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Hicks HM, Nassar VL, Lund J, Rose MM, Schweppe RE. The effects of Aurora Kinase inhibition on thyroid cancer growth and sensitivity to MAPK-directed therapies. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2332000. [PMID: 38521968 PMCID: PMC10962586 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2332000] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is one of the deadliest endocrine cancers, and its incidence has been increasing. While mutations in BRAF are common in thyroid cancer, advanced PTC patients currently lack therapeutic options targeting the MAPK pathway, and despite the approved combination of BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibition for BRAF-mutant ATC, resistance often occurs. Here, we assess growth and signaling responses to combined BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibition in a panel of BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cell lines. We first showed that combined BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibition synergistically inhibits cell growth in four out of six of the -BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cell lines tested. Western blotting showed that the MAPK pathway was robustly inhibited in all cell lines. Therefore, to identify potential mechanisms of resistance, we performed RNA-sequencing in cells sensitive or resistant to MEK1/2 inhibition. In response to MEK1/2 inhibition, we identified a downregulation of Aurora Kinase B (AURKB) in sensitive but not resistant cells. We further demonstrated that combined MEK1/2 and AURKB inhibition slowed cell growth, which was phenocopied by inhibiting AURKB and ERK1/2. Finally, we show that combined AURKB and ERK1/2 inhibition induces apoptosis in BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cell lines, together suggesting a potential combination therapy for BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M. Hicks
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Veronica L. Nassar
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jane Lund
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Madison M. Rose
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca E. Schweppe
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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2
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Tsuji-Tamura K, Sato M, Tamura M. Pharmacological control of angiogenesis by regulating phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2. Cell Signal 2024; 120:111223. [PMID: 38729320 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control of angiogenesis is widely considered a therapeutic strategy, but reliable control methods are still under development. Phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2 (MLC2), which regulates actin-myosin interaction, is critical to the behavior of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) during angiogenesis. MLC2 is phosphorylated by MLC kinase (MLCK) and dephosphorylated by MLC phosphatase (MLCP) containing a catalytic subunit PP1. We investigated the potential role of MLC2 in the pharmacological control of angiogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS We exposed transgenic zebrafish Tg(fli1a:Myr-mCherry)ncv1 embryos to chemical inhibitors and observed vascular development. PP1 inhibition by tautomycetin increased length of intersegmental vessels (ISVs), whereas MLCK inhibition by ML7 decreased it; these effects were not accompanied by structural dysplasia. ROCK inhibition by Y-27632 also decreased vessel length. An in vitro angiogenesis model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed that tautomycetin increased vascular cord formation, whereas ML7 and Y-27632 decreased it. These effects appear to be influenced by regulation of cell morphology rather than cell viability or motility. Actin co-localized with phosphorylated MLC2 (pMLC2) was abundant in vascular-like elongated-shaped ECs, but poor in non-elongated ECs. pMLC2 was associated with tightly arranged actin, but not with loosely arranged actin. Moreover, knockdown of MYL9 gene encoding MLC2 reduced total MLC2 and pMLC2 protein and inhibited angiogenesis in HUVECs. CONCLUSION The present study found that MLC2 is a pivotal regulator of angiogenesis. MLC2 phosphorylation may be involved in the regulation of of cell morphogenesis and cell elongation. The functionally opposite inhibitors positively or negatively control angiogenesis, probably through the regulating EC morphology. These findings may provide a unique therapeutic target for angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyomi Tsuji-Tamura
- Oral Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8586, Japan.
| | - Mari Sato
- Oral Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8586, Japan
| | - Masato Tamura
- Oral Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 13, Nishi 7, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8586, Japan
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Bannoura SF, Khan HY, Uddin MH, Mohammad RM, Pasche BC, Azmi AS. Targeting guanine nucleotide exchange factors for novel cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:949-959. [PMID: 38884380 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2368242] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) regulate the activation of small GTPases (G proteins) of the Ras superfamily proteins controlling cellular functions. Ras superfamily proteins act as 'molecular switches' that are turned 'ON' by guanine exchange. There are five major groups of Ras family GTPases: Ras, Ran, Rho, Rab and Arf, with a variety of different GEFs regulating their GTP loading. GEFs have been implicated in various diseases including cancer. This makes GEFs attractive targets to modulate signaling networks controlled by small GTPases. AREAS COVERED In this review, the roles and mechanisms of GEFs in malignancy are outlined. The mechanism of guanine exchange activity by GEFs on a small GTPase is illustrated. Then, some examples of GEFs that are significant in cancer are presented with a discussion on recent progress in therapeutic targeting efforts using a variety of approaches. EXPERT OPINION Recently, GEFs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for novel cancer drug development. Targeting small GTPases is challenging; thus, targeting their activation by GEFs is a promising strategy. Most GEF-targeted drugs are still in preclinical development. A deeper biological understanding of the underlying mechanisms of GEF activity and utilizing advanced technology are necessary to enhance drug discovery for GEFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar F Bannoura
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Husain Yar Khan
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Lin X, Liu W, Hu X, Liu Z, Wang F, Wang J. The role of polyphenols in modulating mitophagy: Implications for therapeutic interventions. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107324. [PMID: 39059613 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
This review rigorously assesses the burgeoning research into the role of polyphenols in modulating mitophagy, an essential cellular mechanism for the targeted removal of impaired mitochondria. These natural compounds, known for their low toxicity, are underscored for their potential in therapeutic strategies against a diverse array of diseases, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders. The analysis penetrates deeply into the molecular mechanisms whereby polyphenols promote mitophagy, particularly by influencing crucial signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators, including the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/parkin and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) pathways. Noteworthy discoveries include the neuroprotective properties of resveratrol and curcumin, which affect both autophagic pathways and mitochondrial dynamics, and the pioneering integration of polyphenols with other natural substances to amplify therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, the review confronts the issue of polyphenol bioavailability and emphasizes the imperative for clinical trials to corroborate their therapeutic viability. By delivering an exhaustive synthesis of contemporary insights and recent advancements in polyphenol and mitophagy research, this review endeavors to catalyze additional research and foster the creation of innovative therapeutic modalities that exploit the distinctive attributes of polyphenols to manage and prevent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Wenkai Liu
- Deyang Sixth People's Hospital, Deyang 618000, China
| | - Xizhuo Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Deyang Sixth People's Hospital, Deyang 618000, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Chengdu First People's Hospital, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinlian Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Meishan, Meishan 620010, China.
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Mustafa M, Abbas K, Alam M, Habib S, Zulfareen, Hasan GM, Islam S, Shamsi A, Hassan I. Investigating underlying molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, emerging therapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1427802. [PMID: 39087024 PMCID: PMC11288929 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1427802] [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] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a clinically challenging malignancy constitutes a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality, characterized by an inherently poor prognosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by examining its multifaceted etiologies, including genetic mutations and environmental factors. The review explains the complex molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and summarizes current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and emerging modalities such as immunotherapy. Critical molecular pathways driving pancreatic cancer development, including KRAS, Notch, and Hedgehog, are discussed. Current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, are discussed, with an emphasis on their limitations, particularly in terms of postoperative relapse. Promising research areas, including liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, and gene editing, are explored, demonstrating the significant potential for enhancing diagnosis and treatment. While immunotherapy presents promising prospects, it faces challenges related to immune evasion mechanisms. Emerging research directions, encompassing liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and computational intelligence applications, hold promise for refining diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions. By integrating insights from genetic, molecular, and clinical research, innovative strategies that improve patient outcomes can be developed. Ongoing research in these emerging fields holds significant promise for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of this formidable malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Kashif Abbas
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Mudassir Alam
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Safia Habib
- Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Zulfareen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sidra Islam
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHSR), Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Yoshimura A, Horinaka M, Yaoi T, Ono H, Itoh K, Yamada T, Takayama K, Sakai T. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition status is a remarkable biomarker for the combination treatment with avutometinib and defactinib in KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:361-371. [PMID: 38822146 PMCID: PMC11263561 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02727-2] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent therapeutic strategies for KRAS-mutated cancers that inhibit the MAPK pathway have attracted considerable attention. The RAF/MEK clamp avutometinib (VS-6766/CH5126766/RO5126766/CKI27) is promising for patients with KRAS-mutated cancers. Although avutometinib monotherapy has shown clinical activity in patients with KRAS-mutated cancers, effective combination strategies will be important to develop. METHODS Using a phosphorylation kinase array kit, we explored the feedback mechanism of avutometinib in KRAS-mutated NSCLC cells, and investigated the efficacy of combining avutometinib with inhibitors of the feedback signal using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Moreover, we searched for a biomarker for the efficacy of combination therapy through an in vitro study and analysis using the The Cancer Genome Atlas Programme dataset. RESULTS Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation/activation was increased after avutometinib treatment and synergy between avutometinib and FAK inhibitor, defactinib, was observed in KRAS-mutated NSCLC cells with an epithelial rather than mesenchymal phenotype. Combination therapy with avutometinib and defactinib induced apoptosis with upregulation of Bim in cancer cells with an epithelial phenotype in an in vitro and in vivo study. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition status may be a promising biomarker for the efficacy of combination therapy with avutometinib and defactinib in KRAS-mutated NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Yoshimura
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, 355-5, Haruobi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8026, Japan
| | - Mano Horinaka
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Yaoi
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hisako Ono
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Japanese Red Cross Kyoto Daini Hospital, 355-5, Haruobi-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8026, Japan
| | - Kyoko Itoh
- Department of Pathology and Applied Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Yamada
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Koichi Takayama
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sakai
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465, Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
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Gao C, Ge H, Kuan SF, Cai C, Lu X, Esni F, Schoen RE, Wang JH, Chu E, Hu J. FAK loss reduces BRAF V600E-induced ERK phosphorylation to promote intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. eLife 2024; 13:RP94605. [PMID: 38921956 PMCID: PMC11208045 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94605] [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: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation is a driver mutation in the serrated pathway to colorectal cancers. BRAFV600E drives tumorigenesis through constitutive downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, but high-intensity ERK activation can also trigger tumor suppression. Whether and how oncogenic ERK signaling can be intrinsically adjusted to a 'just-right' level optimal for tumorigenesis remains undetermined. In this study, we found that FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) expression was reduced in BRAFV600E-mutant adenomas/polyps in mice and patients. In Vil1-Cre;BRAFLSL-V600E/+;Ptk2fl/fl mice, Fak deletion maximized BRAFV600E's oncogenic activity and increased cecal tumor incidence to 100%. Mechanistically, our results showed that Fak loss, without jeopardizing BRAFV600E-induced ERK pathway transcriptional output, reduced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent ERK phosphorylation. Reduction in ERK phosphorylation increased the level of Lgr4, promoting intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. Our findings show that a 'just-right' ERK signaling optimal for BRAFV600E-induced cecal tumor formation can be achieved via Fak loss-mediated downregulation of ERK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Huaibin Ge
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Shih-Fan Kuan
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Chunhui Cai
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Xinghua Lu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Farzad Esni
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Robert E Schoen
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Jing H Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Edward Chu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of PittsburghPittsburghUnited States
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
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Gong Z, Zhang X, Cui J, Chen W, Huang X, Yang Q, Li T, Zhang W. IFRD2, a target of miR-2400, regulates myogenic differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells via decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 proteins. J Muscle Res Cell Motil 2024:10.1007/s10974-024-09677-5. [PMID: 38896394 DOI: 10.1007/s10974-024-09677-5] [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: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells is a complex physiological process involving various transcription factors and small RNA molecules. This study aimed to understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying these processes, focusing on interferon-related development factor 2 (IFRD2) as a target gene of miRNA-2400 in bovine skeletal MuSCs (MuSCs). IFRD2 was identified as a target gene of miRNA-2400 involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of bovine skeletal MuSCs. Our results indicate that miR-2400 can target binding the 3'UTR of IFRD2 and inhibit its translation. mRNA and protein expression levels of IFRD2 increased significantly with increasing days of differentiation. Moreover, overexpression of the IFRD2 gene inhibited proliferation and promoted differentiation of bovine MuSCs. Conversely, the knockdown of the gene had the opposite effect. Overexpression of IFRD2 resulted in the inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels in bovine MuSCs, which in turn promoted differentiation. In summary, IFRD2, as a target gene of miR-2400, crucially affects bovine skeletal muscle proliferation and differentiation by precisely regulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhian Gong
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China
| | - Jingxuan Cui
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Resistance Gene Engineering and Protection of Biodiversity in Cold Areas, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161000, PR China
| | - Qingzhu Yang
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Resistance Gene Engineering and Protection of Biodiversity in Cold Areas, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, 161000, PR China
| | - Tie Li
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Life Science and Agroforestry, Qiqihar University, No. 42 Wenhua Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161000, PR China.
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Harris E, Thawani R. Current perspectives of KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2024; 51:101106. [PMID: 38879917 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2024.101106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
NSCLC has a diverse genomic background with mutations in key proto-oncogenic drivers including Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Roughly 40% of adenocarcinoma harbor Kras activating mutations regardless of smoking history. Most KRAS mutations are located at G12, which include G12C (roughly 40%), G12V (roughly 20%), and G12D (roughly 15%). KRAS mutated NSCLC have higher tumor mutational burden and some have increased PD-1 expression, which has resulted in better responses to immunotherapy than other oncogenes. While initial treatment for metastatic NSCLC still relies on chemo-immunotherapy, directly targeting KRAS has proven to be efficacious in treating patients with KRAS mutated metastatic NSCLC. To date, two G12C inhibitors have been FDA-approved, namely sotorasib and adagrasib. In this review, we summarize the different drug combinations used to target KRAS G12c, upcoming G12D inhibitors and novel therapies targeting KRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Harris
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. USA
| | - Rajat Thawani
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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10
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Kesarwani M, Kincaid Z, Azhar M, Azam M. Enhanced MAPK signaling induced by CSF3R mutants confers dependence to DUSP1 for leukemic transformation. Blood Adv 2024; 8:2765-2776. [PMID: 38531054 PMCID: PMC11176961 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Elevated MAPK and the JAK-STAT signaling play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of chronic neutrophilic leukemia and atypical chronic myeloid leukemia. Although inhibitors targeting these pathways effectively suppress the diseases, they fall short in providing enduring remission, largely attributed to the cytostatic nature of these drugs. Even combinations of these drugs are ineffective in achieving sustained remission. Enhanced MAPK signaling besides promoting proliferation and survival triggers a proapoptotic response. Consequently, malignancies reliant on elevated MAPK signaling use MAPK feedback regulators to intricately modulate the signaling output, prioritizing proliferation and survival while dampening the apoptotic stimuli. Herein, we demonstrate that enhanced MAPK signaling in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor (CSF3R)-driven leukemia upregulates the expression of dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) to suppress the apoptotic stimuli crucial for leukemogenesis. Consequently, genetic deletion of Dusp1 in mice conferred synthetic lethality to CSF3R-induced leukemia. Mechanistically, DUSP1 depletion in leukemic context causes activation of JNK1/2 that results in induced expression of BIM and P53 while suppressing the expression of BCL2 that selectively triggers apoptotic response in leukemic cells. Pharmacological inhibition of DUSP1 by BCI (a DUSP1 inhibitor) alone lacked antileukemic activity due to ERK1/2 rebound caused by off-target inhibition of DUSP6. Consequently, a combination of BCI with a MEK inhibitor successfully cured CSF3R-induced leukemia in a preclinical mouse model. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of DUSP1 in leukemic transformation driven by enhanced MAPK signaling and advocate for the development of a selective DUSP1 inhibitor for curative treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Kesarwani
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Zachary Kincaid
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Mohammad Azhar
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Mohammad Azam
- Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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11
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Caldi Gomes L, Hänzelmann S, Hausmann F, Khatri R, Oller S, Parvaz M, Tzeplaeff L, Pasetto L, Gebelin M, Ebbing M, Holzapfel C, Columbro SF, Scozzari S, Knöferle J, Cordts I, Demleitner AF, Deschauer M, Dufke C, Sturm M, Zhou Q, Zelina P, Sudria-Lopez E, Haack TB, Streb S, Kuzma-Kozakiewicz M, Edbauer D, Pasterkamp RJ, Laczko E, Rehrauer H, Schlapbach R, Carapito C, Bonetto V, Bonn S, Lingor P. Multiomic ALS signatures highlight subclusters and sex differences suggesting the MAPK pathway as therapeutic target. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4893. [PMID: 38849340 PMCID: PMC11161513 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49196-y] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating motor neuron disease and lacks effective disease-modifying treatments. This study utilizes a comprehensive multiomic approach to investigate the early and sex-specific molecular mechanisms underlying ALS. By analyzing the prefrontal cortex of 51 patients with sporadic ALS and 50 control subjects, alongside four transgenic mouse models (C9orf72-, SOD1-, TDP-43-, and FUS-ALS), we have uncovered significant molecular alterations associated with the disease. Here, we show that males exhibit more pronounced changes in molecular pathways compared to females. Our integrated analysis of transcriptomes, (phospho)proteomes, and miRNAomes also identified distinct ALS subclusters in humans, characterized by variations in immune response, extracellular matrix composition, mitochondrial function, and RNA processing. The molecular signatures of human subclusters were reflected in specific mouse models. Our study highlighted the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as an early disease mechanism. We further demonstrate that trametinib, a MAPK inhibitor, has potential therapeutic benefits in vitro and in vivo, particularly in females, suggesting a direction for developing targeted ALS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Caldi Gomes
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Hänzelmann
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Hausmann
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Khatri
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sergio Oller
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mojan Parvaz
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Tzeplaeff
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marie Gebelin
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Bio-Organique, Université de Strasbourg, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Melanie Ebbing
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Constantin Holzapfel
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Serena Scozzari
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Johanna Knöferle
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonia F Demleitner
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Deschauer
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Dufke
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marc Sturm
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Qihui Zhou
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Pavol Zelina
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Emma Sudria-Lopez
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Streb
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dieter Edbauer
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Endre Laczko
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Hubert Rehrauer
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Schlapbach
- Functional Genomics Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Carapito
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse Bio-Organique, Université de Strasbourg, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Research Center for ALS, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Center for Biomedical AI, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Paul Lingor
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, rechts der Isar Hospital, Clinical Department of Neurology, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), München, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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12
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Rauen KA, Tidyman WE. RASopathies - what they reveal about RAS/MAPK signaling in skeletal muscle development. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050609. [PMID: 38847227 PMCID: PMC11179721 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050609] [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: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are rare developmental genetic syndromes caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes that encode components of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway. Although the incidence of each RASopathy syndrome is rare, collectively, they represent one of the largest groups of multiple congenital anomaly syndromes and have severe developmental consequences. Here, we review our understanding of how RAS/MAPK dysregulation in RASopathies impacts skeletal muscle development and the importance of RAS/MAPK pathway regulation for embryonic myogenesis. We also discuss the complex interactions of this pathway with other intracellular signaling pathways in the regulation of skeletal muscle development and growth, and the opportunities that RASopathy animal models provide for exploring the use of pathway inhibitors, typically used for cancer treatment, to correct the unique skeletal myopathy caused by the dysregulation of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- University of California Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - William E Tidyman
- University of California Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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13
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Du K, Liu Y, Zhang L, Peng L, Dong W, Jiang Y, Niu M, Sun Y, Wu C, Niu Y, Ding Y. Lapatinib combined with doxorubicin causes dose-dependent cardiotoxicity partially through activating the p38MAPK signaling pathway in zebrafish embryos. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116637. [PMID: 38653111 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116637] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Because of its enhanced antitumor efficacy, lapatinib (LAP) is commonly used clinically in combination with the anthracycline drug doxorubicin (DOX) to treat metastatic breast cancer. While it is well recognized that this combination chemotherapy can lead to an increased risk of cardiotoxicity in adult women, its potential cardiotoxicity in the fetus during pregnancy remains understudied. Here, we aimed to examine the combination of LAP chemotherapy and DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in the fetus using a zebrafish embryonic system and investigate the underlying pathologic mechanisms. First, we examined the dose-dependent cardiotoxicity of combined LAP and DOX exposure in zebrafish embryos, which mostly manifested as pericardial edema, bradycardia, cardiac function decline and reduced survival. Second, we revealed that a significant increase in oxidative stress concurrent with activated MAPK signaling, as indicated by increased protein expression of phosphorylated p38 and Jnk, was a notable pathophysiological event after combined LAP and DOX exposure. Third, we showed that inhibiting MAPK signaling by pharmacological treatment with the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 or genetic ablation of the map2k6 gene could significantly alleviate combined LAP and DOX exposure-induced cardiotoxicity. Thus, we provided both pharmacologic and genetic evidence to suggest that inhibiting MAPK signaling could exert cardioprotective effects. These findings have implications for understanding the potential cardiotoxicity induced by LAP and DOX combinational chemotherapy in the fetus during pregnancy, which could be leveraged for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Du
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao Women's and Children's Hospital, Qingdao 266034, China
| | - Lixia Peng
- The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Wenjing Dong
- The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yajie Jiang
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Mingming Niu
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yuanchao Sun
- The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Chuanhong Wu
- The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yujuan Niu
- The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yonghe Ding
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; The Biomedical Sciences Institute of the Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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14
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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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15
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Meng X, Bai X, Ke A, Li K, Lei Y, Ding S, Dai D. Long Non-Coding RNAs in Drug Resistance of Gastric Cancer: Complex Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Applications. Biomolecules 2024; 14:608. [PMID: 38927012 PMCID: PMC11201466 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060608] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) ranks as the third most prevalent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, the majority of patients with GC are diagnosed at an advanced stage, highlighting the urgent need for effective perioperative and postoperative chemotherapy to prevent relapse and metastasis. The current treatment strategies have limited overall efficacy because of intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests that dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in mediating drug resistance in GC. Therefore, there is an imperative to explore novel molecular mechanisms underlying drug resistance in order to overcome this challenging issue. With advancements in deep transcriptome sequencing technology, lncRNAs-once considered transcriptional noise-have garnered widespread attention as potential regulators of carcinogenesis, including tumor cell proliferation, metastasis, and sensitivity to chemo- or radiotherapy through multiple regulatory mechanisms. In light of these findings, we aim to review the mechanisms by which lncRNAs contribute to drug therapy resistance in GC with the goal of providing new insights and breakthroughs toward overcoming this formidable obstacle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Meng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; (X.M.); (X.B.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, Shenyang 110042, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; (X.M.); (X.B.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (S.D.)
| | - Angting Ke
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; (X.M.); (X.B.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (S.D.)
| | - Kaiqiang Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; (X.M.); (X.B.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (S.D.)
| | - Yun Lei
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; (X.M.); (X.B.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (S.D.)
| | - Siqi Ding
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; (X.M.); (X.B.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (S.D.)
| | - Dongqiu Dai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; (X.M.); (X.B.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (S.D.)
- Cancer Center, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
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16
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Chaput D, Andelfinger G. MEK Inhibition for RASopathy-Associated Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Application of a Basic Concept. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:789-799. [PMID: 38432396 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The term "RASopathies" designates a group of developmental syndromes that are caused by activating variants of the rat sarcoma virus protein (RAS)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. The most prevalent clinical diagnosis is Noonan syndrome, and other, less prevalent conditions include Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines, Costello syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, and others. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in 10% of these patients and can be severe and life-threating. Recently, repurposing of medications inhibiting the RAS/MAPK on a compassionate use basis has emerged as a promising concept to improve the outcome of these patients. Herein, we specifically review the role of the RAS/MAPK pathway in RASopathy-associated cardiomyopathy, and discuss the role of small-molecule inhibition in the treatment of this condition. We describe how drug repurposing of trametinib (mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibition) and sirolimus/everolimus (mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition) was performed, how genotype-specific therapies are chosen and followed, as well as initial outcomes from early case series. Finally, we lay out the challenges and opportunities for trials that aim to quantify the benefits of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Chaput
- Cardiovascular Genetics Research Laboratory, CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gregor Andelfinger
- Cardiovascular Genetics Research Laboratory, CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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17
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Weng Y, Chen W, Kong Q, Wang R, Zeng R, He A, Liu Y, Mao Y, Qin Y, Ngai WSC, Zhang H, Ke M, Wang J, Tian R, Chen PR. DeKinomics pulse-chases kinase functions in living cells. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:615-623. [PMID: 38167916 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-023-01497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Cellular context is crucial for understanding the complex and dynamic kinase functions in health and disease. Systematic dissection of kinase-mediated cellular processes requires rapid and precise stimulation ('pulse') of a kinase of interest, as well as global and in-depth characterization ('chase') of the perturbed proteome under living conditions. Here we developed an optogenetic 'pulse-chase' strategy, termed decaging kinase coupled proteomics (DeKinomics), for proteome-wide profiling of kinase-driven phosphorylation at second-timescale in living cells. We took advantage of the 'gain-of-function' feature of DeKinomics to identify direct kinase substrates and further portrayed the global phosphorylation of understudied receptor tyrosine kinases under native cellular settings. DeKinomics offered a general activation-based strategy to study kinase functions with high specificity and temporal resolution under living conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicheng Weng
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wendong Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- South China Institute of Biomedicine, Academy of Phronesis Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Kong
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruixiang Wang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruxin Zeng
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - An He
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiheng Mao
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunqiu Qin
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Heng Zhang
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mi Ke
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruijun Tian
- Department of Chemistry and Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, School of Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Peng R Chen
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Synthetic and Functional Biomolecules Center, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
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18
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Stewart R, Sharma S, Wu T, Okuda S, Xie G, Zhou XZ, Shilton B, Lu KP. The role of the master cancer regulator Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343938. [PMID: 38745861 PMCID: PMC11091292 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the complex role of Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Pin1 is the only peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) that can recognize and isomerize phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro peptide bonds. Pin1 catalyzes a structural change in phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs that can modulate protein function and thereby impact cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms by which Pin1 contributes to oncogenesis are reviewed, including Pin1 overexpression and its correlation with poor cancer prognosis, and the contribution of Pin1 to aggressive tumor phenotypes involved in therapeutic resistance is discussed, with an emphasis on cancer stem cells, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immunosuppression. The therapeutic potential of Pin1 inhibition in cancer is discussed, along with the promise and the difficulties in identifying potent, drug-like, small-molecule Pin1 inhibitors. The available evidence supports the efficacy of targeting Pin1 as a novel cancer therapeutic by analyzing the role of Pin1 in a complex network of cancer-driving pathways and illustrating the potential of synergistic drug combinations with Pin1 inhibitors for treating aggressive and drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shaunik Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sho Okuda
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - George Xie
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Shilton
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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19
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Piercey O, Tie J, Hollande F, Wong HL, Mariadason J, Desai J. BRAF V600E-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Current Evidence, Future Directions, and Research Priorities. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2024:S1533-0028(24)00030-6. [PMID: 38816264 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer represents a distinct molecular phenotype known for its aggressive biological behavior, resistance to standard therapies, and poor survival rates. Improved understanding of the biology of the BRAF oncogene has led to the development of targeted therapies that have paved the way for a paradigm shift in managing this disease. However, despite significant recent advancements, responses to targeted therapies are short-lived, and several challenges remain. In this review, we discuss how progress in treating BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer has been made through a better understanding of its unique biological and clinical features. We provide an overview of the evidence to support current treatment approaches and discuss critical areas of need and future research strategies that hold the potential to refine clinical practice further. We also discuss some challenging aspects of managing this disease, particularly the complexity of acquired resistance mechanisms that develop under the selective pressure of targeted therapies and rational strategies being investigated to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Piercey
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jeanne Tie
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Frederic Hollande
- Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hui-Li Wong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - John Mariadason
- Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Heidelberg, Australia; School of Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jayesh Desai
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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20
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Lehman SS, Williamson CD, Tucholski T, Ellis NA, Bouchard S, Jarnik M, Allen M, Nita-Lazar A, Machner MP. The Legionella pneumophila effector DenR hijacks the host NRas proto-oncoprotein to downregulate MAPK signaling. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114033. [PMID: 38568811 PMCID: PMC11141579 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114033] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases of the Ras subfamily are best known for their role as proto-oncoproteins, while their function during microbial infection has remained elusive. Here, we show that Legionella pneumophila hijacks the small GTPase NRas to the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV) surface. A CRISPR interference screen identifies a single L. pneumophila effector, DenR (Lpg1909), required for this process. Recruitment is specific for NRas, while its homologs KRas and HRas are excluded from LCVs. The C-terminal hypervariable tail of NRas is sufficient for recruitment, and interference with either NRas farnesylation or S-acylation sites abrogates recruitment. Intriguingly, we detect markers of active NRas signaling on the LCV, suggesting it acts as a signaling platform. Subsequent phosphoproteomics analyses show that DenR rewires the host NRas signaling landscape, including dampening of the canonical mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. These results provide evidence for L. pneumophila targeting NRas and suggest a link between NRas GTPase signaling and microbial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S Lehman
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chad D Williamson
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Trisha Tucholski
- Functional Cellular Networks Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nicole A Ellis
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sabrina Bouchard
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michal Jarnik
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Morgan Allen
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aleksandra Nita-Lazar
- Functional Cellular Networks Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Matthias P Machner
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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21
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Yang K, Zeng L, Li Y, Wu L, Xiang W, Wu X, Wang G, Bao T, Huang S, Yu R, Zhang G, Liu H. Uncovering the pharmacological mechanism of Shou Tai Wan on recurrent spontaneous abortion: A integrated pharmacology strategy-based research. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 323:117589. [PMID: 38104875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shou Tai Wan (STW), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been historically used for the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Despite its long-standing usage, the exact mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of STW remains unclear in the existing literature. AIMS OF THIS STUDY To explore the Pharmacological Mechanism of STW on RSA. METHODS A network pharmacological methodology was utilized to predict the active compounds and potential targets of STW, collect the RSA targets and other human proteins of STW, and analyze the STW related networks. The animal experiments were also performed to validate the effect of STW on RSA. RESULTS The results of network analysis showed that STW may regulate PI3K/AKT, MAPK, FoxO signaling pathways and so on. Animal experiment established the RSA model with CBA/J × DBA/2 mice. It was found that STW can reduce the embryo absorption rate of RSA group (p < 0.05) and balance the expression of Th 1/Th2 type cytokines compared with the model group. After 14 days of administration, the decidual and placental tissues were taken and the CD4+ T cells were isolated, and the phosphorylation level of signaling pathway was detected by Springbio720 antibody microarray. This experiment found that STW can significantly up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and STAT6 proteins in the STAT signaling pathway, and down-regulating the phosphorylation level of STAT1 protein. STW also significantly up-regulated the phosphorylation levels of Raf1, A-Raf, Ask1, Mek1, Mek2, JKK1, ERK1, ERK2, c-fos, c-Jun and CREB proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway, and down-regulate the phosphorylation levels of MEK6 and IKKb proteins. Compared with the RSA group, the STW group increased the expression levels of ERK1/2 mRNA and proteins and p-ERK1/2 proteins, and there was a statistical difference (p < 0.05). This is consistent with the chip results. CONCLUSION STW may achieve therapeutic effects by interfering with the signaling pathways, biological processes and targets discovered in this study. It provides a new perspective for revealing the immunological mechanism of STW in the treatment of RSA, and also provides a theoretical basis for the clinical use of STW in the treatment of RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailin Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Liuting Zeng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, China
| | - Lingyu Wu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wang Xiang
- The First People's Hospital Changde City, Changde City, China
| | - Xiaolan Wu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guiyun Wang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Tingting Bao
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No.5 BeiXianGe Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Shanshan Huang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Huiping Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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22
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Ash LJ, Busia-Bourdain O, Okpattah D, Kamel A, Liberchuk A, Wolfe AL. KRAS: Biology, Inhibition, and Mechanisms of Inhibitor Resistance. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2024-2046. [PMID: 38668053 PMCID: PMC11049385 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040150] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a small GTPase that is among the most commonly mutated oncogenes in cancer. Here, we discuss KRAS biology, therapeutic avenues to target it, and mechanisms of resistance that tumors employ in response to KRAS inhibition. Several strategies are under investigation for inhibiting oncogenic KRAS, including small molecule compounds targeting specific KRAS mutations, pan-KRAS inhibitors, PROTACs, siRNAs, PNAs, and mutant KRAS-specific immunostimulatory strategies. A central challenge to therapeutic effectiveness is the frequent development of resistance to these treatments. Direct resistance mechanisms can involve KRAS mutations that reduce drug efficacy or copy number alterations that increase the expression of mutant KRAS. Indirect resistance mechanisms arise from mutations that can rescue mutant KRAS-dependent cells either by reactivating the same signaling or via alternative pathways. Further, non-mutational forms of resistance can take the form of epigenetic marks, transcriptional reprogramming, or alterations within the tumor microenvironment. As the possible strategies to inhibit KRAS expand, understanding the nuances of resistance mechanisms is paramount to the development of both enhanced therapeutics and innovative drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. Ash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Ottavia Busia-Bourdain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel Okpattah
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Avrosina Kamel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ariel Liberchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew L. Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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23
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Xing J, Tan R, Huang F, Tian N. Integrated analyses for identification of a three-gene signature associated with Chaihu Shugan San formula for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18211. [PMID: 38613352 PMCID: PMC11015397 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18211] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chaihu Shugan San (CSS) is a well-known traditional herbal formula that has the potential to ameliorate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Here, we identified the key targets of CSS against HCC and developed a prognostic model to predict the survival of patients with HCC. The effect of CSS plus sorafenib on HCC cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT assay. LASSO-Cox regression was used to establish a three-gene signature model targeting CSS. Correlations between immune cells, immune checkpoints and risk score were determined to evaluate the immune-related effects of CSS. The interactions between the components and targets were validated using molecular docking and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) assays. CSS and sorafenib synergistically inhibited HCC cell proliferation. Ten core compounds and 224 targets were identified using a drug compound-target network. The prognostic model of the three CSS targets (AKT1, MAPK3 and CASP3) showed predictive ability. Risk scores positively correlated with cancer-promoting immune cells and high expression of immune checkpoint proteins. Molecular docking and SPR analyses confirmed the strong binding affinities of the active components and the target genes. Western blot analysis confirmed the synergistic effect of CSS and sorafenib in inhibiting the expression of these three targets. In conclusion, CSS may regulate the activity of immune-related factors in the tumour microenvironment, reverse immune escape, enhance immune responses through AKT1, MAPK3, and CASP3, and synergistically alleviate HCC. The co-administration of sorafenib with CSS has a strong clinical outlook against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia‐heng Xing
- College of Life ScienceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityZhejiangHangzhouChina
| | - Ru‐xue Tan
- College of Life ScienceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityZhejiangHangzhouChina
| | - Fei‐er Huang
- College of Life ScienceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityZhejiangHangzhouChina
| | - Nan Tian
- College of Life ScienceZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityZhejiangHangzhouChina
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24
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VanSlyke JK, Boswell BA, Musil LS. Tonic ErbB signaling underlies TGFβ-induced activation of ERK and is required for lens cell epithelial to myofibroblast transition. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar35. [PMID: 38170570 PMCID: PMC10916858 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-07-0294] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a major, but incompletely understood, component of many diseases. The most common vision-disrupting complication of cataract surgery involves differentiation of residual lens cells into myofibroblasts. In serum-free primary cultures of lens epithelial cells (DCDMLs), inhibitors of either ERK or of ErbB signaling prevent TGFβ from upregulating both early (fibronectin) and late (αSMA) markers of myofibroblast differentiation. TGFβ stimulates ERK in DCDMLs within 1.5 h. Kinase inhibitors of ErbBs, but not of several other growth factor receptors in lens cells, reduce phospho ERK to below basal levels in the absence or presence of TGFβ. This effect is attributable to constitutive ErbB activity playing a major role in regulating the basal levels pERK. Additional studies support a model in which TGFβ-generated reactive oxygen species serve to indirectly amplify ERK signaling downstream of tonically active ErbBs to mediate myofibroblast differentiation. ERK activity is in turn essential for expression of ErbB1 and ErbB2, major inducers of ERK signaling. By mechanistically linking TGFβ, ErbB, and ERK signaling to myofibroblast differentiation, our data elucidate a new role for ErbBs in fibrosis and reveal a novel mode by which TGFβ directs lens cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy K. VanSlyke
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Bruce A. Boswell
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Linda S. Musil
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
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25
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Yao Y, Gupta D, Yelon D. The MEK-ERK signaling pathway promotes maintenance of cardiac chamber identity. Development 2024; 151:dev202183. [PMID: 38293792 PMCID: PMC10911121 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202183] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Ventricular and atrial cardiac chambers have unique structural and contractile characteristics that underlie their distinct functions. The maintenance of chamber-specific features requires active reinforcement, even in differentiated cardiomyocytes. Previous studies in zebrafish have shown that sustained FGF signaling acts upstream of Nkx factors to maintain ventricular identity, but the rest of this maintenance pathway remains unclear. Here, we show that MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling acts downstream of FGF and upstream of Nkx factors to promote ventricular maintenance. Inhibition of MEK signaling, like inhibition of FGF signaling, results in ectopic atrial gene expression and reduced ventricular gene expression in ventricular cardiomyocytes. FGF and MEK signaling both influence ventricular maintenance over a similar timeframe, when phosphorylated ERK (pERK) is present in the myocardium. However, the role of FGF-MEK activity appears to be context-dependent: some ventricular regions are more sensitive than others to inhibition of FGF-MEK signaling. Additionally, in the atrium, although endogenous pERK does not induce ventricular traits, heightened MEK signaling can provoke ectopic ventricular gene expression. Together, our data reveal chamber-specific roles of MEK-ERK signaling in the maintenance of ventricular and atrial identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Deepam Gupta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Deborah Yelon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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26
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Hu M, Li H, Zhu K, Guo L, Zhao M, Zhan H, Devreotes PN, Qing Q. Electric field modulation of ERK dynamics shows dependency on waveform and timing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3167. [PMID: 38326365 PMCID: PMC10850077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53018-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Different exogenous electric fields (EF) can guide cell migration, disrupt proliferation, and program cell development. Studies have shown that many of these processes were initiated at the cell membrane, but the mechanism has been unclear, especially for conventionally non-excitable cells. In this study, we focus on the electrostatic aspects of EF coupling with the cell membrane by eliminating Faradaic processes using dielectric-coated microelectrodes. Our data unveil a distinctive biphasic response of the ERK signaling pathway of epithelial cells (MCF10A) to alternate current (AC) EF. The ERK signal exhibits both inhibition and activation phases, with the former triggered by a lower threshold of AC EF, featuring a swifter peaking time and briefer refractory periods than the later-occurring activation phase, induced at a higher threshold. Interestingly, the biphasic ERK responses are sensitive to the waveform and timing of EF stimulation pulses, depicting the characteristics of electrostatic and dissipative interactions. Blocker tests and correlated changes of active Ras on the cell membrane with ERK signals indicated that both EGFR and Ras were involved in the rich ERK dynamics induced by EF. We propose that the frequency-dependent dielectric relaxation process could be an important mechanism to couple EF energy to the cell membrane region and modulate membrane protein-initiated signaling pathways, which can be further explored to precisely control cell behavior and fate with high temporal and spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minxi Hu
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Houpu Li
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Kan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Liang Guo
- College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Huiwang Zhan
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter N Devreotes
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Quan Qing
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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27
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Strash N, DeLuca S, Janer Carattini GL, Chen Y, Wu T, Helfer A, Scherba J, Wang I, Jain M, Naseri R, Bursac N. Time-dependent effects of BRAF-V600E on cell cycling, metabolism, and function in engineered myocardium. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadh2598. [PMID: 38266090 PMCID: PMC10807800 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Candidate cardiomyocyte (CM) mitogens such as those affecting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway represent potential targets for functional heart regeneration. We explored whether activating ERK via a constitutively active mutant of B-raf proto-oncogene (BRAF), BRAF-V600E (caBRAF), can induce proproliferative effects in neonatal rat engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs). Sustained CM-specific caBRAF expression induced chronic ERK activation, substantial tissue growth, deficit in sarcomeres and contractile function, and tissue stiffening, all of which persisted for at least 4 weeks of culture. caBRAF-expressing CMs in ECTs exhibited broad transcriptomic changes, shift to glycolytic metabolism, loss of connexin-43, and a promigratory phenotype. Transient, doxycycline-controlled caBRAF expression revealed that the induction of CM cycling is rapid and precedes functional decline, and the effects are reversible only with short-lived ERK activation. Together, direct activation of the BRAF kinase is sufficient to modulate CM cycling and functional phenotype, offering mechanistic insights into roles of ERK signaling in the context of cardiac development and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophia DeLuca
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | | | - Yifan Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Abbigail Helfer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Jacob Scherba
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Isabella Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Mehul Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Ramona Naseri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
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28
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Pang X, Cui D, Lv B, Wang CY. Discovery of Potent SOS1 PROTACs with Effective Antitumor Activities against NCI-H358 Tumor Cells In Vitro/In Vivo. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1563-1579. [PMID: 38206836 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02135] [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: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Directly targeted KRAS inhibitors are now facing resistance problems, which might be partially solved by the combination of SOS1 inhibitors with KRAS inhibitors. However, this combination may still have some resistance mitigation potential. Comparatively, SOS1 PROTAC may have promising applications in addressing the drug resistance problem by degrading the SOS1 protein. Herein, we report the discovery of novel SOS1 PROTACs and their antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies demonstrated that degrader 4 had strong inhibitory effects on the proliferation of NCI-H358 cells with IC50 of 5 nM, together with significant degradation of SOS1 protein with DC50 of 13 nM. In the NCI-H358 xenograft model, degrader 4 exhibited significant antitumor activities with TGITV values of 58.8% at 30 mg/kg bid. The PK and safety profiles also supported degrader 4 for further studies as an effective tool compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Pang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dawei Cui
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Binhua Lv
- Shanghai Zelgen Pharma-Tech Co., Ltd., Building 3, No. 999, Cailun Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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29
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Benkafadar N, Sato MP, Ling AH, Janesick A, Scheibinger M, Jan TA, Heller S. An essential signaling cascade for avian auditory hair cell regeneration. Dev Cell 2024; 59:280-291.e5. [PMID: 38128539 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.028] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Hearing loss is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide, yet no restorative treatment options are available. Although non-mammalian species can regenerate their auditory sensory hair cells, mammals cannot. Birds retain facultative stem cells known as supporting cells that engage in proliferative regeneration when surrounding hair cells die. Here, we investigated gene expression changes in chicken supporting cells during auditory hair cell death. This identified a pathway involving the receptor F2RL1, HBEGF, EGFR, and ERK signaling. We propose a cascade starting with the proteolytic activation of F2RL1, followed by matrix-metalloprotease-mediated HBEGF shedding, and culminating in EGFR-mediated ERK signaling. Each component of this cascade is essential for supporting cell S-phase entry in vivo and is integral for hair cell regeneration. Furthermore, STAT3-phosphorylation converges with this signaling toward upregulation of transcription factors ATF3, FOSL2, and CREM. Our findings could provide a basis for designing treatments for hearing and balance disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Benkafadar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Mitsuo P Sato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Angela H Ling
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Amanda Janesick
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mirko Scheibinger
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Taha A Jan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Stefan Heller
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Gong X, Du J, Peng RW, Chen C, Yang Z. CRISPRing KRAS: A Winding Road with a Bright Future in Basic and Translational Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:460. [PMID: 38275900 PMCID: PMC10814442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020460] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Once considered "undruggable" due to the strong affinity of RAS proteins for GTP and the structural lack of a hydrophobic "pocket" for drug binding, the development of proprietary therapies for KRAS-mutant tumors has long been a challenging area of research. CRISPR technology, the most successful gene-editing tool to date, is increasingly being utilized in cancer research. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the application of the CRISPR system in basic and translational research in KRAS-mutant cancer, summarizing recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of KRAS biology and the underlying principles of drug resistance, anti-tumor immunity, epigenetic regulatory networks, and synthetic lethality co-opted by mutant KRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Gong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; (X.G.); (J.D.)
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Jianting Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; (X.G.); (J.D.)
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Ren-Wang Peng
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 28, 3008 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Chun Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; (X.G.); (J.D.)
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Zhang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou 350001, China; (X.G.); (J.D.)
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
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Parascandolo A, Benincasa G, Corcione F, Laukkanen MO. ERK2 Is a Promoter of Cancer Cell Growth and Migration in Colon Adenocarcinoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:119. [PMID: 38247543 PMCID: PMC10812609 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010119] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
ERK1/2 phosphorylation is frequently downregulated in the early phase of colon tumorigenesis with subsequent activation of ERK5. In the current work, we studied the advantages of ERK1/2 downregulation for tumor growth by dissecting the individual functions of ERK1 and ERK2. The patient sample data demonstrated decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the early phase of tumorigenesis followed by increased phosphorylation in late-stage colon adenocarcinomas with intratumoral invasion or metastasis. In vitro results indicated that SOD3-mediated coordination of small GTPase RAS regulatory genes inhibited RAS-ERK1/2 signaling. In vitro and in vivo studies suggested that ERK2 has a more prominent role in chemotactic invasion, collective migration, and cell proliferation than ERK1. Of note, simultaneous ERK1 and ERK2 expression inhibited collective cell migration and proliferation but tended to promote invasion, suggesting that ERK1 controls ERK2 function. According to the present data, phosphorylated ERK1/2 at the early phase of colon adenocarcinoma limits tumor mass expansion, whereas reactivation of the kinases at the later phase of colon carcinogenesis is associated with the initiation of metastasis. Additionally, our results suggest that ERK1 is a regulatory kinase that coordinates ERK2-promoted chemotactic invasion, collective migration, and cell proliferation. Our findings indicate that ROS, especially H2O2, are associated with the regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in colon cancer by either increasing or decreasing kinase activity. These data suggest that ERK2 has a growth-promoting role and ERK1 has a regulatory role in colon tumorigenesis, which could lead to new avenues in the development of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Parascandolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | | | - Mikko O. Laukkanen
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Center for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), CNR-IEOS, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Liu Z, Song Y, Hu R, Geng Y, Huang Y, Li F, Ma W, Dong H, Song K, Ding J, Xu X, Wu X, Zhang M, Zhong Z. Bushen Antai recipe ameliorates immune microenvironment and maternal-fetal vascularization in STAT3-deficient abortion-prone mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116889. [PMID: 37423519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Spontaneous abortion (SA) is an intricate disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Previous studies have confirmed the indispensable role of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 in normal pregnancy. Bushen Antai recipe (BAR) is a satisfactory formula commonly used in practice, based on the rationale of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for SA. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study explores the potential therapeutic effects and mechanistic insights of BAR in STAT3-deficient abortion-prone mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS A STAT3-deficient abortion-prone mouse model was developed using intraperitoneal injection of stattic from embryo day (ED) 5.5 to ED9.5 among pregnant females (C57BL/6). We separately administered BAR1 (5.7 g/kg), BAR2 (11.4 g/kg), progesterone (P4), or distilled water at 10 ml/kg/day from ED0.5 until ED10.5. The embryo resorption rate and placenta-uterus structure were observed on ED10.5. The systemic immune status was examined by analyzing the frequency of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), the ratio of two macrophage (M) subtypes, and the protein expression of associated molecules. Morphological observation, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting were used to evaluate the vascularization conditions at the maternal-fetal interface. RESULTS BAR1, BAR2, or P4 treatment exerted remarkable effects in alleviating embryo resorption rate and disordered placental-uterus structure in STAT3-deficient abortion-prone mice. Western blotting indicated the deficiency of phosphorylated STAT3 and two prime target molecules, PR and HIF-1α, at the maternal-fetal interface under STAT3 inhibition. Simultaneously, BAR2 treatment significantly upregulated their expression levels. The systemic immune environment was disrupted, indicated by the reduced serum cytokine concentrations, MDSCs frequency, M2/M1 ratio, and the expression of immunomodulatory factors. Nonetheless, BAR2 or P4 treatment revived the immune tolerance for semi-allogenic embryos by enhancing the immune cells and factors. Besides, the western blot and immunohistochemistry results revealed that BAR2 or P4 treatment upregulated VEGFA/FGF2 and activated ERK/AKT phosphorylation. Therefore, BAR2 or P4 facilitated vascularization at the maternal-fetal interface in STAT3-deficient abortion-prone mice. CONCLUSIONS BAR sustained pregnancy by reviving the systemic immune environment and promoting angiogenesis at the maternal-fetal interface in STAT3-deficient abortion-prone mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yuli Geng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Haoxu Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Kunkun Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jiahui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Xiaohu Xu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiao Wu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Mingmin Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zhiyan Zhong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Gao C, Ge H, Kuan SF, Cai C, Lu X, Esni F, Schoen R, Wang J, Chu E, Hu J. FAK loss reduces BRAF V600E-induced ERK phosphorylation to promote intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-2531119. [PMID: 36778401 PMCID: PMC9915899 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2531119/v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BRAF V600E mutation is a driver mutation in the serrated pathway to colorectal cancers. BRAFV600E drives tumorigenesis through constitutive downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, but high-intensity ERK activation can also trigger tumor suppression. Whether and how oncogenic ERK signaling can be intrinsically adjusted to a "just-right" level optimal for tumorigenesis remains undetermined. In this study, we found that FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) expression was reduced in BRAFV600E-mutant adenomas/polyps in mice and patients. In Vill-Cre;BRAFV600E/+;Fakfl/fl mice, Fak deletion maximized BRAFV600E's oncogenic activity and increased cecal tumor incidence to 100%. Mechanistically, our results showed that Fak loss, without jeopardizing BRAFV600E-induced ERK pathway transcriptional output, reduced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent ERK phosphorylation. Reduction in ERK phosphorylation increased the level of Lgr4, promoting intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. Our findings show that a "just-right" ERK signaling optimal for BRAFV600E-induced cecal tumor formation can be achieved via Fak loss-mediated downregulation of ERK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center/University of Pittsburgh
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Gao C, Ge H, Kuan SF, Cai C, Lu X, Esni F, Schoen R, Wang J, Chu E, Hu J. FAK loss reduces BRAF V600E-induced ERK phosphorylation to promote intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-2531119. [PMID: 36778401 PMCID: PMC9915899 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2531119/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BRAF V600E mutation is a driver mutation in the serrated pathway to colorectal cancers. BRAFV600E drives tumorigenesis through constitutive downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, but high-intensity ERK activation can also trigger tumor suppression. Whether and how oncogenic ERK signaling can be intrinsically adjusted to a "just-right" level optimal for tumorigenesis remains undetermined. In this study, we found that FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) expression was reduced in BRAFV600E-mutant adenomas/polyps in mice and patients. In Vill-Cre;BRAFV600E/+;Fakfl/fl mice, Fak deletion maximized BRAFV600E's oncogenic activity and increased cecal tumor incidence to 100%. Mechanistically, our results showed that Fak loss, without jeopardizing BRAFV600E-induced ERK pathway transcriptional output, reduced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent ERK phosphorylation. Reduction in ERK phosphorylation increased the level of Lgr4, promoting intestinal stemness and cecal tumor formation. Our findings show that a "just-right" ERK signaling optimal for BRAFV600E-induced cecal tumor formation can be achieved via Fak loss-mediated downregulation of ERK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center/University of Pittsburgh
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Newell S, van der Watt PJ, Leaner VD. Therapeutic targeting of nuclear export and import receptors in cancer and their potential in combination chemotherapy. IUBMB Life 2024; 76:4-25. [PMID: 37623925 PMCID: PMC10952567 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2773] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic modalities are crucial in the management of disseminated malignancies and liquid tumours. However, patient responses and tolerability to treatment are generally poor and those that enter remission often return with refractory disease. Combination therapies provide a methodology to overcome chemoresistance mechanisms and address dose-limiting toxicities. A deeper understanding of tumorigenic processes at the molecular level has brought a targeted therapy approach to the forefront of cancer research, and novel cancer biomarkers are being identified at a rapid rate, with some showing potential therapeutic benefits. The Karyopherin superfamily of proteins is soluble receptors that mediate nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of proteins and RNAs, and recently, nuclear transport receptors have been recognized as novel anticancer targets. Inhibitors against nuclear export have been approved for clinical use against certain cancer types, whereas inhibitors against nuclear import are in preclinical stages of investigation. Mechanistically, targeting nucleocytoplasmic shuttling has shown to abrogate oncogenic signalling and restore tumour suppressor functions through nuclear sequestration of relevant proteins and mRNAs. Hence, nuclear transport inhibitors display broad spectrum anticancer activity and harbour potential to engage in synergistic interactions with a wide array of cytotoxic agents and other targeted agents. This review is focussed on the most researched nuclear transport receptors in the context of cancer, XPO1 and KPNB1, and highlights how inhibitors targeting these receptors can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of standard of care therapies and novel targeted agents in a combination therapy approach. Furthermore, an updated review on the therapeutic targeting of lesser characterized karyopherin proteins is provided and resistance to clinically approved nuclear export inhibitors is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Newell
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Pauline J. van der Watt
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Virna D. Leaner
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- UCT/SAMRC Gynaecological Cancer Research CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Chen R, Yang M, Peng C, Yin D, Zhang Y, Xu F. Pharmacodynamics Research on Danggui-Shaoyao-San through Body Fluid Indexes of Spleen Deficiency-water Dampness Rats using Bio-impedance Technology. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2024; 25:1602-1616. [PMID: 37921128 DOI: 10.2174/0113892010243018231025065109] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spleen deficiency-water dampness symptom is closely related to body fluid-mediated organism metabolism and circulation. However, previous clinical evaluation of spleen deficiency-water dampness model was based only on body weight, D-xylose excretion rate, serum gastrin content, etc. Therefore, we established a large sample of normal rats and model rats experiment to verify the scientific nature of bio-impedance measuring body fluid indexes for evaluation of the modeling state. Pharmacodynamics research on Danggui-Shaoyao- San (DSS) was conducted through body fluid index changes of rats using bio-impedance technology. METHODS A spleen deficiency-water dampness symptom rat model was established through an inappropriate diet combined with excess fatigue. Experimental rats were divided into a normal control group, a model control group, a positive drug control group (hydrochlorothiazide), a blood-activating group, a water-disinhibiting group, and a DSS group. Total Body Water/Body Weight (TBW%), extracellular fluid/total body water content (ECF%), intracellular fluid/total body water content (ICF%), extracellular fluid/intracellular fluid (ECF/ICF), fat mass/body weight (FM%), fat-free mass/body weight (FFM%), and fat mass/fat-free mass (FM/FFM) of 150 rats were detected by a Bio-Imp Vet Body analyzer. RESULTS The TBW% of the model control group increased significantly, and the FM/FFM was significantly reduced compared with the normal group (P < 0.05) (P < 0.01), showing symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea; the TBW% of the blood-activating group, and the waterdisinhibiting group decreased significantly, and the FM/FFM increased significantly (P < 0.05) (P < 0.01). The TBW% and FM/FFM in the water-disinhibiting group had returned to nearnormal values compared with the model control group. The blood-activating and waterdisinhibiting split prescriptions in DSS are both effective in treating spleen deficiency-water dampness rats. Comparatively, the fluid-regulating effect of split prescriptions in DSS was even stronger than that of DSS as shown in the present study. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that using bio-impedance technology to measure body fluid indexes can pave a road for further exploring the molecular mechanism of the reason why the blood-activating and disinhibit-water split prescriptions in DSS are both effective in treating spleen deficiency-water dampness rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230012, PR China
| | - Mo Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230012, PR China
| | - Can Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application
| | - Dengke Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application
| | - Yunjing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230012, PR China
| | - Fan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Formula of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230012, PR China
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Ingersoll MA, Lutze RD, Pushpan CK, Kelmann RG, Liu H, May MT, Hunter WJ, He DZ, Teitz T. Dabrafenib protects from cisplatin-induced hearing loss in a clinically relevant mouse model. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171140. [PMID: 37934596 PMCID: PMC10807719 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171140] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The widely used chemotherapy cisplatin causes permanent hearing loss in 40%-60% of patients with cancer. One drug, sodium thiosulfate, is approved by the FDA for use in pediatric patients with localized solid tumors for preventing cisplatin-induced hearing loss, but more drugs are desperately needed. Here, we tested dabrafenib, an FDA-approved BRAF kinase inhibitor and anticancer drug, in a clinically relevant multidose cisplatin mouse model. The protective effects of dabrafenib, given orally twice daily with cisplatin, were determined by functional hearing tests and cochlear outer hair cell counts. Toxicity of the drug cotreatment was evaluated, and levels of phosphorylated ERK were measured. A dabrafenib dose of 3 mg/kg BW, twice daily, in mice, was determined to be the minimum effective dose, and it is equivalent to one-tenth of the daily FDA-approved dose for human cancer treatment. The levels of hearing protection acquired, 20-25 dB at the 3 frequencies tested, in both female and male mice, persisted for 4 months after completion of treatments. Moreover, dabrafenib exhibited a good in vivo therapeutic index (> 25), protected hearing in 2 mouse strains, and diminished cisplatin-induced weight loss. This study demonstrates that dabrafenib is a promising candidate drug for protection from cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - William J. Hunter
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Tal Teitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience
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Bahar ME, Kim HJ, Kim DR. Targeting the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway for cancer therapy: from mechanism to clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:455. [PMID: 38105263 PMCID: PMC10725898 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of solid tumors, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, underscores the urgent need for enhanced insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metastasis, chemoresistance, and the mechanistic backgrounds of individuals whose cancers are prone to migration. The most prevalent signaling cascade governed by multi-kinase inhibitors is the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, encompassing the RAS-RAF-MAPK kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. RAF kinase is a primary mediator of the MAPK pathway, responsible for the sequential activation of downstream targets, such as MEK and the transcription factor ERK, which control numerous cellular and physiological processes, including organism development, cell cycle control, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell survival, and death. Defects in this signaling cascade are associated with diseases such as cancer. RAF inhibitors (RAFi) combined with MEK blockers represent an FDA-approved therapeutic strategy for numerous RAF-mutant cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. However, the development of therapy resistance by cancer cells remains an important barrier. Autophagy, an intracellular lysosome-dependent catabolic recycling process, plays a critical role in the development of RAFi resistance in cancer. Thus, targeting RAF and autophagy could be novel treatment strategies for RAF-mutant cancers. In this review, we delve deeper into the mechanistic insights surrounding RAF kinase signaling in tumorigenesis and RAFi-resistance. Furthermore, we explore and discuss the ongoing development of next-generation RAF inhibitors with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Additionally, this review sheds light on the functional interplay between RAF-targeted therapies and autophagy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Entaz Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea.
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Michon M, Müller-Schiffmann A, Lingappa AF, Yu SF, Du L, Deiter F, Broce S, Mallesh S, Crabtree J, Lingappa UF, Macieik A, Müller L, Ostermann PN, Andrée M, Adams O, Schaal H, Hogan RJ, Tripp RA, Appaiah U, Anand SK, Campi TW, Ford MJ, Reed JC, Lin J, Akintunde O, Copeland K, Nichols C, Petrouski E, Moreira AR, Jiang IT, DeYarman N, Brown I, Lau S, Segal I, Goldsmith D, Hong S, Asundi V, Briggs EM, Phyo NS, Froehlich M, Onisko B, Matlack K, Dey D, Lingappa JR, Prasad MD, Kitaygorodskyy A, Solas D, Boushey H, Greenland J, Pillai S, Lo MK, Montgomery JM, Spiropoulou CF, Korth C, Selvarajah S, Paulvannan K, Lingappa VR. A Pan-Respiratory Antiviral Chemotype Targeting a Host Multi-Protein Complex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2021.01.17.426875. [PMID: 34931190 PMCID: PMC8687465 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.17.426875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We present a novel small molecule antiviral chemotype that was identified by an unconventional cell-free protein synthesis and assembly-based phenotypic screen for modulation of viral capsid assembly. Activity of PAV-431, a representative compound from the series, has been validated against infectious virus in multiple cell culture models for all six families of viruses causing most respiratory disease in humans. In animals this chemotype has been demonstrated efficacious for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (a coronavirus) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (a paramyxovirus). PAV-431 is shown to bind to the protein 14-3-3, a known allosteric modulator. However, it only appears to target the small subset of 14-3-3 which is present in a dynamic multi-protein complex whose components include proteins implicated in viral lifecycles and in innate immunity. The composition of this target multi-protein complex appears to be modified upon viral infection and largely restored by PAV-431 treatment. Our findings suggest a new paradigm for understanding, and drugging, the host-virus interface, which leads to a new clinical therapeutic strategy for treatment of respiratory viral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Michon
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Li Du
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fred Deiter
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sean Broce
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jackelyn Crabtree
- University of Georgia, Animal Health Research Center, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa Müller
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Marcel Andrée
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ortwin Adams
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Robert J. Hogan
- University of Georgia, Animal Health Research Center, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Ralph A. Tripp
- University of Georgia, Animal Health Research Center, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan C. Reed
- Dept. of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jim Lin
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian Brown
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sharon Lau
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ilana Segal
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Shi Hong
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Greenland
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Satish Pillai
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael K. Lo
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joel M. Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Carsten Korth
- Institute of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Vishwanath R. Lingappa
- Prosetta Biosciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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40
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Sato J, Nakano K, Miyazaki H. Decreased intracellular chloride enhances cell migration and invasion via activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in DU145 human prostate carcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 685:149170. [PMID: 37924777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149170] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study revealed that changes of the intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) affected cell proliferation in cancer cells. However, the role of Cl- on cell migration and invasion in cancer cells remains unanalyzed. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether changes of [Cl-]i affects cell migration and invasion of cancer cells. In human prostate cancer DU145 cells, cell migration and invasion were enhanced by culturing in the low Cl- medium (replacement of Cl- by NO3-). We also found that DU145 cells in the low Cl- condition caused significant transient ERK1/2 activation followed by an increase of MMP-1 mRNA levels. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation in the low Cl- condition reduced enhancement of MMP-1 mRNA levels and decreased cell migration and invasion. These observations indicate that [Cl-]i plays important roles in metastatic function by regulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway in human prostate cancer cells, and intracellular Cl- would be one of the key targets for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Sato
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University, Neyagawa, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koya Nakano
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University, Neyagawa, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miyazaki
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University, Neyagawa, Osaka, Japan.
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Chen T, Tang X, Wang Z, Feng F, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Sun H, Chen Y. Inhibition of Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1): Promising therapeutic treatment for KRAS-mutant cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115828. [PMID: 37778239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115828] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) is one of the most common oncogenes in human cancers. As a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1) represents a potential therapeutic concept for the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers because of its activation on KRAS and downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, biological function, and regulation of SOS1. We also focus on the recent advances in SOS1 inhibitors and emphasize their binding modes, structure-activity relationships and pharmacological activities. We hope that this publication can provide a comprehensive compendium on the rational design of SOS1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Hamdin CD, Wu ML, Chen CM, Ho YC, Jiang WC, Gung PY, Ho HH, Chuang HC, Tan TH, Yet SF. Dual-Specificity Phosphatase 6 Deficiency Attenuates Arterial-Injury-Induced Intimal Hyperplasia in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17136. [PMID: 38138967 PMCID: PMC10742470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417136] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to injury, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the arterial wall dedifferentiate into a proliferative and migratory phenotype, leading to intimal hyperplasia. The ERK1/2 pathway participates in cellular proliferation and migration, while dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6, also named MKP3) can dephosphorylate activated ERK1/2. We showed that DUSP6 was expressed in low baseline levels in normal arteries; however, arterial injury significantly increased DUSP6 levels in the vessel wall. Compared with wild-type mice, Dusp6-deficient mice had smaller neointima. In vitro, IL-1β induced DUSP6 expression and increased VSMC proliferation and migration. Lack of DUSP6 reduced IL-1β-induced VSMC proliferation and migration. DUSP6 deficiency did not affect IL-1β-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. Instead, ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 prevented DUSP6 induction by IL-1β, indicating that ERK1/2 functions upstream of DUSP6 to regulate DUSP6 expression in VSMCs rather than downstream as a DUSP6 substrate. IL-1β decreased the levels of cell cycle inhibitor p27 and cell-cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin in VSMCs, whereas lack of DUSP6 maintained their high levels, revealing novel functions of DUSP6 in regulating these two molecules. Taken together, our results indicate that lack of DUSP6 attenuated neointima formation following arterial injury by reducing VSMC proliferation and migration, which were likely mediated via maintaining p27 and N-cadherin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candra D. Hamdin
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350401, Taiwan; (C.D.H.); (P.-Y.G.); (H.-H.H.)
- National Health Research Institutes and Department of Life Sciences, National Central University Joint Ph.D. Program in Biomedicine, Zhongli District, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ling Wu
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (M.-L.W.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Chen-Mei Chen
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350401, Taiwan; (C.D.H.); (P.-Y.G.); (H.-H.H.)
| | - Yen-Chun Ho
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (M.-L.W.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Wei-Cheng Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
| | - Pei-Yu Gung
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350401, Taiwan; (C.D.H.); (P.-Y.G.); (H.-H.H.)
| | - Hua-Hui Ho
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350401, Taiwan; (C.D.H.); (P.-Y.G.); (H.-H.H.)
| | - Huai-Chia Chuang
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350401, Taiwan; (H.-C.C.); (T.-H.T.)
| | - Tse-Hua Tan
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350401, Taiwan; (H.-C.C.); (T.-H.T.)
| | - Shaw-Fang Yet
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350401, Taiwan; (C.D.H.); (P.-Y.G.); (H.-H.H.)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404328, Taiwan
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Tie F, Hu N, Dong Q, Wang H. Vitisin A-13-O-β-D-glucoside and Vitisin A from Iris lactea inhibit lipogenesis and promote lipolysis via the PKA/HSL pathway during adipogenic transdifferentiation of C2C12 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176154. [PMID: 37884183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176154] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Oligostilbenes are a group of natural products derived from the polymerization of stilbene monomers. Despite the demonstration of their activities in regulating lipid metabolism, the function of oligostilbenes in the adipogenic transdifferentiation of multipotent myoblast cells remains unknown. Hence, the five oligostilbenes from Iris lactea were tested for their regulatory effects on adipogenic transdifferentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells. As a result, it was shown that Vitisin A-13-O-β-D-glucoside (VitAOG), Vitisin A (VitA) and Hopeaphenol (Hop) can greatly inhibit the adipogenic transdifferentiation of C2C12 cells by reducing lipid accumulation and downregulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) and fatty acid binding proteins 4 (FABP4). In contrast, Vitisin D (VitD) and Isohopeaphenol (Isohop) promote adipogenic transdifferentiation of C2C12 cells by increasing lipid accumulation and upregulating the expression of adipogenesis and lipogenesis markers. Further research found that the lipolytic protein levels of adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) were elevated by VitAOG and VitA. Additionally, VitAOG and VitA maintain lipid homeostasis by improving mitochondrial function. Taken together, our study reveals an effect of oligostilbenes on lipid metabolism in C2C12 cells, and VitAOG and VitA can be regarded as potential candidates for the treatment of obesity and other disorders of lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Tie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.
| | - Na Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.
| | - Qi Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.
| | - Honglun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, China.
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Klemm S, Evert K, Utpatel K, Muggli A, Simile MM, Chen X, Evert M, Calvisi DF, Scheiter A. Identification of DUSP4/6 overexpression as a potential rheostat to NRAS-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1086. [PMID: 37946160 PMCID: PMC10636894 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11577-9] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) is mutated in a small percentage of HCC and is hitherto considered insufficient for hepatocarcinogenesis. We aimed to characterize the process of N-Ras-dependent carcinogenesis in the liver and to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. METHODS NRAS V12 plasmid was delivered into the mouse liver via hydrodynamic tail vein injection (HTVI). The resulting tumours, preneoplastic lesions, and normal tissue were characterized by NanoString® gene expression analysis, Western Blot, and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results were further confirmed by in vitro analyses of HCC cell lines. RESULTS HTVI with NRAS V12 plasmid resulted in the gradual formation of preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in the liver three months post-injection. These lesions mostly showed characteristics of HCC, with some exceptions of spindle cell/ cholangiocellular differentiation. Progressive upregulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signalling was detectable in the lesions by Western Blot and IHC. NanoString® gene expression analysis of preneoplastic and tumorous tissue revealed a gradual overexpression of the cancer stem cell marker CD133 and Dual Specificity Phosphatases 4 and 6 (DUSP4/6). In vitro, transfection of HCC cell lines with NRAS V12 plasmid resulted in a coherent upregulation of DUSP4 and DUSP6. Paradoxically, this upregulation in PLC/PRF/5 cells was accompanied by a downregulation of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (pERK), suggesting an overshooting compensation. Silencing of DUSP4 and DUSP6 increased proliferation in HCC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to prior assumptions, the G12V NRAS mutant form is sufficient to elicit hepatocarcinogenesis in the mouse. Furthermore, the upregulation of the MAPK cascade was paralleled by the overexpression of DUSP4, DUSP6, and CD133 in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, DUSP4 and DUSP6 might fine-tune the excessive MAPK activation, a mechanism that can potentially be harnessed therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Klemm
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Utpatel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Muggli
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria M Simile
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Xin Chen
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Matthias Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Zhao D, Liu Y, Yi F, Zhao X, Lu K. Recent advances in the development of inhibitors targeting KRAS-G12C and its related pathways. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115698. [PMID: 37542991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS gene, also known as the mouse sarcoma virus, includes three genes (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS) that are associated with human tumors. Among them, KRAS has the highest incidence of mutations in cancer, accounting for around 80% of cases. At the molecular level, the RAS gene plays a regulatory role in transcription and translation, while at the cellular level, it affects cell proliferation and migration, making it crucial for cancer development. In 2021, the FDA approved AMG510, the first direct inhibitor targeting the KRAS-G12C mutation, which has shown tumor regression, prolonged survival, and low off-target activity. However, with the increase of drug resistance, a single inhibitor is no longer sufficient to achieve the desired effect on tumors. Therefore, a large number of other highly efficient inhibitors are being developed at different stages. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of action targeting KRAS-G12C in the KRASGTP-KRASGDP cycle pathway, as well as the structure-activity relationship, structure optimization, and biological activity effects of inhibitors that target the upstream and downstream pathways, or combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqiang Zhao
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yu Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Fengchao Yi
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- College of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Kui Lu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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46
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Huang Y, Zhen Y, Chen Y, Sui S, Zhang L. Unraveling the interplay between RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and autophagy in cancer: From molecular mechanisms to targeted therapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115842. [PMID: 37802240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115842] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways of Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), which widely participate in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and signaling transduction. Autophagy is an essential mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis by degrading aged and damaged organelles. Recently, some studies revealed RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is closely related to autophagy regulation and has a dual effect in tumor cells. However, the specific mechanism by which RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway participates in autophagy regulation is not fully understood. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research progress with regard to the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and autophagy, as well as their interplay in cancer therapy. The impact of small molecule inhibitors that target the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway on autophagy is discussed in this study. The advantages and limitations of the clinical combination of these small molecule inhibitors with autophagy inhibitors are also explored. The findings from this study may provide additional perspectives for future cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunli Huang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yongqi Zhen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanmei Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shaoguang Sui
- Emergency Department, The Second Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China.
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Salimi A, Schemionek‐Reinders M, Huber M, Vieri M, Patterson JB, Alten J, Brümmendorf TH, Kharabi Masouleh B, Appelmann I. XBP1 promotes NRAS G12D pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia through IL-7 receptor signalling and provides a therapeutic vulnerability for oncogenic RAS. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3363-3377. [PMID: 37753803 PMCID: PMC10623536 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17904] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating point mutations of the RAS gene act as driver mutations for a subset of precursor-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (pre-B ALL) and represent an ambitious target for therapeutic approaches. The X box-binding protein 1 (XBP1), a key regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR), is critical for pre-B ALL cell survival, and high expression of XBP1 confers poor prognosis in ALL patients. However, the mechanism of XBP1 activation has not yet been elucidated in RAS mutated pre-B ALL. Here, we demonstrate that XBP1 acts as a downstream linchpin of the IL-7 receptor signalling pathway and that pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of XBP1 selectively abrogates IL-7 receptor signalling via inhibition of its downstream effectors, JAK1 and STAT5. We show that XBP1 supports malignant cell growth of pre-B NRASG12D ALL cells and that genetic loss of XBP1 consequently leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Our findings reveal that active XBP1 prevents the cytotoxic effects of a dual PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitor (BEZ235) in pre-B NRASG12D ALL cells. This implies targeting XBP1 in combination with BEZ235 as a promising new targeted strategy against the oncogenic RAS in NRASG12D -mutated pre-B ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Salimi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical FacultyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Werner Siemens Imaging CenterEberhard Karls University TübingenTübingenGermany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies"TübingenGermany
| | - Mirle Schemionek‐Reinders
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical FacultyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Michael Huber
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular ImmunologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Margherita Vieri
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical FacultyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | | | - Julia Alten
- Department of PediatricsUniversity Medical Centre Schleswig‐HolsteinKielGermany
| | - Tim H. Brümmendorf
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical FacultyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Behzad Kharabi Masouleh
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical FacultyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Iris Appelmann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical FacultyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
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48
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Martin-Vega A, Cobb MH. Navigating the ERK1/2 MAPK Cascade. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1555. [PMID: 37892237 PMCID: PMC10605237 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS-ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade crucial for many biological processes including proliferation, cell cycle control, growth, and survival; common across all cell types. Notably, ERK1/2 are implicated in specific processes in a context-dependent manner as in stem cells and pancreatic β-cells. Alterations in the different components of this cascade result in dysregulation of the effector kinases ERK1/2 which communicate with hundreds of substrates. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to a range of disorders, including cancer. This review provides an overview of the structure, activation, regulation, and mutational frequency of the different tiers of the cascade; with a particular focus on ERK1/2. We highlight the importance of scaffold proteins that contribute to kinase localization and coordinate interaction dynamics of the kinases with substrates, activators, and inhibitors. Additionally, we explore innovative therapeutic approaches emphasizing promising avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martin-Vega
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Azizi SA, Qiu T, Brookes NE, Dickinson BC. Regulation of ERK2 activity by dynamic S-acylation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113135. [PMID: 37715953 PMCID: PMC10591828 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) are key effector proteins of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, choreographing essential processes of cellular physiology. Here, we discover that ERK1/2 are subject to S-acylation, a reversible lipid modification of cysteine residues, at C271/C254. The levels of ERK1/2 S-acylation are modulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling, mirroring its phosphorylation dynamics, and acylation-deficient ERK2 displays altered phosphorylation patterns. We show that ERK1/2 S-acylation is mediated by "writer" protein acyl transferases (PATs) and "eraser" acyl protein thioesterases (APTs) and that chemical inhibition of either lipid addition or removal alters ERK1/2's EGF-triggered transcriptional program. Finally, in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome, we find that ERK1/2 lipidation levels correlate with alterations in ERK1/2 lipidation writer/eraser expression, solidifying a link between ERK1/2 activity, ERK1/2 lipidation, and organismal health. This study describes how lipidation regulates ERK1/2 and offers insight into the role of dynamic S-acylation in cell signaling more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara-Anne Azizi
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tian Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Noah E Brookes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Bryan C Dickinson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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50
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Fernandes LM, Tresemer J, Zhang J, Rios JJ, Scallan JP, Dellinger MT. Hyperactive KRAS/MAPK signaling disrupts normal lymphatic vessel architecture and function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1276333. [PMID: 37842094 PMCID: PMC10571159 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1276333] [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] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex lymphatic anomalies (CLAs) are sporadically occurring diseases caused by the maldevelopment of lymphatic vessels. We and others recently reported that somatic activating mutations in KRAS can cause CLAs. However, the mechanisms by which activating KRAS mutations cause CLAs are poorly understood. Here, we show that KRASG12D expression in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) during embryonic development impairs the formation of lymphovenous valves and causes the enlargement of lymphatic vessels. We demonstrate that KRASG12D expression in primary human LECs induces cell spindling, proliferation, and migration. It also increases AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and decreases the expression of genes that regulate the maturation of lymphatic vessels. We show that MEK1/2 inhibition with the FDA-approved drug trametinib suppresses KRASG12D-induced morphological changes, proliferation, and migration. Trametinib also decreases ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increases the expression of genes that regulate the maturation of lymphatic vessels. We also show that trametinib and Cre-mediated expression of a dominant-negative form of MEK1 (Map2k1 K97M) suppresses KRASG12D-induced lymphatic vessel hyperplasia in embryos. Last, we demonstrate that conditional knockout of wild-type Kras in LECs does not affect the formation or function of lymphatic vessels. Together, our data indicate that KRAS/MAPK signaling must be tightly regulated during embryonic development for the proper development of lymphatic vessels and further support the testing of MEK1/2 inhibitors for treating CLAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo M. Fernandes
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jeffrey Tresemer
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jing Zhang
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Rios
- Center for Pediatric Bone Biology and Translational Research, Scottish Rite for Children, Dallas, TX, United States
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Michael T. Dellinger
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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