Focal adhesion kinase inhibitor BI 853520 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and EMT process through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ovarian cancer

Quantitative proteomics reveals serum proteome alterations during metastatic disease progression in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Tumor recurrence and metastatic progression remains the leading cause for breast cancer related mortalities. However, the proteomes of patient- matched primary breast cancer (BC) and metastatic lesions have not yet been identified, due to the lack of clinically annotated longitudinal samples. In this study, we evaluated the global-proteomic landscape of BC patients with and without distant metastasis as well as compared the proteome of distant metastatic disease with its corresponding primary BC, within the same patient.

METHODS

We performed mass spectrometry-based proteome profiling of 73 serum samples from 51 BC patients. Among the 51 patients with BC, 29 remained metastasis-free (henceforth called non-progressors), and 22 developed metastases (henceforth called progressors). For the 22 progressors, we obtained two samples: one collected within a year of diagnosis, and the other collected within a year before the diagnosis of metastatic disease. MS data were analyzed using intensity-based absolute quantification and normalized before differential expression analysis. Significantly differentially expressed proteins (DEPs; absolute fold-change ≥ 1.5, P-value < 0.05 and 30% abundance per clinical group) were subjected to pathway analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 967 proteins among 73 serum samples from patients with BC. Among these, 39 proteins were altered in serum samples at diagnosis, between progressors and non-progressors. Among these, 4 proteins were further altered when the progressors developed distant metastasis. In addition, within progressors, 20 proteins were altered in serum collected at diagnosis versus at the onset of metastasis. Pathway analysis showed that these proteins encoded pathways that describe metastasis, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition and focal adhesion that are hallmarks of metastatic cascade.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the importance of examining matched samples from distant metastasis with primary BC samples collected at diagnosis to unravel subset of proteins that could be involved in BC progression in serum. This study sets the foundation for additional future investigations that could position these proteins as non-invasive markers for clinically monitoring breast cancer progression in patients.

Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for cancer therapy: FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and PROTAC degraders

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion through both kinase-dependent enzymatic function and kinase-independent scaffolding function. The overexpression and activation of FAK is commonly observed in various cancers and some drug-resistant settings. Therefore, targeted disruption of FAK has been identified as an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. To date, numerous structurally diverse inhibitors targeting distinct domains of FAK have been developed, encompassing kinase domain inhibitors, FERM domain inhibitors, and FAT domain inhibitors, with several FAK inhibitors advanced to clinical trials. Moreover, given the critical role of FAK scaffolding function in signal transduction, FAK-targeted PROTACs have also been developed. Although no current FAK-targeted therapeutics have been approved for the market, the combination of FAK inhibitors with other anticancer drugs has shown considerable promise in the clinic. This review provides an overview of current drug discovery strategies targeting FAK, including the development of FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in both literature and patent applications. Accordingly, their design and optimization process, mechanisms of action and biological activities are discussed to offer insights into future directions of FAK-targeting drug discovery in cancer therapy.

Mechanism of Hirudin-Mediated Inhibition of Proliferation in Ovarian Cancer Cells

To investigate the inhibitory effect of hirudin on the cell proliferation of human ovarian cancer A2780 cells by preventing thrombin and its underlying molecular mechanism. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of hirudin and thrombin on the cell proliferation of A2780 cells. PAR-1 wild-type overexpression plasmid was constructed utilizing enzyme digestion identification, and it was transferred to A2780 cells. Sequencing and Western blot were used to detect the changes in PAR-1 protein expression. Western blot detection of PKCα protein phosphorylation in A2780 cells was performed. We also implemented quantitative PCR to detect the mRNA expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, CDH2, Snail, and Vimentin, in A2780 cells. 1 μg/ml hirudin treatment maximally inhibited the promotion of A2780 cell proliferation by thrombin. Hirudin inhibited the binding of thrombin to the N-terminus of PAR-1, hindered PKCα protein phosphorylation in A2780 cells, and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of CDH2, Snail, and Vimentin. In conclusion, hirudin inhibits the cell proliferation of ovarian cancer A2780 cells, and the underlying mechanism may be through downregulating the transcription level of EMT genes, CDH2, Snail, and Vimentin. This study indicates that hirudin may have a therapeutic potential as an anti-cancer agent for ovarian cancer.

Parthenolide inhibits the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer cells via FAK/GSK3β pathway

PURPOSE

Cervical cancer (CC) ranks as the fourth most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions to mitigate its detrimental impact on both physical and mental health. Parthenolide (PTL), a natural product of the sesquiterpene lactone derived from Feverfew leaves, has exhibited promising anti-tumor properties in previous studies; however, its precise effects and underlying molecular mechanisms in CC remain elusive.

METHODS

In this work, we investigated the effect of PTL on the proliferation and migration of CC cells. Western blot analysis and Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR were used for mechanistic elucidation.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that PTL substantially inhibited the proliferation of HeLa and SiHa CC cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, PTL significantly suppressed the migration of CC cells by down-regulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Mechanistically, PTL blocked the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Further investigations revealed that PTL suppressed the proliferation of CC cells by inhibiting the EGF-mediated phosphorylation of the FAK/GSK3β signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the present in vitro results suggest that PTL may inhibit the proliferation and migration of CC cells through down-regulating the FAK/GSK3β signaling pathway, providing new insights for the application of PTL in the treatment of CC.

Roles and inhibitors of FAK in cancer: current advances and future directions

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that exhibits high expression in various tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. FAK activation promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. Moreover, FAK is crucial for sustaining the tumor microenvironment. The inhibition of FAK impedes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer. Therefore, developing targeted inhibitors against FAK presents a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, numerous FAK inhibitors, including IN10018, defactinib, GSK2256098, conteltinib, and APG-2449, have been developed, which have demonstrated positive anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies and are undergoing clinical trials for several types of tumors. Moreover, many novel FAK inhibitors are currently in preclinical studies to advance targeted therapy for tumors with aberrantly activated FAK. The benefits of FAK degraders, especially in terms of their scaffold function, are increasingly evident, holding promising potential for future clinical exploration and breakthroughs. This review aims to clarify FAK's role in cancer, offering a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of FAK-targeted therapy and combination approaches. The goal is to provide valuable insights for advancing anti-cancer treatment strategies.

FKBP38 suppresses endometrial cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting the mTOR pathway

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological malignancy, and advanced-stage or recurrent EC is associated with a high mortality rate owing to the ineffectiveness of currently available treatments. FK506-binding protein 38 (FKBP38) is a member of the immunophilin family and inhibits melanoma and breast cancer cell metastasis. However, the functions of FKBP38 and its potential mechanism in EC remain unclear. Herein, we analyzed the expression levels of FKBP38 in EC cells and found that the FKBP38 expression was high in Ishikawa cells, and low in AN3CA cells, traditionally considered a low grade and a high grade cell line, respectively, in pathology classification. Moreover, FKBP38 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in EC cells, FKBP38 knockdown significantly promoted tumor growth of Ishikawa cells in a subcutaneous xenograft model and increased the number of lung metastases of Hec-1-A cells in a metastatic mouse model. Furthermore, FKBP38 suppressed several target proteins of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced the phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 protein (S6), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP-1), indicating the potent inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Meanwhile, the inhibition of mTOR neutralized the elevation of EC cell proliferation, migration and invasion after FKBP38 knockdown. In summary, FKBP38 would exert a tumor-suppressing role by modulating the mTOR pathway. Our results indicate that FKBP38 may be considered as a factor of EC metastasis and a new target for EC therapeutic intervention.

Cannabinoids and standardized cannabis extracts inhibit migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through FAK/MAPK/Akt/NF-κB signaling

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the highest incidence of all types of cancer in women, and the cancer metastasis process accounts for a majority of cancer deaths. Two major cannabinoids, Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), from Cannabis sativa are expected to have anti-cancer activity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of THC, CBD, and standardized cannabis extracts (F1, F2, and F3) on migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells.

METHODS

Cell viability, survival, and apoptosis were determined using the MTT, clonogenic, and nuclear staining assays, respectively, while cancer cell migration and invasion were evaluated by the wound healing, trans-well, and filopodia assays. Western blot analysis was used to find out the mechanisms of the cannabinoids against MCF-7 cells.

RESULTS

CBD, THC, and F1 inhibited filopodia formation, migration, and invasion of MCF-7 cells through suppressing the expression of the FAK, Akt, ERK1/2, p38MAPKs, and NF-κB upstream pathways, as well as inhibiting the Rac1/Cdc42 downstream pathways. In addition, CBD significantly inhibited the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, CBD and F1 induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells via the Bcl-2/caspase-3 pathways.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that THC, CBD, and F1 have great abilities for preventing breast cancer cell metastasis in in vitro experiments.

Human amniotic membrane inhibits migration and invasion of muscle-invasive bladder cancer urothelial cells by downregulating the FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway

Bladder cancer is the 10th most commonly diagnosed cancer with the highest lifetime treatment costs. The human amniotic membrane (hAM) is the innermost foetal membrane that possesses a wide range of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Despite the growing number of studies, the mechanisms associated with the anticancer effects of human amniotic membrane (hAM) are poorly understood. Here, we reported that hAM preparations (homogenate and extract) inhibited the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers N-cadherin and MMP-2 in bladder cancer urothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner, while increasing the secretion of TIMP-2. Moreover, hAM homogenate exerted its antimigratory effect by downregulating the expression of FAK and proteins involved in actin cytoskeleton reorganisation, such as cortactin and small RhoGTPases. In muscle-invasive cancer urothelial cells, hAM homogenate downregulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, the key cascade involved in promoting bladder cancer. By using normal, non-invasive papilloma and muscle-invasive cancer urothelial models, new perspectives on the anticancer effects of hAM have emerged. The results identify new sites for therapeutic intervention and are prompt encouragement for ongoing anticancer drug development studies.

Focal adhesion kinase: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, is a vital participant in primary cellular functions, such as proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. In addition, FAK regulates cancer stem cell activities and contributes to the formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Importantly, increased FAK expression and activity are strongly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and metastatic characteristics in numerous tumors. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that modulating FAK activity by application of FAK inhibitors alone or in combination treatment regimens could be effective for cancer therapy. Based on these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. This article briefly describes the structure and function of FAK, as well as research progress on FAK inhibitors in combination therapies. We also discuss the challenges and future directions regarding anti-FAK combination therapies.

Inhibition of focal adhesion kinase/paxillin axis by caffeic acid phenethyl ester restrains aggressive behaviors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), one of the components of propolis that is produced by honeybees, reportedly suppresses multiple diseases, including bacterial infection, inflammation, and cancer. We aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of CAPE on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) status and aggressive behaviors of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro and the underlying signaling pathway.

DESIGN

To examine the cell growth and in vitro tumorigenic potential of HNSCC cells, cell viability and soft agar colony formation assays, respectively, were performed. Transwell migration and invasion assays were conducted to monitor HNSCC cells' aggressive behaviors. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry analyses were done to investigate the signaling pathway responsible for relieving EMT progression and HNSCC cell aggressiveness.

RESULTS

CAPE inhibited the in vitro tumorigenic potential of SNU-1041 cells stimulated by epidermal growth factor and suppressed the migratory and invasive capacities of SNU-1041 cells, irrespective of their cell proliferation state. CAPE was, at least partially, capable of inhibiting EMT progression by upregulating E-cadherin expression, which was accompanied by the reduction of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Paxillin. The inhibition of the FAK/Paxillin axis by PF-562271 was sufficient to alleviate the EMT progression through the induction of E-cadherin and aggressive behaviors of SNU-1041 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CAPE has a therapeutic potential as an anti-metastatic drug candidate for HNSCC therapy targeting the FAK/Paxillin axis.

HOXB13 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the sixth most common malignancies worldwide and is accompanied by high mortality. Homeobox B13 (HOXB13) has been shown to be involved in the development of various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the role of HOXB13 in HCC progression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of HOXB13 in HCC tumor tissues was analyzed using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining . After overexpression or downregulation of HOXB13 in HCC cell lines, cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 assay and Ki67 staining and cell invasion ability were tested by transwell assay. Western blot assay was applied to analyze the effect of HOXB13 on related signaling pathways. In addition, the role of HOXB13 on HCC in vivo was explored using a HCC mouse model. IF and WB were performed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis and related protein expression in mice tumor tissues.

RESULTS

The results showed that the expression of HOXB13 was significantly increased in HCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues and positively correlated with the tumor stage and survival of HCC patients. Overexpression of HOXB13 promoted the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells and up-regulated the protein expression of AKT, mTOR and MMP2. In contrast, the downregulation of HOXB13 resulted in the opposite results. In vivo experiments, HOXB13 significantly promoted tumor growth in mice bearing HCC by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that HOXB13 can facilitate HCC progression by activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. HOXB13 may be a novel target for HCC therapy.

MiR-191-5p inhibits KLF6 to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exert certain functions in the development of several cancers and can be a potential hallmark for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. MiR-191-5p has been proven to have high expression in breast cancer (BC), while its biological role and potential regulatory mechanisms in BC remain an open issue.

OBJECTIVE

Bioinformatics was utilized to assay miR-191-5p level in BC tissues and predict its downstream target gene as well as the enriched signaling pathways of the target gene.

METHODS

qRT-PCR was carried out to assay miR-191-5p and KLF6 levels in BC cells as well as miR-191-5p level in blood-derived exosomes from BC patients. Western blot was to examine the expression of proteins linked with cell adhesion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and exosome markers. A dual luciferase reporter assay was utilized to verify the interaction between miR-191-5p and KLF6. Abilities of cell phenotypes of BC cells were detected by CCK8, Transwell, and cell adhesion assay, separately.

RESULTS

Upregulated miR-191-5p expression and downregulated KLF6 expression were observed in BC cells. There was a targeting relationship between miR-191-5p and KLF6. MiR-191-5p negatively regulated KLF6 to promote EMT and malignant progression of BC cells. Additionally, we described a dramatically high level of miR-191-5p in the blood exosomes of BC patients.

CONCLUSION

MiR-191-5p advances the EMT of BC by targeting KLF6, indicating that miR-191-5p and KLF6 may be new biomarkers for BC.

Comprehensive analysis of cuproptosis-related prognostic gene signature and tumor immune microenvironment in HCC

Background: Copper is an indispensable mineral element involved in many physiological metabolic processes. Cuproptosis is associated with a variety of cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between the expression of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and tumor characteristics, including prognosis and microenvironment of HCC. Methods: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high and low CRGs expression groups in HCC samples were identified, and further were analyzed for functional enrichment analysis. Then, CRGs signature of HCC was constructed and analyzed utilizing LASSO and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Prognostic values of CRGs signature were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, independent prognostic analysis and nomograph. The expression of prognostic CRGs was verified by Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in HCC cell lines. In addition, the relationships between prognostic CRGs expression and the immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment, antitumor drugs response and m6A modifications were further explored using a series of algorithms in HCC. Finally, ceRNA regulatory network based on prognostic CRGs was constructed. Results: The DEGs between high and low CRG expression groups in HCC were mainly enriched in focal adhesion and extracellular matrix organization. Besides, we constructed a prognostic model that consists of CDKN2A, DLAT, DLST, GLS, and PDHA1 CRGs for predicting the survival likelihood of HCC patients. And the elevated expression of these five prognostic CRGs was substantially in HCC cell lines and associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, immune score and m6A gene expression were higher in the high CRG expression group of HCC patients. Furthermore, prognostic CRGs have higher mutation rates in HCC, and are significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and anti-tumor drug sensitivity. Then, eight lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes that affected the progression of HCC were predicted. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the CRGs signature could effectively evaluate prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, immunotherapy response and predict lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes in HCC. These findings extend our knowledge of cuproptosis in HCC and may inform novel therapeutic strategies for HCC.

The skeletal muscle fiber periphery: A nexus of mTOR-related anabolism

Skeletal muscle anabolism is driven by numerous stimuli such as growth factors, nutrients (i.e., amino acids, glucose), and mechanical stress. These stimuli are integrated by the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) signal transduction cascade. In recent years, work from our laboratory and elsewhere has sought to unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning the mTOR-related activation of muscle protein synthesis (MPS), as well as the spatial regulation of these mechanisms within the skeletal muscle cell. These studies have suggested that the skeletal muscle fiber periphery is a region of central importance in anabolism (i.e., growth/MPS). Indeed, the fiber periphery is replete with the substrates, molecular machinery, and translational apparatus necessary to facilitate MPS. This review provides a summary of the mechanisms underpinning the mTOR-associated activation of MPS from cell, rodent, and human studies. It also presents an overview of the spatial regulation of mTORC1 in response to anabolic stimuli and outlines the factors that distinguish the periphery of the cell as a highly notable region of skeletal muscle for the induction of MPS. Future research should seek to further explore the nutrient-induced activation of mTORC1 at the periphery of skeletal muscle fibers.

Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, and Free Energy Calculation Insights into the Binding Mechanism between VS-4718 and Focal Adhesion Kinase

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a 125 kDa nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in many carcinomas. Thus, the targeting of FAK by small molecules is considered to be promising for cancer therapy. Some FAK inhibitors have been reported as potential anticancer drugs and have entered into clinical development; for example, VS-4718 is currently undergoing clinical trials. However, the lack of crystal structural data for the binding of VS-4718 with FAK has hindered the optimization of this anticancer agent. In this work, the VS-4718/FAK interaction model was obtained by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The binding free energies of VS-4718/FAK were also calculated using the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area method. It was found that the aminopyrimidine group formed hydrogen bonds with the C502 residue of the hinge loop, while the D564 residue of the T-loop interacted with the amide group. In addition, I428, A452, V484, M499, G505, and L553 residues formed hydrophobic interactions with VS-4718. The obtained results therefore provide an improved understanding of the interaction between human FAK and VS-4718. Based on the obtained binding mechanism, 47 novel compounds were designed to target the adenosine 5'-triphosphate-binding pocket of human FAK, and ensemble docking was performed to assess the effects of these modifications on the inhibitor binding affinity. This work is also expected to provide additional insights into potential future target design strategies based on VS-4718.