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Feng Z, Wei W, Wang S, Li X, Zhao L, Wan G, Hu R, Yu L. A novel selective FAK inhibitor E2 inhibits ovarian cancer metastasis and growth by inducing cytotoxic autophagy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116461. [PMID: 39102992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest form of the gynecologic malignancies and effective therapeutic drugs are urgently needed. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is overexpressed in various solid tumors, and could serve as a potential biomarker of ovarian cancer. However, there are no launched drugs targeting FAK. Hence, the development of the novel FAK inhibitors is an emerging approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer. In this work, we characterized a selective FAK inhibitor E2, with a high inhibitory potency toward FAK. Moreover, E2 had cytotoxic, anti-invasion and anti-migration activity on ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, after treatment with E2, FAK downstream signaling cascades (e.g., Src and AKT) were suppressed, thus resulting in the ovarian cancer cell arrest at G0/G1 phase and the induction of cytotoxic autophagy. In addition, E2 attenuated the tumor growth of PA-1 and ES-2 ovarian cancer subcutaneous xenografts, as well as suppressed peritoneal metastasis of OVCAR3-luc. Furthermore, E2 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that E2 is a selective FAK inhibitor with potent anti-ovarian cancer activities both in vivo and in vitro, offering new possibilities for OC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanzhan Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shirui Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lifeng Zhao
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Guoquan Wan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Luoting Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Schlaepfer DD, Ojalill M, Stupack DG. Focal adhesion kinase signaling - tumor vulnerabilities and clinical opportunities. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261723. [PMID: 39034922 PMCID: PMC11298715 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK; encoded by PTK2) was discovered over 30 years ago as a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is localized to cell adhesion sites, where it is activated by integrin receptor binding to extracellular matrix proteins. FAK is ubiquitously expressed and functions as a signaling scaffold for a variety of proteins at adhesions and in the cell cytoplasm, and with transcription factors in the nucleus. FAK expression and intrinsic activity are essential for mouse development, with molecular connections to cell motility, cell survival and gene expression. Notably, elevated FAK tyrosine phosphorylation is common in tumors, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers, where it is associated with decreased survival. Small molecule and orally available FAK inhibitors show on-target inhibition in tumor and stromal cells with effects on chemotherapy resistance, stromal fibrosis and tumor microenvironment immune function. Herein, we discuss recent insights regarding mechanisms of FAK activation and signaling, its roles as a cytoplasmic and nuclear scaffold, and the tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic effects of FAK inhibitors. We also discuss results from ongoing and advanced clinical trials targeting FAK in low- and high-grade serous ovarian cancers, where FAK acts as a master regulator of drug resistance. Although FAK is not known to be mutationally activated, preventing FAK activity has revealed multiple tumor vulnerabilities that support expanding clinical combinatorial targeting possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D. Schlaepfer
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Marjaana Ojalill
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Dwayne G. Stupack
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
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Shi Y, Ju M, Zhang Y, Liang L, Sun X, Di X. Comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of 33 human cancers reveals immunotherapeutic value of focal adhesion tyrosine kinase. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37362. [PMID: 38518034 PMCID: PMC10956984 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune environment in tumors is the key factor affecting the survival and immunotherapeutic response of patients. This research aimed to explore the underlying association between focal adhesion tyrosine kinase (FAK/PTK2) and cancer immunotherapy in 33 human cancers. Gene expression data and clinical features of 33 cancers were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas Database. The immunotherapy cohorts included GSE67501, GSE78220, and IMVIGOR210, which were derived from the comprehensive gene expression database or from previous studies. Clinical parameters including patient age, gender, survival rate, and tumor stage were analyzed to evaluate the prognostic value of FAK/PTK2. FAK/PTK2 activity was detected by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis and used to compare the difference between FAK/PTK2 transcriptome and protein expression levels. To better understand the role of FAK/PTK2 in cancer immunotherapy, we analyzed its correlations with tumor microenvironment and with immune processes/elements (e.g., immune cell infiltration, immunosuppressants, and stimulants) and major histocompatible complexes. Potential pathways associated with FAK/PTK2 signaling in cancers were also explored. Correlations between FAK/PTK2 and 2 immunotherapeutic biomarkers (tumor mutation load and microsatellite instability) were studied. Finally, the 3 independent immunotherapy cohorts were used to study the relationship between FAK/PTK2 and immunotherapeutic response. Although FAK/PTK2 is not closely associated with age (13/33), gender (5/33), or tumor stage (5/33) in any of the studied human cancers, it has potential prognostic value for predicting patient survival. Consistency between FAK/PTK2 activity and expression exists in some cancers (3/33). Generally, FAK/PTK2 is robustly correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune modulators, and immunotherapeutic markers. Moreover, high FAK/PTK2 expression is significantly related to immune-relevant pathways. However, FAK/PTK2 is not significantly correlated with the immunotherapeutic response. Research on the immunotherapeutic value of FAK/PTK2 in 33 human cancers provides evidence regarding the function of FAK/PTK2 and its role in clinical treatment. However, given the use of a bioinformatics approach, our results are preliminary and require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Shi
- Department of Oncology, The People’s Hospital of Jurong City, Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Mengyang Ju
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Liang
- Department of Oncology, The People’s Hospital of Jurong City, Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinchen Sun
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoke Di
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Ward AS, Hall CN, Tree MO, Kohtz DS. Spheroid architecture strongly enhances miR-221/222 expression and promotes oxidative phosphorylation in an ovarian cancer cell line through a mechanism that includes restriction of miR-9 expression. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:275. [PMID: 38310615 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cell spheroids are organized multicellular structures that form during the expansive growth of carcinoma cells. Spheroids formation is thought to contribute to metastasis by supporting growth and survival of mobile tumor cell populations. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated how spheroid architecture affects OXPHOS activity, microRNA expression, and intraperitoneal survival of an ovarian carcinoma cell line using high resolution respirometry, quantitative RT-PCR, and a rodent intraperitoneal growth model. Rates of oxidative phosphorylation/respiration per cell of cells growing as spheroids were nearly double those of a variant of the same cell type growing in suspension as loosely aggregated cells. Further, inhibition of spheroid formation by treatment with CDH2 (N-cadherin) siRNA reduced the rate of OXPHOS to that of the non-spheroid forming variant. Cells growing as spheroids showed greatly enhanced expression of miR-221/222, an oncomiR that targets multiple tumor suppressor genes and promotes invasion, and reduced expression of miR-9, which targets mitochondrial tRNA-modification enzymes and inhibits OXPHOS. Consistent with greater efficiency of ATP generation, tumor cells growing as spheroids injected into the nutrient-poor murine peritoneum survived longer than cells growing in suspension as loosely associated aggregates. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that growth in spheroid form enhances the OXPHOS activity of constituent tumor cells. In addition, spheroid architecture affects expression of microRNA genes involved in growth control and mitochondrial function. During the mobile phase of metastasis, when ovarian tumor cells disperse through nutrient-poor environments such as the peritoneum, enhanced OXPHOS activity afforded by spheroid architecture would enhance survival and metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery S Ward
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
| | - Cody N Hall
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55901, USA
| | - Maya O Tree
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
| | - D Stave Kohtz
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA.
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Ng WH, Soo KC, Huynh H. Vinorelbine Improves the Efficacy of Sorafenib against Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Promising Therapeutic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1563. [PMID: 38338842 PMCID: PMC10855313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading global cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite the widespread adoption of sorafenib as the standard HCC treatment, its efficacy is constrained, frequently encountering resistance. To augment the effectiveness of sorafenib, this study investigated the synergy of sorafenib and vinorelbine using 22 HCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. In this study, mice bearing HCC tumors were treated with the vehicle, sorafenib (15 mg/kg), vinorelbine (3 mg/kg), and sorafenib-vinorelbine combination (Sora/Vino). Rigorous monitoring of the tumor growth and side effects coupled with comprehensive histological and molecular analyses was conducted. The overall survival (OS) of mice bearing HCC orthotopic tumors was also assessed. Our data showed a notable 86.4% response rate to Sora/Vino, surpassing rates of 31.8% for sorafenib and 9.1% for vinorelbine monotherapies. Sora/Vino significantly inhibited tumor growth, prolonged OS of mice bearing HCC orthotopic tumors (p < 0.01), attenuated tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and enhanced necrosis and apoptosis. The combination therapy effectively suppressed the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway, which is a pivotal player in cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, survival, and metastasis. The noteworthy antitumor activity in 22 HCC PDX models positions Sora/Vino as a promising candidate for early-phase clinical trials, leveraging the established use of sorafenib and vinorelbine in HCC and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Har Ng
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore;
| | - Khee Chee Soo
- Division of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Hung Huynh
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore;
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Wu YB, Li SY, Liu JY, Xue JJ, Xu JF, Chen T, Cao TY, Zhou H, Wu TT, Dong CL, Qian WF, Qiao LW, Hou SY, Wang T, Shen C. Long non-coding RNA NRSN2-AS1 promotes ovarian cancer progression through targeting PTK2/β-catenin pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:696. [PMID: 37875515 PMCID: PMC10598275 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06214-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
As a common malignant tumor among women, ovarian cancer poses a serious threat to their health. This study demonstrates that long non-coding RNA NRSN2-AS1 is over-expressed in ovarian cancer tissues using patient sample and tissue microarrays. In addition, NRSN2-AS1 is shown to promote ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NRSN2-AS1 stabilizes protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) to activate the β-catenin pathway via repressing MG-53-mediated ubiquitinated degradation of PTK2, thereby facilitating ovarian cancer progression. Rescue experiments verify the function of the NRSN2-AS1/PTK2/β-catenin axis and the effects of MG53 on this axis in ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the key role of the NRSN2-AS1/PTK2/β-catenin axis for the first time and explores its potential clinical applications in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Bo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Shen-Yi Li
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Jin-Yan Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Jia-Jia Xue
- Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, 215124, China
| | - Jin-Fu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Gynaecology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Tian-Yue Cao
- Department of Gynaecology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Tian-Tian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chun-Lin Dong
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei-Feng Qian
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China
| | - Long-Wei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Shun-Yu Hou
- Department of Gynaecology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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Design, synthesis and evaluation of nitric oxide releasing derivatives of 2,4-diaminopyrimidine as novel FAK inhibitors for intervention of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115192. [PMID: 36801517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
To search for novel medicines for intervention of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a series of phenylsulfonyl furoxan-based 2,4-diaminopyrimidine derivatives (8a-t) were designed and synthesized based on blocking FAK-mediated signaling pathways through both kinase-dependent and -independent manners. The most active compound 8f not only significantly inhibited FAK kinase activity (IC50 = 27.44 nM), displayed potent inhibitory effects on the proliferation (IC50 = 0.126 μM), invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells, superior to the most widely studied FAK inhibitor, TAE226, bearing 2,4-diaminopyrimidine, but also released high levels of NO, contributing to blockage of FAK mediated-signaling pathways by upregulating of p53 as well as suppressing the Y397 phosphorylation and its downstream effectors, including p-Akt, MMP-2, and MMP-9 via kinase-independent manner, leading to apoptosis induction and decrease of FAs and SFs in TNBC cells. Importantly, 8f inhibited the lung metastasis of TNBC in vivo. Together, 8f may serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of metastatic TNBC.
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Wang S, Liu Y, Li S, Chen Y, Liu Y, Yan J, Wu J, Li J, Wang L, Xiang R, Shi Y, Qin X, Yang S. COMMD3-Mediated Endosomal Trafficking of HER2 Inhibits the Progression of Ovarian Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:199-213. [PMID: 36445330 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The dysregulated endocytic traffic of oncogenic receptors, such as the EGFR family especially HER2, contributes to the uncontrolled activation of the downstream oncogenic signaling and progression of various carcinomas, including 90% of ovarian carcinoma. However, the key regulators in the intracellular trafficking of HER2 and their impacts for cancer progression remain largely unknown. In this study, through a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening for key genes affecting the peritoneal disseminated metastasis of ovarian carcinoma, we identified a member of COMMD family, that is, COMMD3, as a key regulator in the endosomal trafficking of HER2. In the patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), the expression of COMMD3 is dramatically decreased in the peritoneal disseminated ovarian carcinoma cells comparing with that in the primary ovarian carcinoma cells. COMMD3 greatly inhibits the proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HGSOC cells, and dramatically suppresses the tumor growth, the formation of malignant ascites, and the peritoneal dissemination of cancer cells in the orthotopic murine model of HGSOC. Further transcriptome analysis reveals that silencing COMMD3 boosts the activation of HER2 downstream signaling. As a component in the Retriever-associated COMMD/CCDC22/CCDC93 complex responsible for the recognition and recycling of membrane receptors, COMMD3 physically interacts with HER2 for directing it to the slow recycling pathway, leading to the attenuated downstream tumor-promoting signaling. IMPLICATIONS Collectively, this study reveals a novel HER2 inactivation mechanism with a high value for the clinic diagnosis of new ovarian carcinoma types and the design of new therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqing Wang
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siyu Li
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yan
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiayi Wu
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Li
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Longlong Wang
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Shi
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuan Qin
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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VE-Cadherin modulates β-catenin/TCF-4 to enhance Vasculogenic Mimicry. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:135. [PMID: 36797281 PMCID: PMC9935922 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05666-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic Mimicry (VM) refers to the capacity to form a blood network from aggressive cancer cells in an independent way of endothelial cells, to provide nutrients and oxygen leading to enhanced microenvironment complexity and treatment failure. In a previous study, we demonstrated that VE-Cadherin and its phosphorylation at Y658 modulated kaiso-dependent gene expression (CCND1 and Wnt 11) through a pathway involving Focal Adhesion kinase (FAK). In the present research, using a proteomic approach, we have found that β-catenin/TCF-4 is associated with nuclear VE-cadherin and enhances the capacity of malignant melanoma cells to undergo VM in cooperation with VE-Cadherin; in addition, preventing the phosphorylation of Y658 of VE-cadherin upon FAK disabling resulted in VE-Cadherin/β-catenin complex dissociation, increased β-catenin degradation while reducing TCF-4-dependent genes transcription (C-Myc and Twist-1). Uveal melanoma cells knockout for VE-Cadherin loses β-catenin expression while the rescue of VE-Cadherin (but not of the phosphorylation defective VE-Cadherin Y658F mutant) permits stabilization of β-catenin and tumor growth reduction in vivo experiments. In vivo, the concomitant treatment with the FAK inhibitor PF-271 and the anti-angiogenic agent bevacizumab leads to a strong reduction in tumor growth concerning the single treatment. In conclusion, the anomalous expression of VE-Cadherin in metastatic melanoma cells (from both uveal and cutaneous origins), together with its permanent phosphorylation at Y658, favors the induction of the aggressive VM phenotype through the cooperation of β-catenin with VE-Cadherin and by enhancing TCF-4 genes-dependent transcription.
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Anti-Tumoral Effect of Chemerin on Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines Mediated by Activation of Interferon Alpha Response. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174108. [PMID: 36077645 PMCID: PMC9454566 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chemerin is a multifunctional protein with an important role in the immune system. Recent evidence showed that chemerin also regulates the development of cancer. Ovarian cancer is a common type of tumor in women. In this study, we observed that chemerin decreases the growth of ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro when cultivated in standard cell culture or in globular multicellular aggregates. When we examined the mechanisms involved in this process, we found that treatment of ovarian cancer cells with chemerin led to the activation of genes that are known to mediate the effects of interferon alpha (IFNα). The main effect of IFNα is to defend body cells against viral infections, but it is also able to defeat cancer cells. We observed that this activation of IFNα response by chemerin resulted from the increased production of IFNα protein in ovarian cancer cells, which then reduced cancer cells numbers. However, it remains to be investigated how exactly chemerin might be able to activate interferon alpha and its anti-tumoral actions. Abstract The pleiotropic adipokine chemerin affects tumor growth primarily as anti-tumoral chemoattractant inducing immunocyte recruitment. However, little is known about its effect on ovarian adenocarcinoma. In this study, we examined chemerin actions on ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro and intended to elucidate involved cell signaling mechanisms. Employing three ovarian cancer cell lines, we observed differentially pronounced effects of this adipokine. Treatment with chemerin (huChem-157) significantly reduced OVCAR-3 cell numbers (by 40.8% on day 6) and decreased the colony and spheroid growth of these cells by half. The spheroid size of SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer cells was also significantly reduced upon treatment. Transcriptome analyses of chemerin-treated cells revealed the most notably induced genes to be interferon alpha (IFNα)-response genes like IFI27, OAS1 and IFIT1 and their upstream regulator IRF9 in all cell lines tested. Finally, we found this adipokine to elevate IFNα levels about fourfold in culture medium of the employed cell lines. In conclusion, our data for the first time demonstrate IFNα as a mediator of chemerin action in vitro. The observed anti-tumoral effect of chemerin on ovarian cancer cells in vitro was mediated by the notable activation of IFNα response genes, resulting from the chemerin-triggered increase of secreted levels of this cytokine.
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Spallarossa A, Tasso B, Russo E, Villa C, Brullo C. The Development of FAK Inhibitors: A Five-Year Update. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126381. [PMID: 35742823 PMCID: PMC9223874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase over-expressed in different solid cancers. In recent years, FAK has been recognized as a new target for the development of antitumor agents, useful to contrast tumor development and metastasis formation. To date, studies on the role of FAK and FAK inhibitors are of great interest for both pharmaceutical companies and academia. This review is focused on compounds able to block FAK with different potencies and with different mechanisms of action, that have appeared in the literature since 2017. Furthermore, new emerging PROTAC molecules have appeared in the literature. This summary could improve knowledge of new FAK inhibitors and provide information for future investigations, in particular, from a medicinal chemistry point of view.
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12
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Huo X, Zhang W, Zhao G, Chen Z, Dong P, Watari H, Narayanan R, Tillmanns TD, Pfeffer LM, Yue J. FAK PROTAC Inhibits Ovarian Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Disrupting Kinase Dependent and Independent Pathways. Front Oncol 2022; 12:851065. [PMID: 35574330 PMCID: PMC9095959 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.851065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers and is a target for cancer therapy. Since FAK kinase inhibitors only block the kinase activity of FAK, they are not highly effective in clinical trials. FAK also functions as a scaffold protein in a kinase-independent pathway. To effectively target FAK, it is required to block both FAK kinase-dependent and FAK-independent pathways. Thus, we tested a new generation drug FAK PROTAC for ovarian cancer therapy, which blocks both kinase and scaffold activity. We tested the efficacy of FAK PROTAC and its parent kinase inhibitor (VS-6063) in ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro by performing cell functional assays including cell proliferation, migration, invasion. We also tested in vivo activity in orthotopic ovarian cancer mouse models. In addition, we assessed whether FAK PROTAC disrupts kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. We demonstrated that FAK PROTAC is highly effective as compared to its parent FAK kinase inhibitor VS-6063 in inhibiting cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. FAK PROTAC not only inhibits the FAK kinase activity but also FAK scaffold function by disrupting the interaction between FAK and its interaction protein ASAP1. We further showed that FAK PROTAC effectively inhibits ovarian tumor growth and metastasis. Taken together, FAK PROTAC inhibits both FAK kinase activity and its scaffold protein activity by disrupting the interaction between FAK and ASAP1 and is highly effective in inhibiting ovarian tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyun Huo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Genomics & Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Guannan Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Zhenwen Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peixin Dong
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidemichi Watari
- Department of Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ramesh Narayanan
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Todd D Tillmanns
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, West Cancer Center, Germantown, TN, United States
| | - Lawrence M Pfeffer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Junming Yue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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13
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Torres-Ayuso P, Brognard J. Degraders: The Ultimate Weapon Against Amplified Driver Kinases in Cancer. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 101:191-200. [PMID: 35115411 PMCID: PMC9092480 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amplification of pro-oncogenic kinases is a common genetic alteration driving tumorigenic phenotypes. Cancer cells rely on the amplified kinases to sustain cell proliferation, survival, and growth, presenting an opportunity to develop therapies targeting the amplified kinases. Utilizing small molecule catalytic inhibitors as therapies to target amplified kinases is plagued by de novo resistance driven by increased expression of the target, and amplified kinases can drive tumorigenic phenotypes independent of catalytic activity. Here, we discuss the emergence of proteolysis-targeting chimeras that provide an opportunity to target these oncogenic drivers effectively. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Protein kinases contribute to tumorigenesis through catalytic and noncatalytic mechanisms, and kinase gene amplifications are well described mechanisms of resistance to small molecule catalytic inhibitors. Repurposing catalytic inhibitors for the development of protein degraders will offer improved clinical benefits by targeting noncatalytic functions of kinases that promote tumorigenesis and overcoming resistance due to amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Torres-Ayuso
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - John Brognard
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
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14
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. Cancer Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer-A Source of Tumor Success and a Challenging Target for Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052496. [PMID: 35269636 PMCID: PMC8910575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal neoplasm of the female genital organs. Despite indisputable progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the problems of chemo-resistance and recurrent disease are the main obstacles for successful therapy. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of a specific cell population of cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to show the most contemporary knowledge concerning the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and their impact on chemo-resistance and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, as well as to present the treatment options targeted exclusively on the OCSCs. The review presents data concerning the role of cancer stem cells in general and then concentrates on OCSCs. The surface and intracellular OCSCs markers and their meaning both for cancer biology and clinical prognosis, signaling pathways specifically activated in OCSCs, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of OCSCs function including the recent studies on the non-coding RNA regulation, cooperation between OCSCs and the tumor microenvironment (ovarian cancer niche) including very specific environment such as ascites fluid, the role of shear stress, autophagy and metabolic changes for the function of OCSCs, and finally mechanisms of OCSCs escape from immune surveillance, are described and discussed extensively. The possibilities of anti-OCSCs therapy both in experimental settings and in clinical trials are presented, including the recent II phase clinical trials and immunotherapy. OCSCs are a unique population of cancer cells showing a great plasticity, self-renewal potential and resistance against anti-cancer treatment. They are responsible for the progression and recurrence of the tumor. Several completed and ongoing clinical trials have tested different anti-OCSCs drugs which, however, have shown unsatisfactory efficacy in most cases. We propose a novel approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother’s Health Center—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska Str., 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland;
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15
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FAK in Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031726. [PMID: 35163650 PMCID: PMC8836199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is overexpressed and activated in many cancer types. FAK regulates diverse cellular processes, including growth factor signaling, cell cycle progression, cell survival, cell motility, angiogenesis, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments through kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Mounting evidence has indicated that targeting FAK, either alone or in combination with other agents, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying FAK-mediated signaling networks during tumor development. We also summarize the recent progress of FAK-targeted small-molecule compounds for anticancer activity from preclinical and clinical evidence.
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16
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 7-((7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)oxy)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one derivatives as potent FAK inhibitors for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:113978. [PMID: 34810020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) promotes tumor progression by intracellular signal transduction and regulation of gene expression and protein turnover, which is a compelling therapeutic target for various cancer types, including ovarian cancer. However, the clinical responses of FAK inhibitors remain unsatisfactory. Here, we describe the discovery of FAK inhibitors using a scaffold hopping strategy. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) exploration identified 36 as a potent FAK inhibitor, which exhibited inhibitory activities against FAK signaling in vitro. Treatment with 36 not only decreased migration and invasion of PA-1 cells, but also reduced expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Moreover, 36 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, and no obvious adverse effects were observed during the in vivo study. These results revealed the potential of FAK inhibitor 36 for treatment of ovarian cancer.
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17
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Novak C, Ballinger MN, Ghadiali S. Mechanobiology of Pulmonary Diseases: A Review of Engineering Tools to Understand Lung Mechanotransduction. J Biomech Eng 2021; 143:110801. [PMID: 33973005 PMCID: PMC8299813 DOI: 10.1115/1.4051118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cells within the lung micro-environment are continuously subjected to dynamic mechanical stimuli which are converted into biochemical signaling events in a process known as mechanotransduction. In pulmonary diseases, the abrogated mechanical conditions modify the homeostatic signaling which influences cellular phenotype and disease progression. The use of in vitro models has significantly expanded our understanding of lung mechanotransduction mechanisms. However, our ability to match complex facets of the lung including three-dimensionality, multicellular interactions, and multiple simultaneous forces is limited and it has proven difficult to replicate and control these factors in vitro. The goal of this review is to (a) outline the anatomy of the pulmonary system and the mechanical stimuli that reside therein, (b) describe how disease impacts the mechanical micro-environment of the lung, and (c) summarize how existing in vitro models have contributed to our current understanding of pulmonary mechanotransduction. We also highlight critical needs in the pulmonary mechanotransduction field with an emphasis on next-generation devices that can simulate the complex mechanical and cellular environment of the lung. This review provides a comprehensive basis for understanding the current state of knowledge in pulmonary mechanotransduction and identifying the areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caymen Novak
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 473 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Megan N. Ballinger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 473 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Samir Ghadiali
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 473 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2124N Fontana Labs, 140 West 19th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
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18
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Zhang H, Li S, Bao J, Ge N, Hong F, Qian L. β-elemene inhibits non-small cell lung cancer cell migration and invasion by inactivating the FAK-Src pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1095. [PMID: 34504549 PMCID: PMC8383758 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite sustained effort, the prognosis of lung cancer remains poor and the therapeutic responses are limited. Cell movement ability is a prerequisite for lung cancer metastasis, which involves focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated cell migration and invasion via complex formation with Src. Hence, FAK-Src signaling might be an effective target for anti-cancer treatment. β-elemene, the major component of elemene extracted from Curcuma Rhizoma, exhibits broad-spectrum anti-tumor properties. However, the role of β-elemene in lung cancer cell motility and its possible mechanism remain unknown. Herein, the role of β-elemene in the migration and invasion of two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines was investigated by performing wound-healing and Transwell assays. The mRNA expression levels of genes associated with motility, including RhoA, Rac1, Cac42, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)2 and MMP9, were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To determine whether β-elemene acts through FAK-Src signaling, western blotting was performed and the levels of phosphorylated FAK and Src were detected. The results indicated that β-elemene inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 and NCI-H1299 (H1299) cells, while the motility-associated genes were de-regulated following exposure to β-elemene. Furthermore, β-elemene decreased the activity of FAK and Src. Overall, these results suggest that β-elemene potentially inhibits NSCLC through FAK-Src signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Shaobing Li
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Jun Bao
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230029, P.R. China
| | - Ning Ge
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Fu Hong
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Liting Qian
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
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19
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FAK inhibitors as promising anticancer targets: present and future directions. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:1559-1590. [PMID: 34340532 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
FAK, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, has been recognized as a novel target class for the development of targeted anticancer agents. Overexpression of FAK is a common occurrence in several solid tumors, in which the kinase has been implicated in promoting metastases. Consequently, designing and developing potent FAK inhibitors is becoming an attractive goal, and FAK inhibitors are being recognized as a promising tool in our armamentarium for treating diverse cancers. This review comprehensively summarizes the different classes of synthetically derived compounds that have been reported as potent FAK inhibitors in the last three decades. Finally, the future of FAK-targeting smart drugs that are designed to slow down the emergence of drug resistance is discussed.
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20
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Belhabib I, Zaghdoudi S, Lac C, Bousquet C, Jean C. Extracellular Matrices and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Targets for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3466. [PMID: 34298680 PMCID: PMC8303391 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid cancer progression is dictated by neoplastic cell features and pro-tumoral crosstalks with their microenvironment. Stroma modifications, such as fibroblast activation into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, are now recognized as critical events for cancer progression and as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets. The recent appreciation of the key, complex and multiple roles of the ECM in cancer and of the CAF diversity, has revolutionized the field and raised innovative but challenging questions. Here, we rapidly present CAF heterogeneity in link with their specific ECM remodeling features observed in cancer, before developing each of the impacts of such ECM modifications on tumor progression (survival, angiogenesis, pre-metastatic niche, chemoresistance, etc.), and on patient prognosis. Finally, based on preclinical studies and recent results obtained from clinical trials, we highlight key mechanisms or proteins that are, or may be, used as potential therapeutic or diagnostic targets, and we report and discuss benefits, disappointments, or even failures, of recently reported stroma-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christine Jean
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM U1037, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ERL5294 CNRS, 31037 Toulouse, France; (I.B.); (S.Z.); (C.L.); (C.B.)
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21
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Brullo C, Tasso B. New Insights on Fak and Fak Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3318-3338. [PMID: 33143618 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666201103162239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal adhesion kinase (Fak) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase overexpressed and activated in different solid cancers; it has shown an important role in metastasis formation, cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis and consequently it has been proposed as a potential target in cancer therapy, particularly in a metastatic phase. In recent years, different investigations have highlighted the importance of new Fak inhibitors as potential anti-cancer drugs, but other studies evidenced its role in different pathologies related to the cardiac function or viral infection. METHODS An extensive bibliographic research (104 references) has been done concerning the structure of Fak, its importance in tumor development, but also in other pathologies currently under study. The compounds currently subjected to clinical studies were therefore treated using the appropriate databases. Finally, the main chemical scaffolds currently under preclinical investigation were analyzed, focusing on their molecular structures and on the activity structure relationships (SAR). RESULTS At the moment, only a few reversible ATP-competitive inhibitors are under investigation in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Other compounds, with different chemical scaffolds, are investigated to obtain more active and selective Fak inhibitors. This mini-review is a summary of different Fak functions in cancer and other pathologies; the compounds today in clinical trials and the recent chemical scaffolds (also included in patents) giving the most interesting results are investigated. In addition, PROTAC molecules are reported. CONCLUSION All reported results evidenced that additional studies are necessary to design and synthesize new selective and more active compounds, although promising information has been obtained from associations between Fak inhibitors and other different anti- cancer drugs. In addition, the other important roles evidenced, both at the nuclear level and in non-cancerous cells, make this protein an increasingly important target in pharmaceutical chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3-I16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Tasso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3-I16132 Genova, Italy
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22
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Li J, Qin X, Shi J, Wang X, Li T, Xu M, Chen X, Zhao Y, Han J, Piao Y, Zhang W, Qu P, Wang L, Xiang R, Shi Y. A systematic CRISPR screen reveals an IL-20/IL20RA-mediated immune crosstalk to prevent the ovarian cancer metastasis. eLife 2021; 10:66222. [PMID: 34114949 PMCID: PMC8195602 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcoelomic spread of cancer cells across the peritoneal cavity occurs in most initially diagnosed ovarian cancer (OC) patients and accounts for most cancer-related death. However, how OC cells interact with peritoneal stromal cells to evade the immune surveillance remains largely unexplored. Here, through an in vivo genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen, we identified IL20RA, which decreased dramatically in OC patients during peritoneal metastasis, as a key factor preventing the transcoelomic metastasis of OC. Reconstitution of IL20RA in highly metastatic OC cells greatly suppresses the transcoelomic metastasis. OC cells, when disseminate into the peritoneal cavity, greatly induce peritoneum mesothelial cells to express IL-20 and IL-24, which in turn activate the IL20RA downstream signaling in OC cells to produce mature IL-18, eventually resulting in the polarization of macrophages into the M1-like subtype to clear the cancer cells. Thus, we show an IL-20/IL20RA-mediated crosstalk between OC and mesothelial cells that supports a metastasis-repressing immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuan Qin
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Shi
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Tong Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mengyao Xu
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaosu Chen
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yujia Zhao
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiahao Han
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongjun Piao
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengpeng Qu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
| | - Longlong Wang
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Shi
- The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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23
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Dawson JC, Serrels A, Stupack DG, Schlaepfer DD, Frame MC. Targeting FAK in anticancer combination therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:313-324. [PMID: 33731845 PMCID: PMC8276817 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is both a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein that primarily regulates adhesion signalling and cell migration, but FAK can also promote cell survival in response to stress. FAK is commonly overexpressed in cancer and is considered a high-value druggable target, with multiple FAK inhibitors currently in development. Evidence suggests that in the clinical setting, FAK targeting will be most effective in combination with other agents so as to reverse failure of chemotherapies or targeted therapies and enhance efficacy of immune-based treatments of solid tumours. Here, we discuss the recent preclinical evidence that implicates FAK in anticancer therapeutic resistance, leading to the view that FAK inhibitors will have their greatest utility as combination therapies in selected patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Alan Serrels
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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24
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Stulpinas A, Uzusienis T, Imbrasaite A, Krestnikova N, Unguryte A, Kalvelyte AV. Cell-cell and cell-substratum contacts in the regulation of MAPK and Akt signalling: Importance in therapy, biopharmacy and bioproduction. Cell Signal 2021; 84:110034. [PMID: 33933583 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of cultured cells as a tool for research, precision medicine, biopharmacy, and biomanufacturing is constantly increasing. In parallel, the role of cell-cell and cell-substratum contacts in cell functioning is increasingly validated. Adhesion signalling plays a key role here. The activity of cell fate-regulating signalling molecules is an important factor in determining cell behaviour, as well as their response to treatment, depending on cell phenotypic status and location in the body. Three cellular state models (adherent, single cells in suspension, and aggregated cells) were compared for cell signalling, including focal adhesion (FAK), mitogen-activated (MAPK), as well as Akt protein kinases, and transcription factor cJun, by using lung adenocarcinoma A549, muscle-derived stem Myo, as well as primary lung cancer cell lines. Survival of both A549 and Myo cells was dependent on kinases Akt and ERK in detached conditions. Intercellular contacts in aggregates promoted activation of Akt and ERK, and cell survival. Loss of contacts with the substrate increased phosphorylation of MAP kinases JNK and p38, while decreased Akt phosphorylation by processes involving FAK. Unexpectedly, detachment increased phosphorylation of antiapoptotic kinase ERK in A549, while in Myo stem cells ERK phosphorylation was downregulated. JNK target transcription factor cJun protein level was markedly diminished by contacts between cells possibly involving mechanism of proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, studies revealed the opposite dependence of molecules of the same signalling pathway - phospho-cJun and phospho-JNK - on cell culture density. Differences in ERK activation under detachment conditions indicate that targeting of prosurvival kinases during anoikis should be different in different cells. Moreover, the outcome of JNK activation in cells may depend on the amount of cJun, which is determined by cell-cell contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurimas Stulpinas
- Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Tomas Uzusienis
- Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Ausra Imbrasaite
- Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Natalija Krestnikova
- Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Ausra Unguryte
- Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių g. 5, LT-08406, Lithuania
| | - Audrone V Kalvelyte
- Dept. of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Centre, Vilnius University, Saulėtekio al. 7, LT-10257, Lithuania.
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Bella Á, Di Trani CA, Fernández-Sendin M, Arrizabalaga L, Cirella A, Teijeira Á, Medina-Echeverz J, Melero I, Berraondo P, Aranda F. Mouse Models of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis to Develop Clinical Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050963. [PMID: 33669017 PMCID: PMC7956655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050963] [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: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse models as a platform to test, improve and/or predict the appropriate therapeutic interventions in patients are crucial to providing medical advances. Here, we overview reported mouse models to explore peritoneal carcinomatosis in translational biomedical research. Abstract Peritoneal carcinomatosis of primary tumors originating in gastrointestinal (e.g., colorectal cancer, gastric cancer) or gynecologic (e.g., ovarian cancer) malignancies is a widespread type of tumor dissemination in the peritoneal cavity for which few therapeutic options are available. Therefore, reliable preclinical models are crucial for research and development of efficacious treatments for this condition. To date, a number of animal models have attempted to reproduce as accurately as possible the complexity of the tumor microenvironment of human peritoneal carcinomatosis. These include: Syngeneic tumor cell lines, human xenografts, patient-derived xenografts, genetically induced tumors, and 3D scaffold biomimetics. Each experimental model has its own strengths and limitations, all of which can influence the subsequent translational results concerning anticancer and immunomodulatory drugs under exploration. This review highlights the current status of peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse models for preclinical development of anticancer drugs or immunotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Bella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernández-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Arrizabalaga
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (F.A.)
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (Á.B.); (C.A.D.T.); (M.F.-S.); (L.A.); (A.C.); (Á.T.); (I.M.)
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (F.A.)
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ADP ribosylation factor guanylate kinase 1 promotes the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer by regulating focal adhesion kinase activation. Life Sci 2021; 273:119264. [PMID: 33639150 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS ADP ribosylation factor guanylate kinase 1 (ASAP1), a phospholipid-dependent guanosine triphosphate (GTP)ase activating protein, has been reported to be involved in the development of various malignant tumors. However, the biological function of ASAP1 in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. This study was to investigate its effect and the underlying mechanism for the malignant phenotype of GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell invasion assay, and wound-healing assay were used to assess the malignant biological behavior of GC cells with ASAP1 overexpression and knockdown. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation was used to analyze the interaction between ASAP1 and FAK in BGC823 cells, and western blotting was used to determine the effects of overexpression and knockdown of ASAP1 on FAK activity in BGC823 cells. Subsequently, functional recovery experiments were used to observe the effect of ASAP1 and FAK on the malignant phenotype of GC cells. KEY FINDINGS ASAP1 overexpression strongly promoted the malignant biological behavior of SGC7901 cells. Knockdown of ASAP1 effectively weakened the malignant biological behavior of SGC7901 and BGC823 cells. ASAP1 directly interacted with FAK to potentiate FAK activation. In addition, knockdown of FAK combined with ASAP1 overexpression significantly weakened the malignant biological behavior of GC cells, whereas overexpression of FAK combined with knockdown of ASAP1 significantly enhanced the malignant biological behavior of GC cells. SIGNIFICANCE ASAP1 interacted with FAK, and ASAP1 promoted the malignant phenotype of GC cells by regulating FAK activity. The specific underlying mechanism is worth further investigation.
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SERINE-910 Phosphorylated Focal Adhesion Kinase Expression Predicts Better Overall and Disease-free Survival in Melanoma. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2020; 28:130-138. [PMID: 32044881 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that mediates multiple cellular functions such as survival, invasion, and migration. FAK has been found to be over-expressed in various human cancers, including melanoma. FAK molecule has several tyrosine, serine, and threonine phosphorylation sites which have an important regulatory role. Tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK has been extensively studied, however little is known about the role of serine phosphorylation. We sought to examine the frequency and extent of serine-910 phosphorylated FAK (P-FAKSer910) expression in a spectrum of melanocytic proliferations as well as it's correlation with other histopathologic predictors and its effect on patient's survival. Clinicopathologic features and immunohistochemical expression of P-FAKSer910 were evaluated in 147 melanocytic proliferations: 73 primary melanoma (PM), 19 metastatic melanoma (MetM), 2 melanoma in situ, and 53 melanocytic nevi (MN). Higher cytoplasmic intensity predicted better overall survival (OS) in PM (χ=5.69; P=0.034) and was associated with 48% decrease in death risk (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.95; P=0.036). In contrast, increased nuclear intensity was significantly associated with better disease-free survival (DFS) when stratified by tumor stage Log-rank test, trend of survival (χ=5.83, P=0.015) and independently on multivariate analysis when subcategorized into 3-tier categories (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.18-0.98; P=0.045). Also, Clark's level and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS) were independent predictors of DFS. Cytoplasmic intensity correlated inversely with American Joint Commission on Cancer stage in primary melanoma cases as well with vascularity in both primary and metastatic melanoma. Nuclear intensity independently correlated negatively with angioinvasion and TILS when subcategorized to 3 tier system. We found American Joint Commission on Cancer tumor stage, Clark's level, depth, ulceration, TILS, mitosis, angioinvasion, and tumor vascularity predictors of both DFS and OS. There was no significant difference in cytoplasmic or nuclear expression among the major categories of melanocytic proliferation. In this pilot immunohistochemistry-based study, we found P-FAKSer910 expression in melanoma by cytoplasmic intensity to correlate with better OS while nuclear intensity correlated with better DFS.
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Kumar M, Bowers RR, Delaney JR. Single-cell analysis of copy-number alterations in serous ovarian cancer reveals substantial heterogeneity in both low- and high-grade tumors. Cell Cycle 2020; 19:3154-3166. [PMID: 33121339 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2020.1836439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Unusually high aneuploidy is a hallmark of epithelial serous ovarian cancer (SOC). Previous analyses have focused on aneuploidy on average across all tumor cells. With the expansion of single-cell sequencing technologies, however, an analysis of copy number heterogeneity cell-to-cell is now technically feasible. Here, we describe an analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to infer arm-level aneuploidy in individual serous ovarian cancer cells. By first clustering high-quality sequenced epithelial versus non-epithelial cells, high-confidence tumor cell populations were identified. InferCNV was used to predict segmented copy-number alterations (CNAs), which were then used to determine arm-level aneuploidy at the single-cell level. Control comparisons of normal cells to normal cells showed zero arm-level aneuploidy, whereas a median of four aneuploid events were detectable in cancer cells. A heterogeneity analysis of high-grade tumor cells compared to low-grade tumor cells showed similar levels of cell-to-cell variation between cancer grades. Metastatic tumors potentially showed selection pressure with reduced cell-to-cell variation compared to cells from primary tumors. Minor cell populations with CNAs similar to metastatic cells were identified within the matched primary tumors. Taken together, these results provide a minimum estimate for single-cell aneuploidy in serous ovarian cancer and demonstrate the utility of single-cell sequencing for CNA analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manonmani Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Robert R Bowers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joe R Delaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC, USA
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Systematic Elucidation of the Mechanism of Quercetin against Gastric Cancer via Network Pharmacology Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:3860213. [PMID: 32964029 PMCID: PMC7486643 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3860213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed at elucidating the potential mechanisms of quercetin in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). A network pharmacology approach was used to analyze the targets and pathways of quercetin in treating GC. The predicted targets of quercetin against GC were obtained through database mining, and the correlation of these targets with GC was analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Next, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and overall survival (OS) analysis of hub targets was performed using the Kaplan–Meier Plotter online tool. Finally, the mechanism was further analyzed via molecular docking of quercetin with the hub targets. Thirty-six quercetin-related genes were identified, 15 of which overlapped with GC-related targets. These targets were further mapped to 319 GO biological process terms and 10 remarkable pathways. In the PPI network analysis, six hub targets were identified, including AKT1, EGFR, SRC, IGF1R, PTK2, and KDR. The high expression of these targets was related to poor OS in GC patients. Molecular docking analysis confirmed that quercetin can bind to these hub targets. In conclusion, this study provided a novel approach to reveal the therapeutic mechanisms of quercetin on GC, which will ease the future clinical application of quercetin in the treatment of GC.
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Kandil SB, Jones SR, Smith S, Hiscox SE, Westwell AD. Structure-Based Virtual Screening, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Potential FAK-FAT Domain Inhibitors for Treatment of Metastatic Cancer. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25153488. [PMID: 32751931 PMCID: PMC7435868 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. In cancer cells, FAK promotes the progression and metastasis of tumours. In this study, we used structure-based virtual screening to filter a library of more than 210K compounds against the focal adhesion targeting FAK-focal adhesion targeting (FAT) domain to identify 25 virtual hit compounds which were screened in the invasive breast cancer line (MDA-MB-231). Most notably, compound I showed low micromolar antiproliferative activity, as well as antimigratory activity. Moreover, examination in a model of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), revealed that, despite not effecting FAK phosphorylation, compound I significantly impairs proliferation whilst impairing focal adhesion growth and turnover leading to reduced migration. Further optimisation and synthesis of analogues of the lead compound I using a four-step synthetic procedure was performed, and analogues were assessed for their antiproliferative activity against three breast cancer (MDA-MB-231, T47D, BT474) cell lines and one pancreatic cancer (MIAPaCa2) cell line. Compound 5f was identified as a promising lead compound with IC50 values in the range of 4.59–5.28 μM in MDA-MB-231, T47D, BT474, and MIAPaCa2. Molecular modelling and pharmacokinetic studies provided more insight into the therapeutic features of this new series.
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Levy A, Alhazzani K, Dondapati P, Alaseem A, Cheema K, Thallapureddy K, Kaur P, Alobid S, Rathinavelu A. Focal Adhesion Kinase in Ovarian Cancer: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Platinum and Taxane-Resistant Tumors. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:179-188. [PMID: 29984656 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666180706165222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, which is an essential player in regulating cell migration, invasion, adhesion, proliferation, and survival. Its overexpression and activation have been identified in sixty-eight percent of epithelial ovarian cancer patients and this is significantly associated with higher tumor stage, metastasis, and shorter overall survival of these patients. Most recently, a new role has emerged for FAK in promoting resistance to taxane and platinum-based therapy in ovarian and other cancers. The development of resistance is a complex network of molecular processes that make the identification of a targetable biomarker in platinum and taxane-resistant ovarian cancer a major challenge. FAK overexpression upregulates ALDH and XIAP activity in platinum-resistant and increases CD44, YB1, and MDR-1 activity in taxaneresistant tumors. FAK is therefore now emerging as a prognostically significant candidate in this regard, with mounting evidence from recent successes in preclinical and clinical trials using small molecule FAK inhibitors. This review will summarize the significance and function of FAK in ovarian cancer, and its emerging role in chemotherapeutic resistance. We will discuss the current status of FAK inhibitors in ovarian cancers, their therapeutic competencies and limitations, and further propose that the combination of FAK inhibitors with platinum and taxane-based therapies could be an efficacious approach in chemotherapeutic resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkene Levy
- College of Medical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Priya Dondapati
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Ali Alaseem
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Khadijah Cheema
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Keerthi Thallapureddy
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Paramjot Kaur
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Saad Alobid
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Appu Rathinavelu
- Rumbaugh Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
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Aboubakar Nana F, Vanderputten M, Ocak S. Role of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1683. [PMID: 31671774 PMCID: PMC6895835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents 15% of all lung cancers and it is clinically the most aggressive type, being characterized by a tendency for early metastasis, with two-thirds of the patients diagnosed with an extensive stage (ES) disease and a five-year overall survival (OS) as low as 5%. There are still no effective targeted therapies in SCLC despite improved understanding of the molecular steps leading to SCLC development and progression these last years. After four decades, the only modest improvement in OS of patients suffering from ES-SCLC has recently been shown in a trial combining atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, with carboplatin and etoposide, chemotherapy agents. This highlights the need to pursue research efforts in this field. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several cancers, including SCLC, and contributing to cancer progression and metastasis through its important role in cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, spreading, migration, and invasion. FAK also plays a role in tumor immune evasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, DNA damage repair, radioresistance, and regulation of cancer stem cells. FAK is of particular interest in SCLC, being known for its aggressiveness. The inhibition of FAK in SCLC cell lines demonstrated significative decrease in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In this review, we will focus on the role of FAK in cancer cells and their microenvironment, and its potential as a therapeutic target in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Aboubakar Nana
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
- Division of Pneumology, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, UCL, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Marie Vanderputten
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sebahat Ocak
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
- Division of Pneumology, CHU UCL Namur (Godinne Site), UCL, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium.
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Aziz MAAE, Agarwal K, Dasari S, Mitra AAK. Productive Cross-Talk with the Microenvironment: A Critical Step in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101608. [PMID: 31640297 PMCID: PMC6827352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most ovarian cancer patients present with disseminated disease at the time of their diagnosis, which is one of the main reasons for their poor prognosis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and a clear understanding of the mechanism of regulation of these steps remains elusive. Productive reciprocal interactions between the metastasizing ovarian cancer cells and the microenvironment of the metastatic site or the tumor microenvironment play an important role in the successful establishment of metastasis. Much progress has been made in the recent past in our understanding of such interactions and the role of the cellular and acellular components of the microenvironment in establishing the metastatic tumors. This review will outline the role of the microenvironmental components of the ovarian cancer metastatic niche and their role in helping establish the metastatic tumors. Special emphasis will be given to the mesothelial cells, which are the first cells encountered by the cancer cells at the site of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abd El Aziz
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Komal Agarwal
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Subramanyam Dasari
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - And Anirban K Mitra
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Diaz Osterman CJ, Ozmadenci D, Kleinschmidt EG, Taylor KN, Barrie AM, Jiang S, Bean LM, Sulzmaier FJ, Jean C, Tancioni I, Anderson K, Uryu S, Cordasco EA, Li J, Chen XL, Fu G, Ojalill M, Rappu P, Heino J, Mark AM, Xu G, Fisch KM, Kolev VN, Weaver DT, Pachter JA, Győrffy B, McHale MT, Connolly DC, Molinolo A, Stupack DG, Schlaepfer DD. FAK activity sustains intrinsic and acquired ovarian cancer resistance to platinum chemotherapy. eLife 2019; 8:e47327. [PMID: 31478830 PMCID: PMC6721800 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene copy number alterations, tumor cell stemness, and the development of platinum chemotherapy resistance contribute to high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) recurrence. Stem phenotypes involving Wnt-β-catenin, aldehyde dehydrogenase activities, intrinsic platinum resistance, and tumorsphere formation are here associated with spontaneous gains in Kras, Myc and FAK (KMF) genes in a new aggressive murine model of ovarian cancer. Adhesion-independent FAK signaling sustained KMF and human tumorsphere proliferation as well as resistance to cisplatin cytotoxicity. Platinum-resistant tumorspheres can acquire a dependence on FAK for growth. Accordingly, increased FAK tyrosine phosphorylation was observed within HGSOC patient tumors surviving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Combining a FAK inhibitor with platinum overcame chemoresistance and triggered cell apoptosis. FAK transcriptomic analyses across knockout and reconstituted cells identified 135 targets, elevated in HGSOC, that were regulated by FAK activity and β-catenin including Myc, pluripotency and DNA repair genes. These studies reveal an oncogenic FAK signaling role supporting chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos J Diaz Osterman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Duygu Ozmadenci
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Elizabeth G Kleinschmidt
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Kristin N Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Allison M Barrie
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Shulin Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Lisa M Bean
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Florian J Sulzmaier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Christine Jean
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Isabelle Tancioni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Kristen Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Sean Uryu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Edward A Cordasco
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cellular Signaling Network, School of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Xiao Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cellular Signaling Network, School of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Guo Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cellular Signaling Network, School of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | | | - Pekka Rappu
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Jyrki Heino
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Adam M Mark
- Department of MedicineUCSD Center for Computational Biology & BioinformaticsLa JollaUnited States
| | - Guorong Xu
- Department of MedicineUCSD Center for Computational Biology & BioinformaticsLa JollaUnited States
| | - Kathleen M Fisch
- Department of MedicineUCSD Center for Computational Biology & BioinformaticsLa JollaUnited States
| | | | | | | | - Balázs Győrffy
- Institute of EnzymologyHungarian Academy of SciencesBudapestHungary
- 2nd Department of PediatricsSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Michael T McHale
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | | | - Alfredo Molinolo
- Department of PathologyMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive SciencesMoores UCSD Cancer CenterLa JollaUnited States
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Peterman E, Gibieža P, Schafer J, Skeberdis VA, Kaupinis A, Valius M, Heiligenstein X, Hurbain I, Raposo G, Prekeris R. The post-abscission midbody is an intracellular signaling organelle that regulates cell proliferation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3181. [PMID: 31320617 PMCID: PMC6639393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Once thought to be a remnant of cell division, the midbody (MB) has recently been shown to have roles beyond its primary function of orchestrating abscission. Despite the emerging roles of post-abscission MBs, how MBs accumulate in the cytoplasm and signal to regulate cellular functions remains unknown. Here, we show that extracellular post-abscission MBs can be internalized by interphase cells, where they reside in the cytoplasm as a membrane-bound signaling structure that we have named the MBsome. We demonstrate that MBsomes stimulate cell proliferation and that MBsome formation is a phagocytosis-like process that depends on a phosphatidylserine/integrin complex, driven by actin-rich membrane protrusions. Finally, we show that MBsomes rely on dynamic actin coats to slow lysosomal degradation and propagate their signaling function. In summary, MBsomes may sometimes serve as intracellular organelles that signal via integrin and EGFR-dependent pathways to promote cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Peterman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Paulius Gibieža
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, 44307, Lithuania
| | - Johnathon Schafer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | | | - Algirdas Kaupinis
- Proteomics Center, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Mindaugas Valius
- Proteomics Center, Institute of Biochemistry, Vilnius University Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Xavier Heiligenstein
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Structure and Membrane Compartments, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Ilse Hurbain
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Structure and Membrane Compartments, Paris, 75005, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility (PICT-IBiSA), Paris, 75005, France
| | - Graca Raposo
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Structure and Membrane Compartments, Paris, 75005, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR144, Cell and Tissue Imaging Facility (PICT-IBiSA), Paris, 75005, France
| | - Rytis Prekeris
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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36
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Kleinschmidt EG, Miller NLG, Ozmadenci D, Tancioni I, Osterman CD, Barrie AM, Taylor KN, Ye A, Jiang S, Connolly DC, Stupack DG, Schlaepfer DD. Rgnef promotes ovarian tumor progression and confers protection from oxidative stress. Oncogene 2019; 38:6323-6337. [PMID: 31308489 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0881-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death among women. The dissemination of ovarian tumors and growth as spheroids accompanies late-stage disease. In cell culture, ovarian tumor cell spheroids can exhibit elevated resistance to environmental stressors, such as reactive oxygen species. Homeostatic balance of the antioxidant response is a protective mechanism that prevents anoikis, a form of programmed cell death. Signaling pathways activated by integrin receptors suppress anoikis. Rgnef (ARHGEF28/p190RhoGEF) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is activated downstream of integrins. We find that Rgnef protein levels are elevated in late-stage serous ovarian cancer, high Rgnef mRNA levels are associated with decreased progression-free and overall survival, and genomic ARHGEF28 loss is associated with increased patient survival. Using transgenic and transplantable Rgnef knockout mouse models, we find that Rgnef is essential for supporting three-dimensional ovarian spheroid formation in vitro and tumor growth in mice. Using RNA-sequencing and bioinformatic analyses, we identify a conserved Rgnef-supported anti-oxidant gene signature including Gpx4, Nqo1, and Gsta4; common targets of the NF-kB transcription factor. Antioxidant treatment enhanced growth of Rgnef-knockout spheroids and Rgnef re-expression facilitated NF-κB-dependent tumorsphere survival. These studies reveal a new role for Rgnef in ovarian cancer to facilitate NF-κB-mediated gene expression protecting cells from oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Kleinschmidt
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nichol L G Miller
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.,Pfizer Inc., La Jolla, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Duygu Ozmadenci
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Isabelle Tancioni
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Carlos Díaz Osterman
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Allison M Barrie
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kristin N Taylor
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Aaron Ye
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shulin Jiang
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | | | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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37
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Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Role in Metastasis and Opportunity for Therapeutic Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070934. [PMID: 31277278 PMCID: PMC6678643 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a heterogeneous disease usually diagnosed at a late stage. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) that exist within the bulk tumor survive first-line chemotherapy and contribute to resistant disease with metastasis. Understanding the key features of CSC biology provides valuable opportunities to develop OCSC-directed therapeutics, which will eventually improve the clinical outcomes of patients. Although significant developments have occurred since OCSCs were first described, the involvement of CSCs in ovarian tumor metastasis is not fully understood. Here, we discuss putative CSC markers and the fundamental role of CSCs in facilitating tumor dissemination in OC. Additionally, we focus on promising CSC-targeting strategies in preclinical and clinical studies of OC and discuss potential challenges in CSC research.
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38
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Zhong F, Zhu T, Pan X, Zhang Y, Yang H, Wang X, Hu J, Han H, Mei L, Chen D, Wang K, Zhou X, Li X, Dong X. Comprehensive genomic profiling of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma from Chinese patients identifies co-occurring mutations in the Ras/Raf pathway with TP53. Cancer Med 2019; 8:3928-3935. [PMID: 31124283 PMCID: PMC6639185 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is a major form of ovarian epithelial tumor that is often diagnosed only at an advanced stage when it is already highly aggressive. We performed comprehensive genomic profiling using an analytically validated clinical next‐generation sequencing assay to identify genomic alterations in 450 cancer‐related genes in a cohort of 88 Chinese HGSOC patients. Overall, we detected 547 genomic alterations with an average of 6.2 alterations per tumor. Most of these HGSOC tumors had low tumor mutation burden and were microsatellite stable. Consistent with earlier studies, TP53 mutations were present in the majority (96.6%) of the tumors studied, and mutations in BRCA1/2 that affect DNA repair were also detected frequently in 20.5% of the tumors. However, we observed a 10.2% of mutated genes in the Ras/Raf pathway, all co‐occurring with TP53 mutations in the same tumor, which was unrecognized previously. Our results show that in HGSOC patients, there may be an unrecognized co‐occurrence of TP53 mutations with mutations in Ras/Raf pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Zhong
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Yanling Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haikun Yang
- Meizhou People's Hospital (Huangtang Hospital), Meizhou Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University, Meizhou, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xianrong Zhou
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuqin Li
- Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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39
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Sima LE, Yakubov B, Zhang S, Condello S, Grigorescu AA, Nwani NG, Chen L, Schiltz GE, Arvanitis C, Zhang ZY, Matei D. Small Molecules Target the Interaction between Tissue Transglutaminase and Fibronectin. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1057-1068. [PMID: 31015308 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional protein with enzymatic, GTP-ase, and scaffold properties. TG2 interacts with fibronectin (FN) through its N-terminus domain, stabilizing integrin complexes, which regulate cell adhesion to the matrix. Through this mechanism, TG2 participates in key steps involved in metastasis in ovarian and other cancers. High-throughput screening identified several small molecule inhibitors (SMI) for the TG2/FN complex. Rational medicinal chemistry optimization of the hit compound (TG53) led to second-generation analogues (MT1-6). ELISA demonstrated that these analogues blocked TG2/FN interaction, and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) showed that the SMIs bound to TG2. The compounds also potently inhibited cancer cell adhesion to FN and decreased outside-in signaling mediated through the focal adhesion kinase. Blockade of TG2/FN interaction by the small molecules caused membrane ruffling, delaying the formation of stable focal contacts and mature adhesions points and disrupted organization of the actin cytoskeleton. In an in vivo model measuring intraperitoneal dissemination, MT4 and MT6 inhibited the adhesion of ovarian cancer cells to the peritoneum. Pretreatment with MT4 also sensitized ovarian cancer cells to paclitaxel. The data support continued optimization of the new class of SMIs that block the TG2/FN complex at the interface between cancer cells and the tumor niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Elena Sima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bakhtiyor Yakubov
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, Indiana
| | - Salvatore Condello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Nkechiyere G Nwani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lan Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, Indiana
| | - Gary E Schiltz
- Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Constandina Arvanitis
- Center for Advanced Microscopy and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinosis
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, Indiana
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinosis
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40
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Popow J, Arnhof H, Bader G, Berger H, Ciulli A, Covini D, Dank C, Gmaschitz T, Greb P, Karolyi-Özguer J, Koegl M, McConnell DB, Pearson M, Rieger M, Rinnenthal J, Roessler V, Schrenk A, Spina M, Steurer S, Trainor N, Traxler E, Wieshofer C, Zoephel A, Ettmayer P. Highly Selective PTK2 Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras to Probe Focal Adhesion Kinase Scaffolding Functions. J Med Chem 2019; 62:2508-2520. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Popow
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Gerd Bader
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmut Berger
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD1 5EH Dundee, Scotland, U.K
| | - David Covini
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Dank
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Greb
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Manfred Koegl
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mark Pearson
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Rieger
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Markus Spina
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nicole Trainor
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD1 5EH Dundee, Scotland, U.K
| | | | | | | | - Peter Ettmayer
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1221 Vienna, Austria
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41
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The FAK inhibitor BI 853520 exerts anti-tumor effects in breast cancer. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:73. [PMID: 30237500 PMCID: PMC6148276 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0083-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that regulates a plethora of downstream signaling pathways essential for cell migration, proliferation and death, processes that are exploited by cancer cells during malignant progression. These well-established tumorigenic activities, together with its high expression and activity in different cancer types, highlight FAK as an attractive target for cancer therapy. We have assessed and characterized the therapeutic potential and the biological effects of BI 853520, a novel small chemical inhibitor of FAK, in several preclinical mouse models of breast cancer. Treatment with BI 853520 elicits a significant reduction in primary tumor growth caused by an anti-proliferative activity by BI 853520. In contrast, BI 853520 exerts effects with varying degrees of robustness on the different stages of the metastatic cascade. Together, the data demonstrate that the repression of FAK activity by the specific FAK inhibitor BI 853520 offers a promising anti-proliferative approach for cancer therapy.
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42
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Nwani NG, Sima LE, Nieves-Neira W, Matei D. Targeting the Microenvironment in High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E266. [PMID: 30103384 PMCID: PMC6115937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10080266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer⁻stroma interactions play a key role in cancer progression and response to standard chemotherapy. Here, we provide a summary of the mechanisms by which the major cellular components of the ovarian cancer (OC) tumor microenvironment (TME) including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid, immune, endothelial, and mesothelial cells potentiate cancer progression. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is characterized by a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic signature. This profile is correlated with clinical outcomes and can be a target for therapy. Accumulation of malignant ascites in the peritoneal cavity allows for secreted factors to fuel paracrine and autocrine circuits that augment cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Adhesion of cancer cells to the mesothelial matrix promotes peritoneal tumor dissemination and represents another attractive target to prevent metastasis. The immunosuppressed tumor milieu of HGSOC is permissive for tumor growth and can be modulated therapeutically. Results of emerging preclinical and clinical trials testing TME-modulating therapeutics for the treatment of OC are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkechiyere G Nwani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Livia E Sima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Wilberto Nieves-Neira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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43
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Gabbasov R, Xiao F, Howe CG, Bickel LE, O'Brien SW, Benrubi D, Do TV, Zhou Y, Nicolas E, Cai KQ, Litwin S, Seo S, Golemis EA, Connolly DC. NEDD9 promotes oncogenic signaling, a stem/mesenchymal gene signature, and aggressive ovarian cancer growth in mice. Oncogene 2018; 37:4854-4870. [PMID: 29773902 PMCID: PMC6119087 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0296-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 9 (NEDD9) supports oncogenic signaling in a number of solid and hematologic tumors. Little is known about the role of NEDD9 in ovarian carcinoma (OC), but available data suggest elevated mRNA and protein expression in advanced stage high-grade cancers. We used a transgenic MISIIR-TAg mouse OC model combined with genetic ablation of Nedd9 to investigate its action in the development and progression of OC. A Nedd9-/- genotype delayed tumor growth rate, reduced incidence of ascites, and reduced expression and activation of signaling proteins including SRC, STAT3, E-cadherin, and AURKA. Cell lines established from MISIIR-TAg;Nedd9-/- and MISIIR-TAg;Nedd9+/+ mice exhibited altered migration and invasion. Growth of these cells in a syngeneic allograft model indicated that systemic Nedd9 loss in the microenvironment had little impact on tumor allograft growth, but in a Nedd9 wild-type background Nedd9-/- allografts exhibited significantly reduced growth, dissemination, and oncogenic signaling compared to Nedd9+/+ allografts. Gene expression analysis revealed that Nedd9+/+ tumors exhibited more mesenchymal "stem-like" transcriptional program, including increased expression of Aldh1a1 and Aldh1a2. Conversely, loss of Nedd9 resulted in increased expression of differentiation genes, including fallopian tube markers Foxj1, Ovgp1, and Pax8. Collectively, these data suggest that tumor cell-intrinsic Nedd9 expression promotes OC development and progression by broad induction of oncogenic protein signaling and stem/mesenchymal gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid Gabbasov
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Fang Xiao
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura E Bickel
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shane W O'Brien
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Benrubi
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thuy-Vy Do
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel Litwin
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sachiko Seo
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, National Cancer Research Center East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Denise C Connolly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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44
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Haney S, Konen J, Marcus AI, Bazhenov M. The complex ecosystem in non small cell lung cancer invasion. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1006131. [PMID: 29795571 PMCID: PMC5991406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Many tumors are characterized by genetic instability, producing an assortment of genetic variants of tumor cells called subclones. These tumors and their surrounding environments form complex multi-cellular ecosystems, where subclones compete for resources and cooperate to perform multiple tasks, including cancer invasion. Our recent empirical studies revealed existence of such distinct phenotypes of cancer cells, leaders and followers, in lung cancer. These two cellular subclones exchange a complex array of extracellular signals demonstrating a symbiotic relationship at the cellular level. Here, we develop a computational model of the microenvironment of the lung cancer ecosystem to explore how the interactions between subclones can advance or inhibit invasion. We found that, due to the complexity of the ecosystem, invasion may have very different dynamics characterized by the different levels of aggressiveness. By altering the signaling environment, we could alter the ecological relationship between the cell types and the overall ecosystem development. Competition between leader and follower cell populations (defined by the limited amount of resources), positive feedback within the leader cell population (controlled by the focal adhesion kinase and fibronectin signaling), and impact of the follower cells to the leaders (represented by yet undetermined proliferation signal) all had major effects on the outcome of the collective dynamics. Specifically, our analysis revealed a class of tumors (defined by the strengths of fibronectin signaling and competition) that are particularly sensitive to manipulations of the signaling environment. These tumors can undergo irreversible changes to the tumor ecosystem that outlast the manipulations of feedbacks and have a profound impact on invasive potential. Our study predicts a complex division of labor between cancer cell subclones and suggests new treatment strategies targeting signaling within the tumor ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Haney
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America,* E-mail:
| | - Jessica Konen
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Adam I. Marcus
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Maxim Bazhenov
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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45
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Delgado-Bellido D, Fernández-Cortés M, Rodríguez MI, Serrano-Sáenz S, Carracedo A, Garcia-Diaz A, Oliver FJ. VE-cadherin promotes vasculogenic mimicry by modulating kaiso-dependent gene expression. Cell Death Differ 2018; 26:348-361. [PMID: 29786069 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant extra-vascular expression of VE-cadherin (VEC) has been observed in metastasis associated with vasculogenic mimicry (VM); however, the ultimate reason why non-endothelial VEC favors the acquisition of this phenotype is not established. In this study, we show that human malignant melanoma cells have a constitutively high expression of phoshoVEC (pVEC) at Y658; pVEC is a target of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and forms a complex with p120-catenin and the transcriptional repressor kaiso in the nucleus. FAK inhibition enabled kaiso to suppress the expression of its target genes and enhanced kaiso recruitment to KBS-containing promoters. Finally we have found that ablation of kaiso-repressed genes WNT11 and CCDN1 abolished VM. Thus, identification of pVEC as a component of the kaiso transcriptional complex establishes a molecular paradigm that links FAK-dependent phosphorylation of VEC as a major mechanism by which ectopical VEC expression exerts its function in VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Delgado-Bellido
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain.,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Fernández-Cortés
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain.,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Isabel Rodríguez
- Centro Pfizer-Universidad de Granada-Junta de Andalucía de Genómica e Investigación, Oncológica (GENYO), Granada, Spain
| | - Santiago Serrano-Sáenz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain.,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arkaitz Carracedo
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Spain
| | - Angel Garcia-Diaz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain.
| | - F Javier Oliver
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, Granada, Spain. .,CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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McKenzie AJ, Hicks SR, Svec KV, Naughton H, Edmunds ZL, Howe AK. The mechanical microenvironment regulates ovarian cancer cell morphology, migration, and spheroid disaggregation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7228. [PMID: 29740072 PMCID: PMC5940803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25589-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing appreciation of the importance of the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment on disease progression. However, the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and cellular mechanotransduction in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of substrate rigidity on various aspects of SKOV3 human EOC cell morphology and migration. Young’s modulus values of normal mouse peritoneum, a principal target tissue for EOC metastasis, were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and hydrogels were fabricated to mimic these values. We find that cell spreading, focal adhesion formation, myosin light chain phosphorylation, and cellular traction forces all increase on stiffer matrices. Substrate rigidity also positively regulates random cell migration and, importantly, directional increases in matrix tension promote SKOV3 cell durotaxis. Matrix rigidity also promotes nuclear translocation of YAP1, an oncogenic transcription factor associated with aggressive metastatic EOC. Furthermore, disaggregation of multicellular EOC spheroids, a behavior associated with dissemination and metastasis, is enhanced by matrix stiffness through a mechanotransduction pathway involving ROCK, actomyosin contractility, and FAK. Finally, this pattern of mechanosensitivity is maintained in highly metastatic SKOV3ip.1 cells. These results establish that the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment may play a role in EOC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J McKenzie
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, United States
| | - Stephanie R Hicks
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, United States
| | - Kathryn V Svec
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, United States
| | - Hannah Naughton
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, United States
| | - Zöe L Edmunds
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, United States
| | - Alan K Howe
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, United States.
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47
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CCL2/CCL5 secreted by the stroma induce IL-6/PYK2 dependent chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:47. [PMID: 29455640 PMCID: PMC5817856 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal residual disease is the main issue of advanced ovarian cancer treatment. According to the literature and previous results, we hypothesized that Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) could support this minimal residual disease by protecting ovarian cancer cells (OCC) from chemotherapy. In vitro study confirmed that MSC could induce OCC chemoresistance without contact using transwell setting. Further experiments showed that this induced chemoresistance was dependent on IL-6 OCC stimulation. METHODS We combined meticulous in vitro profiling and tumor xenograft models to study the role of IL-6 in MSC/OCC intereactions. RESULTS We demonstrated that Tocilizumab® (anti-IL-6R therapy) in association with chemotherapy significantly reduced the peritoneal carcinosis index (PCI) than chemotherapy alone in mice xenografted with OCCs+MSCs. Further experiments showed that CCL2 and CCL5 are released by MSC in transwell co-culture and induce OCCs IL-6 secretion and chemoresistance. Finally, we found that IL-6 induced chemoresistance was dependent on PYK2 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the potential key role of the stroma in protecting minimal residual disease from chemotherapy, thus favoring recurrences. Future clinical trials targeting stroma could use anti-IL-6 therapy in association with chemotherapy.
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Tomar S, Plotnik JP, Haley J, Scantland J, Dasari S, Sheikh Z, Emerson R, Lenz D, Hollenhorst PC, Mitra AK. ETS1 induction by the microenvironment promotes ovarian cancer metastasis through focal adhesion kinase. Cancer Lett 2018; 414:190-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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49
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Russo A, Czarnecki AA, Dean M, Modi DA, Lantvit DD, Hardy L, Baligod S, Davis DA, Wei JJ, Burdette JE. PTEN loss in the fallopian tube induces hyperplasia and ovarian tumor formation. Oncogene 2018; 37:1976-1990. [PMID: 29367766 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-017-0097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The signaling events involved in the onset of ovarian cancer from the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) are crucial for early detection and treatment of the disease, but they remain poorly defined. Conditional homozygous knockout of PTEN mediated by PAX8-cre recombinase was sufficient to drive endometrioid and serous borderline ovarian carcinoma, providing the first model of FTE-derived borderline tumors. In addition, heterozygous PTEN deletion in the FTE resulted in hyperplasia, providing a model to study early events of human ovarian pathogenesis. To uncover the mechanism underlying the invasion of cancerous oviductal cells to the ovary, PTEN-deficient murine oviductal cells were developed and tagged with green fluorescent protein. Loss of PTEN increased cell migration, invasion, and upregulated WNT4, a key regulator of Müllerian duct development during embryogenesis. Further investigation revealed that WNT4 was required for increased migration and colonization of the ovary by PTEN-deficient oviductal cells in a β-catenin independent manner. Human tumor microarrays and ovarian cancer cells lines confirmed WNT4 expression in cancer and its role in migration. Together, these findings provide a novel model to study the mechanism of fallopian tube tumor initiation and invasion to the ovary mediated by loss of PTEN, which may help to define early events of human ovarian carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Russo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Austin A Czarnecki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Dean
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dimple A Modi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel D Lantvit
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Laura Hardy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Seth Baligod
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David A Davis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, Reference Histology Laboratory,, J. Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jian-Jun Wei
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Tumor Microenvironment and Models of Ovarian Cancer: The 11th Biennial Rivkin Center Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2017; 27:S2-S9. [PMID: 29049091 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0000000000001119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review the latest research advances on the topics of the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment and models of ovarian cancer. METHODS In September 2016, a symposium of the leaders in the field of ovarian cancer research was convened to present and discuss current advances and future directions in ovarian cancer research. RESULTS One session was dedicated to Tumor Microenvironment and Models of Ovarian Cancer, and included a keynote presentation from Anil Sood, MD, and an invited oral presentation from David Huntsman, MD. Eight additional oral presentations were selected from abstract submissions. Twenty-nine abstracts were presented in poster format and can be grouped into the categories of stromal cells in the microenvironment, immune cells in the microenvironment, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis, metabolomics, and model systems including spheroids, murine models, and other animal models. CONCLUSIONS Rapid advances continue in our understanding of the influence of the tumor microenvironment on ovarian cancer progression and metastasis. Vascular endothelial cells, stromal cells, and immune cells all modulate epithelial tumor cell biology and therefore serve as potential targets for improved treatment responses either in conjunction with or instead of current treatment modalities. Characterization of the underlying genetic alterations in both the tumor cells and surrounding microenvironment cells enhances our understanding of tumor biology. Model systems including both in vitro and in vivo approaches allow novel advances. Technological advances including sequencing strategies, use of mass spectrometry for metabolomics and other studies, and bioengineering approaches all complement conventional methodologies to push forward our understanding and ultimately the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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