101
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Axl signaling is an important mediator of tumor angiogenesis. Oncotarget 2019; 10:2887-2898. [PMID: 31080559 PMCID: PMC6499597 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth of primary tumors as well as metastatic neoplastic lesions is strongly dependent on the cancer cells’ ability to initiate their own vascular network. This process, angiogenesis, which involves the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endothelial cells, is critically dependent on a variety of signaling molecules that target specific receptors, most notably tyrosine kinases. One receptor tyrosine kinase associated with poor prognosis, metastasis, and outcome in a variety of tumor types, is Axl. Although the role of Axl in tumor cell migration and invasion are well recognized, little is known about the involvement of Axl signaling in the initiation of angiogenesis. Here, we show that Axl inhibition in tumor cells decreases the secretion of pro-angiogenic factors and impairs functional properties of endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that Axl signaling is an important contributor to tumor angiogenesis.
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102
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Goyette MA, Cusseddu R, Elkholi I, Abu-Thuraia A, El-Hachem N, Haibe-Kains B, Gratton JP, Côté JF. AXL knockdown gene signature reveals a drug repurposing opportunity for a class of antipsychotics to reduce growth and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. Oncotarget 2019; 10:2055-2067. [PMID: 31007848 PMCID: PMC6459349 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer subtype that is associated with a poor prognosis due to its propensity to form metastases. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL plays a role in tumor cell dissemination and its expression in breast cancers correlates with poor patient survival. Here, we explored whether already used drugs might elicit a gene signature similar to that seen with AXL knockdown in TNBC cells and which could, therefore, offer an opportunity for drug repurposing. To this end, we queried the Connectivity Map with an AXL gene signature which revealed a class of dopamine receptors antagonists named phenothiazines (Thioridazine, Fluphenazine and Trifluoperazine) typically used as anti-psychotics. We next tested if these drugs, similarly to AXL depletion, were able to limit growth and metastatic progression of TNBC cells and found that phenothiazines are able to reduce cell invasion, proliferation, viability and increase apoptosis of TNBC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, these drugs did not affect AXL activity but instead reduced PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK signaling. When administered to mice bearing TNBC xenografts, phenothiazines were able to reduce tumor growth and metastatic burden. Collectively, these results suggest that these antipsychotics display anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activity and that they could potentially be repurposed, in combination with standard chemotherapy, for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Anne Goyette
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Rebecca Cusseddu
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Islam Elkholi
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Afnan Abu-Thuraia
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nehme El-Hachem
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Benjamin Haibe-Kains
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, University Health Network, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A1, Canada.,Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada.,Vector Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Gratton
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Jean-François Côté
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0C7, Canada
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103
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Stoll S, Bitencourt S, Laufer S, Inês Goettert M. Myricetin inhibits panel of kinases implicated in tumorigenesis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 125:3-7. [PMID: 30624861 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Myricetin is a flavonoid with several biological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features. Its protective effect in chronic diseases may occur through the inhibition of protein kinases that trigger inflammation and carcinogenesis pathways. Considering the influence of kinases on such pathological disorders, it is crucial to study compounds that inhibit these proteins. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory potential of 14 flavonoids on TNF-α release in human whole blood as well as the inhibitory potential of myricetin towards kinases involved in tumorigenesis. Our results showed that, out of all flavonoids, myricetin had the highest inhibitory effect on TNF-α level. In addition, myricetin showed potential as a multi-anti-kinase compound, reducing the activity of 7 kinases by >70% and of 9 kinases by >90%. Together these data demonstrate the great inhibitory activity of myricetin on tumorigenic kinases and potential for the development of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefani Stoll
- Cell Culture Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Taquari Valley (Univates), Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Shanna Bitencourt
- Cell Culture Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Taquari Valley (Univates), Lajeado, Brazil
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Márcia Inês Goettert
- Cell Culture Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Taquari Valley (Univates), Lajeado, Brazil
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104
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Dynamics of Axl Receptor Shedding in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Implication for Theranostics. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124111. [PMID: 30567378 PMCID: PMC6321118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its ligand Gas6 is crucially involved in the development of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by activation of hepatic stellate cells and modulation of hepatocyte differentiation. Shedding of Axl’s ectodomain leads to the release of soluble Axl (sAxl), which is increased in advanced fibrosis and in early-to-late stage HCC in the presence and absence of cirrhosis. Here, we focus on the dynamics of Axl receptor shedding and delineate possible scenarios how Axl signaling might act as driver of fibrosis progression and HCC development. Based on experimental and clinical data, we discuss the consequences of modifying Axl signaling by sAxl cleavage, as well as cellular strategies to escape from antagonizing effects of Axl shedding by the involvement of the hepatic microenvironment. We emphasize a correlation between free Gas6 and free sAxl levels favoring abundant Gas6/Axl signaling in advanced fibrosis and HCC. The raised scenario provides a solid basis for theranostics allowing the use of sAxl as an accurate diagnostic biomarker of liver cirrhosis and HCC, as well as Axl receptor signaling for therapeutic intervention in stratified HCC patients.
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105
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Mills KL, Gomes AM, Standlee CR, Rojo MD, Carmeliet P, Lin Z, Machado HL. Gas6 is dispensable for pubertal mammary gland development. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208550. [PMID: 30533018 PMCID: PMC6289431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary gland development is a complex and dynamic process that occurs mainly postnatally. Ductal elongation and branching morphogenesis are regulated by a plethora of factors, including cytokines, hormones, growth factors and the extracellular matrix. Gas6 is a secreted gamma-carboxylated protein that binds to a family of receptors tyrosine kinase receptors known as the TAMR family (Tyro3, Axl, Mer). Gas6 function in developmental processes has been shown in nervous, reproductive and immune systems. In this study, we found that Gas6 is highly expressed in virgin adult mammary glands but declines during pregnancy and lactation. Specifically, Gas6 is highly expressed in luminal and basal mammary epithelial cells during puberty and adulthood, while TAMR expression is low. Mammary whole mount analysis revealed that Gas6 germline deletion does not impact ductal elongation, branching morphogenesis or terminal end bud formation. Masson's trichrome staining showed that collagen deposition is similar in Gas6-/- mice as compared to wildtype mice. Gas6-/- mammary glands presented an organized luminal and myoepithelial bilayer of cells, and the proportion of mammary stem cells was unchanged in Gas6-/- mammary glands as compared to wildtype. Finally, proliferation of epithelial cells and macrophage number were similar in both groups. These studies suggest that Gas6 is not essential for pubertal mammary gland development in nulliparous mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie L. Mills
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Angelica M. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Courtney R. Standlee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Michelle D. Rojo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism,VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongsan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Pathology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Heather L. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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106
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Gomes AM, Carron EC, Mills KL, Dow AM, Gray Z, Fecca CR, Lakey MA, Carmeliet P, Kittrell F, Medina D, Machado HL. Stromal Gas6 promotes the progression of premalignant mammary cells. Oncogene 2018; 38:2437-2450. [PMID: 30531835 PMCID: PMC6450766 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tumor progression is regulated by a complex interplay between neoplastic cells and the tumor microenvironment. Tumor associated macrophages have been shown to promote breast cancer progression in advanced disease and more recently, in early stage cancers. However, little is known about the macrophage-derived factors that promote tumor progression in early stage lesions. Using a p53-null model of early stage mammary tumor progression, we found that Gas6 is highly expressed in pre-invasive lesions associated with increased infiltrating macrophages, as compared to those with few recruited macrophages. We show that F4/80+CD11b+ macrophages produce Gas6 in premalignant lesions in vivo, and that macrophage-derived Gas6 induces a tumor-like phenotype ex vivo. Using a 3-D co-culture system, we show that macrophage-derived Gas6 activates its receptor Axl and downstream survival signals including Akt and STAT3, which was accompanied by altered E-cadherin expression to induce a malignant morphology. In vivo studies demonstrated that deletion of stromal Gas6 delays early stage progression and decreases tumor formation, while tumor growth in established tumors remains unaffected. These studies suggest that macrophage-derived Gas6 is a critical regulator of the transition from premalignant to invasive cancer, and may lead to the development of unique biomarkers of neoplastic progression for patients with early stage breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica M Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Emily C Carron
- Division of Cellular Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kylie L Mills
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Alexa M Dow
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Zane Gray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Christopher R Fecca
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Meredith A Lakey
- Ochsner Biorepository, Department of Research, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongsan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, B-3000, Belgium
| | - Frances Kittrell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel Medina
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Heather L Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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107
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Du W, Brekken RA. Does Axl have potential as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:955-966. [PMID: 30244621 PMCID: PMC6292430 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1527315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis, therapy resistance, and immunosuppression are dominant characteristics of pancreatic tumors. Strategies that enhance the efficacy of standard of care and/or immune therapy are likely the most efficient route to improve overall survival in this disease. Areas covered: Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is involved in cell plasticity, chemoresistance, immune suppression, and metastasis in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. This review provides an overview of Axl and its function in normal conditions, summarizes the regulation and function of Axl in cancer, and highlights the contribution of Axl to pancreatic cancer as well as its potential as a therapeutic target. Expert opinion: Axl is an attractive therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer because it contributes to many of the roadblocks that hamper therapeutic efficacy. Clinical evidence supporting Axl inhibition in pancreatic cancer is currently limited; however, multiple clinical trials have been initiated or are in the planning phase to test the effect of inhibiting Axl in conjunction with standard therapy in pancreatic cancer patients. We anticipate that these studies will provide robust validation of Axl as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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