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Pecoraro C, Carbone D, Scianò F, Terrana F, Xu G, Bergonzini C, Roeten MSF, Cascioferro S, Cirrincione G, Diana P, Giovannetti E, Parrino B. Exploring the therapeutic potential of a novel series of imidazothiadiazoles targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for pancreatic cancer treatment: synthesis, mechanistic insights and promising antitumor and safety profile. J Drug Target 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39067009 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2385557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in various oncogenic processes related to cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. The strategic targeting of FAK represents a burgeoning approach to address resistant tumours, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Herein, we report a new series of twenty imidazo[2,1-b][1, 3, 4]thiadiazole derivatives assayed for their antiproliferative activity against the National Cancer Institute (NCI-60) panel and a wide panel of PDAC models. Lead compound 10l exhibited effective antiproliferative activity against immortalised (SUIT-2, CAPAN-1, PANC-1, PATU-T, BxPC-3), primary (PDAC-3) and gemcitabine-resistant clone (PANC-1-GR) PDAC cells, eliciting IC50 values in the low micromolar range (1.04-3.44 µM), associated with a significant reduction in cell-migration and spheroid shrinkage in vitro. High-throughput kinase arrays revealed a significant inhibition of the FAK signalling network, associated to induction of cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, suppression of tumour cell invasion and apoptosis induction. The high selectivity index/toxicity prompted studies using PDAC mouse xenografts, demonstrating significant inhibition of tumour growth and safety. In conclusion, compound 10l displayed antitumor activity and safety in both in vitro and in vivo models, emerging as a highly promising lead for the development of FAK inhibitors in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pecoraro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Scianò
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lumobiotics, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Francesca Terrana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geng Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Bergonzini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Margot S F Roeten
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Laboratory, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Chen J, Zhao D, Zhang L, Zhang J, Xiao Y, Wu Q, Wang Y, Zhan Q. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-secreted CCL22 confers cisplatin resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells via regulating the activity of diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKα)/NOX4 axis. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 73:101055. [PMID: 38387281 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are often associated with chemoresistance and resultant poor clinical outcome in solid tumors. Here, we demonstrated that TAMs-released chemokine-C-C motif chemokine 22 (CCL22) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) stroma was tightly correlated with the chemoresistance of ESCC patients. TAMs-secreted CCL22 was able to block the growth inhibitory and apoptosis-promoting effects of cisplatin on ESCC cells. Mechanistically, CCL22 stimulated intratumoral diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKα) to produce phosphatidic acid (PA), which suppressed the activity of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and then blocked the overproduction of intratumoral reactive species oxygen (ROS) induced by cisplatin. CCL22 activated DGKα/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) axis to upregulate the level of several members of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, including ABC sub-family G member 4 (ABCG4), ABC sub-family A member 3 (ABCA3), and ABC sub-family A member 5 (ABCA5), to lower the intratumoral concentration of cisplatin. Consequently, these processes induced the cisplatin resistance in ESCC cells. In xenografted models, targeting DGKα with 5'-cholesterol-conjugated small-interfering (si) RNA enhanced the chemosensitivity of cisplatin in ESCC treatment, especially in the context of TAMs. Our data establish the correlation between the TAMs-induced intratumoral metabolic product/ROS axis and chemotherapy efficacy in ESCC treatment and reveal relevant molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Soochow University Cancer Institute, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - Di Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yuanfan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Qingnan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qimin Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China; Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Research Unit of Molecular Cancer Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Soochow University Cancer Institute, Suzhou 215000, China; Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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3
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He Y, Gang B, Zhang M, Bai Y, Wan Z, Pan J, Liu J, Liu G, Gu W. ACE2 improves endothelial cell function and reduces acute lung injury by downregulating FAK expression. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111535. [PMID: 38246001 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction and increased adhesion of immune inflammatory cells to ECs crucially contribute to acute lung injury (ALI). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an essential regulator of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and exerts characteristic vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. SARS-COV-2 infects the lungs by binding to ACE2, which can lead to dysregulation of ACE2 expression, further leading to ALI with predominantly vascular inflammation and eventually to more severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, restoration of ACE2 expression represents a valuable therapeutic approach for SARS-COV-2-related ALI/ARDS. In this study, we used polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)), a double-stranded RNA analog, to construct a mouse ALI model that mimics virus infection. After Poly(I:C) exposure, ACE2 was downregulated in mouse lung tissues and in cultured ECs. Treatment with DIZE, an ACE2-activating compound, upregulated ACE2 expression and relieved ALI in mice. DIZE also improved barrier function and reduced the number of THP-1 monocytes adhering to cultured ECs. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphorylated FAK (p-FAK) levels were increased in lung tissues of ALI mice as well as in Poly(I:C)-treated ECs in vitro. Both DIZE and the FAK inhibitor PF562271 decreased FAK/p-FAK expression in both ALI models, attenuating ALI severity in vivo and increasing barrier function and reducing monocyte adhesion in cultured ECs. Furthermore, in vivo experiments using ANG 1-7 and the MAS inhibitor A779 corroborated that DIZE-mediated ACE2 activation stimulated the activity of the ANG 1-7/MAS axis, which inhibited FAK/p-FAK expression in the mouse lung. These findings provide further evidence that activation of ACE2 in ECs may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Baocai Gang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Ziyu Wan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Jiesong Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, PR China
| | - Guoquan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China.
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical University, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030, PR China.
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Hu HH, Wang SQ, Shang HL, Lv HF, Chen BB, Gao SG, Chen XB. Roles and inhibitors of FAK in cancer: current advances and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1274209. [PMID: 38410129 PMCID: PMC10895298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1274209] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that exhibits high expression in various tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. FAK activation promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. Moreover, FAK is crucial for sustaining the tumor microenvironment. The inhibition of FAK impedes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer. Therefore, developing targeted inhibitors against FAK presents a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, numerous FAK inhibitors, including IN10018, defactinib, GSK2256098, conteltinib, and APG-2449, have been developed, which have demonstrated positive anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies and are undergoing clinical trials for several types of tumors. Moreover, many novel FAK inhibitors are currently in preclinical studies to advance targeted therapy for tumors with aberrantly activated FAK. The benefits of FAK degraders, especially in terms of their scaffold function, are increasingly evident, holding promising potential for future clinical exploration and breakthroughs. This review aims to clarify FAK's role in cancer, offering a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of FAK-targeted therapy and combination approaches. The goal is to provide valuable insights for advancing anti-cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai-Li Shang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui-Fang Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei-Bei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - She-Gan Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Tan X, Yan Y, Song B, Zhu S, Mei Q, Wu K. Focal adhesion kinase: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:83. [PMID: 37749625 PMCID: PMC10519103 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, is a vital participant in primary cellular functions, such as proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. In addition, FAK regulates cancer stem cell activities and contributes to the formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Importantly, increased FAK expression and activity are strongly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and metastatic characteristics in numerous tumors. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that modulating FAK activity by application of FAK inhibitors alone or in combination treatment regimens could be effective for cancer therapy. Based on these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. This article briefly describes the structure and function of FAK, as well as research progress on FAK inhibitors in combination therapies. We also discuss the challenges and future directions regarding anti-FAK combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximin Tan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Song
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Shuangli Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Safaei S, Sajed R, Shariftabrizi A, Dorafshan S, Saeednejad Zanjani L, Dehghan Manshadi M, Madjd Z, Ghods R. Tumor matrix stiffness provides fertile soil for cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:143. [PMID: 37468874 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a mechanical characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that increases from the tumor core to the tumor periphery in a gradient pattern in a variety of solid tumors and can promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, and differentiation capabilities. CSCs are thought to be responsible for metastasis, tumor recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and consequently poor clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests that matrix stiffness can activate receptors and mechanosensor/mechanoregulator proteins such as integrin, FAK, and YAP, modulating the characteristics of tumor cells as well as CSCs through different molecular signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics could lead to development of innovative cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss how the stiffness of the ECM is sensed by the cells and how the cells respond to this environmental change as well as the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics and also the key malignant processes such as proliferation and EMT. Then, we specifically focus on how increased matrix stiffness affects CSCs in breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We also discuss how the molecules responsible for increased matrix stiffness and the signaling pathways activated by the enhanced stiffness can be manipulated as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Safaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Roya Sajed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shariftabrizi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shima Dorafshan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Leili Saeednejad Zanjani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Masoumeh Dehghan Manshadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
| | - Roya Ghods
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
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Xu W, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Jiang Y, Wang Z. Exosomal PIK3CB promotes PD-L1 expression and malignant transformation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Med Oncol 2023; 40:221. [PMID: 37402056 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02093-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which accounts for 90% of esophageal carcinomas, seriously endangers human health. Worse still, the 5-year overall survival of ESCC is approximately 20%. Elucidation of the potential mechanism and exploration of promising drugs for ESCC are urgently needed. In this study, a high level of exosomal PIK3CB protein was found in the plasma of ESCC patients, which might indicate a poor prognosis. Moreover, a significant Pearson's correlation was observed at the protein level between exosomal PIK3CB and exosomal PD-L1. Further study revealed that cancer cell-intrinsic and exosome-derived PIK3CB promoted the transcriptional activity of the PD-L1 promoter in ESCC cells. Moreover, treatment with exosomes with lower levels of exosomal PIK3CB decreased the protein level of the mesenchymal marker β-catenin while increasing that of the epithelial marker claudin-1, indicating the potential regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Consequently, the migratory ability and cancer stemness of ESCC cells and the growth of tumors formed by ESCC cells were decreased with the downregulation of exosomal PIK3CB. Therefore, exosomal PIK3CB plays an oncogenic role by promoting PD-L1 expression and malignant transformation in ESCC. This study may provide new insight into the inherent biological aggressiveness and the poor response to currently available therapies of ESCC. Exosomal PIK3CB may be a promising target for the diagnosis and therapy of ESCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuequan Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
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Src heterodimerically activates Lyn or Fyn to serve as targets for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023:10.1007/s11427-022-2216-x. [PMID: 36763244 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Although Src is one of the oldest and most investigated oncoproteins, its function in tumor malignancy remains to be defined further. In this study, we demonstrated that the inhibition of Src activity by ponatinib effectively suppressed several malignant phenotypes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) both in vitro and in vivo, whereas it did not produce growth-inhibitory effects on normal esophageal epithelial cells (NEECs). Importantly, we combined phosphoproteomics and several cellular and molecular biologic strategies to identify that Src interacted with the members of Src-family kinases (SFKs), such as Fyn or Lyn, to form heterodimers. Src interactions with Fyn and Lyn phosphorylated the tyrosine sites in SH2 (Fyn Tyr185 or Lyn Tyr183) and kinase domains (Fyn Tyr420 or Lyn Tyr397), which critically contributed to ESCC development. By contrast, Src could not form heterodimers with Fyn or Lyn in NEECs. We used RNA sequencing to comprehensively demonstrate that the inhibition of Src activity effectively blocked several critical tumor-promoting pathways, such as JAK/STAT, mTOR, stemness-related, and metabolism-related pathways. Results of the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay confirmed that Lyn and Fyn were critical effectors for the Src-mediated expression of tumor growth or metastasis-related molecules. Furthermore, results of the clinical ESCC samples showed that the hyperactivation of pSrc Tyr419, Fyn Tyr185 or Tyr420, and Lyn Tyr183 or Tyr397 could be biomarkers of ESCC prognosis. This study illustrates that Src/Fyn and Src/Lyn heterodimers serve as targets for the treatment of ESCC.
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Qin H, Sheng W, Zhang G, Yang Q, Yao S, Yue Y, Zhang P, Zhu Y, Wang Q, Chen Y, Zeng H, Weng J, Yu F, Yang J. Comprehensive analysis of cuproptosis-related prognostic gene signature and tumor immune microenvironment in HCC. Front Genet 2023; 14:1094793. [PMID: 36891150 PMCID: PMC9986498 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1094793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Copper is an indispensable mineral element involved in many physiological metabolic processes. Cuproptosis is associated with a variety of cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between the expression of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and tumor characteristics, including prognosis and microenvironment of HCC. Methods: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high and low CRGs expression groups in HCC samples were identified, and further were analyzed for functional enrichment analysis. Then, CRGs signature of HCC was constructed and analyzed utilizing LASSO and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Prognostic values of CRGs signature were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, independent prognostic analysis and nomograph. The expression of prognostic CRGs was verified by Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in HCC cell lines. In addition, the relationships between prognostic CRGs expression and the immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment, antitumor drugs response and m6A modifications were further explored using a series of algorithms in HCC. Finally, ceRNA regulatory network based on prognostic CRGs was constructed. Results: The DEGs between high and low CRG expression groups in HCC were mainly enriched in focal adhesion and extracellular matrix organization. Besides, we constructed a prognostic model that consists of CDKN2A, DLAT, DLST, GLS, and PDHA1 CRGs for predicting the survival likelihood of HCC patients. And the elevated expression of these five prognostic CRGs was substantially in HCC cell lines and associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, immune score and m6A gene expression were higher in the high CRG expression group of HCC patients. Furthermore, prognostic CRGs have higher mutation rates in HCC, and are significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and anti-tumor drug sensitivity. Then, eight lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes that affected the progression of HCC were predicted. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the CRGs signature could effectively evaluate prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, immunotherapy response and predict lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes in HCC. These findings extend our knowledge of cuproptosis in HCC and may inform novel therapeutic strategies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Qin
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weibei Sheng
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Qi Yang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sen Yao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaohang Yue
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanchao Zhu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qichang Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yixiao Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Weng
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fei Yu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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10
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Ooki A, Osumi H, Chin K, Watanabe M, Yamaguchi K. Potent molecular-targeted therapies for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359221138377. [PMID: 36872946 PMCID: PMC9978325 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221138377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a public health concern with a high mortality and disease burden worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a predominant histological subtype of EC that has unique etiology, molecular profiles, and clinicopathological features. Although systemic chemotherapy, including cytotoxic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, is the main therapeutic option for recurrent or metastatic ESCC patients, the clinical benefits are limited with poor prognosis. Personalized molecular-targeted therapies have been hampered due to the lack of robust treatment efficacy in clinical trials. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the molecular profiles of ESCC based on the findings of pivotal comprehensive molecular analyses, highlighting potent therapeutic targets for establishing future precision medicine for ESCC patients, with the most recent results of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroki Osumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisho Chin
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Xu M, Zhang T, Xia R, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting the tumor stroma for cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:208. [PMID: 36324128 PMCID: PMC9628074 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01670-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are comprised of both cancer cells and surrounding stromal components. As an essential part of the tumor microenvironment, the tumor stroma is highly dynamic, heterogeneous and commonly tumor-type specific, and it mainly includes noncellular compositions such as the extracellular matrix and the unique cancer-associated vascular system as well as a wide variety of cellular components including activated cancer-associated fibroblasts, mesenchymal stromal cells, pericytes. All these elements operate with each other in a coordinated fashion and collectively promote cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to study the interaction and crosstalk between stromal components and neoplastic cells. Meanwhile, we have also witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of tumor stroma in solid tumors. A series of clinical trials targeting the tumor stroma have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce and discuss current advances in the understanding of various stromal elements and their roles in cancers. We also elaborate on potential novel approaches for tumor-stroma-based therapeutic targeting, with the aim to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maosen Xu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruolan Xia
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, 610041, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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12
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Hu X, Wang W, Hu Y, Chen W, Wang C, Yang L, Mao T, Xia K, Min A, Xiong H, Su T. Overexpression of DEC1 in the epithelium of OSF promotes mesenchymal transition via activating FAK/Akt signal axis. J Oral Pathol Med 2022; 51:780-790. [PMID: 36053880 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies on oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) mostly focused on the activation of fibroblasts and collagen metabolism, while little involved in the epithelium. As we have reported the role of differentiated embryo chondrocyte expressed gene 1 (DEC1) in oral cancer and other precancerous lesions, this research aimed to explore its role in the OSF epithelium. METHODS Expression of DEC1 and other proteins were investigated in tissue array constructed with 33 OSF and 14 normal oral mucosa (NOM) tissues. Human oral keratinocytes treated with arecoline and/or hypoxia were used to simulate OSF epithelium and detected for morphological and protein alterations. Inhibition of DEC1 was used to explore its mediating role. Finally, animal models of OSF constructed by locally arecoline injecting in buccal mucosa were used to verify our findings. RESULTS DEC1 overexpression could be detected in the epithelium of OSF compared with that in NOM followed by phosphorylated FAK and Akt, and DEC1 showed a significant positive correlation with them. Cytology experiment revealed that OSF-like treatment could upregulate DEC1 expression followed by phosphorylated FAK, Akt, but inhibit E-cadherin, while knockdown of DEC1 could suppress the effects. Additionally, OSF mice revealed higher expression of DEC1 in the epithelium of buccal mucosa, along with synchronized alterations of phosphorylated FAK and Akt. CONCLUSION In the epithelium of OSF, overexpression of DEC1 induced activation of FAK/Akt signal axis, caused mesenchymal transition in epithelial cells, and may promote malignant transformation of OSF. Targeting DEC1 in OSF could be promising a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiming Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenxin Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liudi Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Mao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Anjie Min
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haofeng Xiong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
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13
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Fatherree JP, Guarin JR, McGinn RA, Naber SP, Oudin MJ. Chemotherapy-Induced Collagen IV Drives Cancer Cell Motility through Activation of Src and Focal Adhesion Kinase. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2031-2044. [PMID: 35260882 PMCID: PMC9381104 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and deadly subtype of breast cancer, accounting for 30,000 cases annually in the United States. While there are several clinical trials ongoing to identify new agents to treat TNBC, the majority of patients with TNBC are treated with anthracycline- or taxane-based chemotherapies in the neoadjuvant setting, followed by surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. While many patients respond well to this approach, as many as 25% will suffer local or metastatic recurrence within 5 years. Understanding the mechanisms that drive recurrence after chemotherapy treatment is critical to improving survival for patients with TNBC. It is well established that the extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides structure and support to tissues, is a major driver of tumor growth, local invasion, and dissemination of cancer cells to distant metastatic sites. In the present study, we show that decellularized ECM (dECM) obtained from chemotherapy-treated mice increases motility of treatment-naïve breast cancer cells compared with vehicle-treated dECM. Tandem-mass-tag proteomics revealed that anthracycline- and taxane-based chemotherapies induce drug-specific changes in tumor ECM composition. The basement membrane protein collagen IV was significantly upregulated in the ECM of chemotherapy-treated mice and patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Collagen IV drove invasion via activation of Src and focal adhesion kinase signaling downstream of integrin α1 and α2, and inhibition of collagen IV-driven signaling decreased motility in chemotherapy-treated dECM. These studies provide a novel mechanism by which chemotherapy may induce metastasis via its effects on ECM composition. SIGNIFICANCE Cytotoxic chemotherapy induces significant changes in the composition of tumor ECM, inducing a more invasive and aggressive phenotype in residual tumor cells following chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson P. Fatherree
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Justinne R. Guarin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel A. McGinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen P. Naber
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madeleine J. Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Author: Madeleine J. Oudin, Science & Engineering Complex, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155. Phone: 617-627-2580; E-mail:
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14
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Patowary P, Bhattacharyya DK, Barah P. SNMRS: An advanced measure for Co-expression network analysis. Comput Biol Med 2022; 143:105222. [PMID: 35121360 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The challenge of identifying modules in a gene interaction network is important for a better understanding of the overall network architecture. In this work, we develop a novel similarity measure called Scaling-and-Shifting Normalized Mean Residue Similarity (SNMRS), based on the existing NMRS technique [1]. SNMRS yields correlation values in the range of 0 to +1 corresponding to negative and positive dependency. To study the performance of our measure, internal validation of extracted clusters resulting from different methods is carried out. Based on the performance, we choose hierarchical clustering and apply the same using the corresponding dissimilarity (distance) values of SNMRS scores, and utilize a dynamic tree cut method for extracting dense modules. The modules are validated using a literature search, KEGG pathway analysis, and gene-ontology analyses on the genes that make up the modules. Moreover, our measure can handle absolute, shifting, scaling, and shifting-and-scaling correlations and provides better performance than several other measures in terms of cluster-validity indices. Also, SNMRS based module detection method results in interesting biologically relevant patterns from gene microarray and RNA-seq dataset. A set of crucial genes having high relevance with the ESCC are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallabi Patowary
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tezpur University, Assam, India.
| | | | - Pankaj Barah
- Dept. of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Tezpur University, Assam, India.
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15
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Niu Y, Guo Y, Li Y, Shen S, Liang J, Guo W, Dong Z. LncRNA GATA2-AS1 suppresses esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via the mir-940/PTPN12 axis. Exp Cell Res 2022; 416:113130. [PMID: 35364057 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant tumor worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exhibit a regulatory role in the progression of ESCC. Our research was performed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA GATA2-AS1 in ESCC. METHODS The expression of GATA2-AS1 was identified by qRT-PCR. Cell function assays explored the potential effect of GATA2-AS1 on ESCC progression. The subcellular hierarchical localization method was executed to identify the subcellular localization of GATA2-AS1 in ESCC cells. A prediction website was utilized to discover the relationships among GATA2-AS1, miR-940 and PTPN12. Dual luciferase reporter gene, pull-down assays and RIP assays were executed to verify the binding activity among GATA2-AS1, miR-940 and PTPN12. Xenograft tumor experiments were performed to evaluate ESCC cell growth in vivo. RESULTS The expression of GATA2-AS1 and PTPN12 was reduced, while miR-940 expression was enhanced in ESCC tissues and cell lines. In vivo experiments showed that GATA2-AS1 inhibited the progression of ESCC cells toward malignancy. Bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase and RIP assays revealed that GATA2-AS1 upregulated PTPN12 expression by competitively targeting miR-940. miR-940 reversed the inhibitory effect of GATA2-AS1 on the biological behavior of ESCC cells. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that GATA2-AS1, expressed at low levels in ESCC, plays a crucial role in the progression of ESCC by targeting the miR-940/PTPN12 axis and could be a potential drug target to treat ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Niu
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yanli Guo
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Li
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Supeng Shen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jia Liang
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiming Dong
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Cancer Institute, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
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16
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PTK7, a Catalytically Inactive Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, Increases Oncogenic Phenotypes in Xenograft Tumors of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma KYSE-30 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042391. [PMID: 35216506 PMCID: PMC8876147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7), a catalytically defective receptor protein tyrosine kinase, is upregulated in tumor tissues and cell lines of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We showed that PTK7 plays an oncogenic role in various ESCC cell lines. However, its role as an oncogene has not been demonstrated in vivo. Here, we examined the influence of PTK7 on the tumorigenic potential of ESCC KYSE-30 cells, which are known to establish xenograft tumors. Overexpression of PTK7 enhanced the proliferation, adhesion, wound healing, and migration of KYSE-30 cells, and these effects were reversed by the knockdown of PTK7. PTK7 overexpression and knockdown, respectively, increased and decreased the tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins and the phosphorylation of ERK, AKT, and FAK, which are important for cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration. Additionally, PTK7 overexpression and silencing, respectively, increased and decreased the weight, volume, and number of Ki-67-positive proliferating cells in xenograft tumors of KYSE-30 cells. Therefore, we propose that PTK7 plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of ESCC cells in vivo and is a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
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17
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Pomella S, Cassandri M, Braghini MR, Marampon F, Alisi A, Rota R. New Insights on the Nuclear Functions and Targeting of FAK in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041998. [PMID: 35216114 PMCID: PMC8874710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase over-expressed and activated in both adult and pediatric cancers, where it plays important roles in the regulation of pathogenesis and progression of the malignant phenotype. FAK exerts its functions in cancer by two different ways: a kinase activity in the cytoplasm, mainly dependent on the integrin signaling, and a scaffolding activity into the nucleus by networking with different gene expression regulators. For this reason, FAK has to be considered a target with high therapeutic values. Indeed, evidence suggests that FAK targeting could be effective, either alone or in combination, with other already available treatments. Here, we propose an overview of the novel insights about FAK’s structure and nuclear functions, with a special focus on the recent findings concerning the roles of this protein in cancer. Additionally, we provide a recent update on FAK inhibitors that are currently in clinical trials for patients with cancer, and discuss the challenge and future directions of drug-based anti-FAK targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pomella
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Cassandri
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (M.C.)
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Rita Braghini
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (R.R.); Tel.: +39-06-68592186 (A.A.); +39-06-68592648 (R.R.)
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (R.R.); Tel.: +39-06-68592186 (A.A.); +39-06-68592648 (R.R.)
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18
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Chen J, Wang Y, Zhang W, Zhao D, Zhang L, Zhang J, Fan J, Zhan Q. NOX5 mediates the crosstalk between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts via regulating cytokine network. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e472. [PMID: 34459125 PMCID: PMC8329696 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is a crucial feature for tumor malignancy. The reciprocal interplay between tumor cells and CAFs not only facilitates tumor progression and metastasis but also sustains the tumor-promoting function of CAFs. Nevertheless, how tumor cells readily adapt to these functional CAFs is still unclear. NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) is a strong reactive oxygen species producer overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. In this study, we showed that NOX5-positive ESCC cells induced normal fibroblasts (NFs) or adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to express the marker of CAFs-α smooth muscle actin. Moreover, these tumor cells reprogrammed the cytokine profile of the activated CAFs, which further stimulated NFs or MSCs to CAFs and induced lymphangiogenesis to facilitate ESCC malignancy. NOX5 activated intratumoral Src/nuclear factor-κB signaling to stimulate secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and lactate from tumor cells. Subsequently, TNF-α, IL-1β, and lactate activated CAFs, and facilitated the secretion of IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, CCL5, and transforming growth factor-β1 from CAFs. These CAFs-derived cytokines reciprocally induced the progression of NOX5-positive ESCC cells. Our findings together indicate that NOX5 serves as the driving oncoprotein to provide a niche that is beneficial for tumor malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Di Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Lingyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Jiawen Fan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Qimin Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing)Laboratory of Molecular OncologyPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
- Institute of Cancer ResearchShenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
- Research Unit of Molecular Cancer ResearchChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
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19
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Neurofibromin Deficiency and Extracellular Matrix Cooperate to Increase Transforming Potential through FAK-Dependent Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102329. [PMID: 34066061 PMCID: PMC8150846 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a genetic disease that predisposes to tumors of the nervous system, primarily the neurofibroma. Plexiform neurofibromas (Pnfs) are of the greatest concern because of location, size, and frequent progression to malignancy. Although research is making great progress, the lack of in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving neoplastic progression results in the absence of prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets. We document that cell–cell cooperativity and the dynamics of the extracellular matrix play important roles in the growth and transformation of Pnf cells, directly through the cooperation of RAS and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. In turn, we found that treatment of Pnf cells with both MEK and FAK inhibitors is effective in abolishing the transforming ability of these cells. Abstract Plexiform neurofibromas (Pnfs) are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors that are major features of the human genetic syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Pnfs are derived from Schwann cells (SCs) undergoing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the NF1 locus in an NF1+/− milieu and thus are variably lacking in the key Ras-controlling protein, neurofibromin (Nfn). As these SCs are embedded in a dense desmoplastic milieu of stromal cells and abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM), cell–cell cooperativity (CCC) and the molecular microenvironment play essential roles in Pnf progression towards a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The complexity of Pnf biology makes treatment challenging. The only approved drug, the MEK inhibitor Selumetinib, displays a variable and partial therapeutic response. Here, we explored ECM contributions to the growth of cells lacking Nfn. In a 3D in vitro culture, NF1 loss sensitizes cells to signals from a Pnf-mimicking ECM through focal adhesion kinase (FAK) hyperactivation. This hyperactivation correlated with phosphorylation of the downstream effectors, Src, ERK, and AKT, and with colony formation. Expression of the GAP-related domain of Nfn only partially decreased activation of this signaling pathway and only slowed down 3D colony growth of cells lacking Nfn. However, combinatorial treatment with both the FAK inhibitor Defactinib (VS-6063) and Selumetinib (AZD6244) fully suppressed colony growth. These observations pave the way for a new combined therapeutic strategy simultaneously interfering with both intracellular signals and the interplay between the various tumor cells and the ECM.
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