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Nguyen TPM, Woods SL, Secombe KR, Tang S, Elz AS, Ayton S, Finnie J, Nagpal A, Pouliot N, Bowen JM. Ferroptosis - a potential feature underlying neratinib-induced colonic epithelial injury. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024:10.1007/s00280-024-04699-9. [PMID: 39002022 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-024-04699-9] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neratinib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that irreversibly binds to human epidermal growth factor receptors 1, 2 and 4 (HER1/2/4), is an approved extended adjuvant therapy for patients with HER2-amplified or -overexpressed (HER2-positive) breast cancers. Patients receiving neratinib may experience mild-to-severe symptoms of gut toxicity including abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Despite being a highly prevalent complication in gut health, the biological processes underlying neratinib-induced gut injury, especially in the colon, remains unclear. METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and histology were integrated to study the effect of, and type of cell death induced by neratinib on colonic tissues collected from female Albino Wistar rats dosed with neratinib (50 mg/kg) daily for 28 days. Additionally, previously published bulk RNA-sequencing and CRISPR-screening datasets on human glioblastoma SF268 cell line and glioblastoma T895 xenograft, and mouse TBCP1 breast cancer cell line were leveraged to elucidate potential mechanisms of neratinib-induced cell death. RESULTS The severity of colonic epithelial injury, especially degeneration of surface lining colonocytes and infiltration of immune cells, was more pronounced in the distal colon than the proximal colon. Sequencing showed that apoptotic gene signature was enriched in neratinib-treated SF268 cells while ferroptotic gene signature was enriched in neratinib-treated TBCP1 cells and T895 xenograft. However, we found that ferroptosis, but less likely apoptosis, was a potential histopathological feature underlying colonic injury in rats treated with neratinib. CONCLUSION Ferroptosis is a potential feature of neratinib-induced colonic injury and that targeting molecular machinery governing neratinib-induced ferroptosis may represent an attractive therapeutic approach to ameliorate symptoms of gut toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triet P M Nguyen
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Susan L Woods
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Precision Cancer Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kate R Secombe
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Simon Tang
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aurelia S Elz
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Finnie
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Aadya Nagpal
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Normand Pouliot
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Joanne M Bowen
- School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
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2
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Parimita S, Das A, Samanta S. VGLL1 stabilization of cytoplasmic TAZ promotes EGFR expression and maintains tumor initiating cells in breast cancer independent of TEAD. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111120. [PMID: 38417636 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111120] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Vestigial-like family member 1 (VGLL1) is one of the X-linked genes whose expression is elevated in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) because of X-chromosome isodisomy. As an approach towards understanding its function, we performed correlation study using transcript data of breast cancer patients from cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics. Our analysis identified EGFR as the most correlated transcript with VGLL1. We demonstrate that VGLL1 promotes EGFR expression and increases the frequency of breast tumor initiating cells (CD44high/+CD24low/-). These findings are crucial because an elevated EGFR expression and high frequency of CD44high/+CD24low/- cells are defining features of BLBC, and we provide a new mechanistic insight into how their expressions are controlled. Importantly, VGLL1 regulation of EGFR and CD44high/+CD24low/- population is mediated by the hippo-transducer TAZ which exerts its oncogenic roles by binding and activating TEAD transcription factors. A crucial finding is that TEAD-binding domain of TAZ is dispensable for its regulation of EGFR and CD44high/+CD24low/- cells. Instead, VGLL1 stabilization of cytoplasmic TAZ is essential for these functions. Also, we show that VGLL1/TAZ restricts the surface expression of CD24 which contributes to the increased number of CD44high/+CD24low/- cells. In addition, we observed that VGLL1 represses AXL expression and suppresses claudin-low phenotype, and that is caused by the VGLL1 mediated nuclear expulsion of TAZ. Therefore, EGFR and AXL seem to represent two different breast tumor subtypes, and their differential expressions is controlled by VGLL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhashree Parimita
- Department of Applied Biology, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, TS 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Amitava Das
- Department of Applied Biology, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, TS 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Sanjoy Samanta
- Department of Applied Biology, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, TS 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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3
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Ujlaky-Nagy L, Szöllősi J, Vereb G. Disrupting EGFR-HER2 Transactivation by Pertuzumab in HER2-Positive Cancer: Quantitative Analysis Reveals EGFR Signal Input as Potential Predictor of Therapeutic Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5978. [PMID: 38892166 PMCID: PMC11173106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115978] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pertuzumab (Perjeta®), a humanized antibody binding to the dimerization arm of HER2 (Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2), has failed as a monotherapy agent in HER2 overexpressing malignancies. Since the molecular interaction of HER2 with ligand-bound EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) has been implied in mitogenic signaling and malignant proliferation, we hypothesized that this interaction, rather than HER2 expression and oligomerization alone, could be a potential molecular target and predictor of the efficacy of pertuzumab treatment. Therefore, we investigated static and dynamic interactions between HER2 and EGFR molecules upon EGF stimulus in the presence and absence of pertuzumab in HER2+ EGFR+ SK-BR-3 breast tumor cells using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy and fluorescence correlation and cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCS/FCCS). The consequential activation of signaling and changes in cell proliferation were measured by Western blotting and MTT assay. The autocorrelation functions of HER2 diffusion were best fitted by a three-component model corrected for triplet formation, and among these components the slowly diffusing membrane component revealed aggregation induced by EGFR ligand binding, as evidenced by photon-counting histograms and co-diffusing fractions. This aggregation has efficiently been prevented by pertuzumab treatment, which also inhibited the post-stimulus interaction of EGFR and HER2, as monitored by changes in FRET efficiency. Overall, the data demonstrated that pertuzumab, by hindering post-stimulus interaction between EGFR and HER2, inhibits EGFR-evoked HER2 aggregation and phosphorylation and leads to a dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation, particularly when higher amounts of EGF are present. Consequently, we propose that EGFR expression on HER2-positive tumors could be taken into consideration as a potential biomarker when predicting the outcome of pertuzumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Ujlaky-Nagy
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UD Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Szöllősi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UD Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Vereb
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UD Cell Biology and Signaling Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Palamiuc L, Johnson JL, Haratipour Z, Loughran RM, Choi WJ, Arora GK, Tieu V, Ly K, Llorente A, Crabtree S, Wong JC, Ravi A, Wiederhold T, Murad R, Blind RD, Emerling BM. Hippo and PI5P4K signaling intersect to control the transcriptional activation of YAP. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eado6266. [PMID: 38805583 PMCID: PMC11283293 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ado6266] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Phosphoinositides are essential signaling molecules. The PI5P4K family of phosphoinositide kinases and their substrates and products, PI5P and PI4,5P2, respectively, are emerging as intracellular metabolic and stress sensors. We performed an unbiased screen to investigate the signals that these kinases relay and the specific upstream regulators controlling this signaling node. We found that the core Hippo pathway kinases MST1/2 phosphorylated PI5P4Ks and inhibited their signaling in vitro and in cells. We further showed that PI5P4K activity regulated several Hippo- and YAP-related phenotypes, specifically decreasing the interaction between the key Hippo proteins MOB1 and LATS and stimulating the YAP-mediated genetic program governing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistically, we showed that PI5P interacted with MOB1 and enhanced its interaction with LATS, thereby providing a signaling connection between the Hippo pathway and PI5P4Ks. These findings reveal how these two important evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways are integrated to regulate metazoan development and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jared L. Johnson
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zeinab Haratipour
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nashville, TN 37232
- Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, 37044
| | | | - Woong Jae Choi
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nashville, TN 37232
| | | | | | - Kyanh Ly
- Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | | | - Jenny C.Y. Wong
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | | | | | - Rabi Murad
- Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Raymond D. Blind
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nashville, TN 37232
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5
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Yang L, Bhattacharya A, Peterson D, Li Y, Liu X, Marangoni E, Robila V, Zhang Y. Targeted dual degradation of HER2 and EGFR obliterates oncogenic signaling, overcomes therapy resistance, and inhibits metastatic lesions in HER2-positive breast cancer models. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 74:101078. [PMID: 38503142 PMCID: PMC11070302 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101078] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase amplified in approximately 20% of breast cancer (BC). HER2-targeted therapies are the linchpin of treating HER2-positive BC. However, drug resistance is common, and the main resistance mechanism is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that drug resistance results mainly from inadequate or lack of inhibition of HER2 and its family member epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). METHODS We used clinically relevant cell and tumor models to assess the impact of targeted degradation of HER2 and EGFR on trastuzumab resistance. Trastuzumab is the most common clinically used HER2 inhibitor. Targeted degradation of HER2 and EGFR was achieved using recombinant human protein PEPDG278D, which binds to the extracellular domains of the receptors. siRNA knockdown was used to assess the relative importance of EGFR and HER2 in trastuzumab resistance. RESULTS Both HER2 and EGFR are overexpressed in all trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive BC cell and tumor models and that all trastuzumab-resistant models are highly vulnerable to targeted degradation of HER2 and EGFR. Degradation of HER2 and EGFR induced by PEPDG278D causes extensive inhibition of oncogenic signaling in trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive BC cells. This is accompanied by strong growth inhibition of cultured cells, orthotopic patient-derived xenografts, and metastatic lesions in the brain and lung of trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive BC. siRNA knockdown indicates that eliminating both HER2 and EGFR is necessary to maximize therapeutic outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study unravels the therapeutic vulnerability of trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive BC and shows that an agent that targets the degradation of both HER2 and EGFR is highly effective in overcoming drug resistance in this disease. The findings provide new insights and innovations for advancing treatment of drug-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer that remains an unmet problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Arup Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Darrell Peterson
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Pharmacy, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Xiaozhuo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Valentina Robila
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Yuesheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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6
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Marquez-Palencia M, Herrera LR, Parida PK, Ghosh S, Kim K, Das NM, Gonzalez-Ericsson PI, Sanders ME, Mobley BC, Diegeler S, Aguilera TA, Peng Y, Lewis CM, Arteaga CL, Hanker AB, Whitehurst AW, Lorens JB, Brekken RA, Davis AJ, Malladi S. AXL/WRNIP1 Mediates Replication Stress Response and Promotes Therapy Resistance and Metachronous Metastasis in HER2+ Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2024; 84:675-687. [PMID: 38190717 PMCID: PMC11221606 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1459] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance and metastatic progression are primary causes of cancer-related mortality. Disseminated tumor cells possess adaptive traits that enable them to reprogram their metabolism, maintain stemness, and resist cell death, facilitating their persistence to drive recurrence. The survival of disseminated tumor cells also depends on their ability to modulate replication stress in response to therapy while colonizing inhospitable microenvironments. In this study, we discovered that the nuclear translocation of AXL, a TAM receptor tyrosine kinase, and its interaction with WRNIP1, a DNA replication stress response factor, promotes the survival of HER2+ breast cancer cells that are resistant to HER2-targeted therapy and metastasize to the brain. In preclinical models, knocking down or pharmacologically inhibiting AXL or WRNIP1 attenuated protection of stalled replication forks. Furthermore, deficiency or inhibition of AXL and WRNIP1 also prolonged metastatic latency and delayed relapse. Together, these findings suggest that targeting the replication stress response, which is a shared adaptive mechanism in therapy-resistant and metastasis-initiating cells, could reduce metachronous metastasis and enhance the response to standard-of-care therapies. SIGNIFICANCE Nuclear AXL and WRNIP1 interact and mediate replication stress response, promote therapy resistance, and support metastatic progression, indicating that targeting the AXL/WRNIP1 axis is a potentially viable therapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Marquez-Palencia
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Luis Reza Herrera
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Pravat Kumar Parida
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Suvranil Ghosh
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Kangsan Kim
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Nikitha M. Das
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Paula I. Gonzalez-Ericsson
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Melinda E. Sanders
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Bret C. Mobley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sebastian Diegeler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Todd A. Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Cheryl M Lewis
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Carlos L. Arteaga
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ariella B. Hanker
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - James B Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390 USA
| | - Anthony J. Davis
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Srinivas Malladi
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Lead Contact
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Repici A, Ardizzone A, De Luca F, Colarossi L, Prestifilippo A, Pizzino G, Paterniti I, Esposito E, Capra AP. Signaling Pathways of AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Contribute to the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Glioblastoma. Cells 2024; 13:361. [PMID: 38391974 PMCID: PMC10886920 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040361] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a diverse collection of neoplasms affecting the brain with a high prevalence rate in people of all ages around the globe. In this pathological context, glioblastoma, a form of glioma that belongs to the IV-grade astrocytoma group, is the most common and most aggressive form of the primary brain tumors. Indeed, despite the best treatments available including surgery, radiotherapy or a pharmacological approach with Temozolomide, glioblastoma patients' mortality is still high, within a few months of diagnosis. Therefore, to increase the chances of these patients surviving, it is critical to keep finding novel treatment opportunities. In the past, efforts to treat glioblastoma have mostly concentrated on customized treatment plans that target specific mutations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase (NTRK) fusions, or multiple receptors using multi-kinase inhibitors like Sunitinib and Regorafenib, with varying degrees of success. Here, we focused on the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL that has been identified as a mediator for tumor progression and therapy resistance in various cancer types, including squamous cell tumors, small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. Activated AXL leads to a significant increase in tumor proliferation, tumor cell migration, and angiogenesis in different in vitro and in vivo models of cancer since this receptor regulates interplay with apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory pathways. Based on these premises, in this review we mainly focused on the role of AXL in the course of glioblastoma, considering its primary biological mechanisms and as a possible target for the application of the most recent treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Repici
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Alessio Ardizzone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Fabiola De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Angela Prestifilippo
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
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8
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Widstrom NE, Andrianov GV, Heier JL, Heier C, Karanicolas J, Parker LL. Novel Substrate Prediction for the TAM Family of RTKs Using Phosphoproteomics and Structure-Based Modeling. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:117-128. [PMID: 38159292 PMCID: PMC10921923 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00549] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases is implicated in multiple distinct oncogenic signaling pathways. However, to date, there are no FDA-approved small molecule inhibitors for the TAM kinases. Inhibitor design and screening rely on tools to study the kinase activity. Our goal was to address this gap by designing a set of synthetic peptide substrates for each of the TAM family members: Tyro3, Axl, and Mer. We used an in vitro phosphoproteomics workflow to determine the substrate profile of each TAM kinase and input the identified substrates into our data processing pipeline, KINATEST-ID, producing a position-specific scoring matrix for each target kinase and generating a list of candidate synthetic peptide substrates. We synthesized and characterized a set of those substrate candidates, systematically measuring their initial phosphorylation rate with each TAM kinase by LC-MS. We also used the multimer modeling function of AlphaFold2 (AF2) to predict peptide-kinase interactions at the active site for each of the novel candidate peptide sequences against each of the TAM family kinases and observed that, remarkably, every sequence for which it predicted a putative catalytically competent interaction was also demonstrated biochemically to be a substrate for one or more of the TAM kinases. This work shows that kinase substrate design can be achieved using a combination of preference motifs and structural modeling, and it provides the first demonstration of peptide-protein interaction modeling with AF2 for predicting the likelihood of constructive catalytic interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E. Widstrom
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455 USA
| | - Grigorii V. Andrianov
- Cancer Signaling & Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19111 USA
| | - Jason L. Heier
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455 USA
| | - Celina Heier
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455 USA
| | - John Karanicolas
- Cancer Signaling & Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19111 USA
| | - Laurie L. Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455 USA
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Terragno M, Vetrova A, Semenov O, Sayan AE, Kriajevska M, Tulchinsky E. Mesenchymal-epithelial transition and AXL inhibitor TP-0903 sensitise triple-negative breast cancer cells to the antimalarial compound, artesunate. Sci Rep 2024; 14:425. [PMID: 38172210 PMCID: PMC10764797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50710-3] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a difficult-to-treat, aggressive cancer type. TNBC is often associated with the cellular program of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that confers drug resistance and metastasis. EMT and reverse mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) programs are regulated by several signaling pathways which converge on a group of transcription factors, EMT- TFs. Therapy approaches could rely on the EMT reversal to sensitise mesenchymal tumours to compounds effective against epithelial cancers. Here, we show that the antimalarial ROS-generating compound artesunate (ART) exhibits higher cytotoxicity in epithelial than mesenchymal breast cancer cell lines. Ectopic expression of EMT-TF ZEB1 in epithelial or ZEB1 depletion in mesenchymal cells, respectively, reduced or increased ART-generated ROS levels, DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. In epithelial cells, ZEB1 enhanced expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase 8 (GPX8) implicated in ROS scavenging. Although SOD2 or GPX8 levels were unaffected in mesenchymal cells in response to ZEB1 depletion, stable ZEB1 knockdown enhanced total ROS. Receptor tyrosine kinase AXL maintains a mesenchymal phenotype and is overexpressed in TNBC. The clinically-relevant AXL inhibitor TP-0903 induced MET and synergised with ART to generate ROS, DNA damage and apoptosis in TNBC cells. TP-0903 reduced the expression of GPX8 and SOD2. Thus, TP-0903 and ZEB1 knockdown sensitised TNBC cells to ART, likely via different pathways. Synergistic interactions between TP-0903 and ART indicate that combination approaches involving these compounds can have therapeutic prospects for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Terragno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan.
| | - Anastassiya Vetrova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Oleg Semenov
- Regulation of Gene Expression Laboratory, Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - A Emre Sayan
- Cancer Sciences Division, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marina Kriajevska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Eugene Tulchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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10
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Bardol T, Eslami‐S Z, Masmoudi D, Alexandre M, Duboys de Labarre M, Bobrie A, D'Hondt V, Guiu S, Kurma K, Cayrefourcq L, Jacot W, Alix‐Panabières C. First evidence of AXL expression on circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer patients: A proof-of-concept study. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6843. [PMID: 38132919 PMCID: PMC10807582 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6843] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For several years, the AXL tyrosine kinase receptor, a member of the Tyro3-Axl-Mer (TAM) family, has been considered a new strategic target in oncology. AXL overexpression is common in solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. In this context, the detection of a subset of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that express AXL (AXL+ CTCs) could be clinically relevant. METHODS Immunostaining was performed to assess AXL expression in human breast cancer cell lines. The optimal conditions were established using flow cytometry. Spiking experiments were carried out to optimize the parameters of the CellSearch® system detection test. CTC enumeration and AXL expression were evaluated in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) before treatment initiation. RESULTS An innovative AXL+ CTC detection assay to be used with the CellSearch® system was developed. In a prospective longitudinal clinical trial, blood samples from 60 patients with untreated mBC were analyzed to detect AXL+ CTCs with this new assay. CTCs were detected in 35/60 patients (58.3%) and AXL+ CTCs were identified in 7 of these 35 patients (11.7% of all patients). CONCLUSION This newly established AXL+ CTC assay is a promising tool that can be used for liquid biopsy in future clinical trials to stratify and monitor patients with cancer receiving anti-AXL therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bardol
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Zahra Eslami‐S
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - Doryan Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Marie Alexandre
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Marie Duboys de Labarre
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Angélique Bobrie
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Véronique D'Hondt
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Séverine Guiu
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Keerthi Kurma
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - William Jacot
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Catherine Alix‐Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
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11
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Tang Z, Zhong MC, Qian J, Galindo CC, Davidson D, Li J, Zhao Y, Hui E, Veillette A. CD47 masks pro-phagocytic ligands in cis on tumor cells to suppress antitumor immunity. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:2032-2041. [PMID: 37945822 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01671-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells often overexpress CD47, which triggers the inhibitory receptor SIRPα expressed on macrophages, to elude phagocytosis and antitumor immunity. Pharmacological blockade of CD47 or SIRPα is showing promise as anticancer therapy, although CD47 blockade has been associated with hematological toxicities that may reflect its broad expression pattern on normal cells. Here we found that, in addition to triggering SIRPα, CD47 suppressed phagocytosis by a SIRPα-independent mechanism. This mechanism prevented phagocytosis initiated by the pro-phagocytic ligand, SLAMF7, on tumor cells, due to a cis interaction between CD47 and SLAMF7. The CD47-SLAMF7 interaction was disrupted by CD47 blockade and by a first-in-class agonist SLAMF7 antibody, but not by SIRPα blockade, thereby promoting antitumor immunity. Hence, CD47 suppresses phagocytosis not only by engaging SIRPα, but also by masking cell-intrinsic pro-phagocytic ligands on tumor cells and knowledge of this mechanism may influence the decision between CD47 blockade or SIRPα blockade for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghai Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ming-Chao Zhong
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jin Qian
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cristian Camilo Galindo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Dominique Davidson
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Enfu Hui
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - André Veillette
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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12
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Arribas J, Prat A, Cejalvo JM. AXL - a new player in resistance to HER2 blockade. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 121:102639. [PMID: 37864955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102639] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
HER2 is a driver in solid tumors, mainly breast, oesophageal and gastric cancer, through activation of oncogenic signaling pathways such as PI3K or MAPK. HER2 overexpression associates with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Despite targeted anti-HER2 therapy has improved outcomes and is the current standard of care, resistance emerge in some patients, requiring additional therapeutic strategies. Several mechanisms, including the upregulation of receptors tyrosine kinases such as AXL, are involved in resistance. AXL signaling leads to cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and correlates with poor prognosis. In addition, AXL overexpression accompanied by a mesenchymal phenotype result in resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Preclinical studies show that AXL drives anti-HER2 resistance and metastasis through dimerization with HER2 and activation of downstream pathways in breast cancer. Moreover, AXL inhibition restores response to HER2 blockade in vitro and in vivo. Limited data in gastric and oesophageal cancer also support these evidences. Furthermore, AXL shows a strong value as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in HER2+ breast cancer patients, adding a remarkable translational relevance. Therefore, current studies enforce the potential of co-targeting AXL and HER2 to overcome resistance and supports the use of AXL inhibitors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J Arenas
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain.
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Spain.
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain; SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Spain.
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Spain.
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13
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Im K, Choi YJ, Kim DH, Kim DS, Ban K, Ji W, Baek IJ, Choi CM, Lee JC, Rho JK. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition improves the anti-tumor effects of CD8 + T cells by inducing CD103 + dendritic cell-mediated T cell priming. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:7-14. [PMID: 37703603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.021] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
AXL is a member of TAM receptor family and has been highlighted as a potential target for cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence has uncovered the critical role of the AXL signaling pathway in tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance against anti-cancer drugs, as well as its association with cancer immune escape. However, the function of AXL as a manipulator of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of AXL on immune cells in the TME of a syngeneic tumor model using AXL knockout (AXL-/-) mice. Compared to AXL wild-type (AXL+/+) mice, tumor growth was significantly suppressed in AXL-/- mice, and an induced population of tumor-infiltrated CD8+ T cells and CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) was observed. The change of CD8+ T cells and CD103+ DCs was also confirmed in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLN). In addition, the clonal expansion of OVA-specific CD8+ T cells was dominant in AXL-/- mice. Finally, anti-PD-1 treatment evidenced synergistic anti-cancer effects in AXL-/- mice. Overall, our data indicate that AXL signaling may inhibit the clonal expansion of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells through the regulation of the migration of CD8+ T cells and DCs in TME. Thus, AXL may be a powerful molecular target to improve anti-cancer effects through single or combined therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungtaek Im
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Yun Jung Choi
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Dong Ha Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Da-Som Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Kyosun Ban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Wonjun Ji
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Chang-Min Choi
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Jae Cheol Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Rho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
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14
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DeRyckere D, Huelse JM, Earp HS, Graham DK. TAM family kinases as therapeutic targets at the interface of cancer and immunity. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:755-779. [PMID: 37667010 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00813-7] [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] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel treatment approaches are needed to overcome innate and acquired mechanisms of resistance to current anticancer therapies in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment. The TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potential therapeutic targets in a wide range of cancers. In cancer cells, TAM RTKs activate signalling pathways that promote cell survival, metastasis and resistance to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies. TAM RTKs also function in innate immune cells, contributing to various mechanisms that suppress antitumour immunity and promote resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, TAM antagonists provide an unprecedented opportunity for both direct and immune-mediated therapeutic activity provided by inhibition of a single target, and are likely to be particularly effective when used in combination with other cancer therapies. To exploit this potential, a variety of agents have been designed to selectively target TAM RTKs, many of which have now entered clinical testing. This Review provides an essential guide to the TAM RTKs for clinicians, including an overview of the rationale for therapeutic targeting of TAM RTKs in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, a description of the current preclinical and clinical experience with TAM inhibitors, and a perspective on strategies for continued development of TAM-targeted agents for oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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15
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Peters TL, Chen N, Tyler LC, Le AT, Dimou A, Doebele RC. Intrinsic resistance to ROS1 inhibition in a patient with CD74-ROS1 mediated by AXL overexpression. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:3259-3265. [PMID: 37727007 PMCID: PMC10665781 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of patients with ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) derive clinical benefit from currently approved ROS1 therapies, including crizotinib and entrectinib. However, a small proportion of patients treated with ROS1 inhibitors fail to derive any clinical benefit and demonstrate rapid disease progression. The biological mechanisms underpinning intrinsic resistance remain poorly understood for oncogene-driven cancers. METHODS We generated a patient-derived cell line, CUTO33, from a ROS1 therapy naive patient with CD74-ROS1+ NSCLC, who ultimately did not respond to a ROS1 inhibitor. We evaluated a panel of ROS1+ patient-derived NSCLC cell lines and used cell-based assays to determine the mechanism of intrinsic resistance to ROS1 therapy. RESULTS The CUTO33 cell line expressed the CD74-ROS1 gene fusion at the RNA and protein level. The ROS1 fusion protein was phosphorylated at baseline consistent with the known intrinsic activity of this oncogene. ROS1 phosphorylation could be inhibited using a wide array of ROS1 inhibitors, however these inhibitors did not block cell proliferation, confirming intrinsic resistance in this model and consistent with the patient's lack of response to a ROS1 inhibitor. CUTO33 expressed high levels of AXL, which has been associated with drug resistance. Combination of an AXL inhibitor or AXL knockdown with a ROS1 inhibitor partially reversed resistance. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we demonstrate that AXL overexpression is a mechanism of intrinsic resistance to ROS1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nan Chen
- Division of Medical OncologyUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | | | - Anh T. Le
- Cell Technologies Shared ResourcesUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Anastasios Dimou
- Division of Medical OncologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Robert C. Doebele
- Division of Medical OncologyUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraColoradoUSA
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16
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Creixell M, Taylor SD, Gerritsen J, Bae SY, Jiang M, Augustin T, Loui M, Boixo C, Creixell P, White FM, Meyer AS. Dissecting signaling regulators driving AXL-mediated bypass resistance and associated phenotypes by phosphosite perturbations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.20.563266. [PMID: 37961516 PMCID: PMC10634689 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.20.563266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-targeted therapies are often effective but invariably limited by drug resistance. A major mechanism of acquired resistance involves "bypass" switching to alternative pathways driven by non-targeted RTKs that restore proliferation. One such RTK is AXL whose overexpression, frequently observed in bypass resistant tumors, drives both cell survival and associated malignant phenotypes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition and migration. However, the signaling molecules and pathways eliciting these responses have remained elusive. To explore these coordinated effects, we generated a panel of mutant lung adenocarcinoma PC9 cell lines in which each AXL intracellular tyrosine residue was mutated to phenylalanine. By integrating measurements of phosphorylation signaling and other phenotypic changes associated with resistance through multivariate modeling, we mapped signaling perturbations to specific resistant phenotypes. Our results suggest that AXL signaling can be summarized into two clusters associated with progressive disease and poor clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients. These clusters displayed favorable Abl1 and SFK motifs and their phosphorylation was consistently decreased by dasatinib. High-throughput kinase specificity profiling showed that AXL likely activates the SFK cluster through FAK1 which is known to complex with Src. Moreover, the SFK cluster overlapped with a previously established focal adhesion kinase (FAK1) signature conferring EMT-mediated erlotinib resistance in lung cancer cells. Finally, we show that downstream of this kinase signaling, AXL and YAP form a positive feedback loop that sustains drug tolerant persister cells. Altogether, this work demonstrates an approach for dissecting signaling regulators by which AXL drives erlotinib resistance-associated phenotypic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Creixell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Scott D. Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Jacqueline Gerritsen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Song Yi Bae
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Mingxuan Jiang
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Augustin
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Loui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Carmen Boixo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Pau Creixell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, United Kingdom
| | - Forest M White
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Aaron S Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
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17
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Yang YY, Lin SC, Lay JD, Cho CY, Jang TH, Ku HY, Yao CJ, Chuang SE. Intervention of AXL in EGFR Signaling via Phosphorylation and Stabilization of MIG6 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14879. [PMID: 37834326 PMCID: PMC10573631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914879] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
About 80% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EGFR mutation and overexpression are common in NSCLC, thus making EGFR signaling a key target for therapy. While EGFR kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are widely used and efficacious in treatment, increases in resistance and tumor recurrence with alternative survival pathway activation, such as that of AXL and MET, occur frequently. AXL is one of the EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) signature genes, and EMT morphological changes are also responsible for EGFR-TKI resistance. MIG6 is a negative regulator of ERBB signaling and has been reported to be positively correlated with EGFR-TKI resistance, and downregulation of MIG6 by miR-200 enhances EMT transition. While MIG6 and AXL are both correlated with EMT and EGFR signaling pathways, how AXL, MIG6 and EGFR interplay in lung cancer remains elusive. Correlations between AXL and MIG6 expression were analyzed using Oncomine or the CCLE. A luciferase reporter assay was used for determining MIG6 promoter activity. Ectopic overexpression, RNA interference, Western blot analysis, qRT-PCR, a proximity ligation assay and a coimmunoprecipitation assay were performed to analyze the effects of certain gene expressions on protein-protein interaction and to explore the underlying mechanisms. An in vitro kinase assay and LC-MS/MS were utilized to determine the phosphorylation sites of AXL. In this study, we demonstrate that MIG6 is a novel substrate of AXL and is stabilized upon phosphorylation at Y310 and Y394/395 by AXL. This study reveals a connection between MIG6 and AXL in lung cancer. AXL phosphorylates and stabilizes MIG6 protein, and in this way EGFR signaling may be modulated. This study may provide new insights into the EGFR regulatory network and may help to advance cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yu Yang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.Y.); (S.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (T.-H.J.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Sheng-Chieh Lin
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.Y.); (S.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (T.-H.J.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Jong-Ding Lay
- Department of Nursing, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung 40343, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-Yu Cho
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.Y.); (S.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (T.-H.J.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Te-Hsuan Jang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.Y.); (S.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (T.-H.J.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ying Ku
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.Y.); (S.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (T.-H.J.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Chih-Jung Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Shuang-En Chuang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli 35053, Taiwan; (Y.-Y.Y.); (S.-C.L.); (C.-Y.C.); (T.-H.J.); (H.-Y.K.)
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18
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Breitenecker K, Hedrich V, Pupp F, Chen D, Řezníčková E, Ortmayr G, Huber H, Weber G, Balcar L, Pinter M, Mikulits W. Synergism of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl with ErbB receptors mediates resistance to regorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1238883. [PMID: 37746265 PMCID: PMC10514905 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1238883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients at advanced stages receive immunotherapy or treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Sorafenib (Sora) or Lenvatinib in frontline as well as Regorafenib (Rego) or Cabozantinib in second-line. A major hindrance of TKI therapies is the development of resistance, which renders drug treatment futile and results in HCC progression. Methods In this study, we addressed the impact of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl binding to its ligand Gas6 in acquiring refractoriness to TKIs. The initial responses of Axl-positive and Axl-negative cell lines to different TKIs were assessed. Upon inducing resistance, RNA-Seq, gain- and loss-of-function studies were applied to understand and intervene with the molecular basis of refractoriness. Secretome analysis was performed to identify potential biomarkers of resistance. Results We show that HCC cells exhibiting a mesenchymal-like phenotype were less sensitive to drug treatment, linking TKI resistance to changes in epithelial plasticity. Gas6/Axl expression and activation were upregulated in Rego-resistant HCC cells together with the induction of ErbB receptors, whereas HCC cells lacking Axl failed to stimulate ErbBs. Treatment of Rego-insensitive HCC cells with the pan-ErbB family inhibitor Afatinib rather than with Erlotinib blocking ErbB1 reduced cell viability and clonogenicity. Genetic intervention with ErbB2-4 but not ErbB1 confirmed their crucial involvement in refractoriness to Rego. Furthermore, Rego-resistant HCC cells secreted basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) depending on Axl expression. HCC patients treated with Sora in first-line and with Rego in second-line displayed elevated serum levels of bFGF, emphasizing bFGF as a predictive biomarker of TKI treatment. Discussion Together, these data suggest that the inhibition of ErbBs is synthetic lethal with Rego in Axl-expressing HCC cells, showing a novel vulnerability of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Breitenecker
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viola Hedrich
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Pupp
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Chen
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Řezníčková
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Gregor Ortmayr
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidemarie Huber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Weber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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19
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He Y, Goyette MA, Chapelle J, Boufaied N, Al Rahbani J, Schonewolff M, Danek EI, Muller WJ, Labbé DP, Côté JF, Lamarche-Vane N. CdGAP is a talin-binding protein and a target of TGF-β signaling that promotes HER2-positive breast cancer growth and metastasis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112936. [PMID: 37552602 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112936] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in metastasis, which is the leading cause of death in breast cancer patients. Here, we show that Cdc42 GTPase-activating protein (CdGAP) promotes tumor formation and metastasis to lungs in the HER2-positive (HER2+) murine breast cancer model. CdGAP facilitates intravasation, extravasation, and growth at metastatic sites. CdGAP depletion in HER2+ murine primary tumors mediates crosstalk with a Dlc1-RhoA pathway and is associated with a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced EMT transcriptional signature. CdGAP is positively regulated by TGF-β signaling during EMT and interacts with the adaptor talin to modulate focal adhesion dynamics and integrin activation. Moreover, HER2+ breast cancer patients with high CdGAP mRNA expression combined with a high TGF-β-EMT signature are more likely to present lymph node invasion. Our results suggest CdGAP as a candidate therapeutic target for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer by inhibiting TGF-β and integrin/talin signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Marie-Anne Goyette
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Jennifer Chapelle
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Nadia Boufaied
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jalal Al Rahbani
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Maribel Schonewolff
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Eric I Danek
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - William J Muller
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - David P Labbé
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jean-François Côté
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada; Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Nathalie Lamarche-Vane
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada.
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20
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Lei X, Wang Y, Broens C, Borst J, Xiao Y. Immune checkpoints targeting dendritic cells for antibody-based modulation in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 382:145-179. [PMID: 38225102 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells which link innate to adaptive immunity. DC play a central role in regulating antitumor T-cell responses in both tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN) and the tumor microenvironment (TME). They modulate effector T-cell responses via immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) that can be either stimulatory or inhibitory. Functions of DC are often impaired by the suppressive TME leading to tumor immune escape. Therefore, better understanding of the mechanisms of action of ICPs expressed by (tumor-infiltrating) DC will lead to potential new treatment strategies. Genetic manipulation and high-dimensional analyses have provided insight in the interactions between DC and T-cells in TDLN and the TME upon ICP targeting. In this review, we discuss (tumor-infiltrating) DC lineage cells and tumor tissue specific "mature" DC states and their gene signatures in relation to anti-tumor immunity. We also review a number of ICPs expressed by DC regarding their functions in phagocytosis, DC activation, or inhibition and outline position in, or promise for clinical trials in cancer immunotherapy. Collectively, we highlight the critical role of DC and their exact status in the TME for the induction and propagation of T-cell immunity to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lei
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yizhi Wang
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chayenne Broens
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yanling Xiao
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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21
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Yeo XH, Sundararajan V, Wu Z, Phua ZJC, Ho YY, Peh KLE, Chiu YC, Tan TZ, Kappei D, Ho YS, Tan DSP, Tam WL, Huang RYJ. The effect of inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinase AXL on DNA damage response in ovarian cancer. Commun Biol 2023; 6:660. [PMID: 37349576 PMCID: PMC10287694 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05045-0] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is often overexpressed in cancers. It contributes to pathophysiology in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, making it an emerging therapeutic target. The first-in-class AXL inhibitor bemcentinib (R428/BGB324) has been granted fast track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in STK11-mutated advanced metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and was also reported to show selective sensitivity towards ovarian cancers (OC) with a Mesenchymal molecular subtype. In this study, we further explored AXL's role in mediating DNA damage responses by using OC as a disease model. AXL inhibition using R428 resulted in the increase of DNA damage with the concurrent upregulation of DNA damage response signalling molecules. Furthermore, AXL inhibition rendered cells more sensitive to the inhibition of ATR, a crucial mediator for replication stress. Combinatory use of AXL and ATR inhibitors showed additive effects in OC. Through SILAC co-immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry, we identified a novel binding partner of AXL, SAM68, whose loss in OC cells harboured phenotypes in DNA damage responses similar to AXL inhibition. In addition, AXL- and SAM68-deficiency or R428 treatment induced elevated levels of cholesterol and upregulated genes in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. There might be a protective role of cholesterol in shielding cancer cells against DNA damage induced by AXL inhibition or SMA68 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Hui Yeo
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Vignesh Sundararajan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zhengwei Wu
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Zi Jin Cheryl Phua
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yin Ying Ho
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kai Lay Esther Peh
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yi-Chia Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Dennis Kappei
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ying Swan Ho
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros, Singapore, 138668, Republic of Singapore
| | - David Shao Peng Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Republic of Singapore
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
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22
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Tang Y, Zang H, Wen Q, Fan S. AXL in cancer: a modulator of drug resistance and therapeutic target. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:148. [PMID: 37328828 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02726-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinases family (RTKs), and its abnormal expression has been linked to clinicopathological features and poor prognosis of cancer patients. There is mounting evidence supporting AXL's role in the occurrence and progression of cancer, as well as drug resistance and treatment tolerance. Recent studies revealed that reducing AXL expression can weaken cancer cells' drug resistance, indicating that AXL may be a promising target for anti-cancer drug treatment. This review aims to summarize the AXL's structure, the mechanisms regulating and activating it, and its expression pattern, especially in drug-resistant cancers. Additionally, we will discuss the diverse functions of AXL in mediating cancer drug resistance and the potential of AXL inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxiang Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Hongjing Zang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qiuyuan Wen
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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23
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Zhai X, Pu D, Wang R, Zhang J, Lin Y, Wang Y, Zhai N, Peng X, Zhou Q, Li L. Gas6/AXL pathway: immunological landscape and therapeutic potential. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1121130. [PMID: 37265798 PMCID: PMC10231434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1121130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with ecological and evolutionary unity, which seriously affects the survival and quality of human beings. Currently, many reports have suggested Gas6 plays an important role in cancer. Binding of gas6 to TAM receptors is associated with the carcinogenetic mechanisms of multiple malignancies, such as in breast cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, etc., and shortened overall survival. It is accepted that the Gas6/TAM pathway can promote the malignant transformation of various types of cancer cells. Gas6 has the highest affinity for Axl, an important member of the TAM receptor family. Knockdown of the TAM receptors Axl significantly affects cell cycle progression in tumor cells. Interestingly, Gas6 also has an essential function in the tumor microenvironment. The Gas6/AXL pathway regulates angiogenesis, immune-related molecular markers and the secretion of certain cytokines in the tumor microenvironment, and also modulates the functions of a variety of immune cells. In addition, evidence suggests that the Gas6/AXL pathway is involved in tumor therapy resistance. Recently, multiple studies have begun to explore in depth the importance of the Gas6/AXL pathway as a potential tumor therapeutic target as well as its broad promise in immunotherapy; therefore, a timely review of the characteristics of the Gas6/AXL pathway and its value in tumor treatment strategies is warranted. This comprehensive review assessed the roles of Gas6 and AXL receptors and their associated pathways in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, summarized the impact of Gas6/AXL on the tumor microenvironment, and highlighted the recent research progress on the relationship between Gas6/AXL and cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Zhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Pu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rulan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Yiyun Lin
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ni Zhai
- Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, The 987th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Baoji, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuan Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, Hubei, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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24
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Harnessing epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:318-340. [PMID: 36823234 PMCID: PMC10066239 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a powerful option for cancer treatment. Despite demonstrable progress, most patients fail to respond or achieve durable responses due to primary or acquired ICB resistance. Recently, tumor epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) was identified as a critical determinant in regulating immune escape and immunotherapy resistance in cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging role of tumor EMP in ICB resistance and the tumor-intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms by which tumors exploit EMP to achieve immunosuppression and immune escape. We discuss strategies to modulate tumor EMP to alleviate immune resistance and to enhance the efficiency of ICB therapy. Our discussion provides new prospects to enhance the ICB response for therapeutic gain in cancer patients.
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25
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He R, Song Z, Bai Y, He S, Huang J, Wang Y, Zhou F, Huang W, Guo J, Wang Z, Tu ZC, Ren X, Zhang Z, Xu J, Ding K. Discovery of AXL Degraders with Improved Potencies in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Cells. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1873-1891. [PMID: 36695404 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
AXL kinase is heavily involved in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance of many cancers, and several AXL inhibitors are in clinical investigations. Recent studies demonstrated that the N-terminal distal region of AXL plays more important roles in cell invasiveness than its C-terminal kinase domain. Therefore, degradation of AXL may present a novel superior therapeutic approach than the kinase inhibitor therapy. Herein, we report the discovery of a series of new AXL PROTAC degraders. One representative compound 6n potently depletes AXL with a DC50 value of 5 nM in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. It also demonstrates significantly improved potencies against the AXL signaling activation, cell proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells comparing with the corresponding kinase inhibitor. Moreover, the compound exhibits promising therapeutic potential both in patient-derived organoids and a xenograft mouse model of MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui He
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhiqiang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic & Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic & Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Sheng He
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jing Huang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yongxing Wang
- Livzon Research Institute, Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Inc., 38 Chuangye North Road, Jinwan District, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Fengtao Zhou
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Weixue Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic & Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Guo
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic & Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zheng-Chao Tu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaomei Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic & Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Livzon Research Institute, Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Inc., 38 Chuangye North Road, Jinwan District, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ke Ding
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 855 Xingye Avenue, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510632, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic & Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai 200032, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital (Huaqiao Hospital), Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou 510632, China
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26
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Gan S, Macalinao DG, Shahoei SH, Tian L, Jin X, Basnet H, Muller JT, Atri P, Seffar E, Chatila W, Hadjantonakis AK, Schultz N, Brogi E, Bale TA, Pe'er D, Massagué J. Distinct tumor architectures for metastatic colonization of the brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.27.525190. [PMID: 37034672 PMCID: PMC10081170 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.525190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is a dismal cancer complication, hinging on the initial survival and outgrowth of disseminated cancer cells. To understand these crucial early stages of colonization, we investigated two prevalent sources of cerebral relapse, triple-negative (TNBC) and HER2+ breast cancer (HER2BC). We show that these tumor types colonize the brain aggressively, yet with distinct tumor architectures, stromal interfaces, and autocrine growth programs. TNBC forms perivascular sheaths with diffusive contact with astrocytes and microglia. In contrast, HER2BC forms compact spheroids prompted by autonomous extracellular matrix components and segregating stromal cells to their periphery. Single-cell transcriptomic dissection reveals canonical Alzheimer's disease-associated microglia (DAM) responses. Differential engagement of tumor-DAM signaling through the receptor AXL suggests specific pro-metastatic functions of the tumor architecture in both TNBC perivascular and HER2BC spheroidal colonies. The distinct spatial features of these two highly efficient modes of brain colonization have relevance for leveraging the stroma to treat brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Gan
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Danilo G Macalinao
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sayyed Hamed Shahoei
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Harihar Basnet
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - James T Muller
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pranita Atri
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Evan Seffar
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Walid Chatila
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Computational Oncology Service, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tejus A Bale
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe'er
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Elkholi IE, Lalonde A, Park M, Côté JF. Breast Cancer Metastatic Dormancy and Relapse: An Enigma of Microenvironment(s). Cancer Res 2022; 82:4497-4510. [PMID: 36214624 PMCID: PMC9755970 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Multiple factors act in concert to define the fate of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) to enter dormancy or develop overt metastases. Here, we review these factors in the context of three stages of the metastatic cascade that impact DTCs. First, cells can be programmed within the primary tumor microenvironment to promote or inhibit dissemination, and the primary tumor can condition a premetastatic niche. Then, cancer cells from the primary tumor spread through hematogenous and lymphatic routes, and the primary tumor sends cues systematically to regulate the fate of DTCs. Finally, DTCs home to their metastatic site, where they are influenced by various organ-specific aspects of the new microenvironment. We discuss these factors in the context of breast cancer, where about one-third of patients develop metastatic relapse. Finally, we discuss how the standard-of-care options for breast cancer might affect the fate of DTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam E. Elkholi
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Corresponding Authors: Jean-François Côté, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal H2W 1R7, Québec, Canada. Phone: 514-987-5647; E-mail: ; and Islam E. Elkholi, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal (QC) Canada, H2W 1R7. Phone: 514-987-5656; E-mail:
| | - Andréane Lalonde
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-François Côté
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Corresponding Authors: Jean-François Côté, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal H2W 1R7, Québec, Canada. Phone: 514-987-5647; E-mail: ; and Islam E. Elkholi, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal (QC) Canada, H2W 1R7. Phone: 514-987-5656; E-mail:
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28
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Liao Y, Chuang Y, Lin H, Lin N, Hsu T, Hsieh S, Chen S, Hung J, Yang H, Liang J, Huang M, Huang J. GALNT2 promotes invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells partly through AXL. Mol Oncol 2022; 17:119-133. [PMID: 36409270 PMCID: PMC9812829 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
GalNAc-type O-glycosylation and its initiating GalNAc transferases (GALNTs) play crucial roles in a wide range of cellular behaviors. Among 20 GALNT members, GALNT2 is consistently associated with poor survival of patients with colorectal cancer in public databases. However, its clinicopathological significance in colorectal cancer remains unclear. In this study, immunohistochemistry showed that GALNT2 was overexpressed in colorectal tumors compared with the adjacent nontumor tissues. GALNT2 overexpression was associated with poor survival of colorectal cancer patients. Forced expression of GALNT2 promoted migration and invasion as well as peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. In contrast, GALNT2 knockdown with siRNAs or knockout with CRISPR/Cas9 system suppressed these malignant properties. Interestingly, we found that GALNT2 modified O-glycans on AXL and determined AXL levels via the proteasome-dependent pathway. In addition, the GALNT2-promoted invasiveness was significantly reversed by AXL siRNAs. These findings suggest that GALNT2 promotes colorectal cancer invasion at least partly through AXL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying‐Yu Liao
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ya‐Ting Chuang
- Department of Medical ResearchNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hsuan‐Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Neng‐Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Tzu‐Wen Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Szu‐Chia Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Syue‐Ting Chen
- Department of Anatomy, College of MedicineChang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Ji‐Shiang Hung
- Department of SurgeryNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Jin‐Tung Liang
- Department of SurgeryNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Min‐Chuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - John Huang
- Department of SurgeryNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
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29
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Ma YX, Liu FR, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Chen ZQ, Liu QW, Huang Y, Yang YP, Fang WF, Xi N, Kang N, Zhuang YL, Zhang Q, Jiang YZ, Zhang L, Zhao HY. Preclinical characterization and phase I clinical trial of CT053PTSA targets MET, AXL, and VEGFR2 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024755. [PMID: 36341335 PMCID: PMC9632963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CT053PTSA is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets MET, AXL, VEGFR2, FLT3 and MERTK. Here, we present preclinical data about CT053PTSA, and we conducted the first-in-human (FIH) study to evaluate the use of CT053PTSA in adult patients with pretreated advanced solid tumors. METHODS The selectivity and antitumor activity of CT053PTSA were assessed in cell lines in vitro through kinase and cellular screening panels and in cell line-derived tumor xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models in vivo. The FIH, phase I, single-center, single-arm, dose escalation (3 + 3 design) study was conducted, patients received at least one dose of CT053PTSA (15 mg QD, 30 mg QD, 60 mg QD, 100 mg QD, and 150 mg QD). The primary objectives were to assess safety and tolerability, to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and the recommended dose of CT053PTSA for further study. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics, antitumor activity. RESULTS CT053 (free-base form of CT053PTSA) inhibited MET, AXL, VEGFR2, FLT3 and MERTK phosphorylation and suppressed tumor cell angiogenesis by blocking VEGF and HGF, respectively, in vitro. Moreover, cell lines with high MET expression exhibited strong sensitivity to CT053, and CT053 blocked the MET and AXL signaling pathways. In an in vivo study, CT053 significantly inhibited tumor growth in CDX and PDX models. Twenty eligible patients were enrolled in the FIH phase I trial. The most common treatment-related adverse events were transaminase elevation (65%), leukopenia (45%) and neutropenia (35%). DLTs occurred in 3 patients, 1/6 in the 100 mg group and 2/4 in the 150 mg group, so the MTD was set to 100 mg. CT053PTSA was rapidly absorbed after the oral administration of a single dose, and the Cmax and AUC increased proportionally as the dose increased. A total of 17 patients in this trial underwent tumor imaging evaluation, and 29.4% had stable disease. CONCLUSIONS CT053PTSA has potent antitumor and antiangiogenic activity in preclinical models. In this FIH phase I trial, CT053PTSA was well tolerated and had a satisfactory safety profile. Further trials evaluating the clinical activity of CT053PTSA are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xiang Ma
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Rong Liu
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Chen
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Wen Liu
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Peng Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Feng Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Xi
- HEC R&D Center, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd, Donggguan, China
| | - Ning Kang
- HEC R&D Center, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd, Donggguan, China
| | - Yu-Lei Zhuang
- HEC R&D Center, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd, Donggguan, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- HEC R&D Center, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd, Donggguan, China
| | - Ying-Zhi Jiang
- HEC R&D Center, Sunshine Lake Pharma Co., Ltd, Donggguan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Yun Zhao
- Department of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in malignant tumors: molecular mechanisms and future perspective. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:329. [PMID: 36115852 PMCID: PMC9482625 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractProtein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a class of proteins with tyrosine kinase activity that phosphorylate tyrosine residues of critical molecules in signaling pathways. Their basal function is essential for maintaining normal cell growth and differentiation. However, aberrant activation of PTKs caused by various factors can deviate cell function from the expected trajectory to an abnormal growth state, leading to carcinogenesis. Inhibiting the aberrant PTK function could inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), target-specific inhibitors of PTKs, have been used in treating malignant tumors and play a significant role in targeted therapy of cancer. Currently, drug resistance is the main reason for limiting TKIs efficacy of cancer. The increasing studies indicated that tumor microenvironment, cell death resistance, tumor metabolism, epigenetic modification and abnormal metabolism of TKIs were deeply involved in tumor development and TKI resistance, besides the abnormal activation of PTK-related signaling pathways involved in gene mutations. Accordingly, it is of great significance to study the underlying mechanisms of TKIs resistance and find solutions to reverse TKIs resistance for improving TKIs efficacy of cancer. Herein, we reviewed the drug resistance mechanisms of TKIs and the potential approaches to overcome TKI resistance, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of TKIs.
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31
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McKernan CM, Khatri A, Hannigan M, Child J, Chen Q, Mayro B, Snyder D, Nicchitta CV, Pendergast AM. ABL kinases regulate translation in HER2+ cells through Y-box-binding protein 1 to facilitate colonization of the brain. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111268. [PMID: 36044842 PMCID: PMC9472557 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+/ERBB2) breast cancer often present with brain metastasis. HER2-targeted therapies have not been successful to treat brain metastases in part due to poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrance and emergence of resistance. Here, we report that Abelson (ABL) kinase allosteric inhibitors improve overall survival and impair HER2+ brain metastatic outgrowth in vivo. Mechanistically, ABL kinases phosphorylate the RNA-binding protein Y-box-binding protein 1 (YB-1). ABL kinase inhibition disrupts binding of YB-1 to the ERBB2 mRNA and impairs translation, leading to a profound decrease in HER2 protein levels. ABL-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of YB-1 promotes HER2 translation. Notably, loss of YB-1 inhibits brain metastatic outgrowth and impairs expression of a subset of ABL-dependent brain metastatic targets. These data support a role for ABL kinases in the translational regulation of brain metastatic targets through YB-1 and offer a therapeutic target for HER2+ brain metastasis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M McKernan
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Aaditya Khatri
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Molly Hannigan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jessica Child
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Benjamin Mayro
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - David Snyder
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Ann Marie Pendergast
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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32
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Mullins R, Pal A, Barrett TF, Neal MEH, Puram SV. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Tumor Immune Evasion. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2329-2343. [PMID: 35363853 PMCID: PMC9256788 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process that occurs during embryogenesis and tissue repair. However, EMT can be hijacked by malignant cells, where it may promote immune evasion and metastasis. Classically considered a dichotomous transition, EMT in cancer has recently been considered a plastic process whereby malignant cells display and interconvert among hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) states. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and associated hybrid E/M states are divergent from classical EMT, with unique immunomodulatory effects. Here, we review recent insights into the EMP-immune cross-talk, highlighting possible mechanisms of immune evasion conferred by hybrid E/M states and roles of immune cells in EMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley Mullins
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Ananya Pal
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Thomas F Barrett
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Molly E Heft Neal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.,Corresponding author: Sidharth V. Puram, MD PhD, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 8115, St. Louis, MO 63110, (314) 362-7509,
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Martínez-Sabadell A, Brasó-Maristany F, Cervera R, Tormo E, Hernando C, Martínez MT, Carbonell-Asins J, Simón S, Poveda J, Moragón S, Zazo S, Martínez D, Rovira A, Burgués O, Rojo F, Albanell J, Bermejo B, Lluch A, Prat A, Arribas J, Eroles P, Cejalvo JM. Targeting HER2-AXL heterodimerization to overcome resistance to HER2 blockade in breast cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk2746. [PMID: 35594351 PMCID: PMC9122332 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk2746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anti-HER2 therapies have markedly improved prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, different mechanisms play a role in treatment resistance. Here, we identified AXL overexpression as an essential mechanism of trastuzumab resistance. AXL orchestrates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and heterodimerizes with HER2, leading to activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in a ligand-independent manner. Genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of AXL restored trastuzumab response in vitro and in vivo. AXL inhibitor plus trastuzumab achieved complete regression in trastuzumab-resistant patient-derived xenograft models. Moreover, AXL expression in HER2-positive primary tumors was able to predict prognosis. Data from the PAMELA trial showed a change in AXL expression during neoadjuvant dual HER2 blockade, supporting its role in resistance. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of targeting AXL in combination with anti-HER2 drugs across HER2-amplified breast cancer patients with high AXL expression. Furthermore, it unveils the potential value of AXL as a druggable prognostic biomarker in HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J. Arenas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Alex Martínez-Sabadell
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Fara Brasó-Maristany
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Tormo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernando
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - María Teresa Martínez
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | | | - Soraya Simón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Jesús Poveda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Santiago Moragón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Débora Martínez
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Ana Rovira
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Octavio Burgués
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Ana Lluch
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona 08008, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Pilar Eroles
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
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Joshi S, Garlapati C, Aneja R. Epigenetic Determinants of Racial Disparity in Breast Cancer: Looking beyond Genetic Alterations. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081903. [PMID: 35454810 PMCID: PMC9025441 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A substantial disparity in breast cancer incidence and mortality exists between African American (AA) and European American (EA) women. However, the basis for these disparities is poorly understood. In this article, we describe that gene–environment interactions mediated through epigenetic modifications may play a significant role in racial disparities in BC incidence and outcomes. Our in silico analyses and an in-depth literature survey suggest that there exists a significant difference in epigenetic patterns between AA and EA women with breast cancer. Herein, we describe the environmental factors that contribute to these epigenetic changes, which may underlie the disparate racial burden in patients with breast cancer. We suggest that AA women with higher basal epigenetic changes, may have higher pre-disposition to cancer onset, and an aggressive disease course. Pre-existing racial differences in epigenetic profiles of breast tissues raises the possibility of examining these profiles for early diagnosis. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Despite advancements in BC screening, prevention, and treatment, BC incidence and mortality remain high among African American (AA) women. Compared with European American (EA) women, AA women tend to be diagnosed with more advanced and aggressive tumors and exhibit worse survival outcomes. Most studies investigating the determinants of racial disparities in BC have focused on genetic factors associated with African ancestry. However, various environmental and social stressors over an individual’s life course can also shape racial stratification in BC. These social and environmental exposures result in long-term changes in gene expression mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetics is often portrayed as an intersection of socially patterned stress and genetic expression. The enduring nature of epigenetic changes makes them suitable for studying the effects of different environmental exposures over an individual’s life course on gene expression. The role of differential social and environmental exposures in racial disparities in BC suggests varied epigenetic profiles or signatures associated with specific BC subtypes in AA and EA women. These epigenetic profiles in EA and AA women could be used as biomarkers for early BC diagnosis and disease prognosis and may prove valuable for the development of targeted therapies for BC. This review article discusses the current state of knowledge regarding epigenetic differences between AA and EA women with BC. We also discuss the role of socio-environmental factors, including psychosocial stress, environmental toxicants, and dietary factors, in delineating the different epigenetic profiles in AA and EA patients with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shriya Joshi
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (S.J.); (C.G.)
| | | | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA; (S.J.); (C.G.)
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostics Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Correspondence: or
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Sidhanth C, Bindhya S, Krishnapriya S, Manasa P, Shabna A, Alifia J, Patole C, Kumar V, Garg M, Ganesan TS. Phosphoproteome of signaling by ErbB2 in ovarian cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140768. [PMID: 35158093 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The gene for receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2 is amplified in breast and ovarian tumours. The linear pathway by which signals are transduced through ErbB2 are well known. However, second generation questions that address spatial aspects of signaling remain. To address this, we have undertaken a mass spectrometry approach to identify phosphoproteins specific for ErbB2 using the inhibitors Lapatinib and CP724714 in ovarian cancer cells. The ErbB2 specific proteins identified in SKOV-3 cells were Myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate, Protein capicua homolog, Protein peptidyl isomerase G, Protein PRRC2C, Chromobox homolog1 and PRP4 homolog. We have evaluated three phosphoproteins PKM2, Aldose reductase and MARCKS in SKOV-3 cells. We observed that PKM2 was phosphorylated by EGF but was not inhibited by Lapatinib and CP724714. The activity of aldose reductase in reducing NADPH as a substrate was significantly higher in EGF stimulated cells which was inhibited by Lapatinib and CP724714 but not by Geftinib (EGFR inhibitor). MARCKS was phosphorylated on stimulation of SKOV-3 cells with EGF that was inhibited by Lapatinib and CP724714 which was dependent on the kinase activity of ErbB2. These results have identified phosphoproteins that are specific to ErbB2 which have not been previously reported and sets the basis for future experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sidhanth
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Departments of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India
| | - S Bindhya
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Departments of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India
| | - S Krishnapriya
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Departments of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India
| | - P Manasa
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Departments of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India
| | - A Shabna
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Departments of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India
| | - J Alifia
- Mass Spectrometry Facility Proteomics, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, India
| | - C Patole
- Mass Spectrometry Facility Proteomics, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, India
| | - V Kumar
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Core Facility, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - M Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem cell Research, Amity University, Delhi, India
| | - T S Ganesan
- Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Departments of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai, India.
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Genest M, Comunale F, Planchon D, Govindin P, Noly D, Vacher S, Bièche I, Robert B, Malhotra H, Schoenit A, Tashireva LA, Casas J, Gauthier-Rouvière C, Bodin S. Upregulated flotillins and sphingosine kinase 2 derail AXL vesicular traffic to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274986. [PMID: 35394045 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered endocytosis and vesicular trafficking are major players during tumorigenesis. Flotillin overexpression, a feature observed in many invasive tumors and identified as a marker of poor prognosis, induces a deregulated endocytic and trafficking pathway called upregulated flotillin-induced trafficking (UFIT). Here, we found that in non-tumoral mammary epithelial cells, induction of the UFIT pathway promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and accelerates the endocytosis of several transmembrane receptors, including AXL, in flotillin-positive late endosomes. AXL overexpression, frequently observed in cancer cells, is linked to EMT and metastasis formation. In flotillin-overexpressing non-tumoral mammary epithelial cells and in invasive breast carcinoma cells, we found that the UFIT pathway-mediated AXL endocytosis allows its stabilization and depends on sphingosine kinase 2, a lipid kinase recruited in flotillin-rich plasma membrane domains and endosomes. Thus, the deregulation of vesicular trafficking following flotillin upregulation, and through sphingosine kinase 2, emerges as a new mechanism of AXL overexpression and EMT-inducing signaling pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory Genest
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Franck Comunale
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Damien Planchon
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Pauline Govindin
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Dune Noly
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Vacher
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Ivan Bièche
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Bruno Robert
- IRCM, Campus Val d'Aurelle, 208 avenue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France
| | - Himanshu Malhotra
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Andreas Schoenit
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Liubov A Tashireva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Josefina Casas
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-EHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Stéphane Bodin
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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Shen JZ, Qiu Z, Wu Q, Zhang G, Harris R, Sun D, Rantala J, Barshop WD, Zhao L, Lv D, Won KA, Wohlschlegel J, Sangfelt O, Laman H, Rich JN, Spruck C. A FBXO7/EYA2-SCF FBXW7 axis promotes AXL-mediated maintenance of mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1123-1139.e8. [PMID: 35182481 PMCID: PMC8934274 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A mesenchymal tumor phenotype associates with immunotherapy resistance, although the mechanism is unclear. Here, we identified FBXO7 as a maintenance regulator of mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells. FBXO7 bound and stabilized SIX1 co-transcriptional regulator EYA2, stimulating mesenchymal gene expression and suppressing IFNα/β, chemokines CXCL9/10, and antigen presentation machinery, driven by AXL extracellular ligand GAS6. Ubiquitin ligase SCFFBXW7 antagonized this pathway by promoting EYA2 degradation. Targeting EYA2 Tyr phosphatase activity decreased mesenchymal phenotypes and enhanced cancer cell immunogenicity, resulting in attenuated tumor growth and metastasis, increased infiltration of cytotoxic T and NK cells, and enhanced anti-PD-1 therapy response in mouse tumor models. FBXO7 expression correlated with mesenchymal and immune-suppressive signatures in patients with cancer. An FBXO7-immune gene signature predicted immunotherapy responses. Collectively, the FBXO7/EYA2-SCFFBXW7 axis maintains mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells, providing rationale to evaluate FBXO7/EYA2 inhibitors in combination with immune-based therapies to enhance onco-immunotherapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Z Shen
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Zhixin Qiu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Qiulian Wu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rebecca Harris
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Dahui Sun
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - William D Barshop
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Linjie Zhao
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deguan Lv
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - James Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Olle Sangfelt
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Heike Laman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Charles Spruck
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase as a Promising Therapeutic Target Directing Multiple Aspects of Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030466. [PMID: 35158733 PMCID: PMC8833413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis is a complex process that requires the acquisition of certain traits by cancer cells as well as the cooperation of several non-neoplastic cells that populate the stroma. Cancer-related deaths are predominantly associated with complications arising from metastases. Limiting metastasis therefore represents an important clinical challenge. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is required at many steps of the metastatic cascade and contributes to tumor microenvironment deregulation. In this review, we describe how AXL contributes to metastatic progression by governing various biological processes in cancer cells and in stromal cells, highlighting the potential of its inhibition. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is emerging as a key player in tumor progression and metastasis and its expression correlates with poor survival in a plethora of cancers. While studies have shown the benefits of AXL inhibition for the treatment of metastatic cancers, additional roles for AXL in cancer progression are still being explored. This review discusses recent advances in understanding AXL’s functions in different tumor compartments including cancer, vascular, and immune cells. AXL is required at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade where its activation in cancer cells leads to EMT, invasion, survival, proliferation and therapy resistance. AXL activation in cancer cells and various stromal cells also results in tumor microenvironment deregulation, leading to modulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune response and hypoxia. A better understanding of AXL’s role in these processes could lead to new therapeutic approaches that would benefit patients suffering from metastatic diseases.
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Martínez-Bosch N, Cristóbal H, Iglesias M, Gironella M, Barranco L, Visa L, Calafato D, Jiménez-Parrado S, Earl J, Carrato A, Manero-Rupérez N, Moreno M, Morales A, Guerra C, Navarro P, García de Frutos P. Soluble AXL is a novel blood marker for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and differential diagnosis from chronic pancreatitis. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103797. [PMID: 34973624 PMCID: PMC8724936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early diagnosis is crucial for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is proteolytically processed releasing a soluble form (sAXL) into the blood stream. Here we explore the use of sAXL as a biomarker for PDAC. Methods AXL was analysed by immunohistochemistry in human pancreatic tissue samples. RNA expression analysis was performed using TCGA/GTEx databases. The plasma concentrations of sAXL, its ligand GAS6, and CA19-9 were studied in two independent cohorts, the HMar cohort (n = 59) and the HClinic cohort (n = 142), including healthy controls, chronic pancreatitis (CP) or PDAC patients, and in a familial PDAC cohort (n = 68). AXL expression and sAXL release were studied in PDAC cell lines and murine models. Findings AXL is increased in PDAC and precursor lesions as compared to CP or controls. sAXL determined in plasma from two independent cohorts was significantly increased in the PDAC group as compared to healthy controls or CP patients. Patients with high levels of AXL have a lower overall survival. ROC analysis of the plasma levels of sAXL, GAS6, or CA19-9 in our cohorts revealed that sAXL outperformed CA19-9 for discriminating between CP and PDAC. Using both sAXL and CA19-9 increased the diagnostic value. These results were validated in murine models, showing increased sAXL specifically in animals developing PDAC but not those with precursor lesions or acinar tumours. Interpretation sAXL appears as a biomarker for early detection of PDAC and PDAC–CP discrimination that could accelerate treatment and improve its dismal prognosis. Funding This work was supported by grants PI20/00625 (PN), RTI2018-095672-B-I00 (AM and PGF), PI20/01696 (MG) and PI18/01034 (AC) from MICINN-FEDER and grant 2017/SGR/225 (PN) from Generalitat de Catalunya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Martínez-Bosch
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Cristóbal
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB)-CSIC and Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Iglesias
- Department of Pathology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Hospital del Mar, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Gironella
- Gastrointestinal & Pancreatic Oncology Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD); Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and IDIBAPS; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Barranco
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Visa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Domenico Calafato
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB)-CSIC and Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Jiménez-Parrado
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumour Markers Group, Medical Oncology Research Laboratory, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain. CIBERONC
| | - Alfredo Carrato
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumour Markers Group, Medical Oncology Research Laboratory, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain. CIBERONC
| | - Noemí Manero-Rupérez
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Moreno
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Guerra
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Navarro
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB)-CSIC and Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Unidad Asociada IMIM/IIBB-CSIC; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
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AXL Knock-Out in SNU475 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Provides Evidence for Lethal Effect Associated with G2 Arrest and Polyploidization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413247. [PMID: 34948046 PMCID: PMC8708332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AXL, a member of the TAM family, is a promising therapeutic target due to its elevated expression in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in association with acquired drug resistance. Previously, RNA interference was used to study its role in cancer, and several phenotypic changes, including attenuated cell proliferation and decreased migration and invasion, have been reported. The mechanism of action of AXL in HCC is elusive. We first studied the AXL expression in HCC cell lines by real-time PCR and western blot and showed its stringent association with a mesenchymal phenotype. We then explored the role of AXL in mesenchymal SNU475 cells by CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene knock-out. AXL-depleted HCC cells displayed drastic phenotypic changes, including increased DNA damage response, prolongation of doubling time, G2 arrest, and polyploidization in vitro and loss of tumorigenicity in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL by R428 recapitulated G2 arrest and polyploidy phenotype. These observations strongly suggest that acute loss of AXL in some mesenchymal HCC cells is lethal and points out that its inhibition may represent a druggable vulnerability in AXL-high HCC patients.
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Landscape of prognostic signatures and immunogenomics of the AXL/GAS6 axis in renal cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1533-1543. [PMID: 34611307 PMCID: PMC8608819 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01559-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cabozantinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), whose targets include oncogenic AXL and unique ligand GAS6. Critical gaps in basic knowledge need to be addressed to devise an exclusive biomarker and candidate when targeting the AXL/GAS6 axis. METHODS To clarify the effects of the AXL/GAS6 axis on RCC, we herein performed a large-scale immunogenomic analysis and single-cell counts including various metastatic organs and histological subtypes of RCC. We further applied genome-wide mutation analyses and methylation arrays. RESULTS Varying patterns of AXL and GAS6 expression were observed throughout primary RCC tumours and metastases. Scoring individual AXL/GAS6 levels in the tumour centre and invasive margin, namely, the AXL/GAS6 score, showed a good ability to predict the prognosis of clear cell RCC. Metastasis- and histological subtype-specific differences in the AXL/GAS6 score existed since lung metastasis and the papillary subtype were weakly related to the AXL/GAS6 axis. Cell-by-cell immunohistological assessments clarified an immunosuppressive environment in tumours with high AXL/GAS6 scores. Genomic alterations in the PI3K-mTOR pathway and DNA methylation profiling revealed distinct differences with the AXL/GAS6 score in ccRCC. CONCLUSION The AXL/GAS6 scoring system could predict the outcome of prognosis and work as a robust biomarker for the immunogenomic state in RCC.
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Chen GT, Tifrea DF, Murad R, Habowski AN, Lyou Y, Duong MR, Hosohama L, Mortazavi A, Edwards RA, Waterman ML. Disruption of beta-catenin dependent Wnt signaling in colon cancer cells remodels the microenvironment to promote tumor invasion. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 20:468-484. [PMID: 34799404 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The recent classification of colon cancer into molecular subtypes revealed that patients with the poorest prognosis harbor tumors with the lowest levels of Wnt signaling. This is contrary to the general understanding that overactive Wnt signaling promotes tumor progression from early initiation stages through to the later stages including invasion and metastasis. Here, we directly test this assumption by reducing the activity of ß-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling in colon cancer cell lines at either an upstream or downstream step in the pathway. We determine that Wnt-reduced cancer cells exhibit a more aggressive disease phenotype, including increased mobility in vitro and disruptive invasion into mucosa and smooth muscle in an orthotopic mouse model. RNA sequencing reveals that interference with Wnt signaling leads to an upregulation of gene programs that favor cell migration and invasion and a downregulation of inflammation signatures in the tumor microenvironment. We identify a set of upregulated genes common among the Wnt perturbations that are predictive of poor patient outcomes in early-invasive colon cancer. Our findings suggest that while targeting Wnt signaling may reduce tumor burden, an inadvertent side effect is the emergence of invasive cancer. Implications: Decreased Wnt signaling in colon tumors leads to a more aggressive disease phenotype due to an upregulation of gene programs favoring cell migration in the tumor and downregulation of inflammation programs in the tumor microenvironment; these impacts must be carefully considered in developing Wnt-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- George T Chen
- Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Rabi Murad
- Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | - Amber N Habowski
- Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine
| | - Yung Lyou
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Linzi Hosohama
- Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental & Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine
| | | | - Marian L Waterman
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine
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Long Li J, Yu K, Chen D, Zhu J, Wang J, Huan W. Effect of Genistein on E-Cadherin as Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer. INT J PHARMACOL 2021. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2021.523.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Xu T, Yu S, Zhang J, Wu S. Dysregulated tumor-associated macrophages in carcinogenesis, progression and targeted therapy of gynecological and breast cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:181. [PMID: 34717710 PMCID: PMC8557603 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological and breast cancers are a group of heterogeneous malignant tumors. Although existing treatment strategies have ameliorated the clinical outcomes of patients, the overall survival rate of advanced diseases remains unsatisfactory. Increasing evidence has indicated that the development and prognosis of tumors are closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME), which restricts the immune response and provokes malignant progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the main component of TME and act as a key regulator in tumor metastasis, immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance. Several preclinical trials have studied potential drugs that target TAMs to achieve potent anticancer therapy. This review focuses on the various functions of TAMs and how they influence the carcinogenesis of gynecological and breast cancers through regulating cancer cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis and tumor-related immunosuppression. Besides, we also discuss the potential application of disabling TAMs signaling as a part of cancer therapeutic strategies, as well as CAR macrophages, TAMs-based vaccines and TAMs nanobiotechnology. These research advances support that targeting TAMs combined with conventional therapy might be used as effective therapeutics for gynecological and breast cancers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sihui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. .,Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sufang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Khera L, Lev S. Accelerating AXL targeting for TNBC therapy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 139:106057. [PMID: 34403827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor AXL of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family is considered as a promising therapeutic target for different hematological cancers and solid tumors. AXL is involved in multiple pro-tumorigenic processes including cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, and recent studies demonstrated its impact on cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Extensive studies on AXL have highlighted its unique characteristics and physiological functions and suggest that targeting of AXL could be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this mini review, we discuss possible outcomes of AXL targeting either alone or together with other therapeutic agents and emphasize its impact on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohit Khera
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sima Lev
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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AXL Receptor in Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance: When Normal Functions Go Askew. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194864. [PMID: 34638349 PMCID: PMC8507788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. In normal physiological conditions, AXL is involved in removing dead cells and their remains, and limiting the duration of immune responses. Both functions are utilized by cancers in the course of tumour progression. Cancer cells use the AXL pathway to detect toxic environments and to activate molecular mechanisms, thereby ensuring their survival or escape from the toxic zone. AXL is instrumental in controlling genetic programs of epithelial-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-epithelial transitions, enabling cancer cells to metastasize. Additionally, AXL signaling suppresses immune responses in tumour microenvironment and thereby helps cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. The broad role of AXL in tumour biology is the reason why its inhibition sensitizes tumours to a broad spectrum of anti-cancer drugs. In this review, we outline molecular mechanisms underlying AXL function in normal tissues, and discuss how these mechanisms are adopted by cancers to become metastatic and drug-resistant. Abstract The TAM proteins TYRO3, AXL, and MER are receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in the clearance of apoptotic debris and negative regulation of innate immune responses. AXL contributes to immunosuppression by terminating the Toll-like receptor signaling in dendritic cells, and suppressing natural killer cell activity. In recent years, AXL has been intensively studied in the context of cancer. Both molecules, the receptor, and its ligand GAS6, are commonly expressed in cancer cells, as well as stromal and infiltrating immune cells. In cancer cells, the activation of AXL signaling stimulates cell survival and increases migratory and invasive potential. In cells of the tumour microenvironment, AXL pathway potentiates immune evasion. AXL has been broadly implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of cancer cells, a key factor in drug resistance and metastasis. Several antibody-based and small molecule AXL inhibitors have been developed and used in preclinical studies. AXL inhibition in various mouse cancer models reduced metastatic spread and improved the survival of the animals. AXL inhibitors are currently being tested in several clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Here, we give a brief overview of AXL structure and regulation and discuss the normal physiological functions of TAM receptors, focusing on AXL. We present a theory of how epithelial cancers exploit AXL signaling to resist cytotoxic insults, in order to disseminate and relapse.
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Therapeutic Targeting of the Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189953. [PMID: 34576116 PMCID: PMC8469858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many signaling pathways are dysregulated in cancer cells and the host tumor microenvironment. Aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways promote cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Hence, numerous therapeutic interventions targeting RTKs have been actively pursued. Axl is an RTK that belongs to the Tyro3, Axl, MerTK (TAM) subfamily. Axl binds to a high affinity ligand growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) that belongs to the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins. The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway has been implicated to promote progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance in many cancer types. Therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl have been developed, and promising results have been observed in both preclinical and clinical settings when such agents are used alone or in combination therapy. This review examines the current state of therapeutics targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway in cancer and discusses Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents that have been evaluated preclinically and clinically.
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Novoyatleva T, Rai N, Kojonazarov B, Veeroju S, Ben-Batalla I, Caruso P, Shihan M, Presser N, Götz E, Lepper C, Herpel S, Manaud G, Perros F, Gall H, Ghofrani HA, Weissmann N, Grimminger F, Wharton J, Wilkins M, Upton PD, Loges S, Morrell NW, Seeger W, Schermuly RT. Deficiency of Axl aggravates pulmonary arterial hypertension via BMPR2. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1002. [PMID: 34429509 PMCID: PMC8385080 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), is a fatal disease characterized by a pseudo-malignant phenotype. We investigated the expression and the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in experimental (i.e., monocrotaline and Su5416/hypoxia treated rats) and clinical PAH. In vitro Axl inhibition by R428 and Axl knock-down inhibited growth factor-driven proliferation and migration of non-PAH and PAH PASMCs. Conversely, Axl overexpression conferred a growth advantage. Axl declined in PAECs of PAH patients. Axl blockage inhibited BMP9 signaling and increased PAEC apoptosis, while BMP9 induced Axl phosphorylation. Gas6 induced SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and ID1/ID2 increase were blunted by BMP signaling obstruction. Axl association with BMPR2 was facilitated by Gas6/BMP9 stimulation and diminished by R428. In vivo R428 aggravated right ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction, abrogated BMPR2 signaling, elevated pulmonary endothelial cell apoptosis and loss. Together, Axl is a key regulator of endothelial BMPR2 signaling and potential determinant of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Novoyatleva
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Nabham Rai
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Baktybek Kojonazarov
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health, Giessen, Germany
| | - Swathi Veeroju
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Isabel Ben-Batalla
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paola Caruso
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mazen Shihan
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadine Presser
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Elsa Götz
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carina Lepper
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Herpel
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Grégoire Manaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Frédéric Perros
- Université Paris-Saclay, AP-HP, INSERM UMR_S 999, Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Henning Gall
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hossein Ardeschir Ghofrani
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - John Wharton
- Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martin Wilkins
- Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul D Upton
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sonja Loges
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Werner Seeger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ralph T Schermuly
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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