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Fu X, Li J, Chen X, Chen H, Wang Z, Qiu F, Xie D, Huang J, Yue S, Cao C, Liang Y, Lu A, Liang C. Repurposing AS1411 for constructing ANM-PROTACs. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1290-1304.e7. [PMID: 38657608 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.03.011] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules consisting of two ligands joined by a linker, enabling them to simultaneously bind with an E3 ligase and a protein of interest (POI) and trigger proteasomal degradation of the POI. Limitations of PROTAC include lack of potent E3 ligands, poor cell selectivity, and low permeability. AS1411 is an antitumor aptamer specifically recognizing a membrane-nucleus shuttling nucleolin (NCL). Here, we repurpose AS1411 as a ligand for an E3 ligase mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) via anchoring the NCL-MDM2 complex. Then, we construct an AS1411-NCL-MDM2-based PROTAC (ANM-PROTAC) by conjugating AS1411 with large-molecular-weight ligands for "undruggable" oncogenic STAT3, c-Myc, p53-R175H, and AR-V7. We show that the ANM-PROTAC efficiently penetrates tumor cells, recruits MDM2 and degrades the POIs. The ANM-PROTAC achieves tumor-selective distribution and exhibits excellent antitumor activity with no systemic toxicity. This is a PROTAC with built-in tumor-targeting and cell-penetrating capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekun Fu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hongzhen Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhuqian Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Fang Qiu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Duoli Xie
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Siran Yue
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Chunhao Cao
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Yiying Liang
- Shenzhen LingGene Biotech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou 510006, China; Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China; State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 100850, China.
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Standing D, Feess E, Kodiyalam S, Kuehn M, Hamel Z, Johnson J, Thomas SM, Anant S. The Role of STATs in Ovarian Cancer: Exploring Their Potential for Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092485. [PMID: 37173951 PMCID: PMC10177275 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is a deadly gynecologic malignancy that presents many clinical challenges due to late-stage diagnoses and the development of acquired resistance to standard-of-care treatment protocols. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that STATs may play a critical role in OvCa progression, resistance, and disease recurrence, and thus we sought to compile a comprehensive review to summarize the current state of knowledge on the topic. We have examined peer reviewed literature to delineate the role of STATs in both cancer cells and cells within the tumor microenvironment. In addition to summarizing the current knowledge of STAT biology in OvCa, we have also examined the capacity of small molecule inhibitor development to target specific STATs and progress toward clinical applications. From our research, the best studied and targeted factors are STAT3 and STAT5, which has resulted in the development of several inhibitors that are under current evaluation in clinical trials. There remain gaps in understanding the role of STAT1, STAT2, STAT4, and STAT6, due to limited reports in the current literature; as such, further studies to establish their implications in OvCa are necessitated. Moreover, due to the deficiency in our understanding of these STATs, selective inhibitors also remain elusive, and therefore present opportunities for discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Standing
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Emma Feess
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Satvik Kodiyalam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Michael Kuehn
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Zachary Hamel
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Jaimie Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
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Chaturvedi S, Pablo M, Wolf M, Rosas-Rivera D, Calia G, Kumar AJ, Vardi N, Du K, Glazier J, Ke R, Chan MF, Perelson AS, Weinberger LS. Disrupting autorepression circuitry generates "open-loop lethality" to yield escape-resistant antiviral agents. Cell 2022; 185:2086-2102.e22. [PMID: 35561685 PMCID: PMC9097017 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Across biological scales, gene-regulatory networks employ autorepression (negative feedback) to maintain homeostasis and minimize failure from aberrant expression. Here, we present a proof of concept that disrupting transcriptional negative feedback dysregulates viral gene expression to therapeutically inhibit replication and confers a high evolutionary barrier to resistance. We find that nucleic-acid decoys mimicking cis-regulatory sites act as "feedback disruptors," break homeostasis, and increase viral transcription factors to cytotoxic levels (termed "open-loop lethality"). Feedback disruptors against herpesviruses reduced viral replication >2-logs without activating innate immunity, showed sub-nM IC50, synergized with standard-of-care antivirals, and inhibited virus replication in mice. In contrast to approved antivirals where resistance rapidly emerged, no feedback-disruptor escape mutants evolved in long-term cultures. For SARS-CoV-2, disruption of a putative feedback circuit also generated open-loop lethality, reducing viral titers by >1-log. These results demonstrate that generating open-loop lethality, via negative-feedback disruption, may yield a class of antimicrobials with a high genetic barrier to resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Chaturvedi
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Michael Pablo
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Marie Wolf
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Daniel Rosas-Rivera
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Giuliana Calia
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Arjun J Kumar
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Noam Vardi
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kelvin Du
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joshua Glazier
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ruian Ke
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Matilda F Chan
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alan S Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Leor S Weinberger
- Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Gladstone Institute of Virology, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Bose S, Banerjee S, Mondal A, Chakraborty U, Pumarol J, Croley CR, Bishayee A. Targeting the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway Using Phytocompounds for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1451. [PMID: 32545187 PMCID: PMC7348822 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a prevalent cause of mortality around the world. Aberrated activation of Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway promotes tumorigenesis. Natural agents, including phytochemicals, exhibit potent anticancer activities via various mechanisms. However, the therapeutic potency of phytoconstituents as inhibitors of JAK/STAT signaling against cancer has only come into focus in recent days. The current review highlights phytochemicals that can suppress the JAK/STAT pathway in order to impede cancer cell growth. Various databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SpringerLink, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using relevant keywords. Once the authors were in agreement regarding the suitability of a study, a full-length form of the relevant article was obtained, and the information was gathered and cited. All the complete articles that were incorporated after the literature collection rejection criteria were applied were perused in-depth and material was extracted based on the importance, relevance, and advancement of the apprehending of the JAK/STAT pathway and their relation to phytochemicals. Based on the critical and comprehensive analysis of literature presented in this review, phytochemicals from diverse plant origins exert therapeutic and cancer preventive effects, at least in part, through regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Nevertheless, more preclinical and clinical research is necessary to completely comprehend the capability of modulating JAK/STAT signaling to achieve efficient cancer control and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sankhadip Bose
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Bengal School of Technology, Chuchura 712 102, India;
| | - Sabyasachi Banerjee
- Department of Phytochemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, India; (S.B.); (U.C.)
| | - Arijit Mondal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Technology, Dubrajpur 731 123, India
| | - Utsab Chakraborty
- Department of Phytochemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, India; (S.B.); (U.C.)
| | - Joshua Pumarol
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (J.P.); (C.R.C.)
| | - Courtney R. Croley
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (J.P.); (C.R.C.)
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA; (J.P.); (C.R.C.)
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Zhang X, Lu T, Ma Y, Li R, Pang Y, Mao H, Liu P. Novel Nanocomplexes Targeting STAT3 Demonstrate Promising Anti-Ovarian Cancer Effects in vivo. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5069-5082. [PMID: 32606729 PMCID: PMC7292488 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s247398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have attracted intensive interest as an effective gene delivery system for its high biocompatibility, stability and low cytotoxicity. In our previous study, we successfully prepared SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes and made a primary study on its antitumor behavior in ovarian cancer cells in vitro. However, there is little information available so far about the effect of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes on ovarian cancer in vivo, either little information about the pharmacological toxicology in vivo. Material and Methods We applied nanotechnology to improve the gene delivery system and synthesize SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes. Xenograft mouse models were established to assess the antitumor effects of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN on the tumor growth of ovarian cancer in vivo. To analyze the mechanisms of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN, we investigated apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor tissues of nude mice and investigated the effects and toxicology of SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes on the vital organs of nude mice. Results The results showed that SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes markedly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes could induce cell apoptosis through downregulating Bcl-2, survivin and pro caspase 3, but upregulating Bax and cleaved caspase 3. These complexes could also regulate autophagy through upregulating LC3A-II, LC3B-II and beclin-1, but downregulating p-Akt and p-mTOR. Moreover, these complexes could inhibit cancer cell invasion through reversing EMT. Besides, SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes showed no obvious toxicity on vital organs and hematological parameters of nude mice. Conclusion The molecular mechanisms that SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN complexes inhibit tumor growth involved activating the apoptotic cascade, regulating autophagy, and reversing EMT program; and these complexes showed no obvious toxicity on nude mice. Our study indicated that the nanocomplexes SLN-STAT3 decoy ODN might be a promising therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingxin Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongluan Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Peishu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, People's Republic of China
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Arshad S, Naveed M, Ullia M, Javed K, Butt A, Khawar M, Amjad F. Targeting STAT-3 signaling pathway in cancer for development of novel drugs: Advancements and challenges. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20180160. [PMID: 32167126 PMCID: PMC7198026 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2018-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT-3) is a transcription
factor that regulates the gene expression of several target genes. These factors
are activated by the binding of cytokines and growth factors with STAT-3
specific receptors on cell membrane. Few years ago, STAT-3 was considered an
acute phase response element having several cellular functions such as
inflammation, cell survival, invasion, metastasis and proliferation, genetic
alteration, and angiogenesis. STAT-3 is activated by several types of
inflammatory cytokines, carcinogens, viruses, growth factors, and oncogenes.
Thus, the STAT3 pathway is a potential target for cancer therapeutics. Abnormal
STAT-3 activity in tumor development and cellular transformation can be targeted
by several genomic and pharmacological methodologies. An extensive review of the
literature has been conducted to emphasize the role of STAT-3 as a unique cancer
drug target. This review article discusses in detail the wide range of STAT-3
inhibitors that show antitumor effects both in vitro and
in vivo. Thus, targeting constitutive STAT-3 signaling is a
remarkable therapeutic methodology for tumor progression. Finally, current
limitations, trials and future perspectives of STAT-3 inhibitors are also
critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundas Arshad
- University of Lahore, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Gujrat Campus, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- University of Central Punjab, Faculty of life sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mahad Ullia
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Khadija Javed
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Butt
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Masooma Khawar
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Fazeeha Amjad
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
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Identification of novel inhibitors of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 over signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 for the treatment of breast cancer by in-silico and in-vitro approach. Process Biochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lee DS, O'Keefe RA, Ha PK, Grandis JR, Johnson DE. Biochemical Properties of a Decoy Oligodeoxynucleotide Inhibitor of STAT3 Transcription Factor. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061608. [PMID: 29848966 PMCID: PMC6032396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic STAT3 decoy (CS3D) is a second-generation, double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) that mimics a genomic response element for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), an oncogenic transcription factor. CS3D competitively inhibits STAT3 binding to target gene promoters, resulting in decreased expression of proteins that promote cellular proliferation and survival. Previous studies have demonstrated antitumor activity of CS3D in preclinical models of solid tumors. However, prior to entering human clinical trials, the efficiency of generating the CS3D molecule and its stability in biological fluids should be determined. CS3D is synthesized as a single-stranded ODN and must have its free ends ligated to generate the final cyclic form. In this study, we report a ligation efficiency of nearly 95 percent. The ligated CS3D demonstrated a half-life of 7.9 h in human serum, indicating adequate stability for intravenous delivery. These results provide requisite biochemical characterization of CS3D that will inform upcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Lee
- School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
| | - Rachel A O'Keefe
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
| | - Patrick K Ha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
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Bharadwaj U, Kasembeli MM, Tweardy DJ. STAT3 Inhibitors in Cancer: A Comprehensive Update. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42949-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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10
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Khanna P, Chua PJ, Bay BH, Baeg GH. The JAK/STAT signaling cascade in gastric carcinoma (Review). Int J Oncol 2015; 47:1617-26. [PMID: 26398764 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric carcinoma remains one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide, despite the decline in incidence rates, increased awareness of the disease and advancement in treatment strategies. Helicobacter pylori infection, dietary factors, lifestyle influences and various genetic aberrations have been shown to contribute to the development and progression of gastric cancer. Recent studies on the genomic landscape of gastric adenocarcinoma have identified several key signaling molecules, including epidermal growth factor receptor family (ErbB) members, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor family (VEGFR) members and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway components, that have been implicated in the molecular pathogenesis of gastric cancers. However, clinical trials with compounds that target these molecules have failed to show a significant improvement in overall survival rates when supplemented with conventional therapies. Therefore, it is essential to identify effective prognostic and/or diagnostic biomarkers and develop molecular targeted therapies. The JAK/STAT cascade is a principal signal transduction pathway in cytokine and growth factor signaling, regulating various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and survival. Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that dysregulated JAK/STAT signaling is a driving force in the pathogenesis of various solid cancers as well as hematopoietic malignancies. Hence, a large number of preclinical and clinical studies of drugs targeting this pathway are currently underway. Notably, aberrant JAK/STAT signaling has also been implicated in gastric cancers. In this review, we focus on the ongoing research on the JAK/STAT cascade in gastric carcinoma and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting JAK/STAT signaling for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja Khanna
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597, Republic of Singapore
| | - Pei Jou Chua
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597, Republic of Singapore
| | - Boon Huat Bay
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597, Republic of Singapore
| | - Gyeong Hun Baeg
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597, Republic of Singapore
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O'Sullivan KE, Reynolds JV, O'Hanlon C, O'Sullivan JN, Lysaght J. Could signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 be a therapeutic target in obesity-related gastrointestinal malignancy? J Gastrointest Cancer 2014; 45:1-11. [PMID: 24163144 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-013-9555-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A large body of evidence has implicated the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family and particularly the ubiquitously expressed STAT3 protein in the pathogenesis of colorectal, hepatocellular, gastric and pancreatic carcinoma. DISCUSSION Concomitantly, an increasing body of epidemiological evidence has linked obesity and its associated pro-inflammatory state with the development of gastrointestinal cancers. Visceral adipose tissue is no longer considered inert and is known to secrete a number of adipocytokines such as leptin, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) into the surrounding environment. Interestingly, these adipocytokines are strongly linked with the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathway of signal transduction and there is experimental evidence linking IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α to JAK/STAT signaling in other tissues. The result is an up-regulation of a wide range of anti-apoptotic, pro-metastatic and pro-angiogenic genes and processes. This is particularly relevant for gastrointestinal malignancy as these factors have the potential to signal adjacent endothelial cells in a paracrine manner. CONCLUSION This review examines the potential role of the STAT3 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of obesity-related gastrointestinal malignancy and the potential therapeutic role of STAT3 blockade given its status as a signaling hub for a number of inflammatory adipocytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E O'Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland,
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12
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Hou S, Yi YW, Kang HJ, Zhang L, Kim HJ, Kong Y, Liu Y, Wang K, Kong HS, Grindrod S, Bae I, Brown ML. Novel carbazole inhibits phospho-STAT3 through induction of protein-tyrosine phosphatase PTPN6. J Med Chem 2014; 57:6342-53. [PMID: 24978112 DOI: 10.1021/jm4018042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant activation of STAT3 occurs in many human cancers and promotes tumor progression. Phosphorylation of a tyrosine at amino acid Y705 is essential for the function of STAT3. Synthesized carbazole derived with fluorophore compound 12 was discovered to target STAT3 phosphorylation. Compound 12 was found to inhibit STAT3-mediated transcription as well as to reduce IL-6 induced STAT3 phosphorylation in cancer cell lines expressing both elevated and low levels of phospho-STAT3 (Y705). Compound 12 potently induced apoptosis in a broad number of TNBC cancer cell lines in vitro and was effective at inhibiting the in vivo growth of human TNBC xenograft tumors (SUM149) without any observed toxicity. Compound 12 also effectively inhibited the growth of human lung tumor xenografts (A549) harboring aberrantly active STAT3. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that the inhibitory effects of 12 on phospho-STAT3 were through up-regulation of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase PTPN6. Our present studies strongly support the continued preclinical evaluation of compound 12 as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for TNBC and cancers with constitutive STAT3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Hou
- Center for Drug Discovery, Georgetown University Medical Center , 3970 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, D.C., 20057, United States
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13
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Fagard R, Metelev V, Souissi I, Baran-Marszak F. STAT3 inhibitors for cancer therapy: Have all roads been explored? JAKSTAT 2014; 2:e22882. [PMID: 24058788 PMCID: PMC3670264 DOI: 10.4161/jkst.22882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT3 is a transcription factor which plays a key role in normal cell growth and is constitutively activated in about 70% of solid and hematological cancers. Activated STAT3 is phosphorylated on tyrosine and forms a dimer through phosphotyrosine/src homology 2 (SH2) domain interaction. The dimer enters the nucleus via interaction with importins and binds target genes. Inhibition of STAT3 results in the death of tumor cells, this indicates that it is a valuable target for anticancer strategies; a view that is corroborated by recent findings of activating mutations within the gene. Yet, there is still only a small number of STAT3 direct inhibitors; in addition, the high similarity of STAT3 with STAT1, another STAT family member mostly oriented toward apoptosis, cell death and defense against pathogens, requires that STAT3-inhibitors have no effect on STAT1. Specific STAT3 direct inhibitors consist of SH2 ligands, including G quartet oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) and small molecules, they induce cell death in tumor cells in which STAT3 is activated. STAT3 can also be inhibited by decoy ODNs (dODN), which bind STAT3 and induce cell death. A specific STAT3 dODN which does not interfere with STAT1-mediated interferon-induced cell death has been designed pointing to the STAT3 DBD as a target for specific inhibition. Comprehensive analysis of this region is in progress in the laboratory to design DBD-targeting STAT3 inhibitors with STAT3/STAT1 discriminating ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Fagard
- INSERM Unité 978; Bobigny, France ; University Paris 13; UFR SMBH; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Bobigny, France ; Biochimie Biologie Moléculaire; AP-HP; Hôpital Avicenne; Bobigny, France
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14
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Abstract
Silencing of abnormally activated genes can be accomplished in a highly specific manner using nucleic acid based approaches. The focus of this review includes the different nucleic acid based inhibition strategies such as antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, small interfering RNA (siRNA), dominant-negative constructs, G-quartet oligonucleotides and decoy oligonucleotides, their mechanism of action and the effectiveness of these approaches to targeting the STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) proteins in cancer. Among the STAT proteins, especially STAT3, followed by STAT5, are the most frequently activated oncogenic STATs, which have emerged as plausible therapeutic cancer targets. Both STAT3 and STAT5 have been shown to regulate numerous oncogenic signaling pathways including proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and migration/invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabika Sen
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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15
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Szeląg M, Czerwoniec A, Wesoly J, Bluyssen HAR. Comparative screening and validation as a novel tool to identify STAT-specific inhibitors. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:417-20. [PMID: 25183399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) facilitate action of cytokines, growth factors and pathogens. STAT activation is mediated by a highly conserved SH2 domain, which interacts with phosphotyrosine (pTyr) motifs for specific STAT-receptor contacts and STAT dimerization. The active dimers induce gene transcription in the nucleus by binding to specific DNA-response elements of target genes. Abnormal activation of STAT signaling pathways is implicated in many human diseases, like cancer, inflammation and auto-immunity. STAT inhibitory strategies mostly focus on inhibiting STAT dimerization using small molecules identified by molecular modeling, virtual or library screening, or natural products. Searches for STAT-targeting compounds, exploring the pTyr-SH2 interaction area, yielded many small molecules for STAT3 but sparsely for other STATs. So far, no STAT-targeting drug is approved by the FDA. Moreover, many of these inhibitors do not seem STAT-specific, thereby questioning the present selection strategies of SH2 domain-based STAT inhibitors. This illustrates the need for better models, and screening and validation tools for more druggable STAT inhibitors with high specificity, potency and excellent bioavailability. Based on newly developed 3D structure models for all human (h)STATs, we propose a pipeline approach that combines comparative in silico docking of STAT-SH2 models with an in vitro STAT phosphorylation assay, as a novel tool to screen multi-million compound libraries and identify specific inhibitors for different STATs. Identification of specific and effective STAT inhibitory compounds could provide a tool to increase our understanding of their functional role in different diseases, and serve as therapeutic strategies in cancer, inflammation and auto-immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Szeląg
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Czerwoniec
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Wesoly
- Laboratory of High Throughput Technologies, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland
| | - Hans A R Bluyssen
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland.
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Sen M, Paul K, Freilino ML, Li H, Li C, Johnson DE, Wang L, Eiseman J, Grandis JR. Systemic administration of a cyclic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) decoy oligonucleotide inhibits tumor growth without inducing toxicological effects. Mol Med 2014; 20:46-56. [PMID: 24395569 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2013.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been linked to tumorigenesis in most malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Intravenous delivery of a chemically modified cyclic STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide with improved serum and thermal stability demonstrated antitumor efficacy in conjunction with downmodulation of STAT3 target gene expression such as cyclin D1 and Bcl-X(L) in a mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to determine the toxicity and dose-dependent antitumor efficacy of the cyclic STAT3 decoy after multiple intravenous doses in Foxn1 nu mice in anticipation of clinical translation. The two doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) of cyclic STAT3 decoy demonstrated a significant decrease in tumor volume compared with the control groups (mutant cyclic STAT3 decoy or saline) in conjunction with downmodulation of STAT3 target gene expression. There was no dose-dependent effect of cyclic STAT3 decoy on tumor volume or STAT3 target gene expression. There were no significant changes in body weights between the groups during the dosing period, after the dosing interval or on the day of euthanasia. No hematology or clinical chemistry parameters suggested toxicity of the cyclic STAT3 decoy compared with saline control. No gross or histological pathological abnormalities were noted at necropsy in any of the animals. These findings suggest a lack of toxicity of intravenous administration of a cyclic STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide. In addition, comparable antitumor effects indicate a lack of dose response at the two dose levels investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabika Sen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Paul
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Maria L Freilino
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Changyou Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Julie Eiseman
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Lavecchia A, Di Giovanni C, Cerchia C. Novel inhibitors of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway: an update on the recent patent literature. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2014; 24:383-400. [PMID: 24432979 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2014.877443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that plays a key role in normal cell growth and is constitutively activated in about 70% of solid and hematological cancers. Thus, the development of potent and selective inhibitors that target STAT3 is of interest especially in the cancer therapeutic area. AREAS COVERED This review updates new patents claiming STAT3 inhibitors and their uses published from 2011 to 2013. Pre-2011 patents have been extensively covered in previous reviews. Comments on the context of each chemical series are given where applicable to orientate the readers on the bewildering array of molecular designs now available. EXPERT OPINION The growing number of preclinical studies in numerous malignances as well as the first clinical trials of STAT3 inhibitors suggest that STAT3 remains a valid target for the treatment of human cancers as well as inflammatory diseases and/or autoimmune disorders. So, the future looks bright for patients because many new drugs are being developed and now combinations of STAT3 inhibitors with other targeted agents can diminish the resistance to traditional chemotherapy. These advances are expected to lead to further significant progress improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Lavecchia
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Pharmacy, "Drug Discovery" Laboratory , Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples , Italy +39 081 678613 ; +39 081 678012 ;
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18
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STAT3 oligonucleotide inhibits tumor angiogenesis in preclinical models of squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e81819. [PMID: 24404126 PMCID: PMC3880270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has shown to play a critical role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and we have recently completed clinical trials of STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. However, there is limited understanding of the role of STAT3 in modulating other aspects of tumorigenesis such as angiogenesis. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide on tumor angiogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to inhibit STAT3 in endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. The biochemical effects of STAT3 inhibition were examined in conjunction with the consequences on proliferation, migration, apoptotic staining, and tubule formation. Additionally, we assessed the effects of STAT3 inhibition on tumor angiogenesis using murine xenograft models. RESULTS STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide decreased proliferation, induces apoptosis, decreased migration, and decreased tubule formation of endothelial cells in vitro. The STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide also inhibited tumor angiogenesis in murine tumor xenografts. Lastly, our data suggest that the antiangiogenic effects of STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide were mediatedthrough the inhibition of both STAT3 and STAT1. CONCLUSIONS The STAT3 decoy oligonucleotidewas found to be an effective antiangiogenic agent, which is likely to contribute to the overall antitumor effects of this agent in solid tumors.Taken together with the previously demonstrated antitumor activity of this agent, STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide represents a promising single agent approach to targeting both the tumor and vascular compartments in various malignancies.
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Siveen KS, Sikka S, Surana R, Dai X, Zhang J, Kumar AP, Tan BKH, Sethi G, Bishayee A. Targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway in cancer: role of synthetic and natural inhibitors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1845:136-54. [PMID: 24388873 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 358] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) comprise a family of cytoplasmic transcription factors that mediate intracellular signaling that is usually generated at cell surface receptors and thereby transmit it to the nucleus. Numerous studies have demonstrated constitutive activation of STAT3 in a wide variety of human tumors, including hematological malignancies (leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma) as well as diverse solid tumors (such as head and neck, breast, lung, gastric, hepatocellular, colorectal and prostate cancers). There is strong evidence to suggest that aberrant STAT3 signaling promotes initiation and progression of human cancers by either inhibiting apoptosis or inducing cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Suppression of STAT3 activation results in the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, and accordingly its pharmacological modulation by tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, decoy nucleotides, dominant negative proteins, RNA interference and chemopreventive agents have been employed to suppress the proliferation of various human cancer cells in culture and tumorigenicity in vivo. However, the identification and development of novel drugs that can target deregulated STAT3 activation effectively remains an important scientific and clinical challenge. This review presents the evidence for critical roles of STAT3 in oncogenesis and discusses the potential for development of novel cancer therapies based on mechanistic understanding of STAT3 signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakshi Sikka
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore
| | - Rohit Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore
| | - Xiaoyun Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Benny K H Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore.
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, CA, USA.
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20
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Johnston PA, Sen M, Hua Y, Camarco D, Shun TY, Lazo JS, Grandis JR. High-content pSTAT3/1 imaging assays to screen for selective inhibitors of STAT3 pathway activation in head and neck cancer cell lines. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2014; 12:55-79. [PMID: 24127660 PMCID: PMC3934522 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2013.524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is hyperactivated in most cancers and represents a plausible therapeutic target. In the absence of STAT3-selective small-molecule inhibitors, we sought to develop pSTAT3/1 high-content imaging (HCS) assays to screen for selective inhibitors of STAT3 pathway activation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) tumor cell lines. Based on the expression of the interleukin-6 (IL-6)Rα and gp130 subunits of the IL-6 receptor complex and STAT3, we selected the Cal33 HNSCC cell line as our model. After developing image acquisition and analysis procedures, we rigorously investigated the cytokine activation responses to optimize the dynamic ranges of both assays and demonstrated that the pan-Janus kinase inhibitor pyridone 6 nonselectively inhibited pSTAT3 and pSTAT1 activation with 50% inhibition concentrations of 7.19 ± 4.08 and 16.38 ± 8.45 nM, respectively. The optimized pSTAT3 HCS assay performed very well in a pilot screen of 1,726 compounds from the Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds and the National Institutes of Health clinical collection sets, and we identified 51 inhibitors of IL-6-induced pSTAT3 activation. However, only three of the primary HCS actives selectively inhibited STAT3 compared with STAT1. Our follow-up studies indicated that the nonselective inhibition of cytokine induced pSTAT3 and pSTAT1 activation by G-alpha stimulatory subunit-coupled G-protein-coupled receptor agonists, and forskolin was likely due to cyclic adenosine monophosphate-mediated up-regulation of suppressors of cytokine signaling 3. Azelastine, an H1 receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis, and ocular conjunctivitis, was subsequently confirmed as a selective inhibitor of IL-6-induced pSTAT3 activation that also reduced the growth of HNSCC cell lines. These data illustrate the power of a chemical biology approach to lead generation that utilizes fully developed and optimized HCS assays as phenotypic screens to interrogate specific signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Malabika Sen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yun Hua
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel Camarco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Tong Ying Shun
- Department of Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John S. Lazo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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21
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Therapeutic modulators of STAT signalling for human diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2013; 12:611-29. [PMID: 23903221 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins have important roles in biological processes. The abnormal activation of STAT signalling pathways is also implicated in many human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and diabetes. Over a decade has passed since the first inhibitor of a STAT protein was reported and efforts to discover modulators of STAT signalling as therapeutics continue. This Review discusses the outcomes of the ongoing drug discovery research endeavours against STAT proteins, provides perspectives on new directions for accelerating the discovery of drug candidates, and highlights the noteworthy candidate therapeutics that have progressed to clinical trials.
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22
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Furqan M, Akinleye A, Mukhi N, Mittal V, Chen Y, Liu D. STAT inhibitors for cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2013; 6:90. [PMID: 24308725 PMCID: PMC4029528 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8722-6-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) proteins are a family of cytoplasmic transcription factors consisting of 7 members, STAT1 to STAT6, including STAT5a and STAT5b. STAT proteins are thought to be ideal targets for anti-cancer therapy since cancer cells are more dependent on the STAT activity than their normal counterparts. Inhibitors targeting STAT3 and STAT5 have been developed. These included peptidomimetics, small molecule inhibitors and oligonucleotides. This review summarized advances in preclinical and clinical development of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Furqan
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Akintunde Akinleye
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Nikhil Mukhi
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Varun Mittal
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Yamei Chen
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Department of Hematology, Xiamen Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Delong Liu
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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23
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Peyser ND, Grandis JR. Critical analysis of the potential for targeting STAT3 in human malignancy. Onco Targets Ther 2013; 6:999-1010. [PMID: 23935373 PMCID: PMC3735336 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s47903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of proteins was originally discovered in the context of normal cell biology where they function to transduce intracellular and extracellular signals to the nucleus, ultimately leading to transcription of specific target genes and downstream phenotypic effects. It was quickly appreciated that the STATs, especially STAT3, play a fundamental role in human malignancy. In contrast to normal biology in which transient STAT3 signaling is strictly regulated by a tightly coordinated network of activators and deactivators, STAT3 is constitutively activated in human malignancies. Constitutive STAT3 signaling has been associated with many cancerous phenotypes across nearly all human cancers, including the upregulation of cell growth, proliferation, survival, and motility, among others. Studies involving candidate preclinical STAT3 inhibitors have further demonstrated that the reversal of these phenotypes results from pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of STAT3, suggesting that STAT3 may be a promising target for clinical interventions. Indeed, a Phase 0 clinical trial involving a STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide demonstrated that STAT3 is a drug-gable target in human tumors. Because of the ubiquity of overactive STAT3 in cancer, its role in promoting a wide variety of cancerous phenotypes, and the strong clinical and preclinical studies performed to date, STAT3 represents a promising target for the development of inhibitors for the treatment of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah D Peyser
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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24
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Koppikar P, Bromberg J. STATe-of-the-art approach: using oligonucleotide decoys to target the "undruggable". Cancer Discov 2013; 2:670-2. [PMID: 22886660 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-12-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sen and colleagues have shown for the first time the clinical application of an oligonucleotide decoy targeting the oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 for the treatment of head and neck tumors. Intratumoral injection of decoy effectively reduced the activity of STAT3 as evidenced by a decrease in several of its transcriptional targets. However, its low bioavailability makes them unacceptable for systemic therapy. Cyclization of the STAT3 decoy markedly increased its half-life while preserving specificity and showed significant antitumor activity upon systemic delivery in preclinical models of head and neck cancer. These findings have broad therapeutic implications for the treatment of many malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Koppikar
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
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25
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Shodeinde AL, Barton BE. Potential use of STAT3 inhibitors in targeted prostate cancer therapy: future prospects. Onco Targets Ther 2012; 5:119-25. [PMID: 22815644 PMCID: PMC3400487 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s32559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2012, prostate cancer will once again be the second-leading cause of cancer death of American males. Although initially treatable, prostate cancer can recur in a hormone refractory form that is not responsive to current available therapies. The mortality rate associated with hormone refractory prostate cancer is high, and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic agents to treat prostate cancer. A common feature of prostate cancer is the dependence on activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a transcription factor, for survival. More important, inhibition of STAT3 has been shown to induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. In recent years, inhibitors of STAT3 have emerged as promising molecular candidates for targeted prostate cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to examine the role of STAT3 in prostate cancer and how inhibitors of STAT3 could advance the quest for treatment of the disease. Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-targeted therapy appears very promising in the treatment of prostate cancer. It has been shown to decrease symptoms associated with myeloproliferative disorders and increase overall survival of patients compared with the best available therapy. In addition to improved outcome, many JAK2 inhibitors have been found to be tolerable with no adverse impact on quality of life. As such, JAK2 inhibitors may play an important role in the management of patients with prostate cancer. Current studies are evaluating the role of JAK2 inhibitors in solid tumors. Pending clinical trial results will determine the future direction of JAK2 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetola L Shodeinde
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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Sen M, Thomas SM, Kim S, Yeh JI, Ferris RL, Johnson JT, Duvvuri U, Lee J, Sahu N, Joyce S, Freilino ML, Shi H, Li C, Ly D, Rapireddy S, Etter JP, Li PK, Wang L, Chiosea S, Seethala RR, Gooding WE, Chen X, Kaminski N, Pandit K, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. First-in-human trial of a STAT3 decoy oligonucleotide in head and neck tumors: implications for cancer therapy. Cancer Discov 2012; 2:694-705. [PMID: 22719020 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-12-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Despite evidence implicating transcription factors, including STAT3, in oncogenesis, these proteins have been regarded as "undruggable." We developed a decoy targeting STAT3 and conducted a phase 0 trial. Expression levels of STAT3 target genes were decreased in head and neck cancers following injection with the STAT3 decoy compared with tumors receiving saline control. Decoys have not been amenable to systemic administration due to instability. To overcome this barrier, we linked the oligonucleotide strands using hexaethylene glycol spacers. This cyclic STAT3 decoy bound with high affinity to STAT3 protein, reduced cellular viability, and suppressed STAT3 target gene expression in cancer cells. Intravenous injection of the cyclic STAT3 decoy inhibited xenograft growth and downregulated STAT3 target genes in the tumors. These results provide the first demonstration of a successful strategy to inhibit tumor STAT3 signaling via systemic administration of a selective STAT3 inhibitor, thereby paving the way for broad clinical development. SIGNIFICANCE This is the fi rst study of a STAT3-selective inhibitor in humans and the fi rst evidence that a transcription factor decoy can be modifi ed to enable systemic delivery. These findings have therapeutic implications beyond STAT3 to other “undruggable” targets in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabika Sen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Sansone P, Bromberg J. Targeting the interleukin-6/Jak/stat pathway in human malignancies. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:1005-14. [PMID: 22355058 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.31.8907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 389] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak/Stat) pathway was discovered 20 years ago as a mediator of cytokine signaling. Since this time, more than 2,500 articles have been published demonstrating the importance of this pathway in virtually all malignancies. Although there are dozens of cytokines and cytokine receptors, four Jaks, and seven Stats, it seems that interleukin-6-mediated activation of Stat3 is a principal pathway implicated in promoting tumorigenesis. This transcription factor regulates the expression of numerous critical mediators of tumor formation and metastatic progression. This review will examine the relative importance and function of this pathway in nonmalignant conditions as well as malignancies (including tumor intrinsic and extrinsic), the influence of other Stats, the development of inhibitors to this pathway, and the potential role of inhibitors in controlling or eradicating cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Sansone
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Shigdar S, Ward AC, De A, Yang CJ, Wei M, Duan W. Clinical applications of aptamers and nucleic acid therapeutics in haematological malignancies. Br J Haematol 2011; 155:3-13. [PMID: 21810089 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08807.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Haematological malignancies result from a heterogeneous mix of genetic mutations and chromosome aberrations and translocations. Targeted therapies, such as the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, or the BCR-ABL1 inhibitor imatinib, have proven to be effective treatments in the management of some of these malignancies, though relapsing or refractory disease is still common. Nucleic acid-based therapies have also entered the clinical arena, providing an alternative, complementary approach. The forerunner of these therapies were the antisense oligonucleotides, but their scope has expanded to include short-interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA, decoy oligonucleotides and aptamers. These can be used either as mono-therapeutics, in conjunction with current chemotherapy regimens, or in combination with each other to improve therapeutic efficacy. Not only can these nucleic acid-based therapies silence target genes, they also have the potential of restoring gene function. While challenges remain in delivering effective doses of nucleic acid in vivo, these are steadily being met, suggesting an optimistic future in the treatment of haematological malignancies. This review summarizes the application of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, particularly aptamers, in the diagnosis and treatment of haematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Pigdon Road, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia.
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29
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Johnston PA, Grandis JR. STAT3 signaling: anticancer strategies and challenges. Mol Interv 2011; 11:18-26. [PMID: 21441118 DOI: 10.1124/mi.11.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence place STAT3 at a central node in the development, progression, and maintenance of many human tumors, and STAT3 has been validated as an anti-cancer target in several contexts. STAT3 modulates the transcription of a variety of genes involved in the regulation of critical functions, including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune responses. For many cancers, elevated levels of activated STAT3 have been associated with a poor prognosis. We review approaches that have been pursued to target STAT3, and we highlight some of the promises and challenges associated with developing an anticancer drug that might therapeutically inhibit the STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Johnston
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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30
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Souissi I, Najjar I, Ah-Koon L, Schischmanoff PO, Lesage D, Le Coquil S, Roger C, Dusanter-Fourt I, Varin-Blank N, Cao A, Metelev V, Baran-Marszak F, Fagard R. A STAT3-decoy oligonucleotide induces cell death in a human colorectal carcinoma cell line by blocking nuclear transfer of STAT3 and STAT3-bound NF-κB. BMC Cell Biol 2011; 12:14. [PMID: 21486470 PMCID: PMC3082224 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-12-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) is frequently activated in tumor cells. Activated STAT3 forms homodimers, or heterodimers with other TFs such as NF-κB, which becomes activated. Cytoplasmic STAT3 dimers are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation; they interact with importins via a nuclear localization signal (NLS) one of which is located within the DNA-binding domain formed by the dimer. In the nucleus, STAT3 regulates target gene expression by binding a consensus sequence within the promoter. STAT3-specific decoy oligonucleotides (STAT3-decoy ODN) that contain this consensus sequence inhibit the transcriptional activity of STAT3, leading to cell death; however, their mechanism of action is unclear. Results The mechanism of action of a STAT3-decoy ODN was analyzed in the colon carcinoma cell line SW 480. These cells' dependence on activated STAT3 was verified by showing that cell death is induced by STAT3-specific siRNAs or Stattic. STAT3-decoy ODN was shown to bind activated STAT3 within the cytoplasm, and to prevent its translocation to the nucleus, as well as that of STAT3-associated NF-κB, but it did not prevent the nuclear transfer of STAT3 with mutations in its DNA-binding domain. The complex formed by STAT3 and the STAT3-decoy ODN did not associate with importin, while STAT3 alone was found to co-immunoprecipitate with importin. Leptomycin B and vanadate both trap STAT3 in the nucleus. They were found here to oppose the cytoplasmic trapping of STAT3 by the STAT3-decoy ODN. Control decoys consisting of either a mutated STAT3-decoy ODN or a NF-κB-specific decoy ODN had no effect on STAT3 nuclear translocation. Finally, blockage of STAT3 nuclear transfer correlated with the induction of SW 480 cell death. Conclusions The inhibition of STAT3 by a STAT3-decoy ODN, leading to cell death, involves the entrapment of activated STAT3 dimers in the cytoplasm. A mechanism is suggested whereby this entrapment is due to STAT3-decoy ODN's inhibition of active STAT3/importin interaction. These observations point to the high potential of STAT3-decoy ODN as a reagent and to STAT3 nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling in tumor cells as a potential target for effective anti-cancer compounds.
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31
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Kim DW, Kim JH, Park M, Yeom JH, Go H, Kim S, Han MS, Lee K, Bae J. Modulation of biological processes in the nucleus by delivery of DNA oligonucleotides conjugated with gold nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2011; 32:2593-604. [PMID: 21251710 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.11.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of a method that can efficiently deliver nucleic acids into the nucleus of living systems remains one of the key challenges for experimental and therapeutic use of nonbiological gene delivery agents. In the current study, we demonstrate a functionalized gold nanoparticle (AuNP) that can serve as a universal carrier for the delivery of DNA oligonucleotides (oligos) into the nucleus. We designed various types of DNA oligos to redirect alternative splicing of pre-mRNAs, such as MCL-1 and BCL-6, and to sequester transcriptional factors, including estrogen receptor α and p53. We successfully delivered the oligos into the nucleus, resulting in the targeted effects. In addition, injection of the antisense DNAs into a xenograft tumor in a mouse model system resulted in inhibited development of the tumor by redirecting the alternative splicing of the pre-mRNA. Our findings show that these nanoconjugates efficiently load and deliver antisense DNAs to redirect gene splicing or double-stranded DNAs to decoy gene transcription by transcriptional factors into mammalian cells and in vivo animals. Therefore, our lego-like AuNP gene delivery system can be used universally to control different biological processes by modulating nuclear gene expression events in living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Wook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 222 Yatap-Dong, Seongnam 463-836, South Korea
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Page BDG, Ball DP, Gunning PT. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibitors: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2010; 21:65-83. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2011.539205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Albesiano E, Davis M, See AP, Han JE, Lim M, Pardoll DM, Kim Y. Immunologic consequences of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 activation in human squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Res 2010; 70:6467-76. [PMID: 20682796 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-4058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Paracrine cross-talk between tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment underlies local mechanisms of immune evasion. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is constitutively activated in diverse cancer types, is a key regulator of cytokine and chemokine expression in murine tumors, resulting in suppression of both innate and adaptive antitumor immunity. However, the immunologic effects of STAT3 activation in human cancers have not been studied in detail. To investigate how STAT3 activity in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) might alter the tumor microenvironment to enable immune escape, we used small interfering RNA and small-molecule inhibitors to suppress STAT3 activity. STAT3 inhibition in multiple primary and established human squamous carcinoma lines resulted in enhanced expression and secretion of both proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Although conditioned medium containing supernatants from human HNSCC inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced dendritic cell activation in vitro, supernatants from STAT3-silenced tumor cells reversed this immune evasion mechanism. Moreover, supernatants from STAT3-silenced tumor cells were able to stimulate the migratory behavior of lymphocytes from human peripheral blood in vitro. These results show the importance of STAT3 activation in regulating the immunomodulatory mediators by human tumors and further validate STAT3 as a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Albesiano
- Department of Oncology and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
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Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III mediates head and neck cancer cell invasion via STAT3 activation. Oncogene 2010; 29:5135-45. [PMID: 20622897 PMCID: PMC2940981 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2009.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is frequently over-expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) where aberrant signaling downstream of this receptor contributes to tumor growth. EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) is the most commonly altered form of EGFR and contains a truncated ligand-binding domain. We previously reported that EGFRvIII is expressed in up to 40% of HNSCC tumors where it is associated with increased proliferation, tumor growth and chemoresistance to anti-tumor drugs including the EGFR targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab. Cetuximab was FDA-approved in 2006 for HNSCC but has not been shown to prevent invasion or metastasis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mechanisms of EGFRvIII-mediated cell motility and invasion in HNSCC. We found that EGFRvIII induced HNSCC cell migration and invasion in conjunction with increased STAT3 activation, which was not abrogated by cetuximab treatment. Further investigation demonstrated that EGF-induced expression of the STAT3 target gene HIF1-α, was abolished by cetuximab in HNSCC cells expressing wild-type EGFR under hypoxic conditions, but not in EGFRvIII-expressing HNSCC cells. These results suggest that EGFRvIII mediates HNSCC cell migration and invasion via increased STAT3 activation and induction of HIF1-α, which contribute to cetuximab resistance in EGFRvIII-expressing HNSCC tumors.
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Crinelli R, Carloni E, Menotta M, Giacomini E, Bianchi M, Ambrosi G, Giorgi L, Magnani M. Oxidized ultrashort nanotubes as carbon scaffolds for the construction of cell-penetrating NF-kappaB decoy molecules. ACS NANO 2010; 4:2791-2803. [PMID: 20411956 DOI: 10.1021/nn100057c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide (ODN) decoys are synthetic ODNs containing the DNA binding sequence of a transcription factor. When delivered to cells, these molecules can compete with endogenous sequences for binding the transcription factor, thus inhibiting its ability to activate the expression of target genes. Modulation of gene expression by decoy ODNs against nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor regulating many genes involved in immunity, has been achieved in a variety of immune/inflammatory disorders. However, the successful use of transcription factor decoys depends on an efficient means to bring the synthetic DNA to target cells. It is known that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), under certain conditions, are able to cross the cell membrane. Thus, we have evaluated the possibility to functionalize SWCNTs with decoy ODNs against NF-kappaB in order to improve their intracellular delivery. To couple ODNs to CNTs, we have exploited the carbodiimide chemistry which allows covalent binding of amino-modified ODNs to carboxyl groups introduced onto SWCNTs through oxidation. The effective binding of ODNs to nanotubes has been demonstrated by a combination of microscopic, spectroscopic, and electrophoretic techniques. The uptake and subcellular distribution of ODN decoys bound to SWCNTs was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. ODNs were internalized into macrophages and accumulated in the cytosol. Moreover, no cytotoxicity associated with SWCNT administration was observed. Finally, NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression was significantly reduced in cells receiving nanomolar concentrations of SWCNT-NF-kappaB decoys compared to cells receiving SWCNTs or SWCNTs functionalized with a nonspecific ODN sequence, demonstrating both efficacy and specificity of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Crinelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
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Abstract
Head and neck cancer arises from a series of molecular alterations progressive from dysplasia to carcinoma in situ, and finally invasive carcinoma. Risk factors associated with head and neck cancer include tobacco, alcohol and viral infection. There are genetic alterations in pre-cancerous cells that contribute to transformation. The accumulation of these alterations facilitates tumor development. Additionally, the tumor microenvironment enables tumor progression. The cooperative effect of molecular alterations in the tumor cells and compensatory microenvironment changes enable tumors to invade and metastasize. This review focuses on the genes and molecules altered during the progression of head and neck cancer with an emphasis on the genetic, molecular and phenotypic changes during the pathogenesis of head and neck cancer. Therapeutic strategies that target key changes in the tumor cells and/or stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah D. Klein
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; Eye and Ear Institute Building; Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; Eye and Ear Institute Building; Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; Eye and Ear Institute Building; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Abstract
Commensurate with their roles in regulating cytokine-dependent inflammation and immunity, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are central in determining whether immune responses in the tumour microenvironment promote or inhibit cancer. Persistently activated STAT3 and, to some extent, STAT5 increase tumour cell proliferation, survival and invasion while suppressing anti-tumour immunity. The persistent activation of STAT3 also mediates tumour-promoting inflammation. STAT3 has this dual role in tumour inflammation and immunity by promoting pro-oncogenic inflammatory pathways, including nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)-GP130-Janus kinase (JAK) pathways, and by opposing STAT1- and NF-kappaB-mediated T helper 1 anti-tumour immune responses. Consequently, STAT3 is a promising target to redirect inflammation for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yu
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA.
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Wang F, Arun P, Friedman J, Chen Z, Van Waes C. Current and potential inflammation targeted therapies in head and neck cancer. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2009; 9:389-95. [PMID: 19570715 PMCID: PMC2731001 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2009.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 06/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation often exists in the tumor microenvironment and is induced by inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors) produced by the tumor, stroma, and infiltrating cells. These factors modulate tissue remodeling and angiogenesis and actively promote tumor cell survival and chemoresistance through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are highly inflammatory and aggressive in nature, and they express a number of cytokines and growth factors involved in inflammation. These cytokines and growth factors activate important signal transduction pathways, including NF-kappaB, JAK/STAT, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, which regulate the expression of genes controlling growth, survival, and chemosensitivity. This review provides an update on recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms driving cancer-related inflammation in HNSCC and on molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Institutes of Health Research Scholars Program, 1 Cloister Ct, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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