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Franklin DA, James JL, Axelrod ML, Balko JM. MEK inhibition activates STAT signaling to increase breast cancer immunogenicity via MHC-I expression. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:603-612. [PMID: 33062958 PMCID: PMC7556720 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM Immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have changed cancer care for many patients; however, breast cancers have exhibited minimal response to single agent ICI therapy. There is a significant need to identify novel targets capable of increasing cancer cell immunogenicity and response to ICIs in breast cancer. Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is essential for many cellular processes but the relationship between MAPK signaling and cancer cell immunogenicity is less well understood. Recent reports suggest that MEK inhibition (MEKi) affects the tumor-immune microenvironment by altering the expression of interferon responsive PD-L1 and MHC-I through unknown mechanisms. METHODS Using western blotting and flow cytometry, we sought to determine whether MEKi affects JAK-STAT signaling upstream of PD-L1 and MHC-I expression in a panel of mouse mammary cancer and triple negative breast cancer cell lines. RESULTS The cell lines tested exhibited increased STAT activation in response to MEKi treatment. Furthermore, MEKi-induced MHC-I and PD-L1 expression are dependent upon STAT1 in MMTV-Neu cells. Interestingly, MEKi-induced STAT activation and interferon-responsive protein expression are abrogated with ErbB-family inhibitor co-treatment in MMTV-Neu cells, suggesting ErbB receptor signaling dependence, but not in basal-like cell lines. Importantly, analysis of basal-like breast cancer patient samples exhibited an inverse relationship between STAT1 and Ras/MAPK activation signatures. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that MAPK signaling and STAT activation are inversely related in both mouse and human mammary tumors. This work also supports further study of MEKi to increase STAT signaling and potentially, immunotherapy responses through increased MHC-I and PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek A. Franklin
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jamaal L. James
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Margaret L. Axelrod
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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52
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Zhao C, Yang L, Zhou F, Yu Y, Du X, Xiang Y, Li C, Huang X, Xie C, Liu Z, Lin J, Wang L, Liang G, Cui R. Feedback activation of EGFR is the main cause for STAT3 inhibition-irresponsiveness in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncogene 2020; 39:3997-4013. [PMID: 32242147 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1271-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the world's leading causes of cancer-related death. Activation of STAT3 has been reported as a major contributor in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. However, treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer patients with STAT3 inhibitors often meets drug resistance and heterogeneous response. We found that EGFR activation is a main cause for resistance to STAT3 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer cells, regardless of KRAS mutation status. Mechanistically, inhibition of STAT3 promotes STAT1- and STAT4-mediated TGF-α expression, leading to activation of the EGFR pathway. Combined treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with EGFR and STAT3 inhibitors persistently blocks EGFR and STAT3 signaling, and exerts synergistic antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, with or without KRAS mutation. Our results indicate that reciprocal cross-talk between STAT3 and EGFR pathways is a key molecular mechanism leading to resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, the study shows that combined inhibition of both EGFR and STAT3 might overcome drug resistance encountered during treatment with single agent alone. This study suggests an improved therapeutic strategy, through combined treatment with STAT3 and EGFR inhibitors, for pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengguang Zhao
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.,Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lehe Yang
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Feng Zhou
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaojing Du
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Youqun Xiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenglong Li
- College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Congying Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Liangxing Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guang Liang
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China. .,Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ri Cui
- Cancer and Anticancer Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China. .,The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China. .,Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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53
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Dosch AR, Dai X, Reyzer ML, Mehra S, Srinivasan S, Willobee BA, Kwon D, Kashikar N, Caprioli R, Merchant NB, Nagathihalli NS. Combined Src/EGFR Inhibition Targets STAT3 Signaling and Induces Stromal Remodeling to Improve Survival in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:623-631. [PMID: 31949002 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lack of durable response to cytotoxic chemotherapy is a major contributor to the dismal outcomes seen in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Extensive tumor desmoplasia and poor vascular supply are two predominant characteristics which hinder the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs into PDAC tumors and mediate resistance to therapy. Previously, we have shown that STAT3 is a key biomarker of therapeutic resistance to gemcitabine treatment in PDAC, which can be overcome by combined inhibition of the Src and EGFR pathways. Although it is well-established that concurrent EGFR and Src inhibition exert these antineoplastic properties through direct inhibition of mitogenic pathways in tumor cells, the influence of this combined therapy on stromal constituents in PDAC tumors remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate in both orthotopic tumor xenograft and Ptf1acre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox (PKT) mouse models that concurrent EGFR and Src inhibition abrogates STAT3 activation, increases microvessel density, and prevents tissue fibrosis in vivo. Furthermore, the stromal changes induced by parallel EGFR and Src pathway inhibition resulted in improved overall survival in PKT mice when combined with gemcitabine. As a phase I clinical trial utilizing concurrent EGFR and Src inhibition with gemcitabine has recently concluded, these data provide timely translational insight into the novel mechanism of action of this regimen and expand our understanding into the phenomenon of stromal-mediated therapeutic resistance. IMPLICATIONS: These findings demonstrate that Src/EGFR inhibition targets STAT3, remodels the tumor stroma, and results in enhanced delivery of gemcitabine to improve overall survival in a mouse model of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin R Dosch
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Xizi Dai
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Michelle L Reyzer
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Siddharth Mehra
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Supriya Srinivasan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Brent A Willobee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Deukwoo Kwon
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Nilesh Kashikar
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Richard Caprioli
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Nagaraj S Nagathihalli
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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54
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Gzil A, Zarębska I, Bursiewicz W, Antosik P, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. Markers of pancreatic cancer stem cells and their clinical and therapeutic implications. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:6629-6645. [PMID: 31486978 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05058-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cause of death among all cancers. Poor prognosis of PC may be caused by a prevalence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a population of cancer cells showing stem cell-like characteristics. CSCs have the ability to self-renew and may initiate tumorigenesis. PC CSCs express markers such as CD133, CD24, CD44, DCLK1, CXCR4, ESA, Oct4 and ABCB1. There is a wide complexity of interaction and relationships between CSC markers in PC. These markers are negative prognostic factors and are connected with tumor recurrence and clinical progression. Additionally, PC CSCs are resistant to treatment with gemcitabine. Thus, most current therapies for PC are ineffective. Numerous studies have shown, that targeting of these proteins may increase both disease-free and overall survival in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Wiktor Bursiewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Paulina Antosik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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55
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Polak KL, Chernosky NM, Smigiel JM, Tamagno I, Jackson MW. Balancing STAT Activity as a Therapeutic Strategy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111716. [PMID: 31684144 PMCID: PMC6895889 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Driven by dysregulated IL-6 family member cytokine signaling in the tumor microenvironment (TME), aberrant signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) and (STAT5) activation have been identified as key contributors to tumorigenesis. Following transformation, persistent STAT3 activation drives the emergence of mesenchymal/cancer-stem cell (CSC) properties, important determinants of metastatic potential and therapy failure. Moreover, STAT3 signaling within tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils drives secretion of factors that facilitate metastasis and suppress immune cell function. Persistent STAT5 activation is responsible for cancer cell maintenance through suppression of apoptosis and tumor suppressor signaling. Furthermore, STAT5-mediated CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been implicated in suppression of immunosurveillance. We discuss these roles for STAT3 and STAT5, and weigh the attractiveness of different modes of targeting each cancer therapy. Moreover, we discuss how anti-tumorigenic STATs, including STAT1 and STAT2, may be leveraged to suppress the pro-tumorigenic functions of STAT3/STAT5 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Polak
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Noah M Chernosky
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Jacob M Smigiel
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Ilaria Tamagno
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Mark W Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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56
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Yang L, Lin S, Xu L, Lin J, Zhao C, Huang X. Novel activators and small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 in cancer. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 49:10-22. [PMID: 31677966 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Excessive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is observed in a subset of many cancers, making activated STAT3 a highly promising potential therapeutic target supported by multiple preclinical and clinical studies. However, early-phase clinical trials have produced mixed results with STAT3-targeted cancer therapies, revealing substantial complexity to targeting aberrant STAT3 signaling. This review discusses the diverse mechanisms of oncogenic activation of STAT3, and the small molecule inhibitors of STAT3 in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lehe Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Shichong Lin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Lingyuan Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Chengguang Zhao
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
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57
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Elaileh A, Saharia A, Potter L, Baio F, Ghafel A, Abdelrahim M, Heyne K. Promising new treatments for pancreatic cancer in the era of targeted and immune therapies. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:1871-1888. [PMID: 31598392 PMCID: PMC6780661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality among men and women in the United States. Its incidence has been on the rise, with a projected two-fold increase by 2030. PDAC carries a poor prognosis due to a lack of effective screening tools, limited understanding of pathophysiology, and ineffective treatment modalities. Recently, there has been a revolution in the world of oncology with the advent of novel treatments to combat this disease. However, the 5-year survival of PDAC remains unchanged at a dismal 8%. The aim of this review is to bring together several studies and identify various recent modalities that have been promising in treating PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Elaileh
- Department of General Surgery, Houston Methodist HospitalHouston, Texas, USA
| | - Ashish Saharia
- Department of General Surgery, Houston Methodist HospitalHouston, Texas, USA
| | - Lucy Potter
- Department of General Surgery, Houston Methodist HospitalHouston, Texas, USA
| | - Flavio Baio
- Department of General Surgery, Houston Methodist HospitalHouston, Texas, USA
| | - Afnan Ghafel
- Department of Radiology, The University of JordanAmman, Jordan
| | - Maen Abdelrahim
- Department of General Surgery, Houston Methodist HospitalHouston, Texas, USA
| | - Kirk Heyne
- Department of General Surgery, Houston Methodist HospitalHouston, Texas, USA
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58
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Gatta LB, Melocchi L, Bugatti M, Missale F, Lonardi S, Zanetti B, Cristinelli L, Belotti S, Simeone C, Ronca R, Grillo E, Licini S, Bresciani D, Tardanico R, Chan SR, Giurisato E, Calza S, Vermi W. Hyper-Activation of STAT3 Sustains Progression of Non-Papillary Basal-Type Bladder Cancer via FOSL1 Regulome. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1219. [PMID: 31438567 PMCID: PMC6770563 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) are classified into luminal and basal subtypes showing distinct molecular features and clinical behaviour. Recent in silico data have proposed the activation on the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) as relevant transcription factor in UBC. To answer this question, we have combined the retrospective analysis of clinical samples, functional assays on cell lines, interrogation of public UBC datasets and a murine model of basal-type UBC. Immunohistochemistry on a retrospective UBC cohort uncovered that STAT3 Y705 phosphorylation (pSTAT3) is significantly increased in infiltrating basal-type UBC compared to luminal UBC. In vitro, STAT3 silencing in UBC cell lines significantly reduced tumor cell viability and invasion. Gene expression profile of UBC cell lines combined with the analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE32894 UBC datasets showed that increased expression of a set of STAT3 targets predicts basal-type, propensity to local progression and worse prognosis. MYC and FOSL1 represent relevant STAT3 downstream targets, as validated by their co-localization in pSTAT3+ UBC cancer cells. These findings were largely reproduced in the BBN-induced murine model of basal-type UBC. Of note, FOSL1 protein resulted strongly expressed in the non-papillary UBC pathway and FOSL1-regulated transcripts were significantly enriched in the transition from NMIBC to MIBC, as indicated by the interrogation of the GSE32894 dataset. The blockade of the STAT3 pathway might represent a novel treatment option for these neoplasms. Monitoring pSTAT3 and the downstream targets, particularly FOSL1, could provide meaningful levels of UBC stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Benerini Gatta
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Melocchi
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Missale
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery-IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, 16121 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Lonardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Benedetta Zanetti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Cristinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Belotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Simeone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Grillo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Licini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Debora Bresciani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Regina Tardanico
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - Szeman Ruby Chan
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry & Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Stefano Calza
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy.
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25100 Brescia, Italy.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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Crawford HC, Pasca di Magliano M, Banerjee S. Signaling Networks That Control Cellular Plasticity in Pancreatic Tumorigenesis, Progression, and Metastasis. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:2073-2084. [PMID: 30716326 PMCID: PMC6545585 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest cancers, and its incidence on the rise. The major challenges in overcoming the poor prognosis with this disease include late detection and the aggressive biology of the disease. Intratumoral heterogeneity; presence of a robust, reactive, and desmoplastic stroma; and the crosstalk between the different tumor components require complete understanding of the pancreatic tumor biology to better understand the therapeutic challenges posed by this disease. In this review, we discuss the processes involved during tumorigenesis encompassing the inherent plasticity of the transformed cells, development of tumor stroma crosstalk, and enrichment of cancer stem cell population during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard C Crawford
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sulagna Banerjee
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida; Sylvester Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.
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Li P, Huang Z, Wang J, Chen W, Huang J. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 28 enhances STAT3 signaling and promotes cell growth in non-small-cell lung cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:1603-1611. [PMID: 30881015 PMCID: PMC6396656 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s194917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 28 (USP28) has been reported to play significant roles in several tumors, but its roles in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological function and molecular mechanisms of USP28 in NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunoblotting analysis was used to detect relative proteins' expression. Luciferase assay was performed to explore the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Immunoprecipitation was performed to assess whether USP28 interacted with STAT3 or deubiquitinated STAT3. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the relative mRNA levels of STAT3 and USP28. Cycloheximide chase assay was carried out to examine whether USP28 affected the half-life of STAT3 protein. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and xenograft model were used to assess whether USP28 regulated NSCLC cell growth. RESULTS In this study, the deubiquitinating enzyme USP28 was found to mediate STAT3 signaling in NSCLC cells. USP28 interacted with STAT3, and increased the stability of STAT3 by inducing its deubiquitination. Further studies showed that USP28 was upregulated in both the primary tissues and cell lines of NSCLC. The Kaplan-Meier plotter also indicated that USP28 predicted a poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. Moreover, knockdown of USP28 inhibited cell growth of NSCLC cells in vitro and delayed NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that USP28 was functional in NSCLC cells, and promoted NSCLC cell growth by inducing STAT3 signaling. This suggests that USP28 could be a novel target for NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengling Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China,
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Huai'an No 1. People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziming Huang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an No 1. People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jipeng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Huai'an No 1. People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Huai'an No 1. People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianan Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China,
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Dosch AR, Dai X, Gaidarski Iii AA, Shi C, Castellanos JA, VanSaun MN, Merchant NB, Nagathihalli NS. Src kinase inhibition restores E-cadherin expression in dasatinib-sensitive pancreatic cancer cells. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1056-1069. [PMID: 30800218 PMCID: PMC6383685 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Src family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases are frequently activated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to disease progression through downregulation of E-cadherin and induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of Src kinase inhibition in restoring E-cadherin levels in PDAC. Immunohistochemical analysis of human PDAC samples showed Src activation is inversely correlated with E-cadherin levels. Protein and mRNA levels of E-cadherin, the gene expression of its various transcriptional repressors (Zeb1, Snail, Slug, LEF-1, TWIST), and changes in sub-cellular localization of E-cadherin/β-catenin in PDAC cells were characterized in response to treatment with the Src inhibitor, dasatinib (DST). DST repressed Slug mRNA expression, promoted E-cadherin transcription, and increased total and membranous E-cadherin/β-catenin levels in drug-sensitive PDAC cells (BxPC3 and SW1990), however no change was observed in drug-resistant PANC1 cells. BxPC3, PANC1, and MiaPaCa-2 flank tumor xenografts were treated with DST to examine changes in E-cadherin levels in vivo. Although DST inhibited Src phosphorylation in all xenograft models, E-cadherin levels were only restored in BxPC3 xenograft tumors. These results suggest that Src kinase inhibition reverses EMT in drug-sensitive PDAC cells through Slug-mediated repression of E-cadherin and identifies E-cadherin as potential biomarker for determining response to DST treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin R Dosch
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Xizi Dai
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander A Gaidarski Iii
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chanjuan Shi
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jason A Castellanos
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael N VanSaun
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nagaraj S Nagathihalli
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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