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Jiang S, Zhou Y, Zou L, Chu L, Chu X, Ni J, Li Y, Guo T, Yang X, Zhu Z. Low- dose Apatinib promotes vascular normalization and hypoxia reduction and sensitizes radiotherapy in lung cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4434-4445. [PMID: 36065943 PMCID: PMC9972072 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Abnormal vascular network of tumor can create a hypoxic microenvironment, and reduce radiotherapy sensitivity. Normalization of tumor vasculature can be a new therapeutic strategy for sensitizing radiotherapy. This study aimed to explore the effect of apatinib on vascular normalization, as well as the syngeneic effect with radiotherapy on lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft-bearing female C57BL/6 mice were treated with different doses of apatinib (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg per day) and/or radiation therapy (8 Gy/1F) and then sacrificed to harvest tumor tissue for immunohistochemical test. Further 18 F-FMISO micro- PET in vivo explored the degree of hypoxia. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry of CD31 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) proved that low-dose apatinib can normalize vasculature in tumor, especially on Day 10. Tissue staining of hypoxyprobe-1 and 18 F-FMISO micro- PET in vivo showed that 60 mg/kg/day of apatinib significantly alleviates hypoxia. Moreover, this study further proved that low-dose apatinib (60 mg/kg/day) can enhance the radio-response of LLC xenograft mice. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that low- dose apatinib can successfully induce a vascular normalization window and function as a radio- sensitizer in the lung cancer xenografts model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqing Zou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Chu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjiao Ni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yida Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengfei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Douyère M, Gong C, Richard M, Pellegrini-Moïse N, Daouk J, Pierson J, Chastagner P, Boura C. NRP1 inhibition modulates radiosensitivity of medulloblastoma by targeting cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:377. [PMID: 36457009 PMCID: PMC9714111 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common pediatric malignant brain tumor. Despite current therapies, the morbidity and recurrent risk remains significant. Neuropilin-1 receptor (NRP1) has been implicated in the tumor progression of MB. Our recent study showed that NRP1 inhibition stimulated MB stem cells differentiation. Consequently, we hypothesized that targeting NRP1 in medulloblastoma could improve current treatments. METHODS NRP1 inhibition with a novel peptidomimetic agent, MR438, was evaluated with radiotherapy (RT) in MB models (DAOY, D283-Med and D341-Med) in vitro on cancer stem-like cells as well as in vivo on heterotopic and orthotopic xenografts. RESULTS We show that NRP1 inhibition by MR438 radiosensitizes MB stem-like cells in vitro. In heterotopic DAOY models, MR438 improves RT efficacy as measured by tumor growth and mouse survival. In addition, clonogenic assays after tumor dissociation showed a significant reduction in cancer stem cells with the combination treatment. In the same way, a benefit of the combined therapy was observed in the orthotopic model only for a low cumulative irradiation dose of 10 Gy but not for 20 Gy. CONCLUSIONS Finally, our results demonstrated that targeting NRP1 with MR438 could be a potential new strategy and could limit MB progression by decreasing the stem cell number while reducing the radiation dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Douyère
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Caifeng Gong
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Can-Cer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Bei-Jing, 100021 China
| | - Mylène Richard
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, L2CM, UMR 7053, Campus Science, 54500 Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Nadia Pellegrini-Moïse
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, L2CM, UMR 7053, Campus Science, 54500 Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Joël Daouk
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Julien Pierson
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Pascal Chastagner
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France ,grid.410527.50000 0004 1765 1301Service d’Onco-Hématologie Pédiatrique, CHRU-Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Cédric Boura
- grid.462787.80000 0001 2151 8763Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, UMR 7039, 54000 Nancy, France
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Neuropilin (NRPs) Related Pathological Conditions and Their Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158402. [PMID: 35955539 PMCID: PMC9368954 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin 1 (NRP1) represents one of the two homologous neuropilins (NRP, splice variants of neuropilin 2 are the other) found in all vertebrates. It forms a transmembrane glycoprotein distributed in many human body tissues as a (co)receptor for a variety of different ligands. In addition to its physiological role, it is also associated with various pathological conditions. Recently, NRP1 has been discovered as a coreceptor for the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry, along with ACE2, and has thus become one of the COVID-19 research foci. However, in addition to COVID-19, the current review also summarises its other pathological roles and its involvement in clinical diseases like cancer and neuropathic pain. We also discuss the diversity of native NRP ligands and perform a joint analysis. Last but not least, we review the therapeutic roles of NRP1 and introduce a series of NRP1 modulators, which are typical peptidomimetics or other small molecule antagonists, to provide the medicinal chemistry community with a state-of-the-art overview of neuropilin modulator design and NRP1 druggability assessment.
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Li L, Li Y, Zou H. A novel role for apatinib in enhancing radiosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer cells by suppressing the AKT and ERK pathways. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12356. [PMID: 34760374 PMCID: PMC8557687 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radioresistance is still the major cause of radiotherapy failure and poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Apatinib (AP) is a highly selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Whether and how AP affects radiosensitivity in NSCLC remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the radiosensitization effect of AP in NSCLC and its underlying mechanism as a radiosensitizer. Methods The NSCLC cell lines A549 and LK2 were treated with AP, ionizing radiation (IR), or both AP and IR. Expression of VEGFR2 was analyzed by western blot and RT-PCR. Cell proliferation was measured using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution in NSCLC cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Nuclear phosphorylated histone H2AX foci immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination treatment. Western blot was used to explore the potential mechanisms of action. Results AP inhibited cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that AP significantly increased radiation-induced apoptosis. Colony formation assays revealed that AP enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. AP strongly restored radiosensitivity by increasing IR-induced G2/M phase arrest. AP effectively inhibited repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Western blot analysis showed that AP enhanced radiosensitivity by downregulating AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. Conclusion Our findings suggest that AP may enhance radiosensitivity in NSCLC cells by blocking AKT and ERK signaling. Therefore, AP may be a potential clinical radiotherapy synergist and a novel small-molecule radiosensitizer in NSCLC. Our study fills a gap in the field of anti-angiogenic drugs and radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- The First Oncology Department, The Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuexian Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huawei Zou
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Xiong L, Tan B, Lei X, Zhang B, Li W, Liu D, Xia T. SIRT6 through PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance radiosensitivity of non-Small cell lung cancer and inhibit tumor progression. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:1092-1102. [PMID: 34033225 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To explore the effect and mechanism of SIRT6 on radiosensitivity and tumor progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of SIRT6 in tumor tissues, adjacent normal tissues and NSCLC cell lines of patients with advanced NSCLC before and after radiotherapy. After overexpression or interference with SIRT6 expression in NSCLC cells, the cells were routinely cultured or transfected for 48 h followed by 4 Gy radiation for 24 h. Then, check the cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and cell cycle by MTT, wound healing assay and flow cytometry, while detect the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins by Western blot. In addition, the effect of SIRT6 expression on NSCLC tumor growth was analyzed by xenograft tumor assay. SIRT6 showed a low expression in NSCLC tumor tissues and cell lines, while SIRT6 was significantly increased in NSCLC tissues after radiation treatment. Overexpression of SIRT6 in A549 and NCI-H23 cells inhibited cell proliferation viability, migration ability and promoted apoptosis. By comparison, after radiation treatment, NSCLC cells with high SIRT6 expression had lower ability of proliferation and migration and higher apoptosis rate. Overexpression of SIRT6 evidently down-regulated the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC cells before and after radiation. In addition, H2009 cells exhibited opposite cellular functions after interference with SIRT6 expression. In vivo experiments showed that overexpression of SIRT6 promoted the inhibitory effect of radiation on the growth of NSCLC xenograft tumors in nude mice. SIRT6 can promote the radiosensitivity of NSCLC and inhibit the development of tumor by down-regulating the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianggeng Xiong
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Binxin Tan
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiubing Lei
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Daimei Liu
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Oncology, People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
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Xie C, Zhou X, Liang C, Li X, Ge M, Chen Y, Yin J, Zhu J, Zhong C. Apatinib triggers autophagic and apoptotic cell death via VEGFR2/STAT3/PD-L1 and ROS/Nrf2/p62 signaling in lung cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:266. [PMID: 34429133 PMCID: PMC8385858 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02069-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Recently, a variety of clinical trials have shown that apatinib, a small-molecule anti-angiogenic drug, exerts promising inhibitory effects on multiple solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of apatinib on NSCLC remains unclear. Methods MTT, EdU, AO/EB staining, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, colony formation assays were performed to investigate the effects of apatinib on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and cancer stem like properties. Wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to explore the role of apatinib on migration and invasion. The regulation of apatinib on VEGFR2/STAT3/PD-L1 and ROS/Nrf2/p62 signaling were detected. Furthermore, we collected conditioned medium (CM) from A549 and H1299 cells to stimulate phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-activated THP-1 cells, and examined the effect of apatinib on PD-L1 expression in macrophages. The Jurkat T cells and NSCLC cells co-culture model was used to assess the effect of apatinib on T cells activation. Subcutaneous tumor formation models were established to evaluate the effects of apatinib in vivo. Histochemical, immunohistochemical staining and ELISA assay were used to examine the levels of signaling molecules in tumors. Results We showed that apatinib inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in NSCLC cells in vitro. Apatinib induced cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and suppressed the expression of Cyclin D1 and CDK4. Moreover, apatinib upregulated Cleaved Caspase 3, Cleaved Caspase 9 and Bax, and downregulated Bcl-2 in NSCLC cells. The colony formation ability and the number of CD133 positive cells were significantly decreased by apatinib, suggesting that apatinib inhibited the malignant and stem-like features of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, apatinib inhibited PD-L1 and c-Myc expression by targeting VEGFR2/STAT3 signaling. Apatinib also inhibited PD-L1 expression in THP-1 derived macrophages stimulated by CM from NSCLC cells. Furthermore, apatinib pretreatment increased CD69 expression and IFN-γ secretion in stimulated Jurkat T cells co-cultured with NSCLC cells. Apatinib also promoted ROS production and inhibited Nrf2 and p62 expression, leading to the autophagic and apoptotic cell death in NSCLC. Moreover, apatinib significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Conclusion Our data indicated that apatinib induced autophagy and apoptosis in NSCLC via regulating VEGFR2/STAT3/PD-L1 and ROS/Nrf2/p62 signaling. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02069-4. Apatinib suppressed proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibited malignancy in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Apatinib downregulated PD-L1 and c-Myc in NSCLC through VEGFR2/STAT3 pathway. Apatinib inhibited PD-L1 expression in THP-1 derived macrophages stimulated by the conditioned medium from NSCLC cells and partially restored the activation of Jurkat T cells co-cultured with NSCLC cells. Apatinib induced ROS generation and inhibited Nrf2 and p62 expression, leading to the autophagic and apoptotic cell death in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfeng Xie
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chunhua Liang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Miaomiao Ge
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Juan Yin
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Rd, Suzhou, 215008, China
| | - Jianyun Zhu
- Department of Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Rd, Suzhou, 215008, China.
| | - Caiyun Zhong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Cancer Research Division, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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Dumond A, Pagès G. Neuropilins, as Relevant Oncology Target: Their Role in the Tumoral Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:662. [PMID: 32766254 PMCID: PMC7380111 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the key mechanisms involved in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR) represent one of the major signaling pathways which mediates angiogenesis. The VEGF/VEGFR axis was intensively targeted by monoclonal antibodies or by tyrosine kinase inhibitors to destroy the tumor vascular network. By inhibiting oxygen and nutrient supply, this strategy was supposed to cure cancers. However, despite a lengthening of the progression free survival in several types of tumors including colon, lung, breast, kidney, and ovarian cancers, modest improvements in overall survival were reported. Anti-angiogenic therapies targeting VEGF/VEGFR are still used in colon and ovarian cancer and remain reference treatments for renal cell carcinoma. Although the concept of inhibiting angiogenesis remains relevant, new targets need to be discovered to improve the therapeutic index of anti-VEGF/VEGFR. Neuropilin 1 and 2 (NRP1/2), initially described as neuronal receptors, stimulate angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and immune tolerance. Moreover, overexpression of NRPs in several tumors is synonymous of patients' shorter survival. This article aims to overview the different roles of NRPs in cells constituting the tumor microenvironment to highlight the therapeutic relevance of their targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Dumond
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.,Inserm U1081, CNRS UMR 7284, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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Relationship between neuropilin-1 expression and prognosis, according to gastric cancer histology. J Mol Histol 2020; 51:199-208. [PMID: 32242307 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-020-09870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is known to be related to various types of cancer and is considered a novel tumor marker or therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical implications of NRP-1 expression in terms of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. A total of 265 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer from 2008 to 2011 were included in this retrospective study. NRP-1 expression of tumors was determined by immunohistochemistry. The patients' clinicopathological characteristics, operative details, and long-term outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 181 (68.3%) patients demonstrated expression of NRP-1. No survival difference was observed according to NRP-1 expression in any patient. The patients were divided into the gland formation (GF) and the no gland formation (nGF) types, according to histology. NRP-1 expression rates were 65.6% (84/128) and 70.8% (97/137), respectively. NRP-1 expression was not an independent prognostic factor in the GF group, although patients who expressed NRP-1 had better survival outcomes. In contrast, patients who expressed NRP-1 in the nGF group had worse 5-year survival rates (p = 0.027), and NRP-1 was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.923; 95% confidence interval, 1.041-3.551). NRP-1 expression in patients with nGF type gastric cancer is predictive of a poor prognosis.
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Gu YY, Luo B, Li CY, Huang LS, Chen G, Feng ZB, Peng ZG. Expression and clinical significance of neuropilin-1 in Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphomas. Cancer Biomark 2020; 25:259-273. [PMID: 31282408 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-192437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphomas and its relationships with clinicopathological parameters was investigated. METHODS The researchers compared 111 cases of patients with lymphoma to 20 cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. In situ hybridization was applied to observe the expression of EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) in lymphomas, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the NRP-1 expression in lymphoma tissues and lymph node tissues with reactive hyperplasia. RESULTS In these 111 cases, the EBER of 62 cases (55.9%) appeared positive. NRP-1 was relatively highly expressed in lymphomas (P= 0.019). Further, NRP-1 showed higher expression in lymphomas with positive EBER than in negative ones. A comprehensive analysis revealed that NRP-1 was differently expressed in NK/T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (P= 0.027). Moreover, highly expressed NRP-1 was found to be a useful independent prognostic factor in assessing overall survival and progression-free survival rates in cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). CONCLUSIONS NRP-1 exhibited higher expression in lymphomas, and it was positively expressed in EBV-positive lymphomas. Moreover, highly expressed NRP-1 can be used as an undesirable independent prognostic factor in NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Yao Gu
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.,Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.,Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Chun-Yao Li
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Lan-Shan Huang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Feng
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Peng
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
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Napolitano V, Tamagnone L. Neuropilins Controlling Cancer Therapy Responsiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20082049. [PMID: 31027288 PMCID: PMC6515012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20082049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilins (NRPs) are cell surface glycoproteins, acting as co-receptors for secreted Semaphorins (SEMAs) and for members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family; they have been initially implicated in axon guidance and angiogenesis regulation, and more recently in cancer progression. In addition, NRPs have been shown to control many other fundamental signaling pathways, especially mediated by tyrosine kinase receptors (RTKs) of growth factors, such as HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), PDGF (platelet derived growth factor) and EGF (epidermal growth factor). This enables NRPs to control a range of pivotal mechanisms in the cancer context, from tumor cell proliferation and metastatic dissemination, to tumor angiogenesis and immune escape. Moreover, cancer treatment failures due to resistance to innovative oncogene-targeted drugs is typically associated with the activity of alternative RTK-dependent pathways; and neuropilins’ capacity to control oncogenic signaling cascades supports the hypothesis that they could elicit such mechanisms in cancer cells, in order to escape cytotoxic stress and therapeutic attacks. Intriguingly, several studies have recently assayed the impact of NRPs inhibition in combination with diverse anti-cancer drugs. In this minireview, we will discuss the state-of-art about the relevance of NRPs as potential predictive biomarkers of drug response, and the rationale to target these proteins in combination with other anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Napolitano
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Istituto di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 10168 Rome, Italy.
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, 10168 Rome, Italy.
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Liang L, Hui K, Hu C, Wen Y, Yang S, Zhu P, Wang L, Xia Y, Qiao Y, Sun W, Fei J, Chen T, Zhao F, Yang B, Jiang X. Autophagy inhibition potentiates the anti-angiogenic property of multikinase inhibitor anlotinib through JAK2/STAT3/VEGFA signaling in non-small cell lung cancer cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:71. [PMID: 30755242 PMCID: PMC6373028 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1093-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of multikinase inhibitor anlotinib have been confirmed in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the direct functional mechanisms of tumor lethality mediated by anlotinib were not fully elucidated, and the underlying mechanisms related to resistance remain largely elusive. METHODS Cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis and tumor growth assays were performed to examine the effect of anlotinib on lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The punctate patterns of LC3-I/II were detected by confocal microscopy. HUVECs motility was detected using Transwell and scratch wound-healing assay. To visualize the microvessels, tubular formation assay was performed. The expression of LC3-I/II and beclin-1 and the changes of JAK2/STAT3/VEGFA pathway were detected by western blotting. The VEGFA levels in tumor supernatant were measured by ELISA. RESULTS Anlotinib treatment decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in Calu-1 and A549 cells. Moreover, anlotinib induced human lung cancer cell autophagy in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Blocking autophagy enhanced the cytotoxicity and anti-angiogenic ability of anlotinib as evidenced by HUVECs migration, invasion, and tubular formation assay. Co-administration of anlotinib and chloroquine (CQ) further reduced VEGFA level in the tumor supernatant, compared with that of anlotinib or CQ treatment alone. When autophagy was induced by rapamycin, the JAK2/STAT3 pathway was activated and VEGFA was elevated, which was attenuated after deactivating STAT3 by S3I-201. Further in vivo studies showed that anlotinib inhibited tumor growth, induced autophagy and suppressed JAK2/STAT3/VEGFA pathway, and CQ enhanced this effect. CONCLUSION Anlotinib induced apoptosis and protective autophagy in human lung cancer cell lines. Autophagy inhibition further enhanced the cytotoxic effects of anlotinib, and potentiated the anti-angiogenic property of anlotinib through JAK2/STAT3/VEGFA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Liang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kaiyuan Hui
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenxi Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yixuan Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shikun Yang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.,Key Laboratory on Living Donor Liver Transplantation of National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Panrong Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Radiology 3, General Hospital of Xuzhou Coal Mining Group, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youyou Xia
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Qiao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayan Fei
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fenghua Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baocheng Yang
- Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Health Emergency, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodong Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, 222000, Jiangsu, China.
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Hu C, Zhuang W, Qiao Y, Liu B, Liu L, Hui K, Jiang X. Effects of combined inhibition of STAT3 and VEGFR2 pathways on the radiosensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:933-944. [PMID: 30774379 PMCID: PMC6357889 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s186559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The goals of this study were to determine the effects of combined inhibition of STAT3 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) pathways on the radiosensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, and to assess the underlying mechanisms. Methods The expressions of VEGFR2, STAT3, related signaling molecules, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), and cyclin D1 were determined by Western blotting. Radiosensitivity was assessed using the colony-forming assay, and cell cycle and cell death were analyzed by flow cytometry. A nude mouse xenograft tumor model of Calu-1 cells was established. The hepatorenal toxicity of the above-mentioned treatment on tumor-bearing mice was observed by H&E staining. The expression of STAT3, VEGFR2, HIF-1α, and cyclin D1 of the transplanted tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis of tumor tissues was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Results In vitro, we selected two cell lines with high expression levels of STAT3, including Calu-1 cells that exhibit high VEGFR2 expression and A549 cells that exhibit low VEGFR2 expression. When apatinib treatment was combined with S3I-201, the expression of VEGFR2, STAT3, and their downstream signaling molecules was significantly decreased (P<0.01). There was an increase in cell death and G2/M phase arrest after treatments, with the most significant changes occurring upon dual inhibition of STAT3 and VEGFR2 (P<0.01). In vivo, combined treatment of radiotherapy and dual inhibition of VEGFR2 and STAT3 was well tolerated and did not deliver additional toxicity. Compared with the control group and the radiation treatment (RT) + apatinib or RT + S3I-201 duplex group, the expression level of STAT3, p-STAT3, VEGFR2, HIF-1α, and cyclin D1 in the triple group (RT + apatinib + S3I-201) was the lowest, and the proportion of apoptotic cells was the highest (P<0.05). Conclusion The combined inhibition of VEGFR2 and STAT3 is effective in enhancing radiosensitizing effects in NSCLC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Hu
- Tumor Laboratory, Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China, ,
| | - Wei Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China,
| | - Yun Qiao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China,
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China,
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China,
| | - Kaiyuan Hui
- Tumor Laboratory, Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China, ,
| | - Xiaodong Jiang
- Tumor Laboratory, Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China, , .,Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang City 222002, China,
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