1
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Saraswat A, Patel K. Development and in-depth characterization of BRAFi-resistant melanoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Exp Cell Res 2024; 438:114033. [PMID: 38593916 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114033] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Regardless of the clinical response and improved patient survival observed following treatment with BRAFi like Vemurafenib (Vem), rapid development of resistance still remains as a major obstacle in melanoma therapy. In this context, we developed and characterized two acquired Vem-resistant melanoma cell lines, A375V and SK-MEL-28V, and an intrinsically Vem-resistant cell line, RPMI-7951. Altered morphology and growth rate of the resistant cell lines displayed spindle-shaped cells with filopodia formation and enhanced proliferation rate as compared to parental cells. Further in vitro characterization in 2D models confirmed the emergence of a resistant phenotype in melanoma cells. To mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment, spheroids were developed for both parental and resistant cell lines to recognize materialization of invadopodia structures demonstrating elevated invasiveness and proliferation of resistant cells-based spheroids, especially A375V. Importantly, we validated A375V cell line in vivo to prove its tumorigenicity and drug resistance in tumor xenograft model. Taken together, our established clinically relevant Vem-resistant tumor model could be beneficial to elucidate drug resistance mechanisms, screen and identify novel anticancer therapies to overcome BRAFi resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Saraswat
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
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2
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Adamopoulos C, Papavassiliou KA, Poulikakos PI, Papavassiliou AG. RAF and MEK Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4633. [PMID: 38731852 PMCID: PMC11083651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094633] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer, despite recent advancements in survival rates, represents a significant global health burden. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent type, is driven largely by activating mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and less in v-RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) and mitogen-activated protein-kinase kinase (MEK), all key components of the RTK-RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Learning from melanoma, the identification of BRAFV600E substitution in NSCLC provided the rationale for the investigation of RAF and MEK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. The regulatory approval of two RAF-MEK inhibitor combinations, dabrafenib-trametinib, in 2017, and encorafenib-binimetinib, in 2023, signifies a breakthrough for the management of BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC patients. However, the almost universal emergence of acquired resistance limits their clinical benefit. New RAF and MEK inhibitors, with distinct biochemical characteristics, are in preclinical and clinical development. In this review, we aim to provide valuable insights into the current state of RAF and MEK inhibition in the management of NSCLC, fostering a deeper understanding of the potential impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Adamopoulos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Poulikos I. Poulikakos
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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3
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Gadal S, Boyer JA, Roy SF, Outmezguine NA, Sharma M, Li H, Fan N, Chan E, Romin Y, Barlas A, Chang Q, Pancholi P, Timaul NM, Overholtzer M, Yaeger R, Manova-Todorova K, de Stanchina E, Bosenberg M, Rosen N. Tumorigenesis driven by the BRAF V600E oncoprotein requires secondary mutations that overcome its feedback inhibition of migration and invasion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.21.568071. [PMID: 38659913 PMCID: PMC11042182 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation occurs in 46% of melanomas and drives high levels of ERK activity and ERK-dependent proliferation. However, BRAFV600E is insufficient to drive melanoma in GEMM models, and 82% of human benign nevi harbor BRAFV600E mutations. We show here that BRAFV600E inhibits mesenchymal migration by causing feedback inhibition of RAC1 activity. ERK pathway inhibition induces RAC1 activation and restores migration and invasion. In cells with BRAFV600E, mutant RAC1, overexpression of PREX1, PREX2, or PTEN inactivation restore RAC1 activity and cell motility. Together, these lesions occur in 48% of BRAFV600E melanomas. Thus, although BRAFV600E activation of ERK deregulates cell proliferation, it prevents full malignant transformation by causing feedback inhibition of cell migration. Secondary mutations are, therefore, required for tumorigenesis. One mechanism underlying tumor evolution may be the selection of lesions that rescue the deleterious effects of oncogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyana Gadal
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jacob A. Boyer
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Simon F. Roy
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Noah A. Outmezguine
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Malvika Sharma
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hongyan Li
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ning Fan
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric Chan
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Afsar Barlas
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Priya Pancholi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Neilawattie. Merna Timaul
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Rona Yaeger
- Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Lead Contact
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4
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Parise A, Magistrato A. Assessing the mechanism of fast-cycling cancer-associated mutations of Rac1 small Rho GTPase. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4939. [PMID: 38501467 PMCID: PMC10949326 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4939] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Rho-GTPases proteins function as molecular switches alternating from an active to an inactive state upon Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding and hydrolysis to Guanosine diphosphate (GDP). Among them, Rac subfamily regulates cell dynamics, being overexpressed in distinct cancer types. Notably, these proteins are object of frequent cancer-associated mutations at Pro29 (P29S, P29L, and P29Q). To assess the impact of these mutations on Rac1 structure and function, we performed extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on wild-type (wt) and oncogenic isoforms of this protein in GDP- and GTP-bound states. Our results unprecedentedly elucidate that P29Q/S-induced structural and dynamical perturbations of Rac1 core domain weaken the binding of the catalytic site Mg2+ ion, and reduce the GDP residence time within protein, enhancing the GDP/GTP exchange rate and Rac1 activity. This broadens our knowledge of the role of cancer-associated mutations on small GTPases mechanism supplying valuable information for future drug discovery efforts targeting specific Rac1 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Parise
- Consiglio Nazionale delle ricerche (CNR)‐IOM c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS)TriesteItaly
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- Consiglio Nazionale delle ricerche (CNR)‐IOM c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS)TriesteItaly
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5
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Wang N, Jiang Y, Li M, Wang H, Pan J, Tang Y, Xie S, Xu Y, Li X, Zhou X, Xu P, Lin W, Wang X. Protein Kinase STK24 Promotes Tumor Immune Evasion via the AKT-PD-L1 Axis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304342. [PMID: 38229183 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy targeting PD-L1 is still ineffective for a wide variety of tumors with high unpredictability. Deploying combined immunotherapy with alternative targeting is practical to overcome this therapeutic resistance. Here, the deficiency of serine-threonine kinase STK24 is observed in tumor cells causing substantial attenuation of tumor growth in murine syngeneic models, a process relying on cytotoxic CD8+ T and NK cells. Mechanistically, STK24 in tumor cells associates with and directly phosphorylates AKT at Thr21, which promotes AKT activation and subsequent PD-L1 induction. Deletion or inhibition of STK24, by contrast, blocks IFN-γ-mediated PD-L1 expression. Various murine models indicate that in vivo silencing of STK24 can significantly enhance the efficacy of the anti-PD-1 blockade strategy. Elevated STK24 levels are observed in patient specimens in multiple tumor types and inversely correlated with intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and with patient survival. The study collectively identifies STK24 as a critical modulator of antitumor immunity, which engages in AKT and PD-L1/PD-1 signaling and is a promising target for combined immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Mengjie Li
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Haofei Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Shaofang Xie
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Yunyang Xu
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xu Li
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wenlong Lin
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xiaojian Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
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6
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Huang YT, Hsu YT, Wu PY, Yeh YM, Lin PC, Hsu KF, Shen MR. Tight junction protein cingulin variant is associated with cancer susceptibility by overexpressed IQGAP1 and Rac1-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:65. [PMID: 38424547 PMCID: PMC10905802 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02987-z] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cingulin (CGN) is a pivotal cytoskeletal adaptor protein located at tight junctions. This study investigates the link between CGN mutation and increased cancer susceptibility through genetic and mechanistic analyses and proposes a potential targeted therapeutic approach. METHODS In a high-cancer-density family without known pathogenic variants, we performed tumor-targeted and germline whole-genome sequencing to identify novel cancer-associated variants. Subsequently, these variants were validated in a 222 cancer patient cohort, and CGN c.3560C > T was identified as a potential cancer-risk allele. Both wild-type (WT) (c.3560C > C) and variant (c.3560C > T) were transfected into cancer cell lines and incorporated into orthotopic xenograft mice model for evaluating their effects on cancer progression. Western blot, immunofluorescence analysis, migration and invasion assays, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation assays, and siRNA applications were used to explore the biological consequence of CGN c.3560C > T. RESULTS In cancer cell lines and orthotopic animal models, CGN c.3560C > T enhanced tumor progression with reduced sensitivity to oxaliplatin compared to the CGN WT. The variant induced downregulation of epithelial marker, upregulation of mesenchymal marker and transcription factor, which converged to initiate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate the elements driving EMT in CGN c.3560C > T. This exploration unveiled overexpression of IQGAP1 induced by the variant, contrasting the levels observed in CGN WT. Immunoprecipitation assay confirmed a direct interaction between CGN and IQGAP1. IQGAP1 functions as a regulator of multiple GTPases, particularly the Rho family. This overexpressed IQGAP1 was consistently associated with the activation of Rac1, as evidenced by the analysis of the cancer cell line and clinical sample harboring CGN c.3560C > T. Notably, activated Rac1 was suppressed following the downregulation of IQGAP1 by siRNA. Treatment with NSC23766, a selective inhibitor for Rac1-GEF interaction, resulted in the inactivation of Rac1. This intervention mitigated the EMT program in cancer cells carrying CGN c.3560C > T. Consistently, xenograft tumors with WT CGN showed no sensitivity to NSC23766 treatment, but NSC23766 demonstrated the capacity to attenuate tumor growth harboring c.3560C > T. CONCLUSIONS CGN c.3560C > T leads to IQGAP1 overexpression, subsequently triggering Rac1-dependent EMT. Targeting activated Rac1 is a strategy to impede the advancement of cancers carrying this specific variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Yeh
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Chan Lin
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Fu Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ru Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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7
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. Oncogene 2024; 43:729-743. [PMID: 38243078 PMCID: PMC11157427 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02947-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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8
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Hanrahan AJ, Chen Z, Rosen N, Solit DB. BRAF - a tumour-agnostic drug target with lineage-specific dependencies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:224-247. [PMID: 38278874 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In June 2022, the FDA granted Accelerated Approval to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib in combination with the MEK inhibitor trametinib for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients (≥6 years of age) with unresectable or metastatic BRAFV600E-mutant solid tumours, except for BRAFV600E-mutant colorectal cancers. The histology-agnostic approval of dabrafenib plus trametinib marks the culmination of two decades of research into the landscape of BRAF mutations in human cancers, the biochemical mechanisms underlying BRAF-mediated tumorigenesis, and the clinical development of selective RAF and MEK inhibitors. Although the majority of patients with BRAFV600E-mutant tumours derive clinical benefit from BRAF inhibitor-based combinations, resistance to treatment develops in most. In this Review, we describe the biochemical basis for oncogenic BRAF-induced activation of MAPK signalling and pan-cancer and lineage-specific mechanisms of intrinsic, adaptive and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. We also discuss novel RAF inhibitors and drug combinations designed to delay the emergence of treatment resistance and/or expand the population of patients with BRAF-mutant cancers who benefit from molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aphrothiti J Hanrahan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ziyu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Zhang X, Pant SM, Ritch CC, Tang HY, Shao H, Dweep H, Gong YY, Brooks R, Brafford P, Wolpaw AJ, Lee Y, Weeraratna A, Sehgal A, Herlyn M, Kossenkov A, Speicher D, Sorger PK, Santagata S, Dang CV. Cell state dependent effects of Bmal1 on melanoma immunity and tumorigenicity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:633. [PMID: 38245503 PMCID: PMC10799901 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44778-2] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock regulator Bmal1 modulates tumorigenesis, but its reported effects are inconsistent. Here, we show that Bmal1 has a context-dependent role in mouse melanoma tumor growth. Loss of Bmal1 in YUMM2.1 or B16-F10 melanoma cells eliminates clock function and diminishes hypoxic gene expression and tumorigenesis, which could be rescued by ectopic expression of HIF1α in YUMM2.1 cells. By contrast, over-expressed wild-type or a transcriptionally inactive mutant Bmal1 non-canonically sequester myosin heavy chain 9 (Myh9) to increase MRTF-SRF activity and AP-1 transcriptional signature, and shift YUMM2.1 cells from a Sox10high to a Sox9high immune resistant, mesenchymal cell state that is found in human melanomas. Our work describes a link between Bmal1, Myh9, mouse melanoma cell plasticity, and tumor immunity. This connection may underlie cancer therapeutic resistance and underpin the link between the circadian clock, MRTF-SRF and the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Shishir M Pant
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cecily C Ritch
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yao-Yu Gong
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebekah Brooks
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Brafford
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam J Wolpaw
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Childhood Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yool Lee
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Ashani Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandro Santagata
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chi V Dang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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10
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Xu S, Liu D, Qin Z, Liang Z, Xie H, Yi B, Wang K, Lin G, Liu R, Yang K, Xu Y, Zhang H. Experimental validation and pan-cancer analysis identified COL10A1 as a novel oncogene and potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:15134-15160. [PMID: 38147021 PMCID: PMC10781495 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205337] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type X collagen (COL10) is a homologous trimeric non-fibrillar collagen found in the extracellular matrix of human tissues, and it exhibits a distinctive white appearance. Type X collagen α1 chain (COL10A1) is a specific cleaved fragment of type X collagen. However, the expression, prognostic significance, clinicopathological attributes and immune-related associations of COL10A1 in prostate cancer as well as in pan-cancer contexts remain poorly understood. METHODS Using bioinformatic analysis of data from the most recent databases (TCGA, GTEx and GEO databases), we have extensively elucidated the role played by COL10A1 in terms of its expression patterns, prognostic implications, and immune efficacy across a pan-cancer spectrum. Subsequently, the biological functions of COL10A1 in prostate cancer were elucidated by experimental validation. RESULTS Our findings have confirmed that COL10A1 was highly expressed in most cancers and was associated with poorer prognosis in cancer patients. Immune correlation analysis of COL10A1 in various cancers showed its significant correlation with Tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) and immune cell infiltration. In addition, knockdown of COL10A1 in prostate cancer resulted in a substantial reduction in the proliferation, migration, and invasive potential of prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSION Our pan-cancer analysis of COL10A1 gene provided novel insights into its pivotal role in cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic implications, underscoring its potential significance in prognosis and immunotherapeutic interventions for cancer, particularly prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxian Xu
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Dongze Liu
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Zheng Qin
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Zhengxin Liang
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Hongbo Xie
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Bocun Yi
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Kaibin Wang
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Gaoteng Lin
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Ranlu Liu
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Kuo Yang
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Hongtuan Zhang
- Department of Urology, National Key Specialty of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
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Juan-Guadarrama DG, Beltrán-Navarro YM, Reyes-Cruz G, Vázquez-Prado J. Ephexin3/ARHGEF5 Together with Cell Migration Signaling Partners within the Tumor Microenvironment Define Prognostic Transcriptional Signatures in Multiple Cancer Types. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16427. [PMID: 38003617 PMCID: PMC10671824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216427] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell migration involves a repertoire of signaling proteins that lead cytoskeleton reorganization as a critical step in metastatic dissemination. RhoGEFs are multidomain effectors that integrate signaling inputs to activate the molecular switches that orchestrate actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Ephexins, a group of five RhoGEFs, play oncogenic roles in invasive and metastatic cancer, leading to a mechanistic hypothesis about their function as signaling nodes assembling functional complexes that guide cancer cell migration. To identify clinically significant Ephexin signaling partners, we applied three systematic data mining strategies, based on the screening of essential Ephexins in multiple cancer cell lines and the identification of coexpressed signaling partners in the TCGA cancer patient datasets. Based on the domain architecture of encoded proteins and gene ontology criteria, we selected Ephexin signaling partners with a role in cytoskeletal reorganization and cell migration. We focused on Ephexin3/ARHGEF5, identified as an essential gene in multiple cancer cell types. Based on significant coexpression data and coessentiality, the signaling repertoire that accompanies Ephexin3 corresponded to three groups: pan-cancer, cancer-specific and coessential. To further select the Ephexin3 signaling partners likely to be relevant in clinical settings, we first identified those whose high expression was statistical linked to shorter patient survival. The resulting Ephexin3 transcriptional signatures represent significant accumulated risk, predictive of shorter survival, in 17 cancer types, including PAAD, LUAD, LGG, OSC, AML, KIRC, THYM, BLCA, LIHC and UCEC. The signaling landscape that accompanies Ephexin3 in various cancer types included the tyrosine kinase receptor MET and the tyrosine phosphatase receptor PTPRF, the serine/threonine kinases MARK2 and PAK6, the Rho GTPases RHOD, RHOF and RAC1, and the cytoskeletal regulator DIAHP1. Our findings set the basis to further explore the role of Ephexin3/ARHGEF5 as an essential effector and signaling hub in cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Gustavo Juan-Guadarrama
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Yarely Mabell Beltrán-Navarro
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Reyes-Cruz
- Department of Cell Biology, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - José Vázquez-Prado
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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12
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Zhu EY, Schillo JL, Murray SD, Riordan JD, Dupuy AJ. Understanding cancer drug resistance with Sleeping Beauty functional genomic screens: Application to MAPK inhibition in cutaneous melanoma. iScience 2023; 26:107805. [PMID: 37860756 PMCID: PMC10582486 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined BRAF and MEK inhibition is an effective treatment for BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma. However, most patients progress on this treatment due to drug resistance. Here, we applied the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to understand how melanoma evades MAPK inhibition. We found that the specific drug resistance mechanisms differed across melanomas in our genetic screens of five cutaneous melanoma cell lines. While drivers that reactivated MAPK were highly conserved, many others were cell-line specific. One such driver, VAV1, activated a de-differentiated transcriptional program like that of hyperactive RAC1, RAC1P29S. To target this mechanism, we showed that an inhibitor of SRC, saracatinib, blunts the VAV1-induced transcriptional reprogramming. Overall, we highlighted the importance of accounting for melanoma heterogeneity in treating cutaneous melanoma with MAPK inhibitors. Moreover, we demonstrated the utility of the Sleeping Beauty transposon system in understanding cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Y. Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jacob L. Schillo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sarina D. Murray
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jesse D. Riordan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Adam J. Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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13
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Foda BM, Neubig RR. Role of Rho/MRTF in Aggressive Vemurafenib-Resistant Murine Melanomas and Immune Checkpoint Upregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13785. [PMID: 37762086 PMCID: PMC10531039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813785] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer. Most have Ras-MAPK pathway (BRAFV600E or NRAS) mutations and highly effective targeted therapies exist; however, they and immune therapies are limited by resistance, in part driven by small GTPase (Rho and Rac) activation. To facilitate preclinical studies of combination therapies to provide durable responses, we describe the first mouse melanoma lines resistant to BRAF inhibitors. Treatment of mouse lines, YUMM1.7 and YUMMER, with vemurafenib (Vem), the BRAFV600E-selective inhibitor, resulted in high-level resistance (IC50 shifts 20-30-fold). Resistant cells showed enhanced activation of Rho and the downstream transcriptional coactivator, myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF). Resistant cells exhibited increased stress fibers, nuclear translocation of MRTF-A, and an increased MRTF-A gene signature. Pharmacological inhibition of the Rho/MRTF pathway using CCG-257081 reduced viability of resistant lines and enhanced sensitivity to Vem. Remarkably, co-treatment of parental lines with Vem and CCG-257081 eliminated resistant colony development. Resistant cells grew more slowly in vitro, but they developed highly aggressive tumors with a shortened survival of tumor-bearing mice. Increased expression of immune checkpoint inhibitor proteins (ICIs) in resistant lines may contribute to aggressive in vivo behavior. Here, we introduce the first drug-resistant mouse melanoma models for assessing combinations of targeted and immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bardees M. Foda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA;
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki 12622, Egypt
| | - Richard R. Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA;
- Nicholas V. Perricone, M.D. Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
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14
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Wahab R, Hasan MM, Azam Z, Grippo PJ, Al-Hilal TA. The role of coagulome in the tumor immune microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115027. [PMID: 37517779 PMCID: PMC11099942 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The rising incidence and persistent thrombosis in multiple cancers including those that are immunosuppressive highlight the need for understanding the tumor coagulome system and its role beyond hemostatic complications. Immunotherapy has shown significant benefits in solid organ tumors but has been disappointing in the treatment of hypercoagulable cancers, such as glioblastoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Thus, targeting thrombosis to prevent immunosuppression seems a clinically viable approach in cancer treatment. Hypercoagulable tumors often develop fibrin clots within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that dictates the biophysical characteristics of the tumor tissue. The application of systems biology and single-cell approaches highlight the potential role of coagulome or thrombocytosis in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). In-depth knowledge of the tumor coagulome would provide unprecedented opportunities to better predict the hemostatic complications, explore how thrombotic stroma modulates tumor immunity, reexamine the significance of clinical biomarkers, and enable steering the stromal versus systemic immune response for boosting the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment. We focus on the role of coagulation factors in priming a suppressive TIME and the huge potential of existing anticoagulant drugs in the clinical settings of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riajul Wahab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Md Mahedi Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Zulfikar Azam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Paul J Grippo
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Taslim A Al-Hilal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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15
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Wang H, Yamahashi Y, Riedl M, Amano M, Kaibuchi K. The Evaluation of Rac1 Signaling as a Potential Therapeutic Target of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11880. [PMID: 37569255 PMCID: PMC10418761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511880] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Small GTPase Rac1 is critical for various fundamental cellular processes, including cognitive functions. The cyclical activation and inactivation of Rac1, mediated by Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RacGEFs) and Rac GTPase-activating proteins (RacGAPs), respectively, are essential for activating intracellular signaling pathways and controlling cellular processes. We have recently shown that the Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutic drug donepezil activates the Rac1-PAK pathway in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) for enhanced aversive learning. Also, PAK activation itself in the NAc enhances aversive learning. As aversive learning allows short-term preliminary AD drug screening, here we tested whether sustained Rac1 activation by RacGAP inhibition can be used as an AD therapeutic strategy for improving AD-learning deficits based on aversive learning. We found that the RacGAP domain of breakpoint cluster region protein (Bcr) (Bcr-GAP) efficiently inhibited Rac1 activity in a membrane ruffling assay. We also found that, in striatal/accumbal primary neurons, Bcr knockdown by microRNA mimic-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV-miRNA mimic) activated Rac1-PAK signaling, while Bcr-GAP-expressing AAV inactivated it. Furthermore, conditional knockdown of Bcr in the NAc of wild-type adult mice enhanced aversive learning, while Bcr-GAP expression in the NAc inhibited it. The findings indicate that Rac1 activation by RacGAP inhibition enhances aversive learning, implying the AD therapeutic potential of Rac1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wang
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (H.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Yukie Yamahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
| | - Marcel Riedl
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
| | - Mutsuki Amano
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (H.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
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16
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Yamahashi Y, Tsuboi D, Funahashi Y, Kaibuchi K. Neuroproteomic mapping of kinases and their substrates downstream of acetylcholine: finding and implications. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:291-298. [PMID: 37787112 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2265067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the emergence of the cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), acetylcholine has been viewed as a mediator of learning and memory. Donepezil improves AD-associated learning deficits and memory loss by recovering brain acetylcholine levels. However, it is associated with side effects due to global activation of acetylcholine receptors. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (M1R), a key mediator of learning and memory, has been an alternative target. The importance of targeting a specific pathway downstream of M1R has recently been recognized. Elucidating signaling pathways beyond M1R that lead to learning and memory holds important clues for AD therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED This review first summarizes the role of acetylcholine in aversive learning, one of the outputs used for preliminary AD drug screening. It then describes the phosphoproteomic approach focused on identifying acetylcholine intracellular signaling pathways leading to aversive learning. Finally, the intracellular mechanism of donepezil and its effect on learning and memory is discussed. EXPERT OPINION The elucidation of signaling pathways beyond M1R by phosphoproteomic approach offers a platform for understanding the intracellular mechanism of AD drugs and for developing AD therapeutic strategies. Clarifying the molecular mechanism that links the identified acetylcholine signaling to AD pathophysiology will advance the development of AD therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukie Yamahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tsuboi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Funahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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17
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546707. [PMID: 37425776 PMCID: PMC10327161 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Current Affiliation: Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
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18
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Cervantes-Villagrana RD, García-Jiménez I, Vázquez-Prado J. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases (RhoGEFs) as oncogenic effectors and strategic therapeutic targets in metastatic cancer. Cell Signal 2023; 109:110749. [PMID: 37290677 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells dynamically adjust their shape to adhere, invade, migrate, and expand to generate secondary tumors. Inherent to these processes is the constant assembly and disassembly of cytoskeletal supramolecular structures. The subcellular places where cytoskeletal polymers are built and reorganized are defined by the activation of Rho GTPases. These molecular switches directly respond to signaling cascades integrated by Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which are sophisticated multidomain proteins that control morphological behavior of cancer and stromal cells in response to cell-cell interactions, tumor-secreted factors and actions of oncogenic proteins within the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells, including fibroblasts, immune and endothelial cells, and even projections of neuronal cells, adjust their shapes and move into growing tumoral masses, building tumor-induced structures that eventually serve as metastatic routes. Here we review the role of RhoGEFs in metastatic cancer. They are highly diverse proteins with common catalytic modules that select among a variety of homologous Rho GTPases enabling them to load GTP, acquiring an active conformation that stimulates effectors controlling actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Therefore, due to their strategic position in oncogenic signaling cascades, and their structural diversity flanking common catalytic modules, RhoGEFs possess unique characteristics that make them conceptual targets of antimetastatic precision therapies. Preclinical proof of concept, demonstrating the antimetastatic effect of inhibiting either expression or activity of βPix (ARHGEF7), P-Rex1, Vav1, ARHGEF17, and Dock1, among others, is emerging.
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19
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Lin Z, Lei Y, Wen M, He Q, Tian D, Xie H. MTAP-ANRIL gene fusion promotes melanoma epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like process by activating the JNK and p38 signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9073. [PMID: 37277447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36404-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene fusions caused by cytogenetic aberrations play important roles in the initiation and progression of cancers. The recurrent MTAP-ANRIL fusion gene was reported to have a frequency of greater than 7% in melanoma in our previous study. However, its functions remain unclear. Truncated MTAP proteins resulting from point mutations in the last three exons of MTAP can physically interact with the wild-type MTAP protein, a tumor suppressor in several human cancers. Similarly, MTAP-ANRIL, which is translated into a truncated MTAP protein, would influence wild-type MTAP to act as an oncogene. Here, we found that MTAP-ANRIL gene fusion downregulated the expression of wild-type MTAP and promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like process through the activation of JNK and p38 MAPKs in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that MTAP-ANRIL is a potential molecular prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoying Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shangrao People's Hospital, Shangrao, 334000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeWuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mingyao Wen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qin He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeWuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeWuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Huaping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeWuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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20
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Sha Y, Pan M, Chen Y, Qiao L, Zhou H, Liu D, Zhang W, Wang K, Huang L, Tang N, Qiu J, Huang A, Xia J. PLEKHG5 is stabilized by HDAC2-related deacetylation and confers sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:176. [PMID: 37248230 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01469-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is the first FDA-approved first-line targeted drug for advanced HCC. However, resistance to sorafenib is frequently observed in clinical practice, and the molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we found that PLEKHG5 (pleckstrin homology and RhoGEF domain containing G5), a RhoGEF, was highly upregulated in sorafenib-resistant cells. PLEKHG5 overexpression activated Rac1/AKT/NF-κB signaling and reduced sensitivity to sorafenib in HCC cells, while knockdown of PLEKHG5 increased sorafenib sensitivity. The increased PLEKHG5 was related to its acetylation level and protein stability. Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) was found to directly interact with PLEKHG5 to deacetylate its lysine sites within the PH domain and consequently maintain its stability. Moreover, knockout of HDAC2 (HDAC2 KO) or selective HDAC2 inhibition reduced PLEKHG5 protein levels and thereby enhanced the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib in vitro and in vivo, while overexpression of PLEKHG5 in HDAC2 KO cells reduced the sensitivity to sorafenib. Our work showed a novel mechanism: HDAC2-mediated PLEKHG5 posttranslational modification maintains sorafenib resistance. This is a proof-of-concept study on targeting HDAC2 and PLEKHG5 in sorafenib-treated HCC patients as a new pharmaceutical intervention for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sha
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Mingang Pan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yunmeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Liangjun Qiao
- College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hengyu Zhou
- College of Nursing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Dina Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Luyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jianguo Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Jie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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21
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Yin G, Huang J, Petela J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu J, Liu B, Shi J, Gao Y. Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:212. [PMID: 37221195 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as "undruggable". Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12C covalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12C mutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Johnny Petela
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuetong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Gong
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bei Liu
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, School of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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22
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Zhang Y, Li G, Zhao Y. Advances in the development of Rho GTPase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117337. [PMID: 37253305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Rho guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases), as members of the Ras superfamily, are GDP/GTP binding proteins that behave as molecular switches for the transduction of signals from external stimuli. Rho GTPases play essential roles in a number of cellular processes including cell cycle, cell polarity as well as cell migration. The dysregulations of Rho GTPases are related with various diseases, especially with cancers. Accumulating evidence supports that Rho GTPases play important roles in cancer development and progression. Rho GTPases become potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. And a number of inhibitors targeting Rho GTPases have been developed. In this review, we discuss their structural features, summarize their roles in cancer, and focus on the recent progress of their inhibitors, which are beneficial for the drug discovery targeting Rho GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guanyi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yaxue Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
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23
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Debaugnies M, Rodríguez-Acebes S, Blondeau J, Parent MA, Zocco M, Song Y, de Maertelaer V, Moers V, Latil M, Dubois C, Coulonval K, Impens F, Van Haver D, Dufour S, Uemura A, Sotiropoulou PA, Méndez J, Blanpain C. RHOJ controls EMT-associated resistance to chemotherapy. Nature 2023; 616:168-175. [PMID: 36949199 PMCID: PMC10076223 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05838-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
The resistance of cancer cells to therapy is responsible for the death of most patients with cancer1. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been associated with resistance to therapy in different cancer cells2,3. However, the mechanisms by which EMT mediates resistance to therapy remain poorly understood. Here, using a mouse model of skin squamous cell carcinoma undergoing spontaneous EMT during tumorigenesis, we found that EMT tumour cells are highly resistant to a wide range of anti-cancer therapies both in vivo and in vitro. Using gain and loss of function studies in vitro and in vivo, we found that RHOJ-a small GTPase that is preferentially expressed in EMT cancer cells-controls resistance to therapy. Using genome-wide transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, we found that RHOJ regulates EMT-associated resistance to chemotherapy by enhancing the response to replicative stress and activating the DNA-damage response, enabling tumour cells to rapidly repair DNA lesions induced by chemotherapy. RHOJ interacts with proteins that regulate nuclear actin, and inhibition of actin polymerization sensitizes EMT tumour cells to chemotherapy-induced cell death in a RHOJ-dependent manner. Together, our study uncovers the role and the mechanisms through which RHOJ acts as a key regulator of EMT-associated resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud Debaugnies
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- CHU Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Rodríguez-Acebes
- DNA Replication Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jeremy Blondeau
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Astrid Parent
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manuel Zocco
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yura Song
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Viviane de Maertelaer
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- ULB-Cancer Research Center (U-crc), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Virginie Moers
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathilde Latil
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Dubois
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katia Coulonval
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- ULB-Cancer Research Center (U-crc), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francis Impens
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Proteomics Core, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delphi Van Haver
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Proteomics Core, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Dufour
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Proteomics Core, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Retinal Vascular Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Juan Méndez
- DNA Replication Group, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cédric Blanpain
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Buxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
- WELBIO, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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24
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Vanni I, Pastorino L, Tanda ET, Andreotti V, Dalmasso B, Solari N, Mascherini M, Cabiddu F, Guadagno A, Coco S, Allavena E, Bruno W, Pietra G, Croce M, Gangemi R, Piana M, Zoppoli G, Ferrando L, Spagnolo F, Queirolo P, Ghiorzo P. Whole-Exome Sequencing and cfDNA Analysis Uncover Genetic Determinants of Melanoma Therapy Response in a Real-World Setting. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054302. [PMID: 36901733 PMCID: PMC10002464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054302] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several studies have explored the molecular landscape of metastatic melanoma, the genetic determinants of therapy resistance are still largely unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the contribution of whole-exome sequencing and circulating free DNA (cfDNA) analysis in predicting response to therapy in a consecutive real-world cohort of 36 patients, undergoing fresh tissue biopsy and followed during treatment. Although the underpowered sample size limited statistical analysis, samples from non-responders had higher copy number variations and mutations in melanoma driver genes compared to responders in the BRAF V600+ subset. In the BRAF V600- subset, Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) was twice that in responders vs. non-responders. Genomic layout revealed commonly known and novel potential intrinsic/acquired resistance driver gene variants. Among these, RAC1, FBXW7, GNAQ mutations, and BRAF/PTEN amplification/deletion were present in 42% and 67% of patients, respectively. Both Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) load and tumor ploidy were inversely associated with TMB. In immunotherapy-treated patients, samples from responders showed higher TMB and lower LOH and were more frequently diploid compared to non-responders. Secondary germline testing and cfDNA analysis proved their efficacy in finding germline predisposing variants carriers (8.3%) and following dynamic changes during treatment as a surrogate of tissue biopsy, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Vanni
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pastorino
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrica Teresa Tanda
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Virginia Andreotti
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Bruna Dalmasso
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Solari
- Surgical Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Mascherini
- Surgical Clinic Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Cabiddu
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Guadagno
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Coco
- Lung Cancer Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Allavena
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - William Bruno
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, U.O. Immunologia, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Croce
- Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- Bioterapie, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Piana
- Dipartimento di Matematica (MIDA), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Life Science Computational Laboratory (LISCOMP), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Zoppoli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Clinica di Medicina Interna a Indirizzo Oncologico, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferrando
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Clinica di Medicina Interna a Indirizzo Oncologico, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Spagnolo
- Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Queirolo
- Melanoma, Sarcoma & Rare Tumors Division, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Ghiorzo
- Genetics of Rare Cancers, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-5557255
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25
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The mechanical phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cell: an emerging driver of therapy cross-resistance. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 36774337 PMCID: PMC9922263 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of the most aggressive human cancers. Targeted therapies (TT) against BRAF mutated melanoma and immune checkpoints blockade therapies (ICB) have been a breakthrough in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, therapy-driven resistance remains a major hurdle in the clinical management of the metastatic disease. Besides shaping the tumor microenvironment, current treatments impact transition states to promote melanoma cell phenotypic plasticity and intratumor heterogeneity, which compromise treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes. In this context, mesenchymal-like dedifferentiated melanoma cells exhibit a remarkable ability to autonomously assemble their own extracellular matrix (ECM) and to biomechanically adapt in response to therapeutic insults, thereby fueling tumor relapse. Here, we review recent studies that highlight mechanical phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells as a hallmark of adaptive and non-genetic resistance to treatment and emerging driver in cross-resistance to TT and ICB. We also discuss how targeting BRAF-mutant dedifferentiated cells and ECM-based mechanotransduction pathways may overcome melanoma cross-resistance.
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26
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Dai J, Bai X, Gao X, Tang L, Chen Y, Sun L, Wei X, Li C, Qi Z, Kong Y, Cui C, Chi Z, Sheng X, Xu Z, Lian B, Li S, Yan X, Tang B, Zhou L, Wang X, Xia X, Guo J, Mao L, Si L. Molecular underpinnings of exceptional response in primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus to anti-PD-1 monotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005937. [PMID: 36593066 PMCID: PMC9809322 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating data suggest that mucosal melanoma, well known for its poor response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and abysmal prognosis, is a heterogeneous subtype of melanoma with distinct genomic and clinical characteristics between different anatomic locations of the primary lesions. Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare, highly aggressive disease with a poorer prognosis compared with that of non-esophageal mucosal melanoma (NEMM). In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of anti-programmed death (PD)-1 in patients with PMME and explored its molecular basis. METHODS The response and survival of patients with PMME and NEMM under anti-PD-1 monotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. To explore the molecular mechanisms of the difference in therapeutic efficacy between PMME and NEMM, we performed genomic analysis, bulk RNA sequencing, and multiplex immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS We found that PMME (n=28) responded better to anti-PD-1 treatment than NEMM (n=64), with a significantly higher objective response rate (33.3% (95% CI 14.3% to 52.3%) vs 6.6% (95% CI 0.2% to 12.9%)) and disease control rate (74.1% (95% CI 56.4% to 91.7%) vs 37.7% (95% CI 25.2% to 50.2%)). Genomic sequencing analysis revealed that the genomic aberration landscape of PMME predominated in classical cancer driver genes, with approximately half of PMME cases harboring mutations in BRAF, N/KRAS, and NF1. In contrast, most NEMM cases were triple wild-type. Transcriptome analysis revealed that, compared with NEMM, PMME displayed more significant proliferation and inflammatory features with higher expression of genes related to antigen presentation and differentiation, and a less immunosuppressive signature with lower expression of inhibitory immune checkpoints and dedifferentiation-related genes. The multiplex immunohistochemical analysis also demonstrated higher CD8+ T-cell infiltration in PMME than in NEMM. CONCLUSIONS PMME is an outlier of mucosal melanoma showing a malicious phenotype but a particularly high response rate to ICB because of its distinct molecular characteristics. Patient stratification based on anatomic origin can facilitate clinical decision-making in patients with mucosal melanoma following the verification of our results in future prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China,GenePlus- Shenzhen Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lirui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital & Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Linzi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoting Wei
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Caili Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghui Qi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Kong
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanliang Cui
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Chi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xinan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | | | - Bin Lian
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Siming Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xieqiao Yan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bixia Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Mao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Si
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
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27
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Immisch L, Papafotiou G, Gallarín Delgado N, Scheuplein V, Paschen A, Blankenstein T, Willimsky G. Targeting the recurrent Rac1P29S neoepitope in melanoma with heterologous high-affinity T cell receptors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1119498. [PMID: 36875127 PMCID: PMC9978334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1119498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent neoepitopes are cancer-specific antigens common among groups of patients and therefore ideal targets for adoptive T cell therapy. The neoepitope FSGEYIPTV carries the Rac1P29S amino acid change caused by a c.85C>T missense mutation, which is the third most common hotspot mutation in melanoma. Here, we isolated and characterized TCRs to target this HLA-A*02:01-binding neoepitope by adoptive T cell therapy. Peptide immunization elicited immune responses in transgenic mice expressing a diverse human TCR repertoire restricted to HLA-A*02:01, which enabled isolation of high-affinity TCRs. TCR-transduced T cells induced cytotoxicity against Rac1P29S expressing melanoma cells and we observed regression of Rac1P29S expressing tumors in vivo after adoptive T cell therapy (ATT). Here we found that a TCR raised against a heterologous mutation with higher peptide-MHC affinity (Rac2P29L) more efficiently targeted the common melanoma mutation Rac1P29S. Overall, our study provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of Rac1P29S-specific TCR-transduced T cells and reveal a novel strategy by generating more efficient TCRs by heterologous peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Immisch
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - George Papafotiou
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nerea Gallarín Delgado
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivian Scheuplein
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, partner site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Blankenstein
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerald Willimsky
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Li Q, Li Z, Luo T, Shi H. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways for cancer therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:47. [PMID: 36539659 PMCID: PMC9768098 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways are commonly activated by mutations and chromosomal translocation in vital targets. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is dysregulated in nearly all kinds of neoplasms, with the component in this pathway alternations. RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascades are used to conduct signaling from the cell surface to the nucleus to mediate gene expression, cell cycle processes and apoptosis. RAS, B-Raf, PI3K, and PTEN are frequent upstream alternative sites. These mutations resulted in activated cell growth and downregulated cell apoptosis. The two pathways interact with each other to participate in tumorigenesis. PTEN alterations suppress RAF/MEK/ERK pathway activity via AKT phosphorylation and RAS inhibition. Several inhibitors targeting major components of these two pathways have been supported by the FDA. Dozens of agents in these two pathways have attracted great attention and have been assessed in clinical trials. The combination of small molecular inhibitors with traditional regimens has also been explored. Furthermore, dual inhibitors provide new insight into antitumor activity. This review will further comprehensively describe the genetic alterations in normal patients and tumor patients and discuss the role of targeted inhibitors in malignant neoplasm therapy. We hope this review will promote a comprehensive understanding of the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways in facilitating tumors and will help direct drug selection for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Ting Luo
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Breast, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Huashan Shi
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, P. R. China
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Decoding molecular programs in melanoma brain metastases. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7304. [PMID: 36435874 PMCID: PMC9701224 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34899-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) variably respond to therapeutic interventions; thus determining patient's prognosis. However, the mechanisms that govern therapy response are poorly understood. Here, we use a multi-OMICS approach and targeted sequencing (TargetSeq) to unravel the programs that potentially control the development of progressive intracranial disease. Molecularly, the expression of E-cadherin (Ecad) or NGFR, the BRAF mutation state and level of immune cell infiltration subdivides tumors into proliferative/pigmented and invasive/stem-like/therapy-resistant irrespective of the intracranial location. The analysis of MAPK inhibitor-naive and refractory MBM reveals switching from Ecad-associated into NGFR-associated programs during progression. NGFR-associated programs control cell migration and proliferation via downstream transcription factors such as SOX4. Moreover, global methylome profiling uncovers 46 differentially methylated regions that discriminate BRAFmut and wildtype MBM. In summary, we propose that the expression of Ecad and NGFR sub- classifies MBM and suggest that the Ecad-to-NGFR phenotype switch is a rate-limiting process which potentially indicates drug-response and intracranial progression states in melanoma patients.
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Cai G, Zou R, yang H, Xie J, Chen X, Zheng C, Luo S, Wei N, Liu S, Chen R. Circ_0084043-miR-134-5p axis regulates PCDH9 to suppress melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:891476. [PMID: 36387162 PMCID: PMC9641620 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The low survival rates, poor responses, and drug resistance of patients with melanoma make it urgent to find new therapeutic targets. This study investigated whether the circ_0084043-miR-134-5p axis regulates the antitumor effect of protocadherin 9 (PCDH9) in melanoma. Ectopic expression or knock down (KD) of PCDH9 with a lentivirus vector, we explored its effects on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of melanoma and verified its regulatory effect on ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), Cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and MMP9. We further observed the effect of KD circ_0084043 on the malignant behavior of melanoma and studied whether circ_0084043 sponged miR-134-5p and regulated PCDH9. We found that circ_0084043 was overexpressed in melanoma and associated with the malignant phenotype. PCDH9 was poorly expressed in human melanoma tissues, and overexpression of PCDH9 inhibited melanoma progression. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting results showed that overexpression of PCDH9 could downregulate RAC1, MMP2, and MMP9 and upregulate Pyk2 and Cyclin D1. Circ_0084043 KD inhibited invasion and promoted apoptosis in melanoma cells. Circ_0084043 could sponge miR-134-5p and thus indirectly regulate PCDH9. Furthermore, we discovered that inhibiting circ_0084043 had an anti–PD-Ll effect. In vivo, PCDH9 overexpression inhibited melanoma tumor growth, but PCDH9 KD promoted it. In conclusion, PCDH9, which is regulated by the circ 0084043-miR-134-5p axis, can suppress malignant biological behavior in melanoma and influence the expression levels of Pyk2, RAC1, Cyclin D1, MMP2, and MMP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyue Cai
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ruitao Zou
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Huizhi yang
- Dermatology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Xie
- Dermatology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Chen
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chunchan Zheng
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sujun Luo
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Wei
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Rongyi Chen,
| | - Rongyi Chen
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Rongyi Chen,
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Zhu EY, Riordan JD, Vanneste M, Henry MD, Stipp CS, Dupuy AJ. SRC-RAC1 signaling drives drug resistance to BRAF inhibition in de-differentiated cutaneous melanomas. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:74. [PMID: 36271142 PMCID: PMC9587254 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare gain-of-function mutations in RAC1 drive drug resistance to targeted BRAF inhibition in cutaneous melanoma. Here, we show that wildtype RAC1 is a critical driver of growth and drug resistance, but only in a subset of melanomas with elevated markers of de-differentiation. Similarly, SRC inhibition also selectively sensitized de-differentiated melanomas to BRAF inhibition. One possible mechanism may be the suppression of the de-differentiated state, as SRC and RAC1 maintained markers of de-differentiation in human melanoma cells. The functional differences between melanoma subtypes suggest that the clinical management of cutaneous melanoma can be enhanced by the knowledge of differentiation status. To simplify the task of classification, we developed a binary classification strategy based on a small set of ten genes. Using this gene set, we reliably determined the differentiation status previously defined by hundreds of genes. Overall, our study informs strategies that enhance the precision of BRAFi by discovering unique vulnerabilities of the de-differentiated cutaneous melanoma subtype and creating a practical method to resolve differentiation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Y Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,The Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jesse D Riordan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marion Vanneste
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael D Henry
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christopher S Stipp
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Adam J Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Mediated Tumor Therapeutic Resistance. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27154750. [PMID: 35897925 PMCID: PMC9331826 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the world’s most burdensome diseases, with increasing prevalence and a high mortality rate threat. Tumor recurrence and metastasis due to treatment resistance are two of the primary reasons that cancers have been so difficult to treat. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is essential for tumor drug resistance. EMT causes tumor cells to produce mesenchymal stem cells and quickly adapt to various injuries, showing a treatment-resistant phenotype. In addition, multiple signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms are involved in the EMT, resulting in resistance to treatment and hard eradication of the tumors. The purpose of this study is to review the link between EMT, therapeutic resistance, and the molecular process, and to offer a theoretical framework for EMT-based tumor-sensitization therapy.
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33
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The E3 ubiquitin ligase MG53 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting RAC1 signaling. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:40. [PMID: 35858925 PMCID: PMC9300626 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00414-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) overexpressiosn and hyperactivation are correlated with aggressive growth and other malignant characteristics in a wide variety of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the regulatory mechanism of RAC1 expression and activation in HCC is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrated that E3 ubiquitin ligase MG53 (also known as tripartite motif 72, TRIM72) acted as a direct inhibitor of RAC1, and it catalyzed the ubiquitination of RAC1 and further inhibited RAC1 activity in HCC cells. Mechanistically, MG53 directly bound with RAC1 through its coiled-coil domain and suppressed RAC1 activity by catalyzing the Lys48 (K48)-linked polyubiquitination of RAC1 at Lys5 residue in HCC cells. We further demonstrated that MG53 significantly suppressed the malignant behaviors of HCC cells and enhanced the chemosensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib treatment by inhibiting RAC1-MAPK signaling axis. In summary, we identified MG53 as a novel RAC1 inhibitor and tumor suppressor in HCC, and it suppressed HCC progression by inducing K48-linked polyubiquitination of RAC1 and further inhibiting the RAC1-MAPK signaling. Altogether, our investigation provided a new therapeutic strategy for RAC1 overactivated tumors by modulating MG53.
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The Mechanism of Rac1 in Regulating HCC Cell Glycolysis Which Provides Underlying Therapeutic Target for HCC Therapy. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:7319641. [PMID: 35847360 PMCID: PMC9279021 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7319641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aim To explore the role of Rac1 on sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods CCK-8, wound healing assay, Transwell, and cell cycle assay were used to detect the tumor cells development. Cell viability was assessed by MTT. The glycolytic pathway was revealed by cellular metabolism assays. Result We recovered that Rac1 upregulation was related to HCC patients' poorer prognosis. Forced expression of Rac1 promoted cell development and sorafenib chemoresistance in HCC cells. Rac1 inhibitor EHop-016 and sorafenib combination markedly prevented cell viability, G2/M phase cycle arrest, and apoptosis than single therapy. Furthermore, combination therapy decreased glycolysis in HCC cells. In vivo, the tumor growth was significantly prevented by combination therapy single therapy. Conclusion Our research declares that Rac1 inhibition could block sorafenib resistance in HCC by decreasing glycolysis, which would provide an underlying target for HCC therapy.
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35
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Wolff DW, Deng Z, Bianchi-Smiraglia A, Foley CE, Han Z, Wang X, Shen S, Rosenberg MM, Moparthy S, Yun DH, Chen J, Baker BK, Roll MV, Magiera AJ, Li J, Hurley E, Feltri ML, Cox AO, Lee J, Furdui CM, Liu L, Bshara W, LaConte LE, Kandel ES, Pasquale EB, Qu J, Hedstrom L, Nikiforov MA. Phosphorylation of guanosine monophosphate reductase triggers a GTP-dependent switch from pro- to anti-oncogenic function of EPHA4. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:970-984.e6. [PMID: 35148834 PMCID: PMC9620470 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways post-translationally regulating nucleotide metabolism remain largely unknown. Guanosine monophosphate reductase (GMPR) is a nucleotide metabolism enzyme that decreases GTP pools by converting GMP to IMP. We observed that phosphorylation of GMPR at Tyr267 is critical for its activity and found that this phosphorylation by ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase EPHA4 decreases GTP pools in cell protrusions and levels of GTP-bound RAC1. EPHs possess oncogenic and tumor-suppressor activities, although the mechanisms underlying switches between these two modes are poorly understood. We demonstrated that GMPR plays a key role in EPHA4-mediated RAC1 suppression. This supersedes GMPR-independent activation of RAC1 by EPHA4, resulting in a negative overall effect on melanoma cell invasion and tumorigenicity. Accordingly, EPHA4 levels increase during melanoma progression and inversely correlate with GMPR levels in individual melanoma tumors. Therefore, phosphorylation of GMPR at Tyr267 is a metabolic signal transduction switch controlling GTP biosynthesis and transformed phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Wolff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Zhiyong Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Colleen E. Foley
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Zhannan Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Xingyou Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Shichen Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | | | - Sudha Moparthy
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Dong Hyun Yun
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jialin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Brian K. Baker
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Matthew V. Roll
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Andrew J. Magiera
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY, USA
| | - Maria Laura Feltri
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY, USA
| | - Anderson O. Cox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA
| | - Jingyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA
| | - Cristina M. Furdui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Wiam Bshara
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo NY 14203, USA
| | - Leslie E.W. LaConte
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Eugene S. Kandel
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Lizbeth Hedstrom
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA,Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Mikhail A. Nikiforov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Corresponding author and lead contact: Mikhail A. Nikiforov,
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Dahmani C, Corre E, Dandou S, Mangé A, Radulescu O, Coopman PJ, Cuq P, Larive RM. La résistance aux inhibiteurs de BRAF. Med Sci (Paris) 2022; 38:570-578. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2022083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
La voie de signalisation MAPK/ERK est une voie centrale de la signalisation intracellulaire. Sa dérégulation participe à la transformation et la progression tumorales. Dans plusieurs cancers, la découverte de mutations activatrices de BRAF, à l’origine de l’activation de cette voie, a ouvert de nouvelles perspectives thérapeutiques avec le développement d’inhibiteurs spécifiques de la protéine. Selon les cancers, ces inhibiteurs ont cependant montré soit une efficacité insuffisante, due à la résistance primaire des cellules tumorales, soit une efficacité transitoire, due à l’apparition d’une résistance acquise. Dans cette revue, nous revenons sur les découvertes qui ont conduit au développement de ces inhibiteurs de BRAF. Nous détaillons également les mécanismes moléculaires et cellulaires de la résistance à ces inhibiteurs observée dans différents types de cancers. Comprendre ces mécanismes est en effet primordial pour développer des stratégies thérapeutiques qui soient plus efficaces.
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37
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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Schaefer A, Der CJ. RHOA takes the RHOad less traveled to cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:655-669. [PMID: 35568648 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RAS and RHO GTPases function as signaling nodes that regulate diverse cellular processes. Whereas RAS mutations were identified in human cancers nearly four decades ago, only recently have mutations in two RHO GTPases, RAC1 and RHOA, been identified in cancer. RAS mutations are found in a diverse spectrum of human cancer types. By contrast, RAC1 and RHOA mutations are associated with distinct and restricted cancer types. Despite a conservation of RAS and RAC1 residues that comprise mutational hotspots, RHOA mutations comprise highly divergent hotspots. Whereas RAS and RAC1 act as oncogenes, RHOA may act as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor. Thus, while RAS and RHO each take different mutational paths, they arrive at the same biological destination as cancer drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Schaefer
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Olbryt M. Potential Biomarkers of Skin Melanoma Resistance to Targeted Therapy—Present State and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092315. [PMID: 35565444 PMCID: PMC9102921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Around 5–10% of advanced melanoma patients progress early on anti-BRAF targeted therapy and 20–30% respond only with the stabilization of the disease. Presumably, these patients could benefit more from first-line immunotherapy. Resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors is generated by genetic and non-genetic factors inherent to a tumor or acquired during therapy. Some of them are well documented as a cause of treatment failure. They are potential predictive markers that could improve patients’ selection for both standard and also alternative therapy as some of them have therapeutic potential. Here, a summary of the most promising predictive and therapeutic targets is presented. This up-to-date knowledge may be useful for further study on implementing more accurate genetic/molecular tests in melanoma treatment. Abstract Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, the number of which is increasing worldwide every year. It is completely curable in its early stage and fatal when spread to distant organs. In addition to new therapeutic strategies, biomarkers are an important element in the successful fight against this cancer. At present, biomarkers are mainly used in diagnostics. Some biological indicators also allow the estimation of the patient’s prognosis. Still, predictive markers are underrepresented in clinics. Currently, the only such indicator is the presence of the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene in cancer cells, which qualifies the patient for therapy with inhibitors of the MAPK pathway. The identification of response markers is particularly important given primary and acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Reliable predictive tests would enable the selection of patients who would have the best chance of benefiting from treatment. Here, up-to-date knowledge about the most promising genetic and non-genetic resistance-related factors is described. These are alterations in MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and RB signaling pathways, e.g., due to mutations in NRAS, RAC1, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, and NF1, but also other changes activating these pathways, such as the overexpression of HGF or EGFR. Most of them are also potential therapeutic targets and this issue is also addressed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Olbryt
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
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Cerqueira OLD, Antunes F, Assis NG, Cardoso EC, Clavijo-Salomón MA, Domingues AC, Tessarollo NG, Strauss BE. Perspectives for Combining Viral Oncolysis With Additional Immunotherapies for the Treatment of Melanoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:777775. [PMID: 35495634 PMCID: PMC9048901 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.777775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer with steadily increasing incidence worldwide during the last few decades. In addition to its tumor associated antigens (TAAs), melanoma has a high mutation rate compared to other tumors, which promotes the appearance of tumor specific antigens (TSAs) as well as increased lymphocytic infiltration, inviting the use of therapeutic tools that evoke new or restore pre-existing immune responses. Innovative therapeutic proposals, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have emerged as effective options for melanoma. However, a significant portion of these patients relapse and become refractory to treatment. Likewise, strategies using viral vectors, replicative or not, have garnered confidence and approval by different regulatory agencies around the world. It is possible that further success of immune therapies against melanoma will come from synergistic combinations of different approaches. In this review we outline molecular features inherent to melanoma and how this supports the use of viral oncolysis and immunotherapies when used as monotherapies or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otto Luiz Dutra Cerqueira
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Antunes
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadine G Assis
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Cardoso
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria A Clavijo-Salomón
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C Domingues
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nayara G Tessarollo
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bryan E Strauss
- Centro de Investigação Translacional em Oncologia (CTO)/LIM, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Bryan E Strauss,
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Aspenström P. The Role of Fast-Cycling Atypical RHO GTPases in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081961. [PMID: 35454871 PMCID: PMC9029563 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For many years, cancer-associated mutations in RHO GTPases were not identified and observations suggesting roles for RHO GTPases in cancer were sparse. Instead, RHO GTPases were considered primarily to regulate cell morphology and cell migration, processes that rely on the dynamic behavior of the cytoskeleton. This notion is in contrast to the RAS proteins, which are famous oncogenes and found to be mutated at high incidence in human cancers. Recent advancements in the tools for large-scale genome analysis have resulted in a paradigm shift and RHO GTPases are today found altered in many cancer types. This review article deals with the recent views on the roles of RHO GTPases in cancer, with a focus on the so-called fast-cycling RHO GTPases. Abstract The RHO GTPases comprise a subfamily within the RAS superfamily of small GTP-hydrolyzing enzymes and have primarily been ascribed roles in regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in eukaryotic cells. An oncogenic role for the RHO GTPases has been disregarded, as no activating point mutations were found for genes encoding RHO GTPases. Instead, dysregulated expression of RHO GTPases and their regulators have been identified in cancer, often in the context of increased tumor cell migration and invasion. In the new landscape of cancer genomics, activating point mutations in members of the RHO GTPases have been identified, in particular in RAC1, RHOA, and CDC42, which has suggested that RHO GTPases can indeed serve as oncogenes in certain cancer types. This review describes the current knowledge of these cancer-associated mutant RHO GTPases, with a focus on how their altered kinetics can contribute to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Aspenström
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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Rajkumar S, Berry D, Heney KA, Strong C, Ramsay L, Lajoie M, Alkallas R, Nguyen TT, Thomson C, Ahanfeshar-Adams M, Dankner M, Petrella T, Rose AAN, Siegel PM, Watson IR. Melanomas with concurrent BRAF non-p.V600 and NF1 loss-of-function mutations are targetable by BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination therapy. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110634. [PMID: 35385748 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although combination BRAF/MEK inhibition has produced significant survival benefits for BRAF p.V600 mutant melanomas, targeted therapies approved for BRAF non-p.V600 mutant melanomas remain limited. Through the analysis of 772 cutaneous melanoma exomes, we reveal that BRAF non-p.V600 mutations co-occurs more frequently with NF1 loss, but not with oncogenic NRAS mutations, than expected by chance. We present cell signaling data, which demonstrate that BRAF non-p.V600 mutants can signal as monomers and dimers within an NF1 loss context. Concordantly, BRAF inhibitors that inhibit both monomeric and dimeric BRAF synergize with MEK inhibition to significantly reduce cell viability in vitro and tumor growth in vivo in BRAF non-p.V600 mutant melanomas with co-occurring NF1 loss-of-function mutations. Our data suggest that patients harboring BRAF non-p.V600 mutant melanomas may benefit from current FDA-approved BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination therapy currently reserved for BRAF p.V600 mutant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivshankari Rajkumar
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Diana Berry
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kayla A Heney
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Colton Strong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - LeeAnn Ramsay
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Mathieu Lajoie
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Rached Alkallas
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Tan-Trieu Nguyen
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Cameron Thomson
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | | | - Matthew Dankner
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Teresa Petrella
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - April A N Rose
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3T2, Canada; Lady Davis Institute, Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Peter M Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Ian R Watson
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada.
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Tong W, Wang G, Zhu L, Bai Y, Liu Z, Yang L, Wu H, Cui T, Zhang Y. Pan-Cancer Analysis Identified CD93 as a Valuable Biomarker for Predicting Patient Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:793445. [PMID: 35265666 PMCID: PMC8900912 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.793445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The rapid development of immunotherapy has significantly improved patient outcomes in recent years. CD93, a novel biomarker expressed on vascular endothelial cells, is essential for tumor angiogenesis. Recent studies have shown that CD93 is closely related to immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy. However, its role in pan-cancer has not been reported. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), cbioportal, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0), and the Tumor–Immune System Interactions and Drug Bank (TISIDB) databases were used to analyze CD93 in pan-cancers. R software was used for statistical analysis and mapping. Results: There were significant differences in the expression of CD93 between tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues in pan-cancer. The high expression of CD93 was associated with poor prognosis and high TNM stage in multiple tumor types. However, a high expression of CD93 was a protective factor in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). In addition, CD93 was closely related to immune cell infiltration in tumor tissues. Moreover, CD93 presented a robust correlation with immune modulators and immunotherapeutic markers [e.g., tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI)]. The results of gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that CD93 was correlated with tumor angiogenesis. Importantly, patients with a low expression of CD93 were more sensitive to immunotherapy in urothelial cancer. Conclusion: CD93, which is involved in various immune responses, controls immune cell infiltration and impacts on the malignant properties of various cancer types. Therefore, CD93 has potential value to be biomarker for determining the prognosis and immune infiltration in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tong
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Liuyang Zhu
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zirong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Long Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin, China
- Research Unit for Drug Metabolism, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Yamin Zhang,
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Azam H, Pierro L, Reina M, Gallagher WM, Prencipe M. Emerging role for the Serum Response Factor (SRF) as a potential therapeutic target in cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:155-169. [PMID: 35114091 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2032652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Serum Response Factor (SRF) is a transcription factor involved in three hallmarks of cancer: the promotion of cell proliferation, cell death resistance and invasion and metastasis induction. Many studies have demonstrated a leading role in the development and progression of multiple cancer types, thus highlighting the potential of SRF as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, especially for cancers with poor prognosis. AREAS COVERED This review examines the role of SRF in several cancers in promoting cellular processes associated with cancer development and progression. SRF co-factors and signalling pathways are discussed as possible targets to inhibit SRF in a tissue and cancer-specific way. Small-molecule inhibitors of SRF, such as the CCGs series of compounds and lestaurtinib, which could be used as cancer therapeutics, are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Targeting of SRF and its co-factors represents a promising therapeutic approach. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the action of SRF could provide a pipeline of novel molecular targets and therapeutic combinations for cancer. Basket clinical trials and the use of SRF immunohistochemistry as companion diagnostics will help testing of these new targets in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Azam
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa Pierro
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martina Reina
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - William M Gallagher
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Prencipe
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Laboratory, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland.,UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D4, Dublin, Ireland
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Barreno A, Orgaz JL. Cytoskeletal Remodelling as an Achilles’ Heel for Therapy Resistance in Melanoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030518. [PMID: 35159327 PMCID: PMC8834185 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis when diagnosed late. MAPK-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint blockers benefit a subset of melanoma patients; however, acquired therapy resistance inevitably arises within a year. In addition, some patients display intrinsic (primary) resistance and never respond to therapy. There is mounting evidence that resistant cells adapt to therapy through the rewiring of cytoskeleton regulators, leading to a profound remodelling of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. Importantly, this renders therapy-resistant cells highly dependent on cytoskeletal signalling pathways for sustaining their survival under drug pressure, which becomes a vulnerability that can be exploited therapeutically. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on cytoskeletal pathways involved in mainly targeted therapy resistance and future avenues, as well as potential clinical interventions.
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Tello-Lafoz M, de Jesus MM, Huse M. Harder, better, faster, stronger: biochemistry and biophysics in the immunosurveillance concert. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:96-105. [PMID: 34973924 PMCID: PMC8810625 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antitumor immunosurveillance is triggered by immune cell recognition of characteristic biochemical signals on the surfaces of cancer cells. Recent data suggest that the mechanical properties of cancer cells influence the strength of these signals, with physically harder target cells (more rigid) eliciting better, faster, and stronger cytotoxic responses against metastasis. Using analogies to a certain electronic music duo, we argue that the biophysical properties of cancer cells and their environment can adjust the volume and tone of the antitumor immune response. We also consider the potential influence of biomechanics-based immunosurveillance in disease progression and posit that targeting the biophysical properties of cancer cells in concert with their biochemical features could increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tello-Lafoz
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miguel M de Jesus
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan Huse
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,Correspondence: (M.H.)
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Nogo-B promotes invasion and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via RhoA-SRF-MRTFA pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:76. [PMID: 35075114 PMCID: PMC8786944 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Distant metastasis remains the major cause for treatment failure in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Thus, it is necessary to investigate the underlying regulation mechanisms and potential biomarkers for NPC metastasis. Nogo-B (neurite outgrowth inhibitor B), encoded by reticulon-4, has been shown to be associated with the progression and advanced stage of several cancer types. However, the relationship between Nogo-B and NPC remains unknown. In this study, we found that higher expression of Nogo-B was detected in NPC cells and tissues. Higher expression of Nogo-B was statistically relevant to N stage, M stage, and poor prognosis in NPC patients. Further functional investigations indicated that Nogo-B overexpression could increase the migration, invasion, and metastasis ability of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Nogo-B promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhanced the invasive potency by interacting directly with its receptor NgR3 in NPC. Additionally, overexpression of Nogo-B could upregulate the protein levels of p-RhoA, SRF, and MRTFA. A positive relationship was found between the expression of Nogo-B and the p-RhoA in NPC patients as well as in mouse lung xenografts. Nogo-Bhigh p-RhoAhigh expression was significantly associated with N stage, M stage, and poor prognosis in NPC patients. Notably, CCG-1423, an inhibitor of the RhoA-SRF-MRTFA pathway, could reverse the invasive potency of Nogo-B and NgR3 in NPC cell lines, and decrease the expression of N-Cadherin, indicating that CCG-1423 may be a potential target drug of NPC. Taken together, our findings reveal that Nogo-B enhances the migration and invasion potency of NPC cells via EMT by binding to its receptor NgR3 to regulate the RhoA-SRF-MRTFA pathway. These findings could provide a novel insight into understanding the metastasis mechanism and targeted therapy of advanced NPC.
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Parkman GL, Foth M, Kircher DA, Holmen SL, McMahon M. The role of PI3'-lipid signalling in melanoma initiation, progression and maintenance. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:43-56. [PMID: 34717019 PMCID: PMC8724390 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinases (PI3Ks) are a family of lipid kinases that phosphorylate the 3' hydroxyl (OH) of the inositol ring of phosphatidylinositides (PI). Through their downstream effectors, PI3K generated lipids (PI3K-lipids hereafter) such as PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(3,4)P2 regulate myriad biochemical and biological processes in both normal and cancer cells including responses to growth hormones and cytokines; the cell division cycle; cell death; cellular growth; angiogenesis; membrane dynamics; and autophagy and many aspects of cellular metabolism. Engagement of receptor tyrosine kinase by their cognate ligands leads to activation of members of the Class I family of PI3'-kinases (PI3Kα, β, δ & γ) leading to accumulation of PI3K-lipids. Importantly, PI3K-lipid accumulation is antagonized by the hydrolytic action of a number of PI3K-lipid phosphatases, most notably the melanoma suppressor PTEN (lipid phosphatase and tensin homologue). Downstream of PI3K-lipid production, the protein kinases AKT1-3 are believed to be key effectors of PI3'-kinase signalling in cells. Indeed, in preclinical models, activation of the PI3K→AKT signalling axis cooperates with alterations such as expression of the BRAFV600E oncoprotein kinase to promote melanoma progression and metastasis. In this review, we describe the different classes of PI3K-lipid effectors, and how they may promote melanomagenesis, influence the tumour microenvironment, melanoma maintenance and progression to metastatic disease. We also provide an update on both FDA-approved or experimental inhibitors of the PI3K→AKT pathway that are currently being evaluated for the treatment of melanoma either in preclinical models or in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennie L. Parkman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mona Foth
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - David A. Kircher
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sheri L. Holmen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer that originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Although melanoma has long been regarded as a cancerous malignancy with few therapeutic options, increased biological understanding and unprecedented innovations in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints have substantially improved the prognosis of patients. However, the low response rate and inevitable occurrence of resistance to currently available targeted therapies have posed the obstacle in the path of melanoma management to obtain further amelioration. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying melanoma pathogenesis more comprehensively, which might lead to more substantial progress in therapeutic approaches and expand clinical options for melanoma therapy. In this review, we firstly make a brief introduction to melanoma epidemiology, clinical subtypes, risk factors, and current therapies. Then, the signal pathways orchestrating melanoma pathogenesis, including genetic mutations, key transcriptional regulators, epigenetic dysregulations, metabolic reprogramming, crucial metastasis-related signals, tumor-promoting inflammatory pathways, and pro-angiogenic factors, have been systemically reviewed and discussed. Subsequently, we outline current progresses in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints, as well as the mechanisms underlying the treatment resistance. Finally, the prospects and challenges in the development of melanoma therapy, especially immunotherapy and related ongoing clinical trials, are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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50
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Zeng H, Liu F, Zhou H, Zeng C. Individualized Treatment Strategy for Cutaneous Melanoma: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going? Front Oncol 2021; 11:775100. [PMID: 34804979 PMCID: PMC8599821 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.775100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past several decades, innovative research in cancer biology and immunology has contributed to novel therapeutics, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which have transformed the management of patients with melanoma. Despite the remarkable therapeutic outcomes of targeted treatments targeting MAPK signaling and immunotherapy that suppresses immune checkpoints, some individuals acquire therapeutic resistance and disease recurrence. This review summarizes the current understanding of melanoma genetic variations and discusses individualized melanoma therapy options, particularly for advanced or metastatic melanoma, as well as potential drug resistance mechanisms. A deeper understanding of individualized treatment will assist in improving clinical outcomes for patients with cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihua Zeng
- Department of General Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hairong Zhou
- Department of General Medicine, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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