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Ullah A, Razzaq A, Zhou C, Ullah N, Shehzadi S, Aziz T, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Iqbal H. Biological Significance of EphB4 Expression in Cancer. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:244-255. [PMID: 37909437 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037269589231017055642] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands comprise a vital cell communication system with several functions. In cancer cells, there was evidence of bilateral Eph receptor signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting actions. As a member of the Eph receptor family, EphB4 has been linked to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis, which makes it a viable and desirable target for drug development in therapeutic applications. Many investigations have been conducted over the last decade to elucidate the structure and function of EphB4 in association with its ligand ephrinB2 for its involvement in tumorigenesis. Although several EphB4-targeting drugs have been investigated, and some selective inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical trials. This article addresses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyses its possibility as an anticancer therapeutic target, and summarises knowledge of EphB4 kinase inhibitors. To summarise, EphB4 is a difficult but potential treatment option for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ullah
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anam Razzaq
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chuanzan Zhou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 818 Nelson Ave, 71272, USA
| | - Somia Shehzadi
- University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Westlake University, School of Engineering, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Mohammad Y Alfaifi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haroon Iqbal
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
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The EPH/Ephrin System in Gynecological Cancers: Focusing on the Roots of Carcinogenesis for Better Patient Management. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063249. [PMID: 35328669 PMCID: PMC8949008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers represent some of the most common types of malignancy worldwide. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) comprise the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, binding membrane-bound proteins called ephrins. EPHs/ephrins exhibit widespread expression in different cell types, playing an important role in carcinogenesis. The aim of the current review was to examine the dysregulation of the EPH/ephrin system in gynecological cancer, clarifying its role in ovarian, endometrial, and cervical carcinogenesis. In order to identify relevant studies, a literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases. The search terms ephrin, ephrin receptor, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer were employed and we were able to identify 57 studies focused on gynecological cancer and published between 2001 and 2021. All researched ephrins seemed to be upregulated in gynecological cancer, whereas EPHs showed either significant overexpression or extensive loss of expression in gynecological tumors, depending on the particular receptor. EPHA2, the most extensively studied EPH in ovarian cancer, exhibited overexpression both in ovarian carcinoma cell lines and patient tissue samples, while EPHB4 was found to be upregulated in endometrial cancer in a series of studies. EPHs/ephrins were shown to exert their role in different stages of gynecological cancer and to influence various clinicopathological parameters. The analysis of patients’ gynecological cancer tissue samples, most importantly, revealed the significant role of the EPH/ephrin system in the development and progression of gynecological cancer, as well as overall patient survival. In conclusion, the EPH/ephrin system represents a large family of biomolecules with promising applications in the fields of diagnosis, prognosis, disease monitoring, and treatment of gynecological cancer, with an established important clinical impact.
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EphrinB2-EphB4 Signaling in Neurooncological Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031679. [PMID: 35163601 PMCID: PMC8836162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EphrinB2-EphB4 signaling is critical during embryogenesis for cardiovascular formation and neuronal guidance. Intriguingly, critical expression patterns have been discovered in cancer pathologies over the last two decades. Multiple connections to tumor migration, growth, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and metastasis have been identified in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular signaling pathways are manifold and signaling of the EphB4 receptor or the ephrinB2 ligand is cancer type specific. Here we explore the impact of these signaling pathways in neurooncological disease, including glioma, brain metastasis, and spinal bone metastasis. We identify potential downstream pathways that mediate cancer suppression or progression and seek to understand it´s role in antiangiogenic therapy resistance in glioma. Despite the Janus-faced functions of ephrinB2-EphB4 signaling in cancer Eph signaling remains a promising clinical target.
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Buckens OJ, El Hassouni B, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. The role of Eph receptors in cancer and how to target them: novel approaches in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:567-582. [PMID: 32348169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1762566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors are among the largest family of tyrosine kinases that are divided into two classes: EphA and EphB receptors. Over the past two decades, their role in cancer has become more evident. AREAS COVERED There is a need for new anticancer treatments and more insight in the emerging role of Eph receptors in cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic effects of Eph receptors could be exploited for future therapeutic strategies. This review describes the variability in expression levels and different effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressive downstream signaling of Eph receptors in various cancer types, and the small molecules, antibodies and peptides that target these receptors. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of Eph signaling is a challenge for the definition of clear targets for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, numerous drugs that target EphA2 and EphB4 are currently in clinical trials. However, some Eph targeted drugs also inhibit other tyrosine kinases, so it is unclear to what extent the targeting of Eph receptors contributes to their efficacy. Future research is warranted for an improved understanding of the full network in which Eph receptors function. This will be critical for the improvement of the anticancer effects of drugs that target the Eph receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Buckens
- Amsterdam University College , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza , Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk , Gdansk, Poland
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Kawahara Y, Furuta T, Sabit H, Tamai S, Dong Y, Jiapaer S, Zhang J, Zhang G, Oishi M, Miyashita K, Hayashi Y, Nakada M. Ligand-dependent EphB4 activation serves as an anchoring signal in glioma cells. Cancer Lett 2019; 449:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Tan Y, Du B, Zhan Y, Wang K, Wang X, Chen B, Wei X, Xiao J. Antitumor effects of circ-EPHB4 in hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibition of HIF-1α. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:875-886. [PMID: 30644610 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The protein EPHB4 plays a vital role in various tumor types. However, few studies into the function of circ-EPHB4 (hsa_circ_0001730) in tumors have been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the functions of circ-EPHB4 and the underlying mechanism of circ-EPHB4 in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of circ-EPHB4 was found to be downregulated in HCC tumor tissues, whereas circ-EPHB4 overexpression suppressed cell viability, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration and invasion in Huh7 and HepG2 cells. circ-EPHB4 levels were negatively correlated with tumor weight, size, and metastasis foci in nude mouse models, suggesting circ-EPHB4 inhibits tumorigenesis, tumor development, and metastasis. In addition, HIF-1α and PI3K-AKT pathways were markedly affected by circ-EPHB4 overexpression. HIF-1α could potentially be the target of circ-EPHB4. By overexpressing both HIF-1α and circ-EPHB4, the antitumor effect of circ-EPHB4 should be most probably correlated with HIF-1α. In conclusion, circ-EPHB4 is a tumor inhibitor in HCC and functions by inhibiting HIF-1α expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biaoyan Du
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujuan Zhan
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bonan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianli Wei
- Department of Medical Instruments, Guangdong Food and Drug Vocational College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianyong Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in postnatal angiogenesis: a potential therapeutic target for ischemic cardiovascular disease. Angiogenesis 2016; 19:297-309. [PMID: 27216867 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-016-9514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Proangiogenic therapy appears to be a promising and feasible strategy for the patients with ischemic cardiovascular disease, but the results of preclinical and clinical trials are limited due to the complicated mechanisms of angiogenesis. Facilitating the formation of functional vessels is important in rescuing the ischemic cardiomyocytes. EphrinB2/EphB4, a novel pathway in angiogenesis, plays a critical role in both microvascular growth and neovascular maturation. Hence, investigating the mechanisms of EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in angiogenesis may contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for ischemic cardiovascular disease. Previous reviews mainly focused on the role of EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in embryo vascular development, but their role in postnatal angiogenesis in ischemic heart disease has not been fully illustrated. Here, we summarized the current knowledge of EphrinB2/EphB4 in angiogenesis and their interaction with other angiogenic pathways in ischemic cardiovascular disease.
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Mertens-Walker I, Lisle JE, Nyberg WA, Stephens CR, Burke L, Rutkowski R, Herington AC, Stephenson SA. EphB4 localises to the nucleus of prostate cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2015; 333:105-15. [PMID: 25724901 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase is over-expressed in a variety of different epithelial cancers including prostate where it has been shown to be involved in survival, migration and angiogenesis. We report here that EphB4 also resides in the nucleus of prostate cancer cell lines. We used in silico methods to identify a bipartite nuclear localisation signal (NLS) in the extracellular domain and a monopartite NLS sequence in the intracellular kinase domain of EphB4. To determine whether both putative NLS sequences were functional, fragments of the EphB4 sequence containing each NLS were cloned to create EphB4NLS-GFP fusion proteins. Localisation of both NLS-GFP proteins to the nuclei of transfected cells was observed, demonstrating that EphB4 contains two functional NLS sequences. Mutation of the key amino residues in both NLS sequences resulted in diminished nuclear accumulation. As nuclear translocation is often dependent on importins we confirmed that EphB4 and importin-α can interact. To assess if nuclear EphB4 could be implicated in gene regulatory functions potential EphB4-binding genomic loci were identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation and Lef1 was confirmed as a potential target of EphB4-mediated gene regulation. These novel findings add further complexity to the biology of this important cancer-associated receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Mertens-Walker
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jessica E Lisle
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - William A Nyberg
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Carson R Stephens
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Leslie Burke
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Raphael Rutkowski
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Adrian C Herington
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Sally-Anne Stephenson
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
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Chen FY, Yan JJ, Yi HX, Hu FQ, Du YZ, Yuan H, You J, Zhao MD. TNYL peptide functional chitosan-g-stearate conjugate micelles for tumor specific targeting. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:4597-608. [PMID: 25298734 PMCID: PMC4186491 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s69572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, a real challenge in cancer therapy is to design drug delivery systems that can achieve high concentrations of drugs at the target site for improved therapeutic effect with reduced side effects. In this research, we designed and synthesized a homing peptide-(TNYLFSPNGPIA, TNYL) modified chitosan-g-stearate (CS) polymer micelle (named T-CS) for targeting delivery. The peptide displayed specific binding affinity to EphB4 which is a member of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine protein kinases. The amphiphilic polymer T-CS can gather into micelles by themselves in an aqueous environment with a low critical micelle concentration value (91.2 μg/L) and nano-scaled size (82.1±2.8 nm). The drug encapsulation efficiency reached 86.43% after loading the hydrophobic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The cytotoxicity of T-CS/DOX against SKOV3 cells was enhanced by approximately 2.3-fold when compared with CS/DOX. The quantitative and qualitative analysis for cellular uptake indicated that TNYL modification can markedly increase cellular internalization in the EphB4-overexpressing SKOV3 cell line, especially with a short incubation time. It is interesting that relatively higher uptake of the T-CS/DOX micelles by SKOV3 cells (positive-EphB4) than A549 cells (negative-EphB4) was observed when the two cells were co-incubated. Furthermore, in vivo distribution experiment using a bilateral-tumor model showed that there was more fluorescence accumulation in the SKOV3 tumor than in the A549 tumor over the whole experiment. These results suggest that TNYL-modified CS micelles may be promising drug carriers as targeting therapy for the EphB4-overexpressing tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ying Chen
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Yan
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Xi Yi
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Qiang Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Zhong Du
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Yuan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian You
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Dan Zhao
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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