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Steen EA, Basilaia M, Kim W, Getz T, Gustafson JL, Zage PE. Targeting the RET tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma: A review and application of a novel selective drug design strategy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115751. [PMID: 37595672 PMCID: PMC10911250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115751] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The RET (REarranged during Transfection) gene, which encodes for a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, is an established oncogene associated with the etiology and progression of multiple types of cancer. Oncogenic RET mutations and rearrangements resulting in gene fusions have been identified in many adult cancers, including medullary and papillary thyroid cancers, lung adenocarcinomas, colon and breast cancers, and many others. While genetic RET aberrations are much less common in pediatric solid tumors, increased RET expression has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in children with solid tumors such as neuroblastoma, prompting an interest in RET inhibition as a form of therapy for these children. A number of kinase inhibitors currently in use for patients with cancer have RET inhibitory activity, but these inhibitors also display activity against other kinases, resulting in unwanted side effects and limiting their safety and efficacy. Recent efforts have been focused on developing more specific RET inhibitors, but due to high levels of conservation between kinase binding pockets, specificity remains a drug design challenge. Here, we review the background of RET as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma tumors and the results of recent preclinical studies and clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of RET inhibition in adults and children. We also present a novel approach to drug discovery leveraging the chemical phenomenon of atropisomerism to develop specific RET inhibitors and present preliminary data demonstrating the efficacy of a novel RET inhibitor against neuroblastoma tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Steen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mariam Basilaia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - William Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Taelor Getz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jeffrey L Gustafson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
| | - Peter E Zage
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA.
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2
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Nguyen TM, Ngoc DTM, Choi JH, Lee CH. Unveiling the Neural Environment in Cancer: Exploring the Role of Neural Circuit Players and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2023; 12:1996. [PMID: 37566075 PMCID: PMC10417274 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of the immune environment within the tumor microenvironment has provided new opportunities for cancer treatment. However, an important microenvironment surrounding cancer that is often overlooked despite its significance in cancer progression is the neural environment surrounding the tumor. The release of neurotrophic factors from cancer cells is implicated in cancer growth and metastasis by facilitating the infiltration of nerve cells into the tumor microenvironment. This nerve-tumor interplay can elicit cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in response to neurotransmitters. Moreover, it is possible that cancer cells could establish a network resembling that of neurons, allowing them to communicate with one another through neurotransmitters. The expression levels of players in the neural circuits of cancers could serve as potential biomarkers for cancer aggressiveness. Notably, the upregulation of certain players in the neural circuit has been linked to poor prognosis in specific cancer types such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and stomach cancer. Targeting these players with inhibitors holds great potential for reducing the morbidity and mortality of these carcinomas. However, the efficacy of anti-neurogenic agents in cancer therapy remains underexplored, and further research is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness as a novel approach for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of players in the neural circuits of cancers and the potential of anti-neurogenic agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Minh Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
| | - Dinh Thi Minh Ngoc
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
| | - Jung-Hye Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
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3
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Tumor-associated macrophage-derived GDNF promotes gastric cancer liver metastasis via a GFRA1-modulated autophagy flux. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:315-330. [PMID: 36808605 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00751-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Liver metastasis, a lethal malignancy of gastric cancer (GC) patients, execrably impairs their prognosis. As yet, however, few studies have been designed to identify the driving molecules during its formation, except screening evidence pausing before their functions or mechanisms. Here, we aimed to survey a key driving event within the invasive margin of liver metastases. METHODS A metastatic GC tissue microarray was used for exploring malignant events during liver-metastasis formation, followed by assessing the expression patterns of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRA1). Their oncogenic functions were determined by both loss- and gain-of-function studies in vitro and in vivo, and validated by rescue experiments. Multiple cell biological studies were performed to identify the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS In the invasive margin, GFRA1 was identified as a pivotal molecule involved in cellular survival during liver metastasis formation, and we found that its oncogenic role depends on tumor associated macrophage (TAM)-derived GDNF. In addition, we found that the GDNF-GFRA1 axis protects tumor cells from apoptosis under metabolic stress via regulating lysosomal functions and autophagy flux, and participates in the regulation of cytosolic calcium ion signalling in a RET-independent and non-canonical way. CONCLUSION From our data we conclude that TAMs, homing around metastatic nests, induce the autophagy flux of GC cells and promote the development of liver metastasis via GDNF-GFRA1 signalling. This is expected to improve the comprehension of metastatic pathogenesis and to provide a novel direction of research and translational strategies for the treatment of metastatic GC patients.
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Increased Expression of the Δ133p53β Isoform Enhances Brain Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021267. [PMID: 36674782 PMCID: PMC9866425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Δ133p53β isoform is increased in many primary tumors and has many tumor-promoting properties that contribute to increased proliferation, migration and inflammation. Here we investigated whether Δ133p53β contributed to some of the most aggressive tumors that had metastasized to the brain. Δ133p53β mRNA expression was measured in lung, breast, melanoma, colorectal metastases and, where available, the matched primary tumor. The presence of Δ133p53β expression was associated with the time for the primary tumor to metastasize and overall survival once the tumor was detected in the brain. Δ133p53β was present in over 50% of lung, breast, melanoma and colorectal metastases to the brain. It was also increased in the brain metastases compared with the matched primary tumor. Brain metastases with Δ133p53β expressed were associated with a reduced time for the primary tumor to metastasize to the brain compared with tumors with no Δ133p53β expression. In-vitro-based analyses in Δ133p53β-expressing cells showed increased cancer-promoting proteins on the cell surface and increased downstream p-AKT and p-MAPK signaling. Δ133p53β-expressing cells also invaded more readily across a mock blood-brain barrier. Together these data suggested that Δ133p53β contributes to brain metastases by making cells more likely to invade the brain.
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5
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Silverman DA, Martinez VK, Dougherty PM, Myers JN, Calin GA, Amit M. Cancer-Associated Neurogenesis and Nerve-Cancer Cross-talk. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1431-1440. [PMID: 33334813 PMCID: PMC7969424 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we highlight recent discoveries regarding mechanisms contributing to nerve-cancer cross-talk and the effects of nerve-cancer cross-talk on tumor progression and dissemination. High intratumoral nerve density correlates with poor prognosis and high recurrence across multiple solid tumor types. Recent research has shown that cancer cells express neurotrophic markers such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and release axon-guidance molecules such as ephrin B1 to promote axonogenesis. Tumor cells recruit new neural progenitors to the tumor milieu and facilitate their maturation into adrenergic infiltrating nerves. Tumors also rewire established nerves to adrenergic phenotypes via exosome-induced neural reprogramming by p53-deficient tumors. In turn, infiltrating sympathetic nerves facilitate cancer progression. Intratumoral adrenergic nerves release noradrenaline to stimulate angiogenesis via VEGF signaling and enhance the rate of tumor growth. Intratumoral parasympathetic nerves may have a dichotomous role in cancer progression and may induce Wnt-β-catenin signals that expand cancer stem cells. Importantly, infiltrating nerves not only influence the tumor cells themselves but also impact other cells of the tumor stroma. This leads to enhanced sympathetic signaling and glucocorticoid production, which influences neutrophil and macrophage differentiation, lymphocyte phenotype, and potentially lymphocyte function. Although much remains unexplored within this field, fundamental discoveries underscore the importance of nerve-cancer cross-talk to tumor progression and may provide the foundation for developing effective targets for the inhibition of tumor-induced neurogenesis and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Silverman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vena K Martinez
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Liu L, Zhao L, Zhang J, Song G, Shields CL, Wei R. Aberrantly expressed GFRα-1/RET in patients with lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma is associated with high recurrence risk: a retrospective study of 51 LACC cases. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 18:199-205. [PMID: 33628594 PMCID: PMC7877180 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2020.0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Because of the poor prognosis of lacrimal adenoid cystic carcinoma (LACC), we aimed to investigate the effects of perineural invasion (PNI) and consequent aberrations in GDNF/GFRα-1/RET protein expression on LACC recurrence. Methods: Clinicopathological data for 51 histologically confirmed patients with LACC enrolled between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to assess PNI. Tissue-based immunohistochemistry (IHC) detection of GDNF, GFRα-1, and RET proteins was performed on LACC formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. We generated semi-quantitative data of the IHC results and compared them with the clinicopathological data for the 51 patients. Results: Of the 51 patients, 19 (37.3%) were PNI positive. Recurrence was more common for LACC with than without PNI (73.7% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.01). GDNF, GFRα-1, and RET proteins were expressed in 62.7%, 62.7%, and 54.9% of the 51 patients with LACC, respectively. The expression of all 3 proteins was more common in patients with than without PNI. In agreement with previous findings, PNI-associated GFRα-1 and RET positivity, as detected by IHC, remained significantly associated with recurrence, whereas GDNF expression, as detected by IHC, was not correlated with LACC recurrence. Specifically, patients with concurrent GFRα-1 and RET expression may have a high risk of PNI (89.5% positivity rate) and recurrence (84.2% positivity rate). Conclusions: PNI may contribute to LACC recurrence. The concurrent expression of GFRα-1 and RET proteins, as detected by IHC, may potentially be associated with LACC PNI and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Liqiong Zhao
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Tianjin Orbit Institute, Ophthalmology Department, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Guoxiang Song
- Tianjin Orbit Institute, Ophthalmology Department, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Carol L Shields
- Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, PA, USA
| | - Ruihua Wei
- Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, China
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Chavez B, Farmaki E, Zhang Y, Altomare D, Hao J, Soltnamohammadi E, Shtutman M, Chatzistamou I, Kiaris H. A strategy for the identification of paracrine regulators of cancer cell migration. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1758-1763. [PMID: 32585033 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that the correlation of the whole transcriptome with quantifiable phenotypes may unveil genes contributing to the regulation of the corresponding response. We tested this hypothesis in cultured fibroblasts exposed to diverse pharmacological and biological agents, to identify genes influencing chemoattraction of breast cancer cells. Our analyses revealed several genes that correlated, either positively or negatively with cell migration, suggesting that they may operate as activators or inhibitors of this process. Survey of the scientific literature showed that genes exhibiting positive or negative association with cell migration had frequently been linked to cancer and metastasis before, while those with minimal association were not. The current methodology may formulate the basis for the development of novel strategies linking genes to quantifiable phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Chavez
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elena Farmaki
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Youwen Zhang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Diego Altomare
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ji Hao
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elham Soltnamohammadi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michael Shtutman
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hippokratis Kiaris
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.,Peromyscus Genetic Stock Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Choi YD, Jung JY, Baek M, Khan S, Song PI, Ryu S, Koo JY, Chauhan SC, Tsin A, Choi C, Kim WJ, Kim M. APE1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Proliferation through GFRα1/Src/ERK Axis-Cascade Signaling in Response to GDNF. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3586. [PMID: 32438692 PMCID: PMC7279477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the worst exocrine gastrointestinal cancer leading to the highest mortality. Recent studies reported that aberrant expression of apurinic/apyrimidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APE1) is involved in uncontrolled cell growth. However, the molecular mechanism of APE1 biological role remains unrevealed in pancreatic cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that APE1 accelerates pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)/glial factor receptor α1 (GFRα1)/Src/ERK axis-cascade signaling. The proliferation of endogenous APE1 expressed-MIA PaCa-2, a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line, was increased by treatment with GDNF, a ligand of GFRα1. Either of downregulated APE1 or GFRα1 expression using small interference RNA (siRNA) inhibited GDNF-induced cancer cell proliferation. The MEK-1 inhibitor PD98059 decreased GDNF-induced MIA PaCa-2 cell proliferation. Src inactivation by either its siRNA or Src inhibitor decreased ERK-phosphorylation in response to GDNF in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Overexpression of GFRα1 in APE1-deficient MIA PaCa-2 cells activated the phosphorylation of Src and ERK. The expression of both APE1 and GFRα1 was gradually increased as progressing pancreatic cancer grades. Our results highlight a critical role for APE1 in GDNF-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through APE1/GFRα1/Src/ERK axis-cascade signaling and provide evidence for future potential therapeutic drug targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Duk Choi
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61186, Korea; (Y.-D.C.); (J.-Y.K.)
| | - Ji-Yeon Jung
- Dental Science Research Institute, Medical Research Center for Biomineralization Disorders, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
| | - Minwoo Baek
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55812, USA;
| | - Sheema Khan
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (S.K.); (S.C.C.)
| | - Peter I. Song
- Department of Molecular Science, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (P.I.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Sunhyo Ryu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Joo-Yeon Koo
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61186, Korea; (Y.-D.C.); (J.-Y.K.)
| | - Subhash C. Chauhan
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (S.K.); (S.C.C.)
| | - Andrew Tsin
- Department of Molecular Science, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (P.I.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Chan Choi
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun 58128, Korea;
| | - Won Jae Kim
- Dental Science Research Institute, Medical Research Center for Biomineralization Disorders, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
| | - Mihwa Kim
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61186, Korea; (Y.-D.C.); (J.-Y.K.)
- Dental Science Research Institute, Medical Research Center for Biomineralization Disorders, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea;
- Department of Molecular Science, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; (P.I.S.); (A.T.)
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9
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Saloman JL, Singhi AD, Hartman DJ, Normolle DP, Albers KM, Davis BM. Systemic Depletion of Nerve Growth Factor Inhibits Disease Progression in a Genetically Engineered Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Pancreas 2018; 47:856-863. [PMID: 29975347 PMCID: PMC6044729 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), increased expression of proinflammatory neurotrophic growth factors (eg, nerve growth factor [NGF]) correlates with a poorer prognosis, perineural invasion, and, with regard to NGF, pain severity. We hypothesized that NGF sequestration would reduce inflammation and disease in the KPC mouse model of PDAC. METHODS Following biweekly injections of NGF antibody or control immunoglobulin G, beginning at 4 or 8 weeks of age, inflammation and disease stage were assessed using histological, protein expression, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. RESULTS In the 8-week anti-NGF group, indicators of neurogenic inflammation in the dorsal root ganglia (substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide) and spinal cord (glial fibrillary acidic protein) were significantly reduced. In the 4-week anti-NGF group, TRPA1 mRNA in dorsal root ganglia and spinal phosphorylated ERK protein were elevated, but glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was unaffected. In the 8-week anti-NGF group, there was a 40% reduction in the proportion of mice with microscopic perineural invasion, and no macrometastases were observed. CONCLUSIONS Anti-NGF treatment beginning at 4 weeks may increase inflammation and negatively impact disease. Treatment starting at 8 weeks (after disease onset), however, reduces neural inflammation, neural invasion, and metastasis. These data indicate that NGF impacts PDAC progression and metastasis in a temporally dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jami L. Saloman
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Aatur D. Singhi
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Douglas J. Hartman
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Daniel P. Normolle
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Kathryn M. Albers
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Brian M. Davis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
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10
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Ayanlaja AA, Zhang B, Ji G, Gao Y, Wang J, Kanwore K, Gao D. The reversible effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the human brain. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 53:212-222. [PMID: 30059726 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent survival factor, and a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily acting on different neuronal activities. GDNF was originally identified as a neurotrophic factor crucially involved in the survival of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal pathway and is currently an established therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease. However, GDNF was later reported to be highly expressed in gliomas, especially in glioblastomas, and was demonstrated as a potent proliferation factor involved in the development and migration of gliomas. Here, we review our current understanding and progress made so far by researchers in our laboratories with references to relevant articles to support our discoveries. We present past and recent discoveries on the mechanisms involved in the protection of neurons by GDNF and examine its emerging roles in gliomas, as well as reasons for the abnormal expression in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Collectively, our work establishes a paradigm by which the ability of GDNF to protect dopaminergic neurons from degradation and its corresponding effects on glioma cells points to an underlying biological vulnerability in the effects of GDNF in the normal brain which can be subverted for use by cancer cells. Hence, presenting novel opportunities for intervention in glioma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiola Abdulrahman Ayanlaja
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baole Zhang
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - GuangQuan Ji
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kouminin Kanwore
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - DianShuai Gao
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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11
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Fielder GC, Yang TWS, Razdan M, Li Y, Lu J, Perry JK, Lobie PE, Liu DX. The GDNF Family: A Role in Cancer? Neoplasia 2018; 20:99-117. [PMID: 29245123 PMCID: PMC5730419 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands (GFLs) comprising of GDNF, neurturin, artemin, and persephin plays an important role in the development and maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous system, renal morphogenesis, and spermatogenesis. Here we review our current understanding of GFL biology, and supported by recent progress in the area, we examine their emerging role in endocrine-related and other non-hormone-dependent solid neoplasms. The ability of GFLs to elicit actions that resemble those perturbed in an oncogenic phenotype, alongside mounting evidence of GFL involvement in tumor progression, presents novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahalakshmi Razdan
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yan Li
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jo K Perry
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Xu Liu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Baspinar S, Bircan S, Ciris M, Karahan N, Bozkurt KK. Expression of NGF, GDNF and MMP-9 in prostate carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2017; 213:483-489. [PMID: 28237042 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of NGF, GDNF and MMP-9 in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) and prostate cancer (PC), and to analyse their association with the clinicopathological parameters in PC cases. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the tissue microarray (TMA) sections of 30 BPH, 40 HGPIN and 121 primary PC tissues. There was a significant difference regarding the expression of NGF and GDNF between PC and HGPIN (p<0.0001; p<0.0001), and PC and BPH (p=0.001; p<0.0001), but not between HGPIN and BPH (p>0.05). Furthermore MMP-9 expression was significantly different among all groups (PC vs. HGPIN, p<0.0001; PC vs. BPH, p<0.0001; HGPIN vs. BPH, p=0.001). NGF, GDNF and MMP-9 expression was significantly stronger in cases with high Gleason score (p<0.0001, p=0.004, p<0.0001 respectively) and pT stage (p=0.046, p=0.004, p=0.001, respectively) in PC cases. All these markers were also associated with perineural, lymphovascular and extraprostatic invasion (p <0.05). In addition, a positive correlation was found between NGF and MMP-9 (p<0.0001, r=0.435), NGF and GDNF (p<0.0001, r=0.634), and GDNF and MMP-9 (p<0.0001, r=0.670) in PC cases. According to our results we suggest an interaction between NGF, GDNF and MMP-9 during the transition to malignancy in PC. Also this interaction may involve in regulating PC cell differentiation, tumor invasion, progression, and the agressiveness of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirin Baspinar
- Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Isparta, Turkey.
| | - Sema Bircan
- Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Metin Ciris
- Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Nermin Karahan
- Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Kemal Kursat Bozkurt
- Suleyman Demirel University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Isparta, Turkey
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Yan D, Liu X, Guo SW. Nerve fibers and endometriotic lesions: partners in crime in inflicting pains in women with endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 209:14-24. [PMID: 27418559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One of major objectives in treating endometriosis is to alleviate pain since dysmenorrhea and other types of pain top the list of complaints from women with endometriosis who seek medical attention. Indeed, endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) is the most debilitating of the disease that negatively impacts on the quality of life in affected women, contributing significantly to the burden of disease and adding to the substantial personal and societal costs. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying the EAP are still poorly understood. In the last two decades, one active research field in endometriosis is the investigation on the distribution and genesis of nerve fibers in eutopic and ectopic endometrium, and the attempt to use endometrial nerve fiber density for diagnostic purpose. Since EAP presumably starts with the terminal sensory nerves, in or around endometriotic lesions, that transduce noxious mediators to the central nervous system (CNS) which ultimately perceives pain, this field of research holds the promise to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the EAP, thus opening new avenues for novel diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we shall first briefly provide some basic facts on nerve fibers, and then provide an overview of some major findings in this filed while also note some conflicting results and expose areas in need of further research. We point out that since recently accumulated evidence suggests that endometriotic lesions are wounds undergoing repeated tissue injury and repair, the relationship between endometriotic lesions and nerve fibers is not simply unidirectional, i.e. lesions promote hyperinnervations. Rather, it is bidirectional, i.e. endometriotic lesions and nerve fibers engage active cross-talks, resulting in the development of endometriosis and pain. That is, nerve fibers and endometriotic lesions are actually partners in crime in inflicting pains in women with endometriosis, aided and abetted possibly by other culprits, some yet to be identified. We provide a list of possible perpetrators likely to be involved in this crime. Finally, we discuss possible implications when viewing the relationship from this vista.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingmin Yan
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xishi Liu
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun-Wei Guo
- Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Perineural growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a review. Oral Oncol 2014; 51:16-23. [PMID: 25456006 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Perineural growth is a unique route of tumor metastasis that is associated with poor prognosis in several solid malignancies. It is diagnosed by the presence of tumor cells inside the neural space seen on histological or imaging evaluations. Little is known about molecular mechanisms involved in the growth and spread of tumor cells in neural spaces. The poor prognosis associated with perineural growth and lack of targeted approaches necessitates the study of molecular factors involved in communication between tumor and neural cells. Perineural growth rates, shown to be as high as 63% in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), correlate with increased local recurrence and decreased disease-free survival. Here we describe the literature on perineural growth in HNSCC. In addition, we discuss factors implicated in perineural growth of cancer. These factors include brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 and -4, glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), substance P (SP), and chemokines. We also explore the literature on membrane receptors, including the Trk family and the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor. This review highlights areas for further study of the mechanisms of perineural invasion which may facilitate the identification of therapeutic targets in HNSCC.
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Naderi E, Mostafaei M, Pourshams A, Mohamadkhani A. Network of microRNAs-mRNAs interactions in pancreatic cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:534821. [PMID: 24895587 PMCID: PMC4033392 DOI: 10.1155/2014/534821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules that regulate the expression of certain genes through interaction with mRNA targets and are mainly involved in human cancer. This study was conducted to make the network of miRNAs-mRNAs interactions in pancreatic cancer as the fourth leading cause of cancer death. METHODS 56 miRNAs that were exclusively expressed and 1176 genes that were downregulated or silenced in pancreas cancer were extracted from beforehand investigations. MiRNA-mRNA interactions data analysis and related networks were explored using MAGIA tool and Cytoscape 3 software. Functional annotations of candidate genes in pancreatic cancer were identified by DAVID annotation tool. RESULTS This network is made of 217 nodes for mRNA, 15 nodes for miRNA, and 241 edges that show 241 regulations between 15 miRNAs and 217 target genes. The miR-24 was the most significantly powerful miRNA that regulated series of important genes. ACVR2B, GFRA1, and MTHFR were significant target genes were that downregulated. CONCLUSION Although the collected previous data seems to be a treasure trove, there was no study simultaneous to analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs interaction. Network of miRNA-mRNA interactions will help to corroborate experimental remarks and could be used to refine miRNA target predictions for developing new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Naderi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mostafaei
- Biotechnology Engineering, Islamic Azad University,Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Pourshams
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Mohamadkhani
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Huang SM, Chen TS, Chiu CM, Chang LK, Liao KF, Tan HM, Yeh WL, Chang GRL, Wang MY, Lu DY. GDNF increases cell motility in human colon cancer through VEGF-VEGFR1 interaction. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:73-84. [PMID: 24165321 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a potent neurotrophic factor, has been shown to affect cancer cell metastasis and invasion. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying GDNF-induced colon cancer cell migration remain unclear. GDNF is found to be positively correlated with malignancy in human colon cancer patients. The migratory activities of two human colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480, were found to be enhanced in the presence of human GDNF. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was also increased in response to GDNF stimulation, along with VEGF mRNA expression and transcriptional activity. The enhancement of GDNF-induced cancer cell migration was antagonized by a VEGF-neutralizing antibody. Our results also showed that the expression of VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1) was increased in response to GDNF stimulation, whereas GDNF-induced cancer cell migration was reduced by a VEGFR inhibitor. The GDNF-induced VEGF expression was regulated by the p38 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Treatment with GDNF increased nuclear hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α) accumulation and its transcriptional activity in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, GDNF increased hypoxia responsive element (HRE)-containing VEGF promoter transcriptional activity but not that of the HRE-deletion VEGF promoter construct. Inhibition of HIF1α by a pharmacological inhibitor or dominant-negative mutant reduced the GDNF-induced migratory activity in human colon cancer cells. These results indicate that GDNF enhances the migration of colon cancer cells by increasing VEGF-VEGFR interaction, which is mainly regulated by the p38, PI3K/Akt, and HIF1α signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ssu-Ming Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan Preventive Medicine Center, Department of Community Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan Departments of Pathology Internal Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Department of Medical Research, Cancer Research Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Neural and Cognitive Sciences, China Medical University, No.91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan
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Wang K, Demir IE, D'Haese JG, Tieftrunk E, Kujundzic K, Schorn S, Xing B, Kehl T, Friess H, Ceyhan GO. The neurotrophic factor neurturin contributes toward an aggressive cancer cell phenotype, neuropathic pain and neuronal plasticity in pancreatic cancer. Carcinogenesis 2013; 35:103-13. [PMID: 24067900 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Neurotrophic factors possess an emerging role in the pathophysiology of several gastrointestinal disorders, regulating innervation, pain sensation and disease-associated neuroplasticity. Here, we aimed at characterizing the role of the neurotrophic factor neurturin (NRTN) and its receptor glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-2 (GFRα-2) in pancreatic cancer (PCa) and pancreatic neuropathy. For this purpose, NRTN and GFRα-2 were studied in normal human pancreas and PCa tissues via immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and correlated to abdominal pain. The impact of NRTN/GFRα-2 on PCa cell (PCC) biology was investigated via exposure to hypoxia, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide viability and matrigel invasion assays in native and specific small interfering RNA-silenced PCCs. To assess the influence of NRTN on pancreatic neuroplasticity and neural invasion (NI), its impact was explored via an in vitro 'neuroplasticity assay' and a 3D neural migration assay. NRTN and GFRα-2 demonstrated a site-specific upregulation in PCa, predominantly in nerves, PCCs and extracellular matrix. Patients with severe pain demonstrated higher intraneural GFRα-2 immunoreactivity than patients with no pain. PCa tissue and PCCs contained increased amounts of NRTN, which was suppressed under hypoxia. NRTN promoted PCC invasiveness, and silencing of NRTN limited both PCC proliferation and invasion. Depletion of NRTN from PCa tissue extracts and PCC supernatants decreased axonal sprouting in neuronal cultures but did not influence glial density. Silencing of NRTN in PCCs boosted NI. We conclude that increased NRTN/GFRα-2 in PCa seems to promote an aggressive PCC phenotype and neuroplasticity in PCa. Accelerated NI following NRTN suppression constitutes a novel explanation for the attraction of PCC to nerves in the hypoxic PCa tumor microenvironment. SUMMARY PCa is characterized by intrapancreatic neuroplasticity and NI. Here, we show that PCC produce the neurotrophic factor NRTN, which reinforces their biological properties, triggers neuroplastic alterations, NI and influences pain sensation via the GFRα-2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, Munich D-81675, Germany and
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Chuang JY, Tsai CF, Chang SW, Chiang IP, Huang SM, Lin HY, Yeh WL, Lu DY. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor induces cell migration in human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2013; 49:1103-12. [PMID: 24070603 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 08/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Perineural invasion is a prominent clinical feature of various cancers, which causes difficulty in curative resection. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a potent neurotrophic factor, plays an important role in the invasive and metastatic behavior of various cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the role of GDNF on oral squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS GDNF expression in tissue samples was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Transwell assay, zymography, Western blot, reverse transcription-PCR, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were carried out to assess the effects of GDNF on oral cancer cells. RESULTS Human oral cancer tissues showed higher GDNF expression than that in normal tissues. We also found that application of human GDNF enhanced the cell migration ability of human oral cancers. Moreover, treatment with GDNF increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-13 expression in oral cancer. Inhibition of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in oral cancer cells by pharmacological inhibitors or neutralizing antibodies reduced GDNF-enhanced cell migration. Moreover, transfection with siRNA against MMP-13 inhibited GDNF-enhanced cell migration. Treatment with GDNF also increased ERK, p38 and JNK phosphorylation, and AP-1 DNA binding activity in human oral cancer cells. Inhibition of MAP kinase or AP-1 also reduced GDNF-induced oral cancer cell migration. In migration-prone sublines, oral cancer cells showed a higher migration ability than that of the original oral cancer cells. Surprisingly, the enhancement of cell migratory activity in migration-prone sublines was reduced by a GDNF-neutralizing antibody. Importantly, migration-prone sublines of oral cancer revealed higher GDNF expression. CONCLUSION These results indicate a regulatory effect on cell migration by GDNF in oral squamous cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yuan Chuang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Association study of integrins beta 1 and beta 2 gene polymorphism and papillary thyroid cancer. Am J Surg 2013; 205:631-5. [PMID: 23388428 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2012.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of integrin beta 1 (ITGB1) and integrin beta 2 (ITGB2) contribute to the development of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). METHODS Two synonymous SNPs (rs2230396 and rs2298141) of ITGB1 and 1 synonymous SNP (rs2352326), 1 5' URT-region SNP (rs2070947), and 1 promoter SNP (rs2070946) of ITGB2 SNPs were genotyped using direct sequencing in 94 patients with PTC and 213 healthy controls. Genetic data were analyzed using SNPStats (http://bioinfo.iconcologia.net/SNPstats), Helix Tree (Golden Helix Inc, Bozeman, MT), and SNPAnalyzer (ISTECH Corp, Goyang City, Republic of Korea). RESULTS The promoter SNP (rs2070946) of ITGB2 was significantly associated with the development of PTC (dominant model, log-additive model). The G allele frequencies of the promoter SNP (rs2070946) of ITBG2 in patients with PTC (19.9%) were increased by about 2-fold compared with controls (10.2%). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a promoter SNP (rs2070946) of ITGB2 might be associated with a risk of PTC.
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Tod J, Jenei V, Thomas G, Fine D. Tumor-stromal interactions in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatology 2012; 13:1-7. [PMID: 23395563 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2012.11.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma has one of the worse prognoses of any cancer with a 5-year survival of only 3%. Pancreatic cancer displays one of the most prominent stromal reactions of all tumors and it is evident that this is a key contributing factor to disease outcome. The tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer harbors a wide spectrum of cell types and a complex network of mechanisms which all serve to promote tumor progression. It is clear that the symbiotic relationship between pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells is the chief factor creating this unique tumor milieu. Pancreatic stellate cells play critical roles in evasion of cancer cell apoptosis, invasion and metastases, angiogenesis, and promotion of an immunosuppressive environment, all key hallmarks of malignancy. Existing treatments for pancreatic cancer focus on targeting the cancer cells rather than the whole tumor, of which cancer cells represent a small proportion. It is now increasingly evident that research targeted towards the interactions between these cell types, ideally at an early stage of tumor development, is imperative in order to propel the way forward to more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Tod
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Somers Building, University of Southampton School of Medicine, Tremona Rd., Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Demir IE, Friess H, Ceyhan GO. Nerve-cancer interactions in the stromal biology of pancreatic cancer. Front Physiol 2012; 3:97. [PMID: 22529816 PMCID: PMC3327893 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Interaction of cancer cells with diverse cell types in the tumor stroma is today recognized to have a fate-determining role for the progression and outcome of human cancers. Despite the well-described interactions of cancer cells with several stromal components, i.e., inflammatory cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and pericytes, the investigation of their peculiar relationship with neural cells is still at its first footsteps. Pancreatic cancer (PCa) with its abundant stroma represents one of the best-studied examples of a malignant tumor with a mutually trophic interaction between cancer cells and the intratumoral nerves embedded in the desmoplastic stroma. Nerves in PCa are a rich source of neurotrophic factors like nerve growth factor (NGF), glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), artemin; of neuronal chemokines like fractalkine; and of autonomic neurotransmitters like norepinephrine which can all enhance the invasiveness of PCa cells via matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) upregulation, trigger neural invasion (NI), and activate pro-survival signaling pathways. Similarly, PCa cells themselves provide intrapancreatic nerves with abundant trophic agents which entail a remarkable neuroplasticity, leading to emergence of more routes for NI and cancer spread, to augmented local neuro-surveillance, neural sensitization, and neuropathic pain. The strong correlation of NI with PCa-associated desmoplasia suggests the potential presence of a triangular relationship between nerves, PCa cells, and other stromal partners like myofibroblasts and pancreatic stellate cells which generate tumor desmoplasia. Hence, although not a classical hallmark of human cancers, nerve-cancer interactions can be considered as an indispensable sub-class of cancer-stroma interactions in PCa. The present article provides an overview of the so far known nerve-cancer interactions in PCa and illustrates their ominous role in the stromal biology of human PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München Munich, Germany
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Liu H, Li X, Xu Q, Lv S, Li J, Ma Q. Role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in perineural invasion of pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2012; 1826:112-20. [PMID: 22503821 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the initial infiltration of tumor cells into the retroperitoneal nerve plexus and along the nerves. It precludes curative resection, is thought to be the major cause of local recurrence following resection, and is a special metastatic route in pancreatic cancer. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was recently recognized as a key player in the PNI process. This review covers the most recently published studies on the role of GDNF in pancreatic cancer. We introduce the players in PNI, summarize the distribution of GDNF and its receptors in pancreatic cancer, and discuss the effects and underlying mechanism of GDNF in the PNI process. Finally, we also review some potential inhibitors for GDNF-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
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Wagner SM, Zhu S, Nicolescu AC, Mulligan LM. Molecular mechanisms of RET receptor-mediated oncogenesis in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2012; 67 Suppl 1:77-84. [PMID: 22584710 PMCID: PMC3328826 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2012(sup01)14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is an inherited cancer syndrome characterized by tumors of thyroid and adrenal tissues. Germline mutations of the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, leading to its unregulated activation, are the underlying cause of this disease. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 has been a model in clinical cancer genetics, demonstrating how knowledge of the genetic basis can shape the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Here, we discuss the nature and effects of the most common recurrent mutations of RET found in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of RET mutations and how they alter the structure and function of the RET protein leading to its aberrant activation, and the effects on RET localization and signaling are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona M Wagner
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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RET-protooncogene variants in patients with sporadic neoplasms of the digestive tract and the central nervous system. Int J Colorectal Dis 2011; 26:835-40. [PMID: 21311890 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-011-1150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The RET protooncogene plays a crucial role in neural crest development; accordingly, mutations of RET cause MEN2A and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma, while the expression deregulation of RET is involved in the pathophysiology of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and pancreatic cancer (PDAC). The aim of this study was to evaluate if germline variants of the RET protooncogene are associated with GBM, pancreatic cancer and gastric cancer (GC). METHODS Genomic DNA from peripheral blood was isolated from 100 patients with GBM, 65 patients with GC and 54 patients with PDAC. The coding sequence of RET promoter, exon 2 and exon 13 was amplified. Sequence variations at -5 and -1 in the promotor and in exon 2 were determined through a LightCycler assay, and analysis of exon 13 was carried out by genomic sequencing. RESULTS There was no significant association of the RET-promoter or exon 2 genotypes with the phenotype in the different populations, although there was an increase of the GG genotype of the -5G>A variant in all cancers compared to controls. Sequencing of exon 13 identified mutation c.2372A>T in codon 791 (Y791F) in heterozygous state in one of 100 GBM patients, in two of 65 patients with gastric cancer, in two of 54 PDAC patients and in none of the controls. CONCLUSIONS Although our data did not reach significance in our small cohorts, we cannot rule out the involvement of the -5G promoter allele and the c.2372A>T mutation in the development of the aforementioned tumours.
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Cockburn JG, Richardson DS, Gujral TS, Mulligan LM. RET-mediated cell adhesion and migration require multiple integrin subunits. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:E342-6. [PMID: 20702524 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is an important mediator of several human diseases, most notably of neuroendocrine cancers. These diseases are characterized by aberrant cell migration, a process tightly regulated by integrins. OBJECTIVE Our goals were to investigate the role of integrins in RET-mediated migration in two neoplastic cell models: the neural-derived cell line SH-SY5Y, and the papillary thyroid carcinoma cell line TPC-1. We also evaluated whether multiple integrin subunits have a role in RET-mediated cell migration. DESIGN We evaluated the expression and activation of integrins in response to RET activation using standard cell adhesion and migration (wound-healing) assays. We examined focal adhesion formation, using integrin-paxillin coimmunoprecipitations and immunofluorescence, as an indicator of integrin activity. RESULTS Our data indicate that β1 integrin (ITGB1) is expressed in both SH-SY5Y and TPC-1 cell lines and that these cells adhere strongly to matrices preferentially associated with ITGB1. We showed that RET can activate ITGB1, and that RET-induced cell adhesion and migration require ITGB1. Furthermore, we showed that β3 integrin (ITGB3) also plays a role in RET-mediated cell adhesion and migration in vitro and ITGB3 expression correlates with RET-mediated invasion in a mouse tumor xenograft model, suggesting that RET mediates the activity of multiple integrin subunits. CONCLUSIONS Our data are the first to show that multiple integrin subunits contribute to cell adhesion and migration downstream of RET, suggesting that coordinated signaling through these pathways is important for cell interactions with the microenvironment during tumor invasion and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica G Cockburn
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Lu DY, Leung YM, Cheung CW, Chen YR, Wong KL. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor induces cell migration and matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression in glioma cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 80:1201-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2010] [Revised: 06/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Tang JZ, Kong XJ, Kang J, Fielder GC, Steiner M, Perry JK, Wu ZS, Yin Z, Zhu T, Liu DX, Lobie PE. Artemin-stimulated progression of human non-small cell lung carcinoma is mediated by BCL2. Mol Cancer Ther 2010; 9:1697-708. [PMID: 20530713 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-09-1077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We herein show that Artemin (ARTN), one of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family of ligands, promotes progression of human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Oncomine data indicate that expression of components of the ARTN signaling pathway (ARTN, GFRA3, and RET) is increased in neoplastic compared with normal lung tissues; increased expression of ARTN in NSCLC also predicted metastasis to lymph nodes and a higher grade in certain NSCLC subtypes. Forced expression of ARTN stimulated survival, anchorage-independent, and three-dimensional Matrigel growth of NSCLC cell lines. ARTN increased BCL2 expression by transcriptional upregulation, and inhibition of BCL2 abrogated the oncogenic properties of ARTN in NSCLC cells. Forced expression of ARTN also enhanced migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Forced expression of ARTN in H1299 cells additionally resulted in larger xenograft tumors, which were highly proliferative, invasive, and metastatic. Concordantly, either small interfering RNA-mediated depletion or functional inhibition of endogenous ARTN with antibodies reduced oncogenicity and invasiveness of NSCLC cells. ARTN therefore mediates progression of NSCLC and may be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Zhong Tang
- Liggins Institute, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Gil Z, Cavel O, Kelly K, Brader P, Rein A, Gao SP, Carlson DL, Shah JP, Fong Y, Wong RJ. Paracrine regulation of pancreatic cancer cell invasion by peripheral nerves. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102:107-18. [PMID: 20068194 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djp456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability of cancer to infiltrate along nerves is a common clinical observation in pancreas, head and neck, prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal carcinomas. For these tumors, nerves may provide a conduit for local cancer progression into the central nervous system. Although neural invasion is associated with poor outcome, the mechanism that triggers it is unknown. METHODS We used an in vitro Matrigel dorsal root ganglion and pancreatic cancer cell coculture model to assess the dynamic interactions between nerves and cancer cell migration and the role of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). An in vivo murine sciatic nerve model was used to study how nerve invasion affects sciatic nerve function. RESULTS Nerves induced a polarized neurotrophic migration of cancer cells (PNMCs) along their axons, which was more efficient than in the absence of nerves (migration distance: mean = 187.1 microm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 148 to 226 microm vs 14.4 microm, 95% CI = 9.58 to 19.22 microm, difference = 143 microm; P < .001; n = 20). PNMC was induced by secretion of GDNF, via phosphorylation of the RET-Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Nerves from mice deficient in GDNF had reduced ability to attract cancer cells (nerve invasion index: wild type vs gdnf+/-, mean = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.77 vs 0.43, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.44; P < .001; n = 60-66). Tumor specimens excised from patients with neuroinvasive pancreatic carcinoma had higher expression of the GDNF receptors RET and GRFalpha1 as compared with normal tissue. Finally, systemic therapy with pyrazolopyrimidine-1, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the RET pathway, suppressed nerve invasion toward the spinal cord and prevented paralysis in mice. CONCLUSION These data provide evidence for paracrine regulation of pancreatic cancer invasion by nerves, which may have important implications for potential therapy directed against nerve invasion by cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziv Gil
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St, Tel Aviv, 64239, Israel.
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Takeno A, Takemasa I, Seno S, Yamasaki M, Motoori M, Miyata H, Nakajima K, Takiguchi S, Fujiwara Y, Nishida T, Okayama T, Matsubara K, Takenaka Y, Matsuda H, Monden M, Mori M, Doki Y. Gene Expression Profile Prospectively Predicts Peritoneal Relapse After Curative Surgery of Gastric Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2009; 17:1033-42. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-009-0854-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Ape1/Ref-1 induces glial cell-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) responsiveness by upregulating GDNF receptor alpha1 expression. Mol Cell Biol 2009; 29:2264-77. [PMID: 19188437 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01484-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (Ape1/Ref-1) dysregulation has been identified in several human tumors and in patients with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the function of Ape1/Ref-1 is unclear. We show here that Ape1/Ref-1 increases the expression of glial cell-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) receptor alpha1 (GFRalpha1), a key receptor for GDNF. Expression of Ape1/Ref-1 led to an increase in the GDNF responsiveness in human fibroblast. Ape1/Ref-1 induced GFRalpha1 transcription through enhanced binding of NF-kappaB complexes to the GFRalpha1 promoter. GFRalpha1 levels correlate proportionally with Ape1/Ref-1 in cancer cells. The knockdown of endogenous Ape1/Ref-1 in pancreatic cancer cells markedly suppressed GFRalpha1 expression and invasion in response to GNDF, while overexpression of GFRalpha1 restored invasion. In neuronal cells, the Ape1/Ref-1-mediated increase in GDNF responsiveness not only stimulated neurite outgrowth but also protected the cells from beta-amyloid peptide and oxidative stress. Our results show that Ape1/Ref-1 is a novel physiological regulator of GDNF responsiveness, and they also suggest that Ape1/Ref-1-induced GFRalpha1 expression may play important roles in pancreatic cancer progression and neuronal cell survival.
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Zeng Q, Cheng Y, Zhu Q, Yu Z, Wu X, Huang K, Zhou M, Han S, Zhang Q. The relationship between overexpression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and its RET receptor with progression and prognosis of human pancreatic cancer. J Int Med Res 2008; 36:656-64. [PMID: 18652760 DOI: 10.1177/147323000803600406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We used immunohistochemical staining to assess protein over-expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its RET receptor tyrosine kinase in patients with pancreatic cancer and benign pancreatic neoplasm, and assessed correlations with clinicopathological features and prognosis. Surgically resected pancreatic cancer patients (40/58, 68.9%) showed positive GDNF immunostaining, a significantly higher frequency than in patients with benign pancreatic tumour (3/11, 27.3%). Intrapancreatic neural invasion by cancer cells was significantly related to over-expression of GDNF. Strongly positive expression of GDNF was significantly more frequent than lesser grades of expression in patients with severe back pain before and 12 months after surgery. Expression of RET was significantly related to lymphatic invasion, survival rate after tumour resection and degree of tumour cell differentiation. We conclude that GDNF may be important in pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis, especially in patients with perineural invasion. Strongly positive expression of GDNF may be an indication for early intensified radiotherapy. RET expression in pancreatic cancer tissues may be a useful prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Anglim PP, Galler JS, Koss MN, Hagen JA, Turla S, Campan M, Weisenberger DJ, Laird PW, Siegmund KD, Laird-Offringa IA. Identification of a panel of sensitive and specific DNA methylation markers for squamous cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer 2008; 7:62. [PMID: 18616821 PMCID: PMC2483990 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-7-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States and Western Europe. Over 160,000 Americans die of this disease every year. The five-year survival rate is 15% – significantly lower than that of other major cancers. Early detection is a key factor in increasing lung cancer patient survival. DNA hypermethylation is recognized as an important mechanism for tumor suppressor gene inactivation in cancer and could yield powerful biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer. Here we focused on developing DNA methylation markers for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Using the sensitive, high-throughput DNA methylation analysis technique MethyLight, we examined the methylation profile of 42 loci in a collection of 45 squamous cell lung cancer samples and adjacent non-tumor lung tissues from the same patients. Results We identified 22 loci showing significantly higher DNA methylation levels in tumor tissue than adjacent non-tumor lung. Of these, eight showed highly significant hypermethylation in tumor tissue (p < 0.0001): GDNF, MTHFR, OPCML, TNFRSF25, TCF21, PAX8, PTPRN2 and PITX2. Used in combination on our specimen collection, this eight-locus panel showed 95.6% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion We have identified 22 DNA methylation markers for squamous cell lung cancer, several of which have not previously been reported to be methylated in any type of human cancer. The top eight markers show great promise as a sensitive and specific DNA methylation marker panel for squamous cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul P Anglim
- Department of Surgery, Norris Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9176, USA.
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Abstract
Abdominal pain is an important clinical symptom in pancreatic diseases. There is increasing evidence that pain in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is triggered by pancreatic neuropathy. Damage to intrapancreatic nerves seems to support the maintenance and exacerbation of neuropathic pain. In chronic pancreatitis, intrapancreatic nerves are invaded by immune cells. This observation led to the hypothesis that neuro-immune interactions play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis and the accompanying abdominal pain syndrome. Similarly, pancreatic cancer cells infiltrate the perineurium of local nerves, which may in part explain the severe pain experienced by the patients. Furthermore, perineural invasion extending into extrapancreatic nerves may preclude curative resection and thus often leads to local recurrence. In recent years, the involvement of a variety of neurotrophins and neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of pancreatic pain was discovered. This review summarises recent data on the mechanisms of neuropathy and pain generation in pancreatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Güralp O Ceyhan
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstrasse 22, D-81675 Munich, Germany
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The receptor tyrosine kinase RET regulates hindgut colonization by sacral neural crest cells. Dev Biol 2007; 313:279-92. [PMID: 18031721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is formed from vagal and sacral neural crest cells (NCC). Vagal NCC give rise to most of the ENS along the entire gut, whereas the contribution of sacral NCC is mainly limited to the hindgut. This, and data from heterotopic quail-chick grafting studies, suggests that vagal and sacral NCC have intrinsic differences in their ability to colonize the gut, and/or to respond to signalling cues within the gut environment. To better understand the molecular basis of these differences, we studied the expression of genes known to be essential for ENS formation, in sacral NCC within the chick hindgut. Our results demonstrate that, as in vagal NCC, Sox10, EdnrB, and Ret are expressed in sacral NCC within the gut. Since we did not detect a qualitative difference in expression of these ENS genes we performed DNA microarray analysis of vagal and sacral NCC. Of 11 key ENS genes examined from the total data set, Ret was the only gene identified as being highly differentially expressed, with a fourfold increase in expression in vagal versus sacral NCC. We also found that over-expression of RET in sacral NCC increased their ENS developmental potential such that larger numbers of cells entered the gut earlier in development, thus promoting the fate of sacral NCC towards that of vagal NCC.
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Gustin JA, Yang M, Johnson EM, Milbrandt J. Deciphering adaptor specificity in GFL-dependent RET-mediated proliferation and neurite outgrowth. J Neurochem 2007; 102:1184-94. [PMID: 17663753 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04624.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)-dependent receptor tyrosine kinase RET activity is required for proper development of the nervous system and genitourinary tract. Loss-of-function mutations in RET are associated with enteric nervous system abnormalities (Hirschsprung disease) and renal deficits (Potter's syndrome), whereas activating mutations lead to hereditary cancer syndromes (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A and type 2B). RET activation is crucial for the proper regulation of a variety of cellular processes including cell migration, proliferation and neurite outgrowth. By analyzing a series of RET mutants we found that Y1062 was critical for stimulating GDNF-mediated proliferation as well as proliferation stimulated by GDNF-independent oncogenic forms of RET. Studies using small interfering RNA driven by lentivirus to knock-down expression of particular adaptor proteins that interact with RET phospho-Y1062, demonstrated that only Src-homology 2 and growth factor receptor binding protein 2 were necessary for RET-mediated proliferation by wild type and oncogenic forms of RET. Interestingly, we discovered that Y1062 was also required for GDNF-stimulated neurite outgrowth. However, small interfering RNAs to either Src-homology 2 or growth factor receptor binding protein 2 or a panel of other adaptor proteins known to interact with RET Y1062 were incapable of blocking GDNF-stimulated neurite formation, indicating that differential use of intracellular adaptors is responsible for regulating alternative RET-stimulated cellular events such as proliferation versus a differentiation response like neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Gustin
- Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Sasaki K, Yamashita K, Miyoshi T, Furukawa Y, Kimura T, Kita T, Ichinohe T, Ishikawa T, Sasada M, Uchiyama T. Analysis of serum angiogenic factors in a young multiple myeloma patient with high-output cardiac failure. Int J Hematol 2007; 86:72-6. [PMID: 17675271 DOI: 10.1532/ijh97.06226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple myeloma (MM). In some young patients, the MM has been reported to be complicated with high-output cardiac failure (HOCF), in which an increase in the vascular bed may be involved in the pathogenesis; however, no throughput studies have been conducted to determine what angiogenic factors are associated with HOCF in MM patients. We experienced a 34-year-old MM patient with HOCF and used the cytokine array system to investigate the expression of angiogenic cytokines and related factors in his serum before and after treatment and to compare the results with those of a healthy volunteer. We treated the patient with chemotherapy in combination with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Following the treatment, he showed a good partial response without any signs of cardiac failure. The patient had experienced dramatic increases in the expression levels of angiopoietin 2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. After treatment, the levels of these factors decreased remarkably in association with an improvement in the patient's clinical condition. We review previous case reports in our discussion of the significance of these findings in the pathogenesis of MM with HOCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazunari Sasaki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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