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Younis MA, Harashima H. Understanding Gene Involvement in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2024; 17:193-213. [PMID: 38737776 PMCID: PMC11088404 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s431346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancers and is one of the deadliest health threats globally. The conventional therapeutic options for HCC are hampered by low efficiency and intolerable side effects. Gene therapy, however, now offers hope for the treatment of many disorders previously considered incurable, and gene therapy is beginning to address many of the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, we summarize the involvement of genes in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC, with a special focus on dysregulated signaling pathways, genes involved in immune evasion, and non-coding RNAs as novel two-edged players, which collectively offer potential targets for the gene therapy of HCC. Herein, the opportunities and challenges of HCC gene therapy are discussed. These include innovative therapies such as genome editing and cell therapies. Moreover, advanced gene delivery technologies that recruit nanomedicines for use in gene therapy for HCC are highlighted. Finally, suggestions are offered for improved clinical translation and future directions in this area of endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
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2
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Baylis RA, Gao H, Wang F, Bell CF, Luo L, Björkegren JL, Leeper NJ. Identifying shared transcriptional risk patterns between atherosclerosis and cancer. iScience 2023; 26:107513. [PMID: 37636064 PMCID: PMC10448075 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Numerous overlapping pathophysiologic mechanisms have been hypothesized to drive the development of both diseases. Further investigation of these common pathways could allow for the identification of mutually detrimental processes and therapeutic targeting to derive mutual benefit. In this study, we intersect transcriptomic datasets correlated with disease severity or patient outcomes for both cancer and atherosclerotic CVD. These analyses confirmed numerous pathways known to underlie both diseases, such as inflammation and hypoxia, but also identified several novel shared pathways. We used these to explore common translational targets by applying the drug prediction software, OCTAD, to identify compounds that simultaneously reverse the gene expression signature for both diseases. These analyses suggest that certain tumor-specific therapeutic approaches may be implemented so that they avoid cardiovascular consequences, and in some cases may even be used to simultaneously target co-prevalent cancer and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Baylis
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hua Gao
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Fudi Wang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin F. Bell
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lingfeng Luo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Johan L.M. Björkegren
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Leeper
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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3
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Yang L, Lu Y, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Chen N, Chen F, Qi Y, Han C, Xu Y, Chen M, Shen M, Wang S, Zeng H, Su Y, Hu M, Wang J. Oxymatrine boosts hematopoietic regeneration by modulating MAPK/ERK phosphorylation after irradiation-induced hematopoietic injury. Exp Cell Res 2023; 427:113603. [PMID: 37075826 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoietic toxicity due to ionizing radiation (IR) is a leading cause of death in nuclear incidents, occupational hazards, and cancer therapy. Oxymatrine (OM), an extract originating from the root of Sophora flavescens (Kushen), possesses extensive pharmacological properties. In this study, we demonstrate that OM treatment accelerates hematological recovery and increases the survival rate of mice subjected to irradiation. This outcome is accompanied by an increase in functional hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), resulting in an enhanced hematopoietic reconstitution ability. Mechanistically, we observed significant activation of the MAPK signaling pathway, accelerated cellular proliferation, and decreased cell apoptosis. Notably, we identified marked increases in the cell cycle transcriptional regulator Cyclin D1 (Ccnd1) and the anti-apoptotic protein BCL2 in HSC after OM treatment. Further investigation revealed that the expression of Ccnd1 transcript and BCL2 levels were reversed upon specific inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, effectively negating the rescuing effect of OM. Moreover, we determined that targeted inhibition of ERK1/2 activation significantly counteracted the regenerative effect of OM on human HSCs. Taken together, our results suggest a crucial role for OM in hematopoietic reconstitution following IR via MAPK signaling pathway-mediated mechanisms, providing theoretical support for innovative therapeutic applications of OM in addressing IR-induced injuries in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yukai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Zihao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yin Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 958 Hospital of PLA Army, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Naicheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Fang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Hematology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Changhao Han
- Department of Hematology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Mo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Mingqiang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Song Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Hao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Yongping Su
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Mengjia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 20 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Junping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances and Challenges. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175537. [PMID: 36080304 PMCID: PMC9457820 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
According to data provided by World Health Organization, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cause of deaths due to cancer worldwide. Tremendous progress has been achieved over the last 10 years developing novel agents for HCC treatment, including small-molecule kinase inhibitors. Several small molecule inhibitors currently form the core of HCC treatment due to their versatility since they would be more easily absorbed and have higher oral bioavailability, thus easier to formulate and administer to patients. In addition, they can be altered structurally to have greater volumes of distribution, allowing them to block extravascular molecular targets and to accumulate in a high concentration in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, they can be designed to have shortened half-lives to control for immune-related adverse events. Most importantly, they would spare patients, healthcare institutions, and society as a whole from the burden of high drug costs. The present review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical compounds that are licensed for HCC treatment and other emerging compounds that are still investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. These molecules are targeting different molecular targets and pathways that are proven to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Wang T, Zhang Q, Wang N, Liu Z, Zhang B, Zhao Y. Research Progresses of Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3107-3146. [PMID: 33050856 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666201013162144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with nearly one million new cases and deaths every year. Owing to the complex pathogenesis, hidden early symptoms, rapidly developing processes, and poor prognosis, the morbidity and mortality of HCC are increasing yearly. With the progress being made in modern medicine, the treatment of HCC is no longer limited to traditional methods. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have emerged to treat advanced and metastatic HCC in recent years. Since Sorafenib is the first molecular targeting drug against angiogenesis, targeted drugs for HCC are continually emerging. Moreover, immunotherapy plays a vital role in clinical trials. In particular, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have received increasing attention in the field of cancer treatment, is a possible research path. Interestingly, these two therapies generally complement each other at some stages of HCC, bringing new hope for patients with advanced HCC. In this paper, we discuss the research progress of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for HCC in recent years, which will provide a reference for the further development of drugs for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Qiting Zhang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
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Giulitti F, Petrungaro S, Mandatori S, Tomaipitinca L, de Franchis V, D'Amore A, Filippini A, Gaudio E, Ziparo E, Giampietri C. Anti-tumor Effect of Oleic Acid in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines via Autophagy Reduction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:629182. [PMID: 33614661 PMCID: PMC7892977 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.629182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oleic acid (OA) is a component of the olive oil. Beneficial health effects of olive oil are well-known, such as protection against liver steatosis and against some cancer types. In the present study, we focused on OA effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), investigating responses to OA treatment (50–300 μM) in HCC cell lines (Hep3B and Huh7.5) and in a healthy liver-derived human cell line (THLE-2). Upon OA administration higher lipid accumulation, perilipin-2 increase, and autophagy reduction were observed in HCC cells as compared to healthy cells. OA in the presence of 10% FBS significantly reduced viability of HCC cell lines at 300 μM through Alamar Blue staining evaluation, and reduced cyclin D1 expression in a dose-dependent manner while it was ineffective on healthy hepatocytes. Furthermore, OA increased cell death by about 30%, inducing apoptosis and necrosis in HCC cells but not in healthy hepatocytes at 300 μM dosage. Moreover, OA induced senescence in Hep3B, reduced P-ERK in both HCC cell lines and significantly inhibited the antiapoptotic proteins c-Flip and Bcl-2 in HCC cells but not in healthy hepatocytes. All these results led us to conclude that different cell death processes occur in these two HCC cell lines upon OA treatment. Furthermore, 300 μM OA significantly reduced the migration and invasion of both HCC cell lines, while it has no effects on healthy cells. Finally, we investigated autophagy role in OA-dependent effects by using the autophagy inducer torin-1. Combined OA/torin-1 treatment reduced lipid accumulation and cell death as compared to single OA treatment. We therefore concluded that OA effects in HCC cells lines are, at least, in part dependent on OA-induced autophagy reduction. In conclusion, we report for the first time an autophagy dependent relevant anti-cancer effect of OA in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Giulitti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Petrungaro
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Mandatori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luana Tomaipitinca
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio de Franchis
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella D'Amore
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Filippini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elio Ziparo
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Giampietri
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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7
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Chronic treatment with a MEK inhibitor reverses enhanced excitatory field potentials in Syngap1+/− mice. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 70:777-783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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8
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TAMH: A Useful In Vitro Model for Assessing Hepatotoxic Mechanisms. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:4780872. [PMID: 28074186 PMCID: PMC5198153 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4780872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In vitro models for hepatotoxicity can be useful tools to predict in vivo responses. In this review, we discuss the use of the transforming growth factor-α transgenic mouse hepatocyte (TAMH) cell line, which is an attractive model to study drug-induced liver injury due to its ability to retain a stable phenotype and express drug-metabolizing enzymes. Hepatotoxicity involves damage to the liver and is often associated with chemical exposure. Since the liver is a major site for drug metabolism, drug-induced liver injury is a serious health concern for certain agents. At the molecular level, various mechanisms may protect or harm the liver during drug-induced hepatocellular injury including signaling pathways and endogenous factors (e.g., Bcl-2, GSH, Nrf2, or MAPK). The interplay between these and other pathways in the hepatocyte can change upon drug or drug metabolite exposure leading to intracellular stress and eventually cell death and liver injury. This review focuses on mechanistic studies investigating drug-induced toxicity in the TAMH line and how alterations to hepatotoxic mechanisms in this model relate to the in vivo situation. The agents discussed herein include acetaminophen (APAP), tetrafluoroethylcysteine (TFEC), flutamide, PD0325901, lapatinib, and flupirtine.
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Augello G, Puleio R, Emma MR, Cusimano A, Loria GR, McCubrey JA, Montalto G, Cervello M. A PTEN inhibitor displays preclinical activity against hepatocarcinoma cells. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:573-83. [PMID: 26794644 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1138183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene is considered a tumor suppressor gene. However, PTEN mutations rarely occur in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas heterozygosity of PTEN, resulting in reduced PTEN expression, has been observed in 32-44% of HCC patients. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the small molecule PTEN inhibitor VO-OHpic in HCC cells. VO-OHpic inhibited cell viability, cell proliferation and colony formation, and induced senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in Hep3B (low PTEN expression) and to a lesser extent in PLC/PRF/5 (high PTEN expression) cells, but not in PTEN-negative SNU475 cells. VO-OHpic synergistically inhibited cell viability when combined with PI3K/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathway inhibitors, but only in Hep3B cells, and significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice bearing xenografts of Hep3B cells. Therefore, we demonstrated for the first time that VO-OHpic inhibited cell growth and induced senescence in HCC cells with low PTEN expression, and that the combination of VO-OHpic with PI3K/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK inhibitors resulted in a more effective tumor cell kill. Our findings, hence, provide proof-of-principle evidence that pharmacological inhibition of PTEN may represent a promising approach for HCC therapy in a subclass of patients with a low PTEN expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppa Augello
- a Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy,", National Research Council (CNR) , Palermo , Italy
| | - Roberto Puleio
- b Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A Mirri,", Area Diagnostica Specialistica, Laboratorio di Istopatologia ed Immunoistochimica , Palermo , Italy
| | - Maria Rita Emma
- a Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy,", National Research Council (CNR) , Palermo , Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- a Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy,", National Research Council (CNR) , Palermo , Italy
| | - Guido R Loria
- b Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A Mirri,", Area Diagnostica Specialistica, Laboratorio di Istopatologia ed Immunoistochimica , Palermo , Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- c Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University , Greenville , NC , USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- a Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy,", National Research Council (CNR) , Palermo , Italy.,d Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties (DiBiMIS), University of Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- a Institute of Biomedicine and Molecular Immunology "Alberto Monroy,", National Research Council (CNR) , Palermo , Italy
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Shu Y, Lu Y, Pang X, Zheng W, Huang Y, Li J, Ji J, Zhang C, Shen P. Phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser84 promotes glycolysis and cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting PFKFB4. Oncotarget 2016; 7:76984-76994. [PMID: 27769068 PMCID: PMC5363564 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor γ (PPARγ), a transcription factor, is involved in many important biological processes, including cell terminal differentiation, survival and apoptosis. However, the role of PPARγ, which regulates tumour promoter and oncogene expression, is not well understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, based on evidence from clinical samples that phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser84 is up-regulated in human liver tumours, we confirmed that phosphorylation of PPARγ was also significantly increased in an HCC mouse model and was increased by Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/ Extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) kinase. Next, we performed an RNA microarray analysis, and our data indicated that dephosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser84 affects the expression of glycolysis-related genes and pro-proliferation genes, which supposedly promote proliferation of HCC cells. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we demonstrated that the observed PPARγ-mediated induction of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) expression was directly modulated by the transcriptional activity of its promoter. Furthermore, using knockdown of PFKFB4, we elucidated that the stimulation of PPARγ phosphorylation on glycolysis and proliferation in HCC is dependent on PFKFB4. Together, these findings extend our understanding of how liver tumour cells reprogram their glycolytic pathways by post-translational modification of specific transcription factors and lay a foundation for the screening of new targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaojuan Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yahong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiahong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianguo Ji
- The State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
- Institute of System Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Pingping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Model Animal Research Center (MARC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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11
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Photothermal therapy improves the efficacy of a MEK inhibitor in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37035. [PMID: 27833160 PMCID: PMC5105126 DOI: 10.1038/srep37035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive tumors with low survival rates and the leading cause of death in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients under 40 years old. Surgical resection is the standard of care for MPNSTs, but is often incomplete and can generate loss of function, necessitating the development of novel treatment methods for this patient population. Here, we describe a novel combination therapy comprising MEK inhibition and nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT) for MPNSTs. MEK inhibitors block activity driven by Ras, an oncogene constitutively activated in NF1-associated MPNSTs, while PTT serves as a minimally invasive method to ablate cancer cells. Our rationale for combining these seemingly disparate techniques for MPNSTs is based on several reports demonstrating the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy with local PTT. We combine the MEK inhibitor, PD-0325901 (PD901), with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) as PTT agents, to block MEK activity and simultaneously ablate MPNSTs. Our data demonstrate the synergistic effect of combining PD901 with PBNP-based PTT, which converge through the Ras pathway to generate apoptosis, necrosis, and decreased proliferation, thereby mitigating tumor growth and increasing survival of MPNST-bearing animals. Our results suggest the potential of this novel local-systemic combination “nanochemotherapy” for treating patients with MPNSTs.
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Haagensen EJ, Thomas HD, Schmalix WA, Payne AC, Kevorkian L, Allen RA, Bevan P, Maxwell RJ, Newell DR. Enhanced anti-tumour activity of the combination of the novel MEK inhibitor WX-554 and the novel PI3K inhibitor WX-037. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:1269-1281. [PMID: 27837257 PMCID: PMC5114336 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3186-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumours frequently have defects in multiple oncogenic pathways, e.g. MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways, and combinations of targeted therapies may be required for optimal activity. This study evaluated the novel MEK inhibitor WX-554 and the novel PI3K inhibitor WX-037, as single agents and in combination, in colorectal carcinoma cell lines and tumour xenograft-bearing mice. METHODS In vitro growth inhibition, survival and signal transduction were measured using the Sulforhodamine B, clonogenic and Western blotting assays, respectively, in HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. In vivo anti-tumour efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties were assessed in HCT116 and HT29 human colorectal cancer xenograft tumour-bearing mice. RESULTS The combination of WX-554 and WX-037 exhibited marked synergistic growth inhibition in vitro, which was associated with increased cytotoxicity and enhanced inhibition of ERK and S6 phosphorylation, compared to either agent alone. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated that there was no PK interaction between the two drugs at low doses, but that at higher doses, WX-037 may delay the tumour uptake of WX-554. In vivo efficacy studies revealed that the combination of WX-037 and WX-554 was non-toxic and exhibited marked tumour growth inhibition greater than observed with either agent alone. CONCLUSION These studies show for the first time that combination treatment with the novel MEK inhibitor WX-554 and the novel PI3K inhibitor WX-037 can induce synergistic growth inhibition in vitro, which translates into enhanced anti-tumour efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Haagensen
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Huw D Thomas
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Bevan
- Wilex AG, Grillparzerstrasse 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ross J Maxwell
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - David R Newell
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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13
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Papale A, Morella IM, Indrigo MT, Bernardi RE, Marrone L, Marchisella F, Brancale A, Spanagel R, Brambilla R, Fasano S. Impairment of cocaine-mediated behaviours in mice by clinically relevant Ras-ERK inhibitors. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27557444 PMCID: PMC4996650 DOI: 10.7554/elife.17111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-ERK signalling in the brain plays a central role in drug addiction. However, to date, no clinically relevant inhibitor of this cascade has been tested in experimental models of addiction, a necessary step toward clinical trials. We designed two new cell-penetrating peptides - RB1 and RB3 - that penetrate the brain and, in the micromolar range, inhibit phosphorylation of ERK, histone H3 and S6 ribosomal protein in striatal slices. Furthermore, a screening of small therapeutics currently in clinical trials for cancer therapy revealed PD325901 as a brain-penetrating drug that blocks ERK signalling in the nanomolar range. All three compounds have an inhibitory effect on cocaine-induced ERK activation and reward in mice. In particular, PD325901 persistently blocks cocaine-induced place preference and accelerates extinction following cocaine self-administration. Thus, clinically relevant, systemically administered drugs that attenuate Ras-ERK signalling in the brain may be valuable tools for the treatment of cocaine addiction. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17111.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papale
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Maria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rick Eugene Bernardi
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Livia Marrone
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS-San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Marchisella
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS-San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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14
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Wu CH, Wu X, Zhang HW. Inhibition of acquired-resistance hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth by combining sorafenib with phosphoinositide 3-kinase and rat sarcoma inhibitor. J Surg Res 2016; 206:371-379. [PMID: 27884331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide support for combined usage of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors or mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitors together with sorafenib in treatment of sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sorafenib-resistant cell lines were established to evaluate the effects of MK-2206 2HCL, a dual PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, and PD0325901, an rat sarcoma (RAS) and/or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, on cell proliferation and apoptosis, as both single and combined treatments with sorafenib. In addition, multidrug resistance 1 gene expression, mutation status of key members in PI3K/mTOR, and RAS/ERK pathways and pathway activation were analyzed to identify predictors of drug response. RESULTS Molecular studies reveal that combining MK-2206 2HCL or PD0325901 with sorafenib not only has a synergistic effect, in suppressing PI3K/protein kinase B/mTOR and RAS/MEK/ERK signaling more effectively than either treatment alone, but also prevents the cross activation of the other pathway that occurs with single treatments in both sorafenib sensitive and resistant lines. PD0325901 exhibited a stronger synergic effect with sorafenib than MK-2206 2HCL. Sorafenib-resistant cell lines were characterized by activation of both of the two pathways, as indicated by multidrug resistance 1 gene expression profiles and pathway activity analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our studies have showed that both inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR and RAS/ERK signaling are potentially effective antihepatocellular carcinoma drugs especially in treating sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hao Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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15
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Ji JS, Xu M, Song JJ, Zhao ZW, Chen MJ, Chen WQ, Tu JF, Yang XM. Inhibition of microRNA-126 promotes the expression of Spred1 to inhibit angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: in vivo study. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:4357-67. [PMID: 27499630 PMCID: PMC4959414 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s106513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has been found to promote angiogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. So, we conducted this study to explore the effect of miR-126 expression on angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). The expression levels of miR-126 and sprouty-related, EVH1 domain containing protein (Spred)1 in surgically resected HCC tissue, HCC tissue with TACE + operation, and tumor-adjacent tissues were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of miR-126, Spred1, and vascular endothelial growth factor were found by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The microvessel density (MVD) of tumor tissues was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The miR-126 and Spred1 expressions in HCC tissue with TACE + operation were elevated and decreased, respectively, as compared to those in surgically resected HCC tissues and tumor-adjacent tissues (all P<0.001), which indicated that the expression of Spred1 was negatively correlated with miR-126 (P<0.001, r=−0.6224). Based on the bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene activity detection, Spred1 was found to target miR-126 (P<0.001). Inhibition of miR-126 expression reduces the degree of weight loss and tumor size in TACE model rats. The MVD in TACE + operation group was increased compared to that in the control group; inhibition of miR-126 expression had a reversal effect, to a certain extent, on MVD increase after TACE (all P<0.05). Inhibition of miR-126 expression increased Spred1 expression and decreased vascular endothelial growth factor expression (P<0.01). In summary, this study unveiled the potential mechanism by which miR-126 regulates angiogenesis in HCC tissues through embolization treatment by targeting Spred1, and also showed that the feasibility of TACE with the miR-126 inhibitor has a certain value in the medical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Song Ji
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui, People's Republic of China; Department of Radiology, Lab-Yang, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Song
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Wei Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Jiang Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Qian Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Fei Tu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Lishui Hospital of Zhejiang University, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Central Hospital of Zhejiang Lishui, Lishui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Yang
- Department of Radiology, Lab-Yang, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Haagensen EJ, Thomas HD, Mudd C, Tsonou E, Wiggins CM, Maxwell RJ, Moore JD, Newell DR. Pre-clinical use of isogenic cell lines and tumours in vitro and in vivo for predictive biomarker discovery; impact of KRAS and PI3KCA mutation status on MEK inhibitor activity is model dependent. Eur J Cancer 2016; 56:69-76. [PMID: 26820797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Studies to identify predictive biomarkers can be carried out in isogenic cancer cell lines, which enable interrogation of the effect of a specific mutation. We assessed the effects of four drugs, the PI3K-mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor dactolisib, the PI3K inhibitor pictrelisib, and the MEK (MAPK/ERK Kinase) inhibitors PD 0325901 and selumetinib, in isogenic DLD1 parental, KRAS(+/-), KRAS(G13D/-), PIK3CA(+/-) and PIK3CA(E545K/-) colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Importantly, we found substantial differences in the growth of these cells and in their drug sensitivity depending on whether they were studied under 2D (standard tissue culture on plastic) or 3D (in vitro soft agar and in vivo xenograft) conditions. DLD1 KRAS(+/-) and DLD1 PIK3CA(+/-) cells were more sensitive to MEK inhibitors than parental, DLD1 KRAS(G13D/-) and DLD1 PIK3CA(E545K/-) cells under 2D conditions, whereas DLD1 KRAS(G13D/-) and DLD1 PIK3CA(E545K/-) xenografts were sensitive to 10 mg/kg daily ×14 PD 0325901 in vivo (p ≤ 0.02) but tumours derived from parental DLD1 cells were not. These findings indicate that KRAS and PIK3CA mutations can influence the response of DLD1 colorectal cancer cell lines to MEK and PI3K inhibitors, but that the effect is dependent on the experimental model used to assess drug sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Haagensen
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Huw D Thomas
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Clare Mudd
- Horizon Discovery, 7100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge, CB25 9TL, UK
| | - Elpida Tsonou
- Horizon Discovery, 7100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge, CB25 9TL, UK
| | - Ceri M Wiggins
- Horizon Discovery, 7100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge, CB25 9TL, UK
| | - Ross J Maxwell
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jonathan D Moore
- Horizon Discovery, 7100 Cambridge Research Park, Cambridge, CB25 9TL, UK
| | - David R Newell
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Paul O'Gorman Building, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
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17
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Mikhail S, Cosgrove D, Zeidan A. Hepatocellular carcinoma: systemic therapies and future perspectives. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 14:1205-18. [PMID: 25199765 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2014.949246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is (HCC) the most common primary malignancy of the liver in adults. It is also the fifth most common solid cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Treatment options for HCC include liver transplantation, surgical resection, locoregional therapies and chemotherapy. The median survival time of patients following the diagnosis of unresectable disease is approximately 6-20 months, whereas the 5-year survival is less than 5%. Given the projected increase in incidence of HCC due to hepatitis C virus infection and obesity related cirrhosis, there is an urgent need for more intensive research in this cancer. In this article, we review the systemic options available for patients with HCC, its molecular pathogenesis and future therapeutic directions with special emphasis on immune-based and molecularly-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh Mikhail
- Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, 320 W.10th Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
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18
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Breunig C, Mueller BJ, Umansky L, Wahl K, Hoffmann K, Lehner F, Manns MP, Bantel H, Falk CS. BRaf and MEK Inhibitors Differentially Regulate Cell Fate and Microenvironment in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:2410-23. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-1635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Dai XF, Ding J, Zhang RG, Ren JH, Ma CMC, Wu G. Radiosensitivity enhancement of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 by sorafenib through the MEK/ERK signal pathway. Int J Radiat Biol 2013; 89:724-31. [DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2013.791405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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20
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Inhibitors of the ERK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade for Targeting RAS Mutant Cancers. INHIBITORS OF THE RAS SUPERFAMILY G-PROTEINS, PART B 2013; 34 Pt. B:67-106. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420146-0.00004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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21
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Chow HY, Jubb AM, Koch JN, Jaffer ZM, Stepanova D, Campbell DA, Duron SG, O'Farrell M, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJP, Gutkind JS, Hoeflich KP, Chernoff J. p21-Activated kinase 1 is required for efficient tumor formation and progression in a Ras-mediated skin cancer model. Cancer Res 2012; 72:5966-75. [PMID: 22983922 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The RAS genes are the most commonly mutated oncogenes in human cancer and present a particular therapeutic dilemma, as direct targeting of Ras proteins by small molecules has proved difficult. Signaling pathways downstream of Ras, in particular Raf/Mek/Erk and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, are dominated by lipid and protein kinases that provide attractive alternate targets in Ras-driven tumors. As p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) has been shown to regulate both these signaling pathways and is itself upregulated in many human cancers, we assessed the role of Pak1 in Ras-driven skin cancer. In human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we found a strong positive correlation between advanced stage and grade and PAK1 expression. Using a mouse model of Kras-driven SCC, we showed that deletion of the mouse Pak1 gene led to markedly decreased tumorigenesis and progression, accompanied by near total loss of Erk and Akt activity. Treatment of Kras(G12D) mice with either of two distinct small molecule Pak inhibitors (PF3758309 and FRAX597) caused tumor regression and loss of Erk and Akt activity. Tumor regression was also seen in mice treated with a specific Mek inhibitor, but not with an Akt inhibitor. These findings establish Pak1 as a new target in KRAS-driven tumors and suggest a mechanism of action through the Erk, but not the Akt, signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Yee Chow
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
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22
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Haagensen EJ, Kyle S, Beale GS, Maxwell RJ, Newell DR. The synergistic interaction of MEK and PI3K inhibitors is modulated by mTOR inhibition. Br J Cancer 2012; 106:1386-94. [PMID: 22415236 PMCID: PMC3326670 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined targeting of MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways may be necessary for optimal therapeutic activity in cancer. This study evaluated the MEK inhibitors AZD6244 and PD0325901, alone and in combination with the dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 or the PI3K inhibitor GDC-0941, in three colorectal cancer cell lines. METHODS Growth inhibition, survival and signal transduction were measured using the Sulforhodamine B assay, clonogenicity and western blotting, respectively, in HCT116, HT29 and DLD1 cell lines. RESULTS All MEK/PI3K inhibitor combinations exhibited marked synergistic growth inhibition; however, GDC-0941 displayed greater synergy in combination with either MEK inhibitor. NVP-BEZ235 exhibited stronger inhibition of 4EBP1 phosphorylation, and similar inhibition of S6 and AKT phosphorylation, compared with GDC-0941. Both PD0325901 and AZD6244 inhibited ERK phosphorylation, and with MEK/PI3K inhibitor combinations inhibition of S6 phosphorylation was increased. The reduced synergy exhibited by NVP-BEZ235 in combination with MEK inhibitors, compared with GDC-0941, may be due to inhibition of mTOR, and the addition of the mTORC1/2 inhibitor KU0063794 compromised the synergy of GDC-0941:PD0325901 combinations. CONCLUSION These studies confirm that dual targeting of PI3K and MEK can induce synergistic growth inhibition; however, the combination of specific PI3K inhibitors, rather than dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors, with MEK inhibitors results in greater synergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Haagensen
- Drug Discovery and Imaging, Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Paul O’Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - S Kyle
- Drug Discovery and Imaging, Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Paul O’Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - G S Beale
- Drug Discovery and Imaging, Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Paul O’Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - R J Maxwell
- Drug Discovery and Imaging, Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Paul O’Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - D R Newell
- Drug Discovery and Imaging, Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School, Newcastle University, Paul O’Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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The MAPK MEK1/2-ERK1/2 Pathway and Its Implication in Hepatocyte Cell Cycle Control. Int J Hepatol 2012; 2012:328372. [PMID: 23133759 PMCID: PMC3485978 DOI: 10.1155/2012/328372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cultures of hepatocytes are powerful models in studying the sequence of events that are necessary for cell progression from a G0-like state to S phase. The models mimic the physiological process of hepatic regeneration after liver injury or partial hepatectomy. Many reports suggest that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK1/2 can support hepatocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo and the MEK/ERK cascade acts as an essential element in hepatocyte responses induced by the EGF. Moreover, its disregulation has been associated with the promotion of tumor cell growth of a variety of tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Whereas the strict specificity of action of ERK1 and ERK2 is still debated, the MAPKs may have specific biological functions under certain contexts and according to the differentiation status of the cells, notably hepatocytes. In this paper, we will focus on MEK1/2-ERK1/2 activations and roles in normal rodent hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo after partial hepatectomy and in human hepatocarcinoma cells. The possible specificity of ERK1 and ERK2 in normal and transformed hepatocyte will be discussed in regard to other differentiated and undifferentiated cellular models.
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Yip-Schneider MT, Doyle CJ, McKillop IH, Wentz SC, Brandon-Warner E, Matos JM, Sandrasegaran K, Saxena R, Hennig ME, Wu H, Waters JA, Klein PJ, Froehlich JC, Schmidt CM. Alcohol induces liver neoplasia in a novel alcohol-preferring rat model. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:2216-25. [PMID: 21790668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01568.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, no rodent model has demonstrated the formation of hepatic neoplasia in the setting of chronic alcohol consumption alone. METHODS We investigated whether rats selectively bred for high alcohol preference (P rats), allowed free access to water, or water and 10% (v/v) alcohol, for 6, 12, or 18 months, develop hepatic neoplasia. RESULTS At necropsy, liver tumor incidence and multiplicity were significantly increased in 18-month alcohol-consuming versus water-consuming P rats. These data were confirmed histologically by glutathione-S-transferase pi-class (GSTp) staining. Phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (MAPK/ERK) staining was also increased in the sinusoidal lining cells within livers of alcohol-consuming versus water only P rats. In addition, cytochrome p450IIE1 (CYP2E1) mRNA, protein expression/activity, and intrahepatic oxidative stress were significantly increased in alcohol-consuming P rat livers versus water only. In contrast, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase expression decreased in alcohol-consuming versus water only P rats. No significant difference in alcohol dehydrogenase expression was detected. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with hepatic neoplasia, MAPK/ERK activation, increased CYP2E1 activity, and intrahepatic oxidative stress in P rats. As these rats are well characterized as a model of alcoholism, these findings identify a novel rodent model of alcohol or "alcoholism"-induced liver neoplasia.
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25
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Mitogen-activated protein kinases in hepatocellular carcinoma development. Semin Cancer Biol 2011; 21:10-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2010.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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