1
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Guelfi S, Hodivala-Dilke K, Bergers G. Targeting the tumour vasculature: from vessel destruction to promotion. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00736-0. [PMID: 39210063 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
As angiogenesis was recognized as a core hallmark of cancer growth and survival, several strategies have been implemented to target the tumour vasculature. Yet to date, attempts have rarely been so diverse, ranging from vessel growth inhibition and destruction to vessel normalization, reprogramming and vessel growth promotion. Some of these strategies, combined with standard of care, have translated into improved cancer therapies, but their successes are constrained to certain cancer types. This Review provides an overview of these vascular targeting approaches and puts them into context based on our subsequent improved understanding of the tumour vasculature as an integral part of the tumour microenvironment with which it is functionally interlinked. This new knowledge has already led to dual targeting of the vascular and immune cell compartments and sets the scene for future investigations of possible alternative approaches that consider the vascular link with other tumour microenvironment components for improved cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Guelfi
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK.
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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2
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Günther A, Zalewski P, Sip S, Bednarczyk-Cwynar B. Exploring the Potential of Oleanolic Acid Dimers-Cytostatic and Antioxidant Activities, Molecular Docking, and ADMETox Profile. Molecules 2024; 29:3623. [PMID: 39125028 PMCID: PMC11313909 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29153623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The presented work aimed to explore the potential of oleanolic acid dimers (OADs): their cytostatic and antioxidant activities, molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, and ADMETox profile. The cytostatic properties of oleanolic acid (1) and its 14 synthesised dimers (2a-2n) were evaluated against 10 tumour types and expressed as IC50 values. Molecular docking was performed with the CB-Dock2 server. Antioxidant properties were evaluated with the CUPRAC method. ADMETox properties were evaluated with the ADMETlab Manual (2.0) database. The results indicate that the obtained OADs can be effective cytostatic agents, for which the IC50 not exceeded 10.00 for many tested cancer cell lines. All OADs were much more active against all cell lines than the mother compound (1). All dimers can inhibit the interaction between the 1MP8 protein and cellular proteins with the best results for compounds 2f and 2g with unsaturated bonds within the linker. An additional advantage of the tested OADs was a high level of antioxidant activity, with Trolox equivalent for OADs 2c, 2d, 2g-2j, 2l, and 2m of approximately 0.04 mg/mL, and beneficial pharmacokinetics and ADMETox properties. The differences in the DPPH and CUPRAC assay results obtained for OADs may indicate that these compounds may be effective antioxidants against different radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Günther
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum 2 (CP.2), Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Zalewski
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum 1 (CP.1), Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (P.Z.); (S.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Phytochemistry, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Wojska Polskiego 71b, 60-630 Poznan, Poland
| | - Szymon Sip
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum 1 (CP.1), Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (P.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Barbara Bednarczyk-Cwynar
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Collegium Pharmaceuticum 2 (CP.2), Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
- Center of Innovative Pharmaceutical Technology (CITF), Rokietnicka Str. 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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3
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Hu HH, Wang SQ, Shang HL, Lv HF, Chen BB, Gao SG, Chen XB. Roles and inhibitors of FAK in cancer: current advances and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1274209. [PMID: 38410129 PMCID: PMC10895298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1274209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that exhibits high expression in various tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. FAK activation promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. Moreover, FAK is crucial for sustaining the tumor microenvironment. The inhibition of FAK impedes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer. Therefore, developing targeted inhibitors against FAK presents a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, numerous FAK inhibitors, including IN10018, defactinib, GSK2256098, conteltinib, and APG-2449, have been developed, which have demonstrated positive anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies and are undergoing clinical trials for several types of tumors. Moreover, many novel FAK inhibitors are currently in preclinical studies to advance targeted therapy for tumors with aberrantly activated FAK. The benefits of FAK degraders, especially in terms of their scaffold function, are increasingly evident, holding promising potential for future clinical exploration and breakthroughs. This review aims to clarify FAK's role in cancer, offering a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of FAK-targeted therapy and combination approaches. The goal is to provide valuable insights for advancing anti-cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai-Li Shang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui-Fang Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei-Bei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - She-Gan Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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4
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Bokhari SMZ, Hamar P. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D (VEGF-D): An Angiogenesis Bypass in Malignant Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13317. [PMID: 37686121 PMCID: PMC10487419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are the key regulators of vasculogenesis in normal and oncological development. VEGF-A is the most studied angiogenic factor secreted by malignant tumor cells under hypoxic and inflammatory stress, which made VEGF-A a rational target for anticancer therapy. However, inhibition of VEGF-A by monoclonal antibody drugs led to the upregulation of VEGF-D. VEGF-D was primarily described as a lymphangiogenic factor; however, VEGF-D's blood angiogenic potential comparable to VEGF-A has already been demonstrated in glioblastoma and colorectal carcinoma. These findings suggested a role for VEGF-D in facilitating malignant tumor growth by bypassing the anti-VEGF-A antiangiogenic therapy. Owing to its high mitogenic ability, higher affinity for VEGFR-2, and higher expression in cancer, VEGF-D might even be a stronger angiogenic driver and, hence, a better therapeutic target than VEGF-A. In this review, we summarized the angiogenic role of VEGF-D in blood vasculogenesis and its targetability as an antiangiogenic therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Hamar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
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5
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Xu P, Yang J, Chen Z, Zhang X, Xia Y, Wang S, Wang W, Xu Z. N6-methyladenosine modification of CENPF mRNA facilitates gastric cancer metastasis via regulating FAK nuclear export. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023. [PMID: 37256823 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) modification is the most common modification that occurs in eukaryotes. Although substantial effort has been made in the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer (GC) in recent years, the prognosis of GC patients remains unsatisfactory. The regulatory mechanism between m6 A modification and GC development needs to be elucidated. In this study, we examined m6 A modification and the downstream mechanism in GC. METHODS Dot blotting assays, The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to measure the m6 A levels in GC tissues. Methylated RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to identify the targets of m6 A modification. Western blotting, Transwell, wound healing, and angiogenesis assays were conducted to examine the role of centromere protein F (CENPF) in GC in vitro. Xenograft, immunohistochemistry, and in vivo metastasis experiments were conducted to examine the role of CENPF in GC in vivo. Methylated RNA-immunoprecipitation-qPCR, RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR and RNA pulldown assays were used to verify the m6 A modification sites of CENPF. Gain/loss-of-function and rescue experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between CENPF and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in GC cells. Coimmunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence assays were performed to explore the proteins that interact with CENPF and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms between them. RESULTS CENPF was upregulated in GC and facilitated the metastasis of GC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, increased m6 A modification of CENPF was mediated by methyltransferase 3, and this modified molecule could be recognized by heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (HNRNPA2B1), thereby promoting its mRNA stability. In addition, the metastatic phenotype of CENPF was dependent on the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, CENPF could bind to FAK and promote its localization in the cytoplasm. Moreover, we discovered that high expression of CENPF was related to lymphatic invasion and overall survival in GC patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that increased m6 A modification of CENPF facilitates the metastasis and angiogenesis of GC through the CENPF/FAK/MAPK and epithelial-mesenchymal transition axis. CENPF expression was correlated with the clinical features of GC patients; therefore, CENPF may serve as a prognostic marker of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zetian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yiwen Xia
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Weizhi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Zekuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
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6
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Zhang J, Li W, Wang W, Chen Q, Xu Z, Deng M, Zhou L, He G. Dual roles of FAK in tumor angiogenesis: A review focused on pericyte FAK. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 947:175694. [PMID: 36967077 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), also known as protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2), is a ubiquitously expressed non-receptor tyrosine kinase, that plays a pivotal role in integrin-mediated signal transduction. Endothelial FAK is upregulated in many types of cancer and promotes tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, recent studies have shown that pericyte FAK has the opposite effect. This review article dissects the mechanisms, by which endothelial cells (ECs) and pericyte FAK regulate angiogenesis, with an emphasis on the Gas6/Axl pathway. In particular, this article discusses the role of pericyte FAK loss on angiogenesis during tumorigenesis and metastasis. In addition, the existing challenges and future application of drug-based anti-FAK targeted therapies will be discussed to provide a theoretical basis for further development and use of FAK inhibitors.
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7
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Benwell CJ, Johnson RT, Taylor JA, Price CA, Robinson SD. Endothelial VEGFR Coreceptors Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2 Are Essential for Tumor Angiogenesis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1626-1640. [PMID: 36970722 PMCID: PMC10036134 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuropilin (NRP) expression is highly correlated with poor outcome in multiple cancer subtypes. As known coreceptors for VEGFRs, core drivers of angiogenesis, past investigations have alluded to their functional roles in facilitating tumorigenesis by promoting invasive vessel growth. Despite this, it remains unclear as to whether NRP1 and NRP2 act in a synergistic manner to enhance pathologic angiogenesis. Here we demonstrate, using NRP1 ECKO , NRP2 ECKO , and NRP1/NRP2 ECKO mouse models, that maximum inhibition of primary tumor development and angiogenesis is achieved when both endothelial NRP1 and NRP2 are targeted simultaneously. Metastasis and secondary site angiogenesis were also significantly inhibited in NRP1/NRP2 ECKO animals. Mechanistic studies revealed that codepleting NRP1 and NRP2 in mouse-microvascular endothelial cells stimulates rapid shuttling of VEGFR-2 to Rab7+ endosomes for proteosomal degradation. Our results highlight the importance of targeting both NRP1 and NRP2 to modulate tumor angiogenesis. Significance The findings presented in this study demonstrate that tumor angiogenesis and growth can be arrested completely by cotargeting endothelial NRP1 and NRP2. We provide new insight into the mechanisms of action regulating NRP-dependent tumor angiogenesis and signpost a novel approach to halt tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Benwell
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Robert T. Johnson
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - James A.G.E. Taylor
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A. Price
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D. Robinson
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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8
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Zhang Z, Li J, Jiao S, Han G, Zhu J, Liu T. Functional and clinical characteristics of focal adhesion kinases in cancer progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1040311. [PMID: 36407100 PMCID: PMC9666724 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1040311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein that primarily regulates adhesion signaling and cell migration. FAK promotes cell survival in response to stress. Increasing evidence has shown that at the pathological level, FAK is highly expressed in multiple tumors in several systems (including lung, liver, gastric, and colorectal cancers) and correlates with tumor aggressiveness and patient prognosis. At the molecular level, FAK promotes tumor progression mainly by altering survival signals, invasive capacity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, the Warburg effect, and stemness of tumor cells. Many effective drugs have been developed based on the comprehensive role of FAK in tumor cells. In addition, its potential as a tumor marker cannot be ignored. Here, we discuss the pathological and pre-clinical evidence of the role of FAK in cancer development; we hope that these findings will assist in FAK-based clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyu Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Simin Jiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guangda Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiaming Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tianzhou Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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9
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Perspectives on Vascular Regulation of Mechanisms Controlling Selective Immune Cell Function in the Tumor Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042313. [PMID: 35216427 PMCID: PMC8877013 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasculature plays a major role in regulating the tumor immune cell response although the underlying mechanisms explaining such effects remain poorly understood. This review discusses current knowledge on known vascular functions with a viewpoint on how they may yield distinct immune responses. The vasculature might directly influence selective immune cell infiltration into tumors by its cell surface expression of cell adhesion molecules, expression of cytokines, cell junction properties, focal adhesions, cytoskeleton and functional capacity. This will alter the tumor microenvironment and unleash a plethora of responses that will influence the tumor’s immune status. Despite our current knowledge of numerous mechanisms operating, the field is underexplored in that few functions providing a high degree of specificity have yet been provided in relation to the enormous divergence of responses apparent in human cancers. Further exploration of this field is much warranted.
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10
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FAK in Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031726. [PMID: 35163650 PMCID: PMC8836199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is overexpressed and activated in many cancer types. FAK regulates diverse cellular processes, including growth factor signaling, cell cycle progression, cell survival, cell motility, angiogenesis, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments through kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Mounting evidence has indicated that targeting FAK, either alone or in combination with other agents, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying FAK-mediated signaling networks during tumor development. We also summarize the recent progress of FAK-targeted small-molecule compounds for anticancer activity from preclinical and clinical evidence.
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11
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Wei Y, Wang Y, Liu N, Qi R, Xu Y, Li K, Feng Y, Shi B. A FAK Inhibitor Boosts Anti-PD1 Immunotherapy in a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mouse Model. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:820446. [PMID: 35115949 PMCID: PMC8804348 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.820446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy has limited efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and does not benefit all patients. A FAK inhibitor (VS-4718) has been reported to improve the microenvironment in some tumors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the combination of the FAK inhibitor VS4718 and anti-PD1 for the treatment of HCC in a mouse model and its possible mechanism of action. The expression of FAK and infiltrated immune cells in human HCC from the data of TCGA were analyzed. A primary murine HCC model was established via protooncogene (c-Met/β-catenin) transfection. The pathological characteristics of tumors were examined after the mice were treated with VS4718 and/or anti-PD1 therapy. This study revealed that FAK is highly expressed in human HCC and is associated with poor prognosis of OS (overall survival) and PFS (progress free survival) in HCC patients. Immune cell infiltration (CD8+ T, Tregs, M0, M2, CAFs and MDSCs) was correlated with FAK expression. In the experimental HCC model, the combination of a FAK inhibitor VS4718 and an anti-PD1 antibody had a better effect than monotherapy against HCC. VS4718 reduced the number of Tregs and macrophages but increased the number of CD8+ T cells in HCC mice. Notably, FAK inhibitor promoted the expression of PD-L1 in HCC. This study suggested that combination of the FAK inhibitor VS4718 and anti-PD1 could be a potential therapy for HCC by improving the immune environment, reducing liver fibrosis and simultaneously preventing PD1 from binding to the increased PD-L1 induced by FAK inhibitor VS4718.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Nanbin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Feng, ; Baomin Shi,
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University Medical School, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Feng, ; Baomin Shi,
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12
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Tripathi A, Kashyap A, Tripathi G, Yadav J, Bibban R, Aggarwal N, Thakur K, Chhokar A, Jadli M, Sah AK, Verma Y, Zayed H, Husain A, Bharti AC, Kashyap MK. Tumor reversion: a dream or a reality. Biomark Res 2021; 9:31. [PMID: 33958005 PMCID: PMC8101112 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversion of tumor to a normal differentiated cell once considered a dream is now at the brink of becoming a reality. Different layers of molecules/events such as microRNAs, transcription factors, alternative RNA splicing, post-transcriptional, post-translational modifications, availability of proteomics, genomics editing tools, and chemical biology approaches gave hope to manipulation of cancer cells reversion to a normal cell phenotype as evidences are subtle but definitive. Regardless of the advancement, there is a long way to go, as customized techniques are required to be fine-tuned with precision to attain more insights into tumor reversion. Tumor regression models using available genome-editing methods, followed by in vitro and in vivo proteomics profiling techniques show early evidence. This review summarizes tumor reversion developments, present issues, and unaddressed challenges that remained in the uncharted territory to modulate cellular machinery for tumor reversion towards therapeutic purposes successfully. Ongoing research reaffirms the potential promises of understanding the mechanism of tumor reversion and required refinement that is warranted in vitro and in vivo models of tumor reversion, and the potential translation of these into cancer therapy. Furthermore, therapeutic compounds were reported to induce phenotypic changes in cancer cells into normal cells, which will contribute in understanding the mechanism of tumor reversion. Altogether, the efforts collectively suggest that tumor reversion will likely reveal a new wave of therapeutic discoveries that will significantly impact clinical practice in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), -122413, India
| | - Anjali Kashyap
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Greesham Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), -122413, India
| | - Joni Yadav
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Rakhi Bibban
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Nikita Aggarwal
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Kulbhushan Thakur
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Arun Chhokar
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Mohit Jadli
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Sah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), India
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medanta-The Medicity, Haryana, Gurugram, India
| | - Yeshvandra Verma
- Department of Toxicology, C C S University, Meerut, UP, 250004, India
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amjad Husain
- Centre for Science & Society, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, India
- Innovation and Incubation Centre for Entrepreneurship (IICE), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, India
| | - Alok Chandra Bharti
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Manoj Kumar Kashyap
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), -122413, India.
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India.
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