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Morana O, Wood W, Gregory CD. The Apoptosis Paradox in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031328. [PMID: 35163253 PMCID: PMC8836235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer growth represents a dysregulated imbalance between cell gain and cell loss, where the rate of proliferating mutant tumour cells exceeds the rate of those that die. Apoptosis, the most renowned form of programmed cell death, operates as a key physiological mechanism that limits cell population expansion, either to maintain tissue homeostasis or to remove potentially harmful cells, such as those that have sustained DNA damage. Paradoxically, high-grade cancers are generally associated with high constitutive levels of apoptosis. In cancer, cell-autonomous apoptosis constitutes a common tumour suppressor mechanism, a property which is exploited in cancer therapy. By contrast, limited apoptosis in the tumour-cell population also has the potential to promote cell survival and resistance to therapy by conditioning the tumour microenvironment (TME)-including phagocytes and viable tumour cells-and engendering pro-oncogenic effects. Notably, the constitutive apoptosis-mediated activation of cells of the innate immune system can help orchestrate a pro-oncogenic TME and may also effect evasion of cancer treatment. Here, we present an overview of the implications of cell death programmes in tumour biology, with particular focus on apoptosis as a process with "double-edged" consequences: on the one hand, being tumour suppressive through deletion of malignant or pre-malignant cells, while, on the other, being tumour progressive through stimulation of reparatory and regenerative responses in the TME.
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2
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Wium M, Ajayi-Smith AF, Paccez JD, Zerbini LF. The Role of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl in Carcinogenesis and Development of Therapeutic Resistance: An Overview of Molecular Mechanisms and Future Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1521. [PMID: 33806258 PMCID: PMC8037968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents by cancer cells has remained a major obstacle in the successful treatment of various cancers. Numerous factors such as DNA damage repair, cell death inhibition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and evasion of apoptosis have all been implicated in the promotion of chemoresistance. The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl, a member of the TAM family (which includes TYRO3 and MER), plays an important role in the regulation of cellular processes such as proliferation, motility, survival, and immunologic response. The overexpression of Axl is reported in several solid and hematological malignancies, including non-small cell lung, prostate, breast, liver and gastric cancers, and acute myeloid leukaemia. The overexpression of Axl is associated with poor prognosis and the development of resistance to therapy. Reports show that Axl overexpression confers drug resistance in lung cancer and advances the emergence of tolerant cells. Axl is, therefore, an important candidate as a prognostic biomarker and target for anticancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the consequence of Axl upregulation in cancers, provide evidence for its role in cancer progression and the development of drug resistance. We will also discuss the therapeutic potential of Axl in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Wium
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
| | - Aderonke F. Ajayi-Smith
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
| | - Juliano D. Paccez
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz F. Zerbini
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
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3
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Pilli VS, Datta A, Dorsey A, Liu B, Majumder R. Modulation of protein S and growth arrest specific 6 protein signaling inhibits pancreatic cancer cell survival and proliferation. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1322-1332. [PMID: 32945517 PMCID: PMC7448444 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombotic complications and hypercoagulopathies are commonly associated with the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although the mechanistic link between the two phenomena is uncertain, there is evidently an increase in procoagulant proteins and a decrease in anticoagulants in PDAC patients. For example, the anticoagulant protein S (PS) is decreased during the progression of PDAC, a condition that possibly contributes to the hypercoagulopathies. PS is also an important signaling molecule that binds a family of tyrosine kinase receptors known as TAM (Tyro3, Axl and Mer) receptors; TAM receptors are often upregulated in different cancers. Growth Arrest Specific 6 or GAS6 protein, a homolog of PS, is also a TAM receptor family ligand. The downstream signaling pathways triggered by this ligand-receptor interaction perform diverse functions, such as cell survival, proliferation, efferocytosis, and apoptosis. Targeting the TAM receptors to treat cancer has had limited success; side effects are a significant obstacle due to the widespread numerous functions of TAM receptors. In the present study, it was revealed that PS-TAM interaction was pro-apoptotic, whereas GAS6-mediated TAM signaling promoted proliferation and survival in select PDAC cell lines. Furthermore, by regulating the balance between these two signaling pathways (by overexpressing PS or knocking down GAS6), the proliferative potential of the cells was decreased. Both long-term and short-term effects of natural PS overexpression were comparable to the treatment of the cells with the drug UNC2025, which inhibits the Mer-receptor. The present study lays the foundation for investigation of PS as a therapeutic agent to control cancer progression and to concurrently arrest thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya S Pilli
- Department of Biochemistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Arani Datta
- Department of Biochemistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Adrianne Dorsey
- Department of Biochemistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Rinku Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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4
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Zhu C, Shi H, Wu M, Wei X. A dual MET/AXL small-molecule inhibitor exerts efficacy against gastric carcinoma through killing cancer cells as well as modulating tumor microenvironment. MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:103-118. [PMID: 34766112 PMCID: PMC8489669 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinases MET and AXL have been implicated in tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of multiple malignancies. We performed this study to evaluate the antitumor impact of LY2801653, a dual MET and AXL inhibitor on gastric cancer and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, tissue microarrays containing gastric cancer tissues were stained with MET and AXL antibodies, which showed the prognostic values of MET and AXL. Administration of LY2801653 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, induced apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Xenograft mouse models showed suppressed cell proliferation of tumors in high MET and AXL expression cells. LY2801653 also inhibited the growth of MET and AXL‐independent cells at higher but clinically relevant doses through decreased angiogenesis and M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for MET and AXL as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. The dual MET/AXL inhibitor LY2801653 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjing Zhu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China.,Department of Radiation Oncology Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Huashan Shi
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences School of Medicine and Health Sciences University of North Dakota Grand Forks North Dakota USA
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
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5
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Li Y, Wittchen ES, Monaghan-Benson E, Hahn C, Earp HS, Doerschuk CM, Burridge K. The role of endothelial MERTK during the inflammatory response in lungs. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225051. [PMID: 31805065 PMCID: PMC6894824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As a key homeostasis regulator in mammals, the MERTK receptor tyrosine kinase is crucial for efferocytosis, a process that requires remodeling of the cell membrane and adjacent actin cytoskeleton. Membrane and cytoskeletal reorganization also occur in endothelial cells during inflammation, particularly during neutrophil transendothelial migration (TEM) and during changes in permeability. However, MERTK’s function in endothelial cells remains unclear. This study evaluated the contribution of endothelial MERTK to neutrophil TEM and endothelial barrier function. In vitro experiments using primary human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells found that neutrophil TEM across the endothelial monolayers was enhanced when MERTK expression in endothelial cells was reduced by siRNA knockdown. Examination of endothelial barrier function revealed increased passage of dextran across the MERTK-depleted monolayers, suggesting that MERTK helps maintain endothelial barrier function. MERTK knockdown also altered adherens junction structure, decreased junction protein levels, and reduced basal Rac1 activity in endothelial cells, providing potential mechanisms of how MERTK regulates endothelial barrier function. To study MERTK’s function in vivo, inflammation in the lungs of global Mertk-/- mice was examined during acute pneumonia. In response to P. aeruginosa, more neutrophils were recruited to the lungs of Mertk-/- than wildtype mice. Vascular leakage of Evans blue dye into the lung tissue was also greater in Mertk-/- mice. To analyze endothelial MERTK’s involvement in these processes, we generated inducible endothelial cell-specific (iEC) Mertk-/- mice. When similarly challenged with P. aeruginosa, iEC Mertk-/- mice demonstrated no difference in neutrophil TEM into the inflamed lungs or in vascular permeability compared to control mice. These results suggest that deletion of MERTK in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and in all cells in vivo aggravates the inflammatory response. However, selective MERTK deletion in endothelial cells in vivo failed to replicate this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erika S Wittchen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Monaghan-Benson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cornelia Hahn
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.,Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Claire M Doerschuk
- Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.,Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Keith Burridge
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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6
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AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a promising anti-cancer approach: functions, molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:153. [PMID: 31684958 PMCID: PMC6827209 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy for cancer has been a research hotspot for decades. AXL is a member of the TAM family with the high-affinity ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6). The Gas6/AXL signalling pathway is associated with tumour cell growth, metastasis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, drug resistance, immune regulation and stem cell maintenance. Different therapeutic agents targeting AXL have been developed, typically including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nucleotide aptamers, soluble receptors, and several natural compounds. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive discussion of the structure, function, regulation, and signalling pathways of AXL. Then, we highlight recent strategies for targeting AXL in the treatment of cancer.AXL-targeted drugs, either as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or other small molecule inhibitors, are likely to improve the survival of many patients. However, future investigations into AXL molecular signalling networks and robust predictive biomarkers are warranted to select patients who could receive clinical benefit and to avoid potential toxicities.
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7
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Gas6/TAM Receptors in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:7838195. [PMID: 31360267 PMCID: PMC6652053 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7838195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan autoimmune disease associated with impaired immune system regulation. The exact mechanisms of SLE development remain to be elucidated. TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are important for apoptotic cell clearance, immune homeostasis, and resolution of immune responses. TAM deficiency leads to lupus-like autoimmune diseases. Activation of TAM receptors leads to proteolytic cleavage of the receptors, generating soluble forms of TAM. Circulating TAM receptors have an immunoregulatory function and may also serve as biomarkers for disease prognosis. Here, we review the biological function and signaling of TAM RTKs in the development and pathogenesis of lupus and lupus nephritis. Targeting Gas6/TAM pathways may be of therapeutic benefit. A discussion of potential TAM activation and inhibition in the treatment of lupus and lupus nephritis is included.
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8
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Peeters MJW, Dulkeviciute D, Draghi A, Ritter C, Rahbech A, Skadborg SK, Seremet T, Carnaz Simões AM, Martinenaite E, Halldórsdóttir HR, Andersen MH, Olofsson GH, Svane IM, Rasmussen LJ, Met Ö, Becker JC, Donia M, Desler C, Thor Straten P. MERTK Acts as a Costimulatory Receptor on Human CD8 + T Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1472-1484. [PMID: 31266785 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) is known to be expressed on antigen-presenting cells and function as oncogenic drivers and as inhibitors of inflammatory responses. Both human and mouse CD8+ T cells are thought to be negative for TAM receptor expression. In this study, we show that T-cell receptor (TCR)-activated human primary CD8+ T cells expressed MERTK and the ligand PROS1 from day 2 postactivation. PROS1-mediated MERTK signaling served as a late costimulatory signal, increasing proliferation and secretion of effector and memory-associated cytokines. Knockdown and inhibition studies confirmed that this costimulatory effect was mediated through MERTK. Transcriptomic and metabolic analyses of PROS1-blocked CD8+ T cells demonstrated a role of the PROS1-MERTK axis in differentiation of memory CD8+ T cells. Finally, using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from melanoma patients, we show that MERTK signaling on T cells improved TIL expansion and TIL-mediated autologous cancer cell killing. We conclude that MERTK serves as a late costimulatory signal for CD8+ T cells. Identification of this costimulatory function of MERTK on human CD8+ T cells suggests caution in the development of MERTK inhibitors for hematologic or solid cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies J W Peeters
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Donata Dulkeviciute
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arianna Draghi
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cathrin Ritter
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Rahbech
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe K Skadborg
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Seremet
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ana Micaela Carnaz Simões
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Holmen Olofsson
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Juel Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Inflammation and Cancer Group, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Donia
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Desler
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Thor Straten
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Inflammation and Cancer Group, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Landolt L, Furriol J, Babickova J, Ahmed L, Eikrem Ø, Skogstrand T, Scherer A, Suliman S, Leh S, Lorens JB, Gausdal G, Marti H, Osman T. AXL targeting reduces fibrosis development in experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14091. [PMID: 31134766 PMCID: PMC6536582 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is involved in partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation - both main promoters of renal fibrosis development. The study aim was to investigate the role of AXL inhibition in kidney fibrosis due to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Eight weeks old male C57BL/6 mice underwent UUO and were treated with oral AXL inhibitor bemcentinib (n = 22), Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI, n = 10), ACEI and bemcentinib (n = 10) or vehicle alone (n = 22). Mice were sacrificed after 7 or 15 days and kidney tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot, ELISA, Sirius Red (SR) staining, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) quantification. RNA was extracted from frozen kidney tissues and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq4000 platform. After 15 days the ligated bemcentinib-treated kidneys showed less fibrosis compared to the ligated vehicle-treated kidneys in SR analyses and Hyp quantification. Reduced IHC staining for Vimentin (VIM) and alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA), as well as reduced mRNA abundance of key regulators of fibrosis such as transforming growth factor (Tgfβ), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2), Smad2, Smad4, myofibroblast activation (Aldh1a2, Crlf1), and EMT (Snai1,2, Twist), in ligated bemcentinib-treated kidneys was compatible with reduced (partial) EMT induction. Furthermore, less F4/80 positive cells, less activity of pathways related to the immune system and lower abundance of MCP1, MCP3, MCP5, and TARC in ligated bemcentinib-treated kidneys was compatible with reduction in inflammatory infiltrates by bemcentinib treatment. The AXL RTK pathway represents a promising target for pharmacologic therapy of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Landolt
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Jessica Furriol
- Department of MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Janka Babickova
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | | | - Øystein Eikrem
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Trude Skogstrand
- Department of MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Andreas Scherer
- SpheromicsKontiolahtiFinland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMMHiLIFEUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Salwa Suliman
- Department of Clinical DentistryCenter for Clinical Dental ResearchUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Sabine Leh
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of PathologyHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - James B. Lorens
- Department of BiomedicineCenter for Cancer BiomarkersUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | | | - Hans‐Peter Marti
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Tarig Osman
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
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10
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Nam SH, Kim D, Lee D, Lee HM, Song DG, Jung JW, Kim JE, Kim HJ, Kwon NH, Jo EK, Kim S, Lee JW. Lysyl-tRNA synthetase-expressing colon spheroids induce M2 macrophage polarization to promote metastasis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:5034-5055. [PMID: 30188867 DOI: 10.1172/jci99806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysyl-tRNA synthetase (KRS) functions canonically in cytosolic translational processes. However, KRS is highly expressed in colon cancer, and localizes to distinct cellular compartments upon phosphorylations (i.e., the plasma membranes after T52 phosphorylation and the nucleus after S207 phosphorylation), leading to probably alternative noncanonical functions. It is unknown how other subcellular KRSs crosstalk with environmental cues during cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that the KRS-dependent metastatic behavior of colon cancer spheroids within 3D gels requires communication between cellular molecules and extracellular soluble factors and neighboring cells. Membranous KRS and nuclear KRS were found to participate in invasive cell dissemination of colon cancer spheroids in 3D gels. Cancer spheroids secreted GAS6 via a KRS-dependent mechanism and caused the M2 polarization of macrophages, which activated the neighboring cells via secretion of FGF2/GROα/M-CSF to promote cancer dissemination under environmental remodeling via fibroblast-mediated laminin production. Analyses of tissues from clinical colon cancer patients and Krs-/+ animal models for cancer metastasis supported the roles of KRS, GAS6, and M2 macrophages in KRS-dependent positive feedback between tumors and environmental factors. Altogether, KRS in colon cancer cells remodels the microenvironment to promote metastasis, which can thus be therapeutically targeted at these bidirectional KRS-dependent communications of cancer spheroids with environmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Hee Nam
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetic Engineering.,Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and
| | - Doyeun Kim
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doohyung Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and
| | - Hye-Mi Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Geun Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and.,Systems Biotechnology Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Woo Jung
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetic Engineering
| | - Ji Eon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and
| | - Hye-Jin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and
| | - Nam Hoon Kwon
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyeong Jo
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetic Engineering.,Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and.,Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Weon Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetic Engineering.,Department of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, and.,Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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11
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Cai B, Kasikara C, Doran AC, Ramakrishnan R, Birge RB, Tabas I. MerTK signaling in macrophages promotes the synthesis of inflammation resolution mediators by suppressing CaMKII activity. Sci Signal 2018; 11:eaar3721. [PMID: 30254055 PMCID: PMC6171110 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aar3721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation resolution counterbalances excessive inflammation and restores tissue homeostasis after injury. Failure of resolution contributes to the pathology of numerous chronic inflammatory diseases. Resolution is mediated by endogenous specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), which are derived from long-chain fatty acids by lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. 5-LOX plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of two classes of SPMs: lipoxins and resolvins. Cytoplasmic localization of the nonphosphorylated form of 5-LOX is essential for SPM biosynthesis, whereas nuclear localization of phosphorylated 5-LOX promotes proinflammatory leukotriene production. We previously showed that MerTK, an efferocytosis receptor on macrophages, promotes SPM biosynthesis by increasing the abundance of nonphosphorylated, cytoplasmic 5-LOX. We now show that activation of MerTK in human macrophages led to ERK-mediated expression of the gene encoding sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2), which decreased the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and suppressed the activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). This, in turn, reduced the activities of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 and the kinase MK2, resulting in the increased abundance of the nonphosphorylated, cytoplasmic form of 5-LOX and enhanced SPM biosynthesis. In a zymosan-induced peritonitis model, an inflammatory setting in which macrophage MerTK activation promotes resolution, inhibition of ERK activation delayed resolution, which was characterized by an increased number of neutrophils and decreased amounts of SPMs in tissue exudates. These findings contribute to our understanding of how MerTK signaling induces 5-LOX-derived SPM biosynthesis and suggest a therapeutic strategy to boost inflammation resolution in settings where defective resolution promotes disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bishuang Cai
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Cell Biology, and Physiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Canan Kasikara
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Cell Biology, and Physiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Amanda C Doran
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Cell Biology, and Physiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Raymond B Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School Cancer Center, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ira Tabas
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Cell Biology, and Physiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Wu G, Ma Z, Cheng Y, Hu W, Deng C, Jiang S, Li T, Chen F, Yang Y. Targeting Gas6/TAM in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:20. [PMID: 29386018 PMCID: PMC5793417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest-specific 6, also known as Gas6, is a human gene encoding the Gas6 protein, which was originally found to be upregulated in growth-arrested fibroblasts. Gas6 is a member of the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins expressed in many human tissues and regulates several biological processes in cells, including proliferation, survival and migration, by binding to its receptors Tyro3, Axl and Mer (TAM). In recent years, the roles of Gas6/TAM signalling in cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment have been studied, and some progress has made in targeted therapy, providing new potential directions for future investigations of cancer treatment. In this review, we introduce the Gas6 and TAM receptors and describe their involvement in different cancers and discuss the roles of Gas6 in cancer cells, the tumour microenvironment and metastasis. Finally, we introduce recent studies on Gas6/TAM targeting in cancer therapy, which will assist in the experimental design of future analyses and increase the potential use of Gas6 as a therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiling Wu
- 0000 0004 1761 5538grid.412262.1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi’an, 710069 China ,0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- 0000 0004 1791 6584grid.460007.5Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Yicheng Cheng
- 0000 0004 1765 1045grid.410745.3Department of Stomatology, Bayi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002 China
| | - Wei Hu
- 0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Chao Deng
- grid.452438.cDepartment of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061 China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- 0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Tian Li
- 0000 0004 1765 1045grid.410745.3Department of Stomatology, Bayi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002 China
| | - Fulin Chen
- 0000 0004 1761 5538grid.412262.1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Yang Yang
- 0000 0004 1761 5538grid.412262.1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi’an, 710069 China ,0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
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