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López-Méndez JA, Ventura-Gallegos JL, Camacho-Arroyo I, Lizano M, Cabrera-Quintero AJ, Romero-Córdoba SL, Martínez-Vázquez M, Jacobo-Herrera NJ, León-Del-Río A, Paredes-Villa AA, Zentella-Dehesa A. The inhibitory effect of trastuzumab on BT474 triple‑positive breast cancer cell viability is reversed by the combination of progesterone and estradiol. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:19. [PMID: 38034484 PMCID: PMC10688505 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14152] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer expressing the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is known as triple-positive (TPBC). TPBC represents 9-11% of breast cancer cases worldwide and is a heterogeneous subtype. Notably, TPBC presents a therapeutic challenge due to the crosstalk between the hormonal (ER and PR) and HER2 pathways. Patients with TPBC are treated with trastuzumab (TTZ); however, several patients treated with TTZ tend to relapse. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the PR on inhibitory effect of TTZ on cell viability. BT474 cells (a model of TPBC) and BT474 PR-silenced cells were treated with either TTZ, progesterone (Pg), the PR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) or estradiol (E2) alone or in combination for 144 h (6 days). Cell viability assays and western blotting were subsequently performed. The results showed that Pg and E2 interfered with the inhibitory effect of TTZ on cell viability and this effect was potentiated when both hormones were combined. Pg was revealed to act through the PR, mainly activating the PR isoform B (PR-B) and inducing the protein expression levels of CDK4 and cyclin D1; however, it did not reactivate the HER2/Akt pathway. By contrast, E2 was able to increase PR isoform A (PR-A) expression, which was inhibited by Pg. Notably, in most of the experiments, RU486 did not antagonize the effects of Pg. In conclusion, Pg and E2 may interfere with the inhibitory effect of TTZ on cell viability through PR-B activation and PR-A inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. López-Méndez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14000 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José L. Ventura-Gallegos
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14000 Mexico City, Mexico
- Programa Institucional de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 11000 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela Lizano
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alberto J. Cabrera-Quintero
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14000 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sandra L. Romero-Córdoba
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14000 Mexico City, Mexico
- Programa Institucional de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariano Martínez-Vázquez
- Departamento de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nadia J. Jacobo-Herrera
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14000 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfonso León-Del-Río
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Programa Institucional de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adrian A. Paredes-Villa
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Zentella-Dehesa
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14000 Mexico City, Mexico
- Programa Institucional de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14000 Mexico City, Mexico
- Cancer Center, American British Cowdray Medical Center, 01120 Mexico City, Mexico
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Wang Y, Dong W, Zhang Q, Li ZP, Wang YX, Li XF, Huang LJ. Synthesis of 19-hydroxyprogesterone and insights into the ring-opening mechanism of the 6,19-epoxy bridge. JOURNAL OF ASIAN NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH 2023; 25:756-764. [PMID: 36369722 DOI: 10.1080/10286020.2022.2144260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An efficient and scalable process for the synthesis of 19-hydroxyprogesterone was obtained through seven steps with 34.5% total yield, which is much higher than the process reported in the literature (11.0% total yield). The plausible ring-opening mechanism of 6,19-epoxy bridge in compound 7 was first proposed and the structures of intermediates were supported by the LC-MS analysis of the reaction mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Wei Dong
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Zhen-Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Yue-Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Xiu-Fen Li
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Long-Jiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266061, China
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3
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Perkins MS, Louw-du Toit R, Jackson H, Simons M, Africander D. Upregulation of an estrogen receptor-regulated gene by first generation progestins requires both the progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor alpha. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:959396. [PMID: 36187129 PMCID: PMC9519895 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.959396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Progestins, synthetic compounds designed to mimic the activity of natural progesterone (P4), are used globally in menopausal hormone therapy. Although the older progestins medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and norethisterone (NET) have been implicated in increased breast cancer risk, little is known regarding newer progestins, and no significant risk has been associated with P4. Considering that breast cancer is the leading cause of mortality in women, establishing which progestins increase breast cancer incidence and elucidating the underlying mechanisms is a global priority. We showed for the first time that the newer-generation progestin drospirenone (DRSP) is the least potent progestin in terms of proliferation of the estrogen-responsive MCF-7 BUS breast cancer cell line, while NET and P4 have similar potencies to estradiol (E2), the known driver of breast cancer cell proliferation. Notably, MPA, the progestin most frequently associated with increased breast cancer risk, was significantly more potent than E2. While all the progestogens enhanced the anchorage-independent growth of the MCF-7 BUS cell line, MPA promoted a greater number of colonies than P4, NET or DRSP. None of the progestogens inhibited E2-induced proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. We also showed that under non-estrogenic conditions, MPA and NET, unlike P4 and DRSP, increased the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) target gene, cathepsin D, via a mechanism requiring the co-recruitment of ERα and the progesterone receptor (PR) to the promoter region. In contrast, all progestogens promoted the association of the PR and ERα on the promoter of the PR target gene, MYC, thereby increasing its expression under non-estrogenic and estrogenic conditions. These results suggest that progestins differentially regulate the way the PR and ER converge to modulate the expression of PR and ER-regulated genes. Our novel findings indicating similarities and differences between P4 and the progestins, emphasize the importance of comparatively investigating effects of individual progestins rather than grouping them as a class. Further studies are required to underpin the clinical relevance of PR/ERα crosstalk in response to different progestins in both normal and malignant breast tissue, to either confirm or refute their suitability in combination therapy for ER-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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High Levels of Progesterone Receptor B in MCF-7 Cells Enable Radical Anti-Tumoral and Anti-Estrogenic Effect of Progestin. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081860. [PMID: 36009407 PMCID: PMC9405688 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The widely reported conflicting effects of progestin on breast cancer suggest that the progesterone receptor (PR) has dual functions depending on the cellular context. Cell models that enable PR to fully express anti-tumoral properties are valuable for the understanding of molecular determinant(s) of the anti-tumoral property. This study evaluated whether the expression of high levels of PR in MCF-7 cells enabled a strong anti-tumoral response to progestin. MCF-7 cells were engineered to overexpress PRB by stable transfection. A single dose of Promegestone (R5020) induced an irreversible cell growth arrest and senescence-associated secretory phenotype in MCF-7 cells with PRB overexpression (MCF-7PRB cells) but had no effect on MCF-7 cells with PRA overexpression. The growth-arresting effect was associated with downregulations of cyclin A2 and B1, CDK2, and CDK4 despite an initial upregulation of cyclin A2 and B1. R5020 also induced an evident activation of Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB) and upregulation of interleukins IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-8. Although R5020 caused a significant increase of CD24+CD44+ cell population, R5020-treated MCF-7PRB cells were unable to form tumorspheres and underwent massive apoptosis, which is paradoxically associated with marked downregulations of the pro-apoptotic proteins BID, BAX, PARP, and Caspases 7 and 8, as well as diminution of anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2. Importantly, R5020-activated PRB abolished the effect of estrogen. This intense anti-estrogenic effect was mediated by marked downregulation of ERα and pioneer factor FOXA1, leading to diminished chromatin-associated ERα and FOXA1 and estrogen-induced target gene expression. In conclusion, high levels of agonist-activated PRB in breast cancer cells can be strongly anti-tumoral and anti-estrogenic despite the initial unproductive cell cycle acceleration. Repression of ERα and FOXA1 expression is a major mechanism for the strong anti-estrogenic effect.
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Ganini C, Amelio I, Bertolo R, Bove P, Buonomo OC, Candi E, Cipriani C, Di Daniele N, Juhl H, Mauriello A, Marani C, Marshall J, Melino S, Marchetti P, Montanaro M, Natale ME, Novelli F, Palmieri G, Piacentini M, Rendina EA, Roselli M, Sica G, Tesauro M, Rovella V, Tisone G, Shi Y, Wang Y, Melino G. Global mapping of cancers: The Cancer Genome Atlas and beyond. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2823-2840. [PMID: 34245122 PMCID: PMC8564642 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer genomes have been explored from the early 2000s through massive exome sequencing efforts, leading to the publication of The Cancer Genome Atlas in 2013. Sequencing techniques have been developed alongside this project and have allowed scientists to bypass the limitation of costs for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of single specimens by developing more accurate and extensive cancer sequencing projects, such as deep sequencing of whole genomes and transcriptomic analysis. The Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes recently published WGS data from more than 2600 human cancers together with almost 1200 related transcriptomes. The application of WGS on a large database allowed, for the first time in history, a global analysis of features such as molecular signatures, large structural variations and noncoding regions of the genome, as well as the evaluation of RNA alterations in the absence of underlying DNA mutations. The vast amount of data generated still needs to be thoroughly deciphered, and the advent of machine-learning approaches will be the next step towards the generation of personalized approaches for cancer medicine. The present manuscript wants to give a broad perspective on some of the biological evidence derived from the largest sequencing attempts on human cancers so far, discussing advantages and limitations of this approach and its power in the era of machine learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Ganini
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- IDI‐IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Riccardo Bertolo
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- San Carlo di Nancy HospitalRomeItaly
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- San Carlo di Nancy HospitalRomeItaly
| | - Oreste Claudio Buonomo
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- IDI‐IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Chiara Cipriani
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- San Carlo di Nancy HospitalRomeItaly
| | - Nicola Di Daniele
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | | | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Carla Marani
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- San Carlo di Nancy HospitalRomeItaly
| | - John Marshall
- Medstar Georgetown University HospitalGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
| | - Sonia Melino
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | | | - Manuela Montanaro
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Maria Emanuela Natale
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- San Carlo di Nancy HospitalRomeItaly
| | - Flavia Novelli
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Giampiero Palmieri
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | | | - Mario Roselli
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Manfredi Tesauro
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
| | - Yufang Shi
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and TumorShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionInstitutes for Translational MedicineSoochow UniversityChina
| | - Ying Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and TumorShanghai Institute of Nutrition and HealthShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental MedicineTorvergata Oncoscience Research Centre of Excellence, TORUniversity of Rome Tor VergataItaly
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6
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Delvecchio VS, Fierro C, Giovannini S, Melino G, Bernassola F. Emerging roles of the HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases in hematological malignancies. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:39. [PMID: 35201500 PMCID: PMC8777521 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination-mediated proteolysis or regulation of proteins, ultimately executed by E3 ubiquitin ligases, control a wide array of cellular processes, including transcription, cell cycle, autophagy and apoptotic cell death. HECT-type E3 ubiquitin ligases can be distinguished from other subfamilies of E3 ubiquitin ligases because they have a C-terminal HECT domain that directly catalyzes the covalent attachment of ubiquitin to their substrate proteins. Deregulation of HECT-type E3-mediated ubiquitination plays a prominent role in cancer development and chemoresistance. Several members of this subfamily are indeed frequently deregulated in human cancers as a result of genetic mutations and altered expression or activity. HECT-type E3s contribute to tumorigenesis by regulating the ubiquitination rate of substrates that function as either tumour suppressors or oncogenes. While the pathological roles of the HECT family members in solid tumors are quite well established, their contribution to the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies has only recently emerged. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the involvement of the HECT-type E3s in leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Simona Delvecchio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Fierro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Giovannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Kamaraju S, Fowler AM, Weil E, Wisinski KB, Truong TH, Lehr M, Chaudhary LN, Cheng YC, Chitambar CR, Rui H, Yee D, Lange C. Leveraging Antiprogestins in the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6178343. [PMID: 33735382 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although incurable, the prognosis for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has considerably improved with the approvals of multiple targeted and cytotoxic therapies. For hormone receptor-positive (HR+), ie, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive (ER+/PgR+) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (ie, ERBB2 gene nonamplified or HER2-) MBC, current approved treatment options include palliative endocrine therapy (ET), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK 4/6) inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and PI3 kinase inhibitors. Most treatments target ER+ disease regardless of PgR status. Although the presence of PgR is crucial for ER+ cell proliferation in both normal and malignant mammary tissue, currently, there are no approved treatments that specifically target PgR. Recent literature has demonstrated the potential of antiprogestins in the treatment of MBC both in preclinical and clinical studies. Antiprogestins, including selective PgR modulators (SPRMs) that act as PgR antagonists, are a promising class of therapeutics for overcoming endocrine resistance in patients who develop activating estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) gene mutations after prior endocrine therapy. Herein, we summarize the role of PgR and antiprogestins in the treatment of MBC. Other aspects on the use of functional imaging, clinical trials incorporating novel antiprogestins, and potential treatment combinations to overcome endocrine resistance will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailaja Kamaraju
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Amy M Fowler
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Medical College of Wisconsin, Cancer Center, 4th Fl Administrative Offices, Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elizabeth Weil
- Froedtert Health, Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Kari B Wisinski
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Medical College of Wisconsin, Cancer Center, 4th Fl Administrative Offices, Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Thu H Truong
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Martin Lehr
- Context Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lubna N Chaudhary
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Medical College of Wisconsin, Cancer Center, 4th Fl Administrative Offices, Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Yee Chung Cheng
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Medical College of Wisconsin, Cancer Center, 4th Fl Administrative Offices, Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Hallgeir Rui
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Douglas Yee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carol Lange
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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8
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Cardona B, Rudel RA. Application of an in Vitro Assay to Identify Chemicals That Increase Estradiol and Progesterone Synthesis and Are Potential Breast Cancer Risk Factors. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77003. [PMID: 34287026 PMCID: PMC8293912 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Established breast cancer risk factors, such as hormone replacement therapy and reproductive history, are thought to act by increasing estrogen and progesterone (P4) activity. OBJECTIVE We aimed to use in vitro screening data to identify chemicals that increase the synthesis of estradiol (E2) or P4 and evaluate potential risks. METHOD Using data from a high-throughput (HT) in vitro steroidogenesis assay developed for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ToxCast program, we identified chemicals that increased estradiol (E2-up) or progesterone (P4-up) in human H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells. We prioritized chemicals by their activity. We compiled in vivo studies and assessments about carcinogenicity and reproductive/developmental (repro/dev) toxicity. We identified exposure sources and predicted intakes from the U.S. EPA's ExpoCast. RESULTS We found 296 chemicals increased E2 (182) or P4 (185), with 71 chemicals increasing both. In vivo data often showed effects consistent with this mechanism. Of the E2- and P4-up chemicals, about 30% were likely repro/dev toxicants or carcinogens, whereas only 5-13% were classified as unlikely. However, most of the chemicals had insufficient in vivo data to evaluate their effects. Of 45 chemicals associated with mammary gland effects, and also tested in the H294R assay, 29 increased E2 or P4, including the well-known mammary carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. E2- and P4-up chemicals include pesticides, consumer product ingredients, food additives, and drinking water contaminants. DISCUSSION The U.S. EPA's in vitro screening data identified several hundred chemicals that should be considered as potential risk factors for breast cancer because they increased E2 or P4 synthesis. In vitro data is a helpful addition to current toxicity assessments, which are not sensitive to mammary gland effects. Relevant effects on the mammary gland are often not noticed or are dismissed, including for 2,4-dichlorophenol and cyfluthrin. Fifty-three active E2-up and 59 active P4-up chemicals that are in consumer products, food, pesticides, or drugs have not been evaluated for carcinogenic potential and are priorities for study and exposure reduction. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8608.
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9
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Progesterone receptors in normal breast development and breast cancer. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:951-969. [PMID: 34061163 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone receptors (PR) play a pivotal role in many female reproductive tissues such as the uterus, the ovary, and the mammary gland (MG). Moreover, PR play a key role in breast cancer growth and progression. This has led to the development and study of different progestins and antiprogestins, many of which are currently being tested in clinical trials for cancer treatment. Recent reviews have addressed the role of PR in MG development, carcinogenesis, and breast cancer growth. Thus, in this review, in addition to making an overview on PR action in normal and tumor breast, the focus has been put on highlighting the still unresolved topics on hormone treatment involving PR isoforms and breast cancer prognosis.
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Boonyaratanakornkit V, McGowan EM, Márquez-Garbán DC, Burton LP, Hamilton N, Pateetin P, Pietras RJ. Progesterone Receptor Signaling in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1329:443-474. [PMID: 34664251 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73119-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex infrastructure composed of stromal, epithelial, and immune cells embedded in a vasculature ECM. The microenvironment surrounding mammary epithelium plays a critical role during the development and differentiation of the mammary gland, enabling the coordination of the complex multihormones and growth factor signaling processes. Progesterone/progesterone receptor paracrine signaling interactions in the microenvironment play vital roles in stem/progenitor cell function during normal breast development. In breast cancer, the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and growth factor signals are altered in the TME. Progesterone signaling modulates not only breast tumors but also the breast TME, leading to the activation of a series of cross-communications that are implicated in the genesis of breast cancers. This chapter reviews the evidence that progesterone and PR signaling modulates not only breast epitheliums but also the breast TME. Furthermore, crosstalk between estrogen and progesterone signaling affecting different cell types within the TME is discussed. A better understanding of how PR and progesterone affect the TME of breast cancer may lead to novel drugs or a therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer shortly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viroj Boonyaratanakornkit
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Age-Related Inflammation and Degeneration Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Eileen M McGowan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Diana C Márquez-Garbán
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - L P Burton
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nalo Hamilton
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Prangwan Pateetin
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard J Pietras
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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