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EGFR Mutations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073818. [PMID: 35409179 PMCID: PMC8999014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
EGFR is a prototypical receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in multiple cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The standard of care for HNSCC remains largely unchanged despite decades of research. While EGFR blockade is an attractive target in HNSCC patients and anti-EGFR strategies including monoclonal antibodies and kinase inhibitors have shown some clinical benefit, efficacy is often due to the eventual development of resistance. In this review, we discuss how the acquisition of mutations in various domains of the EGFR gene not only alter drug binding dynamics giving rise to resistance, but also how mutations can impact radiation response and overall survival in HNSCC patients. A better understanding of the EGFR mutational landscape and its dynamic effects on treatment resistance hold the potential to better stratify patients for targeted therapies in order to maximize therapeutic benefits.
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Chen X, Gao W, Yin G, Guo W, Huang J, Huang Z, Zhang Y. Phospho-EGFRTyr992 is synergistically repressed by co-inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which attenuates resistance to erlotinib in head and neck cancer cells. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1455. [PMID: 34734007 PMCID: PMC8506790 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Erlotinib is a commonly used epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapeutic choice for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; however, its efficacy is largely compromised by cancer cell resistance. Understanding and targeting the erlotinib adaptive mechanisms of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) cancer cells are still pressing challenges. This study aimed to elucidate the cooperative erlotinib-sensitizing mechanisms of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) co-inhibition, which will be helpful in gaining a better understanding of the mechanism of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance in head and neck cancer cells. Methods High-content screening (HCS) was performed to analyze the cell counts of different treatment groups and their drug-sensitizing effect phenotype. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining assays were used to measure and locate the expression of proteins in the FaDu and TU212 cells. Annexin V/PI and DAPI staining were also used to determine the ratio of apoptotic cells and different cell cycle phases. Results The expression of phosphor-EGFRTyr992 was significantly increased in erlotinib-treated FaDu cells compared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-treated FaDu cells. Meanwhile, erlotinib + vorinostat + copanlisib jointly attenuated the expression of phosphor-EGFRTyr1068 and phosphor-EGFRTyr992, but stimulated the expression of E-cadherin. Moreover, we found that the tri-drug group also impaired the expression of phosphor-STAT3Ser727 and its relevant activators, including phosphor-SrcTyr416. Conclusions These findings indicate that HDACs and PI3K co-inhibition sensitizes erlotinib via inactivation of the phosphor-EGFRTyr1068-induced RTK-STAT3 axis. However, PI3K inhibition was sufficient to sensitize TU212 cells to erlotinib, providing new perspectives for the further clinical study of erlotinib + vorinostat + copanlisib as a potential combination therapeutic solution for EGFR responsive reactivation-induced resistance to erlotinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejun Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gaofei Yin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junwei Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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3
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Jain AP, Radhakrishnan A, Pinto S, Patel K, Kumar M, Nanjappa V, Raja R, Keshava Prasad TS, Mathur PP, Sidransky D, Chatterjee A, Gowda H. How to Achieve Therapeutic Response in Erlotinib-Resistant Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma? New Insights from Stable Isotope Labeling with Amino Acids in Cell Culture-Based Quantitative Tyrosine Phosphoproteomics. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2021; 25:605-616. [PMID: 34432535 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to cancer chemotherapy is a major global health burden. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a proven therapeutic target for multiple cancers of epithelial origin. Despite its overexpression in >90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as erlotinib have shown a modest response in clinical trials. Cellular heterogeneity is thought to play an important role in HNSCC therapeutic resistance. Genomic alterations alone cannot explain all resistance mechanisms at play in a heterogeneous system. It is thus important to understand the biochemical mechanisms associated with drug resistance to determine potential strategies to achieve clinical response. We investigated tyrosine kinase signaling networks in erlotinib-resistant cells using quantitative tyrosine phosphoproteomics approach. We observed altered phosphorylation of proteins involved in cell adhesion and motility in erlotinib-resistant cells. Bioinformatics analysis revealed enrichment of pathways related to regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and endothelial migration. Of importance, enrichment of the focal adhesion kinase (PTK2) signaling pathway downstream of EGFR was also observed in erlotinib-resistant cells. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first report of tyrosine phosphoproteome profiling in erlotinib-resistant HNSCC, with an eye to inform new ways to achieve clinical response. Our findings suggest that common signaling networks are at play in driving resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies in HNSCC and other cancers. Most notably, our data suggest that the PTK2 pathway genes may potentially play a significant role in determining clinical response to erlotinib in HNSCC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit P Jain
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Sneha Pinto
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Krishna Patel
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | | | - Remya Raja
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India
| | - Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava Prasad
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India.,Proteomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Neurobiology Research Centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Premendu P Mathur
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India
| | - David Sidransky
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aditi Chatterjee
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India.,Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Harsha Gowda
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, India.,Center for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
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Bos T, Ratti JA, Harada H. Targeting Stress-Response Pathways and Therapeutic Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 2:676643. [PMID: 35048023 PMCID: PMC8757684 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.676643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth leading cancer worldwide; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for more than 90% of incident cases. In the US, cases of HNSCC associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) have been growing in proportion amongst a younger demographic with superior outcomes to the same treatments, relative to cases associated with tobacco. Yet failures to improve the long-term prognosis of advanced HNSCC over the last three decades persist in part due to intrinsic and acquired mechanisms of resistance. Deregulation of the pathways to respond to stress, such as apoptosis and autophagy, often contributes to drug resistance and tumor progression. Here we review the stress-response pathways in drug response and resistance in HNSCC to explore strategies to overcome these resistance mechanisms. We focus on the mechanisms of resistance to current standard cares, such as chemotherapy (i.e., cisplatin), radiation, and cetuximab. Then, we discuss the strategies to overcome these resistances, including novel combinations and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hisashi Harada
- School of Dentistry, Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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5
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Current Prospects of Molecular Therapeutics in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pharmaceut Med 2019; 33:269-289. [DOI: 10.1007/s40290-019-00288-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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6
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Metformin enhances gefitinib efficacy by interfering with interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 42:459-475. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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7
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Synergistic antitumour activity of HDAC inhibitor SAHA and EGFR inhibitor gefitinib in head and neck cancer: a key role for ΔNp63α. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:658-667. [PMID: 30765872 PMCID: PMC6461861 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression is associated with the development of head and neck cancer (HNC) and represents one of the main therapeutic targets for this disease. The use of EGFR inhibitors has limited efficacy due to their primary and acquired resistance, partially because of increased epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The HDAC inhibitor SAHA has been shown to revert EMT in different tumours, including HNC. In this study, we investigated the cooperative role of SAHA and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC cell lines. METHODS A panel of 12 HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC cell lines were screened for cell viability upon treatment with SAHA, gefitinib and the combination of the two. Epithelial/mesenchymal marker expression, as well as activation of signalling pathway, were assessed upon SAHA treatment. ΔNp63α silencing with shRNA lentiviral particles was used to determine its role in cell proliferation, migration and TGFβ pathway activation. RESULTS We found that both SAHA and gefitinib have antitumour activity in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC cell lines and that their combination has a synergistic effect in inhibiting cell growth. SAHA treatment reverts EMT and inhibits the expression of the transcription factor ΔNp63α. Suppression of ΔNp63α reduces EGFR protein levels and decreases cell proliferation and TGFβ-dependent migration in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Our results, by giving a clear molecular mechanism at the basis of the antitumour activity of SAHA in HNC cell lines, provide a rationale for the clinical evaluation of SAHA in combination with gefitinib in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC patients. Further knowledge is key to devising additional lines of combinatorial treatment strategies for this disease.
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Chen X, Mims J, Huang X, Singh N, Motea E, Planchon SM, Beg M, Tsang AW, Porosnicu M, Kemp ML, Boothman DA, Furdui CM. Modulators of Redox Metabolism in Head and Neck Cancer. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:1660-1690. [PMID: 29113454 PMCID: PMC6207163 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is a complex disease characterized by high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity. Radiation therapy (RT) alone or combined with systemic chemotherapy is widely used for treatment of HNSCC as definitive treatment or as adjuvant treatment after surgery. Antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor are used in definitive or palliative treatment. Recent Advances: Emerging targeted therapies against other proteins of interest as well as programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed death-ligand 1 immunotherapies are being explored in clinical trials. CRITICAL ISSUES The disease heterogeneity, invasiveness, and resistance to standard of care RT or chemoradiation therapy continue to constitute significant roadblocks for treatment and patients' quality of life (QOL) despite improvements in treatment modality and the emergence of new therapies over the past two decades. FUTURE DIRECTIONS As reviewed here, alterations in redox metabolism occur at all stages of HNSCC management, providing opportunities for improved prevention, early detection, response to therapies, and QOL. Bioinformatics and computational systems biology approaches are key to integrate redox effects with multiomics data from cells and clinical specimens and to identify redox modifiers or modifiable target proteins to achieve improved clinical outcomes. Antioxid. Redox Signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jade Mims
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Xiumei Huang
- Departments of Pharmacology, Radiation Oncology, and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Naveen Singh
- Departments of Pharmacology, Radiation Oncology, and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Edward Motea
- Departments of Pharmacology, Radiation Oncology, and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Muhammad Beg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Allen W. Tsang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Mercedes Porosnicu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Melissa L. Kemp
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David A. Boothman
- Departments of Pharmacology, Radiation Oncology, and Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Cristina M. Furdui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Pan M, Schinke H, Luxenburger E, Kranz G, Shakhtour J, Libl D, Huang Y, Gaber A, Pavšič M, Lenarčič B, Kitz J, Jakob M, Schwenk-Zieger S, Canis M, Hess J, Unger K, Baumeister P, Gires O. EpCAM ectodomain EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that counteracts EGF-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition through modulation of phospho-ERK1/2 in head and neck cancers. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006624. [PMID: 30261040 PMCID: PMC6177200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are characterized by outstanding molecular heterogeneity that results in severe therapy resistance and poor clinical outcome. Inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was recently revealed as a major parameter of poor clinical outcome. Here, we addressed the expression and function of the therapeutic target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and of the major determinant of epithelial differentiation epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in clinical samples and in vitro models of HNSCCs. We describe improved survival of EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh HNSCC patients (n = 180) and provide a molecular basis for the observed disparities in clinical outcome. EGF/EGFR have concentration-dependent dual capacities as inducers of proliferation and EMT through differential activation of the central molecular switch phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) Snail, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1), and Slug. Furthermore, soluble ectodomain of EpCAM (EpEX) was identified as a ligand of EGFR that activates pERK1/2 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but represses EGF-mediated EMT, Snail, Zeb1, and Slug activation and cell migration. EMT repression by EpEX is realized through competitive modulation of pERK1/2 activation strength and inhibition of EMT-TFs, which is reflected in levels of pERK1/2 and its target Slug in clinical samples. Accordingly, high expression of pERK1/2 and/or Slug predicted poor outcome of HNSCCs. Hence, EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that induces proliferation but counteracts EMT mediated by the EGF/EGFR/pERK1/2 axis. Therefore, the emerging EGFR/EpCAM molecular cross talk represents a promising target to improve patient-tailored adjuvant treatment of HNSCCs. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) display poor survival, with death rates above 55%. Major factors affecting survival are metastases’ formation and therapy resistance. Phenotypic changes during partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) provide tumor cells with increased migration, invasion, and therapy resistance. Understanding molecular mechanisms of EMT, as a central process of the metastatic cascade and the development of therapy resistance, is therefore important. In the present work, we identified molecular cross talk between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a novel determinant of clinical outcome in HNSCCs. Low levels of EGFR but high levels of EpCAM (EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh) were associated with favorable prognosis, with survival rates above 90%, whereas EGFRhigh/EpCAMlow correlated with poor survival, below 10%. EGFR was shown to have a concentration-dependent capacity to induce proliferation and EMT. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) produces a ligand of EGFR that induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but counteracts EGF-induced EMT. We delineate an EGFR/extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/EpCAM signaling axis that may be a promising therapeutic target for HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Luxenburger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julius Shakhtour
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Darko Libl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Institute Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julia Kitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark Jakob
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Bhatia S, Sharma J, Bukkapatnam S, Oweida A, Lennon S, Phan A, Milner D, Uyanga N, Jimeno A, Raben D, Somerset H, Heasley L, Karam SD. Inhibition of EphB4-Ephrin-B2 Signaling Enhances Response to Cetuximab-Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:4539-4550. [PMID: 29848571 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The clinical success of targeted therapies such as cetuximab and radiotherapy (RT) is hampered by the low response rates and development of therapeutic resistance. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of EphB4-ephrin-B2 protumorigenic signaling in mediating resistance to EGFR inhibition and RT in head and neck cancers.Experimental Design: We used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and HNSCC cell lines to test our hypothesis. Tumor tissues were subjected to PhosphoRTK array, and Western blotting to detect changes in EphB4-ephrin-B2 targets. mRNA sequencing and microarray data analysis were performed on PDX tumors and HNSCC cell lines, respectively, to determine differences in gene expression of molecules involved in tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival pathways. Effects on cell growth were determined by MTT assay on HNSCC cells downregulated for EphB4/ephrin-B2 expression, with and without EGFR inhibitor and radiation.Results: Our data from locally advanced HNSCC patients treated with standard-of-care definitive chemo-RT show elevated EphB4 and ephrin-B2 levels after failure of treatment. We observed significant response toward cetuximab and RT following EphB4-ephrin-B2 inhibition, resulting in improved survival in tumor-bearing mice. Tumor growth inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of proliferation and prosurvival molecules and increased apoptosis.Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of adopting rational drug combinations to enhance therapeutic effect. Our study documenting enhanced response of HNSCC to cetuximab-RT with EphB4-ephrin-B2 blockade has the potential to translate into the clinic to benefit this patient population. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4539-50. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bhatia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jaspreet Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sanjana Bukkapatnam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ayman Oweida
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shelby Lennon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Andy Phan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dallin Milner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nomin Uyanga
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - David Raben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hilary Somerset
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lynn Heasley
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
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11
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Qian CJ, Qi YX, Chen XY, Zeng JP, Yao J. Sporamin suppresses growth of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by inhibition of NF‑κB via an AKT‑independent pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:9620-9626. [PMID: 29039512 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether sporamin, a trypsin inhibitor, suppresses the growth of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells in vitro. Sporamin treatment led to the suppression of viability and proliferation of human ESCC cell lines, EC9706 and EC109, as determined by MTT and [3H] thymidine incorporation assays, respectively. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that sporamin significantly induced apoptosis in EC9706 and EC109 cells. Western blotting demonstrated that sporamin downregulated the expression of Bcl‑2 and Bcl‑2 like 1, and upregulated the expression of Bcl‑2‑associated X in EC9706 and EC109 cells. In addition, marked inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)‑κB activation was observed in sporamin‑treated EC9706 and EC109 cells by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Sporamin treatment also resulted in reduced expression levels of phosphorylated (p)‑NF‑κB inhibitor α and nuclear NF‑κB p65. However, the expression levels of p‑protein inase (AKT) and its downstream target, p‑p70 S6 kinase, were not markedly altered following sporamin treatment. In conclusion, sporamin may suppress the growth of human ESCC cells via NF‑κB‑dependent and AKT‑independent mechanisms and may act as a promising natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of human ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Juan Qian
- Institute of Tumor, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Xiao Qi
- Institute of Tumor, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ying Chen
- Institute of Tumor, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Ju-Ping Zeng
- Institute of Tumor, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yao
- Institute of Tumor, School of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, P.R. China
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12
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Chiang WF, Cheng TM, Chang CC, Pan SH, Changou CA, Chang TH, Lee KH, Wu SY, Chen YF, Chuang KH, Shieh DB, Chen YL, Tu CC, Tsui WL, Wu MH. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) promotes EGF receptor signaling of oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis via the complex N-glycosylation. Oncogene 2017; 37:116-127. [PMID: 28892050 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant protein glycosylation could be a distinct surface-marker of cancer cells that influences cancer progression and metastasis because glycosylation can regulate membrane protein folding which alters receptor activation and changes epitope exposure for antibody (Ab) recognition. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6), a glycophosphoinositol-anchored protein, is a heavily glycosylated tumor antigen. However, the clinical significance and biological effect of CEACAM6 glycosylation has not been addressed in cancers. We recently developed an anti-CEACAM6 Ab (TMU) from an immune llama library which can be engineered to a single-domain (sd)Ab or a heavy-chain (HC)Ab. The TMU HCAb specifically recognized glycosylated CEACAM6 compared to the conventional antibodies. Using the TMU HCAb, we found that glycosylated CEACAM6 was a tumor marker associated with recurrence in early-stage OSCC (oral squamous cell carcinoma) patients. CEACAM6 promoted OSCC cell invasion, migration, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and metastasis via interaction with epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) and enhancing EGFR activation, clustering and intracellular signaling cascades. These functions were modulated by N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5 (MGAT5) which mediated N-glycosylation at Asn256 (N256) of CEACAM6. Finally, the TMU sdAb and HCAb treatment inhibited the migration, invasion and EGF-induced signaling in CEACAM6-overexpressing cells. In conclusion, the complex N-glycosylation of CEACAM6 is critical for EGFR signaling of OSCC invasion and metastasis. Targeting glycosylated CEACAM6 with the TMU sdAb or TMU HCAb could be a feasible therapy for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-F Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Oral and Maxillofacial Section, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan.,School of Dentistry, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - T-M Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C-C Chang
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Ph.D Program in Biotechnology Research and Development, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S-H Pan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C A Changou
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - T-H Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - K-H Lee
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - S-Y Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y-F Chen
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - K-H Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - D-B Shieh
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Oral Medicine and Department of Stomatology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University and hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.,Advanced Optoelectronic Technology Center and Center for Micro/Nano Science and Technology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Y-L Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Oral Medicine and Department of Stomatology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University and hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - C-C Tu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - W-L Tsui
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M-H Wu
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medical Sciences and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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AKT can modulate the in vitro response of HNSCC cells to irreversible EGFR inhibitors. Oncotarget 2017; 8:53288-53301. [PMID: 28881811 PMCID: PMC5581110 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in up to 90% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors. Cetuximab is the first targeted (anti-EGFR) therapy approved for the treatment of HNSCC patients. However, its efficacy is limited due to primary and secondary resistance, and there is no predict biomarkers of response. New generation of EGFR inhibitors with pan HER targeting and irreversible action, such as afatinib and allitinib, represents a significant therapeutic promise. In this study, we intend to compare the potential cytotoxicity of two anti-EGFR inhibitors (afatinib and allitinib) with cetuximab and to identify potential predictive biomarkers of response in a panel of HNSCC cell lines. The mutational analysis in the eight HNSCC cell lines revealed an EGFR mutation (p.H773Y) and gene amplification in the HN13 cells. According to the growth inhibition score (GI), allitinib was the most cytotoxic drug, followed by afatinib and finally cetuximab. The higher AKT phosphorylation level was associated with resistance to anti-EGFR agents. Therefore, we further performed drug combinations with anti-AKT agent (MK2206) and AKT1 gene editing, which demonstrated afatinib and allitinib sensitivity restored. Additionally, in silico analysis of TCGA database showed that AKT1 overexpression was present in 14.7% (41/279) of HNSCC cases, and was associated with perineural invasion in advanced stage. In conclusion, allitinib presented a greater cytotoxic profile when compared to afatinib and cetuximab. AKT pathway constitutes a predictive marker of allitinib response and combination with AKT inhibitors could restore response and increase treatment success.
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14
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Peria M, Donnadieu J, Racz C, Ikoli JF, Galmiche A, Chauffert B, Page C. Evaluation of individual sensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to cetuximab by short-term culture of tumor slices. Head Neck 2015; 38 Suppl 1:E911-5. [PMID: 25994489 DOI: 10.1002/hed.24126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cetuximab is a targeted therapy with demonstrated efficacy in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, no laboratory assay is available to predict its efficacy in an individual patient. METHODS Short-term cultures of tumor slices were performed on 9 tumor samples obtained after surgical resection in patients. Cancer cell proliferation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the impact of cetuximab on cell proliferation was examined. RESULTS Tumor architecture and the heterogeneous composition of HNSCC were preserved for at least 48 hours during short-term culture of tumor slices. HNSCC cells demonstrated a heterogeneous individual response to cetuximab. CONCLUSION Short-term culture of tumor slices is a strategy to estimate the clinical activity of cetuximab in individual patients with HNSCC. Further studies are required to correlate the results obtained with the clinical response of individual patients to cetuximab. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E911-E915, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Peria
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Jérôme Donnadieu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Caroline Racz
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | | | - Antoine Galmiche
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital, Amiens, France.,EA 4666, University Picardie-Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Bruno Chauffert
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital, Amiens, France.,EA 4666, University Picardie-Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Cyril Page
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Amiens, France
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15
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Xi Y, Gao H, Callaghan MU, Fribley AM, Garshott DM, Xu ZX, Zeng Q, Li YL. Induction of BCL2-Interacting Killer, BIK, is Mediated for Anti-Cancer Activity of Curcumin in Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. J Cancer 2015; 6:327-32. [PMID: 25767602 PMCID: PMC4349872 DOI: 10.7150/jca.11185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring diarylheptanoid curcumin (CUR), a principal component of the Asian spice turmeric, has been shown to have anti-cancer effects in many tumor types. However, a detailed mechanism regarding CUR induced tumor cell killing remain to be comprehensively explored. Using two head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines FaDu (hypopharyngeal) and Cal27 (tongue), we demonstrated a novel mechanism by which CUR levies the cytotoxic effect. We found that CUR induced upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bik, down-regulation of survival signaling by AKT and NF-κB prior to the induction of the caspase-cascade reduction of cell proliferation, are primary mechanisms of CUR-induced cell death, thus providing insights into the anti-tumor activity of CUR in HNSCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xi
- 1. The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 2. Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Hang Gao
- 1. The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Michael U Callaghan
- 2. Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Andrew M Fribley
- 2. Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA ; 3. Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Danielle M Garshott
- 2. Carmen and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- 1. The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Qinghua Zeng
- 1. The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China ; 4. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Yu-Lin Li
- 1. The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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16
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Ferguson BD, Tretiakova MS, Lingen MW, Gill PS, Salgia R. Expression of the EPHB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in head and neck and renal malignancies--implications for solid tumors and potential for therapeutic inhibition. Growth Factors 2014; 32:202-6. [PMID: 25391996 PMCID: PMC4278660 DOI: 10.3109/08977194.2014.980904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Solid malignancies are often characterized by overexpression of various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) against which many targeted therapies are currently in use and in active development. EPHB4 has recently emerged as a frequently overexpressed RTK in many types of cancer. Here, we demonstrate expression patterns of EPHB4 in two solid malignancies: squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), by immunohistochemical analysis. We demonstrate the first association between EPHB4 expression and progression of HNSCC from normal tissue to dysplasia and to cancer. Interestingly, most RCC subtypes exhibited expression patterns that were opposite from that found in HNSCC, possibly owing to their unique biology and high degree of organ and tumor vasculature. Taken together, these results suggest a possible role for EPHB4 as a therapeutic target in these malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Ferguson
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Maria S. Tretiakova
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mark W. Lingen
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Parkash S. Gill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Corresponding author: , + 1 773-702-4399
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17
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Kesselring R, Thiel A, Pries R, Fichtner-Feigl S, Brunner S, Seidel P, Bruchhage KL, Wollenberg B. The complement receptors CD46, CD55 and CD59 are regulated by the tumour microenvironment of head and neck cancer to facilitate escape of complement attack. Eur J Cancer 2014; 50:2152-61. [PMID: 24915776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Membrane-bound complement restriction proteins (mCRPs) CD46, CD55 and CD59 enable tumour cells to evade complement dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent killing mechanisms. But less is known about the role of these mCRPs in head and neck cancer. METHODS In this study we determined the expression of the mCRPs on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, on tumour tissue and TDLNs (tumour-draining lymph nodes) as well as on lymphocytes from HNSCC patients. The influence of the HNSCC microenvironment on the mCRP regulation was analysed using Flow Cytometry, Western blotting and small interfering RNAs (siRNA) transfection studies. RESULTS We examined the effects of the HNSCC tumour milieu on the expression levels of CD46, CD55 and CD59. We investigated the susceptibility of HNSCC cells to CDC (complement-dependent cytotoxicity) while silencing the mCRPs. Our results demonstrate a huge influence of the HNSCC tumour microenvironment on the regulation of mCRP expression and show a reciprocal regulation between the different mCRPs themselves. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data indicate that HNSCC has evolved different strategies to evade complement attacks and that the tumour microenvironment leads to the enhancement of complement resistance of the surrounding tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kesselring
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Luebeck, Germany; Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Annette Thiel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Luebeck, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ralph Pries
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Stefan Fichtner-Feigl
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Brunner
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Seidel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Karl-Ludwig Bruchhage
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Surgery, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Luebeck, Germany.
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18
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Kinder M, Greenplate AR, Grugan KD, Soring KL, Heeringa KA, McCarthy SG, Bannish G, Perpetua M, Lynch F, Jordan RE, Strohl WR, Brezski RJ. Engineered protease-resistant antibodies with selectable cell-killing functions. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:30843-54. [PMID: 23986451 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.486142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecularly engineered antibodies with fit-for-purpose properties will differentiate next generation antibody therapeutics from traditional IgG1 scaffolds. One requirement for engineering the most appropriate properties for a particular therapeutic area is an understanding of the intricacies of the target microenvironment in which the antibody is expected to function. Our group and others have demonstrated that proteases secreted by invasive tumors and pathological microorganisms are capable of cleaving human IgG1, the most commonly adopted isotype among monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Specific cleavage in the lower hinge of IgG1 results in a loss of Fc-mediated cell-killing functions without a concomitant loss of antigen binding capability or circulating antibody half-life. Proteolytic cleavage in the hinge region by tumor-associated or microbial proteases is postulated as a means of evading host immune responses, and antibodies engineered with potent cell-killing functions that are also resistant to hinge proteolysis are of interest. Mutation of the lower hinge region of an IgG1 resulted in protease resistance but also resulted in a profound loss of Fc-mediated cell-killing functions. In the present study, we demonstrate that specific mutations of the CH2 domain in conjunction with lower hinge mutations can restore and sometimes enhance cell-killing functions while still retaining protease resistance. By identifying mutations that can restore either complement- or Fcγ receptor-mediated functions on a protease-resistant scaffold, we were able to generate a novel protease-resistant platform with selective cell-killing functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kinder
- From Biologics Research, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477
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19
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Perez A, Neskey DM, Wen J, Pereira L, Reategui EP, Goodwin WJ, Carraway KL, Franzmann EJ. CD44 interacts with EGFR and promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma initiation and progression. Oral Oncol 2012; 49:306-13. [PMID: 23265944 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES CD44 is a promising target for therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and has two defined roles in tumorigenesis: it is a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker and it promotes migration and proliferation through interaction with many signaling molecules. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of CD44 in HNSCC carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effects of CD44 in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cisplatin resistance were studied by its overexpression in HNSCC cells. We also evaluated the effect of CD44 on tumor progression by siRNA methodology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot analysis. CD44 and EGFR colocalization were examined in CAL 27 cells by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The interaction between CD44 and EGFR was analyzed by immunoprecipation. RESULTS Overexpression of CD44 enhances cell proliferation and migration and correlates with increased cisplatin resistance and apoptosis inhibition in SCC25 cells. Downregulation of CD44 in CAL27 cells inhibited constitutive EGFR phosphorylation and significantly reduced tumor growth in nude mice. CD44 and EGFR colocalized in CAL 27 cells. CD44 coimmunoprecipated with EGFR in CAL 27 cells, indicating that these proteins interact with each other. CONCLUSION CD44 therapy in HNSCC may target the CSC population and alter EGFR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymee Perez
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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20
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Degen M, Natarajan E, Barron P, Widlund HR, Rheinwald JG. MAPK/ERK-dependent translation factor hyperactivation and dysregulated laminin γ2 expression in oral dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 180:2462-78. [PMID: 22546478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Lesions displaying a variety of dysplastic changes precede invasive oral and epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); however, there are no histopathological criteria for either confirming or staging premalignancy. SCCs and dysplasias frequently contain cells that abnormally express the γ2 subunit of laminin-332. We developed cell culture models to investigate γ2 dysregulation. Normal human keratinocytes displayed density-dependent repression of γ2, whereas premalignant keratinocytes and SCC cells overexpressed γ2 and secreted laminin assembly intermediates. Neoplastic cells had hyperactive EGFR/MAPK(ERK) signaling coordinate with overexpressed γ2, and EGFR and MEK inhibitors normalized γ2 expression. Keratinocytes engineered to express HPV16 E6 or activated mutant HRAS, cRAF1, or MEK1 lost density repression of γ2 and shared with neoplastic cells signaling abnormalities downstream of ERK, including increased phosphorylation of S6 and eIF4 translation factors. Notably, qPCR results revealed that γ2 overexpression was not accompanied by increased γ2 mRNA levels, consistent with ERK-dependent, eIF4B-mediated translation initiation of the stem-looped, 5'-untranslated region of γ2 mRNA in neoplastic cells. Inhibitors of MEK, but not of TORC1/2, blocked S6 and eIF4B phosphorylation and γ2 overexpression. Immunostaining of oral dysplasias identified γ2 overexpression occurring within fields of basal cells that had elevated p-S6 levels. These results reveal a causal relationship between ERK-dependent translation factor activation and laminin γ2 dysregulation and identify new markers of preinvasive neoplastic change during progression to SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Degen
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Dawson JC, Timpson P, Kalna G, Machesky LM. Mtss1 regulates epidermal growth factor signaling in head and neck squamous carcinoma cells. Oncogene 2012; 31:1781-93. [PMID: 21927027 PMCID: PMC3245856 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2011] [Revised: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mtss1 is located within chromosomal region 8q23-24, which is one of the three most commonly amplified regions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Mtss1 is lost in metastatic cells, but confusingly is commonly overexpressed in primary tumors. Here we address possible reasons why Mtss1 is positively selected for in primary tumors. We find that Mtss1 enhances the localization of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor to the plasma membrane, prolonging EGF signaling and resulting in enhanced proliferation in HNSCC. Depletion of Mtss1 results in decreased EGF receptor levels and decreased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt. However, when cells are at high density and adherent to each other, analogous to conditions in a solid tumor, Mtss1 does not confer any growth advantage, either in basal conditions or following EGF stimulation. This could indicate why Mtss1 might be lost in metastases, but preserved in early primary tumors. This is supported by an organotypic assay showing that Mtss1-expressing cells display a less proliferative more epithelial-like morphology on top of a collagen matrix. Furthermore, xenograft tumors expressing Mtss1 initially grow more rapidly, but later show less proliferation and more differentiation. Mtss1 positively modulates EGF signaling at low cell densities to promote proliferation and, therefore, may be beneficial for the early stages of primary HNSCC tumor growth. However, at high cell densities, Mtss1 impacts negatively on EGF signaling and this suggests why it inhibits metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Dawson
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, UK
| | - Paul Timpson
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, UK
| | - Gabriela Kalna
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, UK
| | - Laura M. Machesky
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, Scotland, UK
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22
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Zhang S, Chen J, Jiang H, Ma H, Yang B. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2012; 68:561-9. [PMID: 22231637 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-011-1194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy versus non-anti-EGFR therapy for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and Embase databases were searched for relevant reports. Quantitative analysis was carried out to evaluate the overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and grade 3-4 adverse effects. RESULTS Ten reports involving 2,396 patients were included. Primary meta-analysis indicated that anti-EGFR therapy could improve ORR [relative risk (RR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-1.67] and PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63, 95% CI 0.55-0.71), but failed to improve OS (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.74-1.03). In subgroup analyses, we found that monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) could improve ORR, OS, and PFS for both locoregionally advanced (LA) (ORR: 1.21, 1.08-1.37; OS: 0.72, 0.59-0.89; PFS: 0.66, 0.53-0.83) and recurrent/metastatic (RM) HNSCC (ORR: 1.88, 1.40-2.54; OS: 0.79, 0.67-0.94; PFS: 0.61, 0.52-0.71), while tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) did not improve any of these in patients with either LA (ORR: 1.09, 0.91-1.32; OS: 0.7, 0.31-1.63; PFS: 0.71, 0.34-1.52) or RM (ORR: 1.65, 0.84-3.24; OS: 1.13, 0.97-1.31; PFS: not available) HNSCC. Analysis of adverse effects demonstrated that rash (RR 14.34, 95% CI 5.02-41.02), diarrhea (2.36, 1.15-4.87), and anorexia (2.49, 1.11-5.56) were significantly associated with anti-EGFR therapy. CONCLUSIONS Anti-EGFR Mabs are effective for both LA and RM HNSCC. In contrast, TKIs were unsuitable for treatment of advanced HNSCC. During anti-EGFR therapy, rash and some gastrointestinal reactions, such as diarrhea and anorexia, should be carefully monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoude Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, People's Republic of China
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Zhang J, Wang J, Guo Q, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Peng H, Cheng M, Zhao D, Li F. LCH-7749944, a novel and potent p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitor, suppresses proliferation and invasion in human gastric cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2011; 317:24-32. [PMID: 22085492 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has involved in the regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization, cell proliferation, gene transcription, oncogenic transformation and cell invasion. Moreover, PAK4 overexpression, genetic amplification and mutations were detected in a variety of human tumors, which make it potential therapeutic target. In this paper we found that LCH-7749944, a novel and potent PAK4 inhibitor, effectively suppressed the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells through downregulation of PAK4/c-Src/EGFR/cyclin D1 pathway. In addition, LCH-7749944 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of human gastric cancer cells in conjunction with concomitant blockage of PAK4/LIMK1/cofilin and PAK4/MEK-1/ERK1/2/MMP2 pathways. Interestingly, LCH-7749944 also inhibited the formation of filopodia and induced cell elongation in SGC7901 cells. Importantly, LCH-7749944 caused successful inhibition of EGFR activity due to its inhibitory effect on PAK4. Taken together, these results provided novel insights into the development of PAK4 inhibitor and potential therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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Weisheit S, Liebmann C. Allosteric modulation by protein kinase Cε leads to modified responses of EGF receptor towards tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cell Signal 2011; 24:422-434. [PMID: 21964064 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we described a novel function of over-expressed protein kinase Cε (PKCε) as a negative allosteric modulator of EGFR signalling in several head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. Extending this work, here we present several lines of evidence for the potency of PKCε to differently modulate the efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as gefitinib and lapatinib. Using the HNSCC cell line FaDu as a model, we demonstrate by co-immunoprecipitation the physical association of over-expressed PKCε with the EGFR which is stabilised by gefitinib and leads to an increase in gefitinib-induced inhibition of EGFR downstream signalling and elevated EGFR-ErbB2 heterodimerisation. Cell cycle and Western blot analysis revealed that the gefitinib-induced apoptosis was enhanced whereas the pro-apoptotic effect of lapatinib that requires another EGFR conformation was reduced by PKCε. Our findings suggest that due to elevated expression PKCε may associate with the EGFR resulting in conformational changes and different allosteric modulation of the EGFR behaviour towards TKIs. This surprising capacity indicates PKCε as a novel predictive marker protein in molecular cancer therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Weisheit
- Center of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Hans-Knöll-Str.2, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Claus Liebmann
- Center of Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Hans-Knöll-Str.2, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
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p21-activated kinase 4 regulates ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and contributes to poor prognosis in patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:18622-7. [PMID: 20926745 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0907481107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecological malignancy, and to improve survival, it is important to identify novel prognostic and therapeutic targets. In this study, we present a role for p21-activated kinase 4 (Pak4) in ovarian cancer progression. We show a significant association between increased expression of Pak4 and its activated form, phosphorylated (p)-Pak4 Ser(474), with metastasis of ovarian cancers, shorter overall and disease-free survival, advanced stage and high-grade cancers, serous/clear cell histological subtypes, and reduced chemosensitivity. Pak4 overexpression was also observed in ovarian cancer cell lines. Pak4 and p-Pak4 expression were detected both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of ovarian cancer cells, in vitro as well as in vivo. Stable knockdown of Pak4 in ovarian cancer cell lines led to reduced cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, along with reduced c-Src, ERK1/2, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) expression. Conversely, Pak4 overexpression promoted ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion in a c-Src, MEK-1, MMP2, and kinase-dependent manner, and induced cell proliferation through the Pak4/c-Src/EGFR pathway that controls cyclin D1 and CDC25A expression. Stable knockdown of Pak4 also impeded tumor growth and dissemination in nude mice. This report reveals the association between Pak4 and important clinicopathologic parameters, suggesting Pak4 to be a significant prognostic marker and potential therapeutic molecular target in ovarian cancer. The implied possible cross-talk between Pak4 and EGFR suggests the potential of dual targeting of EGFR and Pak4 as a unique therapeutic approach for cancer therapy.
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the eighth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite advances in surgery and chemoradiation therapy, there has been little improvement in survival rates over the past 4 decades. Additionally, surgery and chemoradiotherapy have serious side effects. The development of agents with greater efficacy and tolerability is needed. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW EGFR is the only proven molecular target for HNSCC therapy. Cetuximab, the sole FDA-approved molecular targeted HNSCC therapy, and other potential targeted therapies are being evaluated in preclinical, clinical and post-marketing studies. Here, we review the emerging targets for biological agents in HNSCC and the rationale for their selection. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Key information in the development of new drug targets and the emergence of new biomarkers are discussed. Readers will gain insight regarding the limitations of current therapies, the impact of recently approved targeted therapies and the influence that predictive biomarkers will have on drug development. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The head and neck cancer drug market is rapidly evolving. Coordination between drug and biomarker development efforts may soon yield targeted therapies that can achieve the promise of personalized cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Fung
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Physician-Scientist Training Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Medical Fellows Program, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Eye and Ear Institute, 200 Lothrop St., Suite 500, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Vergez S, Delord JP, Thomas F, Rochaix P, Caselles O, Filleron T, Brillouet S, Canal P, Courbon F, Allal BC. Preclinical and clinical evidence that Deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography is a reliable tool for the detection of early molecular responses to erlotinib in head and neck cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:4434-45. [PMID: 20660574 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-2795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a clinical need to identify predictive markers of the responses to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI). Deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography ((18)FDG-PET/CT) could be a tool of choice for monitoring the early effects of this class of agent on tumor activity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using models of human head and neck carcinoma (CAL33 and CAL166 cell lines), we first tested in vitro and in vivo whether the in vivo changes in (18)FDG-PET/CT uptake were associated with the molecular and cellular effects of the EGFR-TKI erlotinib. Then, the pathologic and morphologic changes and the (18)FDG-PET/CT uptake before and after erlotinib exposure in patients were analyzed. RESULTS Erlotinib strongly inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2) phosphorylation both in the preclinical models and in patients. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry showed that erlotinib did not modify Glut-1 expression at the protein level either in cell line models or in tumor tissue from mouse xenografts or in patients. Phospho-ERK-1/2 inhibition was associated with a reduction in (18)FDG uptake in animal and human tumors. The biological volume was more accurate than the standardized uptake value for the evaluation of the molecular responses. CONCLUSION These results show that the (18)FDG-PET/CT response is a reliable surrogate marker of the effects of erlotinib in head and neck carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Vergez
- Université Paul Sabatier and Institut Claudius Regaud, Toulouse Cedex, France
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Clark C, Shah S, Herman-Ferdinandez L, Ekshyyan O, Abreo F, Rong X, McLarty J, Lurie A, Milligan EJ, Nathan CAO. Teasing out the best molecular marker in the AKT/mTOR pathway in head and neck squamous cell cancer patients. Laryngoscope 2010; 120:1159-65. [PMID: 20513033 DOI: 10.1002/lary.20917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS No reliable molecular biomarker is currently available for clinical application in the management of head and neck cancer patients. The AKT/mTOR pathway is activated in 90% to 100% of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) and could be promising biomarkers closely linked to cancer incidence. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of HNSCC and non-cancer patients. METHODS Oral mucosa from noncancer patients were compared to HNSCC tumors and junctional zone mucosa. The candidate biomarkers mTOR, AKT, 4EBP1, and S6 kinase, signaling components upstream and downstream of mTOR that appear dysregulated in HNSCC, were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Expression of phosphorylated AKT and phosphorylated mTOR were significantly higher in cancer patient tumors compared to noncancer oral mucosa samples (P = .004 and P = .026, respectively) by Western blot analysis. Expression of p-mTOR and p-4EBP1 were higher in patient junctional zones compared to tumors (p = 0.017 and p = 0.022, respectively) and no difference in p-AKT or p-S6 expression in HNSCC patients' junctional zone compared to tumors. IHC-demonstrated p-mTOR expression was 81.9% sensitive and 100% specific in differentiating cancer from noncancer mucosa, whereas p-4EBP1 expression by IHC was only 50.0% sensitive and 95.5% specific in differentiating normal mucosa from HNSCC (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Phosphorylated mTOR appears to be a reliable biomarker by both Western blot analysis (P = .026) and IHC in human head and neck cancer (P < .001). Moreover, phosphorylated AKT, which is immediately upstream of mTOR, is a potential biomarker that should be further studied. Clinical trials with mTOR inhibitors are being evaluated for HNSCC, and selecting patients that are likely to respond to these inhibitors requires identifying and validating predictive biomarkers of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Clark
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
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Evidence for mesenchymal-like sub-populations within squamous cell carcinomas possessing chemoresistance and phenotypic plasticity. Oncogene 2010; 29:4170-82. [PMID: 20498638 PMCID: PMC3039880 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Variable drug responses among malignant cells within individual tumors may represent a barrier to their eradication using chemotherapy. Carcinoma cells expressing mesenchymal markers resist conventional and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted chemotherapy. Here we evaluated whether mesenchymal-like subpopulations within human squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) with predominantly epithelial features contribute to overall therapy resistance. We identified a mesenchymal-like subset expressing low E-cadherin (Ecad-lo) and high vimentin (Vim-hi) within upper aerodigestive tract SCCs. This subset was both isolated from cell lines and identified in xenografts and primary clinical specimens. The Ecad-lo subset contained more low-turnover cells, correlating with resistance to the conventional chemotherapeutic paclitaxel in vitro. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induced less stimulation of the MAP kinase and PI3-kinase pathways in Ecad-lo cells, which was likely due to lower EGFR expression in this subset and correlated with in vivo resistance to the EGFR-targeted antibody cetuximab. The Ecad-lo and high E-cadherin (Ecad-hi) subsets were dynamic in phenotype, showing the capacity to repopulate each other from single cell clones. Taken together, these results provide evidence for a low-turnover, mesenchymal-like subpopulation in SCCs with diminished EGFR pathway function and intrinsic resistance to conventional and EGFR-targeted chemotherapies.
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Imaging: Mass spectrometry in HNSCC--a peek at response prediction? Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2010; 7:193-5. [PMID: 20354544 DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2010.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
EGFR inhibitors provide benefit in patients with advanced and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Mass spectrometry profiling has been used to predict outcome in patients with HNSCC after EGFR inhibitor treatment, and may enable prior identification of patients most likely to benefit from these therapies. however, further validation in prospective studies is needed.
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