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Dedoni S, Olianas MC, Onali P. Lysophosphatidic Acid Stimulates Mitogenic Activity and Signaling in Human Neuroblastoma Cells through a Crosstalk with Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase. Biomolecules 2024; 14:631. [PMID: 38927035 PMCID: PMC11201523 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060631] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a well-documented pro-oncogenic factor in different cancers, but relatively little is known on its biological activity in neuroblastoma. The LPA effects and the participation of the tyrosine kinase receptor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in LPA mitogenic signaling were studied in human neuroblastoma cell lines. We used light microscopy and [3H]-thymidine incorporation to determine cell proliferation, Western blot to study intracellular signaling, and pharmacological and molecular tools to examine the role of ALK. We found that LPA stimulated the growth of human neuroblastoma cells, as indicated by the enhanced cell number, clonogenic activity, and DNA synthesis. These effects were curtailed by the selective ALK inhibitors NPV-TAE684 and alectinib. In a panel of human neuroblastoma cell lines harboring different ALK genomic status, the ALK inhibitors suppressed LPA-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), which are major regulators of cell proliferation. ALK depletion by siRNA treatment attenuated LPA-induced ERK1/2 activation. LPA enhanced ALK phosphorylation and potentiated ALK activation by the ALK ligand FAM150B. LPA enhanced the inhibitory phosphorylation of the tumor suppressor FoxO3a, and this response was impaired by the ALK inhibitors. These results indicate that LPA stimulates mitogenesis of human neuroblastoma cells through a crosstalk with ALK.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pierluigi Onali
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Section of Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (S.D.); (M.C.O.)
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Zhou X, Lei Q, Xiao Z, Song C, Deng H. Environment-Sensitive Fluorescent Probe Enables Assessment of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Activity in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer. Anal Chem 2024; 96:3525-3534. [PMID: 38345335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements have been identified as key oncogenic drivers of a subset of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The final chimeric protein of the fusion gene can be constitutively activated, which accounts for the growth and proliferation of ALK-rearranged tumors and thus strongly associates with cancer invasion and metastasis. Diagnostic tools enabling the visualization of ALK activity in a structure-function-based approach are highly desirable to determine ALK status and guide ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALK-TKI) treatment making. Here, we describe the design, synthesis, and application of a new environment-sensitive fluorescent probe HX16 by introducing an environment-sensitive fluorophore 4-sulfonamidebenzoxadiazole to visualize ALK activity in living cancer cells and tumor tissue slices (mouse model and human biopsy sample). HX16 is a multifunctional chemical tool based on the pharmacophore of ALK-TKI (ceritinib) and can specifically target the kinase domain of ALK with a high sensitivity. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, HX16 enables visualization of ALK activity in various cancer cells with distinct ALK fusion genes, as well as xenograft mouse models. Importantly, HX16 was also applied to visualize ALK activity in a tumor biopsy from a NSCLC patient with ALK-echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like-4 fusion gene for prediction of ALK-TKI sensitivity. These results demonstrate that strategically designed ALK-TKI-based probe allows the assessment of ALK activity in tumor tissues and hold promise as a useful diagnostic tool in predicting ALK-TKI therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglong Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qian Lei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhaolin Xiao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chao Song
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Parvaresh H, Roozitalab G, Golandam F, Behzadi P, Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P. Unraveling the Potential of ALK-Targeted Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Comprehensive Insights and Future Directions. Biomedicines 2024; 12:297. [PMID: 38397899 PMCID: PMC10887432 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020297] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: This review comprehensively explores the intricate landscape of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), focusing specifically on its pivotal role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tracing ALK's discovery, from its fusion with nucleolar phosphoprotein (NPM)-1 in anaplastic large cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (ALCL) in 1994, the review elucidates the subsequent impact of ALK gene alterations in various malignancies, including inflammatory myofibroblastoma and NSCLC. Approximately 3-5% of NSCLC patients exhibit complex ALK rearrangements, leading to the approval of six ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) by 2022, revolutionizing the treatment landscape for advanced metastatic ALK + NSCLC. Notably, second-generation TKIs such as alectinib, ceritinib, and brigatinib have emerged to address resistance issues initially associated with the pioneer ALK-TKI, crizotinib. Methods: To ensure comprehensiveness, we extensively reviewed clinical trials on ALK inhibitors for NSCLC by 2023. Additionally, we systematically searched PubMed, prioritizing studies where the terms "ALK" AND "non-small cell lung cancer" AND/OR "NSCLC" featured prominently in the titles. This approach aimed to encompass a spectrum of relevant research studies, ensuring our review incorporates the latest and most pertinent information on innovative and alternative therapeutics for ALK + NSCLC. Key Content and Findings: Beyond exploring the intricate details of ALK structure and signaling, the review explores the convergence of ALK-targeted therapy and immunotherapy, investigating the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in ALK-altered NSCLC tumors. Despite encouraging preclinical data, challenges observed in trials assessing combinations such as nivolumab-crizotinib, mainly due to severe hepatic toxicity, emphasize the necessity for cautious exploration of these novel approaches. Additionally, the review explores innovative directions such as ALK molecular diagnostics, ALK vaccines, and biosensors, shedding light on their promising potential within ALK-driven cancers. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis covers molecular mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and immune interactions associated with ALK-rearranged NSCLC. As a pivotal resource, the review guides future research and therapeutic interventions in ALK-targeted therapy for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannaneh Parvaresh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
| | - Ghazaal Roozitalab
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 7461686688, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Golandam
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Payam Behzadi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 37541-374, Iran;
| | - Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 407, Taiwan
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Valencia-Sama I, Kee L, Christopher G, Ohh M, Layeghifard M, Shlien A, Hayes MN, Irwin MS. SHP2 Inhibition with TNO155 Increases Efficacy and Overcomes Resistance of ALK Inhibitors in Neuroblastoma. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2608-2622. [PMID: 38032104 PMCID: PMC10752212 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Survival rates among patients with high-risk neuroblastoma remain low and novel therapies for recurrent neuroblastomas are required. ALK is commonly mutated in primary and relapsed neuroblastoma tumors and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are promising treatments for ALK-driven neuroblastoma; however, innate or adaptive resistance to single-agent ALK-TKIs remain a clinical challenge. Recently, SHP2 inhibitors have been shown to overcome ALK-TKI resistance in lung tumors harboring ALK rearrangements. Here, we have assessed the efficacy of the SHP2 inhibitor TNO155 alone and in combination with the ALK-TKIs crizotinib, ceritinib, or lorlatinib for the treatment of ALK-driven neuroblastoma using in vitro and in vivo models. In comparison to wild-type, ALK-mutant neuroblastoma cell lines were more sensitive to SHP2 inhibition with TNO155. Moreover, treatment with TNO155 and ALK-TKIs synergistically reduced cell growth and promoted inactivation of ALK and MAPK signaling in ALK-mutant neuroblastoma cells. ALK-mutant cells engrafted into larval zebrafish and treated with single agents or dual SHP2/ALK inhibitors showed reduced growth and invasion. In murine ALK-mutant xenografts, tumor growth was likewise reduced or delayed, and survival was prolonged upon combinatorial treatment of TNO155 and lorlatinib. Finally, we show that lorlatinib-resistant ALK-F1174L neuroblastoma cells harbor additional RAS-MAPK pathway alterations and can be resensitized to lorlatinib when combined with TNO155 in vitro and in vivo. Our results report the first evaluation of TNO155 in neuroblastoma and suggest that combinatorial inhibition of ALK and SHP2 could be a novel approach to treating ALK-driven neuroblastoma, potentially including the increasingly common tumors that have developed resistance to ALK-TKIs. SIGNIFICANCE These findings highlight the translatability between zebrafish and murine models, provide evidence of aberrant RAS-MAPK signaling as an adaptive mechanism of resistance to lorlatinib, and demonstrate the clinical potential for SHP2/ALK inhibitor combinations for the treatment of ALK-mutant neuroblastoma, including those with acquired tolerance or potentially resistance to ALK-TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lynn Kee
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Michael Ohh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mehdi Layeghifard
- Genetics and Genomics Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adam Shlien
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Genetics and Genomics Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Madeline N. Hayes
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Meredith S. Irwin
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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5
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Bergaggio E, Tai WT, Aroldi A, Mecca C, Landoni E, Nüesch M, Mota I, Metovic J, Molinaro L, Ma L, Alvarado D, Ambrogio C, Voena C, Blasco RB, Li T, Klein D, Irvine DJ, Papotti M, Savoldo B, Dotti G, Chiarle R. ALK inhibitors increase ALK expression and sensitize neuroblastoma cells to ALK.CAR-T cells. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:2100-2116.e10. [PMID: 38039964 PMCID: PMC10793157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Selection of the best tumor antigen is critical for the therapeutic success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor is expressed by most neuroblastomas while virtually absent in most normal tissues. ALK is an oncogenic driver in neuroblastoma and ALK inhibitors show promising clinical activity. Here, we describe the development of ALK.CAR-T cells that show potent efficacy in monotherapy against neuroblastoma with high ALK expression without toxicity. For neuroblastoma with low ALK expression, combination with ALK inhibitors specifically potentiates ALK.CAR-T cells but not GD2.CAR-T cells. Mechanistically, ALK inhibitors impair tumor growth and upregulate the expression of ALK, thereby facilitating the activity of ALK.CAR-T cells against neuroblastoma. Thus, while neither ALK inhibitors nor ALK.CAR-T cells will likely be sufficient as monotherapy in neuroblastoma with low ALK density, their combination specifically enhances therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bergaggio
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wei-Tien Tai
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrea Aroldi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Carmen Mecca
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elisa Landoni
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Manuel Nüesch
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ines Mota
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jasna Metovic
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Molinaro
- Department of Medical Science, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Leyuan Ma
- Koch Institute and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Voena
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Rafael B Blasco
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tongqing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Daryl Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Mauro Papotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Savoldo
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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6
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Katic L, Priscan A. Multifaceted Roles of ALK Family Receptors and Augmentor Ligands in Health and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1490. [PMID: 37892172 PMCID: PMC10605310 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review commemorates the 10-year anniversary of the discovery of physiological ligands Augα (Augmentor α; ALKAL2; Fam150b) and Augβ (Augmentor β; ALKAL1; Fam150a) for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and leukocyte tyrosine kinase (LTK), previously considered orphan receptors. This manuscript provides an in-depth review of the biophysical and cellular properties of ALK family receptors and their roles in cancer, metabolism, pain, ophthalmology, pigmentation, central nervous system (CNS) function, and reproduction. ALK and LTK receptors are implicated in the development of numerous cancers, and targeted inhibition of their signaling pathways can offer therapeutic benefits. Additionally, ALK family receptors are involved in regulating body weight and metabolism, modulating pain signaling, and contributing to eye development and pigmentation. In the CNS, these receptors play a role in synapse modulation, neurogenesis, and various psychiatric pathologies. Lastly, ALK expression is linked to reproductive functions, with potential implications for patients undergoing ALK inhibitor therapy. Further research is needed to better understand the complex interactions of ALK family receptors and Aug ligands and to repurpose targeted therapy for a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luka Katic
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Morningside/West, 1000 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10019, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Anamarija Priscan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
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7
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Mazzeschi M, Sgarzi M, Romaniello D, Gelfo V, Cavallo C, Ambrosi F, Morselli A, Miano C, Laprovitera N, Girone C, Ferracin M, Santi S, Rihawi K, Ardizzoni A, Fiorentino M, D’Uva G, Győrffy B, Palmer R, Lauriola M. The autocrine loop of ALK receptor and ALKAL2 ligand is an actionable target in consensus molecular subtype 1 colon cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:113. [PMID: 35351152 PMCID: PMC8962179 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02309-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last years, several efforts have been made to classify colorectal cancer (CRC) into well-defined molecular subgroups, representing the intrinsic inter-patient heterogeneity, known as Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs). Methods In this work, we performed a meta-analysis of CRC patients stratified into four CMSs. We identified a negative correlation between a high level of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression and relapse-free survival, exclusively in CMS1 subtype. Stemming from this observation, we tested cell lines, patient-derived organoids and mice with potent ALK inhibitors, already approved for clinical use. Results ALK interception strongly inhibits cell proliferation already at nanomolar doses, specifically in CMS1 cell lines, while no effect was found in CMS2/3/4 groups. Furthermore, in vivo imaging identified a role for ALK in the dynamic formation of 3D tumor spheroids. Consistently, ALK appeares constitutively phosphorylated in CMS1, and it signals mainly through the AKT axis. Mechanistically, we found that CMS1 cells display several copies of ALKAL2 ligand and ALK-mRNAs, suggesting an autocrine loop mediated by ALKAL2 in the activation of ALK pathway, responsible for the invasive phenotype. Consequently, disruption of ALK axis mediates the pro-apoptotic action of CMS1 cell lines, both in 2D and 3D and enhanced cell-cell adhesion and e-cadherin organization. In agreement with all these findings, the ALK signature encompassing 65 genes statistically associated with worse relapse-free survival in CMS1 subtype. Finally, as a proof of concept, the efficacy of ALK inhibition was demonstrated in both patient-derived organoids and in tumor xenografts in vivo. Conclusions Collectively, these findings suggest that ALK targeting may represent an attractive therapy for CRC, and CMS classification may provide a useful tool to identify patients who could benefit from this treatment. These findings offer rationale and pharmacological strategies for the treatment of CMS1 CRC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02309-1.
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Sengupta S, Das S, Crespo AC, Cornel AM, Patel AG, Mahadevan NR, Campisi M, Ali AK, Sharma B, Rowe JH, Huang H, Debruyne DN, Cerda ED, Krajewska M, Dries R, Chen M, Zhang S, Soriano L, Cohen MA, Versteeg R, Jaenisch R, Spranger S, Romee R, Miller BC, Barbie DA, Nierkens S, Dyer MA, Lieberman J, George RE. Mesenchymal and adrenergic cell lineage states in neuroblastoma possess distinct immunogenic phenotypes. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:1228-1246. [PMID: 36138189 PMCID: PMC10171398 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00427-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Apart from the anti-GD2 antibody, immunotherapy for neuroblastoma has had limited success due to immune evasion mechanisms, coupled with an incomplete understanding of predictors of response. Here, from bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses, we identify a subset of neuroblastomas enriched for transcripts associated with immune activation and inhibition and show that these are predominantly characterized by gene expression signatures of the mesenchymal lineage state. By contrast, tumors expressing adrenergic lineage signatures are less immunogenic. The inherent presence or induction of the mesenchymal state through transcriptional reprogramming or therapy resistance is accompanied by innate and adaptive immune gene activation through epigenetic remodeling. Mesenchymal lineage cells promote T cell infiltration by secreting inflammatory cytokines, are efficiently targeted by cytotoxic T and natural killer cells and respond to immune checkpoint blockade. Together, we demonstrate that distinct immunogenic phenotypes define the divergent lineage states of neuroblastoma and highlight the immunogenic potential of the mesenchymal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyaki Sengupta
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sanjukta Das
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela C Crespo
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anand G Patel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Navin R Mahadevan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alaa K Ali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bandana Sharma
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jared H Rowe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David N Debruyne
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Esther D Cerda
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Krajewska
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruben Dries
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Minyue Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shupei Zhang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luigi Soriano
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malkiel A Cohen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rogier Versteeg
- Department of Oncogenomics, University Medical Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stefani Spranger
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian C Miller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunological Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rani E George
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Chilamakuri R, Rouse DC, Yu Y, Kabir AS, Muth A, Yang J, Lipton JM, Agarwal S. BX-795 inhibits neuroblastoma growth and enhances sensitivity towards chemotherapy. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101272. [PMID: 34823094 PMCID: PMC8626612 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in neuroblastoma patients. BX-795 inhibits PDK1 and abrogates the AKT signaling pathway activation. BX-795 demonstrates strong efficacy in neuroblastoma spheroid tumor model. Combination with BX-795 synergistically enhances doxorubicin antitumor activity. BX-795 synergistically sensitized ALK mutated neuroblastoma cell lines to crizotinib.
High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) represents a major clinical challenge in pediatric oncology due to relapse of metastatic, drug-resistant disease, and treatment-related toxicities. An analysis of 1235 primary NB patient dataset revealed significant increase in AKT1 and AKT2 gene expression with cancer stage progression. Additionally, Both AKT1 and AKT2 expression inversely correlate with poor overall survival of NB patients. AKT1 and AKT2 genes code for AKT that drive a major oncogenic cell signaling pathway known in many cancers, including NB. To inhibit AKT pathway, we repurposed an antiviral inhibitor BX-795 that inhibits PDK1, an upstream activator of AKT. BX-795 potently inhibits NB cell proliferation and colony growth in a dose-dependent manner. BX-795 significantly enhances apoptosis and blocks cell cycle progression at mitosis phase in NB. Additionally, BX-795 potently inhibits tumor formation and growth in a NB spheroid tumor model. We further tested dual therapeutic approaches by combining BX-795 with either doxorubicin or crizotinib and found synergistic and significant inhibition of NB growth, in contrast to either drug alone. Overall, our data demonstrate that BX-795 inhibits AKT pathway to inhibit NB growth, and combining BX-795 with current therapies is an effective and clinically tractable therapeutic approach for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameswari Chilamakuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle C Rouse
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abbas S Kabir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron Muth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffery M Lipton
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, NY, USA.
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