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Schlicher L, Green LG, Romagnani A, Renner F. Small molecule inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy and associated biomarkers - the current status. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1297175. [PMID: 38022587 PMCID: PMC10644399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1297175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the success of cancer immunotherapy using large molecules against immune checkpoint inhibitors, the concept of using small molecules to interfere with intracellular negative regulators of anti-tumor immune responses has emerged in recent years. The main targets for small molecule drugs currently include enzymes of negative feedback loops in signaling pathways of immune cells and proteins that promote immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment. In the adaptive immune system, negative regulators of T cell receptor signaling (MAP4K1, DGKα/ζ, CBL-B, PTPN2, PTPN22, SHP1), co-receptor signaling (CBL-B) and cytokine signaling (PTPN2) have been preclinically validated as promising targets and initial clinical trials with small molecule inhibitors are underway. To enhance innate anti-tumor immune responses, inhibitory immunomodulation of cGAS/STING has been in the focus, and inhibitors of ENPP1 and TREX1 have reached the clinic. In addition, immunosuppressive signals via adenosine can be counteracted by CD39 and CD73 inhibition, while suppression via intratumoral immunosuppressive prostaglandin E can be targeted by EP2/EP4 antagonists. Here, we present the status of the most promising small molecule drug candidates for cancer immunotherapy, all residing relatively early in development, and the potential of relevant biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schlicher
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luke G. Green
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Romagnani
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Renner
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Ru R, Chen G, Liang X, Cao X, Yuan L, Meng M. Sea Cucumber Derived Triterpenoid Glycoside Frondoside A: A Potential Anti-Bladder Cancer Drug. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020378. [PMID: 36678249 PMCID: PMC9861588 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a highly recurrent disease and a common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite recent developments in diagnosis and therapy, the clinical outcome of bladder cancer remains poor; therefore, novel anti-bladder cancer drugs are urgently needed. Natural bioactive substances extracted from marine organisms such as sea cucumbers, scallops, and sea urchins are believed to have anti-cancer activity with high effectiveness and less toxicity. Frondoside A is a triterpenoid glycoside isolated from sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa. It has been demonstrated that Frondoside A exhibits anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, anti-angiogenic, anti-cancer, and potent immunomodulatory effects. In addition, CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) has also been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects in various tumors models, such as liver cancer, breast cancer, and bladder cancer. However, very few studies have investigated the effectiveness of Frondoside A against bladder cancer alone or in combination with CpG-ODN. In this study, we first investigated the individual effects of both Frondoside A and CpG-ODN and subsequently studied their combined effects on human bladder cancer cell viability, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle in vitro, and on tumor growth in nude mice using human bladder cancer cell line UM-UC-3. To interrogate possible synergistic effects, combinations of different concentrations of the two drugs were used. Our data showed that Frondoside A decreased the viability of bladder cancer cells UM-UC-3 in a concentration-dependent manner, and its inhibitory effect on cell viability (2.5 μM) was superior to EPI (10 μM). We also showed that Frondoside A inhibited UM-UC-3 cell migration, affected the distribution of cell cycle and induced cell apoptosis in concentration-dependent manners, which effectively increased the sub-G1 (apoptotic) cell fraction. In addition, we also demonstrated that immunomodulator CpG-ODN could synergistically potentiate the inhibitory effects of Frondoside A on the proliferation and migration of human bladder cancer cell line UM-UC-3. In in vivo experiments, Frondoside A (800 μg/kg/day i.p. for 14 days) alone and in combination with CpG-ODN (1 mg/kg/dose i.p.) significantly decreased the growth of UM-UC-3 tumor xenografts, without any significant toxic side-effects; however, the chemotherapeutic agent EPI caused weight loss in nude mice. Taken together, these findings indicated that Frondoside A in combination with CpG-ODN is a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhen Ru
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gengzhan Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xudong Cao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N6N5, Canada
| | - Lihong Yuan
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (M.M.); Tel.: +86-020-39352201 (L.Y. & M.M.)
| | - Minjie Meng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, School of Biosciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (M.M.); Tel.: +86-020-39352201 (L.Y. & M.M.)
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Guryleva MV, Penzar DD, Chistyakov DV, Mironov AA, Favorov AV, Sergeeva MG. Investigation of the Role of PUFA Metabolism in Breast Cancer Using a Rank-Based Random Forest Algorithm. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194663. [PMID: 36230586 PMCID: PMC9562210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and their derivatives, oxylipins, are a constant focus of cancer research due to the relationship between cancer and processes of energy metabolism and inflammation, where a PUFA system is an active player. Only recently have methods been developed that allow for studying such complex systems. Using the Rank-based Random Forest (RF) model, we show that PUFA metabolism genes are critical for the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC); BC subtypes differ in PUFA metabolism gene expression. The enrichment of BC subtypes with various genes associated with oxylipin signaling pathways indicates a different contribution of these compounds to the biology of subtypes. Abstract Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism is currently a focus in cancer research due to PUFAs functioning as structural components of the membrane matrix, as fuel sources for energy production, and as sources of secondary messengers, so called oxylipins, important players of inflammatory processes. Although breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide, no systematic study of PUFA metabolism as a system of interrelated processes in this disease has been carried out. Here, we implemented a Boruta-based feature selection algorithm to determine the list of most important PUFA metabolism genes altered in breast cancer tissues compared with in normal tissues. A rank-based Random Forest (RF) model was built on the selected gene list (33 genes) and applied to predict the cancer phenotype to ascertain the PUFA genes involved in cancerogenesis. It showed high-performance of dichotomic classification (balanced accuracy of 0.94, ROC AUC 0.99) We also retrieved a list of the important PUFA genes (46 genes) that differed between molecular subtypes at the level of breast cancer molecular subtypes. The balanced accuracy of the classification model built on the specified genes was 0.82, while the ROC AUC for the sensitivity analysis was 0.85. Specific patterns of PUFA metabolic changes were obtained for each molecular subtype of breast cancer. These results show evidence that (1) PUFA metabolism genes are critical for the pathogenesis of breast cancer; (2) BC subtypes differ in PUFA metabolism genes expression; and (3) the lists of genes selected in the models are enriched with genes involved in the metabolism of signaling lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia V. Guryleva
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry D. Penzar
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Chistyakov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-495-939-4332
| | - Andrey A. Mironov
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Kharkevich Institute of Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, 127051 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Favorov
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Marina G. Sergeeva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
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Walker OL, Dahn ML, Power Coombs MR, Marcato P. The Prostaglandin E2 Pathway and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Evidence of Increased Signaling and Potential Targeting. Front Oncol 2022; 11:791696. [PMID: 35127497 PMCID: PMC8807694 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.791696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Culprits of cancer development, metastasis, and drug resistance, cancer stem cells (CSCs) are characterized by specific markers, active developmental signaling pathways, metabolic plasticity, increased motility, invasiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In breast cancer, these cells are often more prominent in aggressive disease, are amplified in drug-resistant tumors, and contribute to recurrence. For breast cancer, two distinct CSC populations exist and are typically defined by CD44+/CD24- cell surface marker expression or increased aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. These CSC populations share many of the same properties but also exhibit signaling pathways that are more active in CD44+/CD24- or ALDH+ populations. Understanding these CSC populations and their shared or specific signaling pathways may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that will improve breast cancer patient outcomes. Herein, we review the current evidence and assess published patient tumor datasets of sorted breast CSC populations for evidence of heightened prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling and activity in these breast CSC populations. PGE2 is a biologically active lipid mediator and in cancer PGE2 promotes tumor progression and poor patient prognosis. Overall, the data suggests that PGE2 signaling is important in propagating breast CSCs by enhancing inherent tumor-initiating capacities. Development of anti-PGE2 signaling therapeutics may be beneficial in inhibiting tumor growth and limiting breast CSC populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie R. Power Coombs
- Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: Paola Marcato,
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Wang Q, Morris RJ, Bode AM, Zhang T. Prostaglandin Pathways: Opportunities for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancer Res 2021; 82:949-965. [PMID: 34949672 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Because of profound effects observed in carcinogenesis, prostaglandins (PGs), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthases, and PG receptors are implicated in cancer development and progression. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PG actions has potential clinical relevance for cancer prevention and therapy. This review focuses on the current status of PG signaling pathways in modulating cancer progression and aims to provide insights into the mechanistic actions of PGs and their receptors in influencing tumor progression. We also examine several small molecules identified as having anticancer activity that target prostaglandin receptors. The literature suggests that targeting PG pathways could provide opportunities for cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushi Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota
| | | | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota
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Markosyan N, Smyth EM, Patrignani P, Ricciotti E. Editorial: Eicosanoids in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:765214. [PMID: 34566667 PMCID: PMC8458895 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.765214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nune Markosyan
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emer M Smyth
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paola Patrignani
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, CAST (Center for Advanced Studies and Technology), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ricciotti
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Kundu N, Ma X, Hoag S, Wang F, Ibrahim A, Godoy-Ruiz R, Weber DJ, Fulton AM. An Extract of Taro ( Colocasia esculenta) Mediates Potent Inhibitory Actions on Metastatic and Cancer Stem Cells by Tumor Cell-Autonomous and Immune-Dependent Mechanisms. BREAST CANCER-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2021; 15:11782234211034937. [PMID: 34376983 PMCID: PMC8320546 DOI: 10.1177/11782234211034937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The taro plant, Colocasia esculenta, contains bioactive proteins with potential as cancer therapeutics. Several groups have reported anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo of taro-derived extracts (TEs). We reported that TE inhibits metastasis in a syngeneic murine model of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Purpose We sought to confirm our earlier studies in additional models and to identify novel mechanisms by which efficacy is achieved. Methods We employed a panel of murine and human breast and ovarian cancer cell lines to determine the effect of TE on tumor cell viability, migration, and the ability to support cancer stem cells. Two syngeneic models of TNBC were employed to confirm our earlier report that TE potently inhibits metastasis. Cancer stem cell assays were employed to determine the ability of TE to inhibit tumorsphere-forming ability and to inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. To determine if host immunity contributes to the mechanism of metastasis inhibition, efficacy was assessed in immune-compromised mice. Results We demonstrate that viability of some, but not all cell lines is inhibited by TE. Likewise, tumor cell migration is inhibited by TE. Using 2 immune competent, syngeneic models of TNBC, we confirm our earlier findings that tumor metastasis is potently inhibited by TE. We also demonstrate, for the first time, that TE directly inhibits breast cancer stem cells. Administration of TE to mice elicits expansion of several spleen cell populations but it was not known if host immune cells contribute to the mechanism by which TE inhibits tumor cell dissemination. In novel findings, we now show that the ability of TE to inhibit metastasis relies on immune T-cell-dependent, but not B cell or Natural Killer (NK)-cell-dependent mechanisms. Thus, both tumor cell-autonomous and host immune factors contribute to the mechanisms underlying TE efficacy. Our long-term goal is to evaluate TE efficacy in clinical trials. Most of our past studies as well as many of the results reported in this report were carried out using an isolation protocol described earlier (TE). In preparation for a near future clinical trial, we have now developed a strategy to isolate an enriched taro fraction, TE-method 2, (TE-M2) as well as a more purified subfraction (TE-M2F1) which can be scaled up under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions for evaluation in human subjects. We demonstrate that TE-M2 and TE-M2F1 retain the anti-metastatic properties of TE. Conclusions These studies provide further support for the continued examination of biologically active components of Colocasia esculenta as potential new therapeutic entities and identify a method to isolate sufficient quantities under GMP conditions to conduct early phase clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Kundu
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinrong Ma
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen Hoag
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ahmed Ibrahim
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raquel Godoy-Ruiz
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Biological Therapeutics (CBT), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - David J Weber
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Center for Biological Therapeutics (CBT), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Amy M Fulton
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,VA Administration Investigator, VA Health Services Research and Development Service, Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Shirakami Y, Nakanishi T, Ozawa N, Ideta T, Kochi T, Kubota M, Sakai H, Ibuka T, Tanaka T, Shimizu M. Inhibitory effects of a selective prostaglandin E2 receptor antagonist RQ-15986 on inflammation-related colon tumorigenesis in APC-mutant rats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251942. [PMID: 34003864 PMCID: PMC8130959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 is involved in inflammation and related tumorigenesis in the colorectum. This study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive ability of RQ-15986, a selective EP4 antagonist, in colitis-related colorectal tumorigenesis. Male Kyoto APC delta rats, which have APC mutations, were treated with azoxymethane and dextran sulfate sodium and subsequently administered RQ-15986 for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the development of colorectal tumor was significantly inhibited in the RQ-15986-treated group. The cell proliferation of the crypts and tumors in the colorectum was decreased following RQ-15986 treatment. RQ-15986 also suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-18, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, in the colon mucosa. In addition, the expression levels of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which is involved in immune tolerance, were decreased in the colorectal epithelium and tumors of the RQ-15986-treated group. These findings indicate that RQ-15986 inhibits colitis-associated colorectal tumorigenesis by attenuating inflammation, suppressing cell proliferation, and modulating the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. Targeting prostaglandin E2/EP4 signaling might be a useful strategy for chemoprevention of inflammation-related colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Shirakami
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takayuki Nakanishi
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ozawa
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takayasu Ideta
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kochi
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masaya Kubota
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Sakai
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takashi Ibuka
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takuji Tanaka
- Department of Pathological Diagnosis, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Departments of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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NFκB-Activated COX2/PGE 2/EP4 Axis Controls the Magnitude and Selectivity of BCG-Induced Inflammation in Human Bladder Cancer Tissues. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061323. [PMID: 33809455 PMCID: PMC7998891 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The clinical effectiveness of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is limited to patients with early stages of bladder cancer (BlCa) and its effects are often transient. To understand the mechanisms limiting the effectiveness of BCG, we evaluated its impact on the human BlCa tumor microenvironment (TME) and the feasibility of its pharmacologic modulation. We observed that BCG non-selectively induces both CTL-attracting chemokines and Treg/MDSC attractants and suppressive factors in human BlCa tissue explants, in a mechanism involving NFκB-induced PGE2 synthesis and EP4 signaling. In contrast to non-selective impact of NFκB blockade on BCG-induced inflammation, the PGE2 antagonism selectively enhanced the BCG-driven production of CTL attractants but eliminated the induction of Treg/MDSC attractants and suppressive factors, enhancing the CTL migration but reducing Treg attraction to BCG-treated BlCa. Since intratumoral CTL accumulation predicts long term patient outcomes and the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies, our data indicates the feasibility of targeting the PGE2-chemokine interplay to enhance the therapeutic effects of BCG. Abstract Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is commonly used in the immunotherapy of bladder cancer (BlCa) but its effectiveness is limited to only a fraction of patients. To identify the factors that regulate the response of human BlCa tumor microenvironment (TME) to BCG, we used the ex vivo whole-tissue explant model. The levels of COX2 in the BCG-activated explants closely correlated with the local production of Treg- and MDSCS attractants and suppressive factors, while the baseline COX2 levels did not have predictive value. Accordingly, we observed that BCG induced high levels of MDSC- and Treg-attracting chemokines (CCL22, CXCL8, CXCL12) and suppressive factors (IDO1, IL-10, NOS2). These undesirable effects were associated with the nuclear translocation of phosphorylated NFκB, induction of COX2, the key enzyme controlling PGE2 synthesis, and elevation of a PGE2 receptor, EP4. While NFκB blockade suppressed both the desirable and undesirable components of BCG-driven inflammation, the inhibitors of PGE2 synthesis (Celecoxib or Indomethacin) or signaling (EP4-selective blocker, ARY-007), selectively eliminated the induction of MDSC/Treg attractants and immunosuppressive factors but enhanced the production of CTL attractants, CCL5, CXCL9 and CXCL10. PGE2 blockade allowed for the selectively enhanced migration of CTLs to the BCG-treated BlCa samples and eliminated the enhanced migration of Tregs. Since the balance between the CTLs and suppressive cells in the TME predicts the outcomes in patients with BlCa and other diseases, our data help to elucidate the mechanisms which limit the effectiveness of BCG therapies and identify new targets to enhance their therapeutic effects.
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Prostaglandin E2 Receptor 4 (EP4) as a Therapeutic Target to Impede Breast Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050942. [PMID: 33668160 PMCID: PMC7956318 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood (angiogenesis) and lymphatic (lymphangiogenesis) vessels are major events associated with most epithelial malignancies, including breast cancer. Angiogenesis is essential for cancer cell survival. Lymphangiogenesis is critical in maintaining tumoral interstitial fluid balance and importing tumor-facilitatory immune cells. Both vascular routes also serve as conduits for cancer metastasis. Intratumoral hypoxia promotes both events by stimulating multiple angiogenic/lymphangiogenic growth factors. Studies on tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and its exploitation for therapy have received less attention from the research community than those on angiogenesis. Inflammation is a key mediator of both processes, hijacked by many cancers by the aberrant expression of the inflammation-associated enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2. In this review, we focus on breast cancer and showed that COX-2 is a major promoter of both events, primarily resulting from the activation of prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP4 on tumor cells, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and endothelial cells; and the induction of oncogenic microRNAs. The COX-2/EP4 pathway also promotes additional events in breast cancer progression, such as cancer cell migration, invasion, and the stimulation of stem-like cells. Based on a combination of studies using multiple breast cancer models, we show that EP4 antagonists hold a major promise in breast cancer therapy in combination with other modalities including immune check-point inhibitors.
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Tsuchiya H, Shiota G. Clinical and Biological Implications of Cancer Stem Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Yonago Acta Med 2021; 64:1-11. [PMID: 33642898 DOI: 10.33160/yam.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, the development of therapeutic drugs via novel mechanisms of action, involving molecular-targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, has progressed in the field of HCC. However, the recurrence rate remains high, and further improvement of the prognosis of patients with HCC is urgently needed. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a promising target for further development of novel anti-cancer drugs because they are reportedly involved in tumor initiation, maintenance, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapies. Although several studies have already been conducted, the functions and roles of CSCs in the development and progression of tumors remain to be elucidated. In this review article, we will clarify the fundamental knowledge of CSCs necessary for the understanding of CSCs and will outline so-far identified markers specific to liver CSCs and the pathological and therapeutic implications of CSCs in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tsuchiya
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Goshi Shiota
- Division of Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genomic Medicine and Regenerative Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
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12
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Enhanced migration of breast and lung cancer cells deficient for cN-II and CD73 via COX-2/PGE2/AKT axis regulation. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 44:151-165. [PMID: 32970317 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00558-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Purine metabolism involves various intracellular and extracellular enzymes, including cN-II and CD73 that dephosphorylate intracellular and extracellular nucleoside monophosphates into their corresponding nucleosides. We conducted a study to better understand the biological roles of these enzymes in breast and lung cancer cells. METHODS We modified cN-II and/or CD73 expression in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), human lung cancer cells (NCI-H292) and murine breast cancer cells (4T1) using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique, and evaluated their impact on various cellular parameters such as proliferation, migration, invasion, intracellular nucleotide pools and nucleotide metabolism-related gene expression under extracellular nucleotide stress conditions. RESULTS Intracellular nucleotide contents were found to be altered in the modified cancer cell models both at their basal levels and after exposure to adenosine or AMP. Altered cN-II and CD73 levels were also found to be associated with cell migration and invasion alterations, involving TIMP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, as well as alterations in the COX-2/PGE2/AKT pathway. CONCLUSION Our results highlight new cell-specific roles of cN-II and CD73 in cancer cell biology and provide insight into their interactions with different intracellular pathways.
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Zati Zehni A, Jeschke U, Hester A, Kolben T, Ditsch N, Jacob SN, Mumm JN, Heidegger HH, Mahner S, Vilsmaier T. EP3 Is an Independent Prognostic Marker Only for Unifocal Breast Cancer Cases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124418. [PMID: 32580276 PMCID: PMC7352354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of prostaglandin E2 receptor 3 (EP3) receptor expression might have on the two different breast cancer entities: multifocal/multicentric versus unifocal. As the prognosis determining aspects, we investigated the overall- and disease-free survival by uni-and multivariate analysis. To underline the study’s conclusion, we additionally considered the histopathological grading and the tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system. A retrospective statistical analysis was performed on survival related events in a series of 289 sporadic breast cancer (BC) patients treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Ludwig–Maximillian’s University in Munich between 2000 and 2002. The EP3 receptor expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and showed to have a significantly positive association with breast cancer prognosis for both entities, although with major differences. Patients with unifocal BC with EP3 receptor expression showed a significant improved overall survival, in contrast to the patient cohort with multifocal/multicentric BC. In this group, EP3 expression revealed its positive impact merely five years after initial diagnosis. Underlining the positive influence of EP3 as a positive prognosticator notably for unifocal breast cancer, only this patient cohort showed favorable outcomes in staging and grading. Especially EP3 expression in unifocal breast cancer was identified as an independent prognostic marker for the overall survival, when adjusted for age, grading, and staging. Altogether, our results strengthen the need to further investigate the behavior of EP3 in breast cancer and understand why markers linked to inflammation show different effects on prognosis and clinicopathological parameters on each focality type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaleh Zati Zehni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (A.Z.Z.); (A.H.); (T.K.); (N.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (A.Z.Z.); (A.H.); (T.K.); (N.D.); (S.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Universität Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-8214-0016-5505
| | - Anna Hester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (A.Z.Z.); (A.H.); (T.K.); (N.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (A.Z.Z.); (A.H.); (T.K.); (N.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Nina Ditsch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (A.Z.Z.); (A.H.); (T.K.); (N.D.); (S.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, Universität Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sven-Niclas Jacob
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Jan-Niclas Mumm
- Department of Urology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany;
| | - Helene Hildegard Heidegger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany; (H.H.H.); (T.V.)
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany; (A.Z.Z.); (A.H.); (T.K.); (N.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Theresa Vilsmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Breast Center, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Maistraße 11, 80337 Munich, Germany; (H.H.H.); (T.V.)
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14
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Jiang Y, Zhuo X, Mao C. G Protein-coupled Receptors in Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1952-1963. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200305130009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are highly expressed on a variety of tumour tissues while several
GPCR exogenous ligands become marketed pharmaceuticals. In recent decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) become
widely investigated drug targets for cancer therapy but the underlying mechanism is still not fully elucidated.
There are vigorous participations of GPCRs in CSCs-related signalling and functions, such as biomarkers for
CSCs, activation of Wnt, Hedgehog (HH) and other signalling to facilitate CSCs progressions. This relationship
can not only uncover a novel molecular mechanism for GPCR-mediated cancer cell functions but also assist our
understanding of maintaining and modulating CSCs. Moreover, GPCR antagonists and monoclonal antibodies
could be applied to impair CSCs functions and consequently attenuate tumour growth, some of which have been
undergoing clinical studies and are anticipated to turn into marketed anticancer drugs. Therefore, this review
summarizes and provides sufficient evidences on the regulation of GPCR signalling in the maintenance, differentiation
and pluripotency of CSCs, suggesting that targeting GPCRs on the surface of CSCs could be potential
therapeutic strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Jiang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Zhuo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Canquan Mao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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15
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Ching MM, Reader J, Fulton AM. Eicosanoids in Cancer: Prostaglandin E 2 Receptor 4 in Cancer Therapeutics and Immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:819. [PMID: 32547404 PMCID: PMC7273839 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is frequently overexpressed in epithelial malignancies including those of the breast, prostate, lung, kidney, ovary, and liver and elevated expression is associated with worse outcomes. COX-2 catalyzes the metabolism of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. The COX-2 product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binds to four G-protein-coupled EP receptors designated EP1-EP4. EP4 is commonly upregulated in cancer and supports cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis through activation of multiple signaling pathways including ERK, cAMP/PKA, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB. EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis in preclinical models. Cancer stem cells, that underlie therapy resistance and disease relapse, are driven by the expression of EP4. Resistance to several chemotherapies is reversed in the presence of EP4 antagonists. In addition to tumor cell-autonomous roles of EP4, many EP4-positive host cells play a role in tumor behavior. Endothelial cell-EP4 supports tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical to the mechanism by which systemically administered EP4 antagonists inhibit metastasis. PGE2 acts on EP4 expressed on the NK cell to inhibit tumor target cell killing, cytokine production, and chemotactic activity. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), that inhibit the development of cytotoxic T cells, are induced by PGE2 acting on myeloid-expressed EP2 and EP4 receptors. Inhibition of MDSC-EP4 leads to maturation of effector T cells and suppresses the induction of T regulatory cells. A number of EP4 antagonists have proven useful in dissecting these mechanisms. There is growing evidence that EP4 antagonism, particularly in combination with either chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or immune-based therapies, should be investigated further as a promising novel approach to cancer therapy. Several EP4 antagonists have now progressed to early phase clinical trials and we eagerly await the results of those studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mc Millan Ching
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jocelyn Reader
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amy M. Fulton
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
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16
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Jones RS, Parker MD, Morris ME. Monocarboxylate Transporter 6-Mediated Interactions with Prostaglandin F 2α: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence Utilizing a Knockout Mouse Model. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12030201. [PMID: 32110957 PMCID: PMC7150767 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12030201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocarboxylate transporter 6 (MCT6; SLC16A5) is a recently studied drug transporter that currently has no annotated endogenous function. Currently, only a handful of compounds have been characterized as substrates for MCT6 (e.g., bumetanide, nateglinide, probenecid, and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)). The objective of our research was to characterize the MCT6-specific transporter kinetic parameters and MCT6-specific in vitro and in vivo interactions of PGF2α. Murine and human MCT6-mediated transport of PGF2α was assessed in MCT6-transfected oocytes. Additionally, endogenous PGF2α and a primary PGF2α metabolite (PGFM) were measured in plasma and urine in Mct6 knockout (Mct6−/−) and wild-type (Mct6+/+) mice. Results demonstrated that the affinity was approximately 40.1 and 246 µM respectively, for mouse and human, at pH 7.4. In vivo, plasma PGF2α concentrations in Mct6−/− mice were significantly decreased, compared to Mct6+/+ mice (3.3-fold). Mct6-/- mice demonstrated a significant increase in urinary PGF2α concentrations (1.7-fold). A similar trend was observed with plasma PGFM concentrations. However, overnight fasting resulted in significantly increased plasma PGF2α concentrations, suggesting a diet-dependent role of Mct6 regulation on the homeostasis of systemic PGF2α. Overall, these results are the first to suggest the potential regulatory role of MCT6 in PGF2α homeostasis, and potentially other PGs, in distribution and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;
- Current Address Is Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Mark D. Parker
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA;
| | - Marilyn E. Morris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(716)-645-4839
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17
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Reader J, Harper AK, Legesse T, Staats PN, Goloubeva O, Rao GG, Fulton A, Roque DM. EP4 and Class III β-Tubulin Expression in Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors: Implications for Prognosis and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101590. [PMID: 31635323 PMCID: PMC6826612 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-stabilizing agent docetaxel in combination with gemcitabine represents one of the most effective regimens against the aggressive gynecologic tumor leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Upregulation of class III β-tubulin has previously been shown to confer taxane resistance in a variety of human cancers. Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 is linked to progression of a variety of human cancers and may represent a novel target for tumor inhibition in LMS. We evaluated the hypotheses that EP4 and class III β-tubulin have increased expression in LMS in comparison to normal myometrium or benign tumors and that expression of class III β-tubulin correlates with resistance to taxanes and poor clinical outcome. Gene expression was examined using TCGA data and correlated with clinicopathologic outcome which demonstrated that class III β-tubulin is more highly expressed in more aggressive sarcomas with EP4 being widely expressed in all subtypes of sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry for EP4 and class III β-tubulin was performed on patients with LMS, leiomyomatosis/STUMP, leiomyoma, and normal myometrium. Expression of EP4 and class III β-tubulin were characterized for cell lines SK-UT-1, SK-UT-1B, and PHM-41 and these cell lines were treated with docetaxel alone and in combination with EP4 inhibitors. In taxane-resistant cell lines that overexpress class III β-tubulin and EP4, treatment with EP4 inhibitor resulted in at least 2-fold sensitization to docetaxel. Expression of class III β-tubulin and EP4 in LMS may identify patients at risk of resistance to standard chemotherapies and candidates for augmentation of therapy through EP4 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Reader
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Amy K Harper
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Teklu Legesse
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Paul N Staats
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Olga Goloubeva
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Gautam G Rao
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Amy Fulton
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Dana M Roque
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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18
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Kundu N, Ma X, Brox R, Fan X, Kochel T, Reader J, Tschammer N, Fulton A. The Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 Isoform B Drives Breast Cancer Stem Cells. BREAST CANCER-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2019; 13:1178223419873628. [PMID: 31619923 PMCID: PMC6777055 DOI: 10.1177/1178223419873628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
We are seeking to identify molecular targets that are relevant to breast cancer
cells with stem-like properties. There is growing evidence that cancer stem
cells (CSCs) are supported by inflammatory mediators expressed in the tumor
microenvironment. The chemokine receptor CXCR3 binds the interferon-γ-inducible,
ELR-negative CXC chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 and malignant cells have
co-opted this receptor to promote tumor cell migration and invasion. There are 2
major isoforms of CXCR3: CXCR3A and CXCR3B. The latter is generated from
alternative splicing and results in a protein with a longer N-terminal domain.
CXCR3 isoform A is generally considered to play a major role in tumor
metastasis. When the entire tumor cell population is examined, CXCR3 isoform B
is usually detected at much lower levels than CXCR3A and for this, and other
reasons, was not considered to drive tumor progression. We have shown that
CXCR3B is significantly upregulated in the subpopulation of breast CSCs in
comparison with the bulk tumor cell population in 3 independent breast cancer
cell lines (MDA-MB-231, SUM159, and T47D). Modulation of CXCR3B levels by knock
in strategies increases CSC populations identified by aldehyde dehydrogenase
activity or CD44+CD24− phenotype as well as
tumorsphere-forming capacity. The reverse is seen when CXCR3B is gene-silenced.
CXCL11 and CXCL10 directly induce CSC. We also report that novel CXCR3
allosteric modulators BD064 and BD103 prevent the induction of CSCs. BD103
inhibited experimental metastasis. This protective effect is associated with the
reversal of CXCR3 ligand-mediated activation of STAT3, ERK1/2, CREB, and NOTCH1
pathways. We propose that CXCR3B, expressed on CSC, should be explored further
as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Kundu
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinrong Ma
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Regine Brox
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xiaoxuan Fan
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tyler Kochel
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jocelyn Reader
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nuska Tschammer
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amy Fulton
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Roles of prostaglandins in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis with special reference to breast cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2019; 37:369-384. [PMID: 29858743 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-018-9734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Lymphangiogenesis (formation of new lymphatic vessels), unlike angiogenesis, has been a lesser-focused field in cancer biology, because of earlier controversy regarding whether lymphatic metastasis occurs via pre-existing or newly formed lymphatics. Recent evidence reveals that peri-tumoral or intra-tumoral lymphangiogenesis is a precursor for lymphatic metastasis in most carcinomas and melanomas. Two major lymphangiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D, are produced by cancer cells or immune cells such as macrophages in the tumor-stroma to promote sprouting of lymphatics from lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) or LEC precursors (LECP) by binding to their primary (high affinity) receptor VEGF-R3 or secondary receptors VEGF-R2, neuropilin (NRP)2 and α9/β1 integrin. Many other growth factors/receptors such as VEGF-A/VEGF-R2, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2/FGF-R, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/PDGF-R, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/C-Met, angiopoietins (Ang)1, 2/Tie2, and chemokines/ chemokine receptors (CCL21/CCR7, CCL12/CCR4) can also stimulate LEC sprouting directly or indirectly. This review deals with the roles of prostaglandins (PG), in particular PGE2, in cancer-associated lymphangiogenesis, with special emphasis on breast cancer. We show that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression by breast cancer cells or tumor stroma leading to high PGE2 levels in the tumor milieu promotes lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastases, resulting from binding of PGE2 to PGE receptors (EP, in particular EP4) on multiple cell types: tumor cells, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and LEC. EP4 activation on cancer cells and macrophages upregulated VEGF-C/D production to stimulate LEC sprouting. Furthermore, ligation of EP4 with PGE2 on cancer or host cells can initiate a new cascade of molecular events leading to cross-talk between cancer cells and LEC, facilitating lymphangiogenesis and lympho-vascular transport of cancer cells. We make a case for EP4 as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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20
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GPCR Modulation in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123840. [PMID: 30513833 PMCID: PMC6321247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer found in women living in developed countries. Endocrine therapy is the mainstay of treatment for hormone-responsive breast tumors (about 70% of all breast cancers) and implies the use of selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors. In contrast, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly heterogeneous disease that may account for up to 24% of all newly diagnosed cases, is hormone-independent and characterized by a poor prognosis. As drug resistance is common in all breast cancer subtypes despite the different treatment modalities, novel therapies targeting signaling transduction pathways involved in the processes of breast carcinogenesis, tumor promotion and metastasis have been subject to accurate consideration. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors involved in the development and progression of many tumors including breast cancer. Here we discuss data regarding GPCR-mediated signaling, pharmacological properties and biological outputs toward breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, we address several drugs that have shown an unexpected opportunity to interfere with GPCR-based breast tumorigenic signals.
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21
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Tong D, Liu Q, Wang LA, Xie Q, Pang J, Huang Y, Wang L, Liu G, Zhang D, Lan W, Jiang J. The roles of the COX2/PGE2/EP axis in therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2018; 37:355-368. [DOI: 10.1007/s10555-018-9752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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22
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Lin MC, Chen SY, He PL, Herschman H, Li HJ. PGE 2 /EP 4 antagonism enhances tumor chemosensitivity by inducing extracellular vesicle-mediated clearance of cancer stem cells. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:1440-1455. [PMID: 29658109 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cells expressing mesenchymal/basal phenotypes in tumors have been associated with stem cell properties. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are often resistant to conventional chemotherapy. We explored overcoming mesenchymal CSC resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Our goal was to reduce CSC numbers in vivo, in conjunction with chemotherapy, to reduce tumor burden. Analysis of clinical samples demonstrated that COX-2/PGE2 /EP4 signaling is elevated in basal-like and chemoresistant breast carcinoma and is correlated with survival and relapse of breast cancer. EP4 antagonism elicts a striking shift of breast cancer cells from a mesenchymal/CSC state to a more epithelial non-CSC state. The transition was mediated by EP4 antagonist-induced extracellular vesicles [(EVs)/exosomes] which removed CSC markers, mesenchymal markers, integrins, and drug efflux transporters from the CSCs. In addition, EP4 antagonism-induced CSC EVs/exosomes can convert tumor epithelial/non-CSCs to mesenchymal/CSCs able to give rise to tumors and to promote tumor cell dissemination. Because of its ability to induce a CSC-to-non-CSC transition, EP4 antagonist treatment in vivo reduced the numbers of CSCs within tumors and increased tumor chemosensitivity. EP4 antagonist treatment enhances tumor response to chemotherapy by reducing the numbers of chemotherapy-resistant CSCs available to repopulate the tumor. EP4 antagonism can collaborate with conventional chemotherapy to reduce tumor burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chieh Lin
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yin Chen
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lin He
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Harvey Herschman
- Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.,Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hua-Jung Li
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan
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23
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Shigeishi H, Hashikata M, Yokoyama S, Sakuma M, Murozumi H, Kato H, Rahman MZ, Seino S, Ishioka Y, Ohta K, Takechi M, Sugiyama M. CD44 high/ESA low squamous cell carcinoma cell-derived prostaglandin E 2 confers resistance to 5-fluorouracil-induced apoptosis in CD44 high/ESA high cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2018; 11:2356-2363. [PMID: 31938347 PMCID: PMC6958244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We previously found that CD44high/ESAlow head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells harboring high dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) expression exhibited potent resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced apoptosis. In addition, susceptibility of HNSCC cells to 5-FU was compromised in the presence of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In this study, we examined 5-FU-induced apoptosis in sorted cell populations (i.e., CD44high/ESAlow, CD44high/ESAhigh, and CD44low cells from the HNSCC cell line A-253) to clarify the anti-apoptotic effect of PGE2 on CD44high cells. Notably, CD44high/ESAlow cells upregulated PGE2, compared with other populations. To investigate the effect of CD44high/ESAlow cell-derived PGE2 on CD44high/ESAhigh cells, direct and indirect co-culture assays were performed. The percentage of apoptotic cells in a culture of CD44high/ESAhigh cells was significantly reduced when they were directly and indirectly co-cultured with CD44high/ESAlow cells. Furthermore, 5-FU-induced apoptosis of CD44high/ESAhigh cells was significantly increased in the presence of an inhibitor of the PGE2 receptors (EP1/EP2) when CD44high/ESAhigh cells were co-cultured with CD44high/ESAlow cells. These results suggest that CD44high/ESAlow cell-derived PGE2 may contribute to the inhibition of 5-FU-induced apoptosis in CD44high/ESAhigh cells. Additionally, NR4A2 knockdown enhances 5-FU-induced apoptosis in CD44high/ESAhigh cells, suggesting that PGE2 attenuates 5-FU-induced apoptosis in an NR4A2-dependent manner in CD44high/ESAhigh cells. In conclusion, CD44high/ESAlow cells contribute to induction of resistance to 5-FU in CD44high/ESAhigh cells through provision of PGE2. CD44high/ESAlow cell-targeted therapy may be effective in treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Shigeishi
- Department of Public Oral Health, Program of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Miho Hashikata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Sho Yokoyama
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Miyuki Sakuma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Murozumi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Mohammad Zeshaan Rahman
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pioneer Dental College & HospitalKa-40/1, Lichu Bagan Road, Joar Sahara, Baridhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh
| | - Sayaka Seino
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yasuki Ishioka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kouji Ohta
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masaaki Takechi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Program of Dentistry, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masaru Sugiyama
- Department of Public Oral Health, Program of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
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EP3 (prostaglandin E2 receptor 3) expression is a prognostic factor for progression-free and overall survival in sporadic breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:431. [PMID: 29661238 PMCID: PMC5902996 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4286-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In various cancers, overexpression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and elevated prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis have been associated with tumor development and progression. The potential of COX-2 inhibitors in cancer prevention and treatment has been shown repeatedly; however, their clinical use is limited due to toxicity. PGE2 signals via EP receptors 1–4, whose functions are analyzed in current research in search for targeted anti-PG therapies. EP2 and EP4 rather promote tumorigenesis, while the role of EP3, especially in breast cancer, is not yet clear and both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects have been described. Our study evaluates EP3 receptor expression in sporadic breast cancer and its association with clinicopathological parameters, progression-free and overall survival. Methods Two hundred eighty-nine sporadic breast cancer samples without primary distant metastasis were immunohistochemically analyzed for EP3 receptor expression. Tissue was stained with primary anti-EP3-antibodies. Immunoreactivity was quantified by the immunoreactivity-score (IRS); samples with an IRS ≥ 2 scored as EP3 positive. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney-U test were used for comparison of data; Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox-regression were used for survival analyses. Results EP3 receptor was expressed in 205 of 289 samples analyzed (70.9%). EP3 receptor expression was not associated with clinicopathological parameters (e. g. tumor size, hormone receptors, lymph node status). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a significant association of EP3 positivity with improved progression-free survival (p = 0.002) and improved overall survival (p = 0.001) after up to 10 years. Cox regression analysis confirmed EP3 positivity as a significant prognostic factor even when other known prognosticators were accounted for. Conclusions In sporadic breast cancer, EP3 receptor expression is not significantly associated with clinicopathological parameters but is a significant prognostic factor for improved progression-free and overall survival. However, the functional aspects of EP3 receptor in breast cancer and the way how EP3 may oppose the pro-tumorigenic effects of PGE2 elevation and COX-2 overexpression are not fully understood so far. Further studies aiming at identification of the factors regulated by EP3 are necessary to evaluate the possibility of targeting EP3 in future anti-tumor therapy in breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4286-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Majumder M, Nandi P, Omar A, Ugwuagbo KC, Lala PK. EP4 as a Therapeutic Target for Aggressive Human Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041019. [PMID: 29596308 PMCID: PMC5979567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs, also called seven-transmembrane or heptahelical receptors) are a superfamily of cell surface receptor proteins that bind to many extracellular ligands and transmit signals to an intracellular guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G-protein). When a ligand binds, the receptor activates the attached G-protein by causing the exchange of Guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP) for guanosine diphosphate (GDP). They play a major role in many physiological functions, as well as in the pathology of many diseases, including cancer progression and metastasis. Only a few GPCR members have been exploited as targets for developing drugs with therapeutic benefit in cancer. Present review briefly summarizes the signaling pathways utilized by the EP (prostaglandin E receptor) family of GPCR, their physiological and pathological roles in carcinogenesis, with special emphasis on the roles of EP4 in breast cancer progression. We make a case for EP4 as a promising newer therapeutic target for treating breast cancer. We show that an aberrant over-expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, which is an inflammation-associated enzyme, occurring in 40–50% of breast cancer patients leads to tumor progression and metastasis due to multiple cellular events resulting from an increased prostaglandin (PG) E2 production in the tumor milieu. They include inactivation of host anti-tumor immune cells, such as Natural Killer (NK) and T cells, increased immuno-suppressor function of tumor-associated macrophages, promotion of tumor cell migration, invasiveness and tumor-associated angiogenesis, due to upregulation of multiple angiogenic factors including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-A, increased lymphangiogenesis (due to upregulation of VEGF-C/D), and a stimulation of stem-like cell (SLC) phenotype in cancer cells. All of these events were primarily mediated by activation of the Prostaglandin (PG) E receptor EP4 on tumor or host cells. We show that selective EP4 antagonists (EP4A) could mitigate all of these events tested with cells in vitro as well as in vivo in syngeneic COX-2 expressing mammary cancer bearing mice or immune-deficient mice bearing COX-2 over-expressing human breast cancer xenografts. We suggest that EP4A can avoid thrombo-embolic side effects of long term use of COX-2 inhibitors by sparing cardio-protective roles of PGI2 via IP receptor activation or PGE2 via EP3 receptor activation. Furthermore, we identified two COX-2/EP4 induced oncogenic and SLC-stimulating microRNAs—miR526b and miR655, one of which (miR655) appears to be a potential blood biomarker in breast cancer patients for monitoring SLC-ablative therapies, such as with EP4A. We suggest that EP4A will likely produce the highest benefit in aggressive breast cancers, such as COX-2 expressing triple-negative breast cancers, when combined with other newer agents, such as inhibitors of programmed cell death (PD)-1 or PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Majumder
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada.
| | - Pinki Nandi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada.
| | - Ahmed Omar
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R7A6A9, Canada.
| | | | - Peeyush K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5C1, Canada.
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Kochel TJ, Reader JC, Ma X, Kundu N, Fulton AM. Multiple drug resistance-associated protein (MRP4) exports prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and contributes to metastasis in basal/triple negative breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:6540-6554. [PMID: 28029661 PMCID: PMC5351651 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its primary enzymatic product, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer. In order to elucidate the factors contributing to intratumoral PGE2 levels, we evaluated the expression of COX-2/PGE2 pathway members MRP4, the prostaglandin transporter PGT, 15-PGDH (PGE2 metabolism), the prostaglandin E receptor EP4, COX-1, and COX-2 in normal, luminal, and basal breast cancer cell lines. The pattern of protein expression varied by cell line reflecting breast cancer heterogeneity. Overall, basal cell lines expressed higher COX-2, higher MRP4, lower PGT, and lower 15-PGDH than luminal cell lines resulting in higher PGE2 in the extracellular environment. Genetic or pharmacologic suppression of MRP4 expression or activity in basal cell lines led to less extracellular PGE2. The key finding is that xenografts derived from a basal breast cancer cell line with stably suppressed MRP4 expression showed a marked decrease in spontaneous metastasis compared to cells with unaltered MRP4 expression. Growth properties of primary tumors were not altered by MRP4 manipulation. In addition to the well-established role of high COX-2 in promoting metastasis, these data identify an additional mechanism to achieve high PGE2 in the tumor microenvironment; high MRP4, low PGT, and low 15-PGDH. MRP4 should be examined further as a potential therapeutic target in basal breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Kochel
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jocelyn C Reader
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinrong Ma
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Namita Kundu
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy M Fulton
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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27
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Adrian TE, Collin P. The Anti-Cancer Effects of Frondoside A. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:E64. [PMID: 29463049 PMCID: PMC5852492 DOI: 10.3390/md16020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Frondoside A is a triterpenoid glycoside from the Atlantic Sea Cucumber, Cucumariafrondosa. Frondoside A has a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects, including induction of cellular apoptosis, inhibition of cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, formation of metastases, and angiogenesis. In cell lines and animal models studied to date, the anti-cancer effects of the compound are seen in all solid cancers, lymphomas, and leukemias studied to date. These effects appear to be due to potent inhibition of p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), which is up-regulated in many cancers. In mouse models, frondoside A has synergistic effects with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, such as gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and cisplatin. Frondoside A administration is well-tolerated. No side effects have been reported and the compound has no significant effects on body weight, blood cells, or on hepatic and renal function tests after long-term administration. Frondoside A may be valuable in the treatment of malignancies, either as a single agent or in combination with other therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Adrian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Peter Collin
- Coastside Bio Resources, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA.
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28
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Majumder M, Dunn L, Liu L, Hasan A, Vincent K, Brackstone M, Hess D, Lala PK. COX-2 induces oncogenic micro RNA miR655 in human breast cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:327. [PMID: 29321644 PMCID: PMC5762661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We show that Cyclooxygenase-2 over-expression induces an oncogenic microRNA miR655 in human breast cancer cells by activation of EP4. MiR655 expression positively correlated with COX-2 in genetically disparate breast cancer cell lines and increased in all cell lines when grown as spheroids, implicating its link with stem-like cells (SLCs). Ectopic miR655 over-expression in MCF7 and SKBR3 cells resulted in increased proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation and Epithelial to Masenchymal transition (EMT). Conversely, knocking down miR655 in aggressive MCF7-COX2 and SKBR3-COX2 cells reverted these phenotypes. MCF7-miR655 cells displayed upregulated NOTCH/WNT genes; both pathway inhibitors abrogated miR655-induced spheroid formation, linking miR655 with SLC-related pathways. MiR655 expression was dependent on EP4 activity and EP4 downstream signaling pathways PI3K/AKT, ERK and NF-kB and led to TGFβ resistance for Smad3 phosphorylation. Tail vein injection of MCF7-miR655 and SKBR3-miR655 cells in NOD/SCID/GUSB-null mice revealed increased lung colony growth and micrometastases to liver and spleen. MiR655 expression was significantly high in human breast tumors (n = 105) compared to non-tumor tissues (n = 20) and associated with reduced patient survival. Thus miR655 could serve as a prognostic breast cancer biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Majumder
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Leanna Dunn
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Asma Hasan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krista Vincent
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Muriel Brackstone
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Hess
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peeyush K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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29
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Xu S, Zhou W, Ge J, Zhang Z. Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 is involved in the cell growth and invasion of prostate cancer via the cAMP‑PKA/PI3K‑Akt signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:4702-4712. [PMID: 29328471 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent diagnosed malignancies globally. Previous studies have demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is closely associated with the tumorigenesis and progression of PCa. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear and require further investigation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), receptor activator of nuclear factor‑κB ligand (RANKL) and runt‑related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which are involved in cell growth and bone metastasis, are frequently activated or overexpressed in various types of cancer, including PCa. The present study was designed to investigate the associations between PGE2 and the PGE2 receptor EP4, and MMPs, RANKL and RUNX2 in PCa, and to define their roles in PCa cell proliferation and invasion in addition to understanding the molecular mechanisms. The results of western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the protein and the mRNA expression levels of MMP‑2, MMP‑9, RANKL and RUNX2 in PC‑3 cells were significantly upregulated by treatment with PGE2, respectively, and knockdown of these proteins blocked PGE2‑induced cell proliferation and invasion in PC‑3 cells, as determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8 and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. The effect of PGE2 on the protein and mRNA expression levels was primarily regulated via the EP4 receptor. EP4 receptor signaling activates the cyclic (c)AMP‑protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway, and forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase (AC), exhibited similar effects to an EP4 receptor agonist on the protein expression, while SQ22536, an inhibitor of AC, inhibited the protein expression. These results confirmed that the AC/cAMP pathway may be involved in EP4 receptor‑mediated upregulation of protein expression. By using a specific inhibitor of PKA, it was also demonstrated that cAMP/PKA was also involved in the EP4 receptor‑mediated upregulation of protein expression. In addition to the signaling pathway involving PKA, the EP4 receptor also exerts activities through activation of Akt kinase. The results in the present study confirmed the hypothesis that EP4 receptor‑mediated protein expression in PCa cells that were pretreated with a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K) was significantly inhibited. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that PGE2 significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of the MMP‑2, MMP‑9, RANKL and RUNX2, and the EP4 receptor was involved in the cell proliferation and invasion of PCa via the cAMP‑PKA/PI3K‑Akt signaling pathway. These results may provide novel insight into potential therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Xu
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Wenquan Zhou
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jingping Ge
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
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Diepenhorst N, Rueda P, Cook AE, Pastoureau P, Sabatini M, Langmead CJ. G protein-coupled receptors as anabolic drug targets in osteoporosis. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 184:1-12. [PMID: 29080701 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disorder characterised by imbalance between bone building (anabolism) and resorption (catabolism). Most therapeutics target inhibition of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, but more recent attention in early drug discovery has focussed on anabolic targets in osteoblasts or their precursors. Two marketed agents that display anabolic properties, strontium ranelate and teriparatide, mediate their actions via the G protein-coupled calcium-sensing and parathyroid hormone-1 receptors, respectively. This review explores their activity, the potential for improved therapeutics targeting these receptors and other putative anabolic GPCR targets, including Smoothened, Wnt/Frizzled, relaxin family peptide, adenosine, cannabinoid, prostaglandin and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Diepenhorst
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Patricia Rueda
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anna E Cook
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Philippe Pastoureau
- Therapeutic Innovation Pole of Immuno-Inflammatory Diseases, Institut de Recherches Servier, Suresnes, France
| | - Massimo Sabatini
- Therapeutic Innovation Pole of Immuno-Inflammatory Diseases, Institut de Recherches Servier, Suresnes, France
| | - Christopher J Langmead
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Synthesis and evaluation of 18 F-labeled CJ-042794 for imaging prostanoid EP4 receptor expression in cancer with positron emission tomography. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:2094-2098. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.03.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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32
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Okumura Y, Yamagishi T, Nukui S, Nakao K. Discovery of AAT-008, a novel, potent, and selective prostaglandin EP4 receptor antagonist. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:1186-1192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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EP4 receptor promotes invadopodia and invasion in human breast cancer. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 96:218-226. [PMID: 28094049 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is elevated in human breast cancer cells. The abnormal expression of COX-2, which is involved in the synthesis of PGE2, was recently reported as a critical determinant for invasiveness of human breast cancer cells. Autocrine and paracrine PGE2-mediated stimulation of the PGE2 receptor EP4 transduces multiple signaling pathways leading to diverse patho-physiological effects, including tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is known that PGE2-induced EP4 activation can transactivate the intracellular signaling pathway of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In malignant cancer cells, EGFR pathway activation promotes invadopodia protrusions, which further leads to degradation of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite the known influence of EP4 on the EGFR signaling pathway, the effect of EP4 stimulation on invadopodia formation in human breast cancer was never tested directly. Here we demonstrate the involvement of EP4 in invasion and its effect on invadopodia in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells using 2D invadopodia and 3D invasion in vitro assays as well as intravital microscopy. The results show that stimulation with the selective EP4 agonist CAY10598 or PGE2 promotes invadopodia-mediated degradation of the ECM, as well as the invasion of breast cancer cells in in vitro models. The effect on matrix degradation can be abrogated via direct inhibition of EP4 signaling as well as via inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase, indicating that EP4-mediated effects on invadopodia-driven degradation are EGFR dependent. Finally, using xenograft mouse models, we show that short-term systemic treatment with CAY10598 results in a >9-fold increase in the number of invadopodia. These findings highlight the importance of further investigation on the role of EP4-EGFR crosstalk in invadopodia formation.
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Cyclooxygenase-2: A Role in Cancer Stem Cell Survival and Repopulation of Cancer Cells during Therapy. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:2048731. [PMID: 27882058 PMCID: PMC5108861 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2048731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible form of the enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of prostanoids, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a major mediator of inflammation and angiogenesis. COX-2 is overexpressed in cancer cells and is associated with progressive tumour growth, as well as resistance of cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These therapies are often delivered in multiple doses, which are spaced out to allow the recovery of normal tissues between treatments. However, surviving cancer cells also proliferate during treatment intervals, leading to repopulation of the tumour and limiting the effectiveness of the treatment. Tumour cell repopulation is a major cause of treatment failure. The central dogma is that conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy selects resistant cancer cells that are able to reinitiate tumour growth. However, there is compelling evidence of an active proliferative response, driven by increased COX-2 expression and downstream PGE2 release, which contribute to the repopulation of tumours and poor patient outcome. In this review, we will examine the evidence for a role of COX-2 in cancer stem cell biology and as a mediator of tumour repopulation that can be molecularly targeted to overcome resistance to therapy.
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Bhooshan N, Staats PN, Fulton AM, Feliciano JL, Edelman MJ. Prostaglandin E Receptor EP4 expression, survival and pattern of recurrence in locally advanced NSCLC. Lung Cancer 2016; 101:88-91. [PMID: 27794413 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated COX-2 expression has been correlated with inferior outcome in NSCLC. COX-2 catalyzes the transformation of arachidonate to PGE2. We and others have demonstrated that PGE2 induces proliferation and metastatic spread and immunosuppression through the G protein-coupled EP4 receptor. We hypothesized that EP4 expression on malignant cells would correlate with outcome and patterns of relapse after treatment of LANSCLC stage IIIA (7th edition, N2+). METHODS Tissue specimens from 41 pts treated for LANSC at UMGCC were obtained. A tissue microarray was prepared and examined for EP4 expression. Intensity of staining was scored semi-quantitatively as 0-4 in both the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments by a pathologist blinded to the clinical data. RESULTS EP4 nuclear staining 0-1 vs. 2+ was associated with overall survival, (OS) (44.3 vs. 18 mo; HR=0.41, p=0.024) and numerically superior progression free survival (PFS) (16.4 vs. 10.2 mo, p=0.16). EP4 cytoplasmic staining did not correlate with OS (0-1 vs. 2+, 23.8 vs. 28.8 mo; HR=1.2, p=0.81). Relapse pattern (no relapse or local vs. systemic) did not correlate with EP nuclear staining (p=1.0, X2). CONCLUSIONS This is the first clinical study of EP4 expression in lung cancer. There was a significant correlation between OS and nuclear EP4 expression, indicating that this is a potential therapeutic target. Studies with AT-007, a specific inhibitor of EP4, are planned to commence this year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bhooshan
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Paul N Staats
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Amy M Fulton
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA; Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Josephine L Feliciano
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Martin J Edelman
- University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, 22 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Majumder M, Xin X, Liu L, Tutunea-Fatan E, Rodriguez-Torres M, Vincent K, Postovit LM, Hess D, Lala PK. COX-2 Induces Breast Cancer Stem Cells via EP4/PI3K/AKT/NOTCH/WNT Axis. Stem Cells 2016; 34:2290-305. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ling Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
| | | | | | - Krista Vincent
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Department of Oncology; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Department of Oncology; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - David Hess
- Physiology and Pharmacology
- Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Robarts Research Institute; London Ontario Canada
| | - Peeyush K. Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
- Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
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Kochel TJ, Goloubeva OG, Fulton AM. Upregulation of Cyclooxygenase-2/Prostaglandin E2 (COX-2/PGE2) Pathway Member Multiple Drug Resistance-Associated Protein 4 (MRP4) and Downregulation of Prostaglandin Transporter (PGT) and 15-Prostaglandin Dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER-BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2016; 10:61-70. [PMID: 27257388 PMCID: PMC4881873 DOI: 10.4137/bcbcr.s38529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are indicators of a poor prognosis in breast cancer. Using several independent publicly available breast cancer gene expression databases, we investigated other members of the PGE2 pathway. PGE2 is produced by COX-2 and actively exported by multiple drug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) into the extracellular microenvironment, where PGE2 can bind four cognate EP receptors (EP1–EP4) and initiate diverse biological signaling pathways. Alternatively, PGE2 is imported via the prostaglandin transporter (PGT) and metabolized by 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH/HPGD). We made the novel observation that MRP4, PGT, and 15-PGDH are differentially expressed among distinct breast cancer molecular subtypes; this finding was confirmed in independent datasets. In triple-negative breast cancer, the observed gene expression pattern (high COX-2, high MRP4, low PGT, and low 15-PGDH) would favor high levels of tumor-promoting PGE2 in the tumor microenvironment that may contribute to the overall poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Kochel
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Olga G Goloubeva
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.; Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy M Fulton
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.; Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.; Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Lynch JR, Wang JY. G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling in Stem Cells and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050707. [PMID: 27187360 PMCID: PMC4881529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large superfamily of cell-surface signaling proteins that bind extracellular ligands and transduce signals into cells via heterotrimeric G proteins. GPCRs are highly tractable drug targets. Aberrant expression of GPCRs and G proteins has been observed in various cancers and their importance in cancer stem cells has begun to be appreciated. We have recently reported essential roles for G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) and G protein subunit Gαq in the maintenance of cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia. This review will discuss how GPCRs and G proteins regulate stem cells with a focus on cancer stem cells, as well as their implications for the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Lynch
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Group, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jenny Yingzi Wang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Group, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Savari S, Chandrashekar NK, Osman J, Douglas D, Bellamkonda K, Jönsson G, Juhas M, Greicius G, Pettersson S, Sjölander A. Cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor influences intestinal polyp incidence in a gender-specific manner in the ApcMin/+mouse model. Carcinogenesis 2016; 37:491-9. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Regulski M, Regulska K, Prukała W, Piotrowska H, Stanisz B, Murias M. COX-2 inhibitors: a novel strategy in the management of breast cancer. Drug Discov Today 2015; 21:598-615. [PMID: 26723915 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are common anti-inflammatory drugs with pleiotropic, endogenous actions that could be useful in the management of breast cancer. Here, we provide a complete understanding of the biochemistry of COX-2 and discuss the various molecular mechanisms behind its increased expression in breast cancer. We also analyze the possible mechanisms responsible for the anticancer effect of COX-2 inhibitors and provide an overview of the available preclinical and clinical data on the use of COX-2 inhibitors in breast cancer. Finally, we describe a mathematical model of the relation between the structure and biological potency of promising new COX-2 inhibitors (trans-stilbenes) using a 2D quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Regulski
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Chair and Department of Toxicology, 30th Dojazd Street, 60-631 Poznań, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Regulska
- Greater Poland Oncology Center, 15th Garbary Street, 61-866 Poznań, Poland
| | - Wiesław Prukała
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Faculty of Chemistry, Nucleosides and Nucleotides Chemistry, 6th Grunwaldzka Street, 60-780 Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Piotrowska
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Chair and Department of Toxicology, 30th Dojazd Street, 60-631 Poznań, Poland
| | - Beata Stanisz
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 6th Grunwaldzka Street, 60-780 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Murias
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Chair and Department of Toxicology, 30th Dojazd Street, 60-631 Poznań, Poland.
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Sun L, Wei X, Liu X, Zhou D, Hu F, Zeng Y, Sun Y, Luo S, Zhang Y, Yi XP. Expression of prostaglandin E2 and EP receptors in human papillary thyroid carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:4689-97. [PMID: 26511970 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4316-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to determine the role of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and downstream EP receptors in the development of human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A total of 90 thyroid specimens excised from patients undergoing total or subtotal thyroidectomy in the Department of General Surgery, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, China, from August 2013 to September 2014, were analyzed. The quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical analyses were employed to examine the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, respectively. The expressions and significances of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), PGE2, and EP receptors in PTC and nodular goiter were investigated. The COX-2 mRNA and protein expression level significantly increased in the PTC tissues than in the paired noncarcinoma tissues adjacent to the PTC or nodular goiter tissues. The mPGES-1 protein expression was also significantly upregulated in the PTC tissues. All the four subtypes of EP receptors (EP1-4) could express in the thyroid tissues, while only the EP4 mRNA and protein levels significantly increased in the PTC tissues. The local production of PGE2 had a higher-level expression in the PTC tissues than in the noncarcinoma thyroid tissues adjacent to the PTC lesion and the benign nodular goiter tissues. The induction of PGE2 biosynthesis as well as the overexpression of EP4 in PTC suggested that this pathway might play an important role in the carcinogenesis and progression of PTC. These observations raise the possibility that pharmacological inhibition of mPGES-1 and/or EP4 may hold therapeutic promise in this common cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liao Sun
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaohong Wei
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueting Liu
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Danli Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingjuan Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Shunkui Luo
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xian Ping Yi
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
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O'Callaghan G, Houston A. Prostaglandin E2 and the EP receptors in malignancy: possible therapeutic targets? Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5239-50. [PMID: 26377664 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated expression of COX-2 and increased levels of PGE2 are found in numerous cancers and are associated with tumour development and progression. Although epidemiological, clinical and preclinical studies have shown that the inhibition of PGE2 synthesis through the use of either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or specific COX-2 inhibitors (COXibs) has the potential to prevent and treat malignant disease, toxicities due to inhibition of COX-2 have limited their use. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of strategies whereby COX-2 activity may be reduced without inducing any side effects. The biological effects of PGE2 are mediated by signalling through four distinct E-type prostanoid (EP) receptors - EP1 , EP2 , EP3 and EP4 . In recent years, extensive effort has gone into elucidating the function of PGE2 and the EP receptors in health and disease, with the goal of creating selective inhibitors as a means of therapy. In this review, we focus on PGE2 , and in particular on the role of the individual EP receptors and their signalling pathways in neoplastic disease. As knowledge concerning the role of the EP receptors in cancer grows, so does the potential for exploiting the EP receptors as therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer and metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G O'Callaghan
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,HRB Clinical Research Facility, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - A Houston
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Cheuk IW, Shin VY, Siu MT, Tsang JY, Ho JC, Chen J, Tse GM, Wang X, Kwong A. Association of EP2 receptor and SLC19A3 in regulating breast cancer metastasis. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:3389-3399. [PMID: 26807319 PMCID: PMC4697685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Triple-negative breast cancer patients have higher metastatic rate than patients with other breast cancer subtypes. Distant metastasis is one of the causes leading to the high mortality rates. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) is associated with breast cancer metastasis and the downstream prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) exerted its effect through EP receptors (EP1-EP4). However, the exact molecular events of EP receptors in breast cancer metastasis remain undefined. Expressions of EP receptors were determined during cancer development in NOD-SCID mice inoculated with MB-231 and MB-231-EP2 clone. EP2 overexpressing stable clone was constructed to investigate the proliferation and invasion potentials in vivo and in vitro. Drug transporter array was used to identify EP2 receptor-associated drug transported genes in breast cancer metastasis. Localization of EP2 receptor in primary tissues and xenografts were examined by immunostaining. Stable EP2-expression cells formed larger tumors than parental cells in mice model and was highly expressed in both primary and metastatic tissues. Silencing of EP2 receptor by siRNA and antagonist (AH 6809) significantly decreased cell proliferation and invasion, concomitant with reduced MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions. Results from array data showed that expression of SLC19A3 was markedly increased in EP2 siRNA transfected cells. Ectopic expression of SLC19A3 retarded cell proliferation, invasion and MMPs expressions. Notably, SLC19A3 had a lower expression in primary tissues and was negatively correlated with EP2 receptor expression. Our novel finding revealed that EP2 receptor regulated metastasis through downregulation of SLC19A3. Thus, targeting EP2-SLC19A3 signaling is a potential therapeutic therapy for treating metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivian Y Shin
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Man T Siu
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Julia Y Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - John C Ho
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Gary M Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Biomedical Research Center, Sir Runrun Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityChina
| | - Ava Kwong
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
- Department of Surgery, The Hong Kong Sanatorium and HospitalHong Kong
- The Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family RegistryHong Kong
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Aspirin blocks growth of breast tumor cells and tumor-initiating cells and induces reprogramming factors of mesenchymal to epithelial transition. J Transl Med 2015; 95:702-17. [PMID: 25867761 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), also known as aspirin, a classic, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is widely used to relieve minor aches and pains and to reduce fever. Epidemiological studies and other experimental studies suggest that ASA use reduces the risk of different cancers including breast cancer (BC) and may be used as a chemopreventive agent against BC and other cancers. These studies have raised the tempting possibility that ASA could serve as a preventive medicine for BC. However, lack of in-depth knowledge of the mechanism of action of ASA reshapes the debate of risk and benefit of using ASA in prevention of BC. Our studies, using in vitro and in vivo tumor xenograft models, show a strong beneficial effect of ASA in the prevention of breast carcinogenesis. We find that ASA not only prevents breast tumor cell growth in vitro and tumor growth in nude mice xenograft model through the induction of apoptosis, but also significantly reduces the self-renewal capacity and growth of breast tumor-initiating cells (BTICs)/breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) and delays the formation of a palpable tumor. Moreover, ASA regulates other pathophysiological events in breast carcinogenesis, such as reprogramming the mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) and delaying in vitro migration in BC cells. The tumor growth-inhibitory and reprogramming roles of ASA could be mediated through inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD4 signaling pathway that is associated with growth, motility, invasion, and metastasis in advanced BCs. Collectively, ASA has a therapeutic or preventive potential by attacking possible target such as TGF-β in breast carcinogenesis.
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COX-2 Elevates Oncogenic miR-526b in Breast Cancer by EP4 Activation. Mol Cancer Res 2015; 13:1022-33. [DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-14-0543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Li N, Zhang L, An Y, Zhang L, Song Y, Wang Y, Tang H. Antagonist of prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 induces metabolic alterations in liver of mice. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:1566-73. [PMID: 25669961 DOI: 10.1021/pr501236y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4) is one of the receptors for prostaglandin E2 and plays important roles in various biological functions. EP4 antagonists have been used as anti-inflammatory drugs. To investigate the effects of an EP4 antagonist (L-161982) on the endogenous metabolism in a holistic manner, we employed a mouse model, and obtained metabolic and transcriptomic profiles of multiple biological matrixes, including serum, liver, and urine of mice with and without EP4 antagonist (L-161982) exposure. We found that this EP4 antagonist caused significant changes in fatty acid metabolism, choline metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. EP4 antagonist exposure also induced oxidative stress to mice. Our research is the first of its kind to report information on the alteration of metabolism associated with an EP4 antagonist. This information could further our understanding of current and new biological functions of EP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Centre for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
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Gonnermann D, Oberg HH, Kellner C, Peipp M, Sebens S, Kabelitz D, Wesch D. Resistance of cyclooxygenase-2 expressing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells against γδ T cell cytotoxicity. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e988460. [PMID: 25949900 DOI: 10.4161/2162402x.2014.988460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prostaglandin (PG) synthetase cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) promotes tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis in a variety of human cancer entities including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we demonstrate that in PDAC cells such as Colo357 cells, enhanced Cox-2 expression and increased release of the Cox-2 metabolite prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes resistance against γδ T cell-mediated lysis. Co-culture with activated γδ T cells induced an upregulation of Cox-2 expression in Colo357 cells, and thereby an enhanced PGE2 release, in response to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) secretion from γδ T cells. The PGE2-mediated inhibition of γδ T cell cytotoxicity against Cox-2-expressing PDAC cells can be partially overcome by Cox-2 inhibitors. Our results show that differences between PDAC cells in regards to sensitivity to γδ T-cell cytotoxicity can be due to distinct levels of Cox-2 expression associated with varying amounts of PGE2 release. While γδ T cell cytotoxicity against PDAC cells expressing low levels of Cox-2 can be effectively enhanced by tribody [(Her2)2×Vγ9] with specificity for Vγ9 T cell receptor and HER-2/neu on PDAC cells, a combination of tribody [(Her2)2×Vγ9] and Cox-2 inhibitor is necessary to induce complete lysis of Cox-2 high expressing Colo357. In conclusion, our results suggest that the application of tribody [(Her2)2×Vγ9] that enhances γδ T-cell cytotoxicity and Cox-2 inhibitors that overcome PGE2-mediated resistance of PDAC cells to the cytotoxic activity of γδ T cells might offer a promising combined immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gonnermann
- Institute of Immunology; Christian-Albrechts-University; Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Christian Kellner
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy; Christian-Albrechts-University; Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy; Christian-Albrechts-University; Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Medicine; Christian-Albrechts-University ; Kiel
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology; Christian-Albrechts-University; Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology; Christian-Albrechts-University; Kiel, Germany
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48
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Kochel TJ, Fulton AM. Multiple drug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4), prostaglandin transporter (PGT), and 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) as determinants of PGE2 levels in cancer. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2015; 116-117:99-103. [PMID: 25433169 PMCID: PMC4385402 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and major lipid product, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) are elevated in many solid tumors including those of the breast and are associated with a poor prognosis. Targeting this enzyme is somewhat effective in preventing tumor progression, but is associated with cardiotoxic secondary effects when used chronically. PGE2 functions by signaling through four EP receptors (EP1-4), resulting in several different cellular responses, many of which are pro-tumorigenic, and there is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting EP4 and EP2. Other members in this signaling pathway are gaining more attention. PGE2 is transported out of and into cells by two unique transport proteins. Multiple Drug Resistance-Associated Protein 4 (MRP4) and Prostaglandin Transporter (PGT) modulate PGE2 signaling by increasing or decreasing the levels of PGE2 available to cells. 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) metabolizes PGE2 and silences the pathway in this manner. The purpose of this review is to summarize the extensive data supporting the importance of the COX-2 pathway in tumor biology with a focus on more recently described pathway members and their role in modulating PGE2 signaling. This review describes evidence supporting roles for MRP4, PGT and 15-PGDH in several tumor types with an emphasis on the roles of these proteins in breast cancer. Defining the importance of these latter pathway members will be key to developing new therapeutic approaches that exploit the tumor-promoting COX-2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy M Fulton
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Li Y, Reader JC, Ma X, Kundu N, Kochel T, Fulton AM. Divergent roles of CXCR3 isoforms in promoting cancer stem-like cell survival and metastasis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 149:403-15. [PMID: 25537642 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-3229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that several chemokine receptors including CXCR3 contribute to metastasis of breast and other cancers, however, in order to target CXCR3 effectively, it is critical to understand the relative contribution of each CXCR3 isoform. Furthermore, the possible contribution of either major CXCR3 isoform (CXCR3-A, CXCR3-B) to cancer stem cell behavior has not been reported. We employed primary invasive ductal carcinomas, a panel of breast cell lines, and a xenograft model of metastatic breast cancer to examine the role of CXCR3 isoforms in the behavior of breast cancer stem-like cells and the contribution of each isoform to metastasis. In primary human breast cancer specimens as well as established breast cancer cell lines, CXCR3-A is more highly expressed than CXCR3-B. Conversely, immortalized normal MCF10A cells express more CXCR3-B relative to CXCR3-A. Overexpression of CXCR3-B in MDA-MB-231 basal-like cells inhibits CXCR3 ligand-stimulated proliferation, which is accompanied by reduced ligand-mediated activation of ERK1/2 and p38 kinases. Likewise, metastatic capacity is reduced in vivo by higher levels of CXCR3-B, and migratory and invasive properties are inhibited in vitro; conversely, silencing of CXCR3-B enhances lung colonization. In contrast to the anti-metastatic and anti-proliferative roles of CXCR3-B in the non-stem cell population, this isoform supports a cancer stem-like cell phenotype. CXCR3-B is markedly elevated in mammosphere-forming parental cells and overexpressing CXCR3-B further enhances mammosphere-forming potential as well as growth in soft agar; stem-like behavior is inhibited in MDA-MB-231shCXCR3-B cells. Targeting of both CXCR3 isoforms may be important to block the stem cell-promoting actions of CXCR3-B, while inhibiting the pro-proliferative and metastasis-promoting functions of CXCR3-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Li
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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Majumder M, Xin X, Liu L, Girish GV, Lala PK. Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 as the common target on cancer cells and macrophages to abolish angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, metastasis, and stem-like cell functions. Cancer Sci 2014; 105:1142-51. [PMID: 24981602 PMCID: PMC4462388 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously established that COX-2 overexpression promotes breast cancer progression and metastasis. As long-term use of COX-2 inhibitors (COX-2i) can promote thrombo-embolic events, we tested an alternative target, prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 subtype (EP4), downstream of COX-2. Here we used the highly metastatic syngeneic murine C3L5 breast cancer model to test the role of EP4-expressing macrophages in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C/D production, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis in situ, the role of EP4 in stem-like cell (SLC) functions of tumor cells, and therapeutic effects of an EP4 antagonist RQ-15986 (EP4A). C3L5 cells expressed all EP receptors, produced VEGF-C/D, and showed high clonogenic tumorsphere forming ability in vitro, functions inhibited with COX-2i or EP4A. Treating murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line with COX-2i celecoxib and EP4A significantly reduced VEGF-A/C/D production in vitro, measured with quantitative PCR and Western blots. Orthotopic implants of C3L5 cells in C3H/HeJ mice showed rapid tumor growth, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis (CD31/LYVE-1 and CD31/PROX1 immunostaining), and metastasis to lymph nodes and lungs. Tumors revealed high incidence of EP4-expressing, VEGF-C/D producing macrophages identified with dual immunostaining of F4/80 and EP4 or VEGF-C/D. Celecoxib or EP4A therapy at non-toxic doses abrogated tumor growth, lymphangiogenesis, and metastasis to lymph nodes and lungs. Residual tumors in treated mice revealed markedly reduced VEGF-A/C/D and phosphorylated Akt/ERK proteins, VEGF-C/D positive macrophage infiltration, and proliferative/apoptotic cell ratios. Knocking down COX-2 or EP4 in C3L5 cells or treating cells in vitro with celecoxib or EP4A and treating tumor-bearing mice in vivo with the same drug reduced SLC properties of tumor cells including preferential co-expression of COX-2 and SLC markers ALDH1A, CD44, OCT-3/4, β-catenin, and SOX-2. Thus, EP4 is an excellent therapeutic target to block stem-like properties, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis induced by VEGF-A/C/D secreted by cancer cells and tumor infiltrating macrophages.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/blood supply
- Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy
- Adenocarcinoma/secondary
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Apoptosis
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Benzamides/therapeutic use
- Celecoxib
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Cyclooxygenase 2/metabolism
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Female
- Lung Neoplasms/blood supply
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/secondary
- Lymphangiogenesis
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/blood supply
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Neoplastic Stem Cells
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/therapeutic use
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- Tumor Burden
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Majumder
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western OntarioLondon, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiping Xin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western OntarioLondon, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western OntarioLondon, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gannareddy V Girish
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western OntarioLondon, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peeyush K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western OntarioLondon, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western OntarioLondon, Ontario, Canada
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