101
|
Sun Z, Shi Y, Shen Y, Cao L, Zhang W, Guan X. Analysis of different HER-2 mutations in breast cancer progression and drug resistance. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2691-701. [PMID: 26305917 PMCID: PMC4687700 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies over the last two decades have identified that amplified human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER‐2; c‐erbB‐2, neu) and its overexpression have been frequently implicated in the carcinogenesis and prognosis in a variety of solid tumours, especially breast cancer. Lots of painstaking efforts were invested on the HER‐2 targeted agents, and significantly improved outcome and prolonged the survival of patients. However, some patients classified as ‘HER‐2‐positive’ would be still resistant to the anti‐HER‐2 therapy. Various mechanisms of drug resistance have been illustrated and the alteration of HER‐2 was considered as a crucial mechanism. However, systematic researches in regard to the HER‐2 mutations and variants are still inadequate. Notably, the alterations of HER‐2 play an important role in drug resistance, but also have a potential association with the cancer risk. In this review, we summarize the possible mutations and focus on HER‐2 variants’ role in breast cancer tumourigenesis. Additionally, the alteration of HER‐2, as a potential mechanism of resistance to trastuzumab, is discussed here. We hope that HER‐2 related activating mutations could potentially offer more therapeutic opportunities to a broader range of patients than previously classified as HER‐2 overexpressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijia Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaqin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lulu Cao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
102
|
Splicing Regulation: A Molecular Device to Enhance Cancer Cell Adaptation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:543067. [PMID: 26273627 PMCID: PMC4529921 DOI: 10.1155/2015/543067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) represents a major resource for eukaryotic cells to expand the coding potential of their genomes and to finely regulate gene expression in response to both intra- and extracellular cues. Cancer cells exploit the flexible nature of the mechanisms controlling AS in order to increase the functional diversity of their proteome. By altering the balance of splice isoforms encoded by human genes or by promoting the expression of aberrant oncogenic splice variants, cancer cells enhance their ability to adapt to the adverse growth conditions of the tumoral microenvironment. Herein, we will review the most relevant cancer-related splicing events and the underlying regulatory mechanisms allowing tumour cells to rapidly adapt to the harsh conditions they may face during the occurrence and development of cancer.
Collapse
|
103
|
Chakraborty AK, Zerillo C, DiGiovanna MP. In vitro and in vivo studies of the combination of IGF1R inhibitor figitumumab (CP-751,871) with HER2 inhibitors trastuzumab and neratinib. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2015. [PMID: 26195122 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-015-3504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF1R) has been linked to resistance to HER2-directed therapy with trastuzumab (Herceptin). We examined the anti-tumor activity of figitumumab (CP-751,871), a human monoclonal antibody that blocks IGF1R ligand binding, alone and in combination with the therapeutic anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab and the pan-HER family tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib, using in vitro and in vivo breast cancer model systems. In vitro assays of proliferation, apoptosis, and signaling, and in vivo anti-tumor experiments were conducted in HER2-overexpressing (BT474) and HER2-normal (MCF7) models. We find single-agent activity of the HER2-targeting drugs but not figitumumab in the BT474 model, while the reverse is true in the MCF7 model. However, in both models, combining figitumumab with HER2-targeting drugs shows synergistic anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects, and optimum inhibition of downstream signaling. In murine xenograft models, synergistic anti-tumor effects were observed in the HER2-normal MCF7 model for the combination of figitumumab with trastuzumab, and, in the HER2-overexpressing BT474 model, enhanced anti-tumor effects were observed for the combination of figitumumab with either trastuzumab or neratinib. Analysis of tumor extracts from the in vivo experiments showed evidence of the most optimal inhibition of downstream signaling for the drug combinations over the single-agent therapies. These results suggest promise for such combinations in treating patients with breast cancer, and that, unlike the case for single-agent therapy, the therapeutic effects of such combinations may be independent of expression levels of the individual receptors or the single-agent activity profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok K Chakraborty
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology) and Pharmacology, and The Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 120, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
104
|
Yu DH, Tang L, Dong H, Dong Z, Zhang L, Fu J, Su X, Zhang T, Fu H, Han L, Xie L, Chen H, Qian Z, Zhu G, Wang J, Ye Q, Zhang J, Yin X, Zhang X, Ji J, Ji Q. Oncogenic HER2 fusions in gastric cancer. J Transl Med 2015; 13:116. [PMID: 25889497 PMCID: PMC4396883 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0476-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic amplification of HER2 drives tumorigenesis and cancer progression in a subset of patients with gastric cancer (GC), and treatment with trastuzumab, a humanized HER2-neutralizing antibody, improves the overall survival rate of HER2-positive patients. However, a considerable portion of the patients does not respond to trastuzumab and the molecular mechanisms underlying the intrinsic resistance to anti-HER2 therapy in GC is not fully understood. Methods We performed whole-transcriptome sequencing on 21 HER2-positive tumor specimens from Chinese GC patients. Whole genome sequencing was performed on the three samples with HER2 fusion to discover the DNA integration structure. A multicolor FISH assay for HER2 split screening was conducted to confirm HER2 fusion and IHC (HercepTest™) was used to detect the membranous expression of HER2. Fusion cDNA were transfected into NIH/3T3 cells and generate stable cell line by lentivirus. The expression of exogenous HER2 fusion proteins and pHER2 were examined by western blot analysis. In vitro efficacy studies were also conducted by PD assay and softagar assay in cell line expression wild type and fusion HER2. T-DM1 was used to assess its binding to NIH/3T3 cells ectopically expressing wild-type and fusion HER2. Finally, the anti-tumor efficacy of trastuzumab was tested in NIH/3 T3 xenografts expressing the HER2 fusion variants. Results We identified three new HER2 fusions with ZNF207, MDK, or NOS2 in 21 HER2-amplified GC samples (14%; 3/21). Two of the fusions, ZNF207-HER2, and MDK-HER2, which are oncogenic, lead to aberrant activation of HER2 kinase. Treatment with trastuzumab inhibited tumor growth significantly in xenografts expressing MDK-HER2 fusion. In contrast, trastuzumab had no effect on the growth of xenografts expressing ZNF207-HER2 fusion, due to its inability to bind to trastuzumab. Conclusions Our results provide the molecular basis of a novel resistance mechanism to trastuzumab-based anti-HER2 therapy, supporting additional molecule stratification within HER2-positive GC patients for more effective therapy options. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-015-0476-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Hua Yu
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lili Tang
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hua Dong
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhengwei Dong
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lianhai Zhang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiangang Fu
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xinying Su
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Tianwei Zhang
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Haihua Fu
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lu Han
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Liang Xie
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ziliang Qian
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Guanshan Zhu
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jia Wang
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qingqing Ye
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jingchuan Zhang
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xiaolu Yin
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jiafu Ji
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China.
| | - Qunsheng Ji
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Market iMed, AstraZeneca Innovation Medicines and Early Development, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,Current mailing address: WuXi AppTec, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China.
| |
Collapse
|
105
|
Coyne CP, Jones T, Bear R. Simultaneous Dual Selective Targeted Delivery of Two Covalent Gemcitabine Immunochemotherapeutics and Complementary Anti-Neoplastic Potency of [Se]-Methylselenocysteine. JOURNAL OF CANCER THERAPY 2015; 6:62-89. [PMID: 25821636 PMCID: PMC4376018 DOI: 10.4236/jct.2015.61009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The anti-metabolite chemotherapeutic, gemcitabine is relatively effective for a spectrum of neoplastic conditions that include various forms of leukemia and adenocarcinoma/carcinoma. Rapid systemic deamination of gemcitabine accounts for a brief plasma half-life but its sustained administration is often curtailed by sequelae and chemotherapeutic-resistance. A molecular strategy that diminishes these limitations is the molecular design and synthetic production of covalent gemcitabine immunochemotherapeutics that possess properties of selective "targeted" delivery. The simultaneous dual selective "targeted" delivery of gemcitabine at two separate sites on the external surface membrane of a single cancer cell types represents a therapeutic approach that can increase cytosol chemotherapeutic deposition; prolong chemotherapeutic plasma half-life (reduces administration frequency); minimize innocent exposure of normal tissues and healthy organ systems; and ultimately enhance more rapid and thorough resolution of neoplastic cell populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A light-reactive gemcitabine intermediate synthesized utilizing succinimidyl 4,4-azipentanoate was covalently bound to anti-EGFR or anti-HER2/neu IgG by exposure to UV light (354-nm) resulting in the synthesis of covalent immunochemotherapeutics, gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] and gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu]. Cytotoxic anti-neoplastic potency of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] and gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] between gemcitabine-equivalent concentrations of 10-12 M and 10-6 M was determined utilizing chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKRr-3). The organoselenium compound, [Se]-methylselenocysteine was evaluated to determine if it complemented the anti-neoplastic potency of the covalent gemcitabine immunochemotherapeutics. RESULTS Gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR], gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] and the dual simultaneous combination of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] with gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] all had anti-neoplastic cytotoxic potency against mammary adenocarcinoma. Gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] and gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] produced progressive increases in anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity that were greatest between gemcitabine-equivalent concentrations of 10-9 M and 10-6 M. Dual simultaneous combinations of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] with gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] produced levels of anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity intermediate between each of the individual covalent gemcitabine immunochemotherapeutics. Total anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity of the dual simultaneous combination of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] and gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] against chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) was substantially higher when formulated with [Se]-methylsele-nocysteine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C P Coyne
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA
| | - Toni Jones
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA
| | - Ryan Bear
- Wise Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, USA
| |
Collapse
|
106
|
Nalejska E, Mączyńska E, Lewandowska MA. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers: tools in personalized oncology. Mol Diagn Ther 2015; 18:273-84. [PMID: 24385403 PMCID: PMC4031398 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-013-0077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Oncology indispensably leads us to personalized medicine, which allows an individual approach to be taken with each patient. Personalized oncology is based on pharmacogenomics and the effect of genetic differences in individuals (germline and somatic) on the way cancer patients respond to chemotherapeutics. Biomarkers detected using molecular biology tools allow the molecular characterization of cancer signatures and provide information relevant for personalized treatment. Biomarkers can be divided into two main subgroups: prognostic and predictive. The aim of the application of prognostic biomarkers, which provide information on the overall cancer outcome in patients, is to facilitate cancer diagnosis, usually with no need for putting invasive methods into use. Predictive biomarkers help to optimize therapy decisions, as they provide information on the likelihood of response to a given chemotherapeutic. Among the prognostic factors that identify patients with different outcome risks (e.g., recurrence of the disease), the following factors can be distinguished: somatic and germline mutations, changes in DNA methylation that lead to the enhancement or suppression of gene expression, the occurrence of elevated levels of microRNA (miRNA) capable of binding specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, which affects gene expression, as well as the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood, which leads to a poor prognosis for the patient. Biomarkers for personalized oncology are used mainly in molecular diagnostics of chronic myeloid leukemia, colon, breast and lung cancer, and recently in melanoma. They are successfully used in the evaluation of the benefits that can be achieved through targeted therapy or in the evaluation of toxic effects of the chemotherapeutic used in the therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Nalejska
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Tumors, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
107
|
Sebestyén E, Zawisza M, Eyras E. Detection of recurrent alternative splicing switches in tumor samples reveals novel signatures of cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:1345-56. [PMID: 25578962 PMCID: PMC4330360 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The determination of the alternative splicing isoforms expressed in cancer is fundamental for the development of tumor-specific molecular targets for prognosis and therapy, but it is hindered by the heterogeneity of tumors and the variability across patients. We developed a new computational method, robust to biological and technical variability, which identifies significant transcript isoform changes across multiple samples. We applied this method to more than 4000 samples from the The Cancer Genome Atlas project to obtain novel splicing signatures that are predictive for nine different cancer types, and find a specific signature for basal-like breast tumors involving the tumor-driver CTNND1. Additionally, our method identifies 244 isoform switches, for which the change occurs in the most abundant transcript. Some of these switches occur in known tumor drivers, including PPARG, CCND3, RALGDS, MITF, PRDM1, ABI1 and MYH11, for which the switch implies a change in the protein product. Moreover, some of the switches cannot be described with simple splicing events. Surprisingly, isoform switches are independent of somatic mutations, except for the tumor-suppressor FBLN2 and the oncogene MYH11. Our method reveals novel signatures of cancer in terms of transcript isoforms specifically expressed in tumors, providing novel potential molecular targets for prognosis and therapy. Data and software are available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1061917 and https://bitbucket.org/regulatorygenomicsupf/iso-ktsp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Endre Sebestyén
- Computational Genomics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 88, E08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michał Zawisza
- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Jordi Girona 1-3, E08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- Computational Genomics, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Dr. Aiguader 88, E08003 Barcelona, Spain Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E08010 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
108
|
Huynh FC, Jones FE. MicroRNA-7 inhibits multiple oncogenic pathways to suppress HER2Δ16 mediated breast tumorigenesis and reverse trastuzumab resistance. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114419. [PMID: 25532106 PMCID: PMC4273950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic isoform of HER2, HER2Δ16, is expressed with HER2 in nearly 50% of HER2 positive breast tumors where HER2Δ16 drives metastasis and resistance to multiple therapeutic interventions including tamoxifen and trastuzumab. In recent years microRNAs have been shown to influence multiple aspects of tumorigenesis and tumor cell response to therapy. Accordingly, the HER2Δ16 oncogene alters microRNA expression to promote endocrine resistance. With the goal of identifying microRNA suppressors of HER2Δ16 oncogenic activity we investigated the contribution of altered microRNA expression to HER2Δ16 mediated tumorigenesis and trastuzumab resistance. Using a gene array strategy comparing microRNA expression profiles of MCF-7 to MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells, we found that expression of HER2Δ16 significantly altered expression of 16 microRNAs by 2-fold or more including a 4.8 fold suppression of the miR-7 tumor suppressor. Reestablished expression of miR-7 in the MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cell line caused a G1 cell cycle arrest and reduced both colony formation and cell migration activity to levels of parental MCF-7 cells. Suppression of miR-7 in the MCF-7 cell line resulted in enhanced colony formation activity but not cell migration, indicating that miR-7 suppression is sufficient to drive tumor cell proliferation but not migration. MiR-7 inhibited MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cell migration through a mechanism involving suppression of the miR-7 target gene EGFR. In contrast, miR-7 inhibition of MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cell proliferation involved a pathway where miR-7 expression resulted in the inactivation of Src kinase independent of suppressed EGFR expression. Also independent of EGFR suppression, reestablished miR-7 expression sensitized refractory MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells to trastuzumab. Our results demonstrate that reestablished miR-7 expression abolishes HER2Δ16 induced cell proliferation and migration while sensitizing HER2Δ16 expressing cells to trastuzumab therapy. We propose that miR-7 regulated pathways, including EGFR and Src kinase, represent targets for the therapeutic intervention of refractory and metastatic HER2Δ16 driven breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia C. Huynh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Frank E. Jones
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
109
|
Dittrich A, Gautrey H, Browell D, Tyson-Capper A. The HER2 Signaling Network in Breast Cancer--Like a Spider in its Web. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2014; 19:253-70. [PMID: 25544707 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-014-9329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a major player in the survival and proliferation of tumour cells and is overexpressed in up to 30 % of breast cancer cases. A considerable amount of work has been undertaken to unravel the activity and function of HER2 to try and develop effective therapies that impede its action in HER2 positive breast tumours. Research has focused on exploring the HER2 activated phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and rat sarcoma/mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS/MAPK) pathways for therapies. Despite the advances, cases of drug resistance and recurrence of disease still remain a challenge to overcome. An important aspect for drug resistance is the complexity of the HER2 signaling network. This includes the crosstalk between HER2 and hormone receptors; its function as a transcription factor; the regulation of HER2 by protein-tyrosine phosphatases and a complex network of positive and negative feedback-loops. This review summarises the current knowledge of many different HER2 interactions to illustrate the complexity of the HER2 network from the transcription of HER2 to the effect of its downstream targets. Exploring the novel avenues of the HER2 signaling could yield a better understanding of treatment resistance and give rise to developing new and more effective therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Dittrich
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
110
|
Sun Y, Furihata T, Ishii S, Nagai M, Harada M, Shimozato O, Kamijo T, Motohashi S, Yoshino I, Kamiichi A, Kobayashi K, Chiba K. Unique expression features of cancer-type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 mRNA expression in human colon and lung cancers. Clin Transl Med 2014; 3:37. [PMID: 25625007 PMCID: PMC4298695 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-014-0037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously identified the cancer-type organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B3 (Ct-OATP1B3) mRNA in several human colon and lung cancer tissues. Ct-OATP1B3 is a variant of the liver-type OATP1B3 (Lt-OATP1B3) mRNA, which is a hepatocyte plasma membrane transporter with broad substrate specificity. However, in cancer tissues, both the detailed characteristics of Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA expression and its biological functions remain unclear. With this point in mind, we sought to characterize Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA expression in colon and lung cancer tissues. In addition, we attempted to obtain functional implication of Ct-OATP1B3 in cancer cells. METHODS Matched pairs of cancer and normal tissues were collected from 39 colon cancer and 28 lung cancer patients. The OATP1B3 mRNA expression levels in each of these tissues were separately determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used in statistical analysis. The Ct-OATP1B3 functional expression in colon cancer cells was then examined by Western blotting and transport analyses. RESULTS Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA, but not Lt-OATP1B3 mRNA, was abundantly expressed in colon cancer tissues at a higher detection frequency (87.2%) than that of the adjacent normal tissues (2.6%). Furthermore, it was found that Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA expression was often detected in early colon cancer stages (88.9%, n = 18), and that its expression was associated with well-differentiated colon cancer statuses. On the other hand, Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA also showed a predominant and cancer-associated expression profile in lung tissues, although at frequencies and expression levels that were lower than those obtained from colon cancer. As for attempts to clarify the Ct-OATP1B3 functions, neither protein expression nor transport activity could be observed in any of the cell lines examined. CONCLUSIONS Based on the unique characteristics of the Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA expression profile identified in this study, Ct-OATP1B3 mRNA can be expected to become a biomarker candidate for use in colon (and lung) cancer diagnosis. Simultaneously, our results advance the possibility that Ct-OATP1B3 might play yet unidentified roles, in addition to transporter function, in cancer cell biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomomi Furihata
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| | - Seiya Ishii
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| | - Miki Nagai
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| | - Manami Harada
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| | - Osamu Shimozato
- Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takehiko Kamijo
- Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Motohashi
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ichiro Yoshino
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kamiichi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kaoru Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kan Chiba
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuou-ku, Chiba-shi 260-8675, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
111
|
Castagnoli L, Iezzi M, Ghedini GC, Ciravolo V, Marzano G, Lamolinara A, Zappasodi R, Gasparini P, Campiglio M, Amici A, Chiodoni C, Palladini A, Lollini PL, Triulzi T, Menard S, Nanni P, Tagliabue E, Pupa SM. Activated d16HER2 Homodimers and SRC Kinase Mediate Optimal Efficacy for Trastuzumab. Cancer Res 2014; 74:6248-59. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
112
|
Fabi A, Mottolese M, Segatto O. Therapeutic targeting of ERBB2 in breast cancer: understanding resistance in the laboratory and combating it in the clinic. J Mol Med (Berl) 2014; 92:681-95. [PMID: 24861025 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-014-1169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
ERBB2 gene amplification occurs in about one quarter of breast carcinomas (BCs) and identifies a distinct clinical subset of BC. The introduction in the clinic of Trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed to the ERBB2 extracellular domain, has had a great impact on the therapeutic management of ERBB2+ BC. Yet, not all patients respond to Trastuzumab and resistance develops also among patients that initially benefit from Trastuzumab-based regimens. Pre-clinical studies have discovered several mechanisms through which tumor cells may escape from Trastuzumab-mediated ERBB2 inhibition. These include rewiring of the ErbB signaling network, loss of ERBB2 expression, expression of ERBB2 isoforms refractory to Trastuzumab inhibition, vicarious signaling by non-ErbB tyrosine kinases and constitutive activation of downstream signaling routes, such as the PI3K pathway. While the relative contribution of each of these mechanisms to establishing Trastuzumab resistance in the clinical setting is not fully understood, much attention has been focused on abating resistance by achieving complete blockade of ERBB2-containing dimers. This approach, propelled by the development of novel anti-ERBB2 therapeutics, has led to the recent approval of Lapatinib, Pertuzumab and T-DM1 as additional anti-ERBB2 therapeutics in BC. However, full success is far from being achieved and resistance to ERBB2 targeting remains a relevant problem in the clinical management of BC. Herein, we provide an overview of biological and molecular bases underpinning resistance to ERBB2 therapeutics in BC, discuss outstanding issues in the field of ERBB2 therapeutic targeting and elaborate on future directions of translational research on ERBB2+ breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fabi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
113
|
Coyne CP, Jones T, Bear R. Anti-Neoplastic Cytotoxicity of Gemcitabine-(C 4- amide)-[anti-EGFR] in Dual-combination with Epirubicin-(C 3- amide)-[anti-HER2/ neu] against Chemotherapeutic-Resistant Mammary Adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) and the Complementary Effect of Mebendazole. JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTIC ONCOLOGY 2014; 2:203. [PMID: 25844392 PMCID: PMC4381351 DOI: 10.17303/jcrto.2014.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Delineate the feasibility of simultaneous, dual selective "targeted" chemotherapeutic delivery and determine if this molecular strategy can promote higher levels anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity than if only one covalent immunochemotherapeutic is selectively "targeted" for delivery at a single membrane associated receptor over-expressed by chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma. METHODOLOGY Gemcitabine and epirubicin were covalently bond to anti-EGFR and anti-HER2/neu utilizing a rapid multi-phase synthetic organic chemistry reaction scheme. Determination that 96% or greater gemcitabine or epirubicin content was covalently bond to immunoglobulin fractions following size separation by micro-scale column chromatography was established by methanol precipitation analysis. Residual binding-avidity of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EG-FR] applied in dual-combination with epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] was determined by cell-ELIZA utilizing chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) populations. Lack of fragmentation or polymerization was validated by SDS-PAGE/immunodetection/chemiluminescent autoradiography. Anti-neoplastic cytotoxic potency was determined by vitality stain analysis of chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) monolayers known to uniquely over-express EGFR (2 × 105/cell) and HER2/neu (1 × 106/cell) receptor complexes. The covalent immunochemotherapeutics gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] and epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] were applied simultaneously in dual-combination to determine their capacity to collectively evoke elevated levels of anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity. Lastly, the tubulin/microtubule inhibitor mebendazole evaluated to determine if it's potential to complemented the anti-neoplastic cytotoxic properties of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] in dual-combination with epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu]. RESULTS Dual-combination of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] with epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] produced greater levels of anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity than either of the covalent immunochemotherapeutics alone. The benzimidazole microtubule/tubulin inhibitor, mebendazole complemented the anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] in dual-combination with epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu]. CONCLUSIONS The dual-combination of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] with epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] produced higher levels of selectively "targeted" anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity against chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) than either covalent immunochemotherapeutic alone. The benzimidazole tubulin/microtubule inhibitor, mebendazole also possessed anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity against chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) and complemented the potency and efficacy of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-EGFR] in dual-combination with epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- CP Coyne
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at Wise Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Toni Jones
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at Wise Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Ryan Bear
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at Wise Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
| |
Collapse
|
114
|
Herceptin resistance database for understanding mechanism of resistance in breast cancer patients. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4483. [PMID: 24670875 PMCID: PMC3967150 DOI: 10.1038/srep04483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody Trastuzumab/Herceptin is considered as frontline therapy for Her2-positive breast cancer patients. However, it is not effective against several patients due to acquired or de novo resistance. In last one decade, several assays have been performed to understand the mechanism of Herceptin resistance with/without supplementary drugs. This manuscript describes a database HerceptinR, developed for understanding the mechanism of resistance at genetic level. HerceptinR maintains information about 2500 assays performed against various breast cancer cell lines (BCCs), for improving sensitivity of Herceptin with or without supplementary drugs. In order to understand Herceptin resistance at genetic level, we integrated genomic data of BCCs that include expression, mutations and copy number variations in different cell lines. HerceptinR will play a vital role in i) designing biomarkers to identify patients eligible for Herceptin treatment and ii) identification of appropriate supplementary drug for a particular patient. HerceptinR is available at http://crdd.osdd.net/raghava/herceptinr/.
Collapse
|
115
|
Arteaga CL, Engelman JA. ERBB receptors: from oncogene discovery to basic science to mechanism-based cancer therapeutics. Cancer Cell 2014; 25:282-303. [PMID: 24651011 PMCID: PMC4018830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 723] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ERBB receptors were linked to human cancer pathogenesis approximately three decades ago. Biomedical investigators have since developed substantial understanding of the biology underlying the dependence of cancers on aberrant ERBB receptor signaling. An array of cancer-associated genetic alterations in ERBB receptors has also been identified. These findings have led to the discovery and development of mechanism-based therapies targeting ERBB receptors that have improved outcome for many cancer patients. In this Perspective, we discuss current paradigms of targeting ERBB receptors with cancer therapeutics and our understanding of mechanisms of action and resistance to these drugs. As current strategies still have limitations, we also discuss challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as basic scientists and clinical investigators work toward more breakthroughs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos L Arteaga
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A Engelman
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
116
|
Sridhar J, Sfondouris ME, Bratton MR, Nguyen TLK, Townley I, Klein Stevens CL, Jones FE. Identification of quinones as HER2 inhibitors for the treatment of trastuzumab resistant breast cancer. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 24:126-31. [PMID: 24355130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.11.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
HER2 overexpression is associated with aggressive breast cancer with high recurrence rate and poor patient prognosis. Treatment of HER2 overexpressing patients with the HER2 targeting therapy trastuzumab results in acquired resistance within a year. The HER2/EGFR dual kinase inhibitor lapatinib was shown to inhibit some trastuzumab resistant breast cancer cell lines and is currently in clinical trials. Our group has found two new quinone compounds that show excellent inhibition of breast tumor cells expressing HER2 or the trastuzumab resistant HER2 oncogenic isoform, HER2Δ16. Compound 4 ((1R,2S,3S)-1,2,3,5,8-pentahydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroanthracene-9,10-dione) and compound 5 (5,8-dihydroxy-2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)naphthalene-1,4-dione) showed sub-micromolar inhibition potency against these cell lines. These compounds also inhibit auto-phosphorylation of the Y1248 and Y1068 residues of HER2 and EGFR, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1, Drexel Dr., New Orleans, LA 70125, United States.
| | - Mary E Sfondouris
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, 6400 Freret Street, 2000 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States
| | - Melyssa R Bratton
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1, Drexel Dr., New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Thuy-Linh K Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1, Drexel Dr., New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Ian Townley
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1, Drexel Dr., New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Cheryl L Klein Stevens
- Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Boulevard #11075, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1075, United States
| | - Frank E Jones
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, 6400 Freret Street, 2000 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States
| |
Collapse
|
117
|
Phung B, Steingrímsson E, Rönnstrand L. Differential activity of c-KIT splice forms is controlled by extracellular peptide insert length. Cell Signal 2013; 25:2231-8. [PMID: 23880320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Understanding receptor activation is important for disease intervention. Activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-KIT is involved in numerous diseases including melanoma, mastocytosis, multiple myeloma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. To better understand the regulation of activation, we studied the two c-KIT isoforms, c-KIT(-) and c-KIT(+), which differ by a tetrapeptide insert GNNK, located in the extracellular juxtamembrane domain of the c-KIT(+) isoform. This region is important for regulating receptor activation. Here we show that the consecutive elimination of one amino acid at a time from the GNNK tetrapeptide insert gradually increases receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, ubiquitination, internalization and downstream MAP kinase-ERK activation. Successively decreasing the insert length progressively improves cell survival during drug treatment. Our results indicate that the length of the tetrapeptide fine-tunes receptor activity, thus providing deeper insight into c-KIT activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Phung
- Experimental Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Wallenberg Laboratory, Inga Marie Nilssons gata 53, SE-205 02 Malmö, Sweden.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
118
|
Alajati A, Sausgruber N, Aceto N, Duss S, Sarret S, Voshol H, Bonenfant D, Bentires-Alj M. Mammary tumor formation and metastasis evoked by a HER2 splice variant. Cancer Res 2013; 73:5320-7. [PMID: 23867476 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-3186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The HER2 gene is amplified and overexpressed in approximately 20% of invasive breast cancers where it is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. Here, we describe a constitutively active splice variant of HER2 (Delta-HER2) in human mammary epithelial cells that evokes aggressive breast cancer phenotypes. Delta-HER2 overexpression in mammary epithelial cells was sufficient to reduce apoptosis, increase proliferation, and induce expression of mesenchymal markers, features that were associated with greater invasive potential in three-dimensional cultures in vitro and more aggressive tumorigenicity and metastasis in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of wild-type HER2 was insufficient at evoking such effects. Unbiased protein-tyrosine phosphorylation profiling in Delta-HER2-expressing cells revealed increased phosphorylation of several signaling proteins not previously known to be controlled by the HER2 pathway. Furthermore, microarray expression analysis revealed activation of genes known to be highly expressed in ER-negative, high-grade, and metastatic primary breast tumors. Together, our results provide mechanistic insights into the activity of a highly pathogenic splice variant of HER2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alajati
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstr. 66, Basel, CH 4058, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
119
|
Clinical Significance of HER-2 Splice Variants in Breast Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance. Int J Cell Biol 2013; 2013:973584. [PMID: 23935627 PMCID: PMC3713377 DOI: 10.1155/2013/973584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2) occurs in 20-30% of breast cancers and confers survival and proliferative advantages on the tumour cells making HER-2 an ideal therapeutic target for drugs like Herceptin. Continued delineation of tumour biology has identified splice variants of HER-2, with contrasting roles in tumour cell biology. For example, the splice variant Δ16HER-2 (results from exon 16 skipping) increases transformation of cancer cells and is associated with treatment resistance; conversely, Herstatin (results from intron 8 retention) and p100 (results from intron 15 retention) inhibit tumour cell proliferation. This review focuses on the potential clinical implications of the expression and coexistence of HER-2 splice variants in cancer cells in relation to breast cancer progression and drug resistance. "Individualised" strategies currently guide breast cancer management; in accordance, HER-2 splice variants may prove valuable as future prognostic and predictive factors, as well as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
120
|
Wang J, Willumsen N, Zheng Q, Xue Y, Karsdal MA, Bay-Jensen AC. Bringing cancer serological diagnosis to a new level: focusing on HER2, protein ectodomain shedding and neoepitope technology. Future Oncol 2013; 9:35-44. [PMID: 23252562 DOI: 10.2217/fon.12.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease and consequently an exact diagnosis is as important as the actual therapy. Therefore, identification of novel diagnostic biomarker targets is urgently needed. Physiological and pathological changes are reflected by post-translational modifications of proteins. Each post-translational modification (e.g., proteolytic cleavage) is the result of a specific local process and may produce disease-specific neoepitopes. Neoepitopes have been successfully used as biomarkers in many diseases, and may also serve as promising tools in the development of future diagnostic assays within oncology. By specifically targeting neoepitopes, more information regarding disease-type and -state may be obtained and future research into neoepitopes will provide important and novel means for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment efficacy in cancer. In this paper, we focus on protein ectodomain shedding and the generation of neoepitopes as future noninvasive (serological) cancer biomarkers. We use the protein ectodomain shedding of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, which is associated with breast cancer, as an example. We assess the current status of measuring human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and discuss how this potentially could be improved. Furthermore, we expand the discussion to include examples of other cancer associated proteins.
Collapse
|
121
|
Takada M, Higuchi T, Tozuka K, Takei H, Haruta M, Watanabe J, Kasai F, Inoue K, Kurosumi M, Miyazaki M, Sato-Otsubo A, Ogawa S, Kaneko Y. Alterations of the genes involved in the PI3K and estrogen-receptor pathways influence outcome in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:241. [PMID: 23679233 PMCID: PMC3663661 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy with trastuzumab is widely used for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer, but a significant number of patients with the tumor fail to respond, or relapse. The mechanisms of recurrence and biomarkers that indicate the response to the chemotherapy and outcome are not fully investigated. Methods Genomic alterations were analyzed using single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays in 46 HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ or 2+/fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)+ breast cancers that were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel, cyclophosphamid, epirubicin, fluorouracil, and trastuzumab. Patients were classified into two groups based on presence or absence of alterations of 65 cancer-associated genes, and the two groups were further classified into four groups based on genomic HER2 copy numbers or hormone receptor status (HR+/−). Pathological complete response (pCR) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were compared between any two of the groups. Results and discussion The pCR rate was 54% in 37 patients, and the RFS rate at 3 years was 72% (95% CI, 0.55-0.89) in 42 patients. The analysis disclosed 8 tumors with nonamplified HER2 and 38 tumors with HER2 amplification, indicating the presence of discordance in tumors diagnosed using current HER2 testing. The 8 patients showed more difficulty in achieving pCR (P=0.019), more frequent relapse (P=0.018), and more frequent alterations of genes in the PI3K pathway (P=0.009) than the patients with HER2 amplification. The alterations of the PI3K and estrogen receptor (ER) pathway genes generally indicated worse RFS rates. The prognostic significance of the alterations was shown in patients with a HR+ tumor, but not in patients with a HR- tumor when divided. Alterations of the PI3K and ER pathway genes found in patients with a HR+ tumor with poor outcome suggested that crosstalk between the two pathways may be involved in resistance to the current chemotherapy with trastuzumab. Conclusions We recommend FISH analysis as a primary HER2 testing because patients with IHC 2+/3+ and nonamplified HER2 had poor outcome. We also support concurrent use of trastuzumab, lapatinib, and cytotoxic and anti-hormonal agents for patients having HR+ tumors with alterations of the PI3K and ER pathway genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Takada
- Department of Cancer Diagnosis, Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, 818 Komuro, Ina, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
122
|
Coyne CP, Jones T, Bear R. Anti-Neoplastic Cytotoxicity of Gemcitabine-(C 4- amide)-[anti-HER2/ neu] in Combination with Griseofulvin against Chemotherapeutic-Resistant Mammary Adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3). Med Chem 2013. [PMID: 26225219 PMCID: PMC4516389 DOI: 10.4172/2161-0444.1000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine nucleoside analog that becomes triphosphorylated and in this form it competitively inhibits cytidine incorporation into DNA strands. Diphosphorylated gemcitabine irreversibly inhibits ribonucleotide reductase thereby preventing deoxyribonucleotide synthesis. Functioning as a potent chemotherapeutic, gemcitabine decreases neoplastic cell proliferation and induces apoptosis which accounts for its effectiveness in the clinical treatment of several leukemia and carcinoma cell types. A brief plasma half-life due to rapid deamination, chemotherapeuticresistance and sequelae restricts gemcitabine utility in clinical oncology. Selective “targeted” gemcitabine delivery represents a molecular strategy for prolonging its plasma half-life and minimizing innocent tissue/organ exposure. Methods A previously described organic chemistry scheme was applied to synthesize a UV-photoactivated gemcitabine intermediate for production of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu]. Immunodetection analysis (Western-blot) was applied to detect the presence of any degradative fragmentation or polymerization. Detection of retained binding-avidity for gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] was determined by cell-ELISA using populations of chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) that highly over-express the HER2/neu trophic membrane receptor. Anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity of gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] and the tubulin/microtubule inhibitor, griseofulvin was established against chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3). Related investigations evaluated the potential for gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] in dual combination with griseofulvin to evoke increased levels of anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity compared to gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu]. Results Covalent gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] immunochemotherapeutic and griseofulvin exerted anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity against chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3). Covalent gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] immunochemotherapeutic or gemcitabine in dual combination with griseofulvin created increased levels of anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity that were greater than was attainable with gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] or gemcitabine alone. Conclusion Gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] in dual combination with griseofulvin can produce enhanced levels of anti-neoplastic cytotoxicity and potentially provide a basis for treatment regimens with a wider margin-of-safety. Such benefits would be possible through the collective properties of; [i] selective “targeted” gemcitabine delivery; [ii] relatively lower toxicity of griseofulvin compared to many if not most conventional chemotherapeutics; [iii] reduced total dosage requirements faciliated by additive or synergistic anti-cancer properties; and [iv] differences in sequelae for gemcitabine-(C4-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] compared to griseofulvin functioning as a tubulin/microtubule inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C P Coyne
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at Wise Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Toni Jones
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at Wise Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
| | - Ryan Bear
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at Wise Center, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762, USA
| |
Collapse
|
123
|
Asrani K, Keri RA, Galisteo R, Brown SAN, Morgan SJ, Ghosh A, Tran NL, Winkles JA. The HER2- and heregulin β1 (HRG)-inducible TNFR superfamily member Fn14 promotes HRG-driven breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and MMP9 expression. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:393-404. [PMID: 23378579 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-12-0542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
HER2 overexpression occurs in 15% to 20% of all breast cancers and is associated with increased metastatic potential and poor patient survival. Abnormal HER2 activation, either through HER2 overexpression or heregulin (HRG):HER3 binding, elicits the formation of potent HER2-HER3 heterodimers and drives breast cancer cell growth and metastasis. In a previous study, we found that fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, was frequently overexpressed in human HER2+ breast tumors. We report here that HER2 and Fn14 are also coexpressed in mammary tumors that develop in two different transgenic mouse models of breast cancer. In consideration of these findings, we investigated whether HER2 activation in breast cancer cells could directly induce Fn14 gene expression. We found that transient or stable transfection of MCF7 cells with a HER2 expression plasmid increased Fn14 protein levels. Also, HRG1-β1 treatment of MCF7 cells transiently induced Fn14 mRNA and protein expression. Both the HER2- and HRG1-β1-induced increase in Fn14 expression in MCF7 cells as well as basal Fn14 expression in HER2 gene-amplified AU565 cells could be reduced by HER2 kinase inhibition with lapatinib or combined HER2 and HER3 depletion using siRNA. We also report that Fn14-depleted, HER2-overexpressing MCF7 cells have reduced basal cell migration capacity and reduced HRG1-β1-stimulated cell migration, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. Together, these results indicate that Fn14 may be an important downstream regulator of HER2/HER3-driven breast cancer cell migration and invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushal Asrani
- Department of Surgery, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
124
|
Mechanisms of resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer: focus on signaling pathways, miRNAs and genetically based resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 14:108-45. [PMID: 23344024 PMCID: PMC3565254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy diagnosed in women. Approximately 70% of breast tumors express the estrogen receptor (ER). Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the most common and effective therapies for patients with ERα-positive breast cancer. Alone or combined with chemotherapy, tamoxifen significantly reduces disease progression and is associated with more favorable impact on survival in patients. Unfortunately, endocrine resistance occurs, either de novo or acquired during the course of the treatment. The mechanisms that contribute to hormonal resistance include loss or modification in the ERα expression, regulation of signal transduction pathways, altered expression of specific microRNAs, balance of co-regulatory proteins, and genetic polymorphisms involved in tamoxifen metabolic activity. Because of the clinical consequences of endocrine resistance, new treatment strategies are arising to make the cells sensitive to tamoxifen. Here, we will review the current knowledge on mechanisms of endocrine resistance in breast cancer cells. In addition, we will discuss novel therapeutic strategies to overcome such resistance. Undoubtedly, circumventing endocrine resistance should help to improve therapy for the benefit of breast cancer patients.
Collapse
|
125
|
Shindoh N, Yoda A, Yoda Y, Sullivan TJ, Weigert O, Lane AA, Kopp N, Bird L, Rodig SJ, Fox EA, Weinstock DM. Next-generation cDNA screening for oncogene and resistance phenotypes. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49201. [PMID: 23145123 PMCID: PMC3492311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a pressing need for methods to define the functional relevance of genetic alterations identified by next-generation sequencing of cancer specimens. We developed new approaches to efficiently construct full-length cDNA libraries from small amounts of total RNA, screen for transforming and resistance phenotypes, and deconvolute by next-generation sequencing. Using this platform, we screened a panel of cDNA libraries from primary specimens and cell lines in cytokine-dependent murine Ba/F3 cells. We demonstrate that cDNA library-based screening can efficiently identify DNA and RNA alterations that confer either cytokine-independent proliferation or resistance to targeted inhibitors, including RNA alterations and intergenic fusions. Using barcoded next-generation sequencing, we simultaneously deconvoluted cytokine-independent clones recovered after transduction of 21 cDNA libraries. This approach identified multiple gain-of-function alleles, including KRAS G12D, NRAS Q61K and an activating splice variant of ERBB2. This approach has broad applicability for identifying transcripts that confer proliferation, resistance and other phenotypes in vitro and potentially in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Shindoh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akinori Yoda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yuka Yoda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Sullivan
- Microarray Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Oliver Weigert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrew A. Lane
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nadja Kopp
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Liat Bird
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scott J. Rodig
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Edward A. Fox
- Microarray Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David M. Weinstock
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
126
|
Coyne CP, Jones T, Bear R. Influence of Alternative Tubulin Inhibitors on the Potency of a Epirubicin-Immunochemotherapeutic Synthesized with an Ultra Violet Light-Activated Intermediate: Influence of incorporating an internal/integral disulfide bond structure and Alternative Tubulin/Microtubule Inhibitors on the Cytotoxic Anti-Neoplastic Potency of Epirubicin-(C 3-amide)-Anti-HER2/neu Synthesized Utilizing a UV-Photoactivated Anthracycline Intermediate. CANCER AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY 2012. [PMID: 26225190 DOI: 10.5539/cco.v1n2p49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunochemotherapeutics, epirubicin-(C3-amide)-SS-[anti-HER2/neu] with an internal disulfide bond, and epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] were synthesized utilizing succinimidyl 2-[(4,4'-azipentanamido) ethyl]-1,3'-dithioproprionate or succinimidyl 4,4-azipentanoate respectively. Western blot analysis was used to determine the presence of any immunoglobulin fragmentation or IgG-IgG polymerization. Retained HER2/neu binding characteristics of epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] and epirubicin-(C3-amide)-SS-[anti-HER2/neu] were validated by cell-ELISA using a mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) population that highly over-expresses trophic HER2/neu receptor complexes. Cytotoxic anti-neoplastic potency of epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] and epirubicin-(C3-amide)-SS-[anti-HER2/neu] between epirubicin-equivalent concentrations of 10-10 M and 10-6 M was determined by measuring the vitality/proliferation of chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3 cell type). Cytotoxic anti-neoplastic potency of benzimidazoles (albendazole, flubendazole, membendazole) and griseofulvin were assessed between 0-to-2 μg/ml and 0-to-100 μg/ml respectively while mebendazole and griseofulvin were analyzed at fixed concentrations of 0.35 μg/ml and 35 g/ml respectively in dual combination with gradient concentrations of epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] and epirubicin-(C3-amide)-SS-[anti-HER2/neu]. Cytotoxic anti-neoplastic potency for epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] and epirubicin-(C3-amide)-SS-[anti-HER2/neu] against chemotherapeutic-resistant mammary adenocarcinoma (SKBr-3) was nearly identical at epirubicin-equivalent concentrations of 10-10 M and 10-6 M. The benzimadazoles also possessed cytotoxic anti-neoplastic activity with flubendazole and albendazole being the most and least potent respectively. Similarly, griseofulvin had cytotoxic anti-neoplastic activity and was more potent than methylselenocysteine. Both mebendazole and griseofulvin when applied in dual combination with either epirubicin-(C3-amide)-[anti-HER2/neu] or epirubicin-(C3-amide)-SS-[anti-HER2/neu] produced enhanced levels of cytotoxic anti-neoplatic potency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C P Coyne
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, USA
| | - Toni Jones
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, USA
| | - Ryan Bear
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, USA
| |
Collapse
|
127
|
Puglisi F, Minisini AM, De Angelis C, Arpino G. Overcoming treatment resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer: potential strategies. Drugs 2012; 72:1175-93. [PMID: 22686613 DOI: 10.2165/11634000-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 overexpression or amplification occurs in about 20% of all breast cancers and results in a worse prognosis. Nevertheless, anti-HER2 treatments have recently been developed, resulting in dramatic improvements in the clinical outcome of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab has shown efficacy in early and advanced breast cancer treatment and lapatinib is currently approved for the treatment of advanced disease. Other anti-HER2 agents are being investigated. Mechanisms of resistance to trastuzumab treatment include crosstalk with heterologous receptors and amplification of HER2 signalling; amplification of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway; alteration in binding of trastuzumab to HER2; and loss of HER2 expression. Proposed mechanisms of resistance to lapatinib involve derepression and/or activation of compensatory survival pathways through increased PI3K/AKT or estrogen receptor (ER) signalling. Several strategies to overcome resistance to anti-HER2 treatment are in different phases of development and include treatment with pertuzumab, T-DM1 and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Puglisi
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
128
|
Rexer BN, Arteaga CL. Intrinsic and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies in HER2 gene-amplified breast cancer: mechanisms and clinical implications. Crit Rev Oncog 2012; 17:1-16. [PMID: 22471661 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.v17.i1.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 25% of human breast cancers overexpress the HER2 (ErbB2) proto-oncogene, which confers a more aggressive tumor phenotype and associates with a poor prognosis in patients with this disease. Two approved therapies targeting HER2, the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib, are clinically active against this type of breast cancer. However, a significant fraction of patients with HER2+ breast cancer treated with these agents eventually relapse or develop progressive disease. This suggests that tumors acquire or possess intrinsic mechanisms of resistance that allow escape from HER2 inhibition. This review focuses on mechanisms of intrinsic and/or acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies that have been identified in preclinical and clinical studies. These mechanisms involve alterations to HER2 itself, coexpression or acquisition of bypass signaling through other receptor or intracellular signaling pathways, defects in mechanisms of cell cycle regulation or apoptosis, and host factors that may modulate drug response. Emerging clinical evidence already suggests that combinations of therapies targeting HER2 as well as these resistance pathways will be effective in overcoming or preventing resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brent N Rexer
- Departments of Medicine and Cancer Biology, Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
129
|
Nahta R. New developments in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2012; 4:53-64. [PMID: 23869176 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s24976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 20%-30% of metastatic breast cancers show increased expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) tyrosine kinase. Two HER2-specific therapies are currently approved for clinical treatment of patients with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody against HER2 and is approved for first-line treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Lapatinib is a small molecule dual inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor and HER2 tyrosine kinases, and is approved for trastuzumab-refractory disease. Although trastuzumab is a highly effective therapy for patients with HER2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancer, a significant number of patients in the initial clinical trials of trastuzumab monotherapy showed resistance to trastuzumab-based therapy. Further, among those who did respond, the initial trials indicated that the median time to progression was less than 1 year. Similarly, lapatinib is effective in a subset of trastuzumab-refractory cases, but the majority of patients display resistance. This review discusses the multiple molecular mechanisms of resistance that have been proposed in the literature. In addition, novel agents that are being tested for efficacy against HER2-positive breast cancer, including the antibodies pertuzumab and trastuzumab-DM1 and the immunotoxin affitoxin, are reviewed. The introduction of trastuzumab has revolutionized the clinical care of patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and has resulted in dramatic reductions in recurrences of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. The development and implementation of gene- and protein-based assays that measure potential molecular predictors of trastuzumab resistance will allow individualization of HER2-targeted therapeutic approaches, and may ultimately improve treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nahta
- Departments of Pharmacology and Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
130
|
Thiel KW, Hernandez LI, Dassie JP, Thiel WH, Liu X, Stockdale KR, Rothman AM, Hernandez FJ, McNamara JO, Giangrande PH. Delivery of chemo-sensitizing siRNAs to HER2+-breast cancer cells using RNA aptamers. Nucleic Acids Res 2012; 40:6319-37. [PMID: 22467215 PMCID: PMC3401474 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gks294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression in breast cancer is associated with an aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis, making it an appealing therapeutic target. Trastuzumab, an HER2 antibody-based inhibitor, is currently the leading targeted treatment for HER2(+)-breast cancers. Unfortunately, many patients inevitably develop resistance to the therapy, highlighting the need for alternative targeted therapeutic options. In this study, we used a novel, cell-based selection approach for isolating 'cell-type specific', 'cell-internalizing RNA ligands (aptamers)' capable of delivering therapeutic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to HER2-expressing breast cancer cells. RNA aptamers with the greatest specificity and internalization potential were covalently linked to siRNAs targeting the anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl-2. We demonstrate that, when applied to cells, the HER2 aptamer-Bcl-2 siRNA conjugates selectively internalize into HER2(+)-cells and silence Bcl-2 gene expression. Importantly, Bcl-2 silencing sensitizes these cells to chemotherapy (cisplatin) suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach for treating breast cancers with HER2(+)-status. In summary, we describe a novel cell-based selection methodology that enables the identification of cell-internalizing RNA aptamers for targeting therapeutic siRNAs to HER2-expressing breast cancer cells. The future refinement of this technology may promote the widespread use of RNA-based reagents for targeted therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina W Thiel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
131
|
Zhang S, Yu D. Targeting Src family kinases in anti-cancer therapies: turning promise into triumph. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2011; 33:122-8. [PMID: 22153719 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is deregulated in many types of cancer. Decades of research have revealed the crucial role of Src in many aspects of tumor development, including proliferation, survival, adhesion, migration, invasion and, most importantly, metastasis, in multiple tumor types. Despite extensive preclinical evidence that warrants targeting Src as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer, Src inhibitor(s) showed only minimal therapeutic activity in various types of solid tumors when used as a single agent in recent early-phase clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances from preclinical studies and clinical trials that shed light on potential clinical use of Src inhibitor-containing combinatorial regimens in overcoming resistance to current anticancer therapies and in preventing metastatic recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
132
|
Zhang S, Yu D. Targeting Src family kinases in anti-cancer therapies: turning promise into triumph. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2011. [PMID: 22153719 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2011.11.002s0165-6147(11)00208-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is deregulated in many types of cancer. Decades of research have revealed the crucial role of Src in many aspects of tumor development, including proliferation, survival, adhesion, migration, invasion and, most importantly, metastasis, in multiple tumor types. Despite extensive preclinical evidence that warrants targeting Src as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer, Src inhibitor(s) showed only minimal therapeutic activity in various types of solid tumors when used as a single agent in recent early-phase clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the most recent advances from preclinical studies and clinical trials that shed light on potential clinical use of Src inhibitor-containing combinatorial regimens in overcoming resistance to current anticancer therapies and in preventing metastatic recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
133
|
Kaur S, Venktaraman G, Jain M, Senapati S, Garg PK, Batra SK. Recent trends in antibody-based oncologic imaging. Cancer Lett 2011; 315:97-111. [PMID: 22104729 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies, with their unmatched ability for selective binding to any target, are considered as potentially the most specific probes for imaging. Their clinical utility, however, has been limited chiefly due to their slow clearance from the circulation, longer retention in non-targeted tissues and the extensive optimization required for each antibody-tracer. The development of newer contrast agents, combined with improved conjugation strategies and novel engineered forms of antibodies (diabodies, minibodies, single chain variable fragments, and nanobodies), have triggered a new wave of antibody-based imaging approaches. Apart from their conventional use with nuclear imaging probes, antibodies and their modified forms are increasingly being employed with non-radioisotopic contrast agents (MRI and ultrasound) as well as newer imaging modalities, such as quantum dots, near infra red (NIR) probes, nanoshells and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The review article discusses new developments in the usage of antibodies and their modified forms in conjunction with probes of various imaging modalities such as nuclear imaging, optical imaging, ultrasound, MRI, SERS and nanoshells in preclinical and clinical studies on the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic responses of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukhwinder Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
134
|
Crawford A, Nahta R. Targeting Bcl-2 in Herceptin-Resistant Breast Cancer Cell Lines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 9:184-190. [PMID: 22162984 DOI: 10.2174/187569211796957584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to Herceptin is a major clinical problem in the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to resistance will allow identification of novel therapeutic targets and predictors of therapeutic response. To this end, up-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins has been associated with resistance to the HER2-targeted drug lapatinib, but has not yet been linked to Herceptin resistance. The aim of the current study was to determine if the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein is a potential therapeutic target in cells with acquired Herceptin resistance. The BT474 HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line and BT474-derived acquired Herceptin-resistant clones were used as models in this study. Bcl-2 and Bax expression were assessed by Western blotting. Proliferation assays were performed on cells treated with the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 in the absence or presence of Herceptin. Finally, the effect of PI3K inhibition or IKK inhibition on Bcl-2 expression and Herceptin sensitivity was examined by Western blotting and established proliferation assays. We show that cells with acquired resistance to Herceptin have an increased Bcl-2:Bax ratio. Resistant cells have increased sensitivity to ABT-737. Further, pharmacologic inhibition of Bcl-2 improved sensitivity to Herceptin in acquired resistant cells. Finally, PI3K and IKK inhibition down-regulated Bcl-2 expression and increased sensitivity to Herceptin in resistant cells. Taken together, these new observations support further study of Bcl-2-targeted therapies in Herceptin-resistant breast cancers, and importantly, future investigation of Bcl-2 expression as a potential predictor of Herceptin response in patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anatasha Crawford
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
135
|
Brügmann A, Sorensen BS. Identifying responders to trastuzumab therapy in breast cancer. Future Oncol 2011; 7:767-73. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.11.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer, HER2-targeted therapy with trastuzumab has gained significant attention, owing to the dramatic response observed in a subset of HER2-positive patients. The mechanisms of action are complex and not fully understood, and much effort has been spent in order to identify responders. Good patient management, side effects of the humanized monoclonal antibody and socioeconomics all demand that the drug should be administered only to the patients who will benefit from it. This has been a difficult task and contributions to solve it have been proposed from a variety of research. In this article we describe some of these contributions based on the literature and provide our viewpoint as to which identifiers will emerge in the following decade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Brügmann
- Institute of Pathology, Aalborg Hospital, Ladegaardsgade 3, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Boe S Sorensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, DK 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
136
|
Garrett JT, Arteaga CL. Resistance to HER2-directed antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors: mechanisms and clinical implications. Cancer Biol Ther 2011; 11:793-800. [PMID: 21307659 PMCID: PMC3230295 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.11.9.15045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The antibody trastuzumab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib are approved by the FDA for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. These anti-HER2 drugs are changing the natural history of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. However, therapeutic resistance to trastuzumab or lapatinib, as either single-agents or in combination with chemotherapy in the metastatic setting, typically occurs within months of starting therapy. Several mechanisms of trastuzumab-resistance have been reported that include signaling from other HER receptors, signaling from receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) outside of the HER (ErbB) family, increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling, and the presence of truncated forms of HER2. Mechanisms of resistance to lapatinib also point to increased phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling as well as derepression/activation of compensatory survival pathways. In this review, we discuss how these models and mechanisms enhance our understanding of the clinical resistance to HER2-directed therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Garrett
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
137
|
Marchini C, Gabrielli F, Iezzi M, Zenobi S, Montani M, Pietrella L, Kalogris C, Rossini A, Ciravolo V, Castagnoli L, Tagliabue E, Pupa SM, Musiani P, Monaci P, Menard S, Amici A. The human splice variant Δ16HER2 induces rapid tumor onset in a reporter transgenic mouse. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18727. [PMID: 21559085 PMCID: PMC3084693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several transgenic mice models solidly support the hypothesis that HER2 (ERBB2) overexpression or mutation promotes tumorigenesis. Recently, a HER2 splice variant lacking exon-16 (Δ16HER2) has been detected in human breast carcinomas. This alternative protein, a normal byproduct of HER2, has an increased transforming potency compared to wild-type (wt) HER2 receptors. To examine the ability of Δ16HER2 to transform mammary epithelium in vivo and to monitor Δ16HER2-driven tumorigenesis in live mice, we generated and characterized a mouse line that transgenically expresses both human Δ16HER2 and firefly luciferase under the transcriptional control of the MMTV promoter. All the transgenic females developed multifocal mammary tumors with a rapid onset and an average latency of 15.11 weeks. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the concurrent expression of luciferase and the human Δ16HER2 oncogene only in the mammary gland and in strict correlation with tumor development. Transgenic Δ16HER2 expressed on the tumor cell plasma membrane from spontaneous mammary adenocarcinomas formed constitutively active homodimers able to activate the oncogenic signal transduction pathway mediated through Src kinase. These new transgenic animals demonstrate the ability of the human Δ16HER2 isoform to transform "per se" mammary epithelium in vivo. The high tumor incidence as well as the short latency strongly suggests that the Δ16HER2 splice variant represents the transforming form of the HER2 oncoprotein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Marchini
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Federico Gabrielli
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Aging Research Centre, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Santa Zenobi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Maura Montani
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Lucia Pietrella
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Cristina Kalogris
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Anna Rossini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Ciravolo
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Castagnoli
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Elda Tagliabue
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Serenella M. Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Piero Musiani
- Aging Research Centre, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Monaci
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Sylvie Menard
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
138
|
Abstract
Intrinsic or acquired resistance to commonly used therapeutic agents is a major challenge in treating cancer patients. Decades of research have unraveled several unique and common mechanisms that could contribute to drug resistance in breast cancer. Recent studies unraveled the regulatory role of small noncoding RNA, designated as microRNA (miRNA), that were thought to be "junk" RNA in the past. Practically all aspects of cell physiology under normal and disease conditions were found to be regulated by miRNAs. In this review, we will discuss how miRNA profile is altered upon resistance development and the critical regulatory role miRNAs play in conferring resistance to commonly used therapeutic agents. It is hoped that further studies will lead to use of these differentially expressed miRNAs as prognostic and predictive markers, as well as novel therapeutic targets to overcome resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarmila Majumder
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
139
|
Cittelly DM, Das PM, Spoelstra NS, Edgerton SM, Richer JK, Thor AD, Jones FE. Downregulation of miR-342 is associated with tamoxifen resistant breast tumors. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:317. [PMID: 21172025 PMCID: PMC3024251 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor resistance to the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen remains a serious clinical problem especially in patients with tumors that also overexpress HER2. We have recently demonstrated that the clinically important isoform of HER2, HERΔ16, promotes therapeutically refractory breast cancer including resistance to endocrine therapy. Likewise additional breast tumor cell models of tamoxifen resistance have been developed that do not involve HER2 overexpression. However, a unifying molecular mechanism of tamoxifen resistance has remained elusive. RESULTS Here we analyzed multiple cell models of tamoxifen resistance derived from MCF-7 cells to examine the influence of microRNAs (miRNAs) on tamoxifen resistance. We compared miRNA expression profiles of tamoxifen sensitive MCF-7 cells and tamoxifen resistant MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells. We observed significant and dramatic downregulation of miR-342 in the MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cell line as well as the HER2 negative but tamoxifen resistant MCF-7 variants TAMR1 and LCC2. Restoring miR-342 expression in the MCF-7/HER2Δ16 and TAMR1 cell lines sensitized these cells to tamoxifen-induced apoptosis with a dramatic reduction in cell growth. Expression of miR-342 was also reduced in a panel of tamoxifen refractory human breast tumors, underscoring the potential clinical importance of miR-342 downregulation. Towards the goal of identifying direct and indirect targets of miR-342 we restored miR-342 expression in MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells and analyzed changes in global gene expression by microarray. The impact of miR-342 on gene expression in MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells was not limited to miR-342 in silica predicted targets. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis of the dataset revealed a significant influence of miR-342 on multiple tumor cell cycle regulators. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that miR-342 regulates tamoxifen response in breast tumor cell lines and our clinical data indicates a trend towards reduced miR-342 expression and tamoxifen resistance. In addition, our results suggest that miR-342 regulates expression of genes involved in tamoxifen mediated tumor cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression. Restoring miR-342 expression may represent a novel therapeutic approach to sensitizing and suppressing the growth of tamoxifen refractory breast tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
140
|
Cittelly DM, Das PM, Salvo VA, Fonseca JP, Burow ME, Jones FE. Oncogenic HER2{Delta}16 suppresses miR-15a/16 and deregulates BCL-2 to promote endocrine resistance of breast tumors. Carcinogenesis 2010; 31:2049-57. [PMID: 20876285 PMCID: PMC2994280 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgq192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is the most commonly prescribed therapy for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)α-positive breast tumors. Tumor resistance to tamoxifen remains a serious clinical problem especially in patients with tumors that also overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Current preclinical models of HER2 overexpression fail to recapitulate the clinical spectrum of endocrine resistance associated with HER2/ER-positive tumors. Here, we show that ectopic expression of a clinically important oncogenic isoform of HER2, HER2Δ16, which is expressed in >30% of ER-positive breast tumors, promotes tamoxifen resistance and estrogen independence of MCF-7 xenografts. MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells evade tamoxifen through upregulation of BCL-2, whereas mediated suppression of BCL-2 expression or treatment of MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells with the BCL-2 family pharmacological inhibitor ABT-737 restores tamoxifen sensitivity. Tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7/HER2Δ16 cells upregulate BCL-2 protein levels in response to suppressed ERα signaling mediated by estrogen withdrawal, tamoxifen treatment or fulvestrant treatment. In addition, HER2Δ16 expression results in suppression of BCL-2-targeting microRNAs miR-15a and miR-16. Reintroduction of miR-15a/16 reduced tamoxifen-induced BCL-2 expression and sensitized MCF-7/HER2Δ16 to tamoxifen. Conversely, inhibition of miR-15a/16 in tamoxifen-sensitive cells activated BCL-2 expression and promoted tamoxifen resistance. Our results suggest that HER2Δ16 expression promotes endocrine-resistant HER2/ERα-positive breast tumors and in contrast to wild-type HER2, preclinical models of HER2Δ16 overexpression recapitulate multiple phenotypes of endocrine-resistant human breast tumors. The mechanism of HER2Δ16 therapeutic evasion, involving tamoxifen-induced upregulation of BCL-2 and suppression of miR-15a/16, provides a template for unique therapeutic interventions combining tamoxifen with modulation of microRNAs and/or ABT-737-mediated BCL-2 inhibition and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
141
|
Use of molecular markers for predicting therapy response in cancer patients. Cancer Treat Rev 2010; 37:151-9. [PMID: 20685042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2010.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Predictive markers are factors that are associated with upfront response or resistance to a particular therapy. Predictive markers are important in oncology as tumors of the same tissue of origin vary widely in their response to most available systemic therapies. Currently recommended oncological predictive markers include both estrogen and progesterone receptors for identifying patients with breast cancers likely to benefit from hormone therapy, HER-2 for the identification of breast cancer patients likely to benefit from trastuzumab, specific K-RAS mutations for the identification of patients with advanced colorectal cancer unlikely to benefit from either cetuximab or panitumumab and specific EGFR mutations for selecting patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer for treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib and erlotinib. The availability of predictive markers should increase drug efficacy and decrease toxicity, thus leading to a more personalized approach to cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
142
|
Sperinde J, Jin X, Banerjee J, Penuel E, Saha A, Diedrich G, Huang W, Leitzel K, Weidler J, Ali SM, Fuchs EM, Singer CF, Köstler WJ, Bates M, Parry G, Winslow J, Lipton A. Quantitation of p95HER2 in Paraffin Sections by Using a p95-Specific Antibody and Correlation with Outcome in a Cohort of Trastuzumab-Treated Breast Cancer Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:4226-35. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
143
|
Huang X, Gao L, Wang S, McManaman JL, Thor AD, Yang X, Esteva FJ, Liu B. Heterotrimerization of the growth factor receptors erbB2, erbB3, and insulin-like growth factor-i receptor in breast cancer cells resistant to herceptin. Cancer Res 2010; 70:1204-14. [PMID: 20103628 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Primary and acquired resistance to the breast cancer drug trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a significant clinical problem. Here, we report enhanced activation of downstream signaling pathways emanating from the growth factor receptors erbB2, erbB3, and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells. Interactions between IGF-IR and erbB2 or erbB3 occur exclusively in trastuzumab-resistant cells, where enhanced erbB2-erbB3 interactions are also observed. Moreover, these three receptors form a heterotrimeric complex in resistant cells. erbB3 or IGF-IR knockdown by short hairpin RNA-mediated strategies upregulates p27(kip1), inactivates downstream receptor signaling, and resensitizes resistant cells to trastuzumab. Our findings reveal a heterotrimer complex with a key role in trastuzumab resistance. On the basis of our results, we propose that trastuzumab resistance in breast cancer might be overcome by therapeutic strategies that jointly target erbB3, erbB2, and IGF-IR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Huang
- Departments of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
144
|
Mechanisms of resistance to HER family targeting antibodies. Exp Cell Res 2010; 316:1083-100. [PMID: 20064507 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2010.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of receptor tyrosine kinases consists of four members: EGFR (HER1/ErbB1), HER2/neu (ErbB2), HER3 (ErbB3) and HER4 (ErbB4). Receptor activation via ligand binding leads to downstream signaling that influence cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Aberrant expression or activity of EGFR and HER2 have been strongly linked to the etiology of several human epithelial cancers including but not limited to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and breast cancer. With this, intense efforts have been made to inhibit the activity of the EGFR and HER2 by designing antibodies against the ligand binding domains (cetuximab, panitumumab and trastuzumab) or small molecules against the tyrosine kinase domains (erlotinib, gefitinib, and lapatinib). Both approaches have shown considerable clinical promise. However, increasing evidence suggests that the majority of patients do not respond to these therapies, and those who show initial response ultimately become refractory to treatment. While mechanisms of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been extensively studied, resistance to monoclonal antibodies is less well understood, both in the laboratory and in the clinical setting. In this review, we discuss resistance to antibody-based therapies against the EGFR and HER2, similarities between these resistance profiles, and strategies to overcome resistance to HER family targeting monoclonal antibody therapy.
Collapse
|