kiattawee Choowongkomon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Kasetsart University, Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Bioinformatics, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.,Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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76
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Saturno G, Lopes F, Niculescu-Duvaz I, Niculescu-Duvaz D, Zambon A, Davies L, Johnson L, Preece N, Lee R, Viros A, Holovanchuk D, Pedersen M, McLeary R, Lorigan P, Dhomen N, Fisher C, Banerji U, Dean E, Krebs MG, Gore M, Larkin J, Marais R, Springer C. The paradox-breaking panRAF plus SRC family kinase inhibitor, CCT3833, is effective in mutant KRAS-driven cancers. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:269-278. [PMID: 33130216 PMCID: PMC7839839 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.10.483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS is mutated in ∼90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, ∼35% of colorectal cancers and ∼20% of non-small-cell lung cancers. There has been recent progress in targeting G12CKRAS specifically, but therapeutic options for other mutant forms of KRAS are limited, largely because the complexity of downstream signaling and feedback mechanisms mean that targeting individual pathway components is ineffective. DESIGN The protein kinases RAF and SRC are validated therapeutic targets in KRAS-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, colorectal cancers and non-small-cell lung cancers and we show that both must be inhibited to block growth of these cancers. We describe CCT3833, a new drug that inhibits both RAF and SRC, which may be effective in KRAS-mutant cancers. RESULTS We show that CCT3833 inhibits RAF and SRC in KRAS-mutant tumors in vitro and in vivo, and that it inhibits tumor growth at well-tolerated doses in mice. CCT3833 has been evaluated in a phase I clinical trial (NCT02437227) and we report here that it significantly prolongs progression-free survival of a patient with a G12VKRAS spindle cell sarcoma who did not respond to a multikinase inhibitor and therefore had limited treatment options. CONCLUSIONS New drug CCT3833 elicits significant preclinical therapeutic efficacy in KRAS-mutant colorectal, lung and pancreatic tumor xenografts, demonstrating a treatment option for several areas of unmet clinical need. Based on these preclinical data and the phase I clinical unconfirmed response in a patient with KRAS-mutant spindle cell sarcoma, CCT3833 requires further evaluation in patients with other KRAS-mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Saturno
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK
| | - F Lopes
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK; Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - I Niculescu-Duvaz
- Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - D Niculescu-Duvaz
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK; Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - A Zambon
- Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - L Davies
- Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - L Johnson
- Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - N Preece
- Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - R Lee
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK
| | - A Viros
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK
| | - D Holovanchuk
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK
| | - M Pedersen
- Targeted Therapy Team, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - R McLeary
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK; Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - P Lorigan
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - N Dhomen
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK
| | - C Fisher
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - U Banerji
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - E Dean
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - M G Krebs
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - M Gore
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - J Larkin
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R Marais
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK.
| | - C Springer
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, the University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, UK; Gene and Oncogene Targeting Team, CR-UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
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Kuhn N, Klinger B, Uhlitz F, Sieber A, Rivera M, Klotz-Noack K, Fichtner I, Hoffmann J, Blüthgen N, Falk C, Sers C, Schäfer R. Mutation-specific effects of NRAS oncogenes in colorectal cancer cells. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 79:100778. [PMID: 33431353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In colorectal cancer (CRC), the prevalence of NRAS mutations (5-9%) is inferior to that of KRAS mutations (40-50%). NRAS mutations feature lately during tumour progression and drive resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in KRAS wild-type tumours. To elucidate specific functions of NRAS mutations in CRC, we expressed doxycycline-inducible G12D and Q61K mutations in the CRC cell line Caco-2. A focused phospho-proteome analysis based on the Bio-Plex platform, which interrogated the activity of MAPK, PI3K, mTOR, STAT, p38, JNK and ATF2, did not reveal significant differences between Caco-2 cells expressing NRASG12D, NRASQ61K and KRASG12V. However, phenotypic read-outs were different. The NRAS Q61K mutation promoted anchorage-independent proliferation and tumorigenicity, similar to features driven by canonical KRAS mutations. In contrast, expression of NRASG12D resulted in reduced proliferation and apoptosis. At the transcriptome level, we saw upregulation of cytokines and chemokines. IL1A, IL11, CXCL8 (IL-8) and CCL20 exhibited enhanced secretion into the culture medium. In addition, RNA sequencing results indicated activation of the IL1-, JAK/STAT-, NFκB- and TNFα signalling pathways. These results form the basis for an NRASG12D-driven inflammatory phenotype in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kuhn
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bertram Klinger
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; Integrative Research Institute Life Sciences, Humboldt University Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Building 18, D-10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Uhlitz
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; Integrative Research Institute Life Sciences, Humboldt University Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Building 18, D-10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Sieber
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; Integrative Research Institute Life Sciences, Humboldt University Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Building 18, D-10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Rivera
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, D-13125, Berlin, Buch, Germany
| | - Kathleen Klotz-Noack
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Iduna Fichtner
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, D-13125, Berlin, Buch, Germany
| | - Jens Hoffmann
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology GmbH, Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, D-13125, Berlin, Buch, Germany
| | - Nils Blüthgen
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; Integrative Research Institute Life Sciences, Humboldt University Berlin, Philippstraße 13, Building 18, D-10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christine Sers
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Reinhold Schäfer
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Cancer Systems Biology, Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117, Berlin, Germany.
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78
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Hu K, Li K, Lv J, Feng J, Chen J, Wu H, Cheng F, Jiang W, Wang J, Pei H, Chiao PJ, Cai Z, Chen Y, Liu M, Pang X. Suppression of the SLC7A11/glutathione axis causes synthetic lethality in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1752-1766. [PMID: 31874110 DOI: 10.1172/jci124049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS is a major driver in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) that has yet to be therapeutically conquered. Here we report that the SLC7A11/glutathione axis displays metabolic synthetic lethality with oncogenic KRAS. Through metabolomics approaches, we found that mutationally activated KRAS strikingly increased intracellular cystine levels and glutathione biosynthesis. SLC7A11, a cystine/glutamate antiporter conferring specificity for cystine uptake, was overexpressed in patients with KRAS-mutant LUAD and showed positive association with tumor progression. Furthermore, SLC7A11 inhibition by either genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition with sulfasalazine resulted in selective killing across a panel of KRAS-mutant cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth inhibition in vivo, suggesting the functionality and specificity of SLC7A11 as a therapeutic target. Importantly, we further identified a potent SLC7A11 inhibitor, HG106, that markedly decreased cystine uptake and intracellular glutathione biosynthesis. Furthermore, HG106 exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward KRAS-mutant cells by increasing oxidative stress- and ER stress-mediated cell apoptosis. Of note, treatment of KRAS-mutant LUAD with HG106 in several preclinical lung cancer mouse models led to marked tumor suppression and prolonged survival. Overall, our findings reveal that KRAS-mutant LUAD cells are vulnerable to SLC7A11 inhibition, offering potential therapeutic approaches for this currently incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewen Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics in Ningxia, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haigang Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Wenhao Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixiang Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Paul J Chiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zhenyu Cai
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiufeng Pang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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79
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Dhritlahre RK, Saneja A. Recent advances in HER2-targeted delivery for cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:1319-1329. [PMID: 33359114 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a tyrosine kinase receptor with a molecular mass of 185kDa, is overexpressed in several cancers, such as breast, gastric, ovary, prostate, and lung. HER2 is a promising target in cancer therapy because of its crucial role in cell migration, proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis through various intracellular signaling cascades. This receptor is an ideal target for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents because of its accessibility to the extracellular domain. In this review, we highlight different HER2-targeting strategies and various approaches for HER2-targeted delivery systems to improve outcomes for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Dhritlahre
- Formulation Laboratory, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ankit Saneja
- Formulation Laboratory, Dietetics & Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR - Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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80
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Kun E, Tsang YTM, Ng CW, Gershenson DM, Wong KK. MEK inhibitor resistance mechanisms and recent developments in combination trials. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 92:102137. [PMID: 33340965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway plays a vital role in cellular processes such as gene expression, cell proliferation, cell survival, and apoptosis. Also known as the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway, the MAPK pathway has been implicated in approximately one-third of all cancers. Mutations in RAS or RAF genes such as KRAS and BRAF are common, and these mutations typically promote malignancies by over-activating MEK and ERK downstream, which drives sustained cell proliferation and uninhibited cell growth. Development of drugs targeting this pathway has been a research area of great interest, especially drugs targeting the inhibition of MEK. In vitro and clinical studies have shown promise for certain MEK inhibitors (MEKi) , and MEKi have become the first treatment option for certain cancers. Despite promising results, not all patients have a response to MEKi, and mechanisms of resistance typically arise in patients who do have a positive initial response. This paper summarizes recent developments regarding MEKi, the mechanisms of adaptive resistance to MEKi, and the potential solutions to the issue of adaptive MEKi resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kun
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y T M Tsang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C W Ng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D M Gershenson
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K K Wong
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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81
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Grbovic-Huezo O, Pitter KL, Lecomte N, Saglimbeni J, Askan G, Holm M, Melchor JP, Chandwani R, Joshi S, Haglund C, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Chiosis G, Tammela T, Leach SD. Unbiased in vivo preclinical evaluation of anticancer drugs identifies effective therapy for the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:30670-30678. [PMID: 33199632 PMCID: PMC7720119 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1920240117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage, which limits surgical options and portends a dismal prognosis. Current oncologic PDAC therapies confer marginal benefit and, thus, a significant unmet clinical need exists for new therapeutic strategies. To identify effective PDAC therapies, we leveraged a syngeneic orthotopic PDAC transplant mouse model to perform a large-scale, in vivo screen of 16 single-agent and 41 two-drug targeted therapy combinations in mice. Among 57 drug conditions screened, combined inhibition of heat shock protein (Hsp)-90 and MEK was found to produce robust suppression of tumor growth, leading to an 80% increase in the survival of PDAC-bearing mice with no significant toxicity. Mechanistically, we observed that single-agent MEK inhibition led to compensatory activation of resistance pathways, including components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis, which was overcome with the addition of HSP90 inhibition. The combination of HSP90(i) + MEK(i) was also active in vitro in established human PDAC cell lines and in vivo in patient-derived organoid PDAC transplant models. These findings encourage the clinical development of HSP90(i) + MEK(i) combination therapy and highlight the power of clinically relevant in vivo model systems for identifying cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Grbovic-Huezo
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Kenneth L Pitter
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Nicolas Lecomte
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Joseph Saglimbeni
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Gokce Askan
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Matilda Holm
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jerry P Melchor
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Rohit Chandwani
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
| | - Suhasini Joshi
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Caj Haglund
- Translational Cancer Biology Research Program, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Gabriela Chiosis
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Tuomas Tammela
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Steven D Leach
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065;
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03766
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82
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Kim S, You D, Jeong Y, Yoon SY, Kim SA, Kim SW, Nam SJ, Lee JE. WNT5A augments cell invasiveness by inducing CXCL8 in HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Cytokine 2020; 135:155213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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83
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Lenze N, Chera B, Sheth S. An evaluation of buparlisib for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 22:135-144. [PMID: 33121281 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1825684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Five-year overall survival for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is relatively poor at around 50-66%, and there has been little improvement over the past several decades. PIK3CA alterations are common in HNSCC and offer a promising therapeutic target. AREAS COVERED The authors discuss the PIK3 pathway and the use of PIK3 inhibitors in cancer, with a particular focus on HNSCC. A summary of the safety and efficacy of buparlisib, a class I pan-PI3K inhibitor, from several phase I and phase II HNSCC trials is provided. EXPERT OPINION With a maximum tolerated dose of 100 mg/day and an acceptable toxicity profile, buparlisib may be effective in HNSCC, irrespective of PIK3CA mutational status. On-going clinical trials will help determine the developmental strategy of buparlisib while novel combinatory strategies including combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered. Importantly, biomarker strategies, including wider use of tumor sequencing and circulating tumor DNA, should be utilized to improve patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Lenze
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bhisham Chera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Siddharth Sheth
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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84
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Horizontal Combination of MEK and PI3K/mTOR Inhibition in BRAF Mutant Tumor Cells with or without Concomitant PI3K Pathway Mutations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207649. [PMID: 33081092 PMCID: PMC7589607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS/RAF and PI3K/Akt pathways play a key regulatory role in cancer and are often hit by oncogenic mutations. Despite molecular targeting, the long-term success of monotherapy is often hampered by de novo or acquired resistance. In the case of concurrent mutations in both pathways, horizontal combination could be a reasonable approach. In our study, we investigated the MEK inhibitor selumetinib and PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor BEZ235 alone and in combination in BRAF-only mutant and BRAF + PI3K/PTEN double mutant cancer cells using short- and long-term 2D viability assays, spheroid assays, and immunoblots. In the 2D assays, selumetinib was more effective on BRAF-only mutant lines when compared to BRAF + PI3K/PTEN double mutants. Furthermore, combination therapy had an additive effect in most of the lines while synergism was observed in two of the double mutants. Importantly, in the SW1417 BRAF + PI3K double mutant cells, synergism was also confirmed in the spheroid and in the in vivo model. Mechanistically, p-Akt level decreased only in the SW1417 cell line after combination treatment. In conclusion, the presence of concurrent mutations alone did not predict a stronger response to combination treatment. Therefore, additional investigations are warranted to identify predictive factors that can select patients who can benefit from the horizontal combinational inhibition of these two pathways.
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85
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Osumi H, Muroi A, Sakahara M, Kawachi H, Okamoto T, Natsume Y, Yamanaka H, Takano H, Kusama D, Shinozaki E, Ooki A, Yamaguchi K, Ueno M, Takeuchi K, Noda T, Nagayama S, Koshikawa N, Yao R. Evaluation of the RAS signaling network in response to MEK inhibition using organoids derived from a familial adenomatous polyposis patient. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17455. [PMID: 33060766 PMCID: PMC7567075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS signaling is a promising target for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy, and a variety of selective inhibitors have been developed. However, their use has often failed to demonstrate a significant benefit in CRC patients. Here, we used patient-derived organoids (PDOs) derived from a familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patient to analyze the response to chemotherapeutic agents targeting EGFR, BRAF and MEK. We found that PDOs carrying KRAS mutations were resistant to MEK inhibition, while those harboring the BRAF class 3 mutation were hypersensitive. We used a systematic approach to examine the phosphorylation of RAS effectors using reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) and found increased phosphorylation of MEK induced by binimetinib. A high basal level of ERK phosphorylation and its rebound activation after MEK inhibition were detected in KRAS-mutant PDOs. Notably, the phosphorylation of EGFR and AKT was more closely correlated with that of MEK than that of ERK. Transcriptome analysis identified MYC-mediated transcription and IFN signaling as significantly correlated gene sets in MEK inhibition. Our experiments demonstrated that RPPA analysis of PDOs, in combination with the genome and transcriptome, is a useful preclinical research platform to understand RAS signaling and provides clues for the development of chemotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Osumi
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.,Director's Office, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Atsushi Muroi
- Division of Cancer Cell Research, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Mizuho Sakahara
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawachi
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Takuya Okamoto
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Yasuko Natsume
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hitomi Yamanaka
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takano
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kusama
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Eiji Shinozaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Akira Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Masashi Ueno
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Kengo Takeuchi
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Institute Hospital, Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Director's Office, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagayama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Naohiko Koshikawa
- Division of Cancer Cell Research, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Ryoji Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan.
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86
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Smith T, Affram K, Nottingham EL, Han B, Amissah F, Krishnan S, Trevino J, Agyare E. Application of smart solid lipid nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16989. [PMID: 33046724 PMCID: PMC7552424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73218-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a standard treatment option for colorectal cancer (CRC) but its rapid metabolism and systemic instability (short half-life) has hindered its therapeutic efficacy. The objective of this study was to develop a novel drug delivery system, solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN), capable of delivering high payload of 5-FU to treat CRC. The rational was to improve 5FU-nanocarrier compatibility and therapeutic efficacy. The SLN-loaded 5-FU was developed by utilizing a Strategic and unique Method to Advance and Refine the Treatment (SMART) of CRC through hot and cold homogenization approach. The SLN was made of unique PEGylated lipids and combination of the surfactants. Cytotoxicity studies, clonogenic assay, flow cytometry and confocal imaging were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and cellular uptake of 5FU-SLN4 in HCT-116 cancer cells. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and receptor expressions were determined while tumor efficacy studies were conducted on mouse bearing subcutaneous HCT-116 cancer. Among the all the formulations, 5FU-SLN4 was the most effective with particle size of was 263 ± 3 nm, zeta potential was 0.1 ± 0.02 and entrapment efficiency of 81 ± 10%. The IC50 value of 5FU-SLN4 (7.4 ± 0.02 µM) was 2.3 fold low compared with 5-FU (17.7 ± 0.03 µM). For tumor efficacy studies, 5FU-SLN4 significantly inhibited tumor growth in comparison to 5-FU while area-under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of 5FU-SLN4 was 3.6 fold high compared with 5-FU. HER2 receptors expression were markedly reduced in 5-FU-SLN4 treated mice compared with 5FU and liver and kidney tissues showed no toxicity at dose of 20 mg/kg. 5FU-SLN4 was highly cytotoxic against HCT-116 cells and significantly inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth in mice compared with 5-FU. This emphasizes the significance of developing a smart nano-delivery system to optimize the delivery efficiency of anticancer drugs to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Smith
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, 1415 South Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Kevin Affram
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, 1415 South Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Ebony L Nottingham
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, 1415 South Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Felix Amissah
- College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Jose Trevino
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Edward Agyare
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, 1415 South Martin Luther King Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA.
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87
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Shahi Thakuri P, Lamichhane A, Singh S, Gupta M, Luker GD, Tavana H. Modeling Adaptive Resistance of KRAS Mutant Colorectal Cancer to MAPK Pathway Inhibitors with a Three-Dimensional Tumor Model. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:1176-1187. [PMID: 33344895 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Single-agent drug treatment of KRASmut colorectal cancers is often ineffective because the activation of compensatory signaling pathways leads to drug resistance. To mimic cyclic chemotherapy treatments of patients, we showed that intermittent treatments of 3D tumor spheroids of KRASmut colorectal cancer cells with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway temporarily suppressed growth of spheroids. However, the efficacy of successive single-agent treatments was significantly reduced. Molecular analysis showed compensatory activation of PI3K/AKT and STAT kinases and EGFR family proteins. To overcome the adaptation of cancer cells to MAPK pathway inhibitors, we treated tumor spheroids with a combination of MEK and EGFR inhibitors. This approach significantly blocked signaling of MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways and prevented the growth of spheroids, but it was not effective against STAT signaling. Although the combination treatment blocked the matrix invasion of DLD1 cells, additional treatments with STAT inhibitors were necessary to prevent invasiveness of HCT116 cells. Overall, our drug resistance model elucidated the mechanisms of treatment-induced growth and invasiveness of cancer cells and allowed design-driven testing and identifying of effective treatments to suppress these phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradip Shahi Thakuri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Astha Lamichhane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Sunil Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Megha Gupta
- Department of Arts and Sciences, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Gary D Luker
- Department of Radiology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States.,Department of Radiology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States.,Department of Radiology, Microbiology and Immunology, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Hossein Tavana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
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88
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Anthrax lethal factor cleaves regulatory subunits of phosphoinositide-3 kinase to contribute to toxin lethality. Nat Microbiol 2020; 5:1464-1471. [PMID: 32895527 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-020-0782-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT), produced by Bacillus anthracis, comprises a receptor-binding moiety, protective antigen and the lethal factor (LF) protease1,2. Although LF is known to cleave mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MEKs/MKKs) and some variants of the NLRP1 inflammasome sensor, targeting of these pathways does not explain the lethality of anthrax toxin1,2. Here we report that the regulatory subunits of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-p85α (PIK3R1) and p85β (PIK3R2)3,4-are substrates of LF. Cleavage of these proteins in a proline-rich region between their N-terminal Src homology and Bcr homology domains disrupts homodimer formation and impacts PI3K signalling. Mice carrying a mutated p85α that cannot be cleaved by LF show a greater resistance to anthrax toxin challenge. The LF(W271A) mutant cleaves p85α with lower efficiency and is non-toxic to mice but can regain lethality when combined with PI3K pathway inhibitors. We provide evidence that LF targets two signalling pathways that are essential for growth and metabolism and that the disabling of both pathways is likely necessary for lethal anthrax infection.
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89
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AKT drives sustained motility following MEK inhibition via promoting SNAIL and AXL in MDA-MB-231 LM2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 528:92-98. [PMID: 32456793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The adaptive activation of alternative signaling pathways contributes to acquired resistance against targeted cancer therapies. Our previous research has shown that blocking Ras/ERK signaling promotes PI3K/AKT signaling in the lung metastatic derivative of MDA-MB-231 (LM2). Because AKT activation was required to drive sustained cell motility following MEK suppression, we extend our research to elucidate how activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling drives sustained motility following MEK inhibition. Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) revealed that SNAIL (SNAI1) was upregulated in U0126 (MEK inhibitor)-treated LM2 cells. Importantly, LM2 cells simultaneously treated with U0126 and PI3K inhibitor LY294002 exhibited reduced expression of SNAIL. Furthermore, depletion of SNAIL led to reduced cell motility in U0126-treated LM2 cells. In addition, we identified AXL as another downstream effector of AKT. These results suggest that SNAIL and AXL are key factors mediating sustained motility of LM2 cells following MEK suppression. Because AKT mediates motile behavior under MEK suppression, our results suggest that AKT and AXL may be targeted to overcome resistance against drugs targeting the Ras/ERK pathway.
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90
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Shorning BY, Dass MS, Smalley MJ, Pearson HB. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR Pathway and Prostate Cancer: At the Crossroads of AR, MAPK, and WNT Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4507. [PMID: 32630372 PMCID: PMC7350257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a frequent event in prostate cancer that facilitates tumor formation, disease progression and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that the complex crosstalk between the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and multiple interacting cell signaling cascades can further promote prostate cancer progression and influence the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to PI3K-AKT-mTOR-targeted therapies being explored in the clinic, as well as standard treatment approaches such as androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). However, the full extent of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling network during prostate tumorigenesis, invasive progression and disease recurrence remains to be determined. In this review, we outline the emerging diversity of the genetic alterations that lead to activated PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into the interplay between the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and several key interacting oncogenic signaling cascades that can cooperate to facilitate prostate cancer growth and drug-resistance, specifically the androgen receptor (AR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and WNT signaling cascades. Ultimately, deepening our understanding of the broader PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling network is crucial to aid patient stratification for PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway-directed therapies, and to discover new therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer that improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, Wales, UK; (B.Y.S.); (M.S.D.); (M.J.S.)
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91
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Gillson J, Ramaswamy Y, Singh G, Gorfe AA, Pavlakis N, Samra J, Mittal A, Sahni S. Small Molecule KRAS Inhibitors: The Future for Targeted Pancreatic Cancer Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051341. [PMID: 32456277 PMCID: PMC7281596 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors in the world. Currently, there are no approved targeted therapies for PDAC. Mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) are known to be a major driver of PDAC progression, but it was considered an undruggable target until recently. Moreover, PDAC also suffers from drug delivery issues due to the highly fibrotic tumor microenvironment. In this perspective, we provide an overview of recent developments in targeting mutant KRAS and strategies to overcome drug delivery issues (e.g., nanoparticle delivery). Overall, we propose that the antitumor effects from novel KRAS inhibitors along with strategies to overcome drug delivery issues could be a new therapeutic way forward in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Gillson
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia; (J.G.); (N.P.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
| | - Yogambha Ramaswamy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney 2006, Sydney, Australia; (Y.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Gurvinder Singh
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney 2006, Sydney, Australia; (Y.R.); (G.S.)
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Nick Pavlakis
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia; (J.G.); (N.P.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Northern Sydney Cancer Center, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Genesis Care, St Leonards and Frenchs Forest 2065, NSW, Australia
| | - Jaswinder Samra
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia; (J.G.); (N.P.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
| | - Anubhav Mittal
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia; (J.G.); (N.P.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia; (J.G.); (N.P.); (J.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards 2065, NSW, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9926-7829
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92
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The limitations of targeting MEK signalling in Glioblastoma therapy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7401. [PMID: 32366879 PMCID: PMC7198577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is a highly aggressive, difficult to treat brain tumour. Successful treatment, consisting of maximal safe tumour de-bulking, followed by radiotherapy and treatment with the alkylating agent Temozolomide (TMZ), can extend patient survival to approximately 15 months. Combination treatments based on the inhibition of the PI3K pathway, which is the most frequently activated signalling cascade in GB, have so far only shown limited therapeutic success. Here, we use the clinically approved MEK inhibitor Trametinib to investigate its potential use in managing GB. Trametinib has a strong anti-proliferative effect on established GB cell lines, stem cell-like cells and their differentiated progeny and while it does not enhance anti-proliferative and cell death-inducing properties of the standard treatment, i.e. exposure to radiation or TMZ, neither does MEK inhibition block their effectiveness. However, upon MEK inhibition some cell populations appear to favour cell-substrate interactions in a sprouting assay and become more invasive in the Chorioallantoic Membrane assay, which assesses cell penetration into an organic membrane. While this increased invasion can be modulated by additional inhibition of the PI3K signalling cascade, there is no apparent benefit of blocking MEK compared to targeting PI3K.
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93
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Lin X, Liao J, Geng X, Dan H, Chen L. Concurrent inhibition of ErbB family and MEK/ERK kinases to suppress non-small cell lung cancer proliferation. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:847-856. [PMID: 32269717 PMCID: PMC7137063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer ranks as the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Of all lung cancer types, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85 percent of all cases. The high mortality of NSCLC occurs mainly because of poor prognosis in patients with recurrent and metastatic cancer. Cisplatin-containing chemotherapy is the first option to treat recurrent and metastatic NSCLC. Additionally, targeted therapy plays an important role to prolong life in patients. Currently, EGFR inhibitors are the most important targeted anti-cancer drugs for patients with EGFR mutations in the clinical setting. Another important kinase inhibitor for targeted therapy is the MEK inhibitor, Trametinib, which is often used for patients with BRAF mutation or MEK/ERK activation in the tumors. In this study, we determined whether a combination of the pan-ErbB kinase inhibitor, Afatinib, and MEK inhibitor, Trametinib, could more effectively inhibit NSCLC cell proliferation when compared to either single treatment. We found that Afatinib inhibited phosphorylation of EGFR, HER2, HER3, and HER4, as well as Akt, whereas it elevated ERK phosphorylation. Conversely, Trametinib treatment led to ERK inhibition, but induced Akt phosphorylation. However, the combination of Afatinib and Trametinib inhibited all of the above-mentioned signaling pathways and synergistically suppressed cell proliferation. Our data indicate that co-targeting of ErbB family and MEK/ERK pathways through a combination of Afatinib and Trametinib could be a potential effective strategy to treat NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Lin
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
- Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jipei Liao
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinyan Geng
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hancai Dan
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - Long Chen
- Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi, China
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94
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Feedback analysis identifies a combination target for overcoming adaptive resistance to targeted cancer therapy. Oncogene 2020; 39:3803-3820. [PMID: 32157217 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1255-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Targeted drugs aim to treat cancer by directly inhibiting oncogene activity or oncogenic pathways, but drug resistance frequently emerges. Due to the intricate dynamics of cancer signaling networks, which contain complex feedback regulations, cancer cells can rewire these networks to adapt to and counter the cytotoxic effects of a drug, thereby limiting the efficacy of targeted therapies. To identify a combinatorial drug target that can overcome such a limitation, we developed a Boolean network simulation and analysis framework and applied this approach to a large-scale signaling network of colorectal cancer with integrated genomic information. We discovered Src as a critical combination drug target that can overcome the adaptive resistance to the targeted inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by blocking the essential feedback regulation responsible for resistance. The proposed framework is generic and can be widely used to identify drug targets that can overcome adaptive resistance to targeted therapies.
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95
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Muratcioglu S, Aydin C, Odabasi E, Ozdemir ES, Firat-Karalar EN, Jang H, Tsai CJ, Nussinov R, Kavakli IH, Gursoy A, Keskin O. Oncogenic K-Ras4B Dimerization Enhances Downstream Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signaling. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:1199-1215. [PMID: 31931009 PMCID: PMC8533050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ras recruits and activates effectors that transmit receptor-initiated signals. Monomeric Ras can bind Raf; however, Raf's activation requires dimerization, which can be facilitated by Ras dimerization. Previously, we showed that active K-Ras4B dimerizes in silico and in vitro through two major interfaces: (i) β-interface, mapped to Switch I and effector-binding regions, (ii) α-interface at the allosteric lobe. Here, we chose constitutively active K-Ras4B as our control and two double mutants (K101D and R102E; and R41E and K42D) in the α- and β-interfaces. Two of the mutations are from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Catalogue Of Somatic Mutations In Cancer (COSMIC) data sets. R41 and R102 are found in several adenocarcinomas in Ras isoforms. We performed site-directed mutagenesis, cellular localization experiments, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the impact of the mutations on K-Ras4B dimerization and function. α-interface K101D/R102E double mutations reduced dimerization but only slightly reduced downstream phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (pERK) levels. While β-interface R41E/K42D double mutations did not interfere with dimerization, they almost completely blocked K-Ras4B-mediated ERK phosphorylation. Both double mutations increased downstream phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) levels in cells. Changes in pERK and pAkt levels altered ERK- and Akt-regulated gene expressions, such as EGR1, JUN, and BCL2L11. These results underscore the role of the α-interface in K-Ras4B homodimerization and the β-surface in effector binding. MD simulations highlight that the membrane and hypervariable region (HVR) interact with both α- and β-interfaces of K-Ras4B mutants, respectively, inhibiting homodimerization and probably effector binding. Mutations at both interfaces interfered with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling but in different forms and extents. We conclude that dimerization is not necessary but enhances downstream MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Muratcioglu
- Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Cihan Aydin
- Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Odabasi
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - E Sila Ozdemir
- Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | | | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ibrahim Halil Kavakli
- Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey; Departments of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Departments of Computer Engineering, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Departments of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey.
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96
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Bellier J, Nokin MJ, Caprasse M, Tiamiou A, Blomme A, Scheijen JL, Koopmansch B, MacKay GM, Chiavarina B, Costanza B, Rademaker G, Durieux F, Agirman F, Maloujahmoum N, Cusumano PG, Lovinfosse P, Leung HY, Lambert F, Bours V, Schalkwijk CG, Hustinx R, Peulen O, Castronovo V, Bellahcène A. Methylglyoxal Scavengers Resensitize KRAS-Mutated Colorectal Tumors to Cetuximab. Cell Rep 2020; 30:1400-1416.e6. [PMID: 32023458 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of cetuximab anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) antibodies has opened the era of targeted and personalized therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). Poor response rates have been unequivocally shown in mutant KRAS and are even observed in a majority of wild-type KRAS tumors. Therefore, patient selection based on mutational profiling remains problematic. We previously identified methylglyoxal (MGO), a by-product of glycolysis, as a metabolite promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Mutant KRAS cells under MGO stress show AKT-dependent survival when compared with wild-type KRAS isogenic CRC cells. MGO induces AKT activation through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin 2 (mTORC2) and Hsp27 regulation. Importantly, the sole induction of MGO stress in sensitive wild-type KRAS cells renders them resistant to cetuximab. MGO scavengers inhibit AKT and resensitize KRAS-mutated CRC cells to cetuximab in vivo. This study establishes a link between MGO and AKT activation and pinpoints this oncometabolite as a potential target to tackle EGFR-targeted therapy resistance in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Bellier
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Julie Nokin
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Maurine Caprasse
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiamiou
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Blomme
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jean L Scheijen
- Laboratory for Metabolism and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Barbara Chiavarina
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Brunella Costanza
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Rademaker
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Florence Durieux
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ferman Agirman
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Naïma Maloujahmoum
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pino G Cusumano
- Department of Senology, Liège University Hospital, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Lovinfosse
- Oncology Imaging Division, Liège University Hospital, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Hing Y Leung
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Frédéric Lambert
- Department of Human Genetics, Liège University Hospital, Liege, Belgium
| | - Vincent Bours
- Department of Human Genetics, Liège University Hospital, Liege, Belgium
| | - Casper G Schalkwijk
- Laboratory for Metabolism and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Hustinx
- Oncology Imaging Division, Liège University Hospital, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivier Peulen
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Castronovo
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Akeila Bellahcène
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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97
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Marková I, Koníčková R, Vaňková K, Leníček M, Kolář M, Strnad H, Hradilová M, Šáchová J, Rasl J, Klímová Z, Vomastek T, Němečková I, Nachtigal P, Vítek L. Anti-angiogenic effects of the blue-green alga Arthrospira platensis on pancreatic cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:2402-2415. [PMID: 31957261 PMCID: PMC7028863 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrospira platensis, a blue-green alga, is a popular nutraceutical substance having potent antioxidant properties with potential anti-carcinogenic activities. The aim of our study was to assess the possible anti-angiogenic effects of A platensis in an experimental model of pancreatic cancer. The effects of an A platensis extract were investigated on human pancreatic cancer cells (PA-TU-8902) and immortalized endothelial-like cells (Ea.hy926). PA-TU-8902 pancreatic tumours xenografted to athymic mice were also examined. In vitro migration and invasiveness assays were performed on the tested cells. Multiple angiogenic factors and signalling pathways were analysed in the epithelial, endothelial and cancer cells, and tumour tissue. The A platensis extract exerted inhibitory effects on both migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer as well as endothelial-like cells. Tumours of mice treated with A platensis exhibited much lesser degrees of vascularization as measured by CD31 immunostaining (P = .004). Surprisingly, the VEGF-A mRNA and protein expressions were up-regulated in pancreatic cancer cells. A platensis inhibited ERK activation upstream of Raf and suppressed the expression of ERK-regulated proteins. Treatment of pancreatic cancer with A platensis was associated with suppressive effects on migration and invasiveness with various anti-angiogenic features, which might account for the anticancer effects of this blue-green alga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Marková
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Renata Koníčková
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Kateřina Vaňková
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Martin Leníček
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Informatics and ChemistryFaculty of Chemical TechnologyUniversity of Chemistry and TechnologyPragueCzech Republic
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jana Šáchová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jan Rasl
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Cell BiologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Zuzana Klímová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Tomáš Vomastek
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Ivana Němečková
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesFaculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KraloveCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Petr Nachtigal
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesFaculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KraloveCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Libor Vítek
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
- 4th Department of Internal MedicineFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
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98
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Challa S, Husain K, Kim R, Coppola D, Batra SK, Cheng JQ, Malafa MP. Targeting the IκB Kinase Enhancer and Its Feedback Circuit in Pancreatic Cancer. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:481-489. [PMID: 32004866 PMCID: PMC6994835 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease with an overall median 5-year survival rate of 8%. This poor prognosis is because of the development of resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy and lack of effective targeted therapies. IκB kinase enhancer (IKBKE) overexpression was previously implicated in chemoresistance. Because IKBKE is frequently elevated in PDAC and IKBKE inhibitors are currently in clinical trials, we evaluated IKBKE as a therapeutic target in this disease. Depletion of IKBKE was found to significantly reduce PDAC cell survival, growth, cancer stem cell renewal, and cell migration and invasion. Notably, IKBKE inhibitor CYT387 and IKBKE knockdown dramatically activated the MAPK pathway. Phospho-RTK array analyses showed that IKBKE inhibition leads to rapid upregulation of ErbB3 and IGF-1R expression, which results in MAPK-ERK pathway activation-thereby limiting the efficacy of IKBKE inhibitors. Furthermore, IKBKE inhibition leads to stabilization of FOXO3a, which is required for RTK upregulation on IKBKE inhibition. Finally, we demonstrated that the IKBKE inhibitors synergize with the MEK inhibitor trametinib to significantly induce cell death and inhibit tumor growth and liver metastasis in an orthotopic PDAC mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Domenico Coppola
- Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jin Q Cheng
- Departments of Molecular Oncology, Tampa, FL, USA
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99
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Smolko CM, Janes KA. An ultrasensitive fiveplex activity assay for cellular kinases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19409. [PMID: 31857650 PMCID: PMC6923413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55998-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are enzymes whose abundance, protein-protein interactions, and posttranslational modifications together determine net signaling activity in cells. Large-scale data on cellular kinase activity are limited, because existing assays are cumbersome, poorly sensitive, low throughput, and restricted to measuring one kinase at a time. Here, we surmount the conventional hurdles of activity measurement with a multiplexing approach that leverages the selectivity of individual kinase-substrate pairs. We demonstrate proof of concept by designing an assay that jointly measures activity of five pleiotropic signaling kinases: Akt, IκB kinase (IKK), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-extracellular regulated kinase kinase (MEK), and MAPK-activated protein kinase-2 (MK2). The assay operates in a 96-well format and specifically measures endogenous kinase activation with coefficients of variation less than 20%. Multiplex tracking of kinase-substrate pairs reduces input requirements by 25-fold, with ~75 µg of cellular extract sufficient for fiveplex activity profiling. We applied the assay to monitor kinase signaling during coxsackievirus B3 infection of two different host-cell types and identified multiple differences in pathway dynamics and coordination that warrant future study. Because the Akt–IKK–JNK–MEK–MK2 pathways regulate many important cellular functions, the fiveplex assay should find applications in inflammation, environmental-stress, and cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Smolko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Kevin A Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
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Zhou S, Ren M, Xu H, Xia H, Tang Q, Liu M. Inhibition of ISG15 Enhances the Anti-Cancer Effect of Trametinib in Colon Cancer Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:10239-10250. [PMID: 32063716 PMCID: PMC6884973 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s226395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin-like molecule, is strongly up-regulated by type I interferon as a crucial response to a variety of microbial and cellular stress stimuli. However, the role of ISG15 in colon cancer remains unclear. Methods The expression of ISG15 in colon cancer tissues and cell lines was detected by using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. ISG15 expression levels of colon cancer cells treated with trametinib was verified by using the data downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blots assays. ISG15-siRNA was used to silence ISG15 in colon cancer cell line to determine the roles of ISG15 in colon cancer cell proliferation. Results ISG15 was highly expressed in colon cancer tissues and ISG15 upregulation was closely associated with poor prognoses in colon cancer patients. Enhanced ISG15 expression promoted the migration and proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro, while ISG15 knockdown decreased cell proliferation and metastasis. In addition, we first found that the mRNA and protein expression of ISG15 were up-regulated following trametinib treatment. Further investigation showed that ISG15 knockdown could enhance the anti-cancer effect of trametinib in colon cancer cells. Conclusion We proposed an interesting possibility that ISG15 may be a prognostic bio-marker, and the combined targeting of ISG15 and MEK might be a promising therapeutic strategy for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhou
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Meilin Ren
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanji Xu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongwei Xia
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, People's Republic of China
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