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Spalato-Ceruso M, Ghazzi NE, Italiano A. New strategies in soft tissue sarcoma treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:76. [PMID: 39218932 PMCID: PMC11368005 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01580-3] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) have long been a formidable challenge in oncology, partly because of their rarity and diversity, which complicates large-scale studies and slows the advent of new treatments. Traditionally anchored by anthracycline-based chemotherapy, the landscape of STS treatment hasn't shifted dramatically in the past twenty years. However, recent strides in research are starting to paint a more hopeful picture. Leveraging advanced molecular profiling, researchers are now tailoring treatments to the unique genetic makeup of tumors, with targeted therapies showing promise. Innovations such as NTRK inhibitors for NTRK-rearranged sarcomas and gamma-secretase inhibitors for desmoid tumors are changing clinical practices. The rise of immunotherapy, including novel agents like LAG-3 inhibitors and bifunctional proteins that target both TGF-β and PD-L1, offers new avenues for treatment, particularly when combined with traditional therapies like chemotherapy. Meanwhile, the approval of epigenetic treatments for specific sarcoma subtypes heralds a new wave of strategy based on histological specificity, which could lead to more personalized and effective care. While challenges remain, the field of STS treatment is evolving, driven by a deeper understanding of the disease's biological underpinnings and a commitment to innovative research approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan El Ghazzi
- Sarcoma Unit, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM U1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Italiano
- Sarcoma Unit, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France.
- INSERM U1312, Bordeaux, France.
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.
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2
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Yang J, Sun Q, Liu X, Yang Y, Rong R, Yan P, Xie Y. Targeting Notch signaling pathways with natural bioactive compounds: a promising approach against cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1412669. [PMID: 39092224 PMCID: PMC11291470 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1412669] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling pathway is activated abnormally in solid and hematological tumors, which perform essential functions in cell differentiation, survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis. The activation of Notch signaling and communication among Notch and other oncogenic pathways heighten malignancy aggressiveness. Thus, targeting Notch signaling offers opportunities for improved survival and reduced disease incidence. Already, most attention has been given to its role in the cancer cells. Recent research shows that natural bioactive compounds can change signaling molecules that are linked to or interact with the Notch pathways. This suggests that there may be a link between Notch activation and the growth of tumors. Here, we sum up the natural bioactive compounds that possess inhibitory effects on human cancers by impeding the Notch pathway and preventing Notch crosstalk with other oncogenic pathways, which provoke further study of these natural products to derive rational therapeutic regimens for the treatment of cancer and develop novel anticancer drugs. This review revealed Notch as a highly challenging but promising target in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qihui Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Rong
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Peiyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Hou SS, Ikegawa Y, Kwon Y, Wieckiewicz N, Houser MCQ, Lundin B, Bacskai BJ, Berezovska O, Maesako M. Recording γ-secretase activity in living mouse brains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.31.578105. [PMID: 38352497 PMCID: PMC10862803 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.31.578105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
γ-Secretase plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system. Our recent development of genetically encoded Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors has enabled the spatiotemporal recording of γ-secretase activity on a cell-by-cell basis in live neurons in culture. Nevertheless, how γ-secretase activity is regulated in vivo remains unclear. Here we employ the near-infrared (NIR) C99 720-670 biosensor and NIR confocal microscopy to quantitatively record γ-secretase activity in individual neurons in living mouse brains. Intriguingly, we uncovered that γ-secretase activity may influence the activity of γ-secretase in neighboring neurons, suggesting a potential "cell non-autonomous" regulation of γ-secretase in mouse brains. Given that γ-secretase plays critical roles in important biological events and various diseases, our new assay in vivo would become a new platform that enables dissecting the essential roles of γ-secretase in normal health and diseases.
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Condorelli AG, Nobili R, Muglia A, Scarpelli G, Marzuolo E, De Stefanis C, Rota R, Diociaiuti A, Alaggio R, Castiglia D, Odorisio T, El Hachem M, Zambruno G. Gamma-Secretase Inhibitors Downregulate the Profibrotic NOTCH Signaling Pathway in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1522-1533.e10. [PMID: 38237731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in COL7A1. RDEB is hallmarked by trauma-induced unremitting blistering, chronic wounds with inflammation, and progressive fibrosis, leading to severe disease complications. There is currently no cure for RDEB-associated fibrosis. Our previous studies and increasing evidence highlighted the profibrotic role of NOTCH pathway in different skin disorders, including RDEB. In this study, we further investigated the role of NOTCH signaling in RDEB pathogenesis and explored the effects of its inhibition by γ-secretase inhibitors DAPT and PF-03084014 (nirogacestat). Our analyses demonstrated that JAG1 and cleaved NOTCH1 are upregulated in primary RDEB fibroblasts (ie, RDEB-derived fibroblasts) compared with controls, and their protein levels are further increased by TGF-β1 stimulation. Functional assays unveiled the involvement of JAG1/NOTCH1 axis in RDEB fibrosis and demonstrated that its blockade counteracts a variety of fibrotic traits. In particular, RDEB-derived fibroblasts treated with PF-03084014 showed (i) a significant reduction of contractility, (ii) a diminished secretion of TGF-β1 and collagens, and (iii) the downregulation of several fibrotic proteins. Although less marked than PF-03084014-treated cells, RDEB-derived fibroblasts exhibited a reduction of fibrotic traits also upon DAPT treatment. This study provides potential therapeutic strategies to antagonize RDEB fibrosis onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Giuseppe Condorelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rebecca Nobili
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anita Muglia
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scarpelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marzuolo
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Diociaiuti
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit and Predictive Molecular Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Odorisio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - May El Hachem
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Fey SK, Vaquero-Siguero N, Jackstadt R. Dark force rising: Reawakening and targeting of fetal-like stem cells in colorectal cancer. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114270. [PMID: 38787726 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114270] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Stem cells play pivotal roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis, orchestrating regeneration, and in key steps of colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression. Intriguingly, adult stem cells are reduced during many of these processes. On the contrary, primitive fetal programs, commonly detected in development, emerge during tissue repair, CRC metastasis, and therapy resistance. Recent findings indicate a dynamic continuum between adult and fetal stem cell programs. We discuss critical mechanisms facilitating the plasticity between stem cell states and highlight the heterogeneity observed upon the appearance of fetal-like states. We focus on therapeutic opportunities that arise by targeting fetal-like CRC cells and how those concepts can be translated into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid K Fey
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Cancer Progression and Metastasis Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nuria Vaquero-Siguero
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Cancer Progression and Metastasis Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rene Jackstadt
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Cancer Progression and Metastasis Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ, Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Song Y, Chen M, Wei Y, Ma X, Shi H. Signaling pathways in colorectal cancer implications for the target therapies. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:21. [PMID: 38844562 PMCID: PMC11156834 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00178-y] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) stands as a pressing global health issue, marked by the unbridled proliferation of immature cells influenced by multifaceted internal and external factors. Numerous studies have explored the intricate mechanisms of tumorigenesis in CRC, with a primary emphasis on signaling pathways, particularly those associated with growth factors and chemokines. However, the sheer diversity of molecular targets introduces complexity into the selection of targeted therapies, posing a significant challenge in achieving treatment precision. The quest for an effective CRC treatment is further complicated by the absence of pathological insights into the mutations or alterations occurring in tumor cells. This study reveals the transfer of signaling from the cell membrane to the nucleus, unveiling recent advancements in this crucial cellular process. By shedding light on this novel dimension, the research enhances our understanding of the molecular intricacies underlying CRC, providing a potential avenue for breakthroughs in targeted therapeutic strategies. In addition, the study comprehensively outlines the potential immune responses incited by the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, with a specific focus on immune cells, cytokines, and their collective impact on the dynamic landscape of drug development. This research not only contributes significantly to advancing CRC treatment and molecular medicine but also lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs and clinical trials, fostering optimism for improved outcomes and refined approaches in combating colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Song
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Chen
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Wei
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Zhao W, Li Y, Cheng H, Wang M, Zhang Z, Cai M, Zhao C, Xi X, Zhao X, Zhao W, Yang Y, Shao R. Myofibrillogenesis Regulator-1 Regulates the Ubiquitin Lysosomal Pathway of Notch3 Intracellular Domain Through E3 Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase Itchy Homolog in the Metastasis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306472. [PMID: 38342606 PMCID: PMC11022719 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Myofibrillogenesis regulator-1 (MR-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in the development of various human tumors. The study is the first to report the promoting effect of MR-1 on the development and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MR-1 is upregulated in NSCLC and positively associated with poor prognosis. The overexpression of MR-1 promotes the metastasis of NSCLC cells by stabilizing the expression of Notch3-ICD (NICD3) in the cytoplasm through enrichment analysis, in vitro and in vivo experimental researches. And Notch3 signaling can upregulate many genes related to metastasis. The stabilizing effect of MR-1 on NICD3 is achieved through the mono-ubiquitin lysosomal pathway and the specific E3 ubiquitin ligase is Itchy homolog (ITCH). There is a certain interaction between MR-1 and NICD3. Elevated MR-1 can affect the level of ITCH phosphorylation, reduce its E3 enzyme activity, and thus lead to reduce the ubiquitination and degradation of NICD3. Interference with the interaction between MR-1 and NICD3 can increase the degradation of NICD3 and impair the metastatic ability of NSCLC cells, which is a previously overlooked treatment option in NSCLC. In summary, interference with the interaction between MR-1 and NICD3 in the progression of lung cancer may be a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
| | - Yang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
| | - Hanzeng Cheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia MedicaPeking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing100050P. R. China
| | - Mengyan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
- Zhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdong510280P. R. China
| | - Zhishuo Zhang
- Department of EmergencyXinhua HospitalShanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghai200092P. R. China
- Department of Organ Transplantation and Hepatobiliary SurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoning110001P. R. China
| | - Meilian Cai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
| | - Cong Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiaoming Xi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
| | - Xiaojun Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
| | - Wuli Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
| | - Yajun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substance Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia MedicaPeking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing100050P. R. China
| | - Rongguang Shao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Laboratory of OncologyInstitute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing100050BeijingP. R. China
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De Strooper B, Karran E. New precision medicine avenues to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease from insights into the structure and function of γ-secretases. EMBO J 2024; 43:887-903. [PMID: 38396302 PMCID: PMC10943082 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00057-w] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Two phase-III clinical trials with anti-amyloid peptide antibodies have met their primary goal, i.e. slowing of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. However, antibody therapy may not be the optimal therapeutic modality for AD prevention, as we will discuss in the context of the earlier small molecules described as "γ-secretase modulators" (GSM). We review here the structure, function, and pathobiology of γ-secretases, with a focus on how mutations in presenilin genes result in early-onset AD. Significant progress has been made in generating compounds that act in a manner opposite to pathogenic presenilin mutations: they stabilize the proteinase-substrate complex, thereby increasing the processivity of substrate cleavage and altering the size spectrum of Aβ peptides produced. We propose the term "γ-secretase allosteric stabilizers" (GSAS) to distinguish these compounds from the rather heterogenous class of GSM. The GSAS represent, in theory, a precision medicine approach to the prevention of amyloid deposition, as they specifically target a discrete aspect in a complex cell biological signalling mechanism that initiates the pathological processes leading to Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart De Strooper
- Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, at the Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 AT, UK.
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, and Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Eric Karran
- Cambridge Research Center, AbbVie, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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Pardo I, Fagundes PB, de Oliveira RS, Campregher PV. A molecular approach to triple-negative breast cancer: targeting the Notch signaling pathway. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2024; 22:eRW0552. [PMID: 38324848 PMCID: PMC10948095 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2024rw0552] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. This phenotype renders triple-negative breast cancer cells refractory to conventional therapies, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have implicated dysregulation of the Notch receptor signaling pathway in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify potential therapeutic targets of the Notch pathway. Our analysis focused on the upstream and downstream components of this pathway to identify potential therapeutic targets. RESULTS Modulating the Notch signaling pathway may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Several potential therapeutic targets within this pathway are in the early stages of development, including upstream (such as Notch ligands) and downstream (including specific molecules involved in triple-negative breast cancer growth). These targets represent potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in triple-negative breast cancer. COMMENTS Additional research specifically addressing issues related to toxicity and improving drug delivery methods is critical for the successful translation of these potential therapeutic targets into effective treatments for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabele Pardo
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
| | - Pedro Brecheret Fagundes
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
| | - Rafael Santana de Oliveira
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
| | - Paulo Vidal Campregher
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert EinsteinHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloSPBrazil Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein , Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein , São Paulo , SP , Brazil .
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Kumari L, Mishra L, Sharma Y, Chahar K, Kumar M, Patel P, Gupta GD, Kurmi BD. NOTCH Signaling Pathway: Occurrence, Mechanism, and NOTCH-Directed Therapy for the Management of Cancer. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2024; 39:19-34. [PMID: 37797218 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2023.0023] [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] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well understood that many signaling pathways are vital in carrying out and controlling essential pro-survival and pro-growth cellular functions. The NOTCH signaling pathway, a highly conserved evolutionary signaling pathway, has been thoroughly studied since the discovery of NOTCH phenotypes about 100 years ago in Drosophila melanogaster. Abnormal NOTCH signaling has been linked to the pathophysiology of several diseases, notably cancer. In tumorigenesis, NOTCH plays the role of a "double-edged sword," that is, it may act as an oncogene or as a tumor suppressor gene depending on the nature of the context. However, its involvement in several cancers and inhibition of the same provides targeted therapy for the management of cancer. The use of gamma (γ)-secretase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment involved NOTCH receptors inhibition, leading to the possibility of a targeted approach for cancer treatment. Likewise, several natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, diallyl sulfide, and genistein, also play a dynamic role in the management of cancer by inhibition of NOTCH receptors. This review outlines the functions and structure of NOTCH receptors and their associated ligands with the mechanism of the signaling pathway. In addition, it also emphasizes the role of NOTCH-targeted nanomedicine in various cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | | | - Yash Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Kanak Chahar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Mritunjay Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Preeti Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | | | - Balak Das Kurmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
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11
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Fragkiadakis M, Zingiridis M, Loukopoulos E, Neochoritis CG. New oxacycles on the block: benzodioxepinones via a Passerini reaction. Mol Divers 2024; 28:29-35. [PMID: 35900638 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10502-9] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxacycles and benzoxepanes are privileged motifs present in a variety of natural products and functional molecules. However, their synthetic access is limited. Here, we demonstrate a rapid synthesis of unprecedented benzoxepanes from readily available starting materials in one step via a Passerini multicomponent reaction. The reaction proceeds smoothly under mild reaction conditions. We have obtained a single-crystal X-ray structure, revealing a butterfly conformation, combined with useful structural features. In addition, we have performed both a full interaction map on the X-ray structure and a profile analysis of a virtual library based on the proposed scaffold with a special focus on certain physicochemical parameters to demonstrate their potential usage in drug discovery.
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12
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Feng M, Santhanam RK, Xing H, Zhou M, Jia H. Inhibition of γ-secretase/Notch pathway as a potential therapy for reversing cancer drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115991. [PMID: 38135129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115991] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of tumor drug resistance is complex and may involve stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the activation of survival signaling pathways, transporter protein expression, and tumor microenvironment remodeling, all of which are linked to γ-secretase/Notch signaling. Increasing evidence has shown that the activation of the γ-secretase/Notch pathway is a key driver of cancer progression and drug resistance development and that γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) may be the most promising agents for reversing chemotherapy resistance of tumors by targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway. Here, we systematically summarize the roles in supporting γ-secretase/Notch activation-associated transformation of cancer cells into cancer stem cells, promotion of the EMT process, PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK and NF-κB activation, enhancement of ABC transporter protein expression, and TME alteration in mediating tumor drug resistance. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanism of GSIs targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway to reverse tumor drug resistance and propose the outstanding advantages of GSIs in treating breast cancer drug resistance over other tumors. Finally, we emphasize that the development of GSIs for reversing tumor drug resistance is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Feng
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Ramesh Kumar Santhanam
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Huan Xing
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhou
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China.
| | - Hui Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China.
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13
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Saito J, Dave JM, Lau FD, Greif DM. Presenilin-1 in smooth muscle cells facilitates hypermuscularization in elastin aortopathy. iScience 2024; 27:108636. [PMID: 38226162 PMCID: PMC10788461 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Smooth muscle cell (SMC) accumulation is central to the pathogenesis of elastin-defective arterial diseases, including supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS). We previously demonstrated that elastin insufficiency activates Notch signaling in aortic SMCs. Activation of Notch is catalyzed by the enzyme gamma-secretase, but the role of catalytic subunits presenilin (PSEN)-1 or PSEN-2 in elastin aortopathy is not defined. Genetic approaches reveal that endothelial cell-specific Psen1 deletion does not improve elastin aortopathy whereas the deletion of either Psen1 in SMCs or Psen2 globally attenuates Notch pathway and SMC proliferation, mitigating aortic disease. With SMC-specific Psen1 deletion in elastin nulls, these rescue effects are more robust and in fact, survival is increased. SMC deletion of Psen1 also attenuates hypermuscularization in newborns heterozygous for the elastin null gene, which genetically mimics SVAS. Similarly, the pharmacological inhibition of PSEN-1 mitigates SMC accumulation in elastin aortopathy. These findings put forth SMC PSEN-1 as a potential therapeutic target in SVAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Saito
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jui M. Dave
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Freddy Duarte Lau
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Daniel M. Greif
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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14
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Lee YS, Joo MW, Shin SH, Hong S, Chung YG. Current Treatment Concepts for Extra-Abdominal Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:273. [PMID: 38254764 PMCID: PMC10813957 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020273] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis (EADTF) is a rare neoplastic condition of monoclonal fibroblastic proliferation characterized by local aggressiveness with a distinct tendency to recur. Although EADTF is a benign disease entity, these tumors have a tendency to infiltrate surrounding normal tissues, making it difficult to completely eliminate them without adjacent healthy tissue injury. Surgical excision of these locally aggressive tumors without clear resection margins often leads to local recurrence. The aim of this thorough review was to assess the current treatment concepts for these rare tumors. A comprehensive search of articles published in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (PubMed), and EMBASE databases between January 2008 and February 2023 was conducted. Surgical intervention is no longer the first-line approach for most cases; instead, strategies like active surveillance or systemic therapies are used as initial treatment options. With the exception of EADTFs situated near vital structures, a minimum of 6-12 months of active surveillance is currently advocated for, during which some disease progression may be considered acceptable. Non-surgical interventions such as radiation or cryoablation may be employed in certain patients to achieve local control. The currently preferred systemic treatment options include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, low-dose chemotherapy, and gamma-secretase inhibitors, while hormone therapy is not advised. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are utilized primarily for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Suk Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 56 Dongsu-ro, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 21431, Republic of Korea; (Y.-S.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Min Wook Joo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 93 Jungbu-Daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si 16247, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seung-Han Shin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea;
| | - Sungan Hong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 56 Dongsu-ro, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon 21431, Republic of Korea; (Y.-S.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Yang-Guk Chung
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea;
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15
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Zheng C, Huang J, Xu G, Li W, Weng X, Zhang S. The Notch signaling pathway in desmoid tumor: Recent advances and the therapeutic prospects. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166907. [PMID: 37793461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166907] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare fibroblastic soft-tissue neoplasm that is characterized by local aggressiveness but no metastatic potential. Although the prognosis is relatively favorable, the unpredictable disease course and infiltrative growth lead to significant impairments and morbidity. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been well-established in the pathogenesis of sporadic DT and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Gardners syndrome-associated DT, suggesting therapy targeting this pathway is an appealing treatment strategy. However, agents against this pathway are currently in their preliminary stages and have not yet been implemented in clinical practice. Increasing studies demonstrate activation of the Notch pathway is closely associated with the development and progression of DT, which provides a potential alternative therapeutic target against DT. Early-stage clinical trials and preclinical models have indicated that inhibition of Notch pathway might be a promising treatment approach for DT. The Notch signaling activation is mainly dependent on the activity of the γ-secretase enzyme, which is responsible for cleaving the Notch intracellular domain and facilitating its nuclear translocation to promote gene transcription. Two γ-secretase inhibitors called nirogacestat and AL102 are currently under extensive investigation in the advanced stage of clinical development. The updated findings from the phase III randomized controlled trial (DeFi trial) demonstrated that nirogacestat exerts significant benefits in terms of disease control and symptom resolution in patients with progressive DT. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the present understanding of Notch signaling in the pathogenesis of DT, with a particular emphasis on the prospective therapeutic application of γ-secretase inhibitors in the management of DT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxi Zheng
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Jianghong Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Xin Weng
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Shiquan Zhang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China.
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16
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Chen SY, Koch M, Chávez-Gutiérrez L, Zacharias M. How Modulator Binding at the Amyloidβ-γ-Secretase Interface Enhances Substrate Binding and Attenuates Membrane Distortion. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16772-16782. [PMID: 38059872 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of γ-secretase, an intramembrane protease, to reduce secretion of Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides has been considered for treating Alzheimer's disease. However, γ-secretase inhibitors suffer from severe side effects. As an alternative, γ-secretase modulators (GSM) reduce the generation of toxic peptides by enhancing the cleavage processivity without diminishing the enzyme activity. Starting from a known γ-secretase structure without substrate but in complex with an E2012 GSM, we generated a structural model that included a bound Aβ43 peptide and studied interactions among enzyme, substrate, GSM, and lipids. Our result suggests that E2012 binding at the enzyme-substrate-membrane interface attenuates the membrane distortion by shielding the substrate-membrane interaction. The model predicts that the E2012 modulation is charge-dependent and explains the preserved hydrogen acceptor and the aromatic ring observed in many imidazole-based GSM. Predicted effects of γ-secretase mutations on E2012 modulation were confirmed experimentally. We anticipate that the study will facilitate the future development of effective GSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yu Chen
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies, Garching 85748, Germany
| | - Matthias Koch
- VIB/KU Leuven, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | | | - Martin Zacharias
- Center for Functional Protein Assemblies, Garching 85748, Germany
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17
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Ito Y, Yamagata M, Yamamoto T, Hirasaka K, Nikawa T, Sato T. The reciprocal regulation between mitochondrial-associated membranes and Notch signaling in skeletal muscle atrophy. eLife 2023; 12:RP89381. [PMID: 38099641 PMCID: PMC10723794 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89381] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle atrophy and the inhibition of muscle regeneration are known to occur as a natural consequence of aging, yet the underlying mechanisms that lead to these processes in atrophic myofibers remain largely unclear. Our research has revealed that the maintenance of proper mitochondrial-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAM) is vital for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy in microgravity environments. We discovered that the deletion of the mitochondrial fusion protein Mitofusin2 (MFN2), which serves as a tether for MAM, in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells or the reduction of MAM in differentiated myotubes caused by microgravity interfered with myogenic differentiation process and an increased susceptibility to muscle atrophy, as well as the activation of the Notch signaling pathway. The atrophic phenotype of differentiated myotubes in microgravity and the regenerative capacity of Mfn2-deficient muscle stem cells in dystrophic mice were both ameliorated by treatment with the gamma-secretase inhibitor DAPT. Our findings demonstrate how the orchestration of mitochondrial morphology in differentiated myotubes and regenerating muscle stem cells plays a crucial role in regulating Notch signaling through the interaction of MAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Ito
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health UniversityToyoakeJapan
| | - Mari Yamagata
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha UniversityKyotanabeJapan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Medical-risk Avoidance based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP)KyotoJapan
| | - Katsuya Hirasaka
- Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University Graduate SchoolNagasakiJapan
| | - Takeshi Nikawa
- Department of Nutritional Physiology, Institute of Medical Nutrition, Tokushima University Graduate SchoolTokushimaJapan
| | - Takahiko Sato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Fujita Health UniversityToyoakeJapan
- International Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Fujita Health UniversityToyoakeJapan
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18
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Kim JY, Hong N, Park S, Ham SW, Kim EJ, Kim SO, Jang J, Kim Y, Kim JK, Kim SC, Park JW, Kim H. Jagged1 intracellular domain/SMAD3 complex transcriptionally regulates TWIST1 to drive glioma invasion. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:822. [PMID: 38092725 PMCID: PMC10719344 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Jagged1 (JAG1) is a Notch ligand that correlates with tumor progression. Not limited to its function as a ligand, JAG1 can be cleaved, and its intracellular domain translocates to the nucleus, where it functions as a transcriptional cofactor. Previously, we showed that JAG1 intracellular domain (JICD1) forms a protein complex with DDX17/SMAD3/TGIF2. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying JICD1-mediated tumor aggressiveness remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that JICD1 enhances the invasive phenotypes of glioblastoma cells by transcriptionally activating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, especially TWIST1. The inhibition of TWIST1 reduced JICD1-driven tumor aggressiveness. Although SMAD3 is an important component of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling, the JICD1/SMAD3 transcriptional complex was shown to govern brain tumor invasion independent of TGF-β signaling. Moreover, JICD1-TWIST1-MMP2 and MMP9 axes were significantly correlated with clinical outcome of glioblastoma patients. Collectively, we identified the JICD1/SMAD3-TWIST1 axis as a novel inducer of invasive phenotypes in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayoung Hong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehyeon Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Ham
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Kim
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ok Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseok Jang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonji Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Kyum Kim
- MEDIFIC Inc., Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, 18469, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Chan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Whi Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyunggee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Mai Y, Su J, Yang C, Xia C, Fu L. The strategies to cure cancer patients by eradicating cancer stem-like cells. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:171. [PMID: 37853413 PMCID: PMC10583358 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of cancer cells, possess remarkable capability in proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation. Their presence is recognized as a crucial factor contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. CSCs have garnered significant attention as a therapeutic focus and an etiologic root of treatment-resistant cells. Increasing evidence indicated that specific biomarkers, aberrant activated pathways, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and immunoevasion are considered the culprits in the occurrence of CSCs and the maintenance of CSCs properties including multi-directional differentiation. Targeting CSC biomarkers, stemness-associated pathways, TME, immunoevasion and inducing CSCs differentiation improve CSCs eradication and, therefore, cancer treatment. This review comprehensively summarized these targeted therapies, along with their current status in clinical trials. By exploring and implementing strategies aimed at eradicating CSCs, researchers aim to improve cancer treatment outcomes and overcome the challenges posed by CSC-mediated therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansui Mai
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiyan Su
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute; Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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20
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Lacalle-Gonzalez C, Florez-Cespedes M, Sanz-Criado L, Ochieng’ Otieno M, Ramos-Muñoz E, Fernandez-Aceñero MJ, Ortega-Medina L, Garcia-Foncillas J, Martinez-Useros J. DLL3 Is a Prognostic and Potentially Predictive Biomarker for Immunotherapy Linked to PD/PD-L Axis and NOTCH1 in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2812. [PMID: 37893184 PMCID: PMC10604228 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive neoplasm with very poor patient survival outcomes despite available treatments. There is an urgent need for new potential treatment options and novel biomarkers for these patients. Delta-like canonical Notch ligand 3 (DLL3) interacts with the Notch receptor and causes inhibition of Notch signaling, which confers a survival advantage to PDAC cells. Thus, DLL3 expression could affect cell survival, and its inhibition could increase a patient's survival. To test this hypothesis, a survival analysis was conducted using the progression-free and overall survival from two independent datasets of PDAC patients, with one using mRNA z-score levels and the other using the Hscore protein expression level; both were carried out using a log-rank test and plotted using Kaplan-Meier curves. DLL3 at the mRNA expression level showed an association between high mRNA expression and both a longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients. Then, we designed a retrospective study with resected PDAC samples. Our primary objective with this dataset was to assess the relationship between PFS and OS and DLL3 protein expression. The secondary assessment was to provide a rationale for the use of anti-DLL3-based treatments in combination with immunotherapy that is supported by the link between DLL3 and other factors that are involved in immune checkpoints. The survival analyses revealed a protective effect of high DLL3 protein expression levels in both PFS and OS. Interestingly, high DLL3 protein expression levels were significantly correlated with PD-L1/2 and negatively correlated with NOTCH1. Therefore, DLL3 could be considered a biomarker for better prognosis in resectable PDAC patients as well as a therapeutic biomarker for immunotherapy response. These facts set a rationale for testing anti-DLL3-based treatments either alone or combined with immunotherapy or other NOTCH1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Lacalle-Gonzalez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Lara Sanz-Criado
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-C.); (M.O.O.)
| | - Michael Ochieng’ Otieno
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-C.); (M.O.O.)
| | - Edurne Ramos-Muñoz
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group and Core Facility, RICORS2040, EATRIS, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute, (IRYCIS), C/Carretera Colmenar Km 9,100, 28034 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maria Jesus Fernandez-Aceñero
- Pathology Department, Clinico San Carlos University Hospital, C/Profesor Martin Lagos, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.J.F.-A.); (L.O.-M.)
| | - Luis Ortega-Medina
- Pathology Department, Clinico San Carlos University Hospital, C/Profesor Martin Lagos, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.J.F.-A.); (L.O.-M.)
| | - Jesus Garcia-Foncillas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-C.); (M.O.O.)
| | - Javier Martinez-Useros
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (L.S.-C.); (M.O.O.)
- Area of Physiology, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain
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21
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Hossain F, Ucar DA, Monticone G, Ran Y, Majumder S, Larter K, Luu H, Wyczechowska D, Heidari S, Xu K, Shanthalingam S, Matossian M, Xi Y, Burow M, Collins-Burow B, Del Valle L, Hicks C, Zabaleta J, Golde T, Osborne B, Miele L. Sulindac sulfide as a non-immune suppressive γ-secretase modulator to target triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1244159. [PMID: 37901240 PMCID: PMC10612326 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1244159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises a heterogeneous group of clinically aggressive tumors with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Current pharmacological treatment options remain largely limited to chemotherapy. Despite promising results, the efficacy of immunotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy in TNBC remains limited. There is strong evidence supporting the involvement of Notch signaling in TNBC progression. Expression of Notch1 and its ligand Jagged1 correlate with poor prognosis. Notch inhibitors, including g-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), are quite effective in preclinical models of TNBC. However, the success of GSIs in clinical trials has been limited by their intestinal toxicity and potential for adverse immunological effects, since Notch plays key roles in T-cell activation, including CD8 T-cells in tumors. Our overarching goal is to replace GSIs with agents that lack their systemic toxicity and ideally, do not affect tumor immunity. We identified sulindac sulfide (SS), the active metabolite of FDA-approved NSAID sulindac, as a potential candidate to replace GSIs. Methods We investigated the pharmacological and immunotherapeutic properties of SS in TNBC models in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo. Results We confirmed that SS, a known γ-secretase modulator (GSM), inhibits Notch1 cleavage in TNBC cells. SS significantly inhibited mammosphere growth in all human and murine TNBC models tested. In a transplantable mouse TNBC tumor model (C0321), SS had remarkable single-agent anti-tumor activity and eliminated Notch1 protein expression in tumors. Importantly, SS did not inhibit Notch cleavage in T- cells, and the anti-tumor effects of SS were significantly enhanced when combined with a-PD1 immunotherapy in our TNBC organoids and in vivo. Discussion Our data support further investigation of SS for the treatment of TNBC, in conjunction with chemo- or -chemo-immunotherapy. Repurposing an FDA-approved, safe agent for the treatment of TNBC may be a cost-effective, rapidly deployable therapeutic option for a patient population in need of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokhrul Hossain
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Deniz A. Ucar
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Giulia Monticone
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Yong Ran
- Department of Pharmacological and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kristina Larter
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Hanh Luu
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Dorota Wyczechowska
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, LSUHSC-NO, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Soroor Heidari
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Keli Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Sudarvili Shanthalingam
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | | | - Yaguang Xi
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Matthew Burow
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | | | - Luis Del Valle
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, LSUHSC-NO, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Chindo Hicks
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jovanny Zabaleta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, LSUHSC-NO, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Todd Golde
- Department of Pharmacological and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Barbara Osborne
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
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22
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Song C, Zhang J, Xu C, Gao M, Li N, Geng Q. The critical role of γ-secretase and its inhibitors in cancer and cancer therapeutics. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:5089-5103. [PMID: 37928268 PMCID: PMC10620818 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.87334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a multi-substrate transmembrane protease, γ-secretase exists widely in various cells. It controls multiple important cellular activities through substrate cleavage. γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) play a role in cancer inhibition by blocking Notch cleavage, and are considered as potential therapeutic strategies for cancer. Currently, GSIs have encouraging performance in preclinical models, yet this success does not translate well in clinical trials. In recent years, a number of breakthrough discoveries have shown us the promise of targeting γ-secretase for the treatment of cancer. Here, we integrate a large amount of data from γ-secretase and its inhibitors and cancer in nearly 30 years, comb and discuss the close connection between γ-secretase and cancer, as well as the potential and problems of current GSIs in cancer treatment. We analyze the possible reasons for the failure performance of current GSIs in clinical trials, and make recommendations for future research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congkuan Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, China
| | - Chenzhen Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglang Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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23
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Czerwonka A, Kałafut J, Nees M. Modulation of Notch Signaling by Small-Molecular Compounds and Its Potential in Anticancer Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4563. [PMID: 37760535 PMCID: PMC10526229 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is responsible for conveying messages between cells through direct contact, playing a pivotal role in tissue development and homeostasis. The modulation of Notch-related processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, viability, and cell fate, offer opportunities to better understand and prevent disease progression, including cancer. Currently, research efforts are mainly focused on attempts to inhibit Notch signaling in tumors with strong oncogenic, gain-of-function (GoF) or hyperactivation of Notch signaling. The goal is to reduce the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, interfere with neo-angiogenesis, increase chemosensitivity, potentially target cancer stem cells, tumor dormancy, and invasion, and induce apoptosis. Attempts to pharmacologically enhance or restore disturbed Notch signaling for anticancer therapies are less frequent. However, in some cancer types, such as squamous cell carcinomas, preferentially, loss-of-function (LoF) mutations have been confirmed, and restoring but not blocking Notch functions may be beneficial for therapy. The modulation of Notch signaling can be performed at several key levels related to NOTCH receptor expression, translation, posttranslational (proteolytic) processing, glycosylation, transport, and activation. This further includes blocking the interaction with Notch-related nuclear DNA transcription. Examples of small-molecular chemical compounds, that modulate individual elements of Notch signaling at the mentioned levels, have been described in the recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.N.)
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24
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Czerwonka A, Kałafut J, Wang S, Anameric A, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Mattsson J, Karbasian M, Le Manach D, Toriseva M, Nees M. Evaluation of the anticancer activity of RIN-1, a Notch signaling modulator, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13700. [PMID: 37607974 PMCID: PMC10444807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39472-0] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signalling is one of the key molecular pathways involved in cell-to-cell signal transduction. Although the mechanisms of action of the NOTCH receptors are already relatively well known, their biological implications remain unclear, especially during the initiation and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we present the growth- and differentiation-modulating effects of various "next generation" small molecule Notch modulators represented by RIN-1, and CB-103, on HNSCC, compared to gamma secretase inhibitors as "conventional" NOTCH interfering compounds, like DAPT. These molecules were tested in different cell- and tissue culture conditions represented by 2D monolayer, non-adherent or spheroid culture, 3D organoid cultures, and zebrafish in vivo model. The most pronounced, pleiotropic effects were observed for the NOTCH modulator RIN-1. At the molecular level, RIN-1-dependent activation of Notch signalling led to characteristic changes in the expression of NOTCH-regulated targets, i.e., the transcriptional suppressors HES1 and HEY1, p21 (CDKN1A) cell cycle inhibitor, and pro-apoptotic BAX markers. These changes led to restriction of proliferation, growth, and reduced motility of HNSCC cells in 2D cultures. Consequently, cell cycle arrest in the G2-M phase and induction of apoptosis were observed. Similar anticancer effects were observed in 3D cultures and in the zebrafish model. In contrast, RIN-1 treatment resulted in inhibition of Notch signalling and the growth of HNSCC spheroids under non-adherent cell culture conditions. Our results suggest that modulation of Notch signalling could be used as a chemotherapeutic agent in selected patients with intact NOTCH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Shaoxia Wang
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Alinda Anameric
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Jesse Mattsson
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mahtab Karbasian
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Doriane Le Manach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mervi Toriseva
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Nees
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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25
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Liu L, Deng P, Liu S, Hong JH, Xiao R, Guan P, Wang Y, Wang P, Gao J, Chen J, Sun Y, Chen J, Mai HQ, Tan J. Enhancer remodeling activates NOTCH3 signaling to confer chemoresistance in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:513. [PMID: 37563118 PMCID: PMC10415329 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06028-z] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to chemotherapy is one of the major causes of mortality in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, effective strategies are limited and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, through transcriptomic profiling analysis of 23 tumor tissues, we found that NOTCH3 was aberrantly highly expressed in chemoresistance NPC patients, with NOTCH3 overexpression being positively associated with poor clinical outcome. Mechanistically, using an established NPC cellular model, we demonstrated that enhancer remodeling driven aberrant hyperactivation of NOTCH3 in chemoresistance NPC. We further showed that NOTCH3 upregulates SLUG to induce chemo-resistance of NPC cells and higher expression of SLUG have poorer prognosis. Genetic or pharmacological perturbation of NOTCH3 conferred chemosensitivity of NPC in vitro and overexpression of NOTCH3 enhanced chemoresistance of NPC in vivo. Together, these data indicated that genome-wide enhancer reprogramming activates NOTCH3 to confer chemoresistance of NPC, suggesting that targeting NOTCH3 may provide a potential therapeutic strategy to effectively treat advanced chemoresistant NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Liu
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sailan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Han Hong
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Rong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiyong Guan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yali Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peili Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiuping Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yichen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Qiang Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
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26
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Deshotels L, Safa FM, Saba NS. NOTCH Signaling in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Biological and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10280. [PMID: 37373427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210280] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite major progress in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) therapeutics, MCL remains a deadly disease with a median survival not exceeding four years. No single driver genetic lesion has been described to solely give rise to MCL. The hallmark translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) requires additional genetic alterations for the malignant transformation. A short list of recurrently mutated genes including ATM, CCND1, UBR5, TP53, BIRC3, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, and TRAF2 recently emerged as contributors to the pathogenesis of MCL. Notably, NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 were found to be mutated in multiple B cell lymphomas, including 5-10% of MCL, with most of these mutations occurring within the PEST domain of the protein. The NOTCH genes play a critical role in the early and late phases of normal B cell differentiation. In MCL, mutations in the PEST domain stabilize NOTCH proteins, rendering them resistant to degradation, which subsequently results in the upregulation of genes involved in angiogenesis, cell cycle progression, and cell migration and adhesion. At the clinical level, mutated NOTCH genes are associated with aggressive features in MCL, such as the blastoid and pleomorphic variants, a shorter response to treatment, and inferior survival. In this article, we explore in detail the role of NOTCH signaling in MCL biology and the ongoing efforts toward targeted therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Deshotels
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Firas M Safa
- Service d'hématologie, Centre Hospitalier du Mans, 72037 Le Mans, France
| | - Nakhle S Saba
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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27
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Tsai YC, Cheng KH, Jiang SS, Hawse JR, Chuang SE, Chen SL, Huang TS, Ch'ang HJ. Krüppel-like factor 10 modulates stem cell phenotypes of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by transcriptionally regulating notch receptors. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:39. [PMID: 37308977 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00937-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is well known for its rapid distant metastasis and local destructive behavior. Loss of Krüppel-like factor 10 (KLF10) contributes to distant migration of PDAC. The role of KLF10 in modulating tumorigenesis and stem cell phenotypes of PDAC is unclear. METHODS Additional depletion of KLF10 in KC (LSL: KrasG12D; Pdx1-Cre) mice, a spontaneous murine PDAC model, was established to evaluate tumorigenesis. Tumor specimens of PDAC patients were immune-stained of KLF10 to correlate with local recurrence after curative resection. Conditional overexpressing KLF10 in MiaPaCa and stably depleting KLF10 in Panc-1 (Panc-1-pLKO-shKLF10) cells were established for evaluating sphere formation, stem cell markers expression and tumor growth. The signal pathways modulated by KLF10 for PDAC stem cell phenotypes were disclosed by microarray analysis and validated by western blot, qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter assay. Candidate targets to reverse PDAC tumor growth were demonstrated in murine model. RESULTS KLF10, deficient in two-thirds of 105 patients with resected pancreatic PDAC, was associated with rapid local recurrence and large tumor size. Additional KLF10 depletion in KC mice accelerated progression from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to PDAC. Increased sphere formation, expression of stem cell markers, and tumor growth were observed in Panc-1-pLKO-shKLF10 compared with vector control. Genetically or pharmacologically overexpression of KLF10 reversed the stem cell phenotypes induced by KLF10 depletion. Ingenuity pathway analysis and gene set enrichment analysis showed that Notch signaling molecules, including Notch receptors 3 and 4, were over-expressed in Panc-1-pLKO-shKLF10. KLF10 transcriptionally suppressed Notch-3 and -4 by competing with E74-like ETS transcription factor 3, a positive regulator, for promoter binding. Downregulation of Notch signaling, either genetically or pharmacologically, ameliorated the stem cell phenotypes of Panc-1-pLKO-shKLF10. The combination of metformin, which upregulated KLF10 expression via phosphorylating AMPK, and evodiamine, a non-toxic Notch-3 methylation stimulator, delayed tumor growth of PDAC with KLF10 deficiency in mice without prominent toxicity. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated a novel signaling pathway by which KLF10 modulates stem cell phenotypes in PDAC through transcriptionally regulating Notch signaling pathway. The elevation of KLF10 and suppression of Notch signaling may jointly reduce PDAC tumorigenesis and malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chih Tsai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, R1-2034, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Kung Hung Cheng
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, R1-2034, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih Sheng Jiang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, R1-2034, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - John R Hawse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shun En Chuang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, R1-2034, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Su Liang Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, R1-2034, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Sing Huang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, R1-2034, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ju Ch'ang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, R1-2034, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan.
- Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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28
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Li J, Goh ELK, He J, Li Y, Fan Z, Yu Z, Yuan P, Liu DX. Emerging Intrinsic Therapeutic Targets for Metastatic Breast Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:697. [PMID: 37237509 PMCID: PMC10215321 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide, and it is also the main cause of cancer-related death in women. Survival rates for female breast cancer have significantly improved due to early diagnosis and better treatment. Nevertheless, for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the survival rate is still low, reflecting a need for the development of new therapies. Mechanistic insights into metastatic breast cancer have provided excellent opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Although high-throughput approaches have identified several therapeutic targets in metastatic disease, some subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer do not yet have an apparent tumor-specific receptor or pathway to target. Therefore, exploring new druggable targets in metastatic disease is a high clinical priority. In this review, we summarize the emerging intrinsic therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer, including cyclin D-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the insulin/IGF1R pathway, the EGFR/HER family, the JAK/STAT pathway, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP), TROP-2, Src kinases, histone modification enzymes, activated growth factor receptors, androgen receptors, breast cancer stem cells, matrix metalloproteinases, and immune checkpoint proteins. We also review the latest development in breast cancer immunotherapy. Drugs that target these molecules/pathways are either already FDA-approved or currently being tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Li
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Eyleen L. K. Goh
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Faculty, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Ji He
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, 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 1010, New Zealand
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhigang Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China;
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of VIP Medical Services, National Cancer Centre/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, 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 1010, New Zealand
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29
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Agarwal P, Glowacka A, Mahmoud L, Bazzar W, Larsson LG, Alzrigat M. MYCN Amplification Is Associated with Reduced Expression of Genes Encoding γ-Secretase Complex and NOTCH Signaling Components in Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8141. [PMID: 37175848 PMCID: PMC10179553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098141] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amplification of the MYCN oncogene is found in ~20% of neuroblastoma (NB) cases and correlates with high-risk disease and poor prognosis. Despite the plethora of studies describing the role of MYCN in NB, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying MYCN's contribution to high-risk disease are not completely understood. Herein, we implemented an integrative approach combining publicly available RNA-Seq and MYCN ChIP-Seq datasets derived from human NB cell lines to define biological processes directly regulated by MYCN in NB. Our approach revealed that MYCN-amplified NB cell lines, when compared to non-MYCN-amplified cell lines, are characterized by reduced expression of genes involved in NOTCH receptor processing, axoneme assembly, and membrane protein proteolysis. More specifically, we found genes encoding members of the γ-secretase complex, which is known for its ability to liberate several intracellular signaling molecules from membrane-bound proteins such as NOTCH receptors, to be down-regulated in MYCN-amplified NB cell lines. Analysis of MYCN ChIP-Seq data revealed an enrichment of MYCN binding at the transcription start sites of genes encoding γ-secretase complex subunits. Notably, using publicly available gene expression data from NB primary tumors, we revealed that the expression of γ-secretase subunits encoding genes and other components of the NOTCH signaling pathway was also reduced in MYCN-amplified tumors and correlated with worse overall survival in NB patients. Genetic or pharmacological depletion of MYCN in NB cell lines induced the expression of γ-secretase genes and NOTCH-target genes. Chemical inhibition of γ-secretase activity dampened the expression of NOTCH-target genes upon MYCN depletion in NB cells. In conclusion, this study defines a set of MYCN-regulated pathways that are specific to MYCN-amplified NB tumors, and it suggests a novel role for MYCN in the suppression of genes of the γ-secretase complex, with an impact on the NOTCH-target gene expression in MYCN-amplified NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasoon Agarwal
- National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Aleksandra Glowacka
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17165 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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30
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Rozenberg JM, Buzdin AA, Mohammad T, Rakitina OA, Didych DA, Pleshkan VV, Alekseenko IV. Molecules promoting circulating clusters of cancer cells suggest novel therapeutic targets for treatment of metastatic cancers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1099921. [PMID: 37006265 PMCID: PMC10050392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1099921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of metastatic disease remains among the most challenging tasks in oncology. One of the early events that predicts a poor prognosis and precedes the development of metastasis is the occurrence of clusters of cancer cells in the blood flow. Moreover, the presence of heterogeneous clusters of cancerous and noncancerous cells in the circulation is even more dangerous. Review of pathological mechanisms and biological molecules directly involved in the formation and pathogenesis of the heterotypic circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters revealed their common properties, which include increased adhesiveness, combined epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype, CTC-white blood cell interaction, and polyploidy. Several molecules involved in the heterotypic CTC interactions and their metastatic properties, including IL6R, CXCR4 and EPCAM, are targets of approved or experimental anticancer drugs. Accordingly, analysis of patient survival data from the published literature and public datasets revealed that the expression of several molecules affecting the formation of CTC clusters predicts patient survival in multiple cancer types. Thus, targeting of molecules involved in CTC heterotypic interactions might be a valuable strategy for the treatment of metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian M. Rozenberg
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anton A. Buzdin
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- PathoBiology Group, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Brussels, Belgium
- Group for Genomic Analysis of Cell Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory for Clinical Genomic Bioinformatics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Anton Buzdin,
| | - Tharaa Mohammad
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Olga A. Rakitina
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Didych
- Laboratory of human genes structure and functions, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V. Pleshkan
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Gene oncotherapy sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre (Kurchatov Institute), Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Alekseenko
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Gene oncotherapy sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre (Kurchatov Institute), Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Oncogynecology and Mammology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Kim T, Bui NQ. The Next Frontier in Sarcoma: Molecular Pathways and Associated Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061692. [PMID: 36980578 PMCID: PMC10046114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare, complex, heterogeneous group of mesenchymal neoplasms with over 150 different histological subtypes. Treatments for this malignancy have been especially challenging due to the heterogeneity of the disease and the modest efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. The next frontier lies in discerning the molecular pathways in which these mesenchymal neoplasms arise, metastasize, and develop drug-resistance, thereby helping guide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of STS. This comprehensive review will discuss the current understanding of tumorigenesis of specific STS subtypes, including oncogenic pathway alterations involved in cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, NOTCH signaling, and aberrant genetic rearrangements. It will then review current therapies that have been recently developed to target these pathways, including a review of ongoing clinical studies for targeted sarcoma treatment, as well as discuss new potential avenues for therapies against known molecular pathways of sarcomagenesis.
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32
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Liu L, Xu H, Shi Y, Cui J, Wu J, Li S. p53 regulates the effects of DAPT on Rac1 activation and migration of non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14169. [PMID: 36923886 PMCID: PMC10009732 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of γ-secretase inhibitors to inhibit the activation of Notch receptors can effectively inhibit the malignant process of tumors. Here, we demonstrate that p53 can modulate the effect of DAPT (a γ-secretase inhibitor) on the activation of small GTPase Rac1, thereby affecting cell migration of non-small-cell lung cancer H1299 and A549 cells. After treatment with 20 μM DAPT, activation of Rac1 was increased in H1299 cells but not in A549 cells. We further found that the migration ability of H1299 cells was increased, whereas that of A549 cells was reduced. The effect of DAPT on H1299 migration was repressed by Rac1-T17N, a dominant inactivated mutant of Rac1. H1299 is a p53-deficient cell line. When p53 protein was overexpressed in H1299 cells with a pEGFP-p53 plasmid, DAPT treatment no longer activated Rac1 and increased migration ability. Moreover, DAPT promoted the migration of H1299 cells by increasing the activity of Rac1 through the non-canonical Notch pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of p53 protein in lung cancer cells regulates the effect of DAPT on cell migration by modulating the activation of Rac1, suggesting that p53 may affect the therapeutic effects of Notch inhibitors in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Emergency Center, Xuzhou Tongshan District People's Hospital, No. 267 Huaihai West Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China
| | - Jie Cui
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China
| | - Jinxia Wu
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China
| | - Shibao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, China
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33
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Varatanovic S, Maier T, Al-Gboore S, Stoiber S, Kandathil SA, Quint C, Brennus C, Heiduschka G, Kadletz-Wanke L, Brkic FF. In vitro effects of gamma-secretase inhibition in HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:193-201. [PMID: 36809443 PMCID: PMC10140088 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01334-x] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New chemotherapy agents are warranted for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly for incidence-rising HPV-positive tumors. Based on the evidence of Notch pathway involvement in cancer promotion and progression, we aimed to gain insights into the in vitro antineoplastic effects of gamma-secretase inhibition in HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC models. METHODS All in vitro experiments were conducted in two HPV-negative (Cal27 and FaDu) and one HPV-associated HNSCC cell line (SCC154). The influence of the gamma-secretase inhibitor PF03084014 (PF) on proliferation, migration, colony forming, and apoptosis was assessed. RESULTS We observed significant anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, anti-clonogenic, and pro-apoptotic effects in all three HNSCC cell lines. Furthermore, synergistic effects with concomitant radiation were observable in the proliferation assay. Interestingly, effects were slightly more potent in the HPV-positive cells. CONCLUSION We provided novel insights into the potential therapeutic relevance of gamma-secretase inhibition in HNSCC cell lines in vitro. Therefore, PF may become a viable treatment option for patients with HNSCC, particularly for patients with HPV-induced malignancy. Indeed, further in vitro and in vivo experiments should be conducted to validate our results and decipher the mechanism behind the observed anti-neoplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Varatanovic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Maier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sega Al-Gboore
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Stoiber
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sam Augustine Kandathil
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Anatomy, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Quint
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Charlotte Brennus
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Heiduschka
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Faris F Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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34
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Ishikawa H, Menju T, Toyazaki T, Miyamoto H, Chiba N, Noguchi M, Tamari S, Miyata R, Yutaka Y, Tanaka S, Yamada Y, Nakajima D, Ohsumi A, Hamaji M, Okuno Y, Date H. A novel cell-based assay for the high-throughput screening of epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibitors: Identification of approved and investigational drugs that inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Lung Cancer 2023; 175:36-46. [PMID: 36450215 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lung cancer with distant metastases is associated with a very poor prognosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to cancer metastasis. Therefore, elucidation and inhibition of EMT signaling in lung cancer may be a new therapeutic strategy for improving the prognosis of patients. We constructed a high-throughput screening system for EMT inhibitors. Using this system, we aimed to identify compounds that indeed inhibit EMT. MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated a luciferase reporter cell line using A549 human lung cancer cells and E-cadherin or vimentin as EMT markers. EMT was induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and candidate EMT inhibitors were screened from a library of 2,350 compounds. The selected compounds were further tested using secondary assays to verify the inhibition of EMT and invasive capacity of cells. RESULTS Values obtained by the assay were adjusted for the number of viable cells and scored by determining the difference between mean values of the positive and negative control groups. Four compounds were identified as novel candidate drugs. Among those, one (avagacestat) and two compounds (GDC-0879 and levothyroxine) improved the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin, respectively, in epithelial cells. GDC-0879 and levothyroxine also significantly inhibited the invasive capacity of cells. CONCLUSION We systematically screened approved, investigational, and druggable compounds with inhibitory effects using a reporter assay, and identified candidate drugs for EMT inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Ishikawa
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Toshi Menju
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Toshiya Toyazaki
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hideaki Miyamoto
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Naohisa Chiba
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Misa Noguchi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Tamari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ryo Miyata
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yutaka
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Satona Tanaka
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshito Yamada
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nakajima
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohsumi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Hamaji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yukiko Okuno
- The Drug Discovery Center, Medical Research Support, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Date
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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35
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Jandrey EHF, Barnabé GF, Maldaun M, Asprino PF, dos Santos NC, Inoue LT, Rozanski A, Galante PAF, Marie SKN, Oba-Shinjo SM, dos Santos TG, Chammas R, Lancellotti CLP, Furnari FB, Camargo AA, Costa ÉT. A novel program of infiltrative control in astrocytomas: ADAM23 depletion promotes cell invasion by activating γ-secretase complex. Neurooncol Adv 2023; 5:vdad147. [PMID: 38024245 PMCID: PMC10681280 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdad147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infiltration is a life-threatening growth pattern in malignant astrocytomas and a significant cause of therapy resistance. It results in the tumor cell spreading deeply into the surrounding brain tissue, fostering tumor recurrence and making complete surgical resection impossible. We need to thoroughly understand the mechanisms underlying diffuse infiltration to develop effective therapies. Methods We integrated in vitro and in vivo functional assays, RNA sequencing, clinical, and expression information from public data sets to investigate the role of ADAM23 expression coupling astrocytoma's growth and motility. Results ADAM23 downregulation resulted in increased infiltration, reduced tumor growth, and improved overall survival in astrocytomas. Additionally, we show that ADAM23 deficiency induces γ-secretase (GS) complex activity, contributing to the production and deposition of the Amyloid-β and release of NICD. Finally, GS ablation in ADAM23-low astrocytomas induced a significant inhibitory effect on the invasive programs. Conclusions Our findings reveal a role for ADAM23 in regulating the balance between cell proliferation and invasiveness in astrocytoma cells, proposing GS inhibition as a therapeutic option in ADAM23 low-expressing astrocytomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcos Maldaun
- Molecular Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Andrei Rozanski
- Molecular Oncology Center, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sueli Mieko Oba-Shinjo
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, LIM15, FMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tiago Góss dos Santos
- Centro Internacional de Pesquisa, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Fundação Antônio Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roger Chammas
- Laboratório de Oncologia Experimental, Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Frank B Furnari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Engineering receptors in the secretory pathway for orthogonal signalling control. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7350. [PMID: 36446786 PMCID: PMC9708828 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic receptors targeted to the secretory pathway often fail to exhibit the expected activity due to post-translational modifications (PTMs) and/or improper folding. Here, we engineered synthetic receptors that reside in the cytoplasm, inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), or on the plasma membrane through orientation adjustment of the receptor parts and by elimination of dysfunctional PTMs sites. The cytoplasmic receptors consist of split-TEVp domains that reconstitute an active protease through chemically-induced dimerization (CID) that is triggered by rapamycin, abscisic acid, or gibberellin. Inside the ER, however, some of these receptors were non-functional, but their activity was restored by mutagenesis of cysteine and asparagine, residues that are typically associated with PTMs. Finally, we engineered orthogonal chemically activated cell-surface receptors (OCARs) consisting of the Notch1 transmembrane domain fused to cytoplasmic tTA and extracellular CID domains. Mutagenesis of cysteine residues in CID domains afforded functional OCARs which enabled fine-tuning of orthogonal signalling in mammalian cells.
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37
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Güner G, Aßfalg M, Zhao K, Dreyer T, Lahiri S, Lo Y, Slivinschi BI, Imhof A, Jocher G, Strohm L, Behrends C, Langosch D, Bronger H, Nimsky C, Bartsch JW, Riddell SR, Steiner H, Lichtenthaler SF. Proteolytically generated soluble Tweak Receptor Fn14 is a blood biomarker for γ-secretase activity. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e16084. [PMID: 36069059 PMCID: PMC9549706 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216084] [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: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fn14 is a cell surface receptor with key functions in tissue homeostasis and injury but is also linked to chronic diseases. Despite its physiological and medical importance, the regulation of Fn14 signaling and turnover is only partly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Fn14 is cleaved within its transmembrane domain by the protease γ‐secretase, resulting in secretion of the soluble Fn14 ectodomain (sFn14). Inhibition of γ‐secretase in tumor cells reduced sFn14 secretion, increased full‐length Fn14 at the cell surface, and enhanced TWEAK ligand‐stimulated Fn14 signaling through the NFκB pathway, which led to enhanced release of the cytokine tumor necrosis factor. γ‐Secretase‐dependent sFn14 release was also detected ex vivo in primary tumor cells from glioblastoma patients, in mouse and human plasma and was strongly reduced in blood from human cancer patients dosed with a γ‐secretase inhibitor prior to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T‐cell treatment. Taken together, our study demonstrates a novel function for γ‐secretase in attenuating TWEAK/Fn14 signaling and suggests the use of sFn14 as an easily measurable pharmacodynamic biomarker to monitor γ‐secretase activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gökhan Güner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marlene Aßfalg
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Dreyer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shibojyoti Lahiri
- Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center, LMU, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Yun Lo
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bianca Ionela Slivinschi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- Protein Analysis Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center, LMU, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Georg Jocher
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Strohm
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Medical Faculty, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Behrends
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Medical Faculty, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Holger Bronger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Nimsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jörg W Bartsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stanley R Riddell
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Harald Steiner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Center (BMC), LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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Molecular pathogenesis of desmoid tumor and the role of γ-secretase inhibition. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:62. [PMID: 36068332 PMCID: PMC9448813 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00308-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare, soft tissue neoplasm associated with an unpredictable clinical course. Although lacking metastatic potential, DT is often locally aggressive and invasive, causing significant morbidity. Both sporadic DT and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)-associated DT are linked to constitutive activation of the Wnt signaling pathway with mutations in the β-catenin oncogene CTNNB1 or the tumor suppressor gene APC, respectively. Cross-talk between the Notch and Wnt pathways, as well as activation of the Notch pathway resulting from dysregulation of the Wnt pathway, suggest a possible therapeutic target for DT. Due to the role γ-secretase plays in Notch signaling through cleavage of the Notch intracellular domain (with subsequent translocation to the nucleus to activate gene transcription), γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) have emerged as a potential treatment for DT. Two GSIs, nirogacestat (PF-03084014) and AL102 are in later-stage clinical development; nirogacestat is being evaluated in a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled trial while AL102 is being evaluated in a phase 2/3, dose-finding (part A) and placebo-controlled (part B) trial. This review summarizes current understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of DT focusing on dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, crosstalk with the Notch pathway, and the potential therapeutic role for GSIs in DT.
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Abstract
The mammalian respiratory system or lung is a tree-like branching structure, and the main site of gas exchange with the external environment. Structurally, the lung is broadly classified into the proximal (or conducting) airways and the distal alveolar region, where the gas exchange occurs. In parallel with the respiratory tree, the pulmonary vasculature starts with large pulmonary arteries that subdivide rapidly ending in capillaries adjacent to alveolar structures to enable gas exchange. The NOTCH signalling pathway plays an important role in lung development, differentiation and regeneration post-injury. Signalling via the NOTCH pathway is mediated through activation of four NOTCH receptors (NOTCH1-4), with each receptor capable of regulating unique biological processes. Dysregulation of the NOTCH pathway has been associated with development and pathophysiology of multiple adult acute and chronic lung diseases. This includes accumulating evidence that alteration of NOTCH3 signalling plays an important role in the development and pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Herein, we provide a comprehensive summary of the role of NOTCH3 signalling in regulating repair/regeneration of the adult lung, its association with development of lung disease and potential therapeutic strategies to target its signalling activity.
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40
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γ-secretase inhibitors augment efficacy of BCMA-targeting bispecific antibodies against multiple myeloma cells without impairing T-cell activation and differentiation. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:118. [PMID: 35973981 PMCID: PMC9381512 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We here defined the impacts of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) on T-cell-dependent BCMA-specific multiple myeloma (MM) cell lysis and immunomodulatory effects induced by bispecific antibodies (BisAbs). GSIs-induced membrane BCMA (mBCMA) accumulation reached near maximum within 4 h and sustained over 42h-study period on MM cell lines and patient MM cells. GSIs, i.e., 2 nM LY-411575 or 1 μM DAPT, robustly increased mBCMA densities on CD138+ but not CD3+ patient cells, concomitantly with minimum soluble/shed BCMA (sBCMA) in 1 day-culture supernatants. In ex vivo MM-T-cell co-cultures, GSIs overcame sBCMA-inhibited MM cell lysis and further enhanced autologous patient MM cell lysis induced by BCMAxCD3 BisAbs, accompanied by significantly enhanced cytolytic markers (CD107a, IFNγ, IL2, and TNFα) in patient T cells. In longer 7 day-co-cultures, LY-411575 minimally affected BCMAxCD3 BisAb (PL33)-induced transient expression of checkpoint (PD1, TIGIT, TIM3, LAG3) and co-stimulatory (41BB, CD28) proteins, as well as time-dependent increases in % effector memory/central memory subsets and CD8/CD4 ratios in patient T cells. Importantly, LY41157 rapidly cleared sBCMA from circulation of MM-bearing NSG mice reconstituted with human T cells and significantly enhanced anti-MM efficacy of PL33 with prolonged host survival. Taken together, these results further support ongoing combination BCMA-targeting immunotherapies with GSI clinical studies to improve patient outcome.
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41
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Riedel RF, Agulnik M. Evolving strategies for management of desmoid tumor. Cancer 2022; 128:3027-3040. [PMID: 35670122 PMCID: PMC9546183 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare soft tissue mesenchymal neoplasms that may be associated with impairments, disfigurement, morbidity, and (rarely) mortality. DT disease course can be unpredictable. Most DTs are sporadic, harboring somatic mutations in the gene that encodes for β-catenin, whereas DTs occurring in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis have germline mutations in the APC gene, which encodes for a protein regulator of β-catenin. Pathology review by an expert soft tissue pathologist is critical in making a diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is preferred for most anatomic locations. Surgery, once the standard of care for initial treatment of DT, is associated with a significant risk of recurrence as well as avoidable morbidity because spontaneous regressions are known to occur without treatment. Consequently, active surveillance in conjunction with pain management is now recommended for most patients. Systemic medical treatment of DT has evolved beyond the use of hormone therapy, which is no longer routinely recommended. Current options for medical management include tyrosine kinase inhibitors as well as more conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy (e.g., anthracycline-based or methotrexate-based regimens). A newer class of agents, γ-secretase inhibitors, appears promising, including in patients who fail other therapies, but confirmation in Phase 3 trials is needed. In summary, DTs present challenges to physicians in diagnosis and prognosis, as well as in determining treatment initiation, type, duration, and sequence. Accordingly, evaluation by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in DT and patient-tailored management are essential. As management strategies continue to evolve, further studies will help clarify these issues and optimize outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Riedel
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Agulnik
- Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, USA
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42
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Zhang E, Miller A, Clinton C, DeSmith K, Voss SD, Aster JC, Church AJ, Rahbar R, Eberhart N, Janeway KA, DuBois SG. Gamma Secretase Inhibition for a Child With Metastatic Glomus Tumor and Activated NOTCH1. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 6:e2200099. [PMID: 35731997 DOI: 10.1200/po.22.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Amber Miller
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Catherine Clinton
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kylene DeSmith
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Stephan D Voss
- Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jon C Aster
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Alanna J Church
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Reza Rahbar
- Department of Otolaryngology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Katherine A Janeway
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Steven G DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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43
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Foglizzo V, Marchiò S. Nanoparticles as Physically- and Biochemically-Tuned Drug Formulations for Cancers Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102473. [PMID: 35626078 PMCID: PMC9139219 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conventional antitumor drugs have limitations, including poor water solubility and lack of targeting capability, with consequent non-specific distribution, systemic toxicity, and low therapeutic index. Nanotechnology promises to overcome these drawbacks by exploiting the physical properties of diverse nanocarriers that can be linked to moieties with binding selectivity for cancer cells. The use of nanoparticles as therapeutic formulations allows a targeted delivery and a slow, controlled release of the drug(s), making them tunable modules for applications in precision medicine. In addition, nanoparticles are also being developed as cancer vaccines, offering an opportunity to increase both cellular and humoral immunity, thus providing a new weapon to beat cancer. Abstract Malignant tumors originate from a combination of genetic alterations, which induce activation of oncogenes and inactivation of oncosuppressor genes, ultimately resulting in uncontrolled growth and neoplastic transformation. Chemotherapy prevents the abnormal proliferation of cancer cells, but it also affects the entire cellular network in the human body with heavy side effects. For this reason, the ultimate aim of cancer therapy remains to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing their normal counterparts. Nanoparticle formulations have the potential to achieve this aim by providing optimized drug delivery to a pathological site with minimal accumulation in healthy tissues. In this review, we will first describe the characteristics of recently developed nanoparticles and how their physical properties and targeting functionalization are exploited depending on their therapeutic payload, route of delivery, and tumor type. Second, we will analyze how nanoparticles can overcome multidrug resistance based on their ability to combine different therapies and targeting moieties within a single formulation. Finally, we will discuss how the implementation of these strategies has led to the generation of nanoparticle-based cancer vaccines as cutting-edge instruments for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Foglizzo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Serena Marchiò
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-01199333239
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44
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Anobile DP, Montenovo G, Pecoraro C, Franczak M, Ait Iddouch W, Peters GJ, Riganti C, Giovannetti E. Splicing deregulation, microRNA and Notch aberrations: fighting the three-headed dog to overcome drug resistance in malignant mesothelioma. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:305-322. [PMID: 35533249 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2074835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malignant mesothelioma (MMe) is an aggressive rare cancer of the mesothelium, associated with asbestos exposure. MMe is currently an incurable disease at all stages mainly due to resistance to treatments. It is therefore necessary to elucidate key mechanisms underlying chemoresistance, in an effort to exploit them as novel therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED Chemoresistance is frequently elicited by microRNA (miRNA) alterations and splicing deregulations. Indeed, several miRNAs, such as miR-29c, have been shown to exert oncogenic or oncosuppressive activity. Alterations in the splicing machinery might also be involved in chemoresistance. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway, often deregulated in MMe, plays a key role in cancer stem cells formation and self-renewal, leading to drug resistance and relapses. EXPERT OPINION The prognosis of MMe in patients varies among different tumors and patient characteristics, and novel biomarkers and therapies are warranted. This work aims at giving an overview of MMe, with a special focus on state-of-the-art treatments and new therapeutic strategies against vulnerabilities emerging from studies on epigenetics factors. Besides, this review is also the first to discuss the interplay between miRNAs and alternative splicing as well as the role of Notch as new promising frontiers to overcome drug resistance in MMe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario P Anobile
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Giulia Montenovo
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Dipartimento Di Scienze E Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche E Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marika Franczak
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Widad Ait Iddouch
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081HV Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
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45
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Zhu G, Lin Y, Ge T, Singh S, Liu H, Fan L, Wang S, Rhen J, Jiang D, Lyu Y, Yin Y, Li X, Benoit DSW, Li W, Xu Y, Pang J. A novel peptide inhibitor of Dll4-Notch1 signalling and its pro-angiogenic functions. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:1716-1731. [PMID: 34796471 PMCID: PMC9040338 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15743] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Dll4-Notch1 signalling pathway plays an important role in sprouting angiogenesis, vascular remodelling and arterial or venous specificity. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Dll4-Notch1 signalling leads to excessive sprouting angiogenesis. However, transcriptional inhibitors of Dll4-Notch1 signalling have not been described. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We designed a new peptide targeting Notch signalling, referred to as TAT-ANK, and assessed its effects on angiogenesis. In vitro, tube formation and fibrin gel bead assay were carried out, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In vivo, Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay, a developmental retinal model and tumour models in mice were used. The mechanisms underlying TAT-ANK activity were investigated by immunochemistry, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, RT-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays. KEY RESULTS The amino acid residues 179-191 in the G-protein-coupled receptor-kinase-interacting protein-1 (GIT1-ankyrin domain) are crucial for GIT1 binding to the Notch transcription repressor, RBP-J. We designed the peptide TAT-ANK, based on residues 179-191 in GIT1. TAT-ANK significantly inhibited Dll4 expression and Notch 1 activation in HUVECs by competing with activated Notch1 to bind to RBP-J. The analyses of biological functions showed that TAT-ANK promoted angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting Dll4-Notch1 signalling. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We synthesized and investigated the biological actions of TAT-ANK peptide, a new inhibitor of Notch signalling. This peptide will be of significant interest to research on Dll4-Notch1 signalling and to clinicians carrying out clinical trials using Notch signalling inhibitors. Furthermore, our findings will have important conceptual and therapeutic implications for angiogenesis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofu Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tandi Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shekhar Singh
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shumin Wang
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jordan Rhen
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Dongyang Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyan Lyu
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiheng Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiankai Li
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Danielle S. W. Benoit
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Materials Science Program, and Centers for Musculoskeletal Research and Oral Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Weiming Li
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Pan-Vascular Research Institute of Tongji University, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjiang Pang
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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46
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Chen WK, Oon CE, Kaur G, Sainson RC, Li JL. Downregulation of Manic fringe impedes angiogenesis and cell migration of renal carcinoma. Microvasc Res 2022; 142:104341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2022.104341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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47
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Small molecules targeting γ-secretase and their potential biological applications. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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48
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Kieran R, de Paula BHR, Hubank M, Barker A, Paterson AL, Gilligan D, Doherty GJ. Response of NOTCH1-Activated Tracheal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma to the Gamma Secretase Inhibitor Nirogacestat. JCO Precis Oncol 2022; 5:1579-1583. [PMID: 34994644 DOI: 10.1200/po.21.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Kieran
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno H R de Paula
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Early Phase Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Allanah Barker
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L Paterson
- Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David Gilligan
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gary J Doherty
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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49
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Sen S, Hallee L, Lam CK. The Potential of Gamma Secretase as a Therapeutic Target for Cardiac Diseases. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121294. [PMID: 34945766 PMCID: PMC8703931 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121294] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart diseases are some of the most common and pressing threats to human health worldwide. The American Heart Association and the National Institute of Health jointly work to annually update data on cardiac diseases. In 2018, 126.9 million Americans were reported as having some form of cardiac disorder, with an estimated direct and indirect total cost of USD 363.4 billion. This necessitates developing therapeutic interventions for heart diseases to improve human life expectancy and economic relief. In this review, we look into gamma-secretase as a potential therapeutic target for cardiac diseases. Gamma-secretase, an aspartyl protease enzyme, is responsible for the cleavage and activation of a number of substrates that are relevant to normal cardiac development and function as found in mutation studies. Some of these substrates are involved in downstream signaling processes and crosstalk with pathways relevant to heart diseases. Most of the substrates and signaling events we explored were found to be potentially beneficial to maintain cardiac function in diseased conditions. This review presents an updated overview of the current knowledge on gamma-secretase processing of cardiac-relevant substrates and seeks to understand if the modulation of gamma-secretase activity would be beneficial to combat cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujoita Sen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Logan Hallee
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Chi Keung Lam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-302-831-3165
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50
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Nie P, Kalidindi T, Nagle VL, Wu X, Li T, Liao GP, Frost G, Henry KE, Punzalan B, Carter LM, Lewis JS, Pillarsetty NVK, Li YM. Imaging of Cancer γ-Secretase Activity Using an Inhibitor-Based PET Probe. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6145-6155. [PMID: 34475100 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abnormal Notch signaling promotes cancer cell growth and tumor progression in various cancers. Targeting γ-secretase, a pivotal regulator in the Notch pathway, has yielded numerous γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) for clinical investigation in the last 2 decades. However, GSIs have demonstrated minimal success in clinical trials in part due to the lack of specific and precise tools to assess γ-secretase activity and its inhibition in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We designed an imaging probe based on GSI Semagacestat structure and synthesized the radioiodine-labeled analogues [131I]- or [124I]-PN67 from corresponding trimethyl-tin precursors. Both membrane- and cell-based ligand-binding assays were performed using [131I]-PN67 to determine the binding affinity and specificity for γ-secretase in vitro. Moreover, we evaluated [124I]-PN67 by PET imaging in mammary tumor and glioblastoma mouse models. RESULTS The probe was synthesized through iodo-destannylation using chloramine-T as an oxidant with a high labeling yield and efficiency. In vitro binding results demonstrate the high specificity of this probe and its ability for target replacement study by clinical GSIs. PET imaging studies demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increased in the uptake of [124I]-PN67 in tumors versus blocking or sham control groups across multiple mouse models, including 4T1 allograft, MMTV-PyMT breast cancer, and U87 glioblastoma allograft. Ex vivo biodistribution and autoradiography corroborate these results, indicating γ-secretase specific tumor accumulation of [124I]-PN67. CONCLUSIONS [124I]-PN67 is a novel PET imaging agent that enables assessment of γ-secretase activity and target engagement of clinical GSIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Nie
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Teja Kalidindi
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Veronica L Nagle
- Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Xianzhong Wu
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - George P Liao
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Georgia Frost
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kelly E Henry
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Blesida Punzalan
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lukas M Carter
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jason S Lewis
- Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Yue-Ming Li
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Program of Pharmacology, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York.,Program of Neurosciences, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York, New York
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