1
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Abu Rabe D, Chdid L, Lamson DR, Laudeman CP, Tarpley M, Elsayed N, Smith GR, Zheng W, Dixon MS, Williams KP. Identification of Novel GANT61 Analogs with Activity in Hedgehog Functional Assays and GLI1-Dependent Cancer Cells. Molecules 2024; 29:3095. [PMID: 38999049 PMCID: PMC11243198 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133095] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been implicated in various cancers. Current FDA-approved inhibitors target the seven-transmembrane receptor Smoothened, but resistance to these drugs has been observed. It has been proposed that a more promising strategy to target this pathway is at the GLI1 transcription factor level. GANT61 was the first small molecule identified to directly suppress GLI-mediated activity; however, its development as a potential anti-cancer agent has been hindered by its modest activity and aqueous chemical instability. Our study aimed to identify novel GLI1 inhibitors. JChem searches identified fifty-two compounds similar to GANT61 and its active metabolite, GANT61-D. We combined high-throughput cell-based assays and molecular docking to evaluate these analogs. Five of the fifty-two GANT61 analogs inhibited activity in Hh-responsive C3H10T1/2 and Gli-reporter NIH3T3 cellular assays without cytotoxicity. Two of the GANT61 analogs, BAS 07019774 and Z27610715, reduced Gli1 mRNA expression in C3H10T1/2 cells. Treatment with BAS 07019774 significantly reduced cell viability in Hh-dependent glioblastoma and lung cancer cell lines. Molecular docking indicated that BAS 07019774 is predicted to bind to the ZF4 region of GLI1, potentially interfering with its ability to bind DNA. Our findings show promise in developing more effective and potent GLI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Abu Rabe
- INBS PhD Program, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Lhoucine Chdid
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - David R Lamson
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Christopher P Laudeman
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Michael Tarpley
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Naglaa Elsayed
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Ginger R Smith
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Weifan Zheng
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Maria S Dixon
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Kevin P Williams
- Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC 27707, USA
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2
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Thazhackavayal Baby B, Kulkarni AM, Gayam PKR, Harikumar KB, Aranjani JM. Beyond cyclopamine: Targeting Hedgehog signaling for cancer intervention. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109952. [PMID: 38432565 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109952] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a significant role in embryogenesis and several physiological processes, such as wound healing and organ homeostasis. In a pathological setting, it is associated with oncogenesis and is responsible for disease progression and poor clinical outcomes. Hedgehog signaling mediates downstream actions via Glioma Associated Oncogene Homolog (GLI) transcription factors. Inhibiting Hh signaling is an important oncological strategy in which inhibitors of the ligands SMO or GLI have been looked at. This review briefly narrates the Hh ligands, signal transduction, the target genes involved and comprehensively describes the numerous inhibitors that have been evaluated for use in various neoplastic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beena Thazhackavayal Baby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Aniruddha Murahar Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Prasanna Kumar Reddy Gayam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala State, India
| | - Jesil Mathew Aranjani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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3
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Smit MJ, Martini TEI, Armandari I, Bočkaj I, Zomerman WW, de Camargo Magalhães ES, Siragna Z, Meeuwsen TGJ, Scherpen FJG, Schoots MH, Ritsema M, den Dunnen WFA, Hoving EW, Paridaen JTML, de Haan G, Guryev V, Bruggeman SWM. The developmental stage of the medulloblastoma cell-of-origin restricts Hedgehog pathway usage and drug sensitivity. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:275628. [PMID: 35535520 PMCID: PMC9234672 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma originates from the cerebellar granule neuron progenitor (CGNP) lineage, which depends on Hedgehog signaling for its perinatal expansion. Whereas SHH tumors exhibit overall deregulation of this pathway, they also show patient age-specific aberrations. To investigate whether the developmental stage of the CGNP can account for these age-specific lesions, we analyzed developing murine CGNP transcriptomes and observed highly dynamic gene expression as a function of age. Cross-species comparison with human SHH medulloblastoma showed partial maintenance of these expression patterns, and highlighted low primary cilium expression as hallmark of infant medulloblastoma and early embryonic CGNPs. This coincided with reduced responsiveness to upstream SHH pathway component Smoothened, whereas sensitivity to downstream components SUFU and GLI family proteins was retained. Together, these findings can explain the preference for SUFU mutations in infant medulloblastoma and suggest that drugs targeting the downstream SHH pathway will be most appropriate for infant patients. Summary: There is a relationship between the age of the medulloblastoma patient and the developmental age of the tumor cell-of-origin, and this influences the SHH pathway signaling route used by the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlinde J Smit
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tosca E I Martini
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Inna Armandari
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Irena Bočkaj
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Walderik W Zomerman
- Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eduardo S de Camargo Magalhães
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21949-590, Brazil
| | - Zillah Siragna
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tiny G J Meeuwsen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank J G Scherpen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mirthe H Schoots
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martha Ritsema
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F A den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelco W Hoving
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith T M L Paridaen
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerald de Haan
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Present address: Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1066CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sophia W M Bruggeman
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing/ERIBA, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Saytburkhanov RR, Kubanov AA, Kondrakhina IN, Plakhova XI. Modern understanding of the pathogenesis of basal cell skin cancer. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2021. [DOI: 10.25208/vdv1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of basal cell skin cancer is increasing worldwide. The initiation and progression of basal cell skin cancer is due to the interaction of environmental factors and the patient's genetic characteristics. Aberrant activation of the transmission of the Hedgehog signaling pathway is the main pathogenetic pathway of carcinogenesis.
Since basal cell skin cancer is manifested by significant variability of morphological structure, aggressiveness and response to treatment, the disclosure of the molecular genetics of pathogenesis will become the basis for developing new approaches and increasing the effectiveness of treatment, as well as overcoming tumor resistance to treatment.
To search for the necessary literature, the PubMed, MedLine, Web of Science and RSCI databases were used.
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Yang J, Wang J, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Huang W, Zou Y, Qiu Y, Cai W, Gao J, Zhou H, Wu Y, Liu W, Ding Q, Zhang Y, Yin PH, Tan W. PGE2-JNK signaling axis non-canonically promotes Gli activation by protecting Gli2 from ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:707. [PMID: 34267186 PMCID: PMC8282835 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Both bench and bedside investigations have challenged the supportive role of Hedgehog (Hh) activity in the progression of colorectal cancers, thus raising a critical need to further deeply determine the contribution of Hh to the growth of colorectal cancer. Combining multiple complementary means, including in vitro and in vivo inflammatory colorectal cancer models, and pathological analysis of clinical colorectal cancer patients samples. We report that colorectal cancer cells hijack prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to non-canonically promote Hh transcriptional factor Gli activity and Gli-dependent proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in a Smo-independent manner. Mechanistically, PGE2 activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which in turn enables Gli2 to evade ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation by phosphorylating Gli2 at Thr1546. This study not only presents evidence for understanding the contribution of Hh to colorectal cancers, but also provides a novel molecular portrait underlying how PGE2-activated JNK fine-tunes the evasion of Gli2 from ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. Therefore, it proposes a rationale for the future evaluation of chemopreventive and selective therapeutic strategies for colorectal cancers by targeting PGE2-JNK-Gli signaling route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiyang Cai
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th pepople's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, 201999, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingli Wu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic Medicine, Chemical Biology Division of Shanghai Universities E-Institutes, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijun Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Qingqing Ding
- Department of pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th pepople's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, 201999, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Hao Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200062, Shanghai, China. .,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Putuo Central School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, 230601, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 201203, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Sriramulu S, Sun XF, Malayaperumal S, Ganesan H, Zhang H, Ramachandran M, Banerjee A, Pathak S. Emerging Role and Clinicopathological Significance of AEG-1 in Different Cancer Types: A Concise Review. Cells 2021; 10:1497. [PMID: 34203598 PMCID: PMC8232086 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor breakthrough is driven by genetic or epigenetic variations which assist in initiation, migration, invasion and metastasis of tumors. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) protein has risen recently as the crucial factor in malignancies and plays a potential role in diverse complex oncogenic signaling cascades. AEG-1 has multiple roles in tumor growth and development and is found to be involved in various signaling pathways of: (i) Ha-ras and PI3K/AKT; (ii) the NF-κB; (iii) the ERK or mitogen-activated protein kinase and Wnt or β-catenin and (iv) the Aurora-A kinase. Recent studies have confirmed that in all the hallmarks of cancers, AEG-1 plays a key functionality including progression, transformation, sustained angiogenesis, evading apoptosis, and invasion and metastasis. Clinical studies have supported that AEG-1 is actively intricated in tumor growth and progression which includes esophageal squamous cell, gastric, colorectal, hepatocellular, gallbladder, breast, prostate and non-small cell lung cancers, as well as renal cell carcinomas, melanoma, glioma, neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. Existing studies have reported that AEG-1 expression has been induced by Ha-ras through intrication of PI3K/AKT signaling. Conversely, AEG-1 also activates PI3K/AKT pathway and modulates the defined subset of downstream target proteins via crosstalk between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hedgehog signaling cascade which further plays a crucial role in metastasis. Thus, AEG-1 may be employed as a biomarker to discern the patients of those who are likely to get aid from AEG-1-targeted medication. AEG-1 may play as an effective target to repress tumor development, occlude metastasis, and magnify the effectiveness of treatments. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanism of AEG-1 in the process of carcinogenesis and its involvement in regulation of crosstalk between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hedgehog signaling. We also highlight the multifaceted functions, expression, clinicopathological significance and molecular inhibitors of AEG-1 in various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha Sriramulu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Xiao-Feng Sun
- Department of Oncology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sarubala Malayaperumal
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Harsha Ganesan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Orebro University, SE-701 82 Orebro, Sweden;
| | - Murugesan Ramachandran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Chennai 603103, India; (S.S.); (S.M.); (H.G.); (M.R.); (A.B.)
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Iriana S, Asha K, Repak M, Sharma-Walia N. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Cancers and Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1042. [PMID: 33494284 PMCID: PMC7864517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is primarily involved in embryonic gut development, smooth muscle differentiation, cell proliferation, adult tissue homeostasis, tissue repair following injury, and tissue polarity during the development of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. GLIoma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc-finger transcription factors and smoothened (SMO) are the signal transducers of the SHH pathway. Both SHH ligand-dependent and independent mechanisms activate GLI proteins. Various transcriptional mechanisms, posttranslational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, proteolytic processing, SUMOylation, and acetylation), and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling control the activity of SHH signaling pathway proteins. The dysregulated SHH pathway is associated with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, GLIomas, medulloblastomas, leukemias, and tumors of breast, lung, skin, prostate, brain, gastric, and pancreas. While extensively studied in development and sarcomas, GLI family proteins play an essential role in many host-pathogen interactions, including bacterial and viral infections and their associated cancers. Viruses hijack host GLI family transcription factors and their downstream signaling cascades to enhance the viral gene transcription required for replication and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss a distinct role(s) of GLI proteins in the process of tumorigenesis and host-pathogen interactions in the context of viral infection-associated malignancies and cancers due to other causes. Here, we emphasize the potential of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway targeting as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic approach, which in the future could also be tested in infection-associated fatalities.
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Passarelli A, Galdo G, Aieta M, Fabrizio T, Villonio A, Conca R. A Vismodegib Experience in Elderly Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma: Case Reports and Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228596. [PMID: 33202689 PMCID: PMC7696523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of human tumor, and its incidence rate is increasing worldwide. Up until a few years ago, therapeutic options have been limited for patients with advanced BCC (including metastatic and locally-advanced BCC). Over the last few years, promising systemic therapies have been investigated for the treatment of advanced BCC. In particular, the Hedgehog signaling inhibition has shown remarkable results for this population. Hedgehog inhibitors, represented by vismodegib and sonidegib, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of both locally advanced and metastatic BCC, with, generally, a good safety profile. Notwithstanding the late onset of BCC in the global population, associated with life expectancy increase, only a few clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety profile of Hedgehog inhibitors in this complex and neglected population. Herein, we review the major mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of BCC focusing on the Hedgehog signaling pathway and its therapeutic role in the elderly population. Finally, we report two case reports of BCC elderly patients in order to demonstrate both efficacy and safety of the Hedgehog inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Passarelli
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Unit of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.A.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-097-272-6111; Fax: +39-097-272-3509
| | - Giovanna Galdo
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Oncologic Dermatology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), IRCCS-CROB, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy;
| | - Michele Aieta
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Unit of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.A.); (R.C.)
| | - Tommaso Fabrizio
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), IRCCS-CROB, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy;
| | - Antonio Villonio
- Radiology Department, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), IRCCS-CROB, 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Conca
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Unit of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy; (M.A.); (R.C.)
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Fania L, Didona D, Morese R, Campana I, Coco V, Di Pietro FR, Ricci F, Pallotta S, Candi E, Abeni D, Dellambra E. Basal Cell Carcinoma: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110449. [PMID: 33113965 PMCID: PMC7690754 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110449] [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: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer worldwide, and is a subtype of nonmelanoma skin cancer, characterized by a constantly increasing incidence due to an aging population and widespread sun exposure. Although the mortality from BCC is negligible, this tumor can be associated with significant morbidity and cost. This review presents a literature overview of BCC from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches. Several histopathological BCC subtypes with different prognostic values have been described. Dermoscopy and, more recently, reflectance confocal microscopy have largely improved BCC diagnosis. Although surgery is the first-line treatment for localized BCC, other nonsurgical local treatment options are available. BCC pathogenesis depends on the interaction between environmental and genetic characteristics of the patient. Specifically, an aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway is implicated in its pathogenesis. Notably, Hedgehog signaling inhibitors, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are successfully used as targeted treatment for advanced or metastatic BCC. Furthermore, the implementation of prevention measures has demonstrated to be useful in the patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fania
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dario Didona
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Roberto Morese
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Irene Campana
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Valeria Coco
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Francesca Romana Di Pietro
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Sabatino Pallotta
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Damiano Abeni
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Elena Dellambra
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
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10
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Lospinoso Severini L, Ghirga F, Bufalieri F, Quaglio D, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L. The SHH/GLI signaling pathway: a therapeutic target for medulloblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1159-1181. [PMID: 32990091 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1823967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medulloblastoma (MB) is a heterogeneous tumor of the cerebellum that is divided into four main subgroups with distinct molecular and clinical features. Sonic Hedgehog MB (SHH-MB) is the most genetically understood and occurs predominantly in childhood. Current therapies consist of aggressive and non-targeted multimodal approaches that are often ineffective and cause long-term complications. These problems intensify the need to develop molecularly targeted therapies to improve outcome and reduce treatment-related morbidities. In this scenario, Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a developmental pathway whose deregulation is involved in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, has emerged as an attractive druggable pathway for SHH-MB therapy. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the advancements in the HH antagonist research field. We place an emphasis on Smoothened (SMO) and glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) inhibitors and immunotherapy approaches that are validated in preclinical SHH-MB models and that have therapeutic potential for MB patients. Literature from Pubmed and data reported on ClinicalTrial.gov up to August 2020 were considered. EXPERT OPINION Extensive-omics analysis has enhanced our knowledge and has transformed the way that MB is studied and managed. The clinical use of SMO antagonists has yet to be determined, however, future GLI inhibitors and multitargeting approaches are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 , Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life NanoScience@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, University of Rome La Sapienza , 00161, Rome, Italy
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11
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Spiombi E, Angrisani A, Fonte S, De Feudis G, Fabretti F, Cucchi D, Izzo M, Infante P, Miele E, Po A, Di Magno L, Magliozzi R, Guardavaccaro D, Maroder M, Canettieri G, Giannini G, Ferretti E, Gulino A, Di Marcotullio L, Moretti M, De Smaele E. KCTD15 inhibits the Hedgehog pathway in Medulloblastoma cells by increasing protein levels of the oncosuppressor KCASH2. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:64. [PMID: 31685809 PMCID: PMC6828672 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. About 30% of all MBs belong to the I molecular subgroup, characterized by constitutive activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. The Hh pathway is involved in several fundamental processes during embryogenesis and in adult life and its deregulation may lead to cerebellar tumorigenesis. Indeed, Hh activity must be maintained via a complex network of activating and repressor signals. One of these repressor signals is KCASH2, belonging to the KCASH family of protein, which acts as negative regulators of the Hedgehog signaling pathway during cerebellar development and differentiation. KCASH2 leads HDAC1 to degradation, allowing hyperacetylation and inhibition of transcriptional activity of Gli1, the main effector of the Hh pathway. In turn, the KCASH2 loss leads to persistent Hh activity and eventually tumorigenesis. In order to better characterize the physiologic role and modulation mechanisms of KCASH2, we have searched through a proteomic approach for new KCASH2 interactors, identifying Potassium Channel Tetramerization Domain Containing 15 (KCTD15). KCTD15 is able to directly interact with KCASH2, through its BTB/POZ domain. This interaction leads to increase KCASH2 stability which implies a reduction of the Hh pathway activity and a reduction of Hh-dependent MB cells proliferation. Here we report the identification of KCTD15 as a novel player in the complex network of regulatory proteins, which modulate Hh pathway, this could be a promising new target for therapeutic approach against MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Spiombi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20090, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Annapaola Angrisani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Fonte
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina De Feudis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Fabretti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Centre for Molecular Oncology, John Vane Science Center, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Mariapaola Izzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Moretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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12
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ERAP1 promotes Hedgehog-dependent tumorigenesis by controlling USP47-mediated degradation of βTrCP. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3304. [PMID: 31341163 PMCID: PMC6656771 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is essential for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Hh signaling may occur in a wide range of human cancers, such as medulloblastoma, the most common brain malignancy in childhood. Here, we identify endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), a key regulator of innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses, as a previously unknown player in the Hh signaling pathway. We demonstrate that ERAP1 binds the deubiquitylase enzyme USP47, displaces the USP47-associated βTrCP, the substrate-receptor subunit of the SCFβTrCP ubiquitin ligase, and promotes βTrCP degradation. These events result in the modulation of Gli transcription factors, the final effectors of the Hh pathway, and the enhancement of Hh activity. Remarkably, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of ERAP1 suppresses Hh-dependent tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Our findings unveil an unexpected role for ERAP1 in cancer and indicate ERAP1 as a promising therapeutic target for Hh-driven tumors. ERAP1 is an endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase that trims MHC Class-I peptides for antigen presentation. Here, the authors show that ERAP1 enhances Hedgehog signalling by sequestering USP47 from βTrCP and promoting tumorigenesis through βTrCP degradation and increased Gli protein stability.
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13
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Peer E, Tesanovic S, Aberger F. Next-Generation Hedgehog/GLI Pathway Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040538. [PMID: 30991683 PMCID: PMC6520835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells (CSC), which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. Efficacious therapeutic approaches targeting CSC pathways, such as HH/GLI signaling in combination with chemo, radiation or immunotherapy are, therefore, of high medical need. Pharmacological inhibition of HH/GLI pathway activity represents a promising approach to eliminate malignant CSC. Clinically approved HH/GLI pathway inhibitors target the essential pathway effector Smoothened (SMO) with striking therapeutic efficacy in skin and brain cancer patients. However, multiple genetic and molecular mechanisms resulting in de novo and acquired resistance to SMO inhibitors pose major limitations to anti-HH/GLI therapies and, thus, the eradication of CSC. In this review, we summarize reasons for clinical failure of SMO inhibitors, including mechanisms caused by genetic alterations in HH pathway effectors or triggered by additional oncogenic signals activating GLI transcription factors in a noncanonical manner. We then discuss emerging novel and rationale-based approaches to overcome SMO-inhibitor resistance, focusing on pharmacological perturbations of enzymatic modifiers of GLI activity and on compounds either directly targeting oncogenic GLI factors or interfering with synergistic crosstalk signals known to boost the oncogenicity of HH/GLI signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Peer
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Suzana Tesanovic
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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14
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Salaritabar A, Berindan-Neagoe I, Darvish B, Hadjiakhoondi F, Manayi A, Devi KP, Barreca D, Orhan IE, Süntar I, Farooqi AA, Gulei D, Nabavi SF, Sureda A, Daglia M, Dehpour AR, Nabavi SM, Shirooie S. Targeting Hedgehog signaling pathway: Paving the road for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:466-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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15
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Girardi D, Barrichello A, Fernandes G, Pereira A. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020153. [PMID: 30759860 PMCID: PMC6406365 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway (HhP) plays an important role in normal embryonic development and its abnormal function has been linked to a variety of neoplasms. Recently, the complex mechanisms involved in this pathway have been deciphered and the cross talks with other important pathways involved in carcinogenesis have been characterized. This knowledge has led to the development of targeted therapies against key components of HhP, which culminated in the approval of vismodegib for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma in 2012. Since then, other compounds have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies with interesting results. Today, several medications against components of the HhP have demonstrated clinical activity as monotherapies and in combination with cytotoxic treatment or other targeted therapies against mitogenic pathways that are linked to the HhP. This review aims to clarify the mechanism of the HhP and the complex crosstalk with others pathways involved in carcinogenesis and to discuss both the evidence associated with the growing number of medications and combined therapies addressing this pathway and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Girardi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Barrichello
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Fernandes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Allan Pereira
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
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16
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Polyamine Metabolism as a Therapeutic Target inHedgehog-Driven Basal Cell Carcinomaand Medulloblastoma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020150. [PMID: 30754726 PMCID: PMC6406590 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a critical developmental regulator and its aberrant activation,due to somatic or germline mutations of genes encoding pathway components, causes Basal CellCarcinoma (BCC) and medulloblastoma (MB). A growing effort has been devoted at theidentification of druggable vulnerabilities of the Hedgehog signaling, leading to the identificationof various compounds with variable efficacy and/or safety. Emerging evidence shows that anaberrant polyamine metabolism is a hallmark of Hh-dependent tumors and that itspharmacological inhibition elicits relevant therapeutic effects in clinical or preclinical models ofBCC and MB. We discuss here the current knowledge of polyamine metabolism, its role in cancerand the available targeting strategies. We review the literature about the connection betweenpolyamines and the Hedgehog signaling, and the potential therapeutic benefit of targetingpolyamine metabolism in two malignancies where Hh pathways play a well-established role: BCCand MB.
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17
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Antonucci L, Di Magno L, D'Amico D, Manni S, Serrao SM, Di Pastena F, Bordone R, Yurtsever ZN, Caimano M, Petroni M, Giorgi A, Schininà ME, Yates Iii JR, Di Marcotullio L, De Smaele E, Checquolo S, Capalbo C, Agostinelli E, Maroder M, Coni S, Canettieri G. Mitogen-activated kinase kinase kinase 1 inhibits hedgehog signaling and medulloblastoma growth through GLI1 phosphorylation. Int J Oncol 2018; 54:505-514. [PMID: 30483764 PMCID: PMC6317670 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant activation of hedgehog (HH) signaling is a leading cause of the development of medulloblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the cerebellum. The FDA-approved HH inhibitor, Vismodegib, which targets the transmembrane transducer SMO, has shown limited efficacy in patients with medulloblastoma, due to compensatory mechanisms that maintain an active HH-GLI signaling status. Thus, the identification of novel actionable mechanisms, directly affecting the activity of the HH-regulated GLI transcription factors is an important goal for these malignancies. In this study, using gene expression and reporter assays, combined with biochemical and cellular analyses, we demonstrate that mitogen-activated kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1), the most upstream kinase of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation modules, suppresses HH signaling by associating and phosphorylating GLI1, the most potent HH-regulated transcription factor. Phosphorylation occurred at multiple residues in the C-terminal region of GLI1 and was followed by an increased association with the cytoplasmic proteins 14-3-3. Of note, the enforced expression of MEKK1 or the exposure of medulloblastoma cells to the MEKK1 activator, Nocodazole, resulted in a marked inhibitory effect on GLI1 activity and tumor cell proliferation and viability. Taken together, the results of this study shed light on a novel regulatory mechanism of HH signaling, with potentially relevant implications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Antonucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Manni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Maria Serrao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Rosa Bordone
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Zuleyha Nihan Yurtsever
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Caimano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Center for Life Nano Science at Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giorgi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Schininà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - John R Yates Iii
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences 'A. Rossi Fanelli', Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marella Maroder
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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18
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Nedjadi T, Salem N, Khayyat D, Al-Sayyad A, Al-Ammari A, Al-Maghrabi J. Sonic Hedgehog Expression is Associated with Lymph Node Invasion in Urothelial Bladder Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2018; 25:1067-1073. [PMID: 30361899 PMCID: PMC6614154 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-018-0477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a deadly disease characterized by high recurrence rates and frequent progression to an aggressive phenotype. Dysregulation of various signaling pathways have been implicated in BC tumorigenesis, however, the clinical relevance of sonic hedgehog pathway (Shh) remains under investigated. The aim of the current study was to analyze the prognostic value of Shh expression in patients with bladder carcinoma. Immunohistochemical expression of Shh was performed using tissue microarray with 128 specimens from bladder cancer patients. Kaplan-meier survival was analysed and correlation between Shh protein expression and patients' clinicopathological parameters wasexamined using Fisher's exact test. The immuno-staining results revealed that Shh protein exhibits cytoplasmic localization and is expressed in 49% of the analyzed bladder cancer cohort. Our data indicated that high Shh expression significantly correlated with increased lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02), however no association was reported between Shh expression and other clinicopatholigical parameters. High expression of sonic hedgehog was associated with lymph node invasion which may indicate that Shh might play an important role in progression and metastasis of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoufik Nedjadi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre,, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nada Salem
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dareen Khayyat
- King Fahd Medical Research Centre, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al-Sayyad
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Al-Ammari
- Department of Urology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaudah Al-Maghrabi
- Department of Pathology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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19
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Amarante MK, Vitiello GAF, Rosa MH, Mancilla IA, Watanabe MAE. Potential use of CXCL12/CXCR4 and sonic hedgehog pathways as therapeutic targets in medulloblastoma. Acta Oncol 2018; 57:1134-1142. [PMID: 29771176 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1473635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumor occurring in children, and although high long-term survival rates have been reached with current therapeutic protocols, several neurological injuries are still observed among survivors. It has been shown that the development of MB is highly dependent on the microenvironment surrounding it and that the CXCL12 chemokine and its receptor, CXCR4 and the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway are crucial for cerebellar development, coordinating proliferation and migration of embryonic cells and malfunctions in these axes can lead to MB development. Indeed, the concomitant overactivation of these axes was suggested to define a new MB molecular subgroup. New molecules are being studied, aiming to inhibit either CXCR4 or the SHH pathways and have been tested in preclinical settings for the treatment of cancers. The use of these molecules could improve MB treatment and save patients from aggressive surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimens, which are responsible for severe neurological consequences. This review aims to summarize current data about the experimental inhibition of CXCR4 and SHH pathways in MB and its potential implications in treatment of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcos Henrique Rosa
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Londrina State University, Londrina, Brazil
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20
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Chaturvedi NK, Kling MJ, Coulter DW, McGuire TR, Ray S, Kesherwani V, Joshi SS, Sharp JG. Improved therapy for medulloblastoma: targeting hedgehog and PI3K-mTOR signaling pathways in combination with chemotherapy. Oncotarget 2018; 9:16619-16633. [PMID: 29682173 PMCID: PMC5908274 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation and interactions of hedgehog (HH) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways are frequently associated with high-risk medulloblastoma (MB). Thus, combined targeting of the HH and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways could be a viable therapeutic strategy to treat high-risk patients. Therefore, we investigated the anti-MB efficacies of combined HH inhibitor Vismodegib and PI3K-mTOR dual-inhibitor BEZ235 together or combined individually with cisplatin against high-risk MB. Using non-MYC- and MYC-amplified cell lines, and a xenograft mouse model, the in vitro and in vivo efficacies of these therapies on cell growth/survival and associated molecular mechanism(s) were investigated. Results showed that combined treatment of Vismodegib and BEZ235 together, or with cisplatin, significantly decreased MB cell growth/survival in a dose-dependent-fashion. Corresponding changes in the expression of targeted molecules following therapy were observed. Results demonstrated that inhibitors not only suppressed MB cell growth/survival when combined, but also significantly enhanced cisplatin-mediated cytotoxicity. Of these combinations, BEZ235 exhibited a significantly greater efficacy in enhancing cisplatin-mediated MB cytotoxicity. Results also demonstrated that the MYC-amplified MB lines showed a higher sensitivity to combined therapies compared to non-MYC-amplified cell lines. Therefore, we tested the efficacy of combined approaches against MYC-amplified MB growing in NSG mice. In vivo results showed that combination of Vismodegib and BEZ235 or their combination with cisplatin, significantly delayed MB tumor growth and increased survival of xenografted mice by targeting HH and mTOR pathways. Thus, our studies lay a foundation for translating these combined therapeutic strategies to the clinical setting to determine their efficacies in high-risk MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra K Chaturvedi
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Matthew J Kling
- Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Timothy R McGuire
- Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Sutapa Ray
- Departments of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Varun Kesherwani
- Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
| | - J Graham Sharp
- Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 69198, USA
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21
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Wils LJ, Bijlsma MF. Epigenetic regulation of the Hedgehog and Wnt pathways in cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 121:23-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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22
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Singh R, Lauth M. Emerging Roles of DYRK Kinases in Embryogenesis and Hedgehog Pathway Control. J Dev Biol 2017; 5:E13. [PMID: 29615569 PMCID: PMC5831797 DOI: 10.3390/jdb5040013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh)/GLI signaling is an important instructive cue in various processes during embryonic development, such as tissue patterning, stem cell maintenance, and cell differentiation. It also plays crucial roles in the development of many pediatric and adult malignancies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathway regulation is therefore of high interest. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs) comprise a group of protein kinases which are emerging modulators of signal transduction, cell proliferation, survival, and cell differentiation. Work from the last years has identified a close regulatory connection between DYRKs and the Hh signaling system. In this manuscript, we outline the mechanistic influence of DYRK kinases on Hh signaling with a focus on the mammalian situation. We furthermore aim to bring together what is known about the functional consequences of a DYRK-Hh cross-talk and how this might affect cellular processes in development, physiology, and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Singh
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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23
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Pharmacological targeting of GLI1 inhibits proliferation, tumor emboli formation and in vivo tumor growth of inflammatory breast cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2017; 411:136-149. [PMID: 28965853 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway effector GLI1 is linked to tumorigenesis and invasiveness in a number of cancers, with targeting of GLI1 by small molecule antagonists shown to be effective. We profiled a collection of GLI antagonists possessing distinct mechanisms of action for efficacy in phenotypic models of inflammatory and non-inflammatory breast cancer (IBC and non-IBC) that we showed expressed varying levels of Hh pathway mediators. Compounds GANT61, HPI-1, and JK184 decreased cell proliferation, inhibited GLI1 mRNA expression and decreased the number of colonies formed in TN-IBC (SUM149) and TNBC (MDA-MB-231 and SUM159) cell lines. In addition, GANT61 and JK184 significantly down-regulated GLI1 targets that regulate cell cycle (cyclin D and E) and apoptosis (Bcl2). GANT61 reduced SUM149 spheroid growth and emboli formation, and in orthotopic SUM149 tumor models significantly decreased tumor growth. We successfully utilized phenotypic profiling to identify a subset of GLI1 antagonists that were prioritized for testing in in vivo models. Our results indicated that GLI1 activation in TN-IBC as in TNBC, plays a vital role in promoting cell proliferation, motility, tumor growth, and formation of tumor emboli.
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24
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Liu G, Huang W, Wang J, Liu X, Yang J, Zhang Y, Geng Y, Tan W, Zhang A. Discovery of Novel Macrocyclic Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors Acting by Suppressing the Gli-Mediated Transcription. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8218-8245. [PMID: 28873303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A systemic medicinal chemistry campaign was conducted based on a literature hit compound 5 bearing the 4,5-dihydro-2H-benzo[b][1,5]oxazocin-6(3H)-one core through cyclization of two side substituents of the bicyclic skeleton combined with N-atom walking or ring walking and the central ring expansion or extraction approaches, leading to several series of structurally unique tricyclic compounds. Among these, compound 29a was identified as the most potent against the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway showing an IC50 value of 23 nM. Mechanism studies indicated that compound 29a inhibited the Hh signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of the transcriptional factors Gli rather than by interrupting the binding of Gli with DNA. We further observed that 29a was equally potent against both Smo wild type and the two major resistant mutants (Smo D473H and Smo W535L). It potently inhibited the proliferation of medulloblastoma cells and showed significant tumor growth inhibition in the ptch± ;p53-/- medulloblastoma allograft mice model. Though more studies are needed to clarify the precise interaction pattern of 29a with Gli, its promising in vitro and in vivo properties encourage further profiling as a new-generation Hh signaling inhibitor to treat tumors primarily or secondarily resistant to current Smo inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University , Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, and the State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM) , Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University , Shanghai 201210, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
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25
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Gräßle S, Susanto S, Sievers S, Tavsan E, Nieger M, Jung N, Bräse S. Synthesis and Investigation of S-Substituted 2-Mercaptobenzoimidazoles as Inhibitors of Hedgehog Signaling. ACS Med Chem Lett 2017; 8:931-935. [PMID: 28947939 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the arising resistance of common drugs targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway, the identification of new compound classes with inhibitory effect is urgently needed. We were able to identify S-alkylated 2-mercaptobenzoimidazoles as a new compound class that exhibits Hedgehog signaling activity in a low micromolar range. The scope of the 2-mercaptobenzoimidazole motif has been investigated by the syntheses of diverse derivatives, revealing that the elongation of the linker unit and the exchange of particular substitution patterns are tolerable with respect to the activity of the compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Gräßle
- Institute
of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus
North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Steven Susanto
- Institute
of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus
North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Sonja Sievers
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Emel Tavsan
- Institute
of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus
North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Martin Nieger
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nicole Jung
- Institute
of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus
North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg
6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Institute
of Toxicology and Genetics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Campus
North, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg
6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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26
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Bakshi A, Chaudhary SC, Rana M, Elmets CA, Athar M. Basal cell carcinoma pathogenesis and therapy involving hedgehog signaling and beyond. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2543-2557. [PMID: 28574612 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is driven by aberrant hedgehog signaling. Thus blocking this signaling pathway by small molecules such as vismodegib inhibits tumor growth. Primary cilium in the epidermal cells plays an integral role in the processing of hedgehog signaling-related proteins. Recent genomic studies point to the involvement of additional genetic mutations that might be associated with the development of BCCs, suggesting significance of other signaling pathways, such as WNT, NOTCH, mTOR, and Hippo, aside from hedgehog in the pathogenesis of this human neoplasm. Some of these pathways could be regulated by noncoding microRNA. Altered microRNA expression profile is recognized with the progression of these lesions. Stopping treatment with Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors often leads to tumor reoccurrence in the patients with basal cell nevus syndrome, who develop 10-100 of BCCs. In addition, the initial effectiveness of these SMO inhibitors is impaired due to the onset of mutations in the drug-binding domain of SMO. These data point to a need to develop strategies to overcome tumor recurrence and resistance and to enhance efficacy by developing novel single agent-based or multiple agents-based combinatorial approaches. Immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy could be additional successful approaches particularly if developed in combination with chemotherapy for inoperable and metastatic BCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshika Bakshi
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Sandeep C Chaudhary
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mehtab Rana
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Craig A Elmets
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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27
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Lappano R, Maggiolini M. Pharmacotherapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Oncology: Examples of Approved Therapies and Emerging Concepts. Drugs 2017; 77:951-965. [PMID: 28401445 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0738-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in numerous physio-pathological processes, including the stimulation of cancer progression. In this regard, it should be mentioned that although GPCRs may represent major pharmaceutical targets, only a few drugs acting as GPCR inhibitors are currently used in anti-tumor therapies. For instance, certain pro-malignancy effects mediated by GPCRs are actually counteracted by the use of small molecules and peptides that function as receptor antagonists or inverse agonists. Recently, humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting GPCRs have also been developed. Here, we review the current GPCR-targeted therapies for cancer treatment, summarizing the clinical studies that led to their official approval. We provide a broad overview of the mechanisms of action of the available anti-cancer drugs targeting gonadotropin-releasing hormone, somatostatin, chemokine, and Smoothened receptors. In addition, we discuss the anti-tumor potential of novel non-approved molecules and antibodies able to target some of the aforementioned GPCRs in different experimental models and clinical trials. Likewise, we focus on the repurposing in cancer patients of non-oncological GPCR-based drugs, elucidating the rationale behind this approach and providing clinical evidence on their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
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28
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Selective targeting of HDAC1/2 elicits anticancer effects through Gli1 acetylation in preclinical models of SHH Medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44079. [PMID: 28276480 PMCID: PMC5343431 DOI: 10.1038/srep44079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SHH Medulloblastoma (SHH-MB) is a pediatric brain tumor characterized by an inappropriate activation of the developmental Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. SHH-MB patients treated with the FDA-approved vismodegib, an Hh inhibitor that targets the transmembrane activator Smoothened (Smo), have shown the rapid development of drug resistance and tumor relapse due to novel Smo mutations. Moreover, a subset of patients did not respond to vismodegib because mutations were localized downstream of Smo. Thus, targeting downstream Hh components is now considered a preferable approach. We show here that selective inhibition of the downstream Hh effectors HDAC1 and HDAC2 robustly counteracts SHH-MB growth in mouse models. These two deacetylases are upregulated in tumor and their knockdown inhibits Hh signaling and decreases tumor growth. We demonstrate that mocetinostat (MGCD0103), a selective HDAC1/HDAC2 inhibitor, is a potent Hh inhibitor and that its effect is linked to Gli1 acetylation at K518. Of note, we demonstrate that administration of mocetinostat to mouse models of SHH-MB drastically reduces tumor growth, by reducing proliferation and increasing apoptosis of tumor cells and prolongs mouse survival rate. Collectively, these data demonstrate the preclinical efficacy of targeting the downstream HDAC1/2-Gli1 acetylation in the treatment of SHH-MB.
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29
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The energy sensor AMPK regulates Hedgehog signaling in human cells through a unique Gli1 metabolic checkpoint. Oncotarget 2017; 7:9538-49. [PMID: 26843621 PMCID: PMC4891058 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling controls proliferation of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs) and its aberrant activation is a leading cause of Medulloblastoma, the most frequent pediatric brain tumor. We show here that the energy sensor AMPK inhibits Hh signaling by phosphorylating a single residue of human Gli1 that is not conserved in other species. Studies with selective agonists and genetic deletion have revealed that AMPK activation inhibits canonical Hh signaling in human, but not in mouse cells. Indeed we show that AMPK phosphorylates Gli1 at the unique residue Ser408, which is conserved only in primates but not in other species. Once phosphorylated, Gli1 is targeted for proteasomal degradation. Notably, we show that selective AMPK activation inhibits Gli1-driven proliferation and that this effect is linked to Ser408 phosphorylation, which represents a key metabolic checkpoint for Hh signaling. Collectively, this data unveil a novel mechanism of inhibition of Gli1 function, which is exclusive for human cells and may be exploited for the treatment of Medulloblastoma or other Gli1 driven tumors.
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30
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Singh R, Dhanyamraju PK, Lauth M. DYRK1B blocks canonical and promotes non-canonical Hedgehog signaling through activation of the mTOR/AKT pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:833-845. [PMID: 27903983 PMCID: PMC5352201 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays important roles in embryonic development and in tumor formation. Apart from the well-established stimulation of the GLI family of transcription factors, Hh ligands promote the phosphorylation and activation of mTOR and AKT kinases, yet the molecular mechanism underlying these processes are unknown. Here, we identify the DYRK1B kinase as a mediator between Hh signaling and mTOR/AKT activation. In fibroblasts, Hh signaling induces DYRK1B protein expression, resulting in activation of the mTOR/AKT kinase signaling arm. Furthermore, DYRK1B exerts positive and negative feedback regulation on the Hh pathway itself: It negatively interferes with SMO-elicited canonical Hh signaling, while at the same time it provides positive feed-forward functions by promoting AKT-mediated GLI stability. Due to the fact that the mTOR/AKT pathway is itself subject to strong negative feedback regulation, pharmacological inhibition of DYRK1B results in initial upregulation followed by downregulation of AKT phosphorylation and GLI stabilization. Addressing this issue therapeutically, we show that a pharmacological approach combining a DYRK1B antagonist with an mTOR/AKT inhibitor results in strong GLI1 targeting and in pronounced cytotoxicity in human pancreatic and ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Singh
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor- and Immunobiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor- and Immunobiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor- and Immunobiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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31
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Targeting the hedgehog signaling pathway for cardiac repair and regeneration. Herz 2016; 42:662-668. [PMID: 27878328 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-016-4500-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is involved in the angiogenesis and development of the coronary vasculature in the embryonic heart. Recently, the Hh signal pathway has emerged as an important regulator that can increase cardiomyocyte proliferation, inhibit cardiomyocyte death and apoptosis, recruit endothelial progenitor cell (EPCs) into sites of myocardial ischemia, and direct stem cells to differentiate into cardiac muscle lineage. Experimental studies have tried to target the Hh signaling pathway for cardiac repair and regeneration. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of the Hh signal pathway in cardiac repair and regeneration as well as the current strategies targeting the Hh signaling pathway and its potential in heart diseases.
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32
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Infante P, Alfonsi R, Ingallina C, Quaglio D, Ghirga F, D'Acquarica I, Bernardi F, Di Magno L, Canettieri G, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Botta B, Mori M, Di Marcotullio L. Inhibition of Hedgehog-dependent tumors and cancer stem cells by a newly identified naturally occurring chemotype. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2376. [PMID: 27899820 PMCID: PMC5059851 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) inhibitors have emerged as valid tools in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. Indeed, aberrant activation of the Hh pathway occurring either by ligand-dependent or -independent mechanisms is a key driver in tumorigenesis. The smoothened (Smo) receptor is one of the main upstream transducers of the Hh signaling and is a validated target for the development of anticancer compounds, as underlined by the FDA-approved Smo antagonist Vismodegib (GDC-0449/Erivedge) for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. However, Smo mutations that confer constitutive activity and drug resistance have emerged during treatment with Vismodegib. For this reason, the development of new effective Hh inhibitors represents a major challenge for cancer therapy. Natural products have always represented a unique source of lead structures in drug discovery, and in recent years have been used to modulate the Hh pathway at multiple levels. Here, starting from an in house library of natural compounds and their derivatives, we discovered novel chemotypes of Hh inhibitors by mean of virtual screening against the crystallographic structure of Smo. Hh functional based assay identified the chalcone derivative 12 as the most effective Hh inhibitor within the test set. The chalcone 12 binds the Smo receptor and promotes the displacement of Bodipy-Cyclopamine in both Smo WT and drug-resistant Smo mutant. Our molecule stands as a promising Smo antagonist able to specifically impair the growth of Hh-dependent tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and medulloblastoma stem-like cells and potentially overcome the associated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Alfonsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Acquarica
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Bernardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
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33
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Ramelyte E, Amann VC, Dummer R. Sonidegib for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1963-8. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1225725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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34
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Tamoxifen Resistance: Emerging Molecular Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081357. [PMID: 27548161 PMCID: PMC5000752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-Estradiol (E2) plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of breast cancer. As a result, blockade of the E2 signal through either tamoxifen (TAM) or aromatase inhibitors is an important therapeutic strategy to treat or prevent estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. However, resistance to TAM is the major obstacle in endocrine therapy. This resistance occurs either de novo or is acquired after an initial beneficial response. The underlying mechanisms for TAM resistance are probably multifactorial and remain largely unknown. Considering that breast cancer is a very heterogeneous disease and patients respond differently to treatment, the molecular analysis of TAM’s biological activity could provide the necessary framework to understand the complex effects of this drug in target cells. Moreover, this could explain, at least in part, the development of resistance and indicate an optimal therapeutic option. This review highlights the implications of TAM in breast cancer as well as the role of receptors/signal pathways recently suggested to be involved in the development of TAM resistance. G protein—coupled estrogen receptor, Androgen Receptor and Hedgehog signaling pathways are emerging as novel therapeutic targets and prognostic indicators for breast cancer, based on their ability to mediate estrogenic signaling in ERα-positive or -negative breast cancer.
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Lee HJ, Wu Q, Li H, Bae GU, Kim AK, Ryu JH. A sesquiterpene lactone from Siegesbeckia glabrescens suppresses Hedgehog/Gli-mediated transcription in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:2912-2917. [PMID: 27698879 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is aggressive and therefore difficult to treat; however, continued efforts have been made with the aim of developing an effective therapy against the disease. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is reportedly involved in the proliferation and survival of pancreatic cancer cells. The transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene (Gli) is a key component of the Hh signaling pathway and the primary effector of pancreatic cancer development. Inhibiting Gli is a proven therapeutic strategy for this disease. The present study examined the regulation of Gli and the expression of its target genes to identify an inhibitor of the Sonic Hh (Shh) pathway. A germacranolide sesquiterpene lactone (GSL) was isolated from Siegesbeckia glabrescens as an inhibitor of Gli-mediated transcription. The results demonstrated that GSL inhibited Shh-induced osteoblast differentiation and Gli homolog 1 (Gli1)-mediated transcriptional activity in mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 stem cells. Furthermore, GSL suppressed Gli-mediated transcriptional activity in human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells, which resulted in reduced cancer cell proliferation and downregulated expression of the Gli-target genes, Gli1 and cyclin D1. A sesquiterpene lactone from S. glabrescens may therefore serve as a candidate for the treatment of Hh/Gli-dependent pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Jin Lee
- Department of Natural Medicine Resources, Semyung University, Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do 390-711, Republic of Korea
| | - Qian Wu
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Hua Li
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Un Bae
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - An Keun Kim
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ha Ryu
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
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Song L, Wang W, Liu D, Zhao Y, He J, Wang X, Dai Z, Zhang H, Li X. Targeting of sonic hedgehog-Gli signaling: A potential therapeutic target for patients with breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:1027-1033. [PMID: 27446389 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignant cancer among women. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway serves a key role in malignant cancer cell growth and migration. However, little is known with regard to the specific function of the Hh signaling pathway in human breast cancer. The current study investigated the specific role of Hh signaling in the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Expression of components of Shh-Gli signaling, as well as the Gli-responsive genes B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and cyclin D1, were investigated in MDA-MB-231 cells using western blotting. The effects of Shh-Gli signaling on MDA-MB-231 proliferation were analyzed by MTT assay. The role of E-cadherin in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process was determined by western blot while matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9/MMP-2 secretion was studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicated that Shh-Gli signaling was activated in MDA-MB-231 cells, significantly enhancing cell viability. Overexpression of Gli positively regulated the transcription of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 thereby regulating MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and survival. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with human sonic hedgehog, n-terminus for 72 h significantly reduced E-cadherin protein levels and enhanced secretion of MMP-9 and MMP-2. These findings suggest that Shh-Gli signaling is significantly activated in human breast cancer cells, and is accompanied by enhanced cell viability, proliferation and migration capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqin Song
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Weifeng Wang
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Xianyang, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712000, P.R. China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun He
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xijing Wang
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Tumor Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Alam MM, Sohoni S, Kalainayakan SP, Garrossian M, Zhang L. Cyclopamine tartrate, an inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling, strongly interferes with mitochondrial function and suppresses aerobic respiration in lung cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:150. [PMID: 26911235 PMCID: PMC4766751 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is associated with the development of many cancers including prostate cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and basal cell carcinoma. The Hh signaling pathway has been one of the most intensely investigated targets for cancer therapy, and a number of compounds inhibiting Hh signaling are being tested clinically for treating many cancers. Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers (colon, breast, and prostate) combined. Cyclopamine was the first compound found to inhibit Hh signaling and has been invaluable for understanding the function of Hh signaling in development and cancer. To find novel strategies for combating lung cancer, we decided to characterize the effect of cyclopamine tartrate (CycT), an improved analogue of cyclopamine, on lung cancer cells and its mechanism of action. METHODS The effect of CycT on oxygen consumption and proliferation of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines was quantified by using an Oxygraph system and live cell counting, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by using Annexin V and Propidium Iodide staining. CycT's impact on ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial morphology in NSCLC cells was monitored by using fluorometry and fluorescent microscopy. Western blotting and fluorescent microscopy were used to detect the levels and localization of Hh signaling targets, mitochondrial fission protein Drp1, and heme-related proteins in various NSCLC cells. RESULTS Our findings identified a novel function of CycT, as well as another Hh inhibitor SANT1, to disrupt mitochondrial function and aerobic respiration. Our results showed that CycT, like glutamine depletion, caused a substantial decrease in oxygen consumption in a number of NSCLC cell lines, suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis. Further, we found that CycT increased ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, and mitochondrial fragmentation, thereby disrupting mitochondrial function in NSCLC cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, our work demonstrates that CycT, and likely other Hh signaling inhibitors, can interrupt NSCLC cell function by promoting mitochondrial fission and fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization, and ROS generation, thereby diminishing mitochondrial respiration, suppressing cell proliferation, and causing apoptosis. Our work provides novel mechanistic insights into the action of Hh inhibitors in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Maksudul Alam
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Mail Stop RL11, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | - Sagar Sohoni
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Mail Stop RL11, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | - Sarada Preeta Kalainayakan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Mail Stop RL11, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
| | | | - Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Mail Stop RL11, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA. .,The Cecil H. and Ida Green Distinguished Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Mail Stop RL11, 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
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Manetti F, Petricci E. Evaluation of WO2014207069 A1: Multitarget Hedgehog pathway inhibitors and uses thereof. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:529-35. [PMID: 26666870 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2016.1132309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the involvement of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in various human diseases and dysfunctions has been clearly demonstrated. Smoothened (Smo), one of the upstream signal transducers, has been the most druggable target of the Hh pathway. However, the emergence of resistance to Smo inhibitors and the identification of Smo-independent activation of the Hh pathway led to the need to find new chemical entities able to interfere with downstream components, such as Gli. For this purpose, two different computational approaches have been applied to a small-sized library of natural compounds. As a result, an isoflavone derivative that showed ability to inhibit both Smo and Gli1 has been identified; namely, Glabrescione B. A new synthetic approach has been planned for this compound and its derivatives. Biological evaluation demonstrated the mechanism of action and showed a promising preclinical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Manetti
- a Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- a Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena , Siena , Italy
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D'Amico D, Antonucci L, Di Magno L, Coni S, Sdruscia G, Macone A, Miele E, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, De Smaele E, Ferretti E, Ciapponi L, Giangaspero F, Yates JR, Agostinelli E, Cardinali B, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Canettieri G. Non-canonical Hedgehog/AMPK-Mediated Control of Polyamine Metabolism Supports Neuronal and Medulloblastoma Cell Growth. Dev Cell 2016; 35:21-35. [PMID: 26460945 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Developmental Hedgehog signaling controls proliferation of cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs), and its aberrant activation is a leading cause of medulloblastoma. We show here that Hedgehog promotes polyamine biosynthesis in GCPs by engaging a non-canonical axis leading to the translation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). This process is governed by AMPK, which phosphorylates threonine 173 of the zinc finger protein CNBP in response to Hedgehog activation. Phosphorylated CNBP increases its association with Sufu, followed by CNBP stabilization, ODC translation, and polyamine biosynthesis. Notably, CNBP, ODC, and polyamines are elevated in Hedgehog-dependent medulloblastoma, and genetic or pharmacological inhibition of this axis efficiently blocks Hedgehog-dependent proliferation of medulloblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data illustrate an auxiliary mechanism of metabolic control by a morphogenic pathway with relevant implications in development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide D'Amico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Antonucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giulia Sdruscia
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Evelina Miele
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Ciapponi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Cell Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Enzo Agostinelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cardinali
- Cellular Biology and Neurobiology Institute, National Research Council, Monterotondo 00016, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Istituto Pasteur, Fondazione Cenci-Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy; Center for Life Nanoscience@Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00161, Italy.
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The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Tumor Induced Bone Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:1658-83. [PMID: 26343726 PMCID: PMC4586789 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7030856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cancer treatments, tumor induced bone disease continues to cause significant morbidities. While tumors show distinct mutations and clinical characteristics, they behave similarly once they establish in bone. Tumors can metastasize to bone from distant sites (breast, prostate, lung), directly invade into bone (head and neck) or originate from the bone (melanoma, chondrosarcoma) where they cause pain, fractures, hypercalcemia, and ultimately, poor prognoses and outcomes. Tumors in bone secrete factors (interleukins and parathyroid hormone-related protein) that induce RANKL expression from osteoblasts, causing an increase in osteoclast mediated bone resorption. While the mechanisms involved varies slightly between tumor types, many tumors display an increase in Hedgehog signaling components that lead to increased tumor growth, therapy failure, and metastasis. The work of multiple laboratories has detailed Hh signaling in several tumor types and revealed that tumor establishment in bone can be controlled by both canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling in a cell type specific manner. This review will explore the role of Hh signaling in the modulation of tumor induced bone disease, and will shed insight into possible therapeutic interventions for blocking Hh signaling in these tumors.
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Intravenous and oral practolol in the acute stages of myocardial infarction. Cells 1978; 8:cells8020098. [PMID: 30699938 PMCID: PMC6407099 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of routine administration of the beta adrenoceptor blocking drug practolol on the outcome of acute myocardial infarction has been studied in 94 patients. The study was restricted to patients under the age of 70 experiencing their first myocardial infarction and in whom there was no contraindication to beta blockade. In the treated group an initial dose intravenous practolol 15 mg was followed by five oral doses of practolol 200 mg at 12 h intervals. A significant reduction in heart rate and systolic blood pressure was apparent in the treated group within 2 h. No difference was detectable in the course of the acute stage of the illness between treated and control patients, apart from a significant reduction in the incidence of atrial fibrillation among those receiving practolol. Patients with inferior infarctions showed a tendency to develop potentially harmful bradycardia and hypotension on receiving practolol which lead to withdrawal of the drug in many cases. At regular review over 7 mth no detectable difference emerged between the treated and control groups in the incidence of cardiac failure, death or reinfarction.
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