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Gilardi M, Saddawi-Konefka R, Wu VH, Lopez-Ramirez MA, Wang Z, Soto F, Ramms DJ, Proietto M, Mikulski Z, Miki H, Sharabi A, Kupor D, Rueda R, Hollern DP, Wang J, Gutkind JS. Microneedle-mediated Intratumoral Delivery of Anti-CTLA-4 Promotes cDC1-dependent Eradication of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Limited irAEs. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:616-624. [PMID: 35086958 PMCID: PMC8983493 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks sixth in cancer incidence worldwide and has a 5-year survival rate of only 63%. Immunotherapies-principally immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies that restore endogenous antitumor T-cell immunity-offer the greatest promise for HNSCC treatment. Anti-PD-1 has been recently approved for first-line treatment of recurrent and metastatic HNSCC; however, less than 20% of patients show clinical benefit and durable responses. In addition, the clinical application of ICI has been limited by immune-related adverse events (irAE) consequent to compromised peripheral immune tolerance. Although irAEs are often reversible, they can become severe, prompting premature therapy termination or becoming life threatening. To address the irAEs inherent to systemic ICI therapy, we developed a novel, local delivery strategy based upon an array of soluble microneedles (MN). Using our recently reported syngeneic, tobacco-signature murine HNSCC model, we found that both systemic and local-MN anti-CTLA-4 therapy lead to >90% tumor response, which is dependent on CD8 T cells and conventional dendritic cell type 1 (cDC1). However, local-MN delivery limited the distribution of anti-CTLA-4 antibody from areas distal to draining lymphatic basins. Employing Foxp3-GFPDTR transgenic mice to interrogate irAEs in vivo, we found that local-MN delivery of anti-CTLA-4 protects animals from irAEs observed with systemic therapy. Taken together, our findings support the exploration of MN-intratumoral ICI delivery as a viable strategy for HNSCC treatment with reduced irAEs, and the opportunity to target cDC1s as part of multimodal treatment options to boost ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Gilardi
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Salk cancer center, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Nomis cancer center for immunology and microbial pathogenesis, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Robert Saddawi-Konefka
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Victoria H. Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Fernando Soto
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dana J. Ramms
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Marco Proietto
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zbigniew Mikulski
- Microscopy Core Facility, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Haruka Miki
- Center of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrew Sharabi
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Daniel Kupor
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ricardo Rueda
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Daniel P. Hollern
- Salk cancer center, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Nomis cancer center for immunology and microbial pathogenesis, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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Matrone A, Gambale C, Prete A, Elisei R. Sporadic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Towards a Precision Medicine. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:864253. [PMID: 35422765 PMCID: PMC9004483 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.864253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignant tumor originating from parafollicular C-cells producing calcitonin. Most of cases (75%) are sporadic while the remaining (25%) are hereditary. In these latter cases medullary thyroid carcinoma can be associated (multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA and IIB) or not (familial medullary thyroid carcinoma), with other endocrine diseases such as pheochromocytoma and/or hyperparathyroidism. RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in MTC tumorigenesis, both in sporadic and in hereditary cases. Total thyroidectomy with prophylactic/therapeutic central compartment lymph nodes dissection is the initial treatment of choice. Further treatments are needed according to tumor burden and rate of progression. Surgical treatments and local therapies are advocated in the case of single or few local or distant metastasis and slow rate of progression. Conversely, systemic treatments should be initiated in cases with large metastatic and rapidly progressive disease. In this review, we discuss the details of systemic treatments in advanced and metastatic sporadic MTC, focusing on multikinase inhibitors, both those already used in clinical practice and under investigation, and on emerging treatments such as highly selective RET inhibitors and radionuclide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rossella Elisei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrine Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Ngan HL, Law CH, Choi YCY, Chan JYS, Lui VWY. Precision drugging of the MAPK pathway in head and neck cancer. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:20. [PMID: 35296678 PMCID: PMC8927572 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00293-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is central for cell proliferation, differentiation, and senescence. In human, germline defects of the pathway contribute to developmental and congenital head and neck disorders. Nearly 1/5 of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) harbors MAPK pathway mutations, which are largely activating mutations. Yet, previous approaches targeting the MAPK pathway in HNSCC were futile. Most recent clinical evidences reveal remarkable, or even exceptional pharmacologic vulnerabilities of MAPK1-mutated, HRAS-mutated, KRAS-germline altered, as well as BRAF-mutated HNSCC patients with various targeted therapies, uncovering diverse opportunities for precision drugging this pathway at multiple “genetically condemned” nodes. Further, recent patient tumor omics unveil novel effects of MAPK aberrations on direct induction of CD8+ T cell recruitment into the HNSCC microenvironment, providing evidences for future investigation of precision immunotherapy for this large subset of patients. MAPK pathway-mutated HNSCC should warrant precision therapy assessments in vigorous manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Lam Ngan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Ho Law
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong
| | | | - Jenny Yu-Sum Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong
| | - Vivian Wai Yan Lui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong. .,Georgia Cancer Center, and Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia, GA, 30912, USA.
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Combination of Tipifarnib and Sunitinib Overcomes Renal Cell Carcinoma Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors via Tumor-Derived Exosome and T Cell Modulation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040903. [PMID: 35205655 PMCID: PMC8870174 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastatic renal cell carcinoma continues to have a poor prognosis. Chemotherapies and immuno-oncologic therapies have garnered increasing importance in cancer therapy, with improvements in patient care and survival. However, a large proportion of patients present with tumors resistant to these treatments. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by all nucleated cells that have proven to be key actors in this resistance. Exosomes carry bioactive oncogenic cargos that reprogram target cells to promote tumor growth, migration, metastasis, immune evasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Tipifarnib, in combination with standard therapy, decreased tumor growth in the setting of chemotherapeutic resistance through an exosome-mediated mechanism. After using a qNANO IZON system to compare tumor-derived exosomes collected from untreated and tipifarnib-treated cells, all cancerous cell lines displayed a reduction of vesicle concentration. Tipifarnib also directly inhibited PD-L1 protein expression in chemo-sensitive cell lines and resistant cell lines. Abstract Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) were initially demonstrated as an efficacious treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, after a median treatment length of 14 months, a vast majority of patients develop resistance. This study analyzed a combination therapy of tipifarnib (Tipi) + sunitinib that targeted exosome-conferred drug resistance. Methods: 786-O, 786-O-SR (sunitinib resistant), A498, A498-SR, Caki-2, Caki-2-SR, and 293T cells were cultured. Exosomes were collected using differential ultracentrifugation. Cell proliferation, Jurkat T cell immune assay, and immunoblot analysis were used for downstream analysis. Results: SR exosomes treatment displayed a cytotoxic effect on immune cells. This cytotoxic effect was associated with increased expression of PD-L1 on SR exosomes when compared to sunitinib-sensitive (SS) exosomes. Additionally, Tipi treatment downregulated PD-L1 expression on exosomes derived from SR cell lines. Tipi’s ability to downregulate PD-L1 in exosomes has a significant application within patients. Exosomes collected from patients with RCC showed increased PD-L1 expression over subjects without RCC. Next, exosome concentrations were then compared after Tipi treatment, with all SS cell lines displaying an even greater reduction. On immunoblot assay, 293T cells showed a dose-dependent increase in Alix with no change in either nSMase or Rab27a. Conversely, all the SS and SR cell lines displayed a decrease in all three markers. After a cell proliferation employed a 48-h treatment on all SS and SR cell lines, the drug combination displayed synergistic ability to decrease tumor growth. Conclusions: Tipifarnib attenuates both the exosome endosomal sorting complex required for endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-dependent and ESCRT-independent pathways, thereby blocking exosome biogenesis and secretion as well as downregulating PD-L1 on SS and SR cells.
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Qi W, Zhu F, Wang M, Teng Z, Xu R, Xi Y, Meng Q, Wu X, Zhao H, Ma M, Hou X, Wang B, Li X, Liu C, Zhang X, Xu F, Xia M. The Antitumoral Effect of Paris Saponin II on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas Mediated via the Nitric Oxide Metabolic Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:803981. [PMID: 35047513 PMCID: PMC8762239 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.803981] [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: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Paris saponin has shown great therapeutic value in cancer therapy. We used isolated Paris saponin II (PSII), an active component of Paris saponin, and demonstrated its antitumor effect on human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Additionally, we investigated its mechanisms of action in vivo by establishing a xenograft mouse model. The results showed that PSII had presented strong anticancer effects on both hypopharyngeal malignant tumor cell lines (FaDu) and laryngeal carcinoma cell lines (Tu212 and Tu686). In addition, we successfully isolated and cultured the head and neck squamous stem cells and the primary fibroblasts to perform metabonomics studies. The results showed that RPII remarkably decreased energy metabolism, and type III nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) may be a target to block tumor growth. Furthermore, we found that PSII inhibited HNSCC proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting the nitric oxide metabolic pathway. Overall, these results demonstrated that PSII is a potent anticancer agent, and the metabonomics analysis is a valuable tool to investigate and establish the antitumor effects of traditional Chinese medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Qi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fangyuan Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenxiao Teng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Runtong Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Xi
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiu Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinhao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Ma
- Cancer Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaozhi Hou
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Baowei Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengcheng Liu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fenglei Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming Xia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Otolaryngology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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den bossche VV, Zaryouh H, Vara-Messler M, Vignau J, Machiels JP, Wouters A, Schmitz S, Corbet C. Microenvironment-driven intratumoral heterogeneity in head and neck cancers: clinical challenges and opportunities for precision medicine. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 60:100806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Savsani K, Jabbour G, Dakshanamurthy S. A New Epitope Selection Method: Application to Design a Multi-Valent Epitope Vaccine Targeting HRAS Oncogene in Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 10:vaccines10010063. [PMID: 35062725 PMCID: PMC8778118 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010063] [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: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed an epitope selection method for the design of MHC targeting peptide vaccines. The method utilizes predictions for several clinical checkpoint filters, including binding affinity, immunogenicity, antigenicity, half-life, toxicity, IFNγ release, and instability. The accuracy of the prediction tools for these filter variables was confirmed using experimental data obtained from the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). We also developed a graphical user interface computational tool called 'PCOptim' to assess the success of an epitope filtration method. To validate the filtration methods, we used a large data set of experimentally determined, immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 epitopes, which were obtained from a meta-analysis. The validation process proved that placing filters on individual parameters was the most effective method to select top epitopes. For a proof-of-concept, we designed epitope-based vaccine candidates for squamous cell carcinoma, selected from the top mutated epitopes of the HRAS gene. By comparing the filtered epitopes to PCOptim's output, we assessed the success of the epitope selection method. The top 15 mutations in squamous cell carcinoma resulted in 16 CD8 epitopes which passed the clinical checkpoints filters. Notably, the identified HRAS epitopes are the same as the clinical immunogenic HRAS epitope-based vaccine candidates identified by the previous studies. This indicates further validation of our filtration method. We expect a similar turn-around for the other designed HRAS epitopes as a vaccine candidate for squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, we obtained a world population coverage of 89.45% for the top MHC Class I epitopes and 98.55% population coverage in the absence of the IFNγ release clinical checkpoint filter. We also identified some of the predicted human epitopes to be strong binders to murine MHC molecules, which provides insight into studying their immunogenicity in preclinical models. Further investigation in murine models could warrant the application of these epitopes for treatment or prevention of squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kush Savsani
- College of Humanities and Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA;
| | - Gabriel Jabbour
- School of Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Molecular and Experimental Therapeutic Research in Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(202)-687-2347
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Malik S, Westcott JM, Brekken RA, Burrows FJ. CXCL12 in Pancreatic Cancer: Its Function and Potential as a Therapeutic Drug Target. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010086. [PMID: 35008248 PMCID: PMC8750050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease to treat effectively. Fibroblasts associated with pancreatic cancer contribute to disease progression by secreting factors that enhance tumor cell survival and help tumor cells avoid detection by the immune system. This overview focuses on a chemokine, CXCL12, produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts and how CXCL12 signaling enhances pancreatic cancer progression by contributing to various hallmarks of cancer including, but not limited to, tumor growth and evasion of immune response. These pro-oncogenic functions of CXCL12 make it an attractive target in pancreatic cancer. We discuss the different approaches in development to therapeutically target CXCL12 and finally propose a novel approach, the use of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor tipifarnib to inhibit CXCL12 expression in pancreatic fibroblasts. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a disease with limited therapeutic options and dismal long-term survival. The unique tumor environment of PDAC, consisting of desmoplastic stroma, immune suppressive cells, and activated fibroblasts, contributes to its resistance to therapy. Activated fibroblasts (cancer-associated fibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells) secrete chemokines and growth factors that support PDAC growth, spread, chemoresistance, and immune evasion. In this review, we focus on one such chemokine, CXCL12, secreted by the cancer-associated fibroblasts and discuss its contribution to several of the classical hallmarks of PDAC and other tumors. We review the various therapeutic approaches in development to target CXCL12 signaling in PDAC. Finally, we propose an unconventional use of tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor, to inhibit CXCL12 production in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jill M. Westcott
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.A.B.); (F.J.B.)
| | - Francis J. Burrows
- Kura Oncology, Inc., San Diego, CA 92130, USA;
- Correspondence: (R.A.B.); (F.J.B.)
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Bai Y, Sha J, Okui T, Moriyama I, Ngo HX, Tatsumi H, Kanno T. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Influences the Resistance of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma to Monoclonal Antibodies via Its Effect on Energy Homeostasis and the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5905. [PMID: 34885013 PMCID: PMC8657021 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a major type of cancer that accounts for over 90% of all oral cancer cases. Recently developed evidence-based therapeutic regimens for OSCC based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), such as cetuximab, pembrolizumab, and nivolumab, have attracted considerable attention worldwide due to their high specificity, low toxicity, and low rates of intolerance. However, the efficacy of those three mAbs remains poor because of the low rate of responders and acquired resistance within a short period of time. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is fundamental for OSCC growth and metastasis and is also responsible for the poor response to mAbs. During EMT, cancer cells consume abundant energy substrates and create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to support their growth and evade T cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the complex roles of major substrates and signaling pathways involved in the development of therapeutic resistance in OSCC. In addition, we summarize potential therapeutic strategies that may help overcome this resistance. This review aims to help oral oncologists and researchers aiming to manage OSCC and establish new treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Bai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (Y.B.); (J.S.); (T.O.); (H.X.N.); (H.T.)
| | - Jingjing Sha
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (Y.B.); (J.S.); (T.O.); (H.X.N.); (H.T.)
| | - Tatsuo Okui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (Y.B.); (J.S.); (T.O.); (H.X.N.); (H.T.)
| | - Ichiro Moriyama
- Department of Medical Oncology/Innovative Cancer Center, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan;
| | - Huy Xuan Ngo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (Y.B.); (J.S.); (T.O.); (H.X.N.); (H.T.)
| | - Hiroto Tatsumi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (Y.B.); (J.S.); (T.O.); (H.X.N.); (H.T.)
| | - Takahiro Kanno
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan; (Y.B.); (J.S.); (T.O.); (H.X.N.); (H.T.)
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Liang ZQ, Gao L, Chen JH, Dai WB, Su YS, Chen G. Downregulation of the Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 80 and Its Perspective Mechanisms in Ovarian Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Study. Int J Genomics 2021; 2021:3752871. [PMID: 34820451 PMCID: PMC8608537 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3752871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to explore the downregulation of the coiled-coil domain containing 80 (CCDC80) and its underlying molecular mechanisms in ovarian carcinoma (OVCA). Materials/Methods. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to confirm the expression status of CCDC80 protein. Combining the data from in-house tissue microarrays and high-throughput datasets, we identified the expression level of CCDC80 in OVCA. We utilized cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to explore the relationship between CCDC80 and the tumor microenvironment (TME) landscape in OVCA. Pathway enrichment, function annotation, and transcription factor (TFs) exploration were conducted to study the latent molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the cell line data in the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database was used to discover the relationship between CCDC80 and drug sensitivity. RESULTS An integrated standard mean difference (SMD) of -0.919 (95% CI: -1.515-0.324, P = 0.002) identified the downregulation of CCDC80 in OVCA based on 1048 samples, and the sROC (AUC = 0.76) showed a moderate discriminatory ability of CCDC80 in OVCA. The fraction of infiltrating naive B cells showed significant differences between the high- and low-CCDC80 expression groups. Also, CCDC80-related genes are enriched in the Ras signaling pathway and metabolic of lipid. Nuclear receptor subfamily three group C member 1 (NR3C1) may be an upstream TF of CCDC80, and CCDC80 may be related to the sensitivity of mitocycin C and nilotinib. CONCLUSION CCDC80 was downregulated in OVCA and may play a role as a tumor suppressor in OVCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qian Liang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6. Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6. Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, China
| | - Jun-Hong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, No. 59. Xiangzhu Rd, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530003, China
| | - Wen-Bin Dai
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, NO.8, Wenchang Road, Chengzhong District, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545006, China
| | - Ya-Si Su
- Department of Pathology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, NO.8, Wenchang Road, Chengzhong District, Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 545006, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6. Shuangyong Rd, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, China
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Hyun S, Shin D. Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Degraders Targeting KRAS-Driven Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12142. [PMID: 34830024 PMCID: PMC8621880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance continues to be a major problem associated with cancer treatment. One of the primary causes of anticancer drug resistance is the frequently mutated RAS gene. In particular, considerable efforts have been made to treat KRAS-induced cancers by directly and indirectly controlling the activity of KRAS. However, the RAS protein is still one of the most prominent targets for drugs in cancer treatment. Recently, novel targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras, have been developed to render "undruggable" targets druggable and overcome drug resistance and mutation problems. In this study, we discuss small-molecule inhibitors, TPD-based small-molecule chemicals for targeting RAS pathway proteins, and their potential applications for treating KRAS-mutant cancers. Novel TPD strategies are expected to serve as promising therapeutic methods for treating tumor patients with KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonsil Hyun
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 194-21 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28160, Korea;
| | - Dongyun Shin
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Korea
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62
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Kordbacheh F, Farah CS. Current and Emerging Molecular Therapies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215471. [PMID: 34771633 PMCID: PMC8582411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer affects nearly 750,000 patients, with more than 300,000 deaths annually. Advances in first line surgical treatment have improved survival rates marginally particularly in developed countries, however survival rates for aggressive locally advanced head and neck cancer are still poor. Recurrent and metastatic disease remains a significant problem for patients and the health system. As our knowledge of the genomic landscape of the head and neck cancers continues to expand, there are promising developments occurring in molecular therapies available for advanced or recalcitrant disease. The concept of precision medicine is underpinned by our ability to accurately sequence tumour samples to best understand individual patient genomic variations and to tailor targeted therapy for them based on such molecular profiling. Not only is their purported response to therapy a factor of their genomic variation, but so is their inclusion in biomarker-driven personalised medicine therapeutic trials. With the ever-expanding number of molecular druggable targets explored through advances in next generation sequencing, the number of clinical trials assessing these targets has significantly increased over recent years. Although some trials are focussed on first-line therapeutic approaches, a greater majority are focussed on locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic disease. Similarly, although single agent monotherapy has been found effective in some cases, it is the combination of drugs targeting different signalling pathways that seem to be more beneficial to patients. This paper outlines current and emerging molecular therapies for head and neck cancer, and updates readers on outcomes of the most pertinent clinical trials in this area while also summarising ongoing efforts to bring more molecular therapies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kordbacheh
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA 02142, USA;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Camile S. Farah
- The Australian Centre for Oral Oncology Research & Education, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Genomics for Life, Milton, QLD 4064, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, Australian Clinical Labs, Subiaco, WA 6009, Australia
- Head and Neck Cancer Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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63
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Shu L, Wang D, Nannapaneni S, Sun Y, Griffith CC, Wang X, Chen Z, Patel M, El-Deiry M, Shin DM, Chen ZG, Saba NF. Tipifarnib enhances anti-EGFR activity of cetuximab in non-HRas mutated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cancer (HNSCC). Oral Oncol 2021; 122:105546. [PMID: 34700281 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the potential ability of tipifarnib to impair proliferation and to enhance the activity of the EGFR inhibitor cetuximab in wild-type H-Ras HNSCC, which accounts for the majority of HNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell growth, apoptosis and signaling changes in HNSCC cells following tipifarnib exposure in vitro were assessed by SRB, colony formation assay, annexin V staining and Western blot, respectively. A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) animal model was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of tipifarnib in vivo with and without cetuximab. RESULTS Treatment of wild-type H-Ras HNSCC cell lines in vitro with tipifarnib reduced cell growth and increased levels of defarnesylated H-Ras in a dose-dependent manner. In a PDX mouse model, treatment with single-agent tipifarnib led to only near-significant growth inhibition. The addition of cetuximab resulted in increased anti-proliferative effect both in culture and in PDX models, which was also mirrored by Western blot and apoptosis assay results. CONCLUSION Tipifarnib has only a moderate ability to slow tumor growth as a single agent in HNSCC with wild type H-Ras, despite specifically inhibiting the farnesyltransferase upon which the function of H-Ras depends. The combination of cetuximab and tipifarnib appears to enhance the anti-proliferative effect of single-agent tipifarnib and marginally enhance that of single agent cetuximab. These findings deserve further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Shu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Sreenivas Nannapaneni
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Youzhi Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States
| | | | - Xu Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, United States
| | - Mihir Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mark El-Deiry
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dong M Shin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Zhuo G Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University School of Medicine, United States.
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Kessler L, Malik S, Leoni M, Burrows F. Potential of Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitors in Combination Regimens in Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215310. [PMID: 34771475 PMCID: PMC8582567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215310] [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: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for recurrent and metastatic SCC are associated with poor outcomes, and options for later lines of treatment are limited. Insights into potential therapeutic targets, as well as mechanisms of resistance to available therapies, have begun to be elucidated, creating the basis for exploration of combination approaches to drive better patient outcomes. Tipifarnib, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI), is a small molecule drug that has demonstrated encouraging clinical activity in a genetically-defined subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)-specifically, tumors that express a mutation in the HRAS protooncogene. More recently, bioinformatic analyses and results from patient-derived xenograft modeling indicate that HRAS pathway dependency may extend to a broader subpopulation of SCCs beyond HRAS mutants in the context of combination with agents such as cisplatin, cetuximab, or alpelisib. In addition, tipifarnib can also inactivate additional farnesylated proteins implicated in resistance to approved therapies, including immunotherapies, through a variety of distinct mechanisms, suggesting that tipifarnib could serve as an anchor for combination regimens in SCCs and other tumor types.
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65
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Powell SF, Vu L, Spanos WC, Pyeon D. The Key Differences between Human Papillomavirus-Positive and -Negative Head and Neck Cancers: Biological and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5206. [PMID: 34680354 PMCID: PMC8533896 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a unique malignancy associated with two distinct risk factors: exposure to typical carcinogens and infection of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV encodes the potent oncoproteins E6 and E7, which bypass many important oncogenic processes and result in cancer development. In contrast, HPV-negative HNSCC is developed through multiple mutations in diverse oncogenic driver genes. While the risk factors associated with HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs are discrete, HNSCC patients still show highly complex molecular signatures, immune infiltrations, and treatment responses even within the same anatomical subtypes. Here, we summarize the current understanding of biological mechanisms, treatment approaches, and clinical outcomes in comparison between HPV-positive and -negative HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Powell
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA;
| | - Lexi Vu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
| | - William C. Spanos
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA;
| | - Dohun Pyeon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
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Fasano M, Perri F, Della Corte CM, Di Liello R, Della Vittoria Scarpati G, Cascella M, Ottaiano A, Ciardiello F, Solla R. Translational Insights and New Therapeutic Perspectives in Head and Neck Tumors. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1045. [PMID: 34440249 PMCID: PMC8391435 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by a high mortality rate owing to very few available oncological treatments. For many years, a combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab has represented the only available option for first-line therapy. Recently, immunotherapy has been presented an alternative for positive PD-L1 HNSCC. However, the oncologists' community foresees that a new therapeutic era is approaching. In fact, no-chemo options and some molecular targets are on the horizon. This narrative review addresses past, present, and future therapeutic options for HNSCC from a translational point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morena Fasano
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Perri
- Medical and Experimental Head and Neck Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione Pascale-IRCCS di Napoli, Via M. Semmola, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Raimondo Di Liello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | | | - Marco Cascella
- Division of Anesthesia, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Ottaiano
- SSD Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Metastases, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (C.M.D.C.); (R.D.L.); (F.C.)
| | - Raffaele Solla
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Biostructure & Bioimaging, 80131 Naples, Italy;
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Gilardi M, Bersini S, Valtorta S, Proietto M, Crippa M, Boussommier-Calleja A, Labelle M, Moresco RM, Vanoni M, Kamm RD, Moretti M. The driving role of the Cdk5/Tln1/FAK S732 axis in cancer cell extravasation dissected by human vascularized microfluidic models. Biomaterials 2021; 276:120975. [PMID: 34333365 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the molecular mechanisms of metastatic dissemination, the leading cause of death in cancer patients, is required to develop novel, effective therapies. Extravasation, an essential rate-limiting process in the metastatic cascade, includes three tightly coordinated steps: cancer cell adhesion to the endothelium, trans-endothelial migration, and early invasion into the secondary site. Focal adhesion proteins, including Tln1 and FAK, regulate the cytoskeleton dynamics: dysregulation of these proteins is often associated with metastatic progression and poor prognosis. METHODS Here, we studied the previously unexplored role of these targets in each extravasation step using engineered 3D in vitro models, which recapitulate the physiological vascular niche experienced by cancer cells during hematogenous metastasis. RESULTS Human breast cancer and fibrosarcoma cell lines respond to Cdk5/Tln1/FAK axis perturbation, impairing their metastatic potential. Vascular breaching requires actin polymerization-dependent invadopodia formation. Invadopodia generation requires the structural function of FAK and Tln1 rather than their activation through phosphorylation. Our data support that the inhibition of FAKS732 phosphorylation delocalizes ERK from the nucleus, decreasing ERK phosphorylated form. These findings indicate the critical role of these proteins in driving trans-endothelial migration. In fact, both knock-down experiments and chemical inhibition of FAK dramatically reduces lung colonization in vivo and TEM in microfluidic setting. Altogether, these data indicate that engineered 3D in vitro models coupled to in vivo models, genetic, biochemical, and imaging tools represent a powerful weapon to increase our understanding of metastatic progression. CONCLUSIONS These findings point to the need for further analyses of previously overlooked phosphorylation sites of FAK, such as the serine 732, and foster the development of new effective antimetastatic treatments targeting late events of the metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Gilardi
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Simone Bersini
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Silvia Valtorta
- Università Degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, Monza, Italy; Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology of National Researches Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.
| | - Marco Proietto
- Department of Biology-University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Martina Crippa
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biological Structures Mechanics, Chemistry, Material and Chemical Engineering Department "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alexandra Boussommier-Calleja
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Myriam Labelle
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Università Degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, Monza, Italy; Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology of National Researches Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.
| | - Marco Vanoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy; ISBE.IT/ Centre of Systems Biology, Milano, Italy.
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Euler Institute, Biomedical Sciences Faculty, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
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Deng X, Ren P, Mai W, Fu T, Zhang H, Cai X, Wang L. Development of a Recycling Process for an Industrial-Scale Production of Tipifarnib. Org Process Res Dev 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohu Deng
- Kura Oncology Inc., 12730 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Pingda Ren
- Kura Oncology Inc., 12730 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Wanping Mai
- Kura Oncology Inc., 12730 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Thomas Fu
- Kura Oncology Inc., 12730 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Hang Zhang
- STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (“WuXi STA”), a WuXi AppTec Company, 90 Delin Road, Waigaoqiao Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Xianfeng Cai
- STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (“WuXi STA”), a WuXi AppTec Company, 90 Delin Road, Waigaoqiao Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Lu Wang
- STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., (“WuXi STA”), a WuXi AppTec Company, 90 Delin Road, Waigaoqiao Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
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Ho AL, Brana I, Haddad R, Bauman J, Bible K, Oosting S, Wong DJ, Ahn MJ, Boni V, Even C, Fayette J, Flor MJ, Harrington K, Hong DS, Kim SB, Licitra L, Nixon I, Saba NF, Hackenberg S, Specenier P, Worden F, Balsara B, Leoni M, Martell B, Scholz C, Gualberto A. Tipifarnib in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma With HRAS Mutations. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1856-1864. [PMID: 33750196 PMCID: PMC8189627 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.02903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the HRAS (mHRAS) proto-oncogene occur in 4%-8% of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Tipifarnib is a farnesyltransferase inhibitor that disrupts HRAS function. We evaluated the efficacy of tipifarnib in patients with R/M mHRAS HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan L. Ho
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY
| | - Irene Brana
- Vall D'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Sjoukje Oosting
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David S. Hong
- University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Lisa Licitra
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori Milano and University of Milan, Italy
| | - Ioanna Nixon
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Nabil F. Saba
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Stephan Hackenberg
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, ENT Department and Early Clinical Trial Unit, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Francis Worden
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI
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van Harten AM, Brakenhoff RH. Targeted Treatment of Head and Neck (Pre)Cancer: Preclinical Target Identification and Development of Novel Therapeutic Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2774. [PMID: 34204886 PMCID: PMC8199752 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) develop in the mucosal lining of the upper-aerodigestive tract. In carcinogen-induced HNSCC, tumors emerge from premalignant mucosal changes characterized by tumor-associated genetic alterations, also coined as 'fields' that are occasionally visible as leukoplakia or erythroplakia lesions but are mostly invisible. Consequently, HNSCC is generally diagnosed de novo at more advanced stages in about 70% of new diagnosis. Despite intense multimodality treatment protocols, the overall 5-years survival rate is 50-60% for patients with advanced stage of disease and seems to have reached a plateau. Of notable concern is the lack of further improvement in prognosis despite advances in treatment. This can be attributed to the late clinical presentation, failure of advanced HNSCC to respond to treatment, the deficit of effective targeted therapies to eradicate tumors and precancerous changes, and the lack of suitable markers for screening and personalized therapy. The molecular landscape of head and neck cancer has been elucidated in great detail, but the absence of oncogenic mutations hampers the identification of druggable targets for therapy to improve outcome of HNSCC. Currently, functional genomic approaches are being explored to identify potential therapeutic targets. Identification and validation of essential genes for both HNSCC and oral premalignancies, accompanied with biomarkers for therapy response, are being investigated. Attentive diagnosis and targeted therapy of the preceding oral premalignant (preHNSCC) changes may prevent the development of tumors. As classic oncogene addiction through activating mutations is not a realistic concept for treatment of HNSCC, synthetic lethality and collateral lethality need to be exploited, next to immune therapies. In recent studies it was shown that cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response pathways become significantly altered in HNSCC causing replication stress, which is an avenue that deserves further exploitation as an HNSCC vulnerability for treatment. The focus of this review is to summarize the current literature on the preclinical identification of potential druggable targets for therapy of (pre)HNSCC, emerging from the variety of gene knockdown and knockout strategies, and the testing of targeted inhibitors. We will conclude with a future perspective on targeted therapy of HNSCC and premalignant changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. van Harten
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ruud H. Brakenhoff
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
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71
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Pearson AT, Vokes EE. Is This the Dawn of Precision Oncology in Head and Neck Cancer? J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1839-1841. [PMID: 33877869 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Pearson
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Everett E Vokes
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.,University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
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Liu DY, Liu JC, Liang S, Meng XH, Greenbaum J, Xiao HM, Tan LJ, Deng HW. Drug Repurposing for COVID-19 Treatment by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomics. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:545. [PMID: 33919660 PMCID: PMC8069812 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious new worldwide public health crisis with significant morbidity and mortality, effective therapeutic treatments are urgently needed. Drug repurposing is an efficient and cost-effective strategy with minimum risk for identifying novel potential treatment options by repositioning therapies that were previously approved for other clinical outcomes. Here, we used an integrated network-based pharmacologic and transcriptomic approach to screen drug candidates novel for COVID-19 treatment. Network-based proximity scores were calculated to identify the drug-disease pharmacological effect between drug-target relationship modules and COVID-19 related genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was then performed to determine whether drug candidates influence the expression of COVID-19 related genes and examine the sensitivity of the repurposing drug treatment to peripheral immune cell types. Moreover, we used the complementary exposure model to recommend potential synergistic drug combinations. We identified 18 individual drug candidates including nicardipine, orantinib, tipifarnib and promethazine which have not previously been proposed as possible treatments for COVID-19. Additionally, 30 synergistic drug pairs were ultimately recommended including fostamatinib plus tretinoin and orantinib plus valproic acid. Differential expression genes of most repurposing drugs were enriched significantly in B cells. The findings may potentially accelerate the discovery and establishment of an effective therapeutic treatment plan for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Yang Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China;
| | - Jia-Chen Liu
- Center for System Biology, Data Sciences, and Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.-C.L.); (S.L.); (X.-H.M.); (H.-M.X.)
| | - Shuang Liang
- Center for System Biology, Data Sciences, and Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.-C.L.); (S.L.); (X.-H.M.); (H.-M.X.)
| | - Xiang-He Meng
- Center for System Biology, Data Sciences, and Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.-C.L.); (S.L.); (X.-H.M.); (H.-M.X.)
| | - Jonathan Greenbaum
- Tulane Center of Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- Center for System Biology, Data Sciences, and Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.-C.L.); (S.L.); (X.-H.M.); (H.-M.X.)
| | - Li-Jun Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China;
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular and Statistical Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China;
- Center for System Biology, Data Sciences, and Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (J.-C.L.); (S.L.); (X.-H.M.); (H.-M.X.)
- Tulane Center of Biomedical Informatics and Genomics, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
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73
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Saidak Z, Lailler C, Testelin S, Chauffert B, Clatot F, Galmiche A. Contribution of Genomics to the Surgical Management and Study of Oral Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:5842-5854. [PMID: 33846893 PMCID: PMC8460589 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-09904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent type of tumor arising from the oral cavity. Surgery is the cornerstone of the treatment of these cancers. Tumor biology has long been overlooked as an important contributor to the outcome of surgical procedures, but recent studies are challenging this concept. Molecular analyses of tumor DNA or RNA provide a rich source of information about the biology of OSCC. Methods We searched for relevant articles using PubMed. We examined in particular the prospect of applying molecular methods for minimally invasive exploration of OSCC biology. Results We examined five potential applications of genomics to the surgical management and study of OSCC: i) assessing oral potentially malignant lesions; ii) tumor staging prior to surgery; iii) predicting postoperative risk in locally advanced tumors; iv) measuring minimal residual disease and optimizing the longitudinal monitoring of OSCC; and v) predicting the efficacy of medical treatment. Conclusions Genomic information can be harnessed in order to identify new biomarkers that could improve the staging, choice of therapy and management of OSCC. The identification of new biomarkers is awaited for better personalization of the surgical treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Saidak
- UR7516 "CHIMERE, Université de Picardie Jules Verne", Amiens, France. .,Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France.
| | - Claire Lailler
- UR7516 "CHIMERE, Université de Picardie Jules Verne", Amiens, France.,Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Sylvie Testelin
- UR7516 "CHIMERE, Université de Picardie Jules Verne", Amiens, France.,Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Bruno Chauffert
- UR7516 "CHIMERE, Université de Picardie Jules Verne", Amiens, France.,Department of Oncology, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Florian Clatot
- Centre Henri Becquerel, Rouen, France.,INSERM U1245/Team IRON, Rouen, France
| | - Antoine Galmiche
- UR7516 "CHIMERE, Université de Picardie Jules Verne", Amiens, France.,Centre de Biologie Humaine, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
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74
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Healy FM, Prior IA, MacEwan DJ. The importance of Ras in drug resistance in cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2844-2867. [PMID: 33634485 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we analyse the impact of oncogenic Ras mutations in mediating cancer drug resistance and the progress made in the abrogation of this resistance, through pharmacological targeting. At a physiological level, Ras is implicated in many cellular proliferation and survival pathways. However, mutations within this small GTPase can be responsible for the initiation of cancer, therapeutic resistance and failure, and ultimately disease relapse. Often termed "undruggable," Ras is notoriously difficult to target directly, due to its structure and intrinsic activity. Thus, Ras-mediated drug resistance remains a considerable pharmacological problem. However, with advances in both analytical techniques and novel drug classes, the therapeutic landscape against Ras is changing. Allele-specific, direct Ras-targeting agents have reached clinical trials for the first time, indicating there may, at last, be hope of targeting such an elusive but significant protein for better more effective cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona M Healy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ian A Prior
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David J MacEwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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75
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Tisi R, Spinelli M, Palmioli A, Airoldi C, Cazzaniga P, Besozzi D, Nobile MS, Mazzoleni E, Arnhold S, De Gioia L, Grandori R, Peri F, Vanoni M, Sacco E. The Multi-Level Mechanism of Action of a Pan-Ras Inhibitor Explains its Antiproliferative Activity on Cetuximab-Resistant Cancer Cells. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:625979. [PMID: 33681292 PMCID: PMC7925909 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.625979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras oncoproteins play a crucial role in the onset, maintenance, and progression of the most common and deadly human cancers. Despite extensive research efforts, only a few mutant-specific Ras inhibitors have been reported. We show that cmp4–previously identified as a water-soluble Ras inhibitor– targets multiple steps in the activation and downstream signaling of different Ras mutants and isoforms. Binding of this pan-Ras inhibitor to an extended Switch II pocket on HRas and KRas proteins induces a conformational change that down-regulates intrinsic and GEF-mediated nucleotide dissociation and exchange and effector binding. A mathematical model of the Ras activation cycle predicts that the inhibitor severely reduces the proliferation of different Ras-driven cancer cells, effectively cooperating with Cetuximab to reduce proliferation even of Cetuximab-resistant cancer cell lines. Experimental data confirm the model prediction, indicating that the pan-Ras inhibitor is an appropriate candidate for medicinal chemistry efforts tailored at improving its currently unsatisfactory affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Tisi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Spinelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Palmioli
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Airoldi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Cazzaniga
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, Milan, Italy.,Bicocca Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre - B4, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Besozzi
- SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, Milan, Italy.,Bicocca Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre - B4, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco S Nobile
- Bicocca Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre - B4, Milano, Italy.,Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Elisa Mazzoleni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Arnhold
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca De Gioia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Grandori
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Vanoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Sacco
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO-ISBE-IT-Candidate National Node of Italy for ISBE, Research Infrastructure for Systems Biology Europe, Milan, Italy
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76
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Promotion of cancer cell stemness by Ras. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:467-476. [PMID: 33544116 PMCID: PMC7925005 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) may be the most relevant and elusive cancer cell population, as they have the exquisite ability to seed new tumors. It is plausible, that highly mutated cancer genes, such as KRAS, are functionally associated with processes contributing to the emergence of stemness traits. In this review, we will summarize the evidence for a stemness driving activity of oncogenic Ras. This activity appears to differ by Ras isoform, with the highly mutated KRAS having a particularly profound impact. Next to established stemness pathways such as Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh), the precise, cell cycle dependent orchestration of the MAPK-pathway appears to relay Ras activation in this context. We will examine how non-canonical activities of K-Ras4B (hereafter K-Ras) could be enabled by its trafficking chaperones calmodulin and PDE6D/PDEδ. Both dynamically localize to the cellular machinery that is intimately linked to cell fate decisions, such as the primary cilium and the centrosome. Thus, it can be speculated that oncogenic K-Ras disrupts fundamental polarized signaling and asymmetric apportioning processes that are necessary during cell differentiation.
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Usman S, Jamal A, Teh MT, Waseem A. Major Molecular Signaling Pathways in Oral Cancer Associated With Therapeutic Resistance. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 1:603160. [PMID: 35047986 PMCID: PMC8757854 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2020.603160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a sub-category of head and neck cancers that primarily initiates in the oral cavity. The primary treatment option for oral cancer remains surgery but it is associated with massive disfigurement, inability to carry out normal oral functions, psycho-social stress and exhaustive rehabilitation. Other treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have their own limitations in terms of toxicity, intolerance and therapeutic resistance. Immunological treatments to enhance the body's ability to recognize cancer tissue as a foreign entity are also being used but they are new and underdeveloped. Although substantial progress has been made in the treatment of oral cancer, its complex heterogeneous nature still needs to be explored, to elucidate the molecular basis for developing resistance to therapeutic agents and how to overcome it, with the aim of improving the chances of patients' survival and their quality of life. This review provides an overview of up-to-date information on the complex role of the major molecules and associated signaling, epigenetic changes, DNA damage repair systems, cancer stem cells and micro RNAs in the development of therapeutic resistance and treatment failure in oral cancer. We have also summarized the current strategies being developed to overcome these therapeutic challenges. This review will help not only researchers but also oral oncologists in the management of the disease and in developing new therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ahmad Waseem
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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