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Ye F, Yuan Z, Tang Y, Li J, Liu X, Sun X, Chen S, Ye X, Zeng Z, Zhang XK, Zhou H. Endocytic activation and exosomal secretion of matriptase stimulate the second wave of EGF signaling to promote skin and breast cancer invasion. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114002. [PMID: 38547126 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of matriptase, a membrane-anchored protease, is highly related to the progression of skin and breast cancers. Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced matriptase activation and cancer invasion are known but with obscure mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate a vesicular-trafficking-mediated interplay between matriptase and EGF signaling in cancer promotion. We found that EGF induces matriptase to undergo endocytosis together with the EGF receptor, followed by acid-induced activation in endosomes. Activated matriptase is then secreted extracellularly on exosomes to catalyze hepatocyte growth factor precursor (pro-HGF) cleavage, resulting in autocrine HGF/c-Met signaling. Matriptase-induced HGF/c-Met signaling represents the second signal wave of EGF, which promotes cancer cell scattering, migration, and invasion. These findings demonstrate a role of vesicular trafficking in efficient activation and secretion of membrane matriptase and a reciprocal regulation of matriptase and EGF signaling in cancer promotion, providing insights into the physiological functions of vesicular trafficking and the molecular pathological mechanisms of skin and breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhikang Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Ying Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jiamei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xingxing Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xuedi Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Shuang Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaohong Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; High Throughput Drug Screening Platform, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhiping Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; High Throughput Drug Screening Platform, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; High Throughput Drug Screening Platform, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; High Throughput Drug Screening Platform, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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2
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Yan L, Rui C, Zhuang B, Liu X, Luan T, Jiang L, Dong Z, Wang Q, Wu A, Li P, Wang X, Zeng X. 17β-Estradiol Mediates Staphylococcus aureus Adhesion in Vaginal Epithelial Cells via Estrogen Receptor α-Associated Signaling Pathway. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:391. [PMID: 37884702 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus, a major opportunistic pathogen in aerobic vaginitis (AV), can potentially invade the host and occasionally cause infections. Estrogen is associated with an altered immune response of vaginal epithelial cells and prevention of certain vaginal infectious diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms involving estrogen and S. aureus adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells remain unclear. Thus, here, VK2/E6E7 vaginal epithelial cells were infected with S. aureus, and the role of the estrogen receptor α-associated signaling pathway (ERα/FAK/Src/iNOS axis) in S. aureus adhesion was evaluated. The estrogen-associated phosphorylation status of ERα, FAK, and Src and the protein level of iNOS were assessed by western blotting. We used a specific ERα inhibitor to validate the involvement of the ERα-associated signaling pathway. The results showed that with exposure to 1 nM estrogen for 24 h, transient ERα-associated pathway activation was observed, and the protein expression upregulation was accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in 17-β-estradiol (E2) content and increased S. aureus adherence to vaginal epithelial cells. Estrogen-induced activation of the ERα/FAK/Src/iNOS axis was notably inhibited by the specific ERα inhibitor (ICI 182780). Simultaneously, a significant decrease in the number of adherent S. aureus was observed. However, this inhibitory effect diminished after inhibitor treatment for 24 h. Our findings suggested that the ERα-associated signaling pathway might be involved in S. aureus adherence to vaginal epithelial cells, which appeared to be linked to enhanced cell adhesion leading to AV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Can Rui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhuang
- Department of Pediatrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangsu Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, 225300, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Luan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiwen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, People's Republic of China
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3
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Teder T, Haeggström JZ, Airavaara M, Lõhelaid H. Cross-talk between bioactive lipid mediators and the unfolded protein response in ischemic stroke. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2023; 168:106760. [PMID: 37331425 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2023.106760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic cerebral stroke is a severe medical condition that affects about 15 million people every year and is the second leading cause of death and disability globally. Ischemic stroke results in neuronal cell death and neurological impairment. Current therapies may not adequately address the deleterious metabolic changes and may increase neurological damage. Oxygen and nutrient depletion along with the tissue damage result in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, including the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), and neuroinflammation in the affected area and cause cell death in the lesion core. The spatio-temporal production of lipid mediators, either pro-inflammatory or pro-resolving, decides the course and outcome of stroke. The modulation of the UPR as well as the resolution of inflammation promotes post-stroke cellular viability and neuroprotection. However, studies about the interplay between the UPR and bioactive lipid mediators remain elusive and this review gives insights about the crosstalk between lipid mediators and the UPR in ischemic stroke. Overall, the treatment of ischemic stroke is often inadequate due to lack of effective drugs, thus, this review will provide novel therapeutical strategies that could promote the functional recovery from ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarvi Teder
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Z Haeggström
- Division of Physiological Chemistry II, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland; Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helike Lõhelaid
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland; Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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4
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Ghosh S, Yang R, Duraki D, Zhu J, Kim JE, Jabeen M, Mao C, Dai X, Livezey MR, Boudreau MW, Park BH, Nelson ER, Hergenrother PJ, Shapiro DJ. Plasma Membrane Channel TRPM4 Mediates Immunogenic Therapy-Induced Necrosis. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3115-3130. [PMID: 37522838 PMCID: PMC10635591 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Several emerging therapies kill cancer cells primarily by inducing necrosis. As necrosis activates immune cells, potentially, uncovering the molecular drivers of anticancer therapy-induced necrosis could reveal approaches for enhancing immunotherapy efficacy. To identify necrosis-associated genes, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen with negative selection against necrosis-inducing preclinical agents BHPI and conducted follow-on experiments with ErSO. The screen identified transient receptor potential melastatin member 4 (TRPM4), a calcium-activated, ATP-inhibited, sodium-selective plasma membrane channel. Cancer cells selected for resistance to BHPI and ErSO exhibited robust TRPM4 downregulation, and TRPM4 reexpression restored sensitivity to ErSO. Notably, TRPM4 knockout (TKO) abolished ErSO-induced regression of breast tumors in mice. Supporting a broad role for TRPM4 in necrosis, knockout of TRPM4 reversed cell death induced by four additional diverse necrosis-inducing cancer therapies. ErSO induced anticipatory unfolded protein response (a-UPR) hyperactivation, long-term necrotic cell death, and release of damage-associated molecular patterns that activated macrophages and increased monocyte migration, all of which was abolished by TKO. Furthermore, loss of TRPM4 suppressed the ErSO-induced increase in cell volume and depletion of ATP. These data suggest that ErSO triggers initial activation of the a-UPR but that it is TRPM4-mediated sodium influx and cell swelling, resulting in osmotic stress, which sustains and propagates lethal a-UPR hyperactivation. Thus, TRPM4 plays a pivotal role in sustaining lethal a-UPR hyperactivation that mediates the anticancer activity of diverse necrosis-inducing therapies. SIGNIFICANCE A genome-wide CRISPR screen reveals a pivotal role for TRPM4 in cell death and immune activation following treatment with diverse necrosis-inducing anticancer therapies, which could facilitate development of necrosis-based cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Ghosh
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Rachel Yang
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Darjan Duraki
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Junyao Zhu
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Musarrat Jabeen
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Chengjian Mao
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Xinyi Dai
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Mara R. Livezey
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI 48221, USA (present address)
| | - Matthew W. Boudreau
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 (present address)
| | - Ben H. Park
- Vanderbilt University College of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Erik R. Nelson
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Paul J. Hergenrother
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - David J. Shapiro
- Departments of Biochemistry, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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5
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Koutras N, Morfos V, Konnaris K, Kouvela A, Shaukat AN, Stathopoulos C, Stamatopoulou V, Nika K. Integrated signaling and transcriptome analysis reveals Src family kinase individualities and novel pathways controlled by their constitutive activity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1224520. [PMID: 37680627 PMCID: PMC10482094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1224520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Src family kinases (SFKs) Lck and Lyn are crucial for lymphocyte development and function. Albeit tissue-restricted expression patterns the two kinases share common functions; the most pronounced one being the phosphorylation of ITAM motifs in the cytoplasmic tails of antigenic receptors. Lck is predominantly expressed in T lymphocytes; however, it can be ectopically found in B-1 cell subsets and numerous pathologies including acute and chronic B-cell leukemias. The exact impact of Lck on the B-cell signaling apparatus remains enigmatic and is followed by the long-lasting question of mechanisms granting selectivity among SFK members. In this work we sought to investigate the mechanistic basis of ectopic Lck function in B-cells and compare it to events elicited by the predominant B-cell SFK, Lyn. Our results reveal substrate promiscuity displayed by the two SFKs, which however, is buffered by their differential susceptibility toward regulatory mechanisms, revealing a so far unappreciated aspect of SFK member-specific fine-tuning. Furthermore, we show that Lck- and Lyn-generated signals suffice to induce transcriptome alterations, reminiscent of B-cell activation, in the absence of receptor/co-receptor engagement. Finally, our analyses revealed a yet unrecognized role of SFKs in tipping the balance of cellular stress responses, by promoting the onset of ER-phagy, an as yet completely uncharacterized process in B lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Konstantina Nika
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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6
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Gérard C, Foidart JM. Estetrol: From Preclinical to Clinical Pharmacology and Advances in the Understanding of the Molecular Mechanism of Action. Drugs R D 2023:10.1007/s40268-023-00419-5. [PMID: 37133685 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-023-00419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Estetrol (E4) is the most recently described natural estrogen. It is produced by the human fetal liver during pregnancy and its physiological function remains unclear. E4 is the estrogenic component of a recently approved combined oral contraceptive. It is also in development for use as menopausal hormone therapy. In the context of these developments, the pharmacological activity of E4, alone or in combination with a progestin, has been extensively characterized in preclinical models as well as in clinical studies in women of reproductive age and postmenopausal women. Despite the clinical benefits, the use of oral estrogens for contraception or menopause is also associated with unwanted effects, such as an increased risk of breast cancer and thromboembolic events, due to their impact on non-target tissues. Preclinical and clinical data for E4 point to a tissue-specific activity and a more selective pharmacological profile compared with other estrogens, including a low impact on the liver and hemostasis balance. This review summarizes the characterization of the pharmacological properties of E4 as well as recent advances made in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of action driving its activity. How the unique mode of action and the different metabolism of E4 might support its favorable benefit-risk ratio is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Gérard
- Estetra SRL (an affiliate company of Mithra Pharmaceuticals), Rue Saint Georges 5, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Jean-Michel Foidart
- Estetra SRL (an affiliate company of Mithra Pharmaceuticals), Rue Saint Georges 5, 4000, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
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7
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Boudreau MW, Hergenrother PJ. Evolution of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)indoline-2-one as a scaffold for potent and selective anticancer activity. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:711-725. [PMID: 35814932 PMCID: PMC9215341 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00110a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of targeted anticancer modalities has prompted a new era in cancer treatment that is notably different from the age of radical surgery and highly toxic chemotherapy. Behind each effective compound is a rich and complex history from first identification of chemical matter, detailed optimization, and mechanistic investigations, ultimately leading to exciting molecules for drug development. Herein we review the history and on-going journey of one such anticancer scaffold, the 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)indoline-2-ones. With humble beginnings in 19th century Bavaria, we review this scaffold's synthetic history and anticancer optimization, including its recent demonstration of tumor eradication of drug-resistant, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Compounds containing the 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)indoline-2-one pharmacophore are emerging as intriguing candidates for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Boudreau
- Dept. of Chemistry, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
| | - Paul J Hergenrother
- Dept. of Chemistry, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
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8
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Boudreau MW, Mulligan MP, Shapiro DJ, Fan TM, Hergenrother PJ. Activators of the Anticipatory Unfolded Protein Response with Enhanced Selectivity for Estrogen Receptor Positive Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3894-3912. [PMID: 35080871 PMCID: PMC9067622 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 75% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ERα+), and targeting ERα directly with ERα antagonists/degraders or indirectly with aromatase inhibitors is a successful therapeutic strategy. However, such treatments are rarely curative and development of resistance is universal. We recently reported ErSO, a compound that induces ERα-dependent cancer cell death through a mechanism distinct from clinically approved ERα drugs, via hyperactivation of the anticipatory unfolded protein response. ErSO has remarkable tumor-eradicative activity in multiple ERα+ tumor models. While ErSO has promise as a new drug, it has effects on ERα-negative (ERα-) cells in certain contexts. Herein, we construct modified versions of ErSO and identify variants with enhanced differential activity between ERα+ and ERα- cells. We report ErSO-DFP, a compound that maintains antitumor efficacy, has enhanced selectivity for ERα+ cancer cells, and is well tolerated in rodents. ErSO-DFP and related compounds represent an intriguing new class for the treatment of ERα+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Boudreau
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, United States,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic, Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Michael P. Mulligan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - David J. Shapiro
- Cancer Center at Illinois and Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Timothy M. Fan
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States,Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61802, United States
| | - Paul J. Hergenrother
- Department of Chemistry and Cancer, Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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9
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Maximov PY, Fan P, Abderrahman B, Curpan R, Jordan VC. Estrogen Receptor Complex to Trigger or Delay Estrogen-Induced Apoptosis in Long-Term Estrogen Deprived Breast Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:869562. [PMID: 35360069 PMCID: PMC8960923 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.869562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiestrogen therapy of breast cancer has been a "gold standard" of treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer for decades. Resistance to antiestrogen therapy may develop, however, a vulnerability in long-term estrogen deprived (LTED) breast cancer cells was discovered. LTED breast cancer cells may undergo estrogen-induced apoptosis within a week of treatment with estrogen in vitro. This phenomenon has been also validated in vivo and in the clinic. The molecular ER-mediated mechanism of action of estrogen-induced apoptosis was deciphered, however, the relationship between the structure of estrogenic ligands and the activity of the ER in LTED breast cancer cells remained a mystery until recently. In this review we provide an overview of the structure-activity relationship of various estrogens with different chemical structures and the modulation of estrogen-induced apoptosis in LTED breast cancer cells resistant to antihormone therapy. We provide analysis of evidence gathered over more than a decade of structure-activity relationship studies by our group on the role of the change in the conformation of the estrogen receptor and the biological activities of different classes of estrogens and the receptor as well in LTED breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Y. Maximov
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ping Fan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Balkees Abderrahman
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ramona Curpan
- Institute of Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - V. Craig Jordan
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: V. Craig Jordan,
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10
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Boudreau MW, Duraki D, Wang L, Mao C, Kim JE, Henn MA, Tang B, Fanning SW, Kiefer J, Tarasow TM, Bruckheimer EM, Moreno R, Mousses S, Greene GL, Roy EJ, Park BH, Fan TM, Nelson ER, Hergenrother PJ, Shapiro DJ. A small-molecule activator of the unfolded protein response eradicates human breast tumors in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/603/eabf1383. [PMID: 34290053 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer is presently incurable. Seeking to target these drug-resistant cancers, we report the discovery of a compound, called ErSO, that activates the anticipatory unfolded protein response (a-UPR) and induces rapid and selective necrosis of ERα-positive breast cancer cell lines in vitro. We then tested ErSO in vivo in several preclinical orthotopic and metastasis mouse models carrying different xenografts of human breast cancer lines or patient-derived breast tumors. In multiple orthotopic models, ErSO treatment given either orally or intraperitoneally for 14 to 21 days induced tumor regression without recurrence. In a cell line tail vein metastasis model, ErSO was also effective at inducing regression of most lung, bone, and liver metastases. ErSO treatment induced almost complete regression of brain metastases in mice carrying intracranial human breast cancer cell line xenografts. Tumors that did not undergo complete regression and regrew remained sensitive to retreatment with ErSO. ErSO was well tolerated in mice, rats, and dogs at doses above those needed for therapeutic responses and had little or no effect on normal ERα-expressing murine tissues. ErSO mediated its anticancer effects through activation of the a-UPR, suggesting that activation of a tumor protective pathway could induce tumor regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Boudreau
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Darjan Duraki
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Lawrence Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Chengjian Mao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Madeline A Henn
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Bingtao Tang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sean W Fanning
- Ben May Department of Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Geoffrey L Greene
- Ben May Department of Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Edward J Roy
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ben Ho Park
- Department of Medicine, Division of Heme/Onc, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Timothy M Fan
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Erik R Nelson
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Paul J Hergenrother
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. .,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - David J Shapiro
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. .,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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11
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Spolaor S, Scheve M, Firat M, Cazzaniga P, Besozzi D, Nobile MS. Screening for Combination Cancer Therapies With Dynamic Fuzzy Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization. Front Genet 2021; 12:617935. [PMID: 33868363 PMCID: PMC8044361 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.617935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination therapies proved to be a valuable strategy in the fight against cancer, thanks to their increased efficacy in inducing tumor cell death and in reducing tumor growth, metastatic potential, and the risk of developing drug resistance. The identification of effective combinations of drug targets generally relies on costly and time consuming processes based on in vitro experiments. Here, we present a novel computational approach that, by integrating dynamic fuzzy modeling with multi-objective optimization, allows to efficiently identify novel combination cancer therapies, with a relevant saving in working time and costs. We tested this approach on a model of oncogenic K-ras cancer cells characterized by a marked Warburg effect. The computational approach was validated by its capability in finding out therapies already known in the literature for this type of cancer cell. More importantly, our results show that this method can suggest potential therapies consisting in a small number of molecular targets. In the model of oncogenic K-ras cancer cells, for instance, we identified combination of up to three targets, which affect different cellular pathways that are crucial for cancer proliferation and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Spolaor
- Department of Informatics, Systems and Communication, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Martijn Scheve
- Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Murat Firat
- Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Paolo Cazzaniga
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy.,SYSBIO/ISBE.IT Research Centre of Systems Biology, Milan, Italy.,Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre (B4), Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Besozzi
- Department of Informatics, Systems and Communication, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO/ISBE.IT Research Centre of Systems Biology, Milan, Italy.,Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre (B4), Milan, Italy
| | - Marco S Nobile
- Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.,SYSBIO/ISBE.IT Research Centre of Systems Biology, Milan, Italy.,Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre (B4), Milan, Italy
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12
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Estrogen Receptor Signaling Pathways Involved in Invasion and Colony Formation of Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer Cells PC-3. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031153. [PMID: 33503805 PMCID: PMC7865506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an advanced and androgen-independent form of prostate cancer. Recent studies of rapid actions mediated by estrogen in the prostate and its relationship with CRPC are emerging. We have previously shown that estrogen receptor (ER) promotes migration and invasion of the androgen-independent prostate cancer cells PC-3, but the signaling pathways involved in these events remain to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the role of ERα and ERβ in the activation of SRC, and the involvement of SRC and PI3K/AKT on invasion and colony formation of the PC-3 cells. Our results showed that the activation of ERα (using ERα-selective agonist PPT) and ERβ (using ERβ-selective agonist DPN) increased phosphorylation of SRC in PC-3 cells. In the presence of the selective inhibitor for SRC-family kinases PP2, the effects of DPN and PPT on transmigration and soft agar colony formation assays were decreased. Furthermore, SRC is involved in the expression of the non-phosphorylated β-catenin. Finally, using PI3K specific inhibitor Wortmannin and AKT inhibitor MK2206, we showed that PI3K/AKT are also required for invasion and colony formation of PC-3 cells simulated by ER. This study provides novel insights into molecular mechanisms of ER in PC-3 cells by demonstrating that ER, located outside the cell nucleus, activates rapid responses molecules, including SRC and PI3K/AKT, which enhance the tumorigenic potential of prostate cancer cells, increasing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor formation.
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