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Bannoura SF, Khan HY, Uddin MH, Mohammad RM, Pasche BC, Azmi AS. Targeting guanine nucleotide exchange factors for novel cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38884380 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2368242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) regulate the activation of small GTPases (G proteins) of the Ras superfamily proteins controlling cellular functions. Ras superfamily proteins act as 'molecular switches' that are turned 'ON' by guanine exchange. There are five major groups of Ras family GTPases: Ras, Ran, Rho, Rab and Arf, with a variety of different GEFs regulating their GTP loading. GEFs have been implicated in various diseases including cancer. This makes GEFs attractive targets to modulate signaling networks controlled by small GTPases. AREAS COVERED In this review, the roles and mechanisms of GEFs in malignancy are outlined. The mechanism of guanine exchange activity by GEFs on a small GTPase is illustrated. Then, some examples of GEFs that are significant in cancer are presented with a discussion on recent progress in therapeutic targeting efforts using a variety of approaches. EXPERT OPINION Recently, GEFs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for novel cancer drug development. Targeting small GTPases is challenging; thus, targeting their activation by GEFs is a promising strategy. Most GEF-targeted drugs are still in preclinical development. A deeper biological understanding of the underlying mechanisms of GEF activity and utilizing advanced technology are necessary to enhance drug discovery for GEFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar F Bannoura
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Husain Yar Khan
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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2
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Pei L, Ouyang Z, Zhang H, Huang S, Jiang R, Liu B, Tang Y, Feng M, Yuan M, Wang H, Yao S, Shi S, Yu Z, Xu D, Gong G, Wei K. Thrombospondin 1 and Reelin act through Vldlr to regulate cardiac growth and repair. Basic Res Cardiol 2024; 119:169-192. [PMID: 38147128 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-023-01021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes have minimal cell cycle capacity, which leads to poor regeneration after cardiac injury such as myocardial infarction. Many positive regulators of cardiomyocyte cell cycle and cardioprotective signals have been identified, but extracellular signals that suppress cardiomyocyte proliferation are poorly understood. We profiled receptors enriched in postnatal cardiomyocytes, and found that very-low-density-lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr) inhibits neonatal cardiomyocyte cell cycle. Paradoxically, Reelin, the well-known Vldlr ligand, expressed in cardiac Schwann cells and lymphatic endothelial cells, promotes neonatal cardiomyocyte proliferation. Thrombospondin1 (TSP-1), another ligand of Vldlr highly expressed in adult heart, was then found to inhibit cardiomyocyte proliferation through Vldlr, and may contribute to Vldlr's overall repression on proliferation. Mechanistically, Rac1 and subsequent Yap phosphorylation and nucleus translocation mediate the regulation of the cardiomyocyte cell cycle by TSP-1/Reelin-Vldlr signaling. Importantly, Reln mutant neonatal mice displayed impaired cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration after apical resection, while cardiac-specific Thbs1 deletion and cardiomyocyte-specific Vldlr deletion promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and are cardioprotective after myocardial infarction. Our results identified a novel role of Vldlr in consolidating extracellular signals to regulate cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity and survival, and the overall suppressive TSP-1-Vldlr signal may contribute to the poor cardiac repair capacity of adult mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Pei
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhaohui Ouyang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shiqi Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bilin Liu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yansong Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Mengying Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Min Yuan
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Haocun Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Su Yao
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shuyue Shi
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhao Yu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dachun Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Guohua Gong
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ke Wei
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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3
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Crespo GV, Ortiz J, O'Farrill EH, Vlaar CP, Inyushin M, Kucheryavykh Y, Kucheryavykh L. The Rac inhibitor HV-107 as a potential therapeutic for metastatic breast cancer. Mol Med 2023; 29:75. [PMID: 37316799 PMCID: PMC10268403 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significant challenge in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lies in its high rate of distant metastasis. To address this, inhibiting metastasis formation in TNBC is vital. Rac is a key player in cancer metastasis. Previously, we developed Ehop-016, a Rac inhibitor that successfully reduced tumor growth and metastasis in mice. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of HV-107, a derivative of Ehop-016, in inhibiting TNBC metastasis at lower doses. METHODS Rho GTPases activity assays were performed with the use of GST-PAK beads and Rac, Rho, and Cdc42 GLISA. Cell viability was assessed through trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays. Cell cycle analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. To evaluate invading capabilities, transwell assays and invadopodia formation assays were performed. Metastasis formation studies were conducted using a breast cancer xenograft mouse model. RESULTS HV-107 inhibited Rac activity by 50% in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells at concentrations of 250-2000 nM, leading to a 90% decrease in invasion and invadopodia activity. Concentrations of 500 nM and above caused dose-dependent reductions in cell viability, resulting in up to 20% cell death after 72 h. Concentrations exceeding 1000 nM upregulated PAK1, PAK2, FAK, Pyk2, Cdc42, and Rho signallings, while Pyk2 was downregulated at 100-500 nM. Through in vitro experiments, optimal concentrations of HV-107 ranging from 250 to 500 nM were identified, effectively inhibiting Rac activity and invasion while minimizing off-target effects. In a breast cancer xenograft model, administration of 5 mg/kg HV-107 (administered intraperitoneally, 5 days a week) reduced Rac activity by 20% in tumors and decreased metastasis by 50% in the lungs and liver. No observed toxicity was noted at the tested doses. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that HV-107 exhibits promising potential as a therapeutic medication utilizing Rac inhibition mechanisms to address metastasis formation in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Velez Crespo
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
| | - Jescelica Ortiz
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Eliud Hernández O'Farrill
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Cornelis P Vlaar
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Mikhail Inyushin
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Yuriy Kucheryavykh
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Lilia Kucheryavykh
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
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4
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Zhang Y, Li G, Zhao Y. Advances in the development of Rho GTPase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117337. [PMID: 37253305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Rho guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases), as members of the Ras superfamily, are GDP/GTP binding proteins that behave as molecular switches for the transduction of signals from external stimuli. Rho GTPases play essential roles in a number of cellular processes including cell cycle, cell polarity as well as cell migration. The dysregulations of Rho GTPases are related with various diseases, especially with cancers. Accumulating evidence supports that Rho GTPases play important roles in cancer development and progression. Rho GTPases become potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. And a number of inhibitors targeting Rho GTPases have been developed. In this review, we discuss their structural features, summarize their roles in cancer, and focus on the recent progress of their inhibitors, which are beneficial for the drug discovery targeting Rho GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guanyi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yaxue Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
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5
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Chen F, Gurler SB, Novo D, Selli C, Alferez DG, Eroglu S, Pavlou K, Zhang J, Sims AH, Humphreys NE, Adamson A, Campbell A, Sansom OJ, Tournier C, Clarke RB, Brennan K, Streuli CH, Ucar A. RAC1B function is essential for breast cancer stem cell maintenance and chemoresistance of breast tumor cells. Oncogene 2023; 42:679-692. [PMID: 36599922 PMCID: PMC9957727 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) are presumed to be responsible for treatment resistance, tumor recurrence and metastasis of breast tumors. However, development of BCSC-targeting therapies has been held back by their heterogeneity and the lack of BCSC-selective molecular targets. Here, we demonstrate that RAC1B, the only known alternatively spliced variant of the small GTPase RAC1, is expressed in a subset of BCSCs in vivo and its function is required for the maintenance of BCSCs and their chemoresistance to doxorubicin. In human breast cancer cell line MCF7, RAC1B is required for BCSC plasticity and chemoresistance to doxorubicin in vitro and for tumor-initiating abilities in vivo. Unlike Rac1, Rac1b function is dispensable for normal mammary gland development and mammary epithelial stem cell (MaSC) activity. In contrast, loss of Rac1b function in a mouse model of breast cancer hampers the BCSC activity and increases their chemosensitivity to doxorubicin treatment. Collectively, our data suggest that RAC1B is a clinically relevant molecular target for the development of BCSC-targeting therapies that may improve the effectiveness of doxorubicin-mediated chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhui Chen
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sevim B. Gurler
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Novo
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cigdem Selli
- grid.470904.e0000 0004 0496 2805Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Denis G. Alferez
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Secil Eroglu
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kyriaki Pavlou
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- grid.470904.e0000 0004 0496 2805Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Neil E. Humphreys
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Genome Editing Unit, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Antony Adamson
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Genome Editing Unit, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Campbell
- grid.23636.320000 0000 8821 5196Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- grid.23636.320000 0000 8821 5196Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK ,grid.8756.c0000 0001 2193 314XSchool of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Cathy Tournier
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Robert B. Clarke
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Keith Brennan
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charles H. Streuli
- grid.5379.80000000121662407Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ahmet Ucar
- Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Medina JI, Cruz-Collazo A, Maldonado MDM, Matos Gascot T, Borrero-Garcia LD, Cooke M, Kazanietz MG, Hernandez O'Farril E, Vlaar CP, Dharmawardhane S. Characterization of Novel Derivatives of MBQ-167, an inhibitor of the GTP-binding proteins Rac/Cdc42. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1711-1726. [PMID: 36861094 PMCID: PMC9970268 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rac and Cdc42, are homologous GTPases that regulate cell migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression; thus, representing key targets for metastasis therapy. We previously reported on the efficacy of MBQ-167, which blocks both Rac1 and Cdc42 in breast cancer cells and mouse models of metastasis. To identify compounds with increased activity, a panel of MBQ-167 derivatives was synthesized, maintaining its 9-ethyl-3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-9H-carbazole core. Similar to MBQ-167, MBQ-168 and EHop-097, inhibit activation of Rac and Rac1B splice variant and breast cancer cell viability, and induce apoptosis. MBQ-167 and MBQ-168 inhibit Rac and Cdc42 by interfering with guanine nucleotide binding, and MBQ-168 is a more effective inhibitor of PAK (1,2,3) activation. EHop-097 acts via a different mechanism by inhibiting the interaction of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Vav with Rac. MBQ-168 and EHop-097 inhibit metastatic breast cancer cell migration, and MBQ-168 promotes loss of cancer cell polarity to result in disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and detachment from the substratum. In lung cancer cells, MBQ-168 is more effective than MBQ-167 or EHop-097 at reducing ruffle formation in response to EGF. Comparable to MBQ-167, MBQ-168 significantly inhibits HER2+ tumor growth and metastasis to lung, liver, and spleen. Both MBQ-167 and MBQ-168 inhibit the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes 3A4, 2C9, and 2C19. However, MBQ-168 is ~10X less potent than MBQ-167 at inhibiting CYP3A4, thus demonstrating its utility in relevant combination therapies. In conclusion, the MBQ-167 derivatives MBQ-168 and EHop-097 are additional promising anti metastatic cancer compounds with similar and distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia I. Medina
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Ailed Cruz-Collazo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Maria del Mar Maldonado
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Tatiana Matos Gascot
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marcelo G. Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Eliud Hernandez O'Farril
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- MBQ Pharma, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Cornelis P. Vlaar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- MBQ Pharma, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- MBQ Pharma, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Corresponding Author: Suranganie Dharmawardhane, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, School of Medicine, PO Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067. Phone: 787-758-2525, ext. 1623; E-mail:
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7
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Borrero-García LD, Del Mar Maldonado M, Medina-Velázquez J, Troche-Torres AL, Velazquez L, Grafals-Ruiz N, Dharmawardhane S. Rac inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy for EGFR/HER2 targeted therapy resistant breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:652. [PMID: 34074257 PMCID: PMC8170972 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08366-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Even though targeted therapies are available for cancers expressing oncogenic epidermal growth receptor (EGFR) and (or) human EGFR2 (HER2), acquired or intrinsic resistance often confounds therapy success. Common mechanisms of therapy resistance involve activating receptor point mutations and (or) upregulation of signaling downstream of EGFR/HER2 to Akt and (or) mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. However, additional pathways of resistance may exist thus, confounding successful therapy. Methods To determine novel mechanisms of EGFR/HER2 therapy resistance in breast cancer, gefitinib or lapatinib resistant variants were created from SKBR3 breast cancer cells. Syngenic therapy sensitive and resistant SKBR3 variants were characterized for mechanisms of resistance by mammosphere assays, viability assays, and western blotting for total and phospho proteins. Results Gefitinib and lapatinib treatments reduced mammosphere formation in the sensitive cells, but not in the therapy resistant variants, indicating enhanced mesenchymal and cancer stem cell-like characteristics in therapy resistant cells. The therapy resistant variants did not show significant changes in known therapy resistant pathways of AKT and MAPK activities downstream of EGFR/HER2. However, these cells exhibited elevated expression and activation of the small GTPase Rac, which is a pivotal intermediate of GFR signaling in EMT and metastasis. Therefore, the potential of the Rac inhibitors EHop-016 and MBQ-167 to overcome therapy resistance was tested, and found to inhibit viability and induce apoptosis of therapy resistant cells. Conclusions Rac inhibition may represent a viable strategy for treatment of EGFR/HER2 targeted therapy resistant breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08366-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis D Borrero-García
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Maria Del Mar Maldonado
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Julia Medina-Velázquez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Angel L Troche-Torres
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Luis Velazquez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Nilmary Grafals-Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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8
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Lim ZQ, Ng QY, Oo Y, Chu JJH, Ng SY, Sze SK, Alonso S. Enterovirus-A71 exploits peripherin and Rac1 to invade the central nervous system. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e51777. [PMID: 33871166 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus-A71 (EV-A71) has been associated with severe neurological forms of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). EV-A71 infects motor neurons at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) to invade the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we investigate the role of peripherin (PRPH) during EV-A71 infection, a type III intermediate neurofilament involved in neurodegenerative conditions. In mice infected with EV-A71, PRPH co-localizes with viral particles in the muscles at NMJs and in the spinal cord. In motor neuron-like and neuroblastoma cell lines, surface-expressed PRPH facilitates viral entry, while intracellular PRPH influences viral genome replication through interactions with structural and non-structural viral components. Importantly, PRPH does not play a role during infection with coxsackievirus A16, another causative agent of HFMD rarely associated with neurological complications, suggesting that EV-A71 ability to exploit PRPH represents a unique attribute for successful CNS invasion. Finally, we show that EV-A71 also exploits some of the many PRPH-interacting partners. Of these, small GTP-binding protein Rac1 represents a potential druggable host target to limit neuroinvasion of EV-A71.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Qin Lim
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qing Yong Ng
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yukei Oo
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Services Core Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sylvie Alonso
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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9
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Marikawa Y, Menor M, Deng Y, Alarcon VB. Regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and trophectoderm lineage specification by the mevalonate pathway in the mouse preimplantation embryo. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6156636. [PMID: 33677573 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early embryos are vulnerable to environmental insults, such as medications taken by the mother. Due to increasing prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, more women of childbearing potential are taking cholesterol-lowering medications called statins. Previously, we showed that inhibition of the mevalonate pathway by statins impaired mouse preimplantation development, by modulating HIPPO signaling, a key regulator for trophectoderm (TE) lineage specification. Here, we further evaluated molecular events that are altered by mevalonate pathway inhibition during the timeframe of morphogenesis and cell lineage specification. Whole transcriptome analysis revealed that statin treatment dysregulated gene expression underlying multiple processes, including cholesterol biosynthesis, HIPPO signaling, cell lineage specification and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. We explored mechanisms that link the mevalonate pathway to ER stress, because of its potential impact on embryonic health and development. Upregulation of ER stress-responsive genes was inhibited when statin-treated embryos were supplemented with the mevalonate pathway product, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). Inhibition of geranylgeranylation was sufficient to upregulate ER stress-responsive genes. However, ER stress-responsive genes were not upregulated by inhibition of ras homolog family member A (RHOA), a geranylgeranylation target, although it interfered with TE specification and blastocyst cavity formation. In contrast, inhibition of Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1), another geranylgeranylation target, upregulated ER stress-responsive genes, while it did not impair TE specification or cavity formation. Thus, our study suggests that the mevalonate pathway regulates cellular homeostasis (ER stress repression) and differentiation (TE lineage specification) in preimplantation embryos through GGPP-dependent activation of two distinct small GTPases, RAC1 and RHOA, respectively. Translation of the findings to human embryos and clinical settings requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Marikawa
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Mark Menor
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Youping Deng
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Vernadeth B Alarcon
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
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10
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Targeting the cytoskeleton against metastatic dissemination. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:89-140. [PMID: 33471283 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09936-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a pathology characterized by a loss or a perturbation of a number of typical features of normal cell behaviour. Indeed, the acquisition of an inappropriate migratory and invasive phenotype has been reported to be one of the hallmarks of cancer. The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic network of highly ordered interlinking filaments playing a key role in the control of fundamental cellular processes, like cell shape maintenance, motility, division and intracellular transport. Moreover, deregulation of this complex machinery contributes to cancer progression and malignancy, enabling cells to acquire an invasive and metastatic phenotype. Metastasis accounts for 90% of death from patients affected by solid tumours, while an efficient prevention and suppression of metastatic disease still remains elusive. This results in the lack of effective therapeutic options currently available for patients with advanced disease. In this context, the cytoskeleton with its regulatory and structural proteins emerges as a novel and highly effective target to be exploited for a substantial therapeutic effort toward the development of specific anti-metastatic drugs. Here we provide an overview of the role of cytoskeleton components and interacting proteins in cancer metastasis with a special focus on small molecule compounds interfering with the actin cytoskeleton organization and function. The emerging involvement of microtubules and intermediate filaments in cancer metastasis is also reviewed.
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11
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Jiménez Cruz JM, Vlaar CP, López-Mejías V, Stelzer T. Solubility Measurements and Correlation of MBQ-167 in Neat and Binary Solvent Mixtures. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING DATA 2021; 66:832-839. [PMID: 36262318 PMCID: PMC9578765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jced.0c00908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
MBQ-167 is a novel, small-molecule dual inhibitor of Rac and Cdc42, small GTPases that are involved in cytoskeletal organization, cell cycle progression, and cell migration. In an in vivo mouse model, MBQ-167 has been shown to significantly reduce mammary tumor growth and metastasis and is currently undergoing preclinical studies for the treatment of metastatic cancer. To date, no solubility data have been reported for this compound. For this reason, the present study aims to determine the solubility of this compound in eight neat solvents (acetonitrile, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, methanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol) and two binary solvent mixtures [ethyl acetate (2) + heptane (3) and ethanol (2) + water (3)] between the temperatures of 278.15 and 333.15 K. The results obtained employing the polythermal method show that the solubility of MBQ-167 increases with an increase in temperature in all neat solvents used within this study. Moreover, in the two binary solvent mixtures, the solubility of this compound increases with increasing temperature and decreases with an increasing mass fraction of the antisolvent (heptane or water). The experimental solubility data were correlated using the modified Apelblat and λh model equations. The predicted solubility data acquired from the Apelblat and λh model equations correlate well with the experimental solubility data as indicated by the low ARD % (≤1.8304 and ≤6.5366, respectively). No solvent-mediated polymorphic phase transitions were observed while performing the solubility studies, and no other solid forms were detected after the recrystallization in the solvents and solvent mixtures. The solubility data determined here can offer pathways to develop pharmaceutical crystallization processes that can further the translation of MBQ-167 into a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Jiménez Cruz
- Crystallization Design Institute, Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936, United States
| | - Cornelis P Vlaar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936, United States
| | - Vilmalí López-Mejías
- Crystallization Design Institute, Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931, United States
| | - Torsten Stelzer
- Crystallization Design Institute, Molecular Sciences Research Center, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936, United States
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12
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Rivera-Robles MJ, Medina-Velázquez J, Asencio-Torres GM, González-Crespo S, Rymond BC, Rodríguez-Medina J, Dharmawardhane S. Targeting Cdc42 with the anticancer compound MBQ-167 inhibits cell polarity and growth in the budding yeast S. cerevisiae. Small GTPases 2020; 11:430-440. [PMID: 29969362 PMCID: PMC7549613 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2018.1495008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho GTPase Cdc42 is highly conserved in structure and function. Mechanical or chemical cues in the microenvironment stimulate the localized activation of Cdc42 to rearrange the actin cytoskeleton and establish cell polarity. A role for Cdc42 in cell polarization was first discovered in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and subsequently shown to also regulate directional motility in animal cells. Accordingly, in cancer Cdc42 promotes migration, invasion, and spread of tumor cells. Therefore, we targeted Cdc42 as a therapeutic strategy to treat metastatic breast cancer and designed the small molecule MBQ-167 as a potent inhibitor against Cdc42 and the homolog Rac. MBQ-167 inhibited cancer cell proliferation and migration in-vitro, and tumor growth and spread in-vivo in a mouse xenograft model of metastatic breast cancer. Since haploid budding yeast express a single Cdc42 gene, and do not express Rac, we used this well characterized model of polarization to define the contribution of Cdc42 inhibition to the effects of MBQ-167 in eukaryotic cells. Growth, budding pattern, and Cdc42 activity was determined in wildtype yeast or cells expressing a conditional knockdown of Cdc42 in response to vehicle or MBQ-167 treatment. As expected, growth and budding polarity were reduced by knocking-down Cdc42, with a parallel effect observed with MBQ-167. Cdc42 activity assays confirmed that MBQ-167 inhibits Cdc42 activation in yeast, and thus, bud polarity. Hence, we have validated MBQ-167 as a Cdc42 inhibitor in another biological context and present a method to screen Cdc42 inhibitors with potential as anti-metastatic cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael John Rivera-Robles
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, USA
| | - Julia Medina-Velázquez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Asencio-Torres
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, USA
| | - Sahily González-Crespo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, USA
| | - Brian C. Rymond
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA
| | - José Rodríguez-Medina
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, USA
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, USA
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13
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Baudet S, Bécret J, Nicol X. Approaches to Manipulate Ephrin-A:EphA Forward Signaling Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13070140. [PMID: 32629797 PMCID: PMC7407804 DOI: 10.3390/ph13070140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma A (EphA) receptors and their ephrin-A ligands are key players of developmental events shaping the mature organism. Their expression is mostly restricted to stem cell niches in adults but is reactivated in pathological conditions including lesions in the heart, lung, or nervous system. They are also often misregulated in tumors. A wide range of molecular tools enabling the manipulation of the ephrin-A:EphA system are available, ranging from small molecules to peptides and genetically-encoded strategies. Their mechanism is either direct, targeting EphA receptors, or indirect through the modification of intracellular downstream pathways. Approaches enabling manipulation of ephrin-A:EphA forward signaling for the dissection of its signaling cascade, the investigation of its physiological roles or the development of therapeutic strategies are summarized here.
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14
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Maldonado MDM, Medina JI, Velazquez L, Dharmawardhane S. Targeting Rac and Cdc42 GEFs in Metastatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:201. [PMID: 32322580 PMCID: PMC7156542 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 have emerged as key players in cancer metastasis, due to their essential roles in regulating cell division and actin cytoskeletal rearrangements; and thus, cell growth, migration/invasion, polarity, and adhesion. This review will focus on the close homologs Rac and Cdc42, which have been established as drivers of metastasis and therapy resistance in multiple cancer types. Rac and Cdc42 are often dysregulated in cancer due to hyperactivation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), belonging to both the diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl) and dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) families. Rac/Cdc42 GEFs are activated by a myriad of oncogenic cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, cytokine receptors, and integrins; consequently, a number of Rac/Cdc42 GEFs have been implicated in metastatic cancer. Hence, inhibiting GEF-mediated Rac/Cdc42 activation represents a promising strategy for targeted metastatic cancer therapy. Herein, we focus on the role of oncogenic Rac/Cdc42 GEFs and discuss the recent advancements in the development of Rac and Cdc42 GEF-interacting inhibitors as targeted therapy for metastatic cancer, as well as their potential for overcoming cancer therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Mar Maldonado
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Julia Isabel Medina
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Luis Velazquez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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15
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Wu Y, Zhao Y, Huan L, Zhao J, Zhou Y, Xu L, Hu Z, Liu Y, Chen Z, Wang L, Huang S, He X, Liang L. An LTR Retrotransposon-Derived Long Noncoding RNA lncMER52A Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Binding p120-Catenin. Cancer Res 2019; 80:976-987. [PMID: 31874857 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are a major class of transposable elements, accounting for 8.67% of the human genome. LTRs can serve as regulatory sequences and drive transcription of tissue or cancer-specific transcripts. However, the role of these LTR-activated transcripts, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), in cancer development remains largely unexplored. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA derived from MER52A retrotransposons (lncMER52A) that was exclusively expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC patients with higher lncMER52A had advanced TNM stage, less differentiated tumors, and shorter overall survival. LncMER52A promoted invasion and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, lncMER52A stabilized p120-catenin and triggered the activation of Rho GTPase downstream of p120-catenin. Furthermore, we found that chromatin accessibility was crucial for the expression of lncMER52A. In addition, YY1 transcription factor bound to the cryptic MER52A LTR promoter and drove lncMER52A transcription in HCC. In conclusion, we identified an LTR-activated lncMER52A, which promoted the progression of HCC cells via stabilizing p120-catenin and activating p120-ctn/Rac1/Cdc42 axis. LncMER52A could serve as biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with HCC. SIGNIFICANCE: A novel long noncoding RNA lncMER52 modulates cell migration and invasion via posttranslational control of p120-catenin protein stability. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/5/976/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjun Wu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Zhao
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Huan
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhou
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Linguo Xu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhixiang Hu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhe Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiao Chen
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianghuo He
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Linhui Liang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Butler-Fernández KM, Ramos Z, Francis-Malavé AM, Bloom J, Dharmawardhane S, Hernández E. Synthesis, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Migratory Evaluation of 3,6-Dibromocarbazole and 5-Bromoindole Derivatives. Molecules 2019; 24:E2686. [PMID: 31344865 PMCID: PMC6696445 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24152686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a new series of N-alkyl-3,6-dibromocarbazole and N-alkyl-5-bromoindole derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro as anti-cancer and anti-migration agents. Cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects of these compounds were evaluated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines and an insight on the structure-activity relationship was developed. Preliminary investigations of their anti-cancer activity demonstrated that several compounds have moderate antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines with GI50 values in the range of 4.7-32.2 µM. Moreover, carbazole derivatives 10, 14, 15, 23, and 24 inhibit migration activity of metastatic cell line MDA-MB-231 in the range of 18-20%. The effect of compounds 10, 14, and 15 in extension of invadopodia and filopodia was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and results demonstrated a reduction in actin-based cell extensions by compounds 10 and 15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal M Butler-Fernández
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, School of Pharmacy, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Zulma Ramos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, School of Pharmacy, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Adela M Francis-Malavé
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00931, Puerto Rico
| | - Joseph Bloom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, School of Pharmacy, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico
| | - Eliud Hernández
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, School of Pharmacy, San Juan 00936, Puerto Rico.
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17
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Focus on Cdc42 in Breast Cancer: New Insights, Target Therapy Development and Non-Coding RNAs. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020146. [PMID: 30754684 PMCID: PMC6406589 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumors in females. Although the conventional treatment has demonstrated a certain effect, some limitations still exist. The Rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Cdc42 (Cell division control protein 42 homolog) is often upregulated by some cell surface receptors and oncogenes in breast cancer. Cdc42 switches from inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound to active GTP-bound though guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs), results in activation of signaling cascades that regulate various cellular processes such as cytoskeletal changes, proliferation and polarity establishment. Targeting Cdc42 also provides a strategy for precise breast cancer therapy. In addition, Cdc42 is a potential target for several types of non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and lncRNAs. These non-coding RNAs is extensively involved in Cdc42-induced tumor processes, while many of them are aberrantly expressed. Here, we focus on the role of Cdc42 in cell morphogenesis, proliferation, motility, angiogenesis and survival, introduce the Cdc42-targeted non-coding RNAs, as well as present current development of effective Cdc42-targeted inhibitors in breast cancer.
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18
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Hudson LG, Gillette JM, Kang H, Rivera MR, Wandinger-Ness A. Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment Signaling: Convergence on the Rac1 GTPase. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10100358. [PMID: 30261690 PMCID: PMC6211091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10100358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment for epithelial ovarian cancer is complex and rich in bioactive molecules that modulate cell-cell interactions and stimulate numerous signal transduction cascades. These signals ultimately modulate all aspects of tumor behavior including progression, metastasis and therapeutic response. Many of the signaling pathways converge on the small GTPase Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate (Rac)1. In addition to regulating actin cytoskeleton remodeling necessary for tumor cell adhesion, migration and invasion, Rac1 through its downstream effectors, regulates cancer cell survival, tumor angiogenesis, phenotypic plasticity, quiescence, and resistance to therapeutics. In this review we discuss evidence for Rac1 activation within the ovarian tumor microenvironment, mechanisms of Rac1 dysregulation as they apply to ovarian cancer, and the potential benefits of targeting aberrant Rac1 activity in this disease. The potential for Rac1 contribution to extraperitoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie G Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Gillette
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Huining Kang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Melanie R Rivera
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Angela Wandinger-Ness
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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19
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Maldonado MDM, Dharmawardhane S. Targeting Rac and Cdc42 GTPases in Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3101-3111. [PMID: 29858187 PMCID: PMC6004249 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rac and Cdc42 are small GTPases that have been linked to multiple human cancers and are implicated in epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell-cycle progression, migration/invasion, tumor growth, angiogenesis, and oncogenic transformation. With the exception of the P29S driver mutation in melanoma, Rac and Cdc42 are not generally mutated in cancer, but are overexpressed (gene amplification and mRNA upregulation) or hyperactivated. Rac and Cdc42 are hyperactivated via signaling through oncogenic cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors, which converge on the guanine nucleotide exchange factors that regulate their GDP/GTP exchange. Hence, targeting Rac and Cdc42 represents a promising strategy for precise cancer therapy, as well as for inhibition of bypass signaling that promotes resistance to cell surface receptor-targeted therapies. Therefore, an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of these pivotal signaling intermediates is key for the development of effective inhibitors. In this review, we focus on the role of Rac and Cdc42 in cancer and summarize the regulatory mechanisms, inhibitory efficacy, and the anticancer potential of Rac- and Cdc42-targeting agents. Cancer Res; 78(12); 3101-11. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Del Mar Maldonado
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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20
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Humphries-Bickley T, Castillo-Pichardo L, Hernandez-O'Farrill E, Borrero-Garcia LD, Forestier-Roman I, Gerena Y, Blanco M, Rivera-Robles MJ, Rodriguez-Medina JR, Cubano LA, Vlaar CP, Dharmawardhane S. Characterization of a Dual Rac/Cdc42 Inhibitor MBQ-167 in Metastatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 16:805-818. [PMID: 28450422 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The Rho GTPases Rac (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate) and Cdc42 (cell division control protein 42 homolog) regulate cell functions governing cancer malignancy, including cell polarity, migration, and cell-cycle progression. Accordingly, our recently developed Rac inhibitor EHop-016 (IC50, 1,100 nmol/L) inhibits cancer cell migration and viability and reduces tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in vivo Herein, we describe MBQ-167, which inhibits Rac and Cdc42 with IC50 values of 103 and 78 nmol/L, respectively, in metastatic breast cancer cells. Consequently, MBQ-167 significantly decreases Rac and Cdc42 downstream effector p21-activated kinase (PAK) signaling and the activity of STAT3, without affecting Rho, MAPK, or Akt activities. MBQ-167 also inhibits breast cancer cell migration, viability, and mammosphere formation. Moreover, MBQ-167 affects cancer cells that have undergone epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by a loss of cell polarity and inhibition of cell surface actin-based extensions to ultimately result in detachment from the substratum. Prolonged incubation (120 hours) in MBQ-167 decreases metastatic cancer cell viability with a GI50 of approximately 130 nmol/L, without affecting noncancer mammary epithelial cells. The loss in cancer cell viability is due to MBQ-167-mediated G2-M cell-cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis, especially of the detached cells. In vivo, MBQ-167 inhibits mammary tumor growth and metastasis in immunocompromised mice by approximately 90%. In conclusion, MBQ-167 is 10× more potent than other currently available Rac/Cdc42 inhibitors and has the potential to be developed as an anticancer drug, as well as a dual inhibitory probe for the study of Rac and Cdc42. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 805-18. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Humphries-Bickley
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Linette Castillo-Pichardo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Eliud Hernandez-O'Farrill
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Luis D Borrero-Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Ingrid Forestier-Roman
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Yamil Gerena
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Manuel Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Michael J Rivera-Robles
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - José R Rodriguez-Medina
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Luis A Cubano
- Department of Anatomy, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Cornelis P Vlaar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Cardama GA, Alonso DF, Gonzalez N, Maggio J, Gomez DE, Rolfo C, Menna PL. Relevance of small GTPase Rac1 pathway in drug and radio-resistance mechanisms: Opportunities in cancer therapeutics. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 124:29-36. [PMID: 29548483 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rac1 GTPase signaling pathway has a critical role in the regulation of a plethora of cellular functions governing cancer cell behavior. Recently, it has been shown a critical role of Rac1 in the emergence of resistance mechanisms to cancer therapy. This review describes the current knowledge regarding Rac1 pathway deregulation and its association with chemoresistance, radioresistance, resistance to targeted therapies and immune evasion. This supports the idea that interfering Rac1 signaling pathway could be an interesting approach to tackle cancer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Cardama
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D F Alonso
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Maggio
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D E Gomez
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Rolfo
- Phase I-Early Clinical trials Unit, Oncology Department Antwerp University Hospital & Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Antwerp University, Belgium.
| | - P L Menna
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National University of Quilmes, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ungefroren H, Witte D, Lehnert H. The role of small GTPases of the Rho/Rac family in TGF-β-induced EMT and cell motility in cancer. Dev Dyn 2017; 247:451-461. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Ungefroren
- First Department of Medicine; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Lübeck, and University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery; UKSH, Campus Kiel; Kiel Germany
| | - David Witte
- First Department of Medicine; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Lübeck, and University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
| | - Hendrik Lehnert
- First Department of Medicine; University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Lübeck, and University of Lübeck; Lübeck Germany
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23
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Heregulin/ErbB3 Signaling Enhances CXCR4-Driven Rac1 Activation and Breast Cancer Cell Motility via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:2011-26. [PMID: 27185877 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00180-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth factor heregulin (HRG), a ligand of ErbB3 and ErbB4 receptors, contributes to breast cancer development and the promotion of metastatic disease, and its expression in breast tumors has been associated with poor clinical outcome and resistance to therapy. In this study, we found that breast cancer cells exposed to sustained HRG treatment show markedly enhanced Rac1 activation and migratory activity in response to the CXCR4 ligand SDF-1/CXCL12, effects mediated by P-Rex1, a Rac-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) aberrantly expressed in breast cancer. Notably, HRG treatment upregulates surface expression levels of CXCR4, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in breast cancer metastasis and an indicator of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. A detailed mechanistic analysis revealed that CXCR4 upregulation and sensitization of the Rac response/motility by HRG are mediated by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) via ErbB3 and independently of ErbB4. HRG caused prominent induction in the nuclear expression of HIF-1α, which transcriptionally activates the CXCR4 gene via binding to a responsive element located in positions -1376 to -1372 in the CXCR4 promoter, as revealed by mutagenesis analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Our results uncovered a novel function for ErbB3 in enhancing breast cancer cell motility and sensitization of the P-Rex1/Rac1 pathway through HIF-1α-mediated transcriptional induction of CXCR4.
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Tejada-Simon MV. Modulation of actin dynamics by Rac1 to target cognitive function. J Neurochem 2015; 133:767-79. [PMID: 25818528 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The small GTPase Rac1 is well known for regulating actin cytoskeleton reorganization in cells. Formation of extensions at the surface of the cell is required for migration and even for cell invasion and metastases. Because an elevated level and hyperactivation of this protein has been associated with metastasis in cancer, direct regulators of Rac1 are currently envisioned as a potential strategy to treat certain cancers. Less research, however, has been done regarding the role of this small GTP-binding protein in brain development, where it has an important role in dendritic spine morphogenesis through the regulation of actin. Alteration of dendritic development and spinogenesis has been often associated with mental disorders. Rac1 is associated with and required for learning and the formation of memories in the brain. Rac1 appears to be dysregulated in certain neurodevelopmental disorders that present all these three alterations: mental retardation, atypical synaptic plasticity and aberrant spine morphology. Thus, to develop novel therapies for rescuing cognitive impairment, a reasonable approach might be to target this protein, Rac1, which plays a pivotal role in directing signals that regulate actin dynamics, which in turn might have an effect in spine cytoarchitecture and synaptic function. It is possible that novel drugs that regulate Rac1 activation and function could modulate actin cytoskeleton and spine dynamics, representing potential candidates to repair intellectual disability in disorders associated with spine abnormalities. Herein, we present a list of the current Rac1 inhibitors that might fulfill this role together with a summary of the latest findings concerning their function as they relate to neuronal studies. While the small GTPase Rac1 is well known for regulating actin cytoskeleton reorganization in different type of cells, it appears to be also required for learning and the formation of memories in the brain. Abnormal regulation of this protein has been associated with cognitive disabilities, atypical synaptic plasticity and abnormal morphology of dendritic spines in certain neurodevelopmental disorders. Thus, modulation of Rac1 activity using novel inhibitors might be a strategy to reestablish cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Tejada-Simon
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Biology of Behavior Institute (BoBI), University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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