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Gomaa A, Maacha S, Peng D, Soutto M, Genoula M, Bhat N, Cao L, Zhu S, Castells A, Chen Z, Zaika A, McDonald OG, El-Rifai W. SOX9 is regulated by AURKA in response to Helicobacter pylori infection via EIF4E-mediated cap-dependent translation. Cancer Lett 2024; 593:216939. [PMID: 38729556 PMCID: PMC11175609 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216939] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the main risk factor for gastric cancer. The SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9) serves as a marker of stomach stem cells. We detected strong associations between AURKA and SOX9 expression levels in gastric cancers. Utilizing in vitro and in vivo mouse models, we demonstrated that H. pylori infection induced elevated levels of both AURKA and SOX9 proteins. Notably, the SOX9 protein and transcription activity levels were dependent on AURKA expression. AURKA knockdown led to a reduction in the number and size of gastric gland organoids. Conditional knockout of AURKA in mice resulted in a decrease in SOX9 baseline level in AURKA-knockout gastric glands, accompanied by diminished SOX9 induction following H. pylori infection. We found an AURKA-dependent increase in EIF4E and cap-dependent translation with an AURKA-EIF4E-dependent increase in SOX9 polysomal RNA levels. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated binding of AURKA to EIF4E with a decrease in EIF4E ubiquitination. Immunohistochemistry analysis on tissue arrays revealed moderate to strong immunostaining of AURKA and SOX9 with a significant correlation in gastric cancer tissues. These findings elucidate the mechanistic role of AURKA in regulating SOX9 levels via cap-dependent translation in response to H. pylori infection in gastric tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gomaa
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Selma Maacha
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Dunfa Peng
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mohammed Soutto
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Melanie Genoula
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nadeem Bhat
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Longlong Cao
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shoumin Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Antoni Castells
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clinic, CIBERehd, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander Zaika
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Oliver G McDonald
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miler School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA.
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Hosea R, Hillary S, Naqvi S, Wu S, Kasim V. The two sides of chromosomal instability: drivers and brakes in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:75. [PMID: 38553459 PMCID: PMC10980778 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01767-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer and is associated with tumor cell malignancy. CIN triggers a chain reaction in cells leading to chromosomal abnormalities, including deviations from the normal chromosome number or structural changes in chromosomes. CIN arises from errors in DNA replication and chromosome segregation during cell division, leading to the formation of cells with abnormal number and/or structure of chromosomes. Errors in DNA replication result from abnormal replication licensing as well as replication stress, such as double-strand breaks and stalled replication forks; meanwhile, errors in chromosome segregation stem from defects in chromosome segregation machinery, including centrosome amplification, erroneous microtubule-kinetochore attachments, spindle assembly checkpoint, or defective sister chromatids cohesion. In normal cells, CIN is deleterious and is associated with DNA damage, proteotoxic stress, metabolic alteration, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. Paradoxically, despite these negative consequences, CIN is one of the hallmarks of cancer found in over 90% of solid tumors and in blood cancers. Furthermore, CIN could endow tumors with enhanced adaptation capabilities due to increased intratumor heterogeneity, thereby facilitating adaptive resistance to therapies; however, excessive CIN could induce tumor cells death, leading to the "just-right" model for CIN in tumors. Elucidating the complex nature of CIN is crucial for understanding the dynamics of tumorigenesis and for developing effective anti-tumor treatments. This review provides an overview of causes and consequences of CIN, as well as the paradox of CIN, a phenomenon that continues to perplex researchers. Finally, this review explores the potential of CIN-based anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendy Hosea
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Sharon Hillary
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Sumera Naqvi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shourong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Vivi Kasim
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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3
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Saeed H, Leibowitz BJ, Zhang L, Yu J. Targeting Myc-driven stress addiction in colorectal cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 69:100963. [PMID: 37119690 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
MYC is a proto-oncogene that encodes a powerful regulator of transcription and cellular programs essential for normal development, as well as the growth and survival of various types of cancer cells. MYC rearrangement and amplification is a common cause of hematologic malignancies. In epithelial cancers such as colorectal cancer, genetic alterations in MYC are rare. Activation of Wnt, ERK/MAPK, and PI3K/mTOR pathways dramatically increases Myc levels through enhanced transcription, translation, and protein stability. Elevated Myc promotes stress adaptation, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion to drive cancer development and therapeutic resistance through broad changes in transcriptional and translational landscapes. Despite intense interest and effort, Myc remains a difficult drug target. Deregulation of Myc and its targets has profound effects that vary depending on the type of cancer and the context. Here, we summarize recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of Myc-driven oncogenesis centered around mRNA translation and proteostress. Promising strategies and agents under development to target Myc are also discussed with a focus on colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Saeed
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Brian J Leibowitz
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Chemical Biology and Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jian Yu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Upadhyaya SA, Campagne O, Billups CA, Orr BA, Onar-Thomas A, Tatevossian RG, Mostafavi R, Myers JR, Vinitsky A, Moreira DC, Lindsay HB, Kilburn L, Baxter P, Smith A, Crawford JR, Partap S, Bendel AE, Aguilera DG, Nichols KE, Rampersaud E, Ellison DW, Klimo P, Patay Z, Robinson GW, Broniscer A, Stewart CF, Wetmore C, Gajjar A. Phase II study of alisertib as a single agent for treating recurrent or progressive atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor. Neuro Oncol 2022; 25:386-397. [PMID: 35652336 PMCID: PMC9925713 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is, most often, a fatal pediatric malignancy with limited curative options. METHODS We conducted a phase II study of Aurora kinase A inhibitor alisertib in patients aged <22 years with recurrent AT/RT. Patients received alisertib once daily (80 mg/m2 as enteric-coated tablets or 60 mg/m2 as liquid formulation) on Days 1-7 of a 21-day cycle until progressive disease (PD) occurred. Alisertib plasma concentrations were measured in cycle 1 on Days 1 (single dose) and 7 (steady state) and analyzed with noncompartmental pharmacokinetics. Trial efficacy end point was ≥10 participants with stable disease (SD) or better at 12 weeks. RESULTS SD (n = 8) and partial response (PR) (n = 1) were observed among 30 evaluable patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 30.0% ± 7.9% at 6 months and 13.3% ± 5.6% at 1 year. One-year overall survival (OS) was 36.7% ± 8.4%. Two patients continued treatment for >12 months. PFS did not differ by AT/RT molecular groups. Neutropenia was the most common adverse effect (n = 23/30, 77%). The 22 patients who received liquid formulation had a higher mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of 10.1 ± 3.0 µM and faster time to Cmax (Tmax = 1.2 ± 0.7 h) than those who received tablets (Cmax = 5.7 ± 2.4 µM, Tmax = 3.4 ± 1.4 h). CONCLUSIONS Although the study did not meet predetermined efficacy end point, single-agent alisertib was well tolerated by children with recurrent AT/RT, and SD or PR was observed in approximately a third of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhosh A Upadhyaya
- Corresponding Author: Santhosh A. Upadhyaya, MD, Department of Oncology, MS 260, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA ()
| | - Olivia Campagne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine A Billups
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brent A Orr
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Arzu Onar-Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ruth G Tatevossian
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Roya Mostafavi
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jason R Myers
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Anna Vinitsky
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Holly B Lindsay
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsay Kilburn
- Division of Oncology, Children’s National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patricia Baxter
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amy Smith
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - John R Crawford
- Department of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sonia Partap
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Anne E Bendel
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Kim E Nichols
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Evadnie Rampersaud
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David W Ellison
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul Klimo
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zoltan Patay
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Giles W Robinson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alberto Broniscer
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Clinton F Stewart
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Amar Gajjar
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA,Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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5
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Lu H, Gomaa A, Wang-Bishop L, Ballout F, Hu T, McDonald O, Washington MK, Livingstone AS, Wang TC, Peng D, El-Rifai W, Chen Z. Unfolded Protein Response Is Activated by Aurora Kinase A in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1401. [PMID: 35326553 PMCID: PMC8946061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Unfolded protein response (UPR) protects malignant cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. We report that Aurora kinase A (AURKA) promotes cancer cell survival by activating UPR in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). A strong positive correlation between AURKA and binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP) mRNA expression levels was found in EACs. The in vitro assays indicated that AURKA promoted IRE1α protein phosphorylation, activating prosurvival UPR in FLO-1 and OE33 cells. The use of acidic bile salts to mimic reflux conditions in patients induced high AURKA and IRE1α levels. This induction was abrogated by AURKA knockdown in EAC cells. AURKA and p-IRE1α protein colocalization was observed in neoplastic gastroesophageal lesions of the L2-IL1b mouse model of Barrett's esophageal neoplasia. The combined treatment using AURKA inhibitor and tunicamycin synergistically induced cancer cell death. The use of alisertib for AURKA inhibition in the EAC xenograft model led to a decrease in IRE1α phosphorylation with a significant reduction in tumor growth. These results indicate that AURKA activates UPR, promoting cancer cell survival during ER stress in EAC. Targeting AURKA can significantly reverse prosurvival UPR signaling mechanisms and decrease cancer cell survival, providing a promising approach for the treatment of EAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lu
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Ahmed Gomaa
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Lihong Wang-Bishop
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
| | - Farah Ballout
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Tianling Hu
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Oliver McDonald
- Department of Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Mary Kay Washington
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
| | - Alan S. Livingstone
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Timothy C. Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Dunfa Peng
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Zheng Chen
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (H.L.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (T.H.); (A.S.L.); (W.E.-R.)
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6
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Boos SL, Loevenich LP, Vosberg S, Engleitner T, Öllinger R, Kumbrink J, Rokavec M, Michl M, Greif PA, Jung A, Hermeking H, Neumann J, Kirchner T, Rad R, Jung P. Disease Modeling on Tumor Organoids Implicates AURKA as a Therapeutic Target in Liver Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:517-540. [PMID: 34700030 PMCID: PMC8688726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patient-derived tumor organoids recapitulate the characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) and provide an ideal platform for preclinical evaluation of personalized treatment options. We aimed to model the acquisition of chemotolerance during first-line combination chemotherapy in metastatic CRC organoids. METHODS We performed next-generation sequencing to study the evolution of KRAS wild-type CRC organoids during adaptation to irinotecan-based chemotherapy combined with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 protein (Cas9)-editing showed the specific effect of KRASG12D acquisition in drug-tolerant organoids. Compound treatment strategies involving Aurora kinase A (AURKA) inhibition were assessed for their capability to induce apoptosis in a drug-persister background. Immunohistochemical detection of AURKA was performed on a patient-matched cohort of primary tumors and derived liver metastases. RESULTS Adaptation to combination chemotherapy was accompanied by transcriptomic rather than gene mutational alterations in CRC organoids. Drug-tolerant cells evaded apoptosis and up-regulated MYC (c-myelocytomatosis oncogene product)/E2F1 (E2 family transcription factor 1) and/or interferon-α-related gene expression. Introduction of KRASG12D further increased the resilience of drug-persister CRC organoids against combination therapy. AURKA inhibition restored an apoptotic response in drug-tolerant KRAS-wild-type organoids. In dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- pathway blockade-primed CRC organoids expressing KRASG12D, AURKA inhibition augmented apoptosis in cases that had acquired increased c-MYC protein levels during chemotolerance development. In patient-matched CRC cohorts, AURKA expression was increased in primary tumors and derived liver metastases. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasizes the potential of patient-derived CRC organoids in modeling chemotherapy tolerance ex vivo. The applied therapeutic strategy of dual EGFR pathway blockade in combination with AURKA inhibition may prove effective for second-line treatment of chemotolerant CRC liver metastases with acquired KRAS mutation and increased AURKA/c-MYC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L. Boos
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung) Research Group, Oncogenic Signaling Pathways of Colorectal Cancer, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Leon P. Loevenich
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung) Research Group, Oncogenic Signaling Pathways of Colorectal Cancer, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Vosberg
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Kumbrink
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Matjaz Rokavec
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Marlies Michl
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp A. Greif
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Jung
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Heiko Hermeking
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Neumann
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Jung
- German Cancer Research Center, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung), Partner Site Munich, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung) Research Group, Oncogenic Signaling Pathways of Colorectal Cancer, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany,Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Peter Jung, Dr.rer.nat., Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Institut of Pathology, Thalkirchner Straße 36, D-80337, Munich, Germany. Fax: +49 89 21 80 736 04
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7
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Novais P, Silva PMA, Amorim I, Bousbaa H. Second-Generation Antimitotics in Cancer Clinical Trials. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1011. [PMID: 34371703 PMCID: PMC8309102 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13071011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitosis represents a promising target to block cancer cell proliferation. Classical antimitotics, mainly microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, are amongst the most successful anticancer drugs. By disrupting microtubules, they activate the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which induces a prolonged delay in mitosis, expected to induce cell death. However, resistance, toxicity, and slippage limit the MTA's effectiveness. With the desire to overcome some of the MTA's limitations, mitotic and SAC components have attracted great interest as promising microtubule-independent targets, leading to the so-called second-generation antimitotics (SGAs). The identification of inhibitors against most of these targets, and the promising outcomes achieved in preclinical assays, has sparked the interest of academia and industry. Many of these inhibitors have entered clinical trials; however, they exhibited limited efficacy as monotherapy, and failed to go beyond phase II trials. Combination therapies are emerging as promising strategies to give a second chance to these SGAs. Here, an updated view of the SGAs that reached clinical trials is here provided, together with future research directions, focusing on inhibitors that target the SAC components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Novais
- CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (IINFACTS), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.N.); (P.M.A.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M. A. Silva
- CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (IINFACTS), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.N.); (P.M.A.S.)
| | - Isabel Amorim
- GreenUPorto (Sustainable Agrifood Production) Research Center, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Hassan Bousbaa
- CESPU, Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (IINFACTS), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (P.N.); (P.M.A.S.)
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8
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Serrano-Del Valle A, Reina-Ortiz C, Benedi A, Anel A, Naval J, Marzo I. Future prospects for mitosis-targeted antitumor therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114655. [PMID: 34129859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of cell cycle progression is a hallmark of cancer cells. In recent years, efforts have been devoted to the development of new therapies that target proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and mitosis. Novel targeted antimitotic drugs include inhibitors of aurora kinase family, polo-like kinase 1, Mps1, Eg5, CENP-5 and the APC/cyclosome complex. While certain new inhibitors reached the clinical trial stage, most were discontinued due to negative results. However, these therapies should not be readily dismissed. Based on recent advances concerning their mechanisms of action, new strategies could be devised to increase their efficacy and promote further clinical trials. Here we discuss three main lines of action to empower these therapeutic approaches: increasing cell death signals during mitotic arrest, targeting senescent cells and facilitating antitumor immune response through immunogenic cell death (ICD).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chantal Reina-Ortiz
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Andrea Benedi
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Alberto Anel
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Javier Naval
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Isabel Marzo
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain.
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9
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Jabbour SK, Williams TM, Sayan M, Miller ED, Ajani JA, Chang AC, Coleman N, El-Rifai W, Haddock M, Ilson D, Jamorabo D, Kunos C, Lin S, Liu G, Prasanna PG, Rustgi AK, Wong R, Vikram B, Ahmed MM. Potential Molecular Targets in the Setting of Chemoradiation for Esophageal Malignancies. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021; 113:665-679. [PMID: 33351071 PMCID: PMC8600025 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djaa195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the development of effective combined chemoradiation regimens for esophageal cancers has resulted in statistically significant survival benefits, the majority of patients treated with curative intent develop locoregional and/or distant relapse. Further improvements in disease control and survival will require the development of individualized therapy based on the knowledge of host and tumor genomics and potentially harnessing the host immune system. Although there are a number of gene targets that are amplified and proteins that are overexpressed in esophageal cancers, attempts to target several of these have not proven successful in unselected patients. Herein, we review our current state of knowledge regarding the molecular pathways implicated in esophageal carcinoma, and the available agents for targeting these pathways that may rationally be combined with standard chemoradiation, with the hope that this commentary will guide future efforts of novel combinations of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma K Jabbour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Terence M Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mutlay Sayan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Eric D Miller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew C Chang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Surgery, Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Norman Coleman
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami Healthcare System, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael Haddock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - David Ilson
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Charles Kunos
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Steven Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geoffrey Liu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pataje G Prasanna
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosemary Wong
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Bhadrasain Vikram
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mansoor M Ahmed
- Radiation Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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10
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Semrad TJ, Kim EJ, Gong IY, Li T, Christensen S, Arora M, Riess JW, Gandara DR, Kelly K. Phase 1 study of alisertib (MLN8237) and weekly irinotecan in adults with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 88:335-341. [PMID: 33993383 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-021-04293-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aurora kinases are overexpressed or amplified in numerous malignancies. This study was designed to determine the safety and tolerability of the Aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) when combined with weekly irinotecan. METHODS In this single-center phase 1 study, adult patients with refractory advanced solid tumors received 100 mg/m2 irinotecan intravenously on day 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Alisertib at planned escalating dose levels of 20-60 mg was administered orally twice per day on days 1-3 and 8-10. Patients homozygous for UGT1A1*28 were excluded. The primary objective was the safety of alisertib when combined with irinotecan to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included overall response rate by RECIST and pharmacokinetics in a planned expansion cohort of patients with colorectal cancer treated at the MTD. RESULTS A total of 17 patients enrolled at three dose levels. Dose-limiting toxicities included diarrhea, dehydration, and neutropenia. The MTD of alisertib combined with weekly irinotecan was 20 mg twice per day on days 1-3 and 8-10. One fatal cardiac arrest at the highest dose level tested was deemed possibly related to drug treatment. One partial response in 11 efficacy evaluable patients (9%) occurred in a patient with small cell lung cancer. The study was terminated prior to the planned expansion in patients with colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION In contrast to prior results in a pediatric population, adult patients did not tolerate alisertib combined with irinotecan at clinically meaningful doses due to hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under study number NCT01923337 on Aug 15, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Semrad
- Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, 10121 Pine Avenue, Truckee, CA, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Edward J Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - I-Yeh Gong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Tianhong Li
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Scott Christensen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mili Arora
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Riess
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - David R Gandara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Karen Kelly
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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11
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Abstract
Introduction: Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases, and promote mitotic spindle assembly by regulating centrosome duplication and separation. Aurora kinases are overexpressed in a variety of tumor cell lines, thus, the use of Aurora kinase small-molecule inhibitors has become a potential treatment option for cancer.Areas covered: As a continuing review of Aurora kinase inhibitors and their patents published in 2009, 2011 and 2014. Herein, we updated the information for Aurora kinase inhibitors in clinical trials and the patents filed from 2014 to 2020. PubMed, Scopus, SciFinder, and www.clinicaltrials.gov databases were used for searching the clinical information and patents of Aurora kinase inhibitors.Expert opinion: Even though Aurora A or B selective as well as pan inhibitors show preclinical and clinical efficacy, so far, no Aurora kinase inhibitor has been approved for clinical use. Preliminary evidence suggested that highly selective Aurora kinase or multi-target inhibitors as a single agent as well as in combination therapy are still the current main development trend of Aurora kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Li Jing
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shi-Wu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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12
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Lin X, Xiang X, Hao L, Wang T, Lai Y, Abudoureyimu M, Zhou H, Feng B, Chu X, Wang R. The role of Aurora-A in human cancers and future therapeutics. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:2705-2729. [PMID: 33042612 PMCID: PMC7539775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora-A is a mitotic serine/threonine-protein kinase and an oncogene. In normal cells, Aurora-A appears from G2 phase and localizes at the centrosome, where it participates in centrosome replication, isolation and maturation. Aurora-A also maintains Golgi apparatus structure and spindle assembly. Aurora-A undergoes ubiquitination-mediated degradation after the cell division phase. Aurora-A is abnormally expressed in tumor cells and promotes cell proliferation by regulating mitotic substrates, such as PP1, PLK1, TPX2, and LAST2, and affects other molecules through a non-mitotic pathway to promote cell invasion and metastasis. Some molecules in tumor cells also indirectly act on Aurora-A to regulate tumor cells. Aurora-A also mediates resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is involved in tumor immunotherapy. Clinical trials of Aurora-A molecular inhibitors are currently underway, and clinical transformation is just around the corner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrong Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xiaosong Xiang
- Affiliated Jinling Hospital Research Institution of General Surgery, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Liping Hao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Yongting Lai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Mubalake Abudoureyimu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Bing Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
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