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Golbashirzadeh M, Heidari HR, Talebi M, Yari Khosroushahi A. Ferroptosis as a Potential Cell Death Mechanism Against Cisplatin-Resistant Lung Cancer Cell Line. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:176-187. [PMID: 36721820 PMCID: PMC9871276 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Drug resistance is a challenging issue in cancer chemotherapy. Cell death induction is one of the main strategies to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Notably, ferroptosis has been considered a critical cell death mechanism in recent years. Accordingly, in this study, the different cell death strategies focused on ferroptosis have been utilized to overcome cisplatin resistance in an in vitro lung cancer model. Methods: The physiological functions of Akt1 and GPX4, as critical targets for ferroptosis and apoptosis induction, were suppressed by siRNA or antagonistic agents in resistant A549 cells. Afterward, the interventions' impacts on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) amount were analyzed by flow cytometry. Moreover, the alteration in the relevant gene and protein expression levels were quantified using Real-time PCR and western blot methods. Results: The result showed that the treatment with Akt1 siRNA reversed the cisplatin resistance in the A549 cell line through the induction of apoptosis. Likewise, the combination treatment of the GPX4 siRNA or FIN56 as ferroptosis inducers alongside cisplatin elevated ROS's cellular level, reduced the cellular antioxidant genes level and increased the cisplatin cytotoxic effect. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicated that ferroptosis induction can be considered a promising cell death strategy in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Golbashirzadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Heidari
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Corresponding Authors: Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi, and Hamid Reza Heidari,
| | - Mehdi Talebi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Corresponding Authors: Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi, and Hamid Reza Heidari,
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2
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Filippova EA, Pronina IV, Burdennyy AM, Kazubskaya TP, Loginov VI, Braga EA. The Profile of MicroRNA Expression and a Group of Genes in Breast Cancer: Relationship to Tumor Progression and Immunohistochemical Status. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795421090027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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3
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Du W, Phinney NZ, Huang H, Wang Z, Westcott J, Toombs JE, Zhang Y, Beg MS, Wilkie TM, Lorens JB, Brekken RA. AXL Is a Key Factor for Cell Plasticity and Promotes Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1412-1421. [PMID: 33811159 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, has a high metastatic rate, and is associated with persistent immune suppression. AXL, a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinase family, is a driver of metastasis and immune suppression in multiple cancer types. Here we use single-cell RNA-sequencing to reveal that AXL is expressed highly in tumor cells that have a mesenchymal-like phenotype and that AXL expression correlates with classic markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We demonstrate that AXL deficiency extends survival, reduces primary and metastatic burden, and enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine in an autochthonous model of PDA. PDA in AXL-deficient mice displayed a more differentiated histology, higher nucleoside transporter expression, and a more active immune microenvironment compared with PDA in wild-type mice. Finally, we demonstrate that AXL-positive poorly differentiated tumor cells are critical for PDA progression and metastasis, emphasizing the potential of AXL as a therapeutic target in PDA. IMPLICATIONS: These studies implicate AXL as a marker of undifferentiated PDA cells and a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Natalie Z Phinney
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Huocong Huang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Zhaoning Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jill Westcott
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jason E Toombs
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Muhammad S Beg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Thomas M Wilkie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - James B Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Norwegian Centre of Excellence, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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4
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Wium M, Ajayi-Smith AF, Paccez JD, Zerbini LF. The Role of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl in Carcinogenesis and Development of Therapeutic Resistance: An Overview of Molecular Mechanisms and Future Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1521. [PMID: 33806258 PMCID: PMC8037968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents by cancer cells has remained a major obstacle in the successful treatment of various cancers. Numerous factors such as DNA damage repair, cell death inhibition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and evasion of apoptosis have all been implicated in the promotion of chemoresistance. The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl, a member of the TAM family (which includes TYRO3 and MER), plays an important role in the regulation of cellular processes such as proliferation, motility, survival, and immunologic response. The overexpression of Axl is reported in several solid and hematological malignancies, including non-small cell lung, prostate, breast, liver and gastric cancers, and acute myeloid leukaemia. The overexpression of Axl is associated with poor prognosis and the development of resistance to therapy. Reports show that Axl overexpression confers drug resistance in lung cancer and advances the emergence of tolerant cells. Axl is, therefore, an important candidate as a prognostic biomarker and target for anticancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the consequence of Axl upregulation in cancers, provide evidence for its role in cancer progression and the development of drug resistance. We will also discuss the therapeutic potential of Axl in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Wium
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
| | - Aderonke F. Ajayi-Smith
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
| | - Juliano D. Paccez
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz F. Zerbini
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
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5
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Steiner CA, Rodansky ES, Johnson LA, Berinstein JA, Cushing KC, Huang S, Spence JR, Higgins PDR. AXL Is a Potential Target for the Treatment of Intestinal Fibrosis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2021; 27:303-316. [PMID: 32676663 PMCID: PMC7885333 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaa169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is the final common pathway to intestinal failure in Crohn's disease, but no medical therapies exist to treat intestinal fibrosis. Activated myofibroblasts are key effector cells of fibrosis in multiple organ systems, including the intestine. AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that has been implicated in fibrogenic pathways involving myofibroblast activation. We aimed to investigate the AXL pathway as a potential target for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis. METHODS To establish proof of concept, we first analyzed AXL gene expression in 2 in vivo models of intestinal fibrosis and 3 in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis. We then tested whether pharmacological inhibition of AXL signaling could reduce fibrogenesis in 3 in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis. In vitro testing included 2 distinct cell culture models of intestinal fibrosis (matrix stiffness and TGF-β1 treatment) and a human intestinal organoid model using TGF-β1 cytokine stimulation. RESULTS Our findings suggest that the AXL pathway is induced in models of intestinal fibrosis. We demonstrate that inhibition of AXL signaling with the small molecule inhibitor BGB324 abrogates both matrix-stiffness and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1)-induced fibrogenesis in human colonic myofibroblasts. AXL inhibition with BGB324 sensitizes myofibroblasts to apoptosis. Finally, AXL inhibition with BGB324 blocks TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic gene and protein expression in human intestinal organoids. CONCLUSIONS The AXL pathway is active in multiple models of intestinal fibrosis. In vitro experiments suggest that inhibiting AXL signaling could represent a novel approach to antifibrotic therapy for intestinal fibrosis such as in Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen A Steiner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Eva S Rodansky
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Laura A Johnson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Berinstein
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kelly C Cushing
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sha Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jason R Spence
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Peter D R Higgins
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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6
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Jiang C, Cheng Z, Jiang T, Xu Y, Wang B. MicroRNA-34a inhibits cell invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via targeting AXL/PI3K/AKT/Snail signaling in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Genes Genomics 2020; 42:971-978. [PMID: 32648233 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-00963-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has been reported to inhibit TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Using the bioinformatics, we found that the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) is a predicted target of miR-34a. OBJECTIVE we aimed to reveal the relationship between miR-34a and AXL, and investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-34a in NPC progression. METHODS The expression patterns of miR-34a and AXL in 30 paired NPC tissues and the adjacent tissues were examined by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). The target relationship between miR-34a and AXL was evaluated by the luciferase gene reporter assay. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing and transwell chamber assays, respectively. RESULTS miR-34a level was dramatically decreased in the NPC tissues compared to the adjacent tissues, while AXL expression was increased. Overexpression of miR-34a significantly reduced the luciferase activity of the luciferase vector of AXL (pGL3-AXL-WT), whereas this effect was abrogated when binding sites between miR-34a and AXL were mutated. In addition, ectopic expression of miR-34a dramatically inhibited Sune-1 cell migration and invasion abilities, decreased the levels of N-cadherin and Vimentin and increased E-cadherin and γ-catenin expressions, as well as induced significant reductions in the expressions of p-AKT and Snail. However, these effects were attenuated when the cells were treated with recombinant human AXL protein. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that miR-34a/AXL can inhibit NPC cell migration, invasion and EMT through inhibition of AKT/Snail signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyi Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Zhongqiang Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yajia Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287 Changhuai Road, Bengbu City, 233004, Anhui Province, China
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Khan S, Shukla S, Farhan M, Sinha S, Lakra AD, Penta D, Kannan A, Meeran SM. Centchroman prevents metastatic colonization of breast cancer cells and disrupts angiogenesis via inhibition of RAC1/PAK1/β-catenin signaling axis. Life Sci 2020; 256:117976. [PMID: 32561397 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We have previously reported that Centchroman (CC), an oral contraceptive drug, inhibits breast cancer progression and metastasis. In this study, we investigated whether CC inhibits local invasion of tumor cells and/or their metastatic colonization with detailed underlying mechanisms. MAIN METHODS The effect of CC on the experimental metastasis and spontaneous metastasis was demonstrated by using tail-vein and orthotopic 4T1-syngeneic mouse tumor models, respectively. The anti-angiogenic potential of CC was evaluated using well established in vitro and in vivo models. The role of RAC1/PAK1/β-catenin signaling axis in the metastasis was investigated and validated using siRNA-mediated knockdown of PAK1 as well as by pharmacological PAK1-inhibitor. KEY FINDINGS The oral administration of CC significantly suppressed the formation of metastatic lung nodules in the 4T1-syngeneic orthotopic as well as experimental metastatic models. More importantly, CC treatment suppressed the tube formation and migration capacities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and inhibited pre-existing vasculature as well as the formation of neovasculature. The suppression of migration and invasion capacities of metastatic breast cancer cells upon CC treatment was associated with the inhibition of small GTPases (Rac1 and Cdc42) concomitant with the downregulation of PAK1 and downstream β-catenin signaling. In addition, CC upregulated the expression of miR-145, which is known to target PAK1. SIGNIFICANCE This study warrants the repurposing of CC as a potential therapeutic agent against metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Khan
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Samriddhi Shukla
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Mohammad Farhan
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Sonam Sinha
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Amar Deep Lakra
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Dhanamjai Penta
- Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India
| | - Anbarasu Kannan
- Department of Protein Chemistry and Technology, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India
| | - Syed Musthapa Meeran
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India; Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India.
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8
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Kurata A, Tachibana Y, Takahashi T, Horiba N. Novel AXL-specific inhibitor ameliorates kidney dysfunction through the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232055. [PMID: 32324796 PMCID: PMC7179907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney diseases affect more than 800 million people globally and remain a high unmet need. Various therapeutic targets are currently under evaluation in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Because the growth arrest specific gene 6 (Gas6)/AXL pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases, we generated a novel selective and potent AXL inhibitor, CH5451098, and we evaluated its efficacy and elucidated its mechanism in an NEP25 mouse model that follows the clinical course of glomerular nephritis. In this model, CH5451098 significantly ameliorated the excretion of urinary albumin and elevation of serum creatinine. Additionally, it also inhibited tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular damage. To elucidate the mechanism behind these changes, we analyzed the effect of CH5451098 against transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and Gas6, which is a ligand of AXL receptor, in NRK-52E renal tubular epithelial cells. CH5451098 inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) caused by the synergistic effects of TGFβ1 and Gas6 in NRK-52E cells. This inhibition was also observed in NEP25 mice. Taken together, these results suggest that CH5451098 could ameliorate kidney dysfunction in glomerular nephritis by inhibiting EMT in tubular cells. These results reveal that AXL strongly contributes to the disease progression of glomerular nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuo Kurata
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yukako Tachibana
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tadakatsu Takahashi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Naoshi Horiba
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
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9
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Mitra S, Bal A, Kashyap D, Kumar S, Shrivastav S, Das A, Singh G. Tumour angiogenesis and c-Met pathway activation - implications in breast cancer. APMIS 2020; 128:316-325. [PMID: 31991499 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with wide range of clinical behaviour. Tumour angiogenesis and metastasis have been considered as prognostic markers of the breast carcinoma, and c-Met, a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase has been implicated in both these processes of tumour progression. This study was conducted to elucidate c-Met and downstream signalling pathways in breast cancer and correlate with angiogenesis as assessed by microvessel density (MVD) and other prognostic parameters including lymph node metastases. Microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by endothelial cell (CD34) marker in breast cancers. c-Met was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for protein expression and by copy number assay for amplification at gene level. PCR array for gene expression related to c-Met, RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT and angiogenesis pathway was performed by real-time PCR. c-Met protein, copy number and mRNA expression did not differ significantly with the lymph node status or MVD. However, Her-2 overexpressing group showed c-Met protein overexpression and amplification. c-Met protein overexpression was also noted in the Luminal B subtype though no amplification was noted. Thus, the c-Met immunohistochemistry score and the c-MET copy numbers did not correlate with each other. c-Met downstream pathway genes (RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT and angiogenesis pathway) showed significant upregulation in Luminal B molecular subtype, lymph node-positive cases and cases with high MVD. The downstream signalling pathways (angiogenesis, RAS-MAPK and PI3K-AKT) were associated high MVD, lymph node metastases, and Her-2 and Luminal B subtype. Since inhibitors of these pathways are commercially available, these can be of therapeutic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanjit Bal
- Department of Histopathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Histopathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Ashim Das
- Department of Histopathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department of General Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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10
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Zajac O, Leclere R, Nicolas A, Meseure D, Marchiò C, Vincent-Salomon A, Roman-Roman S, Schoumacher M, Dubois T. AXL Controls Directed Migration of Mesenchymal Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010247. [PMID: 31963783 PMCID: PMC7016818 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer with high risk of relapse and metastasis. TNBC is a heterogeneous disease comprising different molecular subtypes including those with mesenchymal features. The tyrosine kinase AXL is expressed in mesenchymal cells and plays a role in drug resistance, migration and metastasis. We confirm that AXL is more expressed in mesenchymal TNBC cells compared to luminal breast cancer cells, and that its invalidation impairs cell migration while having no or little effect on cell viability. Here, we found that AXL controls directed migration. We observed that AXL displays a polarized localization at the Golgi apparatus and the leading edge of migratory mesenchymal TNBC cells. AXL co-localizes with F-actin at the front of the cells. In migratory polarized cells, the specific AXL inhibitor R428 displaces AXL and F-actin from the leading edge to a lateral area localized between the front and the rear of the cells where both are enriched in protrusions. In addition, R428 treatment disrupts the polarized localization of the Golgi apparatus towards the leading edge in migratory cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of aggressive chemo-resistant TNBC samples obtained before treatment reveals inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity of the percentage of AXL expressing tumor cells, and a preference of these cells to be in contact with the stroma. Taken together, our study demonstrates that AXL controls directed cell migration most likely by regulating cell polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Zajac
- Breast Cancer Biology Group, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Renaud Leclere
- Department of Pathology, Platform of Investigative Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France; (R.L.); (A.N.); (D.M.)
| | - André Nicolas
- Department of Pathology, Platform of Investigative Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France; (R.L.); (A.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Didier Meseure
- Department of Pathology, Platform of Investigative Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France; (R.L.); (A.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Verdi 8, 10124 Torino TO, Italy;
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Sergio Roman-Roman
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Marie Schoumacher
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Institut de Recherches Internationales SERVIER, 92284 Suresnes, France;
| | - Thierry Dubois
- Breast Cancer Biology Group, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-156246250
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11
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Waterborg CEJ, Broeren MGA, Blaney Davidson EN, Koenders MI, van Lent PLEM, van den Berg WB, van der Kraan PM, van de Loo FAJ. The level of synovial AXL expression determines the outcome of inflammatory arthritis, possibly depending on the upstream role of TGF-β1. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 58:536-546. [PMID: 30508140 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/key337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of AXL, a member of the anti-inflammatory TYRO3, AXL MER (TAM) receptor family, in arthritis. METHODS KRN serum transfer arthritis was induced in Axl-/- and wild-type mice. Knee and ankle joints were scored macro- and microscopically. Synovial gene and protein expression of Axl was determined in naïve and TGF-β1-overexpressing joints. AXL expression was determined in M1-like or M2-like macrophages and RA synovium. Human macrophages, fibroblasts and synovial micromasses were stimulated with TGF-β1 or the AXL inhibitor R428. RESULTS Ankle joints of Axl-/- mice showed exacerbated arthritis pathology, whereas no effect of Axl gene deletion was observed on gonarthritis pathology. To explain this spatial difference, we examined the synovium of naïve mice. In contrast to the knee, the ankle synovial cells prominently expressed AXL. Moreover, the M2-like macrophage phenotype was the dominant cell type in the naïve ankle joint. Human M2-like macrophages expressed higher levels of AXL and blocking AXL increased their inflammatory response. In the murine ankle synovium, gene expression of Tgfb1 was increased and Tgb1 correlated with Axl. Moreover, TGFB1 and AXL expression also correlated in human RA synovium. In human macrophages and synovial micromasses, TGF-β1 enhanced AXL expression. Moreover, TGF-β1 overexpression in naïve murine knee joints induced synovial AXL expression. CONCLUSION Differences in synovial AXL expression are in accordance with the observation that AXL dampens arthritis in ankle, but not in knee joints. We provide evidence that the local differences in AXL expression could be due to TGF-β1, and suggest similar pathways operate in RA synovium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E J Waterborg
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mathijs G A Broeren
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Esmeralda N Blaney Davidson
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marije I Koenders
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter L E M van Lent
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim B van den Berg
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M van der Kraan
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Fons A J van de Loo
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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12
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Umeda S, Kanda M, Miwa T, Tanaka H, Tanaka C, Kobayashi D, Hayashi M, Yamada S, Nakayama G, Koike M, Kodera Y. Fraser extracellular matrix complex subunit 1 promotes liver metastasis of gastric cancer. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:2865-2876. [PMID: 31597194 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver metastasis is often fatal in patients with gastric cancer, therefore, we aimed to identify genes associated with the mechanisms of liver metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) and to investigate their potential to predict recurrence and to serve as targets of therapy. Recurrence pattern-specific transcriptome analysis was performed to identify liver metastasis-associated genes. A stable knockout cell line was generated to investigate metabolic pathways that contribute to the malignant phenotype in vitro and vivo. Three hundred GC patients were analyzed to demonstrate an association between gene expression levels and clinicopathological parameters. As a results extracellular matrix complex subunit 1 (FRAS1) was identified as a liver metastasis-associated gene. Pathway analysis revealed that FRAS1 expression was significantly correlated with the expression of genes encoding TGFB1, MAP1B, AHNAK, BMP2, MUC1, BIRC5, MET, CDH1, RB1 and MKI67. FRAS1 expression was associated with the activation of the EGFR and PI3K signaling pathways. The proliferation ability of FRAS1 knockout cell line (FRAS1-KO) was inhibited compared to that of the parent cell line through caspase activity increment and cell cycle alteration. FRAS1-KO cells exhibited increased responsiveness to oxygen stress and diminished stemness, invasiveness, and migration. Mouse models of GC revealed decreases in tumor formation and generation of metastasis by FRAS1-KO cells. Moreover, the cumulative liver recurrence rate was significantly increased in patients with GC with high FRAS1 expression levels. We concluded that FRAS1 contributes to the malignant phenotype of GC, especially liver metastasis, and may therefore serve as a predictive marker or a target for treating liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Umeda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mitsuro Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Miwa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Haruyoshi Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chie Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masamichi Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Suguru Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Goro Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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13
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Huang C, Huang YL, Wang CC, Pan YL, Lai YH, Huang HC. Ampelopsins A and C Induce Apoptosis and Metastasis through Downregulating AxL, TYRO3, and FYN Expressions in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:2818-2830. [PMID: 30789269 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b06444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ampelopsins A and C are resveratrol oligostilbenes whose role in cancer development remains unknown. This study evaluated the antimetastatic and apoptosis-inducing properties of ampelopsins A and C in MDA-MB-231 cells. The IC50 values of ampelopsins A and C against MDA-MB-231 cells at 72 h were 38.75 ± 4.61 and 2.71 ± 0.21 μM, respectively. However, at 24 h, ampelopsins A and C decreased cell metastasis significantly. Among the 71 proteins present on the human phosphoreceptor tyrosin kinase array, ampelopsin C decreased the phosphorylated protein level of AXL, Dtk (TYRO3), EphA2, EphA6, Fyn, Hck, and SRMS. Additionally, antiproliferation effects of ampelopsin C were enhanced when combined with luteolin and chrysin compared to either two or a single agent in MDA-MB-231 cells. Overall, ampelopsins A and C extracted from Vitis thunbergii are both novel antimetastatic agents and potential therapeutic targets in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Huang
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine , National Yang-Ming University , Taipei 112 , Taiwan
- Department of Earth and Life Sciences , University of Taipei , Taipei 100 , Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Huang
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine , No. 155-1, Section 2, Li-Nong Street , Beitou District, Taipei 11221 , Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science , Chang Gung University of Science and Technology , No. 261, Wen-Hwa First Road , Kwei-shan, Taoyuan 333 , Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Wang
- Department of Applied Science , National Tsing Hua University , South Campus, No. 521, Nanda Road , Hsinchu 30014 , Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Pan
- Department of Applied Science , National Tsing Hua University , South Campus, No. 521, Nanda Road , Hsinchu 30014 , Taiwan
| | - Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry , Chinese Culture University , Taipei 11114 , Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chen Huang
- Department of Applied Science , National Tsing Hua University , South Campus, No. 521, Nanda Road , Hsinchu 30014 , Taiwan
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14
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Li L, Ji Y, Fan J, Li F, Li Y, Wu M, Cheng H, Xu C. Demethylzeylasteral (T-96) inhibits triple-negative breast cancer invasion by blocking the canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling pathways. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 392:593-603. [PMID: 30729271 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is one of the characteristic features during the development of human tumors. A pro-inflammatory cytokine that is known to promote inflammation during cancer development is the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). On the other hand, demethylzeylasteral (T-96) is a natural compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, which has been reported to have various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. We investigated the effects of T-96 on the highly metastatic breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Cell migration was assessed by scratch-wound migration assay, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of T-96 were examined by qPCR and Western blot analyses. We also investigated the suppression effects of T-96 on the pulmonary metastasis in the 4T1 mouse model. T-96 inhibited TGF-β-induced migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition both in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that T-96 inhibited invasion of MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells via suppressing the canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yi Ji
- The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Junting Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Furong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Mianhua Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Haibo Cheng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Changliang Xu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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15
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Dynamics of Axl Receptor Shedding in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Implication for Theranostics. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124111. [PMID: 30567378 PMCID: PMC6321118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its ligand Gas6 is crucially involved in the development of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by activation of hepatic stellate cells and modulation of hepatocyte differentiation. Shedding of Axl’s ectodomain leads to the release of soluble Axl (sAxl), which is increased in advanced fibrosis and in early-to-late stage HCC in the presence and absence of cirrhosis. Here, we focus on the dynamics of Axl receptor shedding and delineate possible scenarios how Axl signaling might act as driver of fibrosis progression and HCC development. Based on experimental and clinical data, we discuss the consequences of modifying Axl signaling by sAxl cleavage, as well as cellular strategies to escape from antagonizing effects of Axl shedding by the involvement of the hepatic microenvironment. We emphasize a correlation between free Gas6 and free sAxl levels favoring abundant Gas6/Axl signaling in advanced fibrosis and HCC. The raised scenario provides a solid basis for theranostics allowing the use of sAxl as an accurate diagnostic biomarker of liver cirrhosis and HCC, as well as Axl receptor signaling for therapeutic intervention in stratified HCC patients.
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16
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Du W, Brekken RA. Does Axl have potential as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:955-966. [PMID: 30244621 PMCID: PMC6292430 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1527315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis, therapy resistance, and immunosuppression are dominant characteristics of pancreatic tumors. Strategies that enhance the efficacy of standard of care and/or immune therapy are likely the most efficient route to improve overall survival in this disease. Areas covered: Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is involved in cell plasticity, chemoresistance, immune suppression, and metastasis in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. This review provides an overview of Axl and its function in normal conditions, summarizes the regulation and function of Axl in cancer, and highlights the contribution of Axl to pancreatic cancer as well as its potential as a therapeutic target. Expert opinion: Axl is an attractive therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer because it contributes to many of the roadblocks that hamper therapeutic efficacy. Clinical evidence supporting Axl inhibition in pancreatic cancer is currently limited; however, multiple clinical trials have been initiated or are in the planning phase to test the effect of inhibiting Axl in conjunction with standard therapy in pancreatic cancer patients. We anticipate that these studies will provide robust validation of Axl as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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17
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Jokela TA, Engelsen AST, Rybicka A, Pelissier Vatter FA, Garbe JC, Miyano M, Tiron C, Ferariu D, Akslen LA, Stampfer MR, Lorens JB, LaBarge MA. Microenvironment-Induced Non-sporadic Expression of the AXL and cKIT Receptors Are Related to Epithelial Plasticity and Drug Resistance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:41. [PMID: 29719832 PMCID: PMC5913284 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of rare cancer cells that sporadically acquire drug-tolerance through epigenetic mechanisms is proposed as one mechanism that drives cancer therapy failure. Here we provide evidence that specific microenvironments impose non-sporadic expression of proteins related to epithelial plasticity and drug resistance. Microarrays of robotically printed combinatorial microenvironments of known composition were used to make cell-based functional associations between microenvironments, which were design-inspired by normal and tumor-burdened breast tissues, and cell phenotypes. We hypothesized that specific combinations of microenvironment constituents non-sporadically impose the induction of the AXL and cKIT receptor tyrosine kinase proteins, which are known to be involved in epithelial plasticity and drug-tolerance, in an isogenic human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC) malignant progression series. Dimension reduction analysis reveals type I collagen as a dominant feature, inducing expression of both markers in pre-stasis finite lifespan HMECs, and transformed non-malignant and malignant immortal cell lines. Basement membrane-associated matrix proteins, laminin-111 and type IV collagen, suppress AXL and cKIT expression in pre-stasis and non-malignant cells. However, AXL and cKIT are not suppressed by laminin-111 in malignant cells. General linear models identified key factors, osteopontin, IL-8, and type VIα3 collagen, which significantly upregulated AXL and cKIT, as well as a plasticity-related gene expression program that is often observed in stem cells and in epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition. These factors are co-located with AXL-expressing cells in situ in normal and breast cancer tissues, and associated with resistance to paclitaxel. A greater diversity of microenvironments induced AXL and cKIT expression consistent with plasticity and drug-tolerant phenotypes in tumorigenic cells compared to normal or immortal cells, suggesting a reduced perception of microenvironment specificity in malignant cells. Microenvironment-imposed reprogramming could explain why resistant cells are seemingly persistent and rapidly adaptable to multiple classes of drugs. These results support the notion that specific microenvironments drive drug-tolerant cellular phenotypes and suggest a novel interventional avenue for preventing acquired therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina A. Jokela
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Population Sciences, Center for Cancer and Aging, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Agata Rybicka
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - James C. Garbe
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Masaru Miyano
- Department of Population Sciences, Center for Cancer and Aging, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Crina Tiron
- Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
| | - Dan Ferariu
- Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi, Romania
| | - Lars A. Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Martha R. Stampfer
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - James B. Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mark A. LaBarge
- Department of Population Sciences, Center for Cancer and Aging, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
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18
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Cell softening in malignant progression of human lung cancer cells by activation of receptor tyrosine kinase AXL. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17770. [PMID: 29259259 PMCID: PMC5736582 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To study the role of cell softening in malignant progression, Transwell assay and atomic force microscope were used to classify six human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines into two groups: a high motility-low stiffness (HMLS) group and a low motility-high stiffness (LMHS) group. We found a significant role of activity of the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, which belongs to the TAM (Tyro3, AXL, Mer) family, in the stimulation of motility and cell softening. HMLS cells expressed higher AXL levels than LMHS cells and contained phosphorylated AXL. H1703 LMHS cells transfected with exogenous AXL exhibited increased motility and decreased stiffness, with low levels of actin stress fibre formation. Conversely, the AXL-specific inhibitor R428 and AXL-targeting siRNA reduced motility and increased stiffness in H1299 HMLS cells. Knockdown of AXL stimulated actin stress fibre formation, which inhibited tumour formation in a mouse xenograft model. The Ras/Rac inhibitor SCH 51344, which blocks disruption of actin stress fibres, exerted similar effects to AXL inactivation. We therefore propose that the Ras/Rac pathway operates downstream of AXL. Thus, AXL activation-induced cell softening promotes malignant progression in non-small cell lung cancer and represents a key biophysical property of cancer cells.
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19
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Dai X, Fang M, Li S, Yan Y, Zhong Y, Du B. miR-21 is involved in transforming growth factor β1-induced chemoresistance and invasion by targeting PTEN in breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:6929-6936. [PMID: 29151919 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer. However, the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of TGF-β1 in breast cancer remain unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the effects of components of the TGF-β/microRNA (miR-)21/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) signaling axis in breast cancer. TGF-β1 was identified to upregulate the expression of miR-21, and miR-21 was demonstrated to be significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with benign proliferative breast disease. In addition, the expression of miR-21 was significantly associated with increased TGF-β1 and clinical characteristics in patients, including tumor grade and lymph node metastasis (all P<0.05). Furthermore, in the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line, TGF-β1 was revealed to induce the expression of miR-21 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The results of the present study additionally demonstrated that increased miR-21, in response to TGF-β1 signaling, was associated with tumor invasion and chemoresistance in vitro. In addition, suppression of PTEN was mediated by TGF-β1-induced expression of miR-21 in breast cancer cells and using a miR-21 inhibitor revitalized the expression of PTEN. The results of the present study explored the functions of TGF-β1-stimulated expression of miR-21 to suppress the PTEN axis, which promotes breast cancer progression and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Dai
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Mao Fang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510436, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Yongrong Yan
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Bin Du
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China.,Division of Clinic Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
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20
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MiR-106b and miR-93 regulate cell progression by suppression of PTEN via PI3K/Akt pathway in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2796. [PMID: 28518139 PMCID: PMC5520687 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidences have revealed that dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) involve in the tumorigenesis, progression and even lead to poor prognosis of various carcinomas, including breast cancer. MiRNA-106b-5p (miR-106b) and miRNA-93-5p (miR-93) levels were confirmed to be significantly upregulated in breast cancer clinical samples (n=36) and metastatic cell line (MDA-MB-231) compared with those in the paired adjacent tissues and normal breast epithelial cell line (MCF-10A). Moreover, further research stated that the capability of migration, invasion and proliferation changed along with the altered expression of miR-106b and miR-93 in breast cancer. PTEN, the tumor-suppressor gene, was discovered to be reduced in breast cancer tissues or MDA-MB-231 cells with high levels of miR-106b and miR-93, which were inversely expressed in PTEN overexpression tissues or cells. Based on the investigation, miR-106b and miR-93 induced the migration, invasion and proliferation and simultaneously enhanced the activity of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway of MCF-7 cells, which could be blocked by upregulation of PTEN. Furthermore, suppression of PTEN reversed the function induced by anti-miR-106b and anti-miR-93 in MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating that PTEN was directly targeted by these miRNAs and acted as the potential therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy. In short, reductive PTEN mediated by miR-106b and miR-93 promoted cell progression through PI3K/Akt pathway in breast cancer.
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21
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Gan L, Qiu Z, Huang J, Li Y, Huang H, Xiang T, Wan J, Hui T, Lin Y, Li H, Ren G. Cyclooxygenase-2 in tumor-associated macrophages promotes metastatic potential of breast cancer cells through Akt pathway. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:1533-1543. [PMID: 27994517 PMCID: PMC5166494 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.15943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote cancer development and progression by releasing various cytokines and chemokines. Previously, we have found that the number of COX-2+ TAMs was associated with lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. However, the mechanism remains enigmatic. In this study, we show that COX-2 in breast TAMs enhances the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. COX-2 in TAMs induces MMP-9 expression and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cells. In addition, COX-2/PGE2 induces IL-6 release in macrophages. Furthermore, we find that the activation of Akt pathway in cancer cells is crucial for the pro-metastatic effect of COX-2+ TAMs by regulating MMP-9 and EMT. These findings indicate that TAMs facilitate breast cancer cell metastasis through COX-2-mediated intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhu Qiu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunhai Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyan Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingxiu Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyuan Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianli Hui
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongzhong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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22
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Transforming growth factor β as regulator of cancer stemness and metastasis. Br J Cancer 2016; 115:761-9. [PMID: 27537386 PMCID: PMC5046208 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Key elements of cancer progression towards metastasis are the biological actions of cancer stem cells and stromal cells in the tumour microenvironment. Cross-communication between tumour and stromal cells is mediated by secreted cytokines, one of which, the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), regulates essentially every cell within the malignant tissue. In this article, we focus on the actions of TGFβ on cancer stem cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells that assist the overall process of metastatic dissemination. We aim at illustrating intricate connections made by various cells in the tumour tissue and which depend on the action of TGFβ.
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23
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Tan L, Zhang Z, Gao D, Luo J, Tu ZC, Li Z, Peng L, Ren X, Ding K. 4-Oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxamide Derivatives as New Axl Kinase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2016; 59:6807-25. [PMID: 27379978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Li Tan
- State
Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine
and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine
and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- School
of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Donglin Gao
- State
Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine
and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinfeng Luo
- State
Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine
and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Zheng-Chao Tu
- State
Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine
and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Zhengqiu Li
- School
of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lijie Peng
- School
of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaomei Ren
- State
Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine
and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- School
of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ke Ding
- State
Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine
and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- School
of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
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24
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Liu J, Cui X, Qu L, Hua L, Wu M, Shen Z, Lu C, Ni R. Overexpression of DLX2 is associated with poor prognosis and sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Mol Pathol 2016; 101:58-65. [PMID: 27302463 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism underlying poor prognosis and sorafenib resistance in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown and, to date, no useful predictive biomarkers of sorafenib resistance have been identified. Distal-less homeobox 2 (DLX2) is a transcription factor involved in cell cycle regulation that is closely correlated with cancer prognosis. In this study, we showed that DLX2 is overexpressed in HCC tissues and cell lines and that the level of DLX2 overexpression is positively correlated with histological grade, metastasis and Ki67 expression, which are indicators of poor prognosis. We also found that DLX2 accumulates in proliferating HCC cells, where it is associated with the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D1 and Cyclin A. Flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays indicated that DLX2 depletion causes cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and hinders cell proliferation. Moreover, the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib is restored when the DLX2 gene is knocked down using a short interfering RNA. We demonstrated that DLX2 facilitates sorafenib resistance by promoting the expression of markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and by activating the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway. Our findings reveal that DLX2 plays a regulatory role in HCC cell proliferation and suggests that targeting DLX2 represents a novel strategy to increase sorafenib efficacy in the management of HCC. In conclusion, DLX2 is a novel marker of poor prognosis and sorafenib resistance in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaopeng Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lishuai Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Hua
- Grade 14, Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Wu
- Grade 14, Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyi Shen
- Grade 15, Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuihua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Runzhou Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
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25
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Wu J, Qin H, Li T, Cheng K, Dong J, Tian M, Chai N, Guo H, Li J, You X, Dong M, Ye M, Nie Y, Zou H, Fan D. Characterization of site-specific glycosylation of secreted proteins associated with multi-drug resistance of gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:25315-27. [PMID: 27015365 PMCID: PMC5041906 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance (MDR) remains a great obstacle to effective chemotherapy for gastric cancer. A number of secreted glycoproteins have been reported to be involved in the development of MDR in gastric cancer. However, whether glycosylation of secreted glycoproteins changes during MDR of gastric cancer is unclear. Our present work manifested that N-glycosites and site-specific glycoforms of secreted proteins in drug-resistant cell lines were distinctly different from those in the parental cell line for the first time. Further characterization highlighted the significance of some aberrantly glycosylated secretory proteins in MDR, suggesting that manipulating the glycosylation of specific glycoproteins could be a potential target for overcoming multi-drug resistance in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hongqiang Qin
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Kai Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jiaqiang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Miaomiao Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Na Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jinjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xin You
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Mingming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Mingliang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hanfa Zou
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R & A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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26
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Vouri M, An Q, Birt M, Pilkington GJ, Hafizi S. Small molecule inhibition of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase potently suppresses multiple malignant properties of glioma cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:16183-97. [PMID: 25980499 PMCID: PMC4599264 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) often features a combination of tumour suppressor gene inactivation and multiple oncogene overactivation. The Axl receptor tyrosine kinase is found overexpressed in GBM and thought to contribute to invasiveness, chemoresistance and poor survival. Here, we have evaluated the effect of BGB324, a clinical candidate Axl-specific small molecule inhibitor, on the invasive behaviour of human GBM cells in vitro, as an indicator of its potential in GBM therapy and also to elucidate the role of Axl in GBM pathogenesis.Two cultured adult GBM cell lines, SNB-19 and UP007, were treated with Gas6 and/or BGB324, and analysed in assays for survival, 3D colony growth, motility, migration and invasion. Western blot was used to detect protein expression and signal protein phosphorylation. In both cell lines, BGB324 inhibited specifically phosphorylation of Axl as well as Akt kinase further downstream. BGB324 also inhibited survival and proliferation of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner, as well as completely suppressing migration and invasion. Furthermore, our results indicate co-operative activation between the Axl and Tyro3 receptors, as well as ligand-independent Axl signalling, to take place in GBM cells. In conclusion, small molecule inhibitor-led targeting of Axl may be a promising therapy for GBM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaella Vouri
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Qian An
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Matthew Birt
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Geoffrey J. Pilkington
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Sassan Hafizi
- 1 Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
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