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De-Leon-Covarrubias UE, Perez-Trujillo JJ, Villa-Cedillo SA, Martinez-Perez AG, Montes-de-Oca-Saucedo CR, Loera-Arias MDJ, Garcia-Garcia A, Saucedo-Cardenas O, Montes-de-Oca-Luna R. Unlocking the Potential: Caloric Restriction, Caloric Restriction Mimetics, and Their Impact on Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Metabolites 2024; 14:418. [PMID: 39195514 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14080418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR) and its related alternatives have been shown to be the only interventions capable of extending lifespan and decreasing the risk of cancer, along with a reduction in burden in pre-clinical trials. Nevertheless, the results from clinical trials have not been as conclusive as the pre-clinical results. Recognizing the challenges associated with long-term fasting, the application of caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs), pharmacological agents that mimic the molecular effects of CR, to harness the potential benefits while overcoming the practical limitations of fasting has resulted in an interesting alternative. This review synthesizes the findings of diverse clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of CR and CRMs. In dietary interventions, a fast-mimicking diet was the most tolerated to reduce tumoral growth markers and chemotherapy side effects. CRMs were well tolerated, and metformin and aspirin showed the most promising effect in reducing cancer risk in a selected group of patients. The application of CR and/or CRMs shows promising effects in anti-cancer therapy; however, there is a need for more evidence to safely include these interventions in standard-of-care therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Juan Perez-Trujillo
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Sheila Adela Villa-Cedillo
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | | | | | - Maria de Jesus Loera-Arias
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Aracely Garcia-Garcia
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Odila Saucedo-Cardenas
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Roberto Montes-de-Oca-Luna
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
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2
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Pedini G, Chen CL, Achsel T, Bagni C. Cancer drug repurposing in autism spectrum disorder. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:963-977. [PMID: 37940430 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.008] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with uncertain origins. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying ASD remains limited, and treatments are lacking. Genetic diversity complicates drug development. Given the complexity and severity of ASD symptoms and the rising number of diagnoses, exploring novel therapeutic strategies is essential. Here, we focus on shared molecular pathways between ASD and cancer and highlight recent progress on the repurposing of cancer drugs for ASD treatment, such as mTOR inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents. We discuss how to improve trial design considering drug dose and patient age. Lastly, the discussion explores the critical aspects of side effects, commercial factors, and the efficiency of drug-screening pipelines; all of which are essential considerations in the pursuit of repurposing cancer drugs for addressing core features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pedini
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chin-Lin Chen
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bagni
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy; University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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3
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Kao TW, Bai GH, Wang TL, Shih IM, Chuang CM, Lo CL, Tsai MC, Chiu LY, Lin CC, Shen YA. Novel cancer treatment paradigm targeting hypoxia-induced factor in conjunction with current therapies to overcome resistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:171. [PMID: 37460927 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are established cancer treatment modalities that are widely used due to their demonstrated efficacy against tumors and favorable safety profiles or tolerability. Nevertheless, treatment resistance continues to be one of the most pressing unsolved conundrums in cancer treatment. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate cellular responses to hypoxia by activating genes involved in various adaptations, including erythropoiesis, glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Despite this critical function, overexpression of HIFs has been observed in numerous cancers, leading to resistance to therapy and disease progression. In recent years, much effort has been poured into developing innovative cancer treatments that target the HIF pathway. Combining HIF inhibitors with current cancer therapies to increase anti-tumor activity and diminish treatment resistance is one strategy for combating therapeutic resistance. This review focuses on how HIF inhibitors could be applied in conjunction with current cancer treatments, including those now being evaluated in clinical trials, to usher in a new era of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wan Kao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
| | - Geng-Hao Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 100225, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans StreetRoom 306, Baltimore, MD, CRB221231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans StreetRoom 306, Baltimore, MD, CRB221231, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chi-Mu Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112201, Taiwan
- Department of Midwifery and Women Health Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112303, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Liang Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation and Translation Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chen Tsai
- Department of General Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yun Chiu
- Department of General Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 104217, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Chien Lin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
- International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan.
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4
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Merhi M, Ahmad F, Taib N, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Shablak A, Dermime S. The complex network of transcription factors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and stemness features in colorectal cancer: A recent update. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:1-17. [PMID: 36621515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is regulated by several mechanisms that include co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory molecules known as immune checkpoints expressed by the immune cells. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3 and PD-1 are the major co-inhibitory checkpoints involved in tumor development and progression. On the other hand, the deregulation of transcription factors and cancer stem cells activity plays a major role in the development of drug resistance and in the spread of metastatic disease in CRC. In this review, we describe how the modulation of such transcription factors affects the response of CRC to therapies. We also focus on the role of cancer stem cells in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance and discuss both preclinical and clinical approaches for targeting stem cells to prevent their tumorigenic effect. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC and discuss the regulatory effects of transcription factors on the expression of the immune inhibitory checkpoints with specific focus on the PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alaaeldin Shablak
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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5
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Wang C, Aikemu B, Shao Y, Zhang S, Yang G, Hong H, Huang L, Jia H, Yang X, Zheng M, Sun J, Li J. Genomic signature of MTOR could be an immunogenicity marker in human colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:818. [PMID: 35883111 PMCID: PMC9327395 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09901-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer. As a master regulator, the status of MTOR affects pathway activity and the efficacy of mTOR inhibitor therapy. However, little research has been performed to explore MTOR in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods In this study, gene expression and clinical data were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Signaling pathways related to MTOR in CRC were identified by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Somatic mutation data were downloaded from TCGA and analyzed using the maftools R package. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and CIBERSORT were used to analyze correlations between MTOR and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Finally, we detected MTOR mutations in a CRC cohort from our database using whole-exome sequencing. Results We found that MTOR was overexpressed in Asian CRC patients and associated with a poor prognosis. Enrichment analysis showed that MTOR was involved in metabolism, cell adhesion, and translation pathways in CRC. High MTOR expression was correlated with high tumor mutation burden (TMB) and several TIICs. Finally, we found that the mTOR signaling pathway was activated in CRC lines characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI), and the frequency of MTOR mutations was higher in MSI-high (MSI-H) patients than in microsatellite stable (MSS) patients. Conclusions MTOR may represent a comprehensive indicator of prognosis and immunological status in CRC. The genomic signatures of MTOR may provide guidance for exploring the role of mTOR inhibitors in CRC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09901-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Batuer Aikemu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yanfei Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hiju Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hongtao Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Minhua Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jianwen Li
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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6
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Bahrami Y, Bouk S, Kakaei E, Taheri M. Natural Products from Actinobacteria as a Potential Source of New Therapies Against Colorectal Cancer: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:929161. [PMID: 35899111 PMCID: PMC9310018 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.929161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common, and deadly disease. Despite the improved knowledge on CRC heterogeneity and advances in the medical sciences, there is still an urgent need to cope with the challenges and side effects of common treatments for the disease. Natural products (NPs) have always been of interest for the development of new medicines. Actinobacteria are known to be prolific producers of a wide range of bioactive NPs, and scientific evidence highlights their important protective role against CRC. This review is a holistic picture on actinobacter-derived cytotoxic compounds against CRC that provides a good perspective for drug development and design in near future. This review also describes the chemical structure of 232 NPs presenting anti-CRC activity with the being majority of quinones, lactones, alkaloids, peptides, and glycosides. The study reveals that most of these NPs are derived from marine actinobacteria followed by terrestrial and endophytic actinobacteria, respectively. They are predominantly produced by Streptomyces, Micromonospors, Saliniospors and Actinomadura, respectively, in which Streptomyces, as the predominant contributor generating over 76% of compounds exclusively. Besides it provides a valuable snapshot of the chemical structure-activity relationship of compounds, highlighting the presence or absence of some specific atoms and chemical units in the structure of compounds can greatly influence their biological activities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review on natural actinobacterial compounds affecting different types of CRC. Our study reveals that the high diversity of actinobacterial strains and their NPs derivatives, described here provides a new perspective and direction for the production of new anti-CRC drugs and paves the way to innovation for drugs discovery in the future. The knowledge obtain from this review can help us to understand the pivotal application of actinobacteria in future drugs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadollah Bahrami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Yadollah Bahrami, ; Mohammad Taheri,
| | - Sasan Bouk
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Elham Kakaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Yadollah Bahrami, ; Mohammad Taheri,
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7
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Conciatori F, Salvati E, Ciuffreda L, Shirasawa S, Falcone I, Cognetti F, Ferretti G, Zeuli M, Del Bufalo D, Bazzichetto C, Milella M. Fibroblast-Induced Paradoxical PI3K Pathway Activation in PTEN-Competent Colorectal Cancer: Implications for Therapeutic PI3K/mTOR Inhibition. Front Oncol 2022; 12:862806. [PMID: 35719951 PMCID: PMC9203999 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.862806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Tumor-microenvironment interactions are important determinants of drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). We, therefore, set out to understand how interactions between genetically characterized CRC cells and stromal fibroblasts might influence response to molecularly targeted inhibitors. Techniques Sensitivity to PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors of CRC cell lines, with known genetic background, was investigated under different culture conditions [serum-free medium, fibroblasts’ conditioned medium (CM), direct co-culture]. Molecular pathway activation was monitored using Western Blot analysis. Immunoprecipitation was used to detect specific mTOR complex activation. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze cellular PTEN distribution, while different mutant PTEN plasmids were used to map the observed function to specific PTEN protein domains. Results Exposure to fibroblast-CM resulted in increased growth-inhibitory response to double PI3K/mTOR inhibitors in PTEN-competent CRC cell lines harboring KRAS and PI3K mutations. Such functional effect was attributable to fibroblast-CM induced paradoxical PI3K/mTORC1 pathway activation, occurring in the presence of a functional PTEN protein. At a molecular level, fibroblast-CM induced C-tail phosphorylation and cytoplasmic redistribution of the PTEN protein, thereby impairing its lipid phosphatase function and favored the formation of active, RAPTOR-containing, mTORC1 complexes. However, PTEN’s lipid phosphatase function appeared to be dispensable, while complex protein-protein interactions, also involving PTEN/mTOR co-localization and subcellular distribution, were crucial for both mTORC1 activation and sensitivity to double PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. Data Interpretation Microenvironmental cues, in particular soluble factors produced by stromal fibroblasts, profoundly influence PI3K pathway signaling and functional response to specific inhibitors in CRC cells, depending on their mutational background and PTEN status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Conciatori
- Medical Oncology 1, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.,Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology -National Research Council (BPM-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Ciuffreda
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation (SAFU), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Senji Shirasawa
- Central Research Institute for Advanced Molecular Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Italia Falcone
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation (SAFU), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cognetti
- Medical Oncology 1, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Ferretti
- Medical Oncology 1, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Zeuli
- Medical Oncology 1, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Bazzichetto
- Medical Oncology 1, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.,Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
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8
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Luo Q, Du R, Liu W, Huang G, Dong Z, Li X. PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway: Role in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Regulatory Mechanisms and Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:852383. [PMID: 35392233 PMCID: PMC8980269 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is the most common type of esophageal cancer worldwide, mainly occurring in the Asian esophageal cancer belt, including northern China, Iran, and parts of Africa. Phosphatidlinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the most important cellular signaling pathways, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, migration, metabolism and proliferation. In addition, mutations in some molecules of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway are closely associated with survival and prognosis in ESCC patients. A large number of studies have found that there are many molecules in ESCC that can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Overexpression of these molecules often causes aberrant activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Currently, several effective PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors have been developed, which can play anticancer roles either alone or in combination with other inhibitors. This review mainly introduces the general situation of ESCC, the composition and function of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and regulatory factors that interact with PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, mutations and inhibitors of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in ESCC are also elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruijuan Du
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenting Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guojing Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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9
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Sanaei MJ, Baghery Saghchy Khorasani A, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Shahrokh S, Zali MR, Bashash D. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in colorectal cancer: Oncogenic alterations, non-coding RNAs, therapeutic opportunities, and the emerging role of nanoparticles. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1720-1752. [PMID: 34897682 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest human malignancies worldwide. Several molecular pathways have been demonstrated to be involved in the initiation and development of CRC which among them, the overactivation of the phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR axis is of importance. The current review aims to unravel the mechanisms by which the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway affects CRC progression; and also, to summarize the original data obtained from international research laboratories on the oncogenic alterations and polymorphisms affecting this pathway in CRC. Besides, we provide a special focus on the regulatory role of noncoding RNAs targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in this malignancy. Questions on how this axis is involved in the inhibition of apoptosis, in the induction of drug resistance, and the angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastasis are also responded. We also discussed the PI3K/Akt pathway-associated prognostic and predictive biomarkers in CRC. In addition, we provide a general overview of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition whether by chemical-based drugs or by natural-based medications in the context of CRC, either as monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic agents; however, those treatments might have life-threatening side effects and toxicities. To the best of our knowledge, the current review is one of the first ones highlighting the emerging roles of nanotechnology to overcome challenges related to CRC therapy in the hope that providing a promising platform for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Shahrokh
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Teo MYM, Fong JY, Lim WM, In LLA. Current Advances and Trends in KRAS Targeted Therapies for Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 20:30-44. [PMID: 34462329 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kirsten Rat Sarcoma (KRAS) gene somatic point mutations is one of the most prominently mutated proto-oncogenes known to date, and accounts for approximately 60% of all colorectal cancer cases. One of the most exciting drug development areas against colorectal cancer is the targeting of undruggable kinases and kinase-substrate molecules, although whether and how they can be integrated with other therapies remains a question. Current clinical trial data have provided supporting evidence on the use of combination treatment involving MEK inhibitors and either one of the PI3K inhibitors for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to avoid the development of resistance and provide effective therapeutic outcome rather than using a single agent alone. Many clinical trials are also ongoing to evaluate different combinations of these pathway inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy for patients with colorectal cancer whose current palliative treatment options are limited. Nevertheless, continued assessment of these targeted cancer therapies will eventually allow patients with colorectal cancer to be treated using a personalized medicine approach. In this review, the most recent scientific approaches and clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations directly or indirectly for the management of colorectal cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Yee Mun Teo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jung Yin Fong
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wan Ming Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lionel Lian Aun In
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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11
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Matsuoka T, Yashiro M. Molecular-targeted therapy toward precision medicine for gastrointestinal cancer: Current progress and challenges. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:366-390. [PMID: 34040699 PMCID: PMC8131909 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i5.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer remains the deadliest cancer in the world. The current standard treatment for GI cancer focuses on 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapeutic regimens and surgery, and molecular-targeted therapy is expected to be a more effective and less toxic therapeutic strategy for GI cancer. There is well-established evidence for the use of epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted and vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted antibodies, which should routinely be incorporated into treatment strategies for GI cancer. Other potential therapeutic targets involve the PI3K/AKT pathway, tumor growth factor-β pathway, mesenchymal-epithelial transition pathway, WNT pathway, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and immune checkpoints. Many clinical trials assessing the agents of targeted therapy are underway and have presented promising and thought-provoking results. With the development of molecular biology techniques, we can identify more targetable molecular alterations in larger patient populations with GI cancer. Targeting these molecules will allow us to reach the goal of precision medicine and improve the outcomes of patients with GI cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasuku Matsuoka
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Masakazu Yashiro
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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12
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Transcriptomic Profiling for the Autophagy Pathway in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197101. [PMID: 32993062 PMCID: PMC7582824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of autophagy in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis appears to be crucial. Autophagy acts both as a tumor suppressor, by removing redundant cellular material, and a tumor-promoting factor, by providing access to components necessary for growth, metabolism, and proliferation. To date, little is known about the expression of genes that play a basal role in the autophagy in CRC. In this study, we aimed to compare the expression levels of 46 genes involved in the autophagy pathway between tumor-adjacent and tumor tissue, employing large RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and microarray datasets. Additionally, we verified our results using data on 38 CRC cell lines. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a significant deregulation of autophagy-related gene sets in CRC. The unsupervised clustering of tumors using the mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes revealed the existence of two major clusters: microsatellite instability (MSI)-enriched and -depleted. In cluster 1 (MSI-depleted), ATG9B and LAMP1 genes were the most prominently expressed, whereas cluster 2 (MSI-enriched) was characterized by DRAM1 upregulation. CRC cell lines were also clustered according to MSI-enriched/-depleted subgroups. The moderate deregulation of autophagy-related genes in cancer tissue, as compared to adjacent tissue, suggests a prominent field cancerization or early disruption of autophagy. Genes differentiating these clusters are promising candidates for CRC targeting therapy worthy of further investigation.
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13
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Pádua D, Figueira P, Ribeiro I, Almeida R, Mesquita P. The Relevance of Transcription Factors in Gastric and Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells Identification and Eradication. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:442. [PMID: 32626705 PMCID: PMC7314965 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric and colorectal cancers have a high incidence and mortality worldwide. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor mass has been indicated as the main reason for tumor relapse, metastasis and therapy resistance, leading to poor overall survival. Thus, the elimination of CSCs became a crucial goal for cancer treatment. The identification of these cells has been performed by using cell-surface markers, a reliable approach, however it lacks specificity and usually differs among tumor type and in some cases even within the same type. In theory, the ideal CSC markers are those that are required to maintain their stemness features. The knowledge that CSCs exhibit characteristics comparable to normal stem cells that could be associated with the expression of similar transcription factors (TFs) including SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and c-Myc, and signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog (Hh), Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR directed the attention to the use of these similarities to identify and target CSCs in different tumor types. Several studies have demonstrated that the abnormal expression of some TFs and the dysregulation of signaling pathways are associated with tumorigenesis and CSC phenotype. The disclosure of common and appropriate biomarkers for CSCs will provide an incredible tool for cancer prognosis and treatment. Therefore, this review aims to gather the new insights in gastric and colorectal CSC identification specially by using TFs as biomarkers and divulge promising drugs that have been found and tested for targeting these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pádua
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Figueira
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Ribeiro
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Almeida
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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14
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Santana VM, Sahr N, Tatevossian RG, Jia S, Campagne O, Sykes A, Stewart CF, Furman WL, McGregor LM. A phase 1 trial of everolimus and bevacizumab in children with recurrent solid tumors. Cancer 2020; 126:1749-1757. [PMID: 31967673 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32722] [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] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis for children with recurrent solid tumors generally is poor. Targeting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and vascular endothelial growth factor A with everolimus and bevacizumab, respectively, synergistically improves progression-free survival and is well tolerated in adults with solid tumors. METHODS In the current phase 1 study, a total of 15 children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors were treated with bevacizumab and everolimus to establish the maximum tolerated dose, toxicity, and preliminary antitumor response (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00756340). The authors also evaluated everolimus-mediated inhibition of the mTOR pathway in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of treated patients. RESULTS Tumors predominantly were soft tissue and/or bone sarcomas (8 cases) and brain tumors (5 cases). The first 2 patients enrolled at dose level 1 (10 mg/kg of bevacizumab and 4 mg/m2 of everolimus) experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). The next 5 patients were enrolled at dose level 0 (8 mg/kg of bevacizumab and 4 mg/m2 of everolimus), and DLTs occurred in 2 patients. The authors then modified the protocol to permit expansion of dose 0, and 8 additional patients were added, with no DLTs reported. Of all the patients, stable disease occurred in 4 patients (30.8%; median, 2 courses), and progressive disease occurred in 9 patients (69.2%). Overall survival was 0.59 years (95% CI, 0.24-1.05 years). The mTOR biomarker phospho-4EBP1 Thr/37/46 significantly decreased from baseline to day 27 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (P = .045). Phospho-AKT levels also decreased from those at baseline. CONCLUSIONS The maximum tolerated dose of cotreatment with bevacizumab and everolimus was 8 mg/kg of bevacizumab and 4 mg/m2 of everolimus in a 4-week cycle for children with recurrent solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Santana
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Natasha Sahr
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ruth G Tatevossian
- Diagnostic Biomarkers Shared Resource, Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Sujuan Jia
- Diagnostic Biomarkers Shared Resource, Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Olivia Campagne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - April Sykes
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Clinton F Stewart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Wayne L Furman
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Lisa M McGregor
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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15
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PTEN in Colorectal Cancer: Shedding Light on Its Role as Predictor and Target. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111765. [PMID: 31717544 PMCID: PMC6896095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular assessment of colorectal cancer (CRC) is receiving growing attention, beyond RAS and BRAF, because of its influence on prognosis and prediction in cancer treatment. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue), a tumor suppressor, regulating cell division and apoptosis, has been explored, and significant evidence suggests a role in cetuximab and panitumumab resistance linked to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signal transduction pathway. Factors influencing PTEN activity should be analyzed to develop strategies to maximize the tumor suppressor role and to improve tumor response to cancer treatment. Therefore, an in-depth knowledge of the PI3K-Akt pathway—one of the major cancer survival pathways—and the role of PTEN—a major brake of this pathway—is essential in the era of precision medicine. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize the role of PTEN as a predictive factor and possible therapeutic target in CRC, focusing on ongoing studies and the possible implications in clinical practice.
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