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Butler W, Xu L, Zhou Y, Cheng Q, Hauck S, He Y, Marek R, Hartman Z, Cheng L, Yang Q, Wang ME, Chen M, Zhang H, Armstrong AJ, Huang J. Oncofetal protein glypican-3 is a biomarker and critical regulator of function for neuroendocrine cells in prostate cancer. J Pathol 2023; 260:43-55. [PMID: 36752189 PMCID: PMC10273879 DOI: 10.1002/path.6063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine (NE) cells comprise ~1% of epithelial cells in benign prostate and prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa). However, they become enriched in hormonally treated and castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). In addition, close to 20% of hormonally treated tumors recur as small cell NE carcinoma (SCNC), composed entirely of NE cells, which may be the result of clonal expansion or lineage plasticity. Since NE cells do not express androgen receptors (ARs), they are resistant to hormonal therapy and contribute to therapy failure. Here, we describe the identification of glypican-3 (GPC3) as an oncofetal cell surface protein specific to NE cells in prostate cancer. Functional studies revealed that GPC3 is critical to the viability of NE tumor cells and tumors displaying NE differentiation and that it regulates calcium homeostasis and signaling. Since our results demonstrate that GPC3 is specifically expressed by NE cells, patients with confirmed SCNC may qualify for GPC3-targeted therapy which has been developed in the context of liver cancer and displays minimal toxicity due to its tumor-specific expression. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Butler
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Lingfan Xu
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Yinglu Zhou
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston MA, USA
| | - Qing Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Spencer Hauck
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Yiping He
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Robert Marek
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Zachary Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence RI, USA
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Nursing, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC 27710, USA
| | - Mu-En Wang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
| | - Andrew J. Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC 27710, USA
| | - Jiaoti Huang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC, USA
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Chen X, Chen Y, Liang R, Xiang L, Li J, Zhu Y, He H, Huang L, Zuo D, Li W, Liang X, Dong S, Hu S, Ho M, Feng M. Combination Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by GPC3-Targeted Bispecific Antibody and Irinotecan is Potent in Suppressing Tumor Growth in Mice. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 21:149-158. [PMID: 34725191 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a world leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and currently no curative treatment for advanced HCC is available. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an attractive target for HCC immunotherapy. This study explored the efficacy of six GPC3-targeted bispecific antibodies, alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drug Irinotecan, for the treatment of HCC. The bispecific antibodies were constructed using three different structures, knob-into-hole (KH), scFv-scFv-hFc, and scFv-hFc-scFv, where CD3-targeting mAb OKT3 (scFv) was paired with two representative GPC3 mAbs hYP7 (scFv) and HN3 (VH only) that target different epitopes. The In vitro cell killing assay revealed that all bispecific antibodies efficiently killed GPC3 positive cancer cells, with hYP7-KH, hYP7-OKT3-hFc, and HN3-KH being most potent. In vivo xenograft mouse studies demonstrated that all bispecific antibodies suppressed tumor growth similarly, with hYP7-OKT3-hFc performing slightly better. Combination of hYP7-OKT3-hFc with Irinotecan dramatically improved the efficacy and arrested tumor growth of HepG2, Hep3B, and G1 in xenograft mice. Our results demonstrated that the cell surface proximal bispecific antibody hYP7-OKT3-hFc was superior in terms of potency and the GPC3-targeted bispecific antibody combined with Irinotecan was much potent to control HCC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanmin Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rong Liang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lanxin Xiang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jingwen Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuankui Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huixia He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Le Huang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dianbao Zuo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weihang Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xinjun Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China. .,College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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3
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Sun L, Gao F, Gao Z, Ao L, Li N, Ma S, Jia M, Li N, Lu P, Sun B, Ho M, Jia S, Ding T, Gao W. Shed antigen-induced blocking effect on CAR-T cells targeting Glypican-3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001875. [PMID: 33833049 PMCID: PMC8039282 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glypican-3 (GPC3), a cell surface glycoprotein that is pathologically highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is an attractive target for immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. The serum GPC3 is frequently elevated in HCC patients due to the shedding effect of cell surface GPC3. The shed GPC3 (sGPC3) is reported to block the function of cell-surface GPC3 as a negative regulator. Therefore, it would be worth investigating the potential influence of antigen shedding in anti-GPC3 CAR-T therapy for HCC. METHODS In this study, we constructed two types of CAR-T cells targeting distinct epitopes of GPC3 to examine how sGPC3 influences the activation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo by introducing sGPC3 positive patient serum or recombinant sGPC3 proteins into HCC cells or by using sGPC3-overexpressing HCC cell lines. RESULTS Both humanized YP7 CAR-T cells and 32A9 CAR-T cells showed GPC3-specific antitumor functions in vitro and in vivo. The existence of sGPC3 significantly inhibited the release of cytokines and the cytotoxicity of anti-GPC3 CAR-T cells in vitro. In animal models, mice carrying Hep3B xenograft tumors expressing sGPC3 exhibited a worse response to the treatment with CAR-T cells under both a low and high tumor burden. sGPC3 bound to CAR-T cells but failed to induce the effective activation of CAR-T cells. Therefore, sGPC3 acted as dominant negative regulators when competed with cell surface GPC3 to bind anti-GPC3 CAR-T cells, leading to an inhibitory effect on CAR-T cells in HCC. CONCLUSIONS We provide a proof-of-concept study demonstrating that GPC3 shedding might cause worse response to CAR-T cell treatment by competing with cell surface GPC3 for CAR-T cell binding, which revealed a new mechanism of tumor immune escape in HCC, providing a novel biomarker for patient enrolment in future clinical trials and/or treatments with GPC3-targeted CAR-T cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Binding, Competitive
- Biomarkers, Tumor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Female
- Glypicans/antagonists & inhibitors
- Glypicans/blood
- Glypicans/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Liver Neoplasms/blood
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, Nude
- Proof of Concept Study
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Tumor Burden
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhanhui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Ao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Li
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sujuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Jia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland - Saint Lucia Campus, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Biotherapy, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peihua Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shaochang Jia
- Department of Biotherapy, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Rashdan HRM, Abdelmonsef AH, Shehadi IA, Gomha SM, Soliman AMM, Mahmoud HK. Synthesis, Molecular Docking Screening and Anti-Proliferative Potency Evaluation of Some New Imidazo[2,1- b]Thiazole Linked Thiadiazole Conjugates. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25214997. [PMID: 33126630 PMCID: PMC7663531 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25214997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole scaffolds were reported to possess various pharmaceutical activities. RESULTS The novel compound named methyl-2-(1-(3-methyl-6-(p-tolyl)imidazo[2,1-b]thiazol-2-yl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbodithioate 3 acted as a predecessor molecule for the synthesis of new thiadiazole derivatives incorporating imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole moiety. The reaction of 3 with the appropriate hydrazonoyl halide derivatives 4a-j and 7-9 had produced the respective 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives 6a-j and 10-12. The chemical composition of all the newly synthesized derivatives were confirmed by their microanalytical and spectral data (FT-IR, mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR). All the produced novel compounds were screened for their anti-proliferative efficacy on hepatic cancer cell lines (HepG2). In addition, a computational molecular docking study was carried out to determine the ability of the synthesized thiadiazole molecules to interact with active site of the target Glypican-3 protein (GPC-3). Moreover, the physiochemical properties of the synthesized compounds were derived to determine the viability of the compounds as drug candidates for hepatic cancer. CONCLUSION All the tested compounds had exhibited good anti-proliferative efficacy against hepatic cancer cell lines. In addition, the molecular docking results showed strong binding interactions of the synthesized compounds with the target GPC-3 protein with lower energy scores. Thus, such novel compounds may act as promising candidates as drugs against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda R. M. Rashdan
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ihsan A. Shehadi
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, UAE;
| | - Sobhi M. Gomha
- Chemistry department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Islamic University in Almadinah Almonawara, Almadinah Almonawara 42351, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Huda K. Mahmoud
- Chemistry department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt; (S.M.G.); (H.K.M.)
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5
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Li N, Wei L, Liu X, Bai H, Ye Y, Li D, Li N, Baxa U, Wang Q, Lv L, Chen Y, Feng M, Lee B, Gao W, Ho M. A Frizzled-Like Cysteine-Rich Domain in Glypican-3 Mediates Wnt Binding and Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Growth in Mice. Hepatology 2019; 70:1231-1245. [PMID: 30963603 PMCID: PMC6783318 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the key regulators of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor progression. In addition to the classical receptor frizzled (FZD), various coreceptors including heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are involved in Wnt activation. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an HSPG that is overexpressed in HCC and functions as a Wnt coreceptor that modulates HCC cell proliferation. These features make GPC3 an attractive target for liver cancer therapy. However, the precise interaction of GPC3 and Wnt and how GPC3, Wnt, and FZD cooperate with each other are poorly understood. In this study, we established a structural model of GPC3 containing a putative FZD-like cysteine-rich domain at its N-terminal lobe. We found that F41 and its surrounding residues in GPC3 formed a Wnt-binding groove that interacted with the middle region located between the lipid thumb domain and the index finger domain of Wnt3a. Mutating residues in this groove significantly inhibited Wnt3a binding, β-catenin activation, and the transcriptional activation of Wnt-dependent genes. In contrast with the heparan sulfate chains, the Wnt-binding groove that we identified in the protein core of GPC3 seemed to promote Wnt signaling in conditions when FZD was not abundant. Specifically, blocking this domain using an antibody inhibited Wnt activation. In HCC cells, mutating residue F41 on GPC3 inhibited activation of β-catenin in vitro and reduced xenograft tumor growth in nude mice compared with cells expressing wild-type GPC3. Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrates a detailed interaction of GPC3 and Wnt3a, reveals the precise mechanism of GPC3 acting as a Wnt coreceptor, and provides a potential target site on GPC3 for Wnt blocking and HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Liwen Wei
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China.,Bio-medical Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Hongjun Bai
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yvonne Ye
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ulrich Baxa
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Qun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Ling Lv
- Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, P.R. China
| | - Yun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Mingqian Feng
- Bio-medical Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Byungkook Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China.,Corresponding to: Dr. Wei Gao, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Room A110, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, P.R. China. Tel: 86-25-86869471; Fax: 86-25-86869471, . Dr. Mitchell Ho, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5002, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264. Tel: (240)760-7848; Fax: (301)402-1344;
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.,Corresponding to: Dr. Wei Gao, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Xuehai Building, Room A110, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, P.R. China. Tel: 86-25-86869471; Fax: 86-25-86869471, . Dr. Mitchell Ho, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5002, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264. Tel: (240)760-7848; Fax: (301)402-1344;
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6
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Sabry D, Abdelaleem OO, El Amin Ali AM, Mohammed RA, Abdel-Hameed ND, Hassouna A, Khalifa WA. Anti-proliferative and anti-apoptotic potential effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate and/or metformin on hepatocellular carcinoma cells: in vitro study. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:2039-2047. [PMID: 30710234 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04653-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and metformin single treatment have been tested against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the combination effects of EGCG and metformin on proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2cells and identified new potential molecular targets. The effect of EGCG and metformin against cell proliferation in HepG2 was determined using MTT assay. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied to examine the gene expression of cyclin D1, lncRNA-AF085935, caspase-3, survivin and VEGF. The level of protein expression of glypican-3 was assessed by western blot. In HepG2 cells, EGCG and metformin combination treatment exhibited high significant effect against tumor proliferation. It significantly reduced cyclin D1, lncRNA-AF085935, glypican-3 and promoted apoptosis through increasing caspase3 and decreasing survivin compared to control cells. Moreover, EGCG and metformin treated cells showed decreased expression levels of VEGF. Our study provided new insights of the anticarcinogenic effects of EGCG and metformin on HCC through their effects on glypican-3 and lncRNA-AF085935.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Sabry
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omayma O Abdelaleem
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
| | - Amani M El Amin Ali
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Rehab A Mohammed
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Nehal D Abdel-Hameed
- Clinical Pathology Departments, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Hassouna
- School of Interprofessional Health Studies, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Warda A Khalifa
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Sebha University, Sabha, Libya
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7
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Signaling network involved in the GPC3-induced inhibition of breast cancer progression: role of canonical Wnt pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:2399-2418. [PMID: 30267212 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2751-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have shown that GPC3 overexpression in breast cancer cells inhibits in vivo tumor progression, by acting as a metastatic suppressor. GPC3-overexpressing cells are less clonogenic, viable and motile, while their homotypic adhesion is increased. We have presented evidences indicating that GPC3 inhibits canonical Wnt and Akt pathways, while non-canonical Wnt and p38MAPK cascades are activated. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether GPC3-induced Wnt signaling inhibition modulates breast cancer cell properties as well as to describe the interactions among pathways modulated by GPC3. METHODS Fluorescence microscopy, qRT-PCR microarray, gene reporter assay and Western blotting were performed to determine gene expression levels, signaling pathway activities and molecule localization. Lithium was employed to activate canonical Wnt pathway and treated LM3-GPC3 cell viability, migration, cytoskeleton organization and homotypic adhesion were assessed using MTS, wound healing, phalloidin staining and suspension growth assays, respectively. RESULTS We provide new data demonstrating that GPC3 blocks-also at a transcriptional level-both autocrine and paracrine canonical Wnt activities, and that this inhibition is required for GPC3 to modulate migration and homotypic adhesion. Our results indicate that GPC3 is secreted into the extracellular media, suggesting that secreted GPC3 competes with Wnt factors or interacts with them and thus prevents Wnt binding to Fz receptors. We also describe the complex network of interactions among GPC3-modulated signaling pathways. CONCLUSION GPC3 is operating through an intricate molecular signaling network. From the balance of these interactions, the inhibition of breast metastatic spread induced by GPC3 emerges.
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8
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Wang S, Kalim M, Liang K, Zhan J. Polyclonal antibody production against rGPC3 and their application in diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2018; 48:435-445. [PMID: 29561231 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2018.1452258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an integral membrane proteoglycan, which contains a core protein anchored to the cytoplasmic membrane through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage. The glypican-3 can regulate the signaling pathways, thereby enhances cell division, growth, and apoptosis in certain cell types. It is almost nonexistent on the surface of the human normal cell membrane and highly expresses on the membrane of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. It has been well established that GPC3 provides a useful diagnostic marker. For generating the polyclonal antibody of GPC3, we expected that GPC3 N-terminal region (amino acid sequence 26-358) could be expressed in Escherichia coli system, however, no active expression was observed after IPTG induction. Interestingly, after deletion of six proline residues from position 26 to 31 in the N-terminus, expression of recombinant GPC3 was clearly detected. We further analyzed the expressed protein deprived of six prolines, to immunize the New Zealand male rabbits for production of active antibodies. The binding affinity of antibody was analyzed by immunofluorescence analysis, immunohistochemical detection, and western blotting. The functional GPC3 N-terminal protein recombinant development, expression, purification, and the polyclonal antibody have been generated provide the basis for the diagnosis of HCC in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghao Wang
- a Department of Biochemistry and Genetics , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , China
| | - Muhammad Kalim
- a Department of Biochemistry and Genetics , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , China
| | | | - Jinbiao Zhan
- a Department of Biochemistry and Genetics , Zhejiang University School of Medicine , Hangzhou , China
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9
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Saad A, Liet B, Joucla G, Santarelli X, Charpentier J, Claverol S, Grosset CF, Trézéguet V. Role of Glycanation and Convertase Maturation of Soluble Glypican-3 in Inhibiting Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Biochemistry 2018; 57:1201-1211. [PMID: 29345911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b01208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glypican 3 (GPC3) is a complex heparan sulfate proteoglycan associated with the outer surface of the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. It is also N-glycosylated and processed by a furin-like convertase. GPC3 has numerous biological functions. Although GPC3 is undetectable in normal liver tissue, it is abnormally and highly overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, proliferation of HCC cells such as HepG2 and HuH7 is inhibited when they express a soluble form of GPC3 after lentiviral transduction. To obtain more insight into the role of some of its post-translational modifications, we designed a mutant GPC3, sGPC3m, without its GPI anchor, convertase cleavage site, and glycosaminoglycan chains. The highly pure sGPC3m protein strongly inhibited HuH7 and HepG2 cell proliferation in vitro and induced a significant increase in their cell doubling time. It changed the morphology of HuH7 cells but not that of HepG2. It induced the enlargement of HuH7 cell nuclear area and the restructuration of adherent cell junctions. Unexpectedly, for both cell types, the levels of apoptosis, cell division, and β-catenin were not altered by sGPC3m, although growth inhibition was very efficient. Overall, our data show that glycanation and convertase maturation are not required for sGPC3m to inhibit HCC cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Saad
- Univ. Bordeaux, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,CNRS, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Benjamin Liet
- Univ. Bordeaux, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,CNRS, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Gilles Joucla
- Univ. Bordeaux, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,CNRS, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France
| | - Xavier Santarelli
- Univ. Bordeaux, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,CNRS, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France
| | | | - Stéphane Claverol
- Univ. Bordeaux, Plateforme Protéome, CGFB , F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Christophe F Grosset
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, BMGIC, U1035 , 33076 Bordeaux, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, GREF, U1053 , 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Véronique Trézéguet
- Univ. Bordeaux, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,CNRS, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248 , F-33615 Pessac, France.,Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, BMGIC, U1035 , 33076 Bordeaux, France
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10
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Cheng W, Huang PC, Chao HM, Jeng YM, Hsu HC, Pan HW, Hwu WL, Lee YM. Glypican-3 induces oncogenicity by preventing IGF-1R degradation, a process that can be blocked by Grb10. Oncotarget 2017; 8:80429-80442. [PMID: 29113314 PMCID: PMC5655209 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Previously, we demonstrated that glypican-3 (GPC3) is highly expressed in HCC, and that GPC3 induces oncogenicity and promotes the growth of cancer cells through IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of GPC3-mediated enhancement of IGF-1R signaling. We demonstrated that GPC3 decreased IGF-1-induced IGF-1R ubiquitination and degradation and increased c-Myc protein levels. GPC3 bound to Grb10, a mediator of ligand-induced receptor ubiquitination, and the overexpression of Grb10 blocked GPC3-enhanced IGF-1-induced ERK phosphorylation. GPC3 promoted the growth of NIH3T3 and PLC-PRF-5 cells in serum-free medium but did not promote the growth of IGF-1R negative R- cells. Grb10 overexpression decreased GPC3-promoted cell growth. Therefore, the present study elucidates the mechanisms of GPC3-induced oncogenicity, which may highlight new strategies for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Kee-Lung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kee-Lung, Taiwan.,Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health, Kee-Lung, Taiwan.,National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chun Huang
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Chao
- Department of Pathology, Wang Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Ming Jeng
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hey-Chi Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Pan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-May Lee
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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Zhou F, Shang W, Yu X, Tian J. Glypican-3: A promising biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28621802 DOI: 10.1002/med.21455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type. Therefore, molecular targets are urgently required for the early detection of HCC and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Glypican-3 (GPC3), an oncofetal proteoglycan anchored to the cell membrane, is normally detected in the fetal liver but not in the healthy adult liver. However, in HCC patients, GPC3 is overexpressed at both the gene and protein levels, and its expression predicts a poor prognosis. Mechanistic studies have revealed that GPC3 functions in HCC progression by binding to molecules such as Wnt signaling proteins and growth factors. Moreover, GPC3 has been used as a target for molecular imaging and therapeutic intervention in HCC. To date, GPC3-targeted magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and near-infrared imaging have been investigated for early HCC detection, and various immunotherapeutic protocols targeting GPC3 have been developed, including the use of humanized anti-GPC3 cytotoxic antibodies, treatment with peptide/DNA vaccines, immunotoxin therapies, and genetic therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the structure, function, and biology of GPC3 with a focus on its clinical potential as a diagnostic molecule and a therapeutic target in HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fubo Zhou
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Wenting Shang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiaoling Yu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
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12
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Luo W, Ren Z, Gao S, Jin H, Zhang G, Zhou L, Zheng S. Clinical correlation of calpain-1 and glypican-3 expression with gallbladder carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:1345-1352. [PMID: 26893741 PMCID: PMC4734278 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) possesses a poor prognosis, which is primarily attributed to the lack of early and timely surgical intervention. Calpain-1 and glypican-3 have been implicated in the progression of various types of cancer. The present study aimed to detect the expression of calpain-1 and glypican-3 in GBC, and analyzed whether the expression levels of these proteins correlated with any clinicopathological variables. A total of 100 patients with GBC and 30 patients with cholecystitis who accepted surgical treatment were enrolled in the present study. Pathological and clinical data were obtained from all patients. The expression of calpain-1 and glypican-3 was detected in paraffin-embedded tissues by immunohistochemistry. Calpain-1 expression was manually assessed with an immunohistochemical H-score with a slight modification. Glypican-3 expression was assessed as negative and positive. The correlations between protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics, and the associations between the proteins were analyzed. All patients exhibited positive expression of calpain-1. Notably, the high expression rate of calpain-1 was significantly increased in patients with GBC, compared with patients with cholecystitis (32.0 vs. 6.7%; χ2=7.668; P=0.006), suggesting that calpain-1 expression may be associated with progression from cholecystitis to GBC. In addition, the positive rate of glypican-3 expression was 53.0% in patients with GBC and 63.3% in patients with cholecystitis, with no significant difference (χ2=0.997; P=0.318). Furthermore, the expression of calpain-1 and glypican-3 had no significant correlation with gender, age, degree of tumor differentiation and tumor-node-metastasis classification in patients with GBC. Notably, the expression of calpain-1 and glypican-3 displayed a significant positive correlation in patients with GBC (r=0.517; P<0.01), but a significantly negative correlation (r=-0.856; P<0.01) in patients with cholecystitis. In conclusion, calpain-1 expression may be associated with progression from cholecystitis to GBC. Combined detection of calpain-1 and glypican-3 may be beneficial for prognosis assessment of GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China; Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Deqing County, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313200, P.R. China
| | - Zhigang Ren
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Hailong Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Geer Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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13
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Gao W, Tang Z, Zhang Y, Feng M, Qian M, Dimitrov DS, Ho M. Immunotoxin targeting glypican-3 regresses liver cancer via dual inhibition of Wnt signalling and protein synthesis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6536. [PMID: 25758784 PMCID: PMC4357278 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 is a cell surface glycoprotein that associates with Wnt in liver cancer. We develop two antibodies targeting glypican-3, HN3 and YP7. The first antibody recognizes a functional epitope and inhibits Wnt signalling, whereas the second antibody recognizes a C-terminal epitope but does not inhibit Wnt signalling. Both are fused to a fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38) to create immunotoxins. Interestingly, the immunotoxin based on HN3 (HN3-PE38) has superior antitumor activity as compared with YP7 (YP7-PE38) both in vitro and in vivo. Intravenous administration of HN3-PE38 alone, or in combination with chemotherapy, induces regression of Hep3B and HepG2 liver tumour xenografts in mice. This study establishes glypican-3 as a promising candidate for immunotoxin-based liver cancer therapy. Our results demonstrate immunotoxin-induced tumour regression via dual mechanisms: inactivation of cancer signalling via the antibody and inhibition of protein synthesis via the toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Zhewei Tang
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Mingqian Feng
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Min Qian
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Dimiter S. Dimitrov
- Protein Interaction Group, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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14
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Han LL, Lv Y, Guo H, Ruan ZP, Nan KJ. Implications of biomarkers in human hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis and therapy. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:10249-10261. [PMID: 25132742 PMCID: PMC4130833 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i30.10249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent tumors worldwide and accounts for approximately one-third of all malignancies. In the past decade, advances have been made to improve the prognosis of HCC, including improvement in the clinical diagnosis of early-stage HCC using molecular biomarkers and molecular-targeted therapy to treat advanced HCC. However, the diagnosis, pathogenesis and targeted therapy of HCC are not completely independent, and should be comprehensively studied. For example, a number of tumor markers provide useful clinical information not only for prognosis, but also in pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. Therefore, this review will focus on the role of several specific biomarkers implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC and several promising molecular-targeted drugs that target the biomarkers of HCC.
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15
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Gao W, Kim H, Feng M, Phung Y, Xavier CP, Rubin JS, Ho M. Inactivation of Wnt signaling by a human antibody that recognizes the heparan sulfate chains of glypican-3 for liver cancer therapy. Hepatology 2014; 60:576-87. [PMID: 24492943 PMCID: PMC4083010 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Wnt signaling is important for cancer pathogenesis and is often up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) function as coreceptors or modulators of Wnt activation. Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an HSPG that is highly expressed in HCC, where it can attract Wnt proteins to the cell surface and promote cell proliferation. Thus, GPC3 has emerged as a candidate therapeutic target in liver cancer. While monoclonal antibodies to GPC3 are currently being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies, none have shown an effect on Wnt signaling. Here, we first document the expression of Wnt3a, multiple Wnt receptors, and GPC3 in several HCC cell lines, and demonstrate that GPC3 enhanced the activity of Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling in these cells. Then we report the identification of HS20, a human monoclonal antibody against GPC3, which preferentially recognized the heparan sulfate chains of GPC3, both the sulfated and nonsulfated portions. HS20 disrupted the interaction of Wnt3a and GPC3 and blocked Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, HS20 inhibited Wnt3a-dependent cell proliferation in vitro and HCC xenograft growth in nude mice. In addition, HS20 had no detectable undesired toxicity in mice. Taken together, our results show that a monoclonal antibody primarily targeting the heparin sulfate chains of GPC3 inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC cells and had potent antitumor activity in vivo. CONCLUSION An antibody directed against the heparan sulfate of a proteoglycan shows efficacy in blocking Wnt signaling and HCC growth, suggesting a novel strategy for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Heungnam Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Mingqian Feng
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Yen Phung
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Charles P. Xavier
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jeffrey S. Rubin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892,Corresponding Author: Dr. Mitchell Ho, Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5002C, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264. Tel: (301)451-8727; Fax: (301)402-1344;
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16
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Feng M, Ho M. Glypican-3 antibodies: a new therapeutic target for liver cancer. FEBS Lett 2013; 588:377-82. [PMID: 24140348 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an emerging therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even though the biological function of GPC3 remains elusive. Currently human (MDX-1414 and HN3) and humanized mouse (GC33 and YP7) antibodies that target GPC3 for HCC treatment are under different stages of preclinical or clinical development. Humanized mouse antibody GC33 is being evaluated in a phase II clinical trial. Human antibodies MDX-1414 and HN3 are under different stages of preclinical evaluation. Here, we summarize current evidence for GPC3 as a new target in liver cancer, discuss both its oncogenic function and its mode of actions for current antibodies, and evaluate potential challenges for GPC3-targeted anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Feng
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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17
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Taneja-Bageshwar S, Gumienny TL. Regulation of TGFβ superfamily signaling by two separable domains of glypican LON-2 in C. elegans. WORM 2013; 2:e23843. [PMID: 24778932 PMCID: PMC3875644 DOI: 10.4161/worm.23843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Regulated intercellular signaling is critical for the normal development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Glypicans have been shown to regulate signaling by TGFβs, hedgehogs and Wnts, in several cellular contexts. Glypicans comprise a conserved family of heparan sulfated, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked extracellular proteins. The structural complexity of glypicans may underlie their functional complexity. In a recent study31, we built on previous findings that one of the two C. elegans glypicans, LON-2, specifically inhibits signaling by the TGFβ superfamily member DBL-1. We tested the functional requirements of LON-2 protein core components and post-translational modifications for LON-2 activity. We provide the first evidence that two parts of a glypican can independently regulate TGFβ superfamily signaling in vivo: the N-terminal furin protease product and a C-terminal region containing heparan sulfate attachment sites. Furthermore, we show a protein-protein interaction motif is crucial for LON-2 activity in the N-terminal protein core, suggesting that LON-2 acts by serving as a scaffold for DBL-1 and an RGD-binding protein. In addition, we demonstrate specificity of glypican function by showing C. elegans GPN-1 does not functionally substitute for LON-2. This work reveals a molecular foundation for understanding the complexity and specificity of glypican function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparna Taneja-Bageshwar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine; College of Medicine; Texas A&M Health Science Center; College Station, TX USA
| | - Tina L Gumienny
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine; College of Medicine; Texas A&M Health Science Center; College Station, TX USA
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18
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Therapeutically targeting glypican-3 via a conformation-specific single-domain antibody in hepatocellular carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E1083-91. [PMID: 23471984 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1217868110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) has emerged as a candidate therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the oncogenic role of GPC3 in HCC is poorly understood. Here, we report a human heavy-chain variable domain antibody, HN3, with high affinity (Kd = 0.6 nM) for cell-surface-associated GPC3 molecules. The human antibody recognized a conformational epitope that requires both the amino and carboxy terminal domains of GPC3. HN3 inhibited proliferation of GPC3-positive cells and exhibited significant inhibition of HCC xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. The underlying mechanism of HN3 action may involve cell-cycle arrest at G1 phase through Yes-associated protein signaling. This study suggests a previously unrecognized mechanism for GPC3-targeted cancer therapy.
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19
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Filmus J, Capurro M. Glypican-3: a marker and a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma. FEBS J 2013; 280:2471-6. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Pan Z, Chen C, Long H, Lei C, Tang G, Li L, Feng J, Chen F. Overexpression of GPC3 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and invasion through induction of apoptosis. Mol Med Rep 2013; 7:969-74. [PMID: 23338845 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Glypican‑3 (GPC3) is a membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration and the development of the majority of mesodermal tissues and organs. GPC3 has been found to be important for the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, it may be suitable for use as a novel molecular marker for the diagnosis of primary liver cancer. In the present study, the role of GPC3 in the occurrence and development of HCC was determined. GPC3 recombinant vector was transfected into two HCC cell lines, Huh7 and SK‑HEP‑1, to upregulate the expression of GPC3 and examine changes in the biological behavior of the cells. Results indicate that overexpression of GPC3 in Huh7 and SK‑HEP‑1 cells effectively inhibited cell proliferation and cell invasion through induction of apoptosis. However, cotreatment of the cells with insulin‑like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) was found by Annexin V‑PI flow cytometric analysis to significantly inhibit the apoptotic cell death induced by GPC3 overexpression. These observations indicate that GPC3 may act as a negative regulator of IGF2 and FGF2 pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrate that overexpression of GPC3 inhibits the occurrence and development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Pan
- Second Department of General Surgery, Fifth Hospital of Wuhan, Hubei 430050, PR China.
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21
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Taneja-Bageshwar S, Gumienny TL. Two functional domains in C. elegans glypican LON-2 can independently inhibit BMP-like signaling. Dev Biol 2012; 371:66-76. [PMID: 22922164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glypicans are multifunctional proteoglycans with regulatory roles in several intercellular signaling pathways. Here, we examine the functional requirements for glypican regulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-mediated body length in C. elegans. We provide evidence that two parts of C. elegans glypican LON-2 can independently inhibit BMP signaling in vivo: the N-terminal furin protease product and the C-terminal region containing heparan sulfate attachment sequences. While the C-terminal protease product is dispensable for LON-2 minimal core protein activity, it does affect the localization of LON-2. Cleavage of LON-2 into two parts at the conserved furin protease site is not required for LON-2 to inhibit BMP-like signaling. The glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchor is also not absolutely required for LON-2 activity. Finally, we show that an RGD protein-protein interaction motif in the LON-2 N-terminal domain is necessary for LON-2 core protein activity, suggesting that LON-2 inhibits BMP signaling by acting as a scaffold for BMP and an RGD-binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparna Taneja-Bageshwar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, TX 77843-1114, USA
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22
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Phung Y, Gao W, Man YG, Nagata S, Ho M. High-affinity monoclonal antibodies to cell surface tumor antigen glypican-3 generated through a combination of peptide immunization and flow cytometry screening. MAbs 2012; 4:592-9. [PMID: 22820551 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.20933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolating high-affinity antibodies against native tumor antigens on the cell surface is not straightforward using standard hybridoma procedures. Here, we describe a combination method of synthetic peptide immunization and high-throughput flow cytometry screening to efficiently isolate hybridomas for cell binding. Using this method, we identified high-affinity monoclonal antibodies specific for the native form of glypcian-3 (GPC3), a target heterogeneously expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers. We isolated a panel of monoclonal antibodies (YP6, YP7, YP8, YP9 and YP9.1) for cell surface binding. The antibodies were used to characterize GPC3 protein expression in human liver cancer cell lines and tissues by flow cytometry, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The best antibody (YP7) bound cell surface-associated GPC3 with equilibrium dissociation constant, KD = 0.3 nmol/L and was highly specific for HCC, not normal tissues or other forms of primary liver cancers (such as cholangiocarcinoma). Interestingly, the new antibody was highly sensitive in that it detected GPC3 in low expression ovarian clear cell carcinoma and melanoma cells. The YP7 antibody exhibited significant HCC xenograft tumor growth inhibition in nude mice. These results describe an improved method for producing high-affinity monoclonal antibodies to cell surface tumor antigens and represent a general approach to isolate therapeutic antibodies against cancer. The new high-affinity antibodies described here have significant potential for GPC3-expressing cancer diagnostics and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Phung
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Li Y, Siegel DL, Scholler N, Kaplan DE. Validation of glypican-3-specific scFv isolated from paired display/secretory yeast display library. BMC Biotechnol 2012; 12:23. [PMID: 22564378 PMCID: PMC3425314 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-12-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a heparan-sulfate proteoglycan frequently expressed on the cell membrane of malignant hepatocytes in hepatocellular carcinoma. The capacity for screening potential antibodies in vitro using human hepatocellular lines is critical to ensure binding to this highly post-translationally modified glycophosphatidylinositiol-linked protein. We hypothesized that we could utilize a recently described paired display/secretory yeast library to isolate human-derived scFv against glypican-3 for potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic application. RESULTS Using two different biotinylated antigen targets, a synthesized 29mer fragment GPC3(550-558) and a truncated GPC3(368-548) fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST) we enriched the yeast display library to greater than 30% target-specific yeast with both positive selection and depletion of streptavidin- and GST-specific clones. After cloning of scFv cDNA from the enriched sub-library, scFv specificity was validated by ELISA for binding to recombinant protein from prokaryotic and eukaryotic sources and ultimately naturally presented human protein on the cell membrane of human hepatocellular cell lines. Specificity was confirmed using non-expressing cell lines and shRNA knockdown. Ultimately, five unique scFv with affinity EC(50) ranging from 5.0-110.9 nM were identified. CONCLUSIONS Using a paired display/secretory yeast library, five novel and unique scFvs for potential humoral or chimeric therapeutic development in human hepatocellular carcinoma were isolated and characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghai Li
- Medicine and Research Services, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA 19104, USA
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Ho M. Advances in liver cancer antibody therapies: a focus on glypican-3 and mesothelin. BioDrugs 2012; 25:275-84. [PMID: 21942912 DOI: 10.2165/11595360-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are the two most common primary liver cancers, yet there have been no significant advances in effective therapeutics. There is an urgent need to identify molecular targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, glypican-3 (GPC3) and mesothelin are discussed, with a focus on their potential as targets for antibody therapy in liver cancer. GPC3 and mesothelin are glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins present on the cell surface. They are attractive candidates for liver cancer therapy given that GPC3 and mesothelin show high expression in HCC and CCA, respectively. Antibody drugs targeting GPC3 or mesothelin have shown anti-cancer activity in mice. Humanized or chimeric IgG molecules based on first-generation murine monoclonal antibodies against these antigens are being evaluated in clinical studies. Recently, fully human monoclonal antibodies against GPC3 and mesothelin have been isolated by antibody phage display technology that may provide opportunities for novel cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
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Allegretta M, Filmus J. Therapeutic potential of targeting glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2011; 11:543-8. [PMID: 21554204 DOI: 10.2174/187152011796011109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a developmentally-regulated oncofetal protein that has been established as a clinically-relevant biomarker for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is one of the first transcripts to appear during malignant hepatocyte transformation, and is expressed at the protein level in approximately half of high-grade dysplastic macronodules in cirrhotic liver. Several studies show it is expressed in most (75 to 100%) of HCCs confirmed by histopathology. The protein is anchored to the hepatocyte membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor and shows consistent membrane immunostaining pattern, making it a viable target for immunotherapeutic approaches. Targeting GPC3 for therapeutic intervention is a promising approach for the clinical management of HCC and selected other tumors that express the marker.
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Nambotin SB, Wands JR, Kim M. Points of therapeutic intervention along the Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2011; 11:549-59. [PMID: 21554202 DOI: 10.2174/187152011796011019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. However, there is little known about targeted therapeutics for the treatment of this devastating tumor. Among the growth factor signaling cascades deregulated in HCC, evidences suggest that the WNT/Frizzled-mediated signaling pathway plays a key role in the hepatic carcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of the signaling in HCC is mostly due to deregulated expression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling components. This leads to the activation of the β-catenin/TCF dependent target genes, which controls cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis or motility. It has been shown that disruption of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade displayed anti-cancer properties in HCC. Currently, no therapeutic molecules targeting the WNT pathway are available or under clinical evaluation for the treatment of HCC. This review will discuss the identified potential molecular targets related to the canonical WNT signaling pathway and their potential therapeutic usefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Nambotin
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Gao W, Ho M. The role of glypican-3 in regulating Wnt in hepatocellular carcinomas. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2011; 1:14-19. [PMID: 22563565 PMCID: PMC3343874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is highly expressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and a growing body of evidence supports the role of GPC3 in HCC pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent developments regarding the regulation of GPC3 in HCC and provide insight about GPC3 as a potential therapeutic target in liver cancer. One of the most well studied pathways related to the biological functions of GPC3 is the Wnt signaling pathway. GPC3 may form a complex with Wnt and stimulates HCC growth. GPC3 does this by facilitating and/or stabilizing the interaction between Wnt and Frizzled, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways. This signaling complex is also affected by Sulfatase 2 (SULF2), a heparin-degrading endosulfatase. Removing the sulfate groups from GPC3 enhances Wnt signaling and HCC proliferation suggesting that GPC3, Wnts and SULF2 may be part of "a glypican-Wnt/growth factor complex", which may determine cell growth, differentiation and migration. Given the high expression of GPC3 in HCC, GPC3 has been suggested as a potential target for antibody-based therapy for liver cancer. A monoclonal antibody (GC33) is being evaluated in clinical studies as a single agent or in combination with Sorafenib to treat patients with advanced or metastatic HCC. Ongoing clinical trials will help define the utility of GPC3 as a novel target for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Ho M, Kim H. Glypican-3: a new target for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Cancer 2010; 47:333-8. [PMID: 21112773 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a common malignant cancer worldwide. There is an urgent need to identify new molecular targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Herein, we review the structure, function and biology of glypican-3 (GPC3) and its role in human cancer with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic target for immunotherapy. GPC3 is a cell-surface protein that is over-expressed in HCC. Loss-of-function mutations of GPC3 cause Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS), a rare X-linked overgrowth condition. GPC3 binds Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) signalling proteins. GPC3 is also able to bind basic growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor 2 through its heparan sulphate glycan chains. GPC3 is a promising candidate for liver cancer therapy given that it shows high expression in HCC. An anti-GPC3 monoclonal antibody has shown anti-cancer activity in mice and its humanised IgG molecule is currently undergoing clinical evaluation in patients with HCC. There is also evidence that soluble GPC3 may be a useful serum biomarker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
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