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Abedimanesh S, Safaralizadeh R, Jahanafrooz Z, Najafi S, Amini M, Nazarloo SS, Bahojb Mahdavi SZ, Baradaran B, Jebelli A, Mokhtarzadeh AA. Interaction of noncoding RNAs with hippo signaling pathway in cancer cells and cancer stem cells. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:1292-1307. [PMID: 39045083 PMCID: PMC11263728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.06.006] [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] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway has a regulatory function in the organogenesis process and cellular homeostasis, switching the cascade reactions of crucial kinases acts to turn off/on the Hippo pathway, altering the downstream gene expression and thereby regulating proliferation, apoptosis, or stemness. Disruption of this pathway can lead to the occurrence of various disorders and different types of cancer. Recent findings highlight the importance of ncRNAs, such as microRNA, circular RNA, and lncRNAs, in modulating the Hippo pathway. Defects in ncRNAs can disrupt Hippo pathway balance, increasing tumor cells, tumorigenesis, and chemotherapeutic resistance. This review summarizes ncRNAs' inhibitory or stimulatory role in - Hippo pathway regulation in cancer and stem cells. Identifying the relation between ncRNAs and the components of this pathway could pave the way for developing new biomarkers in the treatment and diagnosis of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Abedimanesh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Jahanafrooz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shabnam Soltani Nazarloo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asiyeh Jebelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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2
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Huber T, Horioka-Duplix M, Chen Y, Saca VR, Ceraudo E, Chen Y, Sakmar TP. The role of signaling pathways mediated by the GPCRs CysLTR1/2 in melanocyte proliferation and senescence. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadp3967. [PMID: 39288219 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adp3967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
In contrast with sun exposure-induced melanoma, rarer melanocytic tumors and neoplasms with low mutational burden present opportunities to study isolated signaling mechanisms. These include uveal melanoma and blue nevi, which are often driven by mutations within the G protein-coupled signaling cascade downstream of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 2. Here, we review how the same mutations within this pathway drive the growth of melanocytes in one tissue but can inhibit the growth of those in another, exemplifying the role of the tissue environment in the delicate balance between uncontrolled cell growth and senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Huber
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mizuho Horioka-Duplix
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yuanhuang Chen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Victoria R Saca
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Emilie Ceraudo
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thomas P Sakmar
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Signal Transduction, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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3
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Jones I, Arias-Garcia M, Pascual-Vargas P, Beykou M, Dent L, Chaudhuri TP, Roumeliotis T, Choudhary J, Sero J, Bakal C. YAP activation is robust to dilution. Mol Omics 2024. [PMID: 39282972 PMCID: PMC11403994 DOI: 10.1039/d4mo00100a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
The concentration of many transcription factors exhibits high cell-to-cell variability due to differences in synthesis, degradation, and cell size. Whether the functions of these factors are robust to fluctuations in concentration, and how this may be achieved, is poorly understood. Across two independent panels of breast cancer cells, we show that the average whole cell concentration of YAP decreases as a function of cell area. However, the nuclear concentration distribution remains constant across cells grouped by size, across a 4-8 fold size range, implying unperturbed nuclear translocation despite the falling cell wide concentration. Both the whole cell and nuclear concentration was higher in cells with more DNA and CycA/PCNA expression suggesting periodic synthesis of YAP across the cell cycle offsets dilution due to cell growth and/or cell spreading. The cell area - YAP scaling relationship extended to melanoma and RPE cells. Integrative analysis of imaging and phospho-proteomic data showed the average nuclear YAP concentration across cell lines was predicted by differences in RAS/MAPK signalling, focal adhesion maturation, and nuclear transport processes. Validating the idea that RAS/MAPK and cell cycle regulate YAP translocation, chemical inhibition of MEK or CDK4/6 increased the average nuclear YAP concentration. Together, this study provides an example case, where cytoplasmic dilution of a protein, for example through cell growth, does not limit a cognate cellular function. Here, that same proteins translocation into the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Jones
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Mar Arias-Garcia
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Patricia Pascual-Vargas
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Melina Beykou
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Lucas Dent
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Tara Pal Chaudhuri
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Theodoros Roumeliotis
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Jyoti Choudhary
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Julia Sero
- Institute for Mathematical Innovation, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Chris Bakal
- Chester Beatty Laboratories, Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
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Wang Y, Stoess C, Holzmann G, Mogler C, Stupakov P, Altmayr F, Schulze S, Wang B, Steffani M, Friess H, Hüser N, Holzmann B, Hartmann D, Laschinger M. Signalling of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) through RAMP1 promotes liver fibrosis via TGFβ1/Smad2 and YAP pathways. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114193. [PMID: 39103072 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114193] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The liver is innervated by primary sensory nerve fibres releasing the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Elevated plasma levels of CGRP have been found in patients with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. We hypothesised that signalling of CGRP and its receptors might regulate liver fibrosis and propose a novel potential target for the treatment. In this study, hepatic expression of CGRP and its receptor component, the receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), was dramatically increased in diseased livers of patients. In a murine liver fibrosis model, deficiency of RAMP1 resulted in attenuated fibrogenesis characterized by less collagen deposition and decreased activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Mechanistically, activity of the TGFβ1 signalling core component Smad2 was severely impaired in the absence of RAMP1, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) activity was found to be diminished in RAMP1-deficient liver parenchyma. In vitro, stimulation of the HSC line LX-2 cells with CGRP induces TGFβ1 production and downstream signalling as well as HSC activation documented by increased α-SMA expression and collagen synthesis. We further demonstrate in LX-2 cells that CGRP promotes YAP activation and its nuclear translocation subsequent to TGFβ1/Smad2 signals. These data support a promotive effect of CGRP signalling in liver fibrosis via stimulation of TGFβ1/Smad2 and YAP activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Dingjia Road 87, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Christian Stoess
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriela Holzmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Institute of Pathology, Trogerstr. 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Pavel Stupakov
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Felicitas Altmayr
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Schulze
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Baocai Wang
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; University Hospital of Tübingen, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; The M3 Research Center, Eberhard Karls University, Otfried-Müller-Str. 37, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcella Steffani
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Holzmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Hartmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; University Hospital of Tübingen, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; The M3 Research Center, Eberhard Karls University, Otfried-Müller-Str. 37, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Laschinger
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Yang X, Liu Z, Wang X, Tian W, Zhao T, Yang Q, Li W, Yang L, Yang H, Jia Y. Anti-cancer effects of nitazoxanide in epithelial ovarian cancer in-vitro and in-vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 400:111176. [PMID: 39084502 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111176] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies and poses a considerable threat to women's health. Although the progression-free survival of patients has been prolonged with the application of anti-angiogenesis drugs and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) inhibitors, overall survival has not substantially improved. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are essential for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Nitazoxanide (NTZ), an FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug, has garnered attention for its potential anti-cancer activity. However, the anti-tumor effects and possible underlying mechanisms of NTZ on ovarian cancer remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects and the mechanism of NTZ on ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. We found that NTZ inhibited the proliferation of A2780 and SKOV3 epithelial ovarian cancer cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner; Furthermore, NTZ suppressed the metastasis and invasion of A2780 and SKOV3 cells in vitro, correlating with the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition; Additionally, NTZ suppressed the Hippo/YAP/TAZ signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated a good binding activity with core genes of Hippo pathway, including Hippo, YAP, TAZ, LATS1, and LATS2. Oral administration of NTZ inhibited tumor growth in xenograft ovarian cancer mice models without causing considerable damage to major organs. Overall, these data suggest that NTZ has therapeutic potential for treating epithelial ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqun Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Zhenyan Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Wenda Tian
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Taoyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dehong Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Dehong People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan, 678400, PR China
| | - Qiaoling Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Wenliang Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China.
| | - Hongying Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China.
| | - Yue Jia
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, PR China.
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Ravala SK, Tesmer JJG. New Mechanisms Underlying Oncogenesis in Dbl Family Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 106:117-128. [PMID: 38902036 PMCID: PMC11331503 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.124.000904] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane signaling is a critical process by which changes in the extracellular environment are relayed to intracellular systems that induce changes in homeostasis. One family of intracellular systems are the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which catalyze the exchange of GTP for GDP bound to inactive guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins). The resulting active G proteins then interact with downstream targets that control cell proliferation, growth, shape, migration, adhesion, and transcription. Dysregulation of any of these processes is a hallmark of cancer. The Dbl family of GEFs activates Rho family G proteins, which, in turn, alter the actin cytoskeleton and promote gene transcription. Although they have a common catalytic mechanism exercised by their highly conserved Dbl homology (DH) domains, Dbl GEFs are regulated in diverse ways, often involving the release of autoinhibition imposed by accessory domains. Among these domains, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain is the most commonly observed and found immediately C-terminal to the DH domain. The domain has been associated with both positive and negative regulation. Recently, some atomic structures of Dbl GEFs have been determined that reemphasize the complex and central role that the PH domain can play in orchestrating regulation of the DH domain. Here, we discuss these newer structures, put them into context by cataloging the various ways that PH domains are known to contribute to signaling across the Dbl family, and discuss how the PH domain might be exploited to achieve selective inhibition of Dbl family RhoGEFs by small-molecule therapeutics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Dysregulation via overexpression or mutation of Dbl family Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) contributes to cancer and neurodegeneration. Targeting the Dbl homology catalytic domain by small-molecule therapeutics has been challenging due to its high conservation and the lack of a discrete binding pocket. By evaluating some new autoinhibitory mechanisms in the Dbl family, we demonstrate the great diversity of roles played by the regulatory domains, in particular the PH domain, and how this holds tremendous potential for the development of selective therapeutics that modulate GEF activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K Ravala
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (S.K.R., J.J.G.T.) and Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research (J.J.G.T.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - John J G Tesmer
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology (S.K.R., J.J.G.T.) and Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research (J.J.G.T.), Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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7
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KAŠTELAN SNJEŽANA, PAVIČIĆ ANADIDOVIĆ, PAŠALIĆ DARIA, NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ TAMARA, ČANOVIĆ SAMIR, KOVAČEVIĆ PETRA, KONJEVODA SUZANA. Biological characteristics and clinical management of uveal and conjunctival melanoma. Oncol Res 2024; 32:1265-1285. [PMID: 39055896 PMCID: PMC11267116 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.048437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal and conjunctival melanomas are relatively rare tumors; nonetheless, they pose a significant risk of mortality for a large number of affected individuals. The pathogenesis of melanoma at different sites is very similar, however, the prognosis for patients with ocular melanoma remains unfavourable, primarily due to its distinctive genetic profile and tumor microenvironment. Regardless of considerable advances in understanding the genetic characteristics and biological behaviour, the treatment of uveal and conjunctival melanoma remains a formidable challenge. To enhance the prospect of success, collaborative efforts involving medical professionals and researchers in the fields of ocular biology and oncology are essential. Current data show a lack of well-designed randomized clinical trials and limited benefits in current forms of treatment for these tumors. Despite advancements in the development of effective melanoma therapeutic strategies, all current treatments for uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CoM) remain unsatisfactory, resulting in a poor long-term prognosis. Ongoing trials offer hope for positive outcomes in advanced and metastatic tumors. A more comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular abnormalities involved in the development and progression of ocular melanomas opens the way for the development of personalized therapy, with various potential therapeutic targets currently under consideration. Increased comprehension of the molecular pathogenesis of UM and CoM and their specificities may aid in the development of new and more effective systemic therapeutic agents, with the hope of improving the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- SNJEŽANA KAŠTELAN
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | | | - DARIA PAŠALIĆ
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - TAMARA NIKUŠEVA-MARTIĆ
- Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - SAMIR ČANOVIĆ
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
| | - PETRA KOVAČEVIĆ
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, 21000, Croatia
| | - SUZANA KONJEVODA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zadar General Hospital, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
- Department of Health Studies, University of Zadar, Zadar, 23000, Croatia
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Trogdon M, Abbott K, Arang N, Lande K, Kaur N, Tong M, Bakhoum M, Gutkind JS, Stites EC. Systems modeling of oncogenic G-protein and GPCR signaling reveals unexpected differences in downstream pathway activation. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:75. [PMID: 39013872 PMCID: PMC11252164 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00400-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Mathematical models of biochemical reaction networks are an important and emerging tool for the study of cell signaling networks involved in disease processes. One promising potential application of such mathematical models is the study of how disease-causing mutations promote the signaling phenotype that contributes to the disease. It is commonly assumed that one must have a thorough characterization of the network readily available for mathematical modeling to be useful, but we hypothesized that mathematical modeling could be useful when there is incomplete knowledge and that it could be a tool for discovery that opens new areas for further exploration. In the present study, we first develop a mechanistic mathematical model of a G-protein coupled receptor signaling network that is mutated in almost all cases of uveal melanoma and use model-driven explorations to uncover and explore multiple new areas for investigating this disease. Modeling the two major, mutually-exclusive, oncogenic mutations (Gαq/11 and CysLT2R) revealed the potential for previously unknown qualitative differences between seemingly interchangeable disease-promoting mutations, and our experiments confirmed oncogenic CysLT2R was impaired at activating the FAK/YAP/TAZ pathway relative to Gαq/11. This led us to hypothesize that CYSLTR2 mutations in UM must co-occur with other mutations to activate FAK/YAP/TAZ signaling, and our bioinformatic analysis uncovers a role for co-occurring mutations involving the plexin/semaphorin pathway, which has been shown capable of activating this pathway. Overall, this work highlights the power of mechanism-based computational systems biology as a discovery tool that can leverage available information to open new research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trogdon
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Pfizer, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Kodye Abbott
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nadia Arang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kathryn Lande
- Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Navneet Kaur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Melinda Tong
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mathieu Bakhoum
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Edward C Stites
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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9
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Leask A, Nguyen J, Naik A, Chitturi P, Riser BL. The role of yes activated protein (YAP) in melanoma metastasis. iScience 2024; 27:109864. [PMID: 38770136 PMCID: PMC11103372 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109864] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hippo was first identified in a genetic screen as a protein that suppressed proliferation and cell growth. Subsequently, it was shown that hippo acted in a so-called canonical cascade to suppress Yorkie, the Drosophila equivalent of Yes-activated protein (YAP), a mechanosensitive transcriptional cofactor that enhances the activity of the TEAD family of transcription factors. YAP promotes fibrosis, activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, angiogenesis and cancer cell invasion. YAP activates the expression of the matricellular proteins CCN1 (cyr61) and CCN2 (ctgf), themselves mediators of fibrogenesis and oncogenesis, and coordination of matrix deposition and angiogenesis. This review discusses how therapeutically targeting YAP through YAP inhibitors verteporfin and celastrol and its downstream mediators CCN1 and CCN2 might be useful in treating melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - John Nguyen
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - Angha Naik
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - Pratyusha Chitturi
- College of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E4, Canada
| | - Bruce L. Riser
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology & Infection, Rosalind Franklin University, 3333 N. Green Bay Road, Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- BLR Bio, LLC, Kenosha, WI 53140, USA
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10
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Jiang L, Zhou Y, Tang S, Yang D, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Yang F, Zhou T, Xia X, Chen Q, Jiang L, Jiang Y, Feng X. Nociceptive adenosine A 2A receptor on trigeminal nerves orchestrates CGRP release to regulate the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oral Sci 2024; 16:46. [PMID: 38886342 PMCID: PMC11183250 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-024-00308-w] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) associated pain commonly predicts adverse events among patients. This clinical feature indicates the engagement of nociceptors on sensory neurons during the development of malignancy. However, it is yet to be determined if targeting oncometabolite-associated nociception processes can hinder OSCC progression. In this study, we reported that nociceptive endings infiltrating both clinical samples and mouse tumor xenografts were associated with poorer clinical outcomes and drove tumor progression in vivo, as evidenced by clinical tissue microarray analysis and murine lingual denervation. We observed that the OSCC microenvironment was characteristic of excessive adenosine due to CD73 upregulation which negatively predicted clinical outcomes in the TCGA-HNSC patient cohort. Notably, such adenosine concentrative OSCC niche was associated with the stimulation of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) on trigeminal ganglia. Antagonism of trigeminal A2AR with a selective A2AR inhibitor SCH58261 resulted in impeded OSCC growth in vivo. We showed that trigeminal A2AR overstimulation in OSCC xenograft did not entail any changes in the transcription level of CGRP in trigeminal ganglia but significantly triggered the release of CGRP, an effect counteracted by SCH58261. We further demonstrated the pro-tumor effect of CGRP by feeding mice with the clinically approved CGRP receptor antagonist rimegepant which inhibited the activation of ERK and YAP. Finally, we diminished the impact of CGRP on OSCC with istradefylline, a clinically available drug that targets neuronal A2AR. Therefore, we established trigeminal A2AR-mediated CGRP release as a promising druggable circuit in OSCC treatment.
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Grants
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- 82170971, 82373187, 82002888 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (YJ201987); Sichuan Science and Technology Program (2021ZYD0090 and 2022YFS0207); Scientific Research Foundation, West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University (QDJF2019-3 and RD-03-202110); CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS, 2019-I2M-5-004)
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (YJ201987), Sichuan Science and Technology Program (2021ZYD0090 and 2022YFS0207), Scientific Research Foundation, West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University (QDJF2019-3 and RD-03-202110), and CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (CIFMS, 2019-I2M-5-004)
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiuge Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Stomatology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuchen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xiaodong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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11
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SoRelle ED, Haynes LE, Willard KA, Chang B, Ch’ng J, Christofk H, Luftig MA. Epstein-Barr virus reactivation induces divergent abortive, reprogrammed, and host shutoff states by lytic progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.598975. [PMID: 38915538 PMCID: PMC11195279 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.598975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Viral infection leads to heterogeneous cellular outcomes ranging from refractory to abortive and fully productive states. Single cell transcriptomics enables a high resolution view of these distinct post-infection states. Here, we have interrogated the host-pathogen dynamics following reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While benign in most people, EBV is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, up to 2% of human cancers, and is a trigger for the development of multiple sclerosis. Following latency establishment in B cells, EBV reactivates and is shed in saliva to enable infection of new hosts. Beyond its importance for transmission, the lytic cycle is also implicated in EBV-associated oncogenesis. Conversely, induction of lytic reactivation in latent EBV-positive tumors presents a novel therapeutic opportunity. Therefore, defining the dynamics and heterogeneity of EBV lytic reactivation is a high priority to better understand pathogenesis and therapeutic potential. In this study, we applied single-cell techniques to analyze diverse fate trajectories during lytic reactivation in two B cell models. Consistent with prior work, we find that cell cycle and MYC expression correlate with cells refractory to lytic reactivation. We further found that lytic induction yields a continuum from abortive to complete reactivation. Abortive lytic cells upregulate NFκB and IRF3 pathway target genes, while cells that proceed through the full lytic cycle exhibit unexpected expression of genes associated with cellular reprogramming. Distinct subpopulations of lytic cells further displayed variable profiles for transcripts known to escape virus-mediated host shutoff. These data reveal previously unknown and promiscuous outcomes of lytic reactivation with broad implications for viral replication and EBV-associated oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott D. SoRelle
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Virology, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lauren E. Haynes
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Virology, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Katherine A. Willard
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Virology, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Beth Chang
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - James Ch’ng
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Heather Christofk
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Micah A. Luftig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Center for Virology, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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12
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Fuentes-Rodriguez A, Mitchell A, Guérin SL, Landreville S. Recent Advances in Molecular and Genetic Research on Uveal Melanoma. Cells 2024; 13:1023. [PMID: 38920653 PMCID: PMC11201764 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121023] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM), a distinct subtype of melanoma, presents unique challenges in its clinical management due to its complex molecular landscape and tendency for liver metastasis. This review highlights recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathogenesis, genetic alterations, and immune microenvironment of UM, with a focus on pivotal genes, such as GNAQ/11, BAP1, and CYSLTR2, and delves into the distinctive genetic and chromosomal classifications of UM, emphasizing the role of mutations and chromosomal rearrangements in disease progression and metastatic risk. Novel diagnostic biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, DNA and extracellular vesicles, are discussed, offering potential non-invasive approaches for early detection and monitoring. It also explores emerging prognostic markers and their implications for patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies. Therapeutic approaches, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, MAPK pathway inhibitors, and emerging trends and concepts like CAR T-cell therapy, are evaluated for their efficacy in UM treatment. This review identifies challenges in UM research, such as the limited treatment options for metastatic UM and the need for improved prognostic tools, and suggests future directions, including the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, immunotherapeutic strategies, and advanced drug delivery systems. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of UM to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Fuentes-Rodriguez
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Andrew Mitchell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Solange Landreville
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
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13
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Haderk F, Chou YT, Cech L, Fernández-Méndez C, Yu J, Olivas V, Meraz IM, Barbosa Rabago D, Kerr DL, Gomez C, Allegakoen DV, Guan J, Shah KN, Herrington KA, Gbenedio OM, Nanjo S, Majidi M, Tamaki W, Pourmoghadam YK, Rotow JK, McCoach CE, Riess JW, Gutkind JS, Tang TT, Post L, Huang B, Santisteban P, Goodarzi H, Bandyopadhyay S, Kuo CJ, Roose JP, Wu W, Blakely CM, Roth JA, Bivona TG. Focal adhesion kinase-YAP signaling axis drives drug-tolerant persister cells and residual disease in lung cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3741. [PMID: 38702301 PMCID: PMC11068778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47423-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy is effective in many tumor types including lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality. Paradigm defining examples are targeted therapies directed against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtypes with oncogenic alterations in EGFR, ALK and KRAS. The success of targeted therapy is limited by drug-tolerant persister cells (DTPs) which withstand and adapt to treatment and comprise the residual disease state that is typical during treatment with clinical targeted therapies. Here, we integrate studies in patient-derived and immunocompetent lung cancer models and clinical specimens obtained from patients on targeted therapy to uncover a focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-YAP signaling axis that promotes residual disease during oncogenic EGFR-, ALK-, and KRAS-targeted therapies. FAK-YAP signaling inhibition combined with the primary targeted therapy suppressed residual drug-tolerant cells and enhanced tumor responses. This study unveils a FAK-YAP signaling module that promotes residual disease in lung cancer and mechanism-based therapeutic strategies to improve tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Haderk
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yu-Ting Chou
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Cech
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Celia Fernández-Méndez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científícas (CSIC) y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Johnny Yu
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor Olivas
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ismail M Meraz
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dora Barbosa Rabago
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Lucas Kerr
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Gomez
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David V Allegakoen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Juan Guan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Khyati N Shah
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kari A Herrington
- Center for Advanced Light Microscopy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Shigeki Nanjo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Mourad Majidi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Whitney Tamaki
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yashar K Pourmoghadam
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia K Rotow
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caroline E McCoach
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Riess
- University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tracy T Tang
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., 1500 Fashion Island Blvd., Suite 102, San Mateo, CA, USA
| | - Leonard Post
- Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., 1500 Fashion Island Blvd., Suite 102, San Mateo, CA, USA
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Pilar Santisteban
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científícas (CSIC) y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sourav Bandyopadhyay
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeroen P Roose
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Collin M Blakely
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jack A Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Trever G Bivona
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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14
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Păsărică MA, Curcă PF, Dragosloveanu CDM, Grigorescu AC, Nisipașu CI. Pathological and Molecular Diagnosis of Uveal Melanoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:958. [PMID: 38732371 PMCID: PMC11083017 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is a common malignant intraocular tumor that presents with significant genetic differences to cutaneous melanoma and has a high genetic burden in terms of prognosis. (2) Methods: A systematic literature search of several repositories on uveal melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, molecular analysis, and treatment was conducted. (3) Results: Recent genetic understanding of oncogene-initiation mutations in GNAQ, GNA11, PLCB4, and CYSLTR2 and secondary progression drivers of BAP1 inactivation and SF3B1 and EIF1AX mutations offers an appealing explanation to the high prognostic impact of adding genetic profiling to clinical UM classification. Genetic information could help better explain peculiarities in uveal melanoma, such as the low long-term survival despite effective primary tumor treatment, the overwhelming propensity to metastasize to the liver, and possibly therapeutic behaviors. (4) Conclusions: Understanding of uveal melanoma has improved step-by-step from histopathology to clinical classification to more recent genetic understanding of oncogenic initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Adrian Păsărică
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Paul Filip Curcă
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christiana Diana Maria Dragosloveanu
- Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (M.A.P.); (C.D.M.D.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital for Ophthalmological Emergencies, 010464 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Cosmin Ionuț Nisipașu
- Department of Dental Medicine I, Implant-Prosthetic Therapy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
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15
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Ritsvall O, Albinsson S. Emerging role of YAP/TAZ in vascular mechanotransduction and disease. Microcirculation 2024; 31:e12838. [PMID: 38011540 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cells have an incredible ability to physically interact with neighboring cells and their environment. They can detect and respond to mechanical forces by converting mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals in a process known as mechanotransduction. This is a key process for the adaption of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells to altered flow and pressure conditions. Mechanical stimuli, referring to a physical force exerted on cells, are primarily sensed by transmembrane proteins and the actin cytoskeleton, which initiate a cascade of intracellular events, including the activation of signaling pathways, ion channels, and transcriptional regulators. Recent work has highlighted an important role of the transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ for mechanotransduction in vascular cells. Interestingly, the activity of YAP/TAZ decreases with age, providing a potential mechanism for the detrimental effects of aging in the vascular wall. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the functional role of YAP and TAZ in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells for mechanotransduction in homeostasis and disease. In particular, the review is focused on in vivo observations from conditional knockout (KO) models of YAP/TAZ and the potential implications these studies may have for our understanding of vascular disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Ritsvall
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Molecular Vascular Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Albinsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Molecular Vascular Physiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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16
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Hammill AM, Boscolo E. Capillary malformations. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172842. [PMID: 38618955 PMCID: PMC11014659 DOI: 10.1172/jci172842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Capillary malformation (CM), or port wine birthmark, is a cutaneous congenital vascular anomaly that occurs in 0.1%-2% of newborns. Patients with a CM localized on the forehead have an increased risk of developing a neurocutaneous disorder called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis or Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS), with complications including seizure, developmental delay, glaucoma, and vision loss. In 2013, a groundbreaking study revealed causative activating somatic mutations in the gene (GNAQ) encoding guanine nucleotide-binding protein Q subunit α (Gαq) in CM and SWS patient tissues. In this Review, we discuss the disease phenotype, the causative GNAQ mutations, and their cellular origin. We also present the endothelial Gαq-related signaling pathways, the current animal models to study CM and its complications, and future options for therapeutic treatment. Further work remains to fully elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the abnormal vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne M. Hammill
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Elisa Boscolo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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17
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Lin S, He X, Wang Y, Chen Y, Lin A. Emerging role of lncRNAs as mechanical signaling molecules in mechanotransduction and their association with Hippo-YAP signaling: a review. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024; 25:280-292. [PMID: 38584091 PMCID: PMC11009445 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300497] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Cells within tissues are subject to various mechanical forces, including hydrostatic pressure, shear stress, compression, and tension. These mechanical stimuli can be converted into biochemical signals through mechanoreceptors or cytoskeleton-dependent response processes, shaping the microenvironment and maintaining cellular physiological balance. Several studies have demonstrated the roles of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its homolog transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) as mechanotransducers, exerting dynamic influence on cellular phenotypes including differentiation and disease pathogenesis. This regulatory function entails the involvement of the cytoskeleton, nucleoskeleton, integrin, focal adhesions (FAs), and the integration of multiple signaling pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), wingless/integrated (WNT), and Hippo signaling. Furthermore, emerging evidence substantiates the implication of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as mechanosensitive molecules in cellular mechanotransduction. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms through which YAP/TAZ and lncRNAs serve as effectors in responding to mechanical stimuli. Additionally, we summarize and elaborate on the crucial signal molecules involved in mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Lin
- College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xinyu He
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Aifu Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Future Health Laboratory, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314100, China.
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18
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Du Y. The Hippo signalling pathway and its impact on eye diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18300. [PMID: 38613348 PMCID: PMC11015399 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade, has been shown to be crucial for cell fate determination, homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Recent experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that the Hippo signalling pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. This article provides the first systematic review of studies on the regulatory and functional roles of mammalian Hippo signalling systems in eye diseases. More comprehensive studies on this pathway are required for a better understanding of the pathophysiology of eye diseases and the development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Du
- Precision Medicine Laboratory for Chronic Non‐communicable Diseases of Shandong Province, Institute of Precision MedicineJining Medical UniversityJiningShandongPeople's Republic of China
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19
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Wubshet NH, Cai G, Chen SJ, Sullivan M, Reeves M, Mays D, Harrison M, Varnado P, Yang B, Arreguin-Martinez E, Qu Y, Lin SS, Duran P, Aguilar C, Giza S, Clements T, Liu AP. Cellular mechanotransduction of human osteoblasts in microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:35. [PMID: 38514677 PMCID: PMC10957960 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Astronauts experience significant and rapid bone loss as a result of an extended stay in space, making the International Space Station (ISS) the perfect laboratory for studying osteoporosis due to the accelerated nature of bone loss on the ISS. This prompts the question, how does the lack of load due to zero-gravity propagate to bone-forming cells, human fetal osteoblasts (hFOBs), altering their maturation to mineralization? Here, we aim to study the mechanotransduction mechanisms by which bone loss occurs in microgravity. Two automated experiments, microfluidic chips capable of measuring single-cell mechanics via aspiration and cell spheroids incubated in pressure-controlled chambers, were each integrated into a CubeLab deployed to the ISS National Laboratory. For the first experiment, we report protrusion measurements of aspirated cells after exposure to microgravity at the ISS and compare these results to ground control conducted inside the CubeLab. We found slightly elongated protrusions for space samples compared to ground samples indicating softening of hFOB cells in microgravity. In the second experiment, we encapsulated osteoblast spheroids in collagen gel and incubated the samples in pressure-controlled chambers. We found that microgravity significantly reduced filamentous actin levels in the hFOB spheroids. When subjected to pressure, the spheroids exhibited increased pSMAD1/5/9 expression, regardless of the microgravity condition. Moreover, microgravity reduced YAP expression, while pressure increased YAP levels, thus restoring YAP expression for spheroids in microgravity. Our study provides insights into the influence of microgravity on the mechanical properties of bone cells and the impact of compressive pressure on cell signaling in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadab H Wubshet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Grace Cai
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Samuel J Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Benjamin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Yunjia Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shan-Shan Lin
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Pamela Duran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Carlos Aguilar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | | | - Allen P Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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20
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Kadamb R, Anton ML, Purwin TJ, Chua V, Seeneevassen L, Teh J, Angela Nieto M, Sato T, Terai M, Roman SR, De Koning L, Zheng D, Aplin AE, Aguirre-Ghiso J. Lineage commitment pathways epigenetically oppose oncogenic Gαq/11-YAP signaling in dormant disseminated uveal melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.583565. [PMID: 38496663 PMCID: PMC10942354 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.583565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms driving late relapse in uveal melanoma (UM) patients remains a medical mystery and major challenge. Clinically it is inferred that UM disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) persist asymptomatic for years-to-decades mainly in the liver before they manifest as symptomatic metastasis. Here we reveal using Gαq/11 mut /BAP wt human uveal melanoma models and human UM metastatic samples, that the neural crest lineage commitment nuclear receptor NR2F1 is a key regulator of spontaneous UM DCC dormancy in the liver. Using a quiescence reporter, RNA-seq and multiplex imaging we revealed that rare dormant UM DCCs upregulate NR2F1 expression and genes related to neural crest programs while repressing gene related to cell cycle progression. Gain and loss of function assays showed that NR2F1 silences YAP1/TEAD1 transcription downstream of Gαq/11 signaling and that NR2F1 expression can also be repressed by YAP1. YAP1 expression is repressed by NR2F1 binding to its promoter and changing the histone H3 tail activation marks to repress YAP1 transcription. In vivo CRISPR KO of NR2F1 led dormant UM DCCs to awaken and initiate relentless liver metastatic growth. Cut&Run and bulk RNA sequencing further confirmed that NR2F1 epigenetically stimulates neuron axon guidance and neural lineage programs, and it globally represses gene expression linked to G-protein signaling to drive dormancy. Pharmacological inhibition of Gαq/11 mut signaling resulted in NR2F1 upregulation and robust UM growth arrest, which was also achieved using a novel NR2F1 agonist. Our work sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of UM dormancy revealing that transcriptional programs driven by NR2F1 epigenetically short-circuit Gαq/11 signaling to its downstream target YAP1. Highlights Quiescent solitary uveal melanoma (UM) DCCs in the liver up- and down-regulate neural crest and cell cycle progression programs, respectively.NR2F1 drives solitary UM DCC dormancy by antagonizing the Gαq/11-YAP1 pathway; small molecule Gαq/11 inhibition restores NR2F1 expression and quiescence. NR2F1 short-circuits oncogenic YAP1 and G-protein signaling via a chromatin remodeling program. Loss of function of NR2F1 in dormant UM DCCs leads to aggressive liver metastasis. Graphical abstract
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21
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Wubshet NH, Cai G, Chen SJ, Sullivan M, Reeves M, Mays D, Harrison M, Varnado P, Yang B, Arreguin-Martinez E, Qu Y, Lin SS, Duran P, Aguilar C, Giza S, Clements T, Liu AP. Cellular mechanotransduction of human osteoblasts in microgravity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.03.583164. [PMID: 38464311 PMCID: PMC10925314 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.03.583164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Astronauts experience significant and rapid bone loss as a result of an extended stay in space, making the International Space Station (ISS) the perfect laboratory for studying osteoporosis due to the accelerated nature of bone loss on the ISS. This prompts the question, how does the lack of load due to zero-gravity propagate to bone-forming cells, human fetal osteoblasts (hFOBs), altering their maturation to mineralization? Here, we aim to study the mechanotransduction mechanisms by which bone loss occurs in microgravity. Two automated experiments, 4 microfluidic chips capable of measuring single-cell mechanics of hFOBs via aspiration and cell spheroids incubated in pressure-controlled chambers, were each integrated into a CubeLab deployed to the ISS National Laboratory. For the first experiment, we report protrusion measurements of aspirated cells after exposure to microgravity at the ISS and compare these results to ground control conducted inside the CubeLab. Our analysis revealed slightly elongated protrusions for space samples compared to ground samples indicating softening of hFOB cells in microgravity. In the second experiment, we encapsulated osteoblast spheroids in collagen gel and incubated the samples in pressure-controlled chambers. We found that microgravity significantly reduced filamentous actin levels in the hFOB spheroids. When subjected to pressure, the spheroids exhibited increased pSMAD1/5/9 expression, regardless of the microgravity condition. Moreover, microgravity reduced YAP expression, while pressure increased YAP levels, thus restoring YAP expression for spheroids in microgravity. Our study provides insights into the influence of microgravity on the mechanical properties of bone cells and the impact of compressive pressure on cell behavior and signaling in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadab H. Wubshet
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Grace Cai
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samuel J. Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Benjamin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Yunjia Qu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shan-Shan Lin
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pamela Duran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Carlos Aguilar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Allen P. Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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22
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Gossen S, Gerstner S, Borchers A. The RhoGEF Trio is transported by microtubules and affects microtubule stability in migrating neural crest cells. Cells Dev 2024; 177:203899. [PMID: 38160720 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203899] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Directed cell migration requires a local fine-tuning of Rho GTPase activity to control protrusion formation, cell-cell contraction, and turnover of cellular adhesions. The Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) TRIO is ideally suited to control RhoGTPase activity because it combines two distinct catalytic domains to control Rac1 and RhoA activity in one molecule. However, at the cellular level, this molecular feature also requires a tight spatiotemporal control of TRIO activity. Here, we analyze the dynamic localization of Trio in Xenopus cranial neural crest (NC) cells, where we have recently shown that Trio is required for protrusion formation and migration. Using live cell imaging, we find that the GEF2 domain, but not the GEF1 domain of Trio, dynamically colocalizes with EB3 at microtubule plus-ends. Microtubule-mediated transport of Trio appears to be relevant for its function in NC migration, as a mutant GEF2 construct lacking the SxIP motif responsible for microtubule plus-end localization was significantly impaired in its ability to rescue the Trio loss-of-function phenotype compared to wild-type GEF2. Furthermore, by analyzing microtubule dynamics in migrating NC cells, we observed that loss of Trio function stabilized microtubules at cell-cell contact sites compared to controls, whereas they were destabilized at the leading edge of NC cells. Our data suggest that Trio is transported by microtubules to distinct subcellular locations where it has different functions in controlling microtubule stability, cell morphology, and cell-cell interaction during directed NC migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Gossen
- Department of Biology, Molecular Embryology, Philipps-University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Gerstner
- Department of Biology, Molecular Embryology, Philipps-University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Annette Borchers
- Department of Biology, Molecular Embryology, Philipps-University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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23
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Li Y, Zhu T, Yang J, Zhang Q, Xu S, Ge S, Jia R, Zhang J, Fan X. EHMT2 promotes tumorigenesis in GNAQ/11-mutant uveal melanoma via ARHGAP29-mediated RhoA pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1187-1203. [PMID: 38486999 PMCID: PMC10935147 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.002] [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] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of GNAQ/11 is the initiative oncogenic event in uveal melanoma (UM). Direct targeting GNAQ/11 has yet to be proven feasible as they are vital for a plethora of cellular functions. In search of genetic vulnerability for UM, we found that inhibition of euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) expression or activity significantly reduced the proliferation and migration capacity of cancer cells. Notably, elevated expression of EHMT2 had been validated in UM samples. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated high EHMT2 protein level was related to poor recurrence-free survival and a more advanced T stage. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis and the following mechanistic investigation showed that ARHGAP29 was a downstream target of EHMT2. Its transcription was suppressed by EHMT2 in a methyltransferase-dependent pattern in GNAQ/11-mutant UM cells, leading to elevated RhoA activity. Rescuing constitutively active RhoA in UM cells lacking EHMT2 restored oncogenic phenotypes. Simultaneously blocking EHMT2 and GNAQ/11 signaling in vitro and in vivo showed a synergistic effect on UM growth, suggesting the driver role of these two key molecules. In summary, our study shows evidence for an epigenetic program of EHMT2 regulation that influences UM progression and indicates inhibiting EHMT2 and MEK/ERK simultaneously as a therapeutic strategy in GNAQ/11-mutant UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Tianyu Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine (Shanghai), State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shiqiong Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200001, China
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24
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Barbi M, Carvajal RD, Devoe CE. Updates in the Management of Uveal Melanoma. Cancer J 2024; 30:92-101. [PMID: 38527262 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Uveal melanoma (UM), arising from intraocular melanocytes, poses a complex clinical challenge with a substantial risk of distant metastasis, often to the liver. Molecular profiling, encompassing genetic, cytogenetic, gene expression, and immunological subsets, plays a pivotal role in determining prognoses. The evolving landscape includes promising systemic treatments, such as tebentafusp, a novel immune-modulating bispecific fusion protein, and targeted therapies. Combined regional and systemic approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and innovative liver-directed therapy, are also under investigation. Although recent progress has improved outcomes, ongoing research aims to address the unique challenges of UM and develop effective therapies, particularly for HLA-A*02:01-negative patients who represent a significant unmet medical need. This review comprehensively discusses the molecular characteristics of UM, risk stratification methods, and the current and future spectrum of regional and systemic therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Craig E Devoe
- From the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, New Hyde Park
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25
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Kanai R, Norton E, Stern P, Hynes RO, Lamar JM. Identification of a Gene Signature That Predicts Dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:852. [PMID: 38473214 PMCID: PMC10930532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are effective cancer treatments when accompanied by accurate diagnostic tests that can help identify patients that will respond to those therapies. The YAP/TAZ-TEAD axis is activated and plays a causal role in several cancer types, and TEAD inhibitors are currently in early-phase clinical trials in cancer patients. However, a lack of a reliable way to identify tumors with YAP/TAZ-TEAD activation for most cancer types makes it difficult to determine which tumors will be susceptible to TEAD inhibitors. Here, we used a combination of RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis of metastatic melanoma cells to develop a YAP/TAZ gene signature. We found that the genes in this signature are TEAD-dependent in several melanoma cell lines, and that their expression strongly correlates with YAP/TAZ activation in human melanomas. Using DepMap dependency data, we found that this YAP/TAZ signature was predictive of melanoma cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ or TEADs. Importantly, this was not limited to melanoma because this signature was also predictive when tested on a panel of over 1000 cancer cell lines representing numerous distinct cancer types. Our results suggest that YAP/TAZ gene signatures like ours may be effective tools to predict tumor cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD, and thus potentially provide a means to identify patients likely to benefit from TEAD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Kanai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Emily Norton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Patrick Stern
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Richard O. Hynes
- Department of Biology, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - John M. Lamar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
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26
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Jessen M, Gertzmann D, Liss F, Zenk F, Bähner L, Schöffler V, Schulte C, Maric HM, Ade CP, von Eyss B, Gaubatz S. Inhibition of the YAP-MMB interaction and targeting NEK2 as potential therapeutic strategies for YAP-driven cancers. Oncogene 2024; 43:578-593. [PMID: 38182898 PMCID: PMC10873197 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02926-w] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
YAP activation in cancer is linked to poor outcomes, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Previous research focused on blocking the interaction of YAP with TEAD transcription factors. Here, we took a different approach by disrupting YAP's binding to the transcription factor B-MYB using MY-COMP, a fragment of B-MYB containing the YAP binding domain fused to a nuclear localization signal. MY-COMP induced cell cycle defects, nuclear abnormalities, and polyploidization. In an AKT and YAP-driven liver cancer model, MY-COMP significantly reduced liver tumorigenesis, highlighting the importance of the YAP-B-MYB interaction in tumor development. MY-COMP also perturbed the cell cycle progression of YAP-dependent uveal melanoma cells but not of YAP-independent cutaneous melanoma cell lines. It counteracted YAP-dependent expression of MMB-regulated cell cycle genes, explaining the observed effects. We also identified NIMA-related kinase (NEK2) as a downstream target of YAP and B-MYB, promoting YAP-driven transformation by facilitating centrosome clustering and inhibiting multipolar mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Jessen
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, 07745, Germany
| | - Dörthe Gertzmann
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Franziska Liss
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Franziska Zenk
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Laura Bähner
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Victoria Schöffler
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Clemens Schulte
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hans Michael Maric
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Wuerzburg, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten P Ade
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany
| | - Björn von Eyss
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute e.V., Jena, 07745, Germany.
| | - Stefan Gaubatz
- Theodor Boveri Institute and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Biocenter University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, 97074, Germany.
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27
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Sorrentino FS, De Rosa F, Di Terlizzi P, Toneatto G, Gabai A, Finocchio L, Salati C, Spadea L, Zeppieri M. Uveal melanoma: Recent advances in immunotherapy. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:23-31. [PMID: 38292657 PMCID: PMC10823941 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i1.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults. The incidence in Europe and the United States is 6-7 per million population per year. Although most primary UMs can be successfully treated and locally controlled by irradiation therapy or local tumor resection, up to 50% of UM patients develop metastases that usually involve the liver and are fatal within 1 year. To date, chemotherapy and targeted treatments only obtain minimal responses in patients with metastatic UM, which is still characterized by poor prognosis. No standard therapeutic approaches for its prevention or treatment have been established. The application of immunotherapy agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors that are effective in cutaneous melanoma, has shown limited effects in the treatment of ocular disease. This is due to UM's distinct genetics, natural history, and complex interaction with the immune system. Unlike cutaneous melanomas characterized mainly by BRAF or NRAS mutations, UMs are usually triggered by a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11. As a result, more effective immunotherapeutic approaches, such as cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, and other new molecules are currently being studied. In this review, we examine novel immunotherapeutic strategies in clinical and preclinical studies and highlight the latest insight in immunotherapy and the development of tailored treatment of UM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco De Rosa
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori “Dino Amadori”, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Patrick Di Terlizzi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Unit of Ophthalmology, Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna 40100, Italy
| | - Giacomo Toneatto
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Andrea Gabai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Lucia Finocchio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00142, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy
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28
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Zhou W, Lim A, Edderkaoui M, Osipov A, Wu H, Wang Q, Pandol S. Role of YAP Signaling in Regulation of Programmed Cell Death and Drug Resistance in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:15-28. [PMID: 38164167 PMCID: PMC10750275 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Although recent advances in cancer treatment significantly improved the prognosis of patients, drug resistance remains a major challenge. Targeting programmed cell death is a major approach of antitumor drug development. Deregulation of programmed cell death (PCD) contributes to resistance to a variety of cancer therapeutics. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog TAZ, the main downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, are aberrantly activated in a variety of human malignancies. The Hippo-YAP pathway, which was originally identified in Drosophila, is well conserved in humans and plays a defining role in regulation of cell fate, tissue growth and regeneration. Activation of YAP signaling has emerged as a key mechanism involved in promoting cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Understanding the role of YAP/TAZ signaling network in PCD and drug resistance could facilitate the development of effective strategies for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Adrian Lim
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mouad Edderkaoui
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Arsen Osipov
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Heshui Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stephen Pandol
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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29
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Saakyan SV, Sklyarova NV, Tsygankov AY, Alikhanova VR, Loginov VI, Burdenny AM. [Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma and non-pigmented choroidal melanoma: clinical, instrumental and molecular genetic features]. Vestn Oftalmol 2024; 140:5-13. [PMID: 38742493 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma20241400215] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (CCH) and early non-pigmented choroidal melanoma (CM) have similar clinical, ultrasound and morphometric features, which in some cases makes their differential diagnosis difficult. There are few studies in the literature devoted to a comparative analysis of the molecular genetic features of CCH and non-pigmented CM, and the results of those studies are contradictory. PURPOSE This study attempts to develop a method of non-invasive molecular genetic differential diagnostics of CCH and non-pigmented CM. MATERIAL AND METHODS Based on the results of clinical and instrumental examination methods, 60 patients (60 eyes) with CCH (n=30) and non-pigmented CM (n=30) were included in this prospective study. The control group consisted of 30 individuals without intraocular tumors. Mutations in the GNAQ/GNA11 genes were determined by real-time PCR using the analysis of genomic circulating tumor DNA isolated from peripheral blood plasma. The average follow-up period was 12.1±1.8 months. RESULTS The study revealed a significant association of mutations in exons 4 and 5 of the GNAQ/GNA11 genes with the presence of non-pigmented CM (27/30; 90%). These mutations were not detected in the group of patients with CCH. Mutations in exons 4 and 5 of the GNAQ/GNA11 genes were also not detected in the control group of healthy individuals. CONCLUSION This study proposes a method of non-invasive and low-cost differential diagnostics based on molecular genetic analysis and detection of mutations in exons 4 and 5 of the GNAQ and GNA11 genes, which are specific for CM (90%).
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Saakyan
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
- Russian University of Medicine (ROSUNIMED), Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Sklyarova
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - A Yu Tsygankov
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
- Russian University of Medicine (ROSUNIMED), Moscow, Russia
| | - V R Alikhanova
- Helmholtz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - V I Loginov
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - A M Burdenny
- Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
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30
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van den Bosch QCC, de Klein A, Verdijk RM, Kiliç E, Brosens E. Uveal melanoma modeling in mice and zebrafish. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189055. [PMID: 38104908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite extensive research and refined therapeutic options, the survival for metastasized uveal melanoma (UM) patients has not improved significantly. UM, a malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in the uveal tract, can be asymptomatic and small tumors may be detected only during routine ophthalmic exams; making early detection and treatment difficult. UM is the result of a number of characteristic somatic alterations which are associated with prognosis. Although UM morphology and biology have been extensively studied, there are significant gaps in our understanding of the early stages of UM tumor evolution and effective treatment to prevent metastatic disease remain elusive. A better understanding of the mechanisms that enable UM cells to thrive and successfully metastasize is crucial to improve treatment efficacy and survival rates. For more than forty years, animal models have been used to investigate the biology of UM. This has led to a number of essential mechanisms and pathways involved in UM aetiology. These models have also been used to evaluate the effectiveness of various drugs and treatment protocols. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological studies using mouse and zebrafish UM models. Finally, we highlight promising therapeutics and discuss future considerations using UM models such as optimal inoculation sites, use of BAP1mut-cell lines and the rise of zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quincy C C van den Bosch
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies de Klein
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M Verdijk
- Department of Pathology, Section of Ophthalmic Pathology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Emine Kiliç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Brosens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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31
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Lyu C, Bhimani AK, Draus WT, Weigel R, Chen S. Active Gα i/o Mutants Accelerate Breast Tumor Metastasis via the c-Src Pathway. Mol Cell Biol 2023; 43:650-663. [PMID: 38099640 PMCID: PMC10761066 DOI: 10.1080/10985549.2023.2285833] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Constitutively active mutations in the Gαi2 and GαoA subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins have been found in various human cancers, including breast cancer, but their precise roles in tumor formation, progression, and metastasis remain poorly understood. This study focused on GαoAR243H and Gαi2R179C mutants in breast cancer. These mutants alone were insufficient to initiate mammary tumor formation in mice. However, when introduced into transgenic mouse models of breast cancer induced by Neu expression or PTEN loss, the Gαi2R179C mutant notably enhanced spontaneous lung metastasis, without affecting primary tumor initiation and growth. Ectopic expression of the GαoAR243H and Gαi2R179C mutants in tumor cells promoted cell migration in vitro and dissemination into multiple organs in vivo by activating the c-Src signaling pathway. These mutants activate c-Src through direct interaction, involving specific residues in the switch domains II of Gαi subunits, which only partially overlap with those involved in inhibiting adenylyl cyclases. This study uncovers a critical role of Gαi/o signaling in accelerating breast cancer metastasis through the c-Src pathway. These findings hold clinical significance as they may pave the way for personalized therapies targeting c-Src to inhibit breast cancer metastasis in patients with active Gαi/o mutations or elevated Gαi/o signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cancan Lyu
- The Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Aarzoo K. Bhimani
- The Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - William T. Draus
- The Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ronald Weigel
- The Department of Surgery, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Songhai Chen
- The Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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32
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Baqai U, Kurimchak AM, Trachtenberg IV, Purwin TJ, Haj JI, Han A, Luo K, Pachon NF, Jeon A, Chua V, Davies MA, Gutkind JS, Benovic JL, Duncan JS, Aplin AE. Kinome profiling identifies MARK3 and STK10 as potential therapeutic targets in uveal melanoma. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105418. [PMID: 37923138 PMCID: PMC10716579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most uveal melanoma cases harbor activating mutations in either GNAQ or GNA11. Despite activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway downstream of Gαq/11, there are no effective targeted kinase therapies for metastatic uveal melanoma. The human genome encodes numerous understudied kinases, also called the "dark kinome". Identifying additional kinases regulated by Gαq/11 may uncover novel therapeutic targets for uveal melanoma. In this study, we treated GNAQ-mutant uveal melanoma cell lines with a Gαq/11 inhibitor, YM-254890, and conducted a kinase signaling proteomic screen using multiplexed-kinase inhibitors followed by mass spectrometry. We observed downregulated expression and/or activity of 22 kinases. A custom siRNA screen targeting these kinases demonstrated that knockdown of microtubule affinity regulating kinase 3 (MARK3) and serine/threonine kinase 10 (STK10) significantly reduced uveal melanoma cell growth and decreased expression of cell cycle proteins. Additionally, knockdown of MARK3 but not STK10 decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Analysis of RNA-sequencing and proteomic data showed that Gαq signaling regulates STK10 expression and MARK3 activity. Our findings suggest an involvement of STK10 and MARK3 in the Gαq/11 oncogenic pathway and prompt further investigation into the specific roles and targeting potential of these kinases in uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Baqai
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Isabella V Trachtenberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jelan I Haj
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna Han
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kristine Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nikole Fandino Pachon
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Angela Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vivian Chua
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Benovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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33
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Driskill JH, Pan D. Control of stem cell renewal and fate by YAP and TAZ. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:895-911. [PMID: 37626124 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00644-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Complex physiological processes control whether stem cells self-renew, differentiate or remain quiescent. Two decades of research have placed the Hippo pathway, a highly conserved kinase signalling cascade, and its downstream molecular effectors YAP and TAZ at the nexus of this decision. YAP and TAZ translate complex biological cues acting on stem cells - from mechanical forces to cellular metabolism - into genome-wide effects to mediate stem cell functions. While aberrant YAP/TAZ activity drives stem cell dysfunction in ageing, tumorigenesis and disease, therapeutic targeting of Hippo signalling and YAP/TAZ can boost stem cell activity to enhance regeneration. In this Review, we discuss how YAP/TAZ control the self-renewal, fate and plasticity of stem cells in different contexts, how dysregulation of YAP/TAZ in stem cells leads to disease, and how therapeutic modalities targeting YAP/TAZ may benefit regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan H Driskill
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Duojia Pan
- Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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34
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Xu L, Liu K, Wang F, Su Y. Cuproptosis and its application in different cancers: an overview. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2683-2693. [PMID: 36914880 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04693-4] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal ions are essential micronutrients for human health. They are also indispensable to maintaining health and regular operation of organs. Increasing or decreasing these metal ions will lead to cell death, such as ferroptosis. Tsvetkov et al. have recently proposed a novel cell death method called "Cuproptosis". Many researchers have linked this form of death to the diagnosis, prognosis, microenvironment infiltration, and prediction of immunotherapeutic efficacy of various tumors to better understand these tumors. Similarly, with the proposal of this mechanism, the killing effect of copper ionophores on cancer cells has come to our attention again. We introduced the mechanism of cuproptosis in detail and described the establishment of the corresponding prognostic model and risk score for uveal melanoma through cuproptosis. In addition, we describe the current progress in the study of cancer in other organs through cuproptosis and summarize the treatment of tumours by copper ionophore and its future research direction. With further research, the concept of cuproptosis may help us understand cancer and guide its clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Ying Su
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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35
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Zhao Y, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Ma L. New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5497. [PMID: 38067201 PMCID: PMC10705714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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36
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Arang N, Lubrano S, Ceribelli M, Rigiracciolo DC, Saddawi-Konefka R, Faraji F, Ramirez SI, Kim D, Tosto FA, Stevenson E, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Bogomolovas J, Molinolo AA, Swaney DL, Krogan NJ, Yang J, Coma S, Pachter JA, Aplin AE, Alessi DR, Thomas CJ, Gutkind JS. High-throughput chemogenetic drug screening reveals PKC-RhoA/PKN as a targetable signaling vulnerability in GNAQ-driven uveal melanoma. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101244. [PMID: 37858338 PMCID: PMC10694608 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101244] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most prevalent cancer of the eye in adults, driven by activating mutation of GNAQ/GNA11; however, there are limited therapies against UM and metastatic UM (mUM). Here, we perform a high-throughput chemogenetic drug screen in GNAQ-mutant UM contrasted with BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma, defining the druggable landscape of these distinct melanoma subtypes. Across all compounds, darovasertib demonstrates the highest preferential activity against UM. Our investigation reveals that darovasertib potently inhibits PKC as well as PKN/PRK, an AGC kinase family that is part of the "dark kinome." We find that downstream of the Gαq-RhoA signaling axis, PKN converges with ROCK to control FAK, a mediator of non-canonical Gαq-driven signaling. Strikingly, darovasertib synergizes with FAK inhibitors to halt UM growth and promote cytotoxic cell death in vitro and in preclinical metastatic mouse models, thus exposing a signaling vulnerability that can be exploited as a multimodal precision therapy against mUM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Arang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Simone Lubrano
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Ceribelli
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | | | | | - Farhoud Faraji
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sydney I Ramirez
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daehwan Kim
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Frances A Tosto
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Erica Stevenson
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Julius Bogomolovas
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alfredo A Molinolo
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Danielle L Swaney
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Dario R Alessi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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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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Ma JY, Ting S, Tam B, Pham T, Reich M, Mesirov J, Tamayo P, Kim W. Deciphering the Functional Roles of Individual Cancer Alleles Across Comprehensive Cancer Genomic Studies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567106. [PMID: 38014215 PMCID: PMC10680728 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer genome data has been growing in both size and complexity, primarily driven by advances in next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Pan-cancer data from TCGA, ICGC, and single-cell sequencing. Yet, discerning the functional role of individual genomic lesions remains a substantial challenge due to the complexity and scale of the data. Previously, we introduced REVEALER, which identifies groups of genomic alterations that significantly associate with target functional profiles or phenotypes, such as pathway activation, gene dependency, or drug response. In this paper, we present a new mathematical formulation of the algorithm. This version (REVEALER 2.0) is considerably more powerful than the original, allowing for rapid processing and analysis of much larger datasets and facilitating higher-resolution discoveries at the level of individual alleles. REVEALER 2.0 employs the Conditional Information Coefficient (CIC) to pinpoint features that are either complementary or mutually exclusive but still correlate with the target functional profile. The aggregation of these features provides a better explanation for the target functional profile than any single alteration on its own. This is indicative of scenarios where several activating genomic lesions can initiate or stimulate a key pathway or process. We replaced the initial three-dimensional kernel estimation with multiple precomputed one-dimensional kernel estimations, resulting in an approximate 150x increase in speed and efficiency. This improvement, combined with its efficient execution, makes REVEALER 2.0 suitable for much larger datasets and a more extensive range of genomic challenges.
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Onken MD, Erdmann-Gilmore P, Zhang Q, Thapa K, King E, Kaltenbronn KM, Noda SE, Makepeace CM, Goldfarb D, Babur Ö, Townsend RR, Blumer KJ. Protein Kinase Signaling Networks Driven by Oncogenic Gq/11 in Uveal Melanoma Identified by Phosphoproteomic and Bioinformatic Analyses. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100649. [PMID: 37730182 PMCID: PMC10616553 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) patients typically survive only 2 to 3 years because effective therapy does not yet exist. Here, to facilitate the discovery of therapeutic targets in UM, we have identified protein kinase signaling mechanisms elicited by the drivers in 90% of UM tumors: mutant constitutively active G protein α-subunits encoded by GNAQ (Gq) or GNA11 (G11). We used the highly specific Gq/11 inhibitor FR900359 (FR) to elucidate signaling networks that drive proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, and dedifferentiation of UM cells. We determined the effects of FR on the proteome and phosphoproteome of UM cells as indicated by bioinformatic analyses with CausalPath and site-specific gene set enrichment analysis. We found that inhibition of oncogenic Gq/11 caused deactivation of PKC, Erk, and the cyclin-dependent kinases CDK1 and CDK2 that drive proliferation. Inhibition of oncogenic Gq/11 in UM cells with low metastatic risk relieved inhibitory phosphorylation of polycomb-repressive complex subunits that regulate melanocytic redifferentiation. Site-specific gene set enrichment analysis, unsupervised analysis, and functional studies indicated that mTORC1 and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 2 drive metabolic reprogramming in UM cells. Together, these results identified protein kinase signaling networks driven by oncogenic Gq/11 that regulate critical aspects of UM cell biology and provide targets for therapeutic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Onken
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | | | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kisan Thapa
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily King
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kevin M Kaltenbronn
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah E Noda
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carol M Makepeace
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dennis Goldfarb
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Özgün Babur
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - R Reid Townsend
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kendall J Blumer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
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Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Color-Aparicio VM, Castillo-Kauil A, García-Jiménez I, Beltrán-Navarro YM, Reyes-Cruz G, Vázquez-Prado J. Oncogenic Gαq activates RhoJ through PDZ-RhoGEF. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15734. [PMID: 37958718 PMCID: PMC10647656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115734] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic Gαq causes uveal melanoma via non-canonical signaling pathways. This constitutively active mutant GTPase is also found in cutaneous melanoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and seminoma, as well as in benign vascular tumors, such as congenital hemangiomas. We recently described that PDZ-RhoGEF (also known as ARHGEF11), a canonical Gα12/13 effector, is enabled by Gαs Q227L to activate CdcIn addition, and we demonstrated that constitutively active Gαq interacts with the PDZ-RhoGEF DH-PH catalytic module, but does not affect its binding to RhoA or Cdc. This suggests that it guides this RhoGEF to gain affinity for other GTPases. Since RhoJ, a small GTPase of the Cdc42 subfamily, has been involved in tumor-induced angiogenesis and the metastatic dissemination of cancer cells, we hypothesized that it might be a target of oncogenic Gαq signaling via PDZ-RhoGEF. Consistent with this possibility, we found that Gαq Q209L drives full-length PDZ-RhoGEF and a DH-PH construct to interact with nucleotide-free RhoJ-G33A, a mutant with affinity for active RhoJ-GEFs. Gαq Q209L binding to PDZ-RhoGEF was mapped to the PH domain, which, as an isolated construct, attenuated the interaction of this mutant GTPase with PDZ-RhoGEF's catalytic module (DH-PH domains). Expression of these catalytic domains caused contraction of endothelial cells and generated fine cell sprouts that were inhibited by co-expression of dominant negative RhoJ. Using relational data mining of uveal melanoma patient TCGA datasets, we got an insight into the signaling landscape that accompanies the Gαq/PDZ-RhoGEF/RhoJ axis. We identified three transcriptional signatures statistically linked with shorter patient survival, including GPCRs and signaling effectors that are recognized as vulnerabilities in cancer cell synthetic lethality datasets. In conclusion, we demonstrated that an oncogenic Gαq mutant enables the PDZ-RhoGEF DH-PH module to recognize RhoJ, suggesting an allosteric mechanism by which this constitutively active GTPase stimulates RhoJ via PDZ-RhoGEF. These findings highlight PDZ-RhoGEF and RhoJ as potential targets in tumors driven by mutant Gαq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Daniel Cervantes-Villagrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Col San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (R.D.C.-V.)
| | - Víctor Manuel Color-Aparicio
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Col San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (R.D.C.-V.)
| | - Alejandro Castillo-Kauil
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Col San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (R.D.C.-V.)
| | - Irving García-Jiménez
- Department of Cell Biology, Cinvestav-IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Col San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Yarely Mabell Beltrán-Navarro
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Col San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (R.D.C.-V.)
| | - Guadalupe Reyes-Cruz
- Department of Cell Biology, Cinvestav-IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Col San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - José Vázquez-Prado
- Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN. Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Col San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico; (R.D.C.-V.)
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Glinkina KA, Teunisse AF, Gelmi MC, de Vries J, Jager MJ, Jochemsen AG. Combined Mcl-1 and YAP1/TAZ inhibition for treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:345-356. [PMID: 37467061 PMCID: PMC10470438 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000911] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumor in adults, representing approximately 5% of all melanoma cases. Up to 50% of uveal melanoma patients develop metastases that are resistant to most of the commonly used antineoplastic treatments. Virtually all uveal melanoma tumors harbor activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 , encoding Gαq and Gα11, respectively. Constant activity of these proteins causes deregulation of multiple downstream signaling pathways including PKC, MAPK and YAP1/TAZ. While the importance of YAP1 signaling for the proliferation of uveal melanoma has recently been demonstrated, much less is known about the paralog of YAP1 transcriptional coactivator, named TAZ; however, similar to YAP1, TAZ is expected to be a therapeutic target in uveal melanoma. We performed a small-scale drug screen to discover a compound synergistically inhibiting uveal melanoma proliferation/survival in combination with YAP1/TAZ inhibition. We found that the combination of genetic depletion of YAP1/TAZ together with Mcl-1 inhibition demonstrates a synergistic inhibitory effect on the viability of uveal melanoma cell lines. Similarly, indirect attenuation of the YAP1/TAZ signaling pathway with an inhibitor of the mevalonate pathway, that is, the geranyl-geranyl transferase inhibitor GGTI-298, synergizes with Mcl-1 inhibition. This combination could be potentially used as a treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Chiara Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martine J. Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Lv L, Zhou X. Targeting Hippo signaling in cancer: novel perspectives and therapeutic potential. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e375. [PMID: 37799806 PMCID: PMC10547939 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As highly conserved among diverse species, Hippo signaling pathway regulates various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size. Studies in the last two decades have provided a good framework for how these fundamental functions of Hippo signaling are tightly regulated by a network with numerous intracellular and extracellular factors. The Hippo signaling pathway, when dysregulated, may lead to a wide variety of diseases, especially cancer. There is growing evidence demonstrating that dysregulated Hippo signaling is closely associated with tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, and migration, as well as drug resistance. Therefore, the Hippo pathway is considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Promising novel agents targeting the Hippo signaling pathway for cancers have recently emerged. These novel agents have shown antitumor activity in multiple cancer models and demonstrated therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. However, the detailed molecular basis of the Hippo signaling-driven tumor biology remains undefined. Our review summarizes current advances in understanding the mechanisms by which Hippo signaling drives tumorigenesis and confers drug resistance. We also propose strategies for future preclinical and clinical development to target this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liemei Lv
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Xiangxiang Zhou
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic DiseasesJinanShandongChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
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43
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Thrash HL, Pendergast AM. Multi-Functional Regulation by YAP/TAZ Signaling Networks in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4701. [PMID: 37835395 PMCID: PMC10572014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway transcriptional co-activators, YES-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional Co-Activator with PDZ Binding Motif (TAZ), have both been linked to tumor progression and metastasis. These two proteins possess overlapping and distinct functions, and their activities lead to the expression of genes involved in multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, and migration. The dysregulation of YAP/TAZ-dependent cellular processes can result in altered tumor growth and metastasis. In addition to their well-documented roles in the regulation of cancer cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, the YAP/TAZ-dependent signaling pathways have been more recently implicated in cellular processes that promote metastasis and therapy resistance in several solid tumor types. This review highlights the role of YAP/TAZ signaling networks in the regulation of tumor cell plasticity mediated by hybrid and reversible epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states, and the promotion of cancer stem cell/progenitor phenotypes. Mechanistically, YAP and TAZ regulate these cellular processes by targeting transcriptional networks. In this review, we detail recently uncovered mechanisms whereby YAP and TAZ mediate tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy resistance, and discuss new therapeutic strategies to target YAP/TAZ function in various solid tumor types. Understanding the distinct and overlapping roles of YAP and TAZ in multiple cellular processes that promote tumor progression to metastasis is expected to enable the identification of effective therapies to treat solid tumors through the hyper-activation of YAP and TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann Marie Pendergast
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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44
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Xie B, Lin J, Chen X, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Fan M, Xiang J, He N, Hu Z, Wang F. CircXRN2 suppresses tumor progression driven by histone lactylation through activating the Hippo pathway in human bladder cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:151. [PMID: 37684641 PMCID: PMC10486081 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01856-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bladder cancer (BCa) is the fourth most common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis worldwide. Further exploration and research are needed to unmask the underlying roles and molecular mechanisms of circular RNAs. In the current study, our findings showed that circXRN2 suppresses tumor progression driven by histone lactylation by activating the Hippo pathway in human bladder cancer. METHODS RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) followed by circRNA sequencing confirmed circXRN2 as the research object. Overexpression of circXRN2 and knockdown of TAZ/YAP further verified the biological functions in T24 and TCCSUP cells. RIP, immunoprecipitation and coimmunoprecipitation were used to elucidate the interaction between circXRN2 and LATS1. A Seahorse metabolic analyzer was used to determine the glycolytic rate. Cleavage under targets and Tagmentation (CUT&Tag) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were employed to ensure the regulatory roles of H3K18 lactylation in the transcriptional activity of LCN2. RESULTS CircXRN2 is aberrantly downregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. CircXRN2 inhibits the proliferation and migration of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, circXRN2 serves as a negative regulator of glycolysis and lactate production. Mechanistically, circXRN2 prevents LATS1 from SPOP-mediated degradation by binding to the SPOP degron and then activates the Hippo signaling pathway to exert various biological functions. The circXRN2-Hippo pathway regulatory axis further modulates tumor progression by inhibiting H3K18 lactylation and LCN2 expression in human bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS CircXRN2 suppresses tumor progression driven by H3K18 lactylation by activating the Hippo signaling pathway in human bladder cancer. Our results indicated novel therapeutic targets and provided promising strategies for clinical intervention in human bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Juntao Lin
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Xianwu Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Xuejian Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Mengjing Fan
- Department of Pathology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, R.P. China
| | - Jiayong Xiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Ning He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Zhenghui Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China
| | - Feifan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, R.P. China.
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Barbosa IAM, Gopalakrishnan R, Mercan S, Mourikis TP, Martin T, Wengert S, Sheng C, Ji F, Lopes R, Knehr J, Altorfer M, Lindeman A, Russ C, Naumann U, Golji J, Sprouffske K, Barys L, Tordella L, Schübeler D, Schmelzle T, Galli GG. Cancer lineage-specific regulation of YAP responsive elements revealed through large-scale functional epigenomic screens. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3907. [PMID: 37400441 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
YAP is a key transcriptional co-activator of TEADs, it regulates cell growth and is frequently activated in cancer. In Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM), YAP is activated by loss-of-function mutations in upstream components of the Hippo pathway, while, in Uveal Melanoma (UM), YAP is activated in a Hippo-independent manner. To date, it is unclear if and how the different oncogenic lesions activating YAP impact its oncogenic program, which is particularly relevant for designing selective anti-cancer therapies. Here we show that, despite YAP being essential in both MPM and UM, its interaction with TEAD is unexpectedly dispensable in UM, limiting the applicability of TEAD inhibitors in this cancer type. Systematic functional interrogation of YAP regulatory elements in both cancer types reveals convergent regulation of broad oncogenic drivers in both MPM and UM, but also strikingly selective programs. Our work reveals unanticipated lineage-specific features of the YAP regulatory network that provide important insights to guide the design of tailored therapeutic strategies to inhibit YAP signaling across different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês A M Barbosa
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rajaraman Gopalakrishnan
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Alltrna Inc., One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samuele Mercan
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thanos P Mourikis
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Typhaine Martin
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simon Wengert
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Caibin Sheng
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fei Ji
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rui Lopes
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Judith Knehr
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Altorfer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alicia Lindeman
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carsten Russ
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ulrike Naumann
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Javad Golji
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Sprouffske
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Louise Barys
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luca Tordella
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Schübeler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Schmelzle
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio G Galli
- Disease Area Oncology, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
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Mokhtari RB, Ashayeri N, Baghaie L, Sambi M, Satari K, Baluch N, Bosykh DA, Szewczuk MR, Chakraborty S. The Hippo Pathway Effectors YAP/TAZ-TEAD Oncoproteins as Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3468. [PMID: 37444578 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Various cancer cell-associated intrinsic and extrinsic inputs act on YAP/TAZ proteins to mediate the hyperactivation of the TEAD transcription factor-based transcriptome. This YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity can override the growth-limiting Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway that maintains normal tissue homeostasis. Herein, we provide an integrated summary of the contrasting roles of YAP/TAZ during normal tissue homeostasis versus tumor initiation and progression. In addition to upstream factors that regulate YAP/TAZ in the TME, critical insights on the emerging functions of YAP/TAZ in immune suppression and abnormal vasculature development during tumorigenesis are illustrated. Lastly, we discuss the current methods that intervene with the YAP/TAZ-TEAD oncogenic signaling pathway and the emerging applications of combination therapies, gut microbiota, and epigenetic plasticity that could potentiate the efficacy of chemo/immunotherapy as improved cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Bayat Mokhtari
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Neda Ashayeri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ali-Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Leili Baghaie
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Manpreet Sambi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kosar Satari
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ali-Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Narges Baluch
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Dmitriy A Bosykh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Myron R Szewczuk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sayan Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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Jin B, Yang L, Ye Q, Pan J. Ferroptosis induced by DCPS depletion diminishes hepatic metastasis in uveal melanoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115625. [PMID: 37245534 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic metastasis develops in ∼50% of uveal melanoma (UM) patients with scarcely effective treatment resulting in lethality. The underlying mechanism of liver metastasis remains elusive. Ferroptosis, a cell death form characterized by lipid peroxide, in cancer cells may decrease metastatic colonization. In the present study, we hypothesized that decapping scavenger enzymes (DCPS) impact ferroptosis by regulating mRNA decay during the metastatic colonization of UM cells to liver. We found that inhibition of DCPS by shRNA or RG3039 induced gene transcript alteration and ferroptosis through reducing the mRNA turnover of GLRX. Ferroptosis induced by DCPS inhibition eliminates cancer stem-like cells in UM. Inhibition of DCPS hampered the growth and proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, targeting DCPS diminished hepatic metastasis of UM cells. These findings may shed light on the understanding of DCPS-mediated pre-mRNA metabolic pathway in UM by which disseminated cells gain enhanced malignant features to promote hepatic metastasis, providing a rational target for metastatic colonization in UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianyun Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Subramani A, Cui W, Zhang Y, Friman T, Zhao Z, Huang W, Fonseca P, Lui WO, Narayanan V, Bobrowska J, Lekka M, Yan J, Conway DE, Holmgren L. Modulation of E-Cadherin Function through the AmotL2 Isoforms Promotes Ameboid Cell Invasion. Cells 2023; 12:1682. [PMID: 37443716 PMCID: PMC10340588 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of tumor cells and the formation of distant metastasis remain the main causes of mortality in cancer patients. However, the mechanisms governing the release of cells from micro-environmental constraints remain unclear. E-cadherin negatively controls the invasion of epithelial cells by maintaining cell-cell contacts. Furthermore, the inactivation of E-cadherin triggers invasion in vitro. However, the role of E-cadherin is complex, as metastasizing cells maintain E-cadherin expression, which appears to have a positive role in the survival of tumor cells. In this report, we present a novel mechanism delineating how E-cadherin function is modulated to promote invasion. We have previously shown that E-cadherin is associated with p100AmotL2, which is required for radial actin formation and the transmission of mechanical force. Here, we present evidence that p60AmotL2, which is expressed in invading tumor cells, binds to the p100AmotL2 isoform and uncouples the mechanical constraint of radial actin filaments. We show for the first time that the coupling of E-cadherin to the actin cytoskeleton via p100AmotL2 is directly connected to the nuclear membrane. The expression of p60AmotL2 inactivates this connection and alters the properties of the nuclear lamina, potentiating the invasion of cells into micropores of the extracellular matrix. In summary, we propose that the balance of the two AmotL2 isoforms is important in the modulation of E-cadherin function and that an imbalance of this axis promotes ameboid cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravindh Subramani
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30 Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.F.); (P.F.); (W.-O.L.)
| | - Weiyingqi Cui
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30 Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.F.); (P.F.); (W.-O.L.)
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30 Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.F.); (P.F.); (W.-O.L.)
| | - Tomas Friman
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30 Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.F.); (P.F.); (W.-O.L.)
| | - Zhihai Zhao
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science: 2 Science Drive 3, S7-01-10, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 117542, Singapore; (Z.Z.); (W.H.); (J.Y.)
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI): T-Lab, #10-02, 5A Engineering Drive 1, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Wenmao Huang
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science: 2 Science Drive 3, S7-01-10, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 117542, Singapore; (Z.Z.); (W.H.); (J.Y.)
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI): T-Lab, #10-02, 5A Engineering Drive 1, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Pedro Fonseca
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30 Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.F.); (P.F.); (W.-O.L.)
| | - Weng-Onn Lui
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30 Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.F.); (P.F.); (W.-O.L.)
| | - Vani Narayanan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (V.N.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Justyna Bobrowska
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland; (J.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland; (J.B.); (M.L.)
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science: 2 Science Drive 3, S7-01-10, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 117542, Singapore; (Z.Z.); (W.H.); (J.Y.)
- Mechanobiology Institute (MBI): T-Lab, #10-02, 5A Engineering Drive 1, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Daniel E. Conway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (V.N.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Lars Holmgren
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, U2, Bioclinicum J6:20, Solnavägen 30 Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.S.); (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.F.); (P.F.); (W.-O.L.)
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49
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Croley CR, Pumarol J, Delgadillo BE, Cook AC, Day F, Kaceli T, Ward CC, Husain I, Husain A, Banerjee S, Bishayee A. Signaling pathways driving ocular malignancies and their targeting by bioactive phytochemicals. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108479. [PMID: 37330112 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108479] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Ocular cancers represent a rare pathology. The American Cancer Society estimates that 3,360 cases of ocular cancer occur annually in the United States. The major types of cancers of the eye include ocular melanoma (also known as uveal melanoma), ocular lymphoma, retinoblastoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. While uveal melanoma is one of the primary intraocular cancers with the highest occurrence in adults, retinoblastoma remains the most common primary intraocular cancer in children, and squamous cell carcinoma presents as the most common conjunctival cancer. The pathophysiology of these diseases involves specific cell signaling pathways. Oncogene mutations, tumor suppressor mutations, chromosome deletions/translocations and altered proteins are all described as causal events in developing ocular cancer. Without proper identification and treatment of these cancers, vision loss, cancer spread, and even death can occur. The current treatments for these cancers involve enucleation, radiation, excision, laser treatment, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. These treatments present a significant burden to the patient that includes a possible loss of vision and a myriad of side effects. Therefore, alternatives to traditional therapy are urgently needed. Intercepting the signaling pathways for these cancers with the use of naturally occurring phytochemicals could be a way to relieve both cancer burden and perhaps even prevent cancer occurrence. This research aims to present a comprehensive review of the signaling pathways involved in various ocular cancers, discuss current therapeutic options, and examine the potential of bioactive phytocompounds in the prevention and targeted treatment of ocular neoplasms. The current limitations, challenges, pitfalls, and future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney R Croley
- Healthcare Corporation of America, Department of Ophthalmology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Hudson, FL 34667, USA
| | - Joshua Pumarol
- Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, FL 33027, USA
| | - Blake E Delgadillo
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Andrew C Cook
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Faith Day
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Tea Kaceli
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Caroline C Ward
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Imran Husain
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA 16509, USA
| | - Ali Husain
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA 16509, USA
| | - Sabyasachi Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Gupta College of Technological Sciences, Asansol 713 301, India
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
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50
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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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