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Pan D, Wang Q, Shen A, Qi Z, Zheng C, Hu B. When DNA damage responses meet tumor immunity: From mechanism to therapeutic opportunity. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:384-399. [PMID: 38655783 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
DNA damage is a prevalent phenomenon in the context of cancer progression. Evidence suggests that DNA damage responses (DDR) are pivotal in overcoming tumor immune evasion. Alternatively, traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy operate by inducing DNA damage, consequently stimulating the immune system to target tumors. The intricate interplay between signaling pathways involved in DDR and immune activation underscores the significance of considering both factors in developing improved immunotherapies. By delving deeper into the mechanisms underlying immune activation brought on by DNA damage, it becomes possible to identify novel treatment approaches that boost the anticancer immune response while minimizing undesirable side effects. This review explores the mechanisms behind DNA damage-induced antitumor immune responses, the importance of DNA damage in antitumor immunity, and potential therapeutic approaches for cancer immunotherapy targeting DDR. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of combination therapy and strategies for integrating DNA damage-targeting therapies with current cancer immunotherapy. In summary, this review highlights the critical role of DNA damage in tumor immunology, underscoring the potential of DDR inhibitors as promising therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Pan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aihua Shen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Science and Translational Research of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Burong Hu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Science and Translational Research of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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2
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Sen T, Takahashi N, Chakraborty S, Takebe N, Nassar AH, Karim NA, Puri S, Naqash AR. Emerging advances in defining the molecular and therapeutic landscape of small-cell lung cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024:10.1038/s41571-024-00914-x. [PMID: 38965396 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has traditionally been considered a recalcitrant cancer with a dismal prognosis, with only modest advances in therapeutic strategies over the past several decades. Comprehensive genomic assessments of SCLC have revealed that most of these tumours harbour deletions of the tumour-suppressor genes TP53 and RB1 but, in contrast to non-small-cell lung cancer, have failed to identify targetable alterations. The expression status of four transcription factors with key roles in SCLC pathogenesis defines distinct molecular subtypes of the disease, potentially enabling specific therapeutic approaches. Overexpression and amplification of MYC paralogues also affect the biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities of SCLC. Several other attractive targets have emerged in the past few years, including inhibitors of DNA-damage-response pathways, epigenetic modifiers, antibody-drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. However, the rapid development of therapeutic resistance and lack of biomarkers for effective selection of patients with SCLC are ongoing challenges. Emerging single-cell RNA sequencing data are providing insights into the plasticity and intratumoural and intertumoural heterogeneity of SCLC that might be associated with therapeutic resistance. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in genomic and transcriptomic characterization of SCLC with a particular focus on opportunities for translation into new therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triparna Sen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nobuyuki Takahashi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Subhamoy Chakraborty
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amin H Nassar
- Division of Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nagla A Karim
- Inova Schar Cancer Institute Virginia, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sonam Puri
- Division of Medical Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Abdul Rafeh Naqash
- Medical Oncology/ TSET Phase 1 program, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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3
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Nicolas E, Kosmider B, Cukierman E, Borghaei H, Golemis EA, Borriello L. Cancer treatments as paradoxical catalysts of tumor awakening in the lung. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10196-5. [PMID: 38963567 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Much of the fatality of tumors is linked to the growth of metastases, which can emerge months to years after apparently successful treatment of primary tumors. Metastases arise from disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), which disperse through the body in a dormant state to seed distant sites. While some DTCs lodge in pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) and rapidly develop into metastases, other DTCs settle in distinct microenvironments that maintain them in a dormant state. Subsequent awakening, induced by changes in the microenvironment of the DTC, causes outgrowth of metastases. Hence, there has been extensive investigation of the factors causing survival and subsequent awakening of DTCs, with the goal of disrupting these processes to decrease cancer lethality. We here provide a detailed overview of recent developments in understanding of the factors controlling dormancy and awakening in the lung, a common site of metastasis for many solid tumors. These factors include dynamic interactions between DTCs and diverse epithelial, mesenchymal, and immune cell populations resident in the lung. Paradoxically, among key triggers for metastatic outgrowth, lung tissue remodeling arising from damage induced by the treatment of primary tumors play a significant role. In addition, growing evidence emphasizes roles for inflammation and aging in opposing the factors that maintain dormancy. Finally, we discuss strategies being developed or employed to reduce the risk of metastatic recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Nicolas
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Beata Kosmider
- Center for Inflammation and Lung Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Inflammation, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Hossein Borghaei
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Lucia Borriello
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, 3500 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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4
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Malyukova A, Lahnalampi M, Falqués-Costa T, Pölönen P, Sipola M, Mehtonen J, Teppo S, Akopyan K, Viiliainen J, Lohi O, Hagström-Andersson AK, Heinäniemi M, Sangfelt O. Sequential drug treatment targeting cell cycle and cell fate regulatory programs blocks non-genetic cancer evolution in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Genome Biol 2024; 25:143. [PMID: 38822412 PMCID: PMC11143599 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03260-4] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted therapies exploiting vulnerabilities of cancer cells hold promise for improving patient outcome and reducing side-effects of chemotherapy. However, efficacy of precision therapies is limited in part because of tumor cell heterogeneity. A better mechanistic understanding of how drug effect is linked to cancer cell state diversity is crucial for identifying effective combination therapies that can prevent disease recurrence. RESULTS Here, we characterize the effect of G2/M checkpoint inhibition in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and demonstrate that WEE1 targeted therapy impinges on cell fate decision regulatory circuits. We find the highest inhibition of recovery of proliferation in ALL cells with KMT2A-rearrangements. Single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq of RS4;11 cells harboring KMT2A::AFF1, treated with the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775, reveal diversification of cell states, with a fraction of cells exhibiting strong activation of p53-driven processes linked to apoptosis and senescence, and disruption of a core KMT2A-RUNX1-MYC regulatory network. In this cell state diversification induced by WEE1 inhibition, a subpopulation transitions to a drug tolerant cell state characterized by activation of transcription factors regulating pre-B cell fate, lipid metabolism, and pre-BCR signaling in a reversible manner. Sequential treatment with BCR-signaling inhibitors dasatinib, ibrutinib, or perturbing metabolism by fatostatin or AZD2014 effectively counteracts drug tolerance by inducing cell death and repressing stemness markers. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings provide new insights into the tight connectivity of gene regulatory programs associated with cell cycle and cell fate regulation, and a rationale for sequential administration of WEE1 inhibitors with low toxicity inhibitors of pre-BCR signaling or metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Malyukova
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mari Lahnalampi
- The Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ton Falqués-Costa
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petri Pölönen
- The Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Sipola
- The Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha Mehtonen
- The Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Susanna Teppo
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Karen Akopyan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Viiliainen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olli Lohi
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Merja Heinäniemi
- The Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Olle Sangfelt
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Wang L, Wu Y, Kang K, Zhang X, Luo R, Tu Z, Zheng Y, Lin G, Wang H, Tang M, Yu M, Zou B, Tong R, Yi L, Na F, Xue J, Yao Z, Lu Y. CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib combined with low-dose radiotherapy enhances the anti-tumor immune response to PD-1 blockade by inflaming the tumor microenvironment in Rb-deficient small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:1032-1046. [PMID: 38854937 PMCID: PMC11157372 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-24-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors have shown significant activity against several solid tumors by reducing the phosphorylation of the canonical CDK4/6 substrate retinoblastoma (Rb) protein, while the anti-tumor effect of CDK4/6 inhibitors on Rb-deficient tumors is not clear. Most small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) are Rb-deficient and show very modest response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) despite recent advances in the use of immunotherapy. Here, we aimed to investigate the direct effect of CDK4/6 inhibition on SCLC cells and determine its efficacy in combination therapy for SCLC. Methods The immediate impact of CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib on cell cycle, cell viability and apoptosis in four SCLC cell lines was initially checked. To explore the effect of abemaciclib on double-strand DNA (ds-DNA) damage induction and the combination impact of abemaciclib coupled with radiotherapy (RT), western blot, immunofluorescence (IF) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed. An Rb-deficient immunocompetent murine SCLC model was established to evaluate efficacy of abemaciclib in combination therapy. Histological staining, flow cytometry analysis and RNA sequencing were performed to analyze alteration of infiltrating immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME). Results Here, we demonstrated that abemaciclib induced increased ds-DNA damage in Rb-deficient SCLC cells. Combination of abemaciclib and RT induced more cytosolic ds-DNA, and activated the STING pathway synergistically. We further showed that combining low doses of abemaciclib with low-dose RT (LDRT) plus anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) antibody substantially potentiated CD8+ T cell infiltration and significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in an Rb-deficient immunocompetent murine SCLC model. Conclusions Our results define previously uncertain DNA damage-inducing properties of CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib in Rb-deficient SCLCs, and demonstrate that low doses of abemaciclib combined with LDRT inflame the TME and enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in SCLC model, which represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laduona Wang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijun Wu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Kang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ren Luo
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zegui Tu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guo Lin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Tang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Yu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingwen Zou
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruizhan Tong
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linglu Yi
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Na
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuoran Yao
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Shen J, Guillén Mancina E, Chen S, Manolakou T, Gad H, Warpman Berglund U, Sanjiv K, Helleday T. Mitotic MTH1 inhibitor TH1579 induces PD-L1 expression and inflammatory response through the cGAS-STING pathway. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:17. [PMID: 38796460 PMCID: PMC11127983 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-024-00518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitotic MTH1 inhibitor TH1579 is a dual inhibitor that inhibits mitosis and incorporation of oxidative DNA damage and leads to cancer-specific cell death. The response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment is often augmented by DNA damaging agents through the cGAS-STING pathway. This study investigates whether TH1579 can improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockades through its immunomodulatory properties. Various human and murine cancer cell lines were treated with mitotic MTH1i TH1579, and the expression of PD-L1 and T-cell infiltration-related chemokines was analysed by flow cytometry and real-time qPCR. Syngeneic mouse models were established to examine the combined effect of TH1579 and PD-L1 blockade. In our investigation, we found that TH1579 upregulates PD-L1 expression at both the protein and mRNA levels in human cancer cell lines. However, in murine cell lines, the increase was less pronounced. An in vivo experiment in a syngeneic mouse melanoma model showed that TH1579 treatment significantly increased the efficacy of atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, compared to vehicle or atezolizumab monotherapy. Furthermore, TH1579 exhibited immune-modulatory properties, elevating cytokines such as IFN-β and chemokines including CCL5 and CXCL10, in a cGAS-STING pathway-dependent manner. In conclusion, TH1579 has the potential to improve ICI treatment by modulating immune checkpoint-related proteins and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Shen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilio Guillén Mancina
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shenyu Chen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helge Gad
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Warpman Berglund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Oxcia AB, Norrbackagatan 70C, 11334, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kumar Sanjiv
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, S10 2RX, Sheffield, UK.
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7
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De Rosa C, Iommelli F, De Rosa V, Ercolano G, Sodano F, Tuccillo C, Amato L, Tirino V, Ariano A, Cimmino F, di Guida G, Filosa G, di Liello A, Ciardiello D, Martinelli E, Troiani T, Napolitano S, Martini G, Ciardiello F, Papaccio F, Morgillo F, Della Corte CM. PBMCs as Tool for Identification of Novel Immunotherapy Biomarkers in Lung Cancer. Biomedicines 2024; 12:809. [PMID: 38672164 PMCID: PMC11048624 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040809] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer (LC), including both non-small (NSCLC) and small (SCLC) subtypes, is currently treated with a combination of chemo- and immunotherapy. However, predictive biomarkers to identify high-risk patients are needed. Here, we explore the role of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a tool for novel biomarkers searching. METHODS We analyzed the expression of the cGAS-STING pathway, a key DNA sensor that activates during chemotherapy, in PBMCs from LC patients divided into best responders (BR), responders (R) and non-responders (NR). The PBMCs were whole exome sequenced (WES). RESULTS PBMCs from BR and R patients of LC cohorts showed the highest levels of STING (p < 0.0001) and CXCL10 (p < 0.0001). From WES, each subject had at least 1 germline/somatic alteration in a DDR gene and the presence of more DDR gene mutations correlated with clinical responses, suggesting novel biomarker implications. Thus, we tested the effect of the pharmacological DDR inhibitor (DDRi) in PBMCs and in three-dimensional spheroid co-culture of PBMCs and LC cell lines; we found that DDRi strongly increased cGAS-STING expression and tumor infiltration ability of immune cells in NR and R patients. Furthermore, we performed FACS analysis of PBMCs derived from LC patients from the BR, R and NR cohorts and we found that cytotoxic T cell subpopulations displayed the highest STING expression. CONCLUSIONS cGAS-STING signaling activation in PBMCs may be a novel potential predictive biomarker for the response to immunotherapy and high levels are correlated with a better response to treatment along with an overall increased antitumor immune injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina De Rosa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Iommelli
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Viviana De Rosa
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Ercolano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.E.); (F.S.)
| | - Federica Sodano
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.E.); (F.S.)
| | - Concetta Tuccillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Luisa Amato
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Virginia Tirino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
- U.P. Diagnostica Citometrica e Mutazionale, A.O.U. Vanvitelli, Università degli Studi della Campania, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Ariano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Flora Cimmino
- Hospital “Martiri Di Villa Malta”, 84087 Sarno, Italy;
| | - Gaetano di Guida
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Gennaro Filosa
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Alessandra di Liello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Davide Ciardiello
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology (IEO), IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Erika Martinelli
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Teresa Troiani
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Stefania Napolitano
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Martini
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Federica Papaccio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy;
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.D.R.); (C.T.); (L.A.); (A.A.); (G.d.G.); (G.F.); (A.d.L.); (E.M.); (T.T.); (S.N.); (G.M.); (F.C.); (F.M.)
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8
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Taniguchi H, Chavan SS, Chow A, Chan JM, Mukae H, Rudin CM, Sen T. Role of CD38 in anti-tumor immunity of small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348982. [PMID: 38533509 PMCID: PMC10963403 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with or without chemotherapy has a very modest benefit in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC tumors are characterized by high tumor mutation burden (TMB) and low PD-L1 expression. Therefore, TMB and PD-L1 do not serve as biomarkers of ICB response in SCLC. CD38, a transmembrane glycoprotein, mediates immunosuppression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this brief report, we highlight the potential role of CD38 as a probable biomarker of immunotherapy response in SCLC. Methods We evaluated the role of CD38 as a determinant of tumor immune microenvironment in SCLC with bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses and protein assessments of clinical samples and preclinical models, including CD38 in vivo blockade. Results In SCLC clinical samples, CD38 levels were significantly correlated with the gene expression of the immunosuppressive markers FOXP3, PD-1 and CTLA-4. CD38 expression was significantly enhanced after chemotherapy and ICB treatment in SCLC preclinical models and clinical samples. A combination of cisplatin/etoposide, ICB, and CD38 blockade delayed tumor growth compared to cisplatin/etoposide. Conclusion Our study provides a preliminary but important direction toward exploring CD38 as a potential biomarker of ICB response and CD38 blockade as a combination strategy for chemo-immunotherapy in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Taniguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shweta S. Chavan
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrew Chow
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joseph M. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Charles M. Rudin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Triparna Sen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Murayama T, Nakayama J, Jiang X, Miyata K, Morris AD, Cai KQ, Prasad RM, Ma X, Efimov A, Belani N, Gerstein ER, Tan Y, Zhou Y, Kim W, Maruyama R, Campbell KS, Chen L, Yang Y, Balachandran S, Cañadas I. Targeting DHX9 Triggers Tumor-Intrinsic Interferon Response and Replication Stress in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:468-491. [PMID: 38189443 PMCID: PMC10905673 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0486] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Activating innate immunity in cancer cells through cytoplasmic nucleic acid sensing pathways, a phenomenon known as "viral mimicry," has emerged as an effective strategy to convert immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot." Through a curated CRISPR-based screen of RNA helicases, we identified DExD/H-box helicase 9 (DHX9) as a potent repressor of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in small cell lung cancers (SCLC). Depletion of DHX9 induced accumulation of cytoplasmic dsRNA and triggered tumor-intrinsic innate immunity. Intriguingly, ablating DHX9 also induced aberrant accumulation of R-loops, which resulted in an increase of DNA damage-derived cytoplasmic DNA and replication stress in SCLCs. In vivo, DHX9 deletion promoted a decrease in tumor growth while inducing a more immunogenic tumor microenvironment, invigorating responsiveness to immune-checkpoint blockade. These findings suggest that DHX9 is a crucial repressor of tumor-intrinsic innate immunity and replication stress, representing a promising target for SCLC and other "cold" tumors in which genomic instability contributes to pathology. SIGNIFICANCE One promising strategy to trigger an immune response within tumors and enhance immunotherapy efficacy is by inducing endogenous "virus-mimetic" nucleic acid accumulation. Here, we identify DHX9 as a viral-mimicry-inducing factor involved in the suppression of double-stranded RNAs and R-loops and propose DHX9 as a novel target to enhance antitumor immunity. See related commentary by Chiappinelli, p. 389. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 384.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Murayama
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Immunology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Oncogenesis and Growth Regulation, Research Institute, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xinpei Jiang
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Immunology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenichi Miyata
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Cancer Cell Communication Project, NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alexander D. Morris
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kathy Q. Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rahul M. Prasad
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xueying Ma
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Immunology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrey Efimov
- Bio Imaging Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Neel Belani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily R. Gerstein
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yinfei Tan
- Genomics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - William Kim
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Center for Novel Therapeutics, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Reo Maruyama
- Project for Cancer Epigenomics, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Cancer Cell Diversity Project, NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kerry S. Campbell
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Immunology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lu Chen
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yibin Yang
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Immunology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Siddharth Balachandran
- Center for Immunology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Israel Cañadas
- Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Immunology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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10
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Tiwari A, Kumari B, Nandagopal S, Mishra A, Shukla KK, Kumar A, Dutt N, Ahirwar DK. Promises of Protein Kinase Inhibitors in Recalcitrant Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Recent Scenario and Future Possibilities. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:963. [PMID: 38473324 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050963] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SCLC is refractory to conventional therapies; targeted therapies and immunological checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) molecules have prolonged survival only marginally. In addition, ICIs help only a subgroup of SCLC patients. Different types of kinases play pivotal roles in therapeutics-driven cellular functions. Therefore, there is a significant need to understand the roles of kinases in regulating therapeutic responses, acknowledge the existing knowledge gaps, and discuss future directions for improved therapeutics for recalcitrant SCLC. Here, we extensively review the effect of dysregulated kinases in SCLC. We further discuss the pharmacological inhibitors of kinases used in targeted therapies for recalcitrant SCLC. We also describe the role of kinases in the ICI-mediated activation of antitumor immune responses. Finally, we summarize the clinical trials evaluating the potential of kinase inhibitors and ICIs. This review overviews dysregulated kinases in SCLC and summarizes their potential as targeted therapeutic agents. We also discuss their clinical efficacy in enhancing anticancer responses mediated by ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Tiwari
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342030, Rajasthan, India
| | - Beauty Kumari
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342030, Rajasthan, India
| | - Srividhya Nandagopal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342005, Rajasthan, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342030, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kamla Kant Shukla
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342005, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal, Saket Nagar, Bhopal 462020, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Naveen Dutt
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342005, Rajasthan, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Ahirwar
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342030, Rajasthan, India
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11
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Solta A, Ernhofer B, Boettiger K, Megyesfalvi Z, Heeke S, Hoda MA, Lang C, Aigner C, Hirsch FR, Schelch K, Döme B. Small cells - big issues: biological implications and preclinical advancements in small cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:41. [PMID: 38395864 PMCID: PMC10893629 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01953-9] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Current treatment guidelines refer to small cell lung cancer (SCLC), one of the deadliest human malignancies, as a homogeneous disease. Accordingly, SCLC therapy comprises chemoradiation with or without immunotherapy. Meanwhile, recent studies have made significant advances in subclassifying SCLC based on the elevated expression of the transcription factors ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3, as well as on certain inflammatory characteristics. The role of the transcription regulator YAP1 in defining a unique SCLC subset remains to be established. Although preclinical analyses have described numerous subtype-specific characteristics and vulnerabilities, the so far non-existing clinical subtype distinction may be a contributor to negative clinical trial outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to provide a framework for the development of novel personalized therapeutic approaches by compiling the most recent discoveries achieved by preclinical SCLC research. We highlight the challenges faced due to limited access to patient material as well as the advances accomplished by implementing state-of-the-art models and methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Solta
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Büsra Ernhofer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristiina Boettiger
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Simon Heeke
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fred R Hirsch
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Karin Schelch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Döme
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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12
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Khorasani M, Alaei M. cGAS-STING and PD1/PDL-1 pathway in breast cancer: a window to new therapies. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2024; 44:1-7. [PMID: 38470108 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2024.2325353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex malignancy with diverse molecular and cellular subtypes and clinical outcomes. Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer remains a significant health challenge. However, recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have shown promising results in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly the use of inhibitors that target the immune checkpoint PD1/PDL1. Also, the cGAS-STING pathway, an important part of the innate immune response, has been considered as a major potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the cGAS-STING and PD1/PDL-1 pathway in breast cancer, including their role in tumor development, progression, and response to treatment. We also discuss potential future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Khorasani
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Maryam Alaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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13
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Liu Q, Zhang J, Guo C, Wang M, Wang C, Yan Y, Sun L, Wang D, Zhang L, Yu H, Hou L, Wu C, Zhu Y, Jiang G, Zhu H, Zhou Y, Fang S, Zhang T, Hu L, Li J, Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang B, Ding L, Robles AI, Rodriguez H, Gao D, Ji H, Zhou H, Zhang P. Proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer identifies biological insights and subtype-specific therapeutic strategies. Cell 2024; 187:184-203.e28. [PMID: 38181741 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.12.004] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
We performed comprehensive proteogenomic characterization of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) using paired tumors and adjacent lung tissues from 112 treatment-naive patients who underwent surgical resection. Integrated multi-omics analysis illustrated cancer biology downstream of genetic aberrations and highlighted oncogenic roles of FAT1 mutation, RB1 deletion, and chromosome 5q loss. Two prognostic biomarkers, HMGB3 and CASP10, were identified. Overexpression of HMGB3 promoted SCLC cell migration via transcriptional regulation of cell junction-related genes. Immune landscape characterization revealed an association between ZFHX3 mutation and high immune infiltration and underscored a potential immunosuppressive role of elevated DNA damage response activity via inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway. Multi-omics clustering identified four subtypes with subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Cell line and patient-derived xenograft-based drug tests validated the specific therapeutic responses predicted by multi-omics subtyping. This study provides a valuable resource as well as insights to better understand SCLC biology and improve clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chenchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mengcheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chenfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cells, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yilv Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Liangdong Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huansha Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Likun Hou
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yuming Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Gening Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanting Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shanhua Fang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- D1 Medical Technology, Shanghai 201800, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine, McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Ana I Robles
- Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Henry Rodriguez
- Office of Cancer Clinical Proteomics Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Daming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China.
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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14
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Fuentes‐Antrás J, Bedard PL, Cescon DW. Seize the engine: Emerging cell cycle targets in breast cancer. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1544. [PMID: 38264947 PMCID: PMC10807317 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer arises from a series of molecular alterations that disrupt cell cycle checkpoints, leading to aberrant cell proliferation and genomic instability. Targeted pharmacological inhibition of cell cycle regulators has long been considered a promising anti-cancer strategy. Initial attempts to drug critical cell cycle drivers were hampered by poor selectivity, modest efficacy and haematological toxicity. Advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of cell cycle disruption and the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors have reignited interest in blocking specific components of the cell cycle machinery, such as CDK2, CDK4, CDK7, PLK4, WEE1, PKMYT1, AURKA and TTK. These targets play critical roles in regulating quiescence, DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Extensive preclinical data support their potential to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance, induce synthetic lethality or sensitise tumours to immune checkpoint inhibitors. This review provides a biological and drug development perspective on emerging cell cycle targets and novel inhibitors, many of which exhibit favourable safety profiles and promising activity in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Fuentes‐Antrás
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- NEXT OncologyHospital Universitario QuironSalud MadridMadridSpain
| | - Philippe L. Bedard
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and HematologyDepartment of MedicinePrincess Margaret Cancer CentreUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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15
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Zhang C, Peng K, Liu Q, Huang Q, Liu T. Adavosertib and beyond: Biomarkers, drug combination and toxicity of WEE1 inhibitors. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104233. [PMID: 38103761 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
WEE1 kinase is renowned as an S-G2 checkpoint inhibitor activated by ATR-CHK1 in response to replication stress. WEE1 inhibition enhances replication stress and effectively circumvents checkpoints into mitosis, which triggers significant genetic impairs and culminates in cell death. This approach has been validated clinically for its promising anti-tumor efficacy across various cancer types, notably in cases of ovarian cancers. Nonetheless, the initial stage of clinical trials has shown that the first-in-human WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is limited by dose-limiting adverse events. As a result, recent efforts have been made to explore predictive biomarkers and smart combination schedules to alleviate adverse effects. In this review, we focused on the exploration of therapeutic biomarkers, as well as schedules of combination utilizing WEE1 inhibitors and canonical anticancer drugs, according to the latest preclinical and clinical studies, indicating that the optimal application of WEE1 inhibitors will likely be as part of dose-reducing combination and be tailored to specific patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Peng
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihong Huang
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Li Y, Wang X, Hou X, Wu M, Wang S, Ma X. WEE1 Inhibitors Mediate Antitumor Effects on Endometrial Cancer through Activation of Innate Immune Responses. J Cancer 2024; 15:545-559. [PMID: 38169513 PMCID: PMC10758029 DOI: 10.7150/jca.90236] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Recurrence signifies the primary mortality factor in patients suffering from endometrial cancer, with few efficacious treatments currently available for recurrent cases. This research investigates the anti-tumoral capacities of WEE1 inhibitors within the context of endometrial cancer, aiming to establish a novel therapeutic avenue for high recurrence-risk patients. Materials and methods: We evaluated WEE1 expression in endometrial cancer patients utilizing immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue sections. The cytotoxic potential of WEE1 inhibitors on endometrial cancer cells was assessed by CCK8 assay. Assays to gauge the influence of WEE1 inhibitors on cell proliferation and migration included clonal proliferation, wound healing, and transwell assays. We determined the impacts on apoptosis and cell cycle stages by flow cytometry. Employing qRT-PCR and western blotting, we investigated the mechanistic pathways underlying the anti-tumoral activity of WEE1 inhibitors. In vivo evaluations were executed to ascertain the inhibitory effect of WEE1 inhibitors on tumor growth in mice. Results: WEE1 exhibited high-level expression in endometrial cancer tissues, particularly pronounced in recurrent compared with non-recurrent patients. WEE1 inhibitors effectively eliminated endometrial cancer cells while inhibiting their proliferation and migration. Flow cytometric analyses revealed a significant promotion of apoptosis and an increase in G2/M phase cell proportion upon WEE1 inhibitor treatment. qRT-PCR and western blotting elucidated that WEE1 inhibitors activated the innate immune signaling pathway in endometrial cancer cells. Furthermore, in vivo assessments demonstrated substantial tumor growth suppression due to WEE1 inhibitors. Conclusions: WEE1 inhibitors initiated an innate immune response in endometrial cancer, exhibiting considerable anti-tumoral effects, which was promising for postoperative treatment of endometrial cancer, especially recurrent endometrial cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiangyi Ma
- ✉ Corresponding author: Xiangyi Ma, +86 27 83662407,
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17
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Gutiérrez M, Zamora I, Freeman MR, Encío IJ, Rotinen M. Actionable Driver Events in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:105. [PMID: 38203275 PMCID: PMC10778712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) stands out as the most aggressive form of lung cancer, characterized by an extremely high proliferation rate and a very poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate that falls below 7%. Approximately two-thirds of patients receive their diagnosis when the disease has already reached a metastatic or extensive stage, leaving chemotherapy as the remaining first-line treatment option. Other than the recent advances in immunotherapy, which have shown moderate results, SCLC patients cannot yet benefit from any approved targeted therapy, meaning that this cancer remains treated as a uniform entity, disregarding intra- or inter-tumoral heterogeneity. Continuous efforts and technological improvements have enabled the identification of new potential targets that could be used to implement novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the most recent approaches for SCLC treatment, providing an extensive compilation of the targeted therapies that are currently under clinical evaluation and inhibitor molecules with promising results in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Gutiérrez
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
| | - Irene Zamora
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
| | - Michael R. Freeman
- Departments of Urology and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ignacio J. Encío
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mirja Rotinen
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (M.G.); (I.Z.)
- IdiSNA, Navarre Institute for Health Research, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
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18
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Li M, Bai G, Cen Y, Xie Q, Chen J, Chen J, Chen Q, Zhong W, Zhou X. Silencing HOXC13 exerts anti-prostate cancer effects by inducing DNA damage and activating cGAS/STING/IRF3 pathway. J Transl Med 2023; 21:884. [PMID: 38057852 PMCID: PMC10701956 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04743-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) will develop into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and lead to poor prognosis. As the primary subtype of CRPC, CRPC-AR accounts for the major induction of PCa heterogeneity. CRPC-AR is mainly driven by 25 transcription factors (TFs), which we speculate may be the key factors driving PCa toward CRPC. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the key regulator and its molecular mechanism mediating PCa progression. METHODS Firstly, we downloaded transcriptomic data and clinical information from TCGA-PRAD. The characteristic gene cluster was identified by PPI clustering, GO enrichment, co-expression correlation and clinical feature analyses for 25 TFs. Then, the effects of 25 TFs expression on prognosis of PCa patients was analyzed using univariate Cox regression, and the target gene was identified. The expression properties of the target gene in PCa tissues were verified using tissue microarray. Meanwhile, the related mechanistic pathway of the target gene was mined based on its function. Next, the target gene was silenced by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for cellular function and mechanistic pathway validation. Finally, CIBERSORT algorithm was used to analyze the infiltration levels of 22 immune cells in PCa patients with low and high expression of target gene, and validated by assaying the expression of related immunomodulatory factor. RESULTS We found that HOX family existed independently in 25 TFs, among which HOXC10, HOXC12 and HOXC13 had unique clinical features and the PCa patients with high HOXC13 expression had the worst prognosis. In addition, HOXC13 was highly expressed in tumor tissues and correlated with Gleason score and pathological grade. In vitro experiments demonstrated that silencing HOXC13 inhibited 22RV1 and DU145 cell function by inducing cellular DNA damage and activating cGAS/STING/IRF3 pathway. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that high HOXC13 expression suppressed infiltration of γδ T cells and plasma cells and recruited M2 macrophages. Consistent with these results, silencing HOXC13 up-regulated the transcriptional expression of IFN-β, CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL10. CONCLUSION HOXC13 regulates PCa progression by mediating the DNA damage-induced cGAS/STING/IRF3 pathway and remodels TIME through regulation of the transcription of the immune factors IFN-β, CCL2, CCL5 and CXCL10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maozhang Li
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, China
| | - Guangwei Bai
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, China
| | - Yi Cen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, People's Republic of China
| | - Qitong Xie
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, China
| | - Jiahong Chen
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, China
| | - Qingbiao Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, Affiliated Foshan Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Weide Zhong
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Department of Urology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, 516001, China.
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19
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Wu S, Fang W, Chen L, Feng C, Chen R, Ying H, Zheng X, Jiang J. Cordycepin remodels the tumor microenvironment of colorectal cancer by down-regulating the expression of PD-L1. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17567-17579. [PMID: 37910234 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05460-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Colorectal cancer, as a common malignant tumor, poses a serious threat to human life. Cordycepin, derived from Cordyceps militaris extract, which was established as a capable inhibitor of tumor growth. Nevertheless, the precise antitumor mechanism of cordycepin in colorectal cancer cells remains elusive. METHODS Herein, our initial focus was to explore the tumor-suppressive impact of cordycepin through its influence on various biological functions in murine colorectal cancer cells, conducted by an in vitro setting. First, we investigated the tumor-suppressive effect of cordycepin on the regulation of biological functions in murine colorectal cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, we evaluated the in vivo antitumor potential of cordycepin using a mouse preclinical tumor model, and further explored the antitumor mechanism. RESULTS Our findings revealed that cordycepin effectively inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of murine colon cancer cells. Moreover, there is a substantial reduction in the expression of PD-L1 observed in tumor cells, in response to cordycepin treatment. Collectively, these results demonstrate the significant tumor-suppressive attributes of cordycepin against colorectal cancer. Consequently, our study lays a solid foundation for the potential clinical utilization of cordycepin in cancer therapy. CONCLUSION Cordycepin inhibits the biological functions of colorectal cancer cells and suppresses tumor growth by reducing the expression of PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxian Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Fang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Feng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongzhang Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- National Engineering Research Center for Biotechnology, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211816, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213004, Jiangsu, China.
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20
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Li Y, Mahadevan NR, Duplaquet L, Hong D, Durmaz YT, Jones KL, Cho H, Morrow M, Protti A, Poitras MJ, Springer BF, Bronson RT, Gong X, Hui YH, Du J, Southard J, Thai T, Li S, Lizotte PH, Gokhale PC, Nguyen QD, Oser MG. Aurora A kinase inhibition induces accumulation of SCLC tumor cells in mitosis with restored interferon signaling to increase response to PD-L1. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101282. [PMID: 37992688 PMCID: PMC10694667 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) having a high mutational burden, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy only modestly increases survival. A subset of SCLCs that lose their ASCL1 neuroendocrine phenotype and restore innate immune signaling (termed the "inflammatory" subtype) have durable responses to PD-L1. Some SCLCs are highly sensitive to Aurora kinase inhibitors, but early-phase trials show short-lived responses, suggesting effective therapeutic combinations are needed to increase their durability. Using immunocompetent SCLC genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and syngeneic xenografts, we show durable efficacy with the combination of a highly specific Aurora A kinase inhibitor (LSN3321213) and PD-L1. LSN3321213 causes accumulation of tumor cells in mitosis with lower ASCL1 expression and higher expression of interferon target genes and antigen-presentation genes mimicking the inflammatory subtype in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that inflammatory gene expression is restored in mitosis in SCLC, which can be exploited by Aurora A kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Navin R Mahadevan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leslie Duplaquet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Deli Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yavuz T Durmaz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kristen L Jones
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Hyeonseo Cho
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Murry Morrow
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Andrea Protti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Michael J Poitras
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Experimental Therapeutics Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Benjamin F Springer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Experimental Therapeutics Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Roderick T Bronson
- Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | - Jian Du
- Loxo@Lilly, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Jackson Southard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tran Thai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shuqiang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick H Lizotte
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Prafulla C Gokhale
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Experimental Therapeutics Core, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Quang-De Nguyen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Lurie Family Imaging Center, Center for Biomedical Imaging in Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Matthew G Oser
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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21
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DiPeri TP, Evans KW, Raso MG, Zhao M, Rizvi YQ, Zheng X, Wang B, Kirby BP, Kong K, Kahle M, Yap TA, Dumbrava EE, Ajani JA, Fu S, Keyomarsi K, Meric-Bernstam F. Adavosertib Enhances Antitumor Activity of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in HER2-Expressing Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4385-4398. [PMID: 37279095 PMCID: PMC10618648 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0103] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cyclin E (CCNE1) has been proposed as a biomarker of sensitivity to adavosertib, a Wee1 kinase inhibitor, and a mechanism of resistance to HER2-targeted therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Copy number and genomic sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and MD Anderson Cancer Center databases were analyzed to assess ERBB2 and CCNE1 expression. Molecular characteristics of tumors and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) were assessed by next-generation sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridization, and IHC. In vitro, CCNE1 was overexpressed or knocked down in HER2+ cell lines to evaluate drug combination efficacy. In vivo, NSG mice bearing PDXs were subjected to combinatorial therapy with various treatment regimens, followed by tumor growth assessment. Pharmacodynamic markers in PDXs were characterized by IHC and reverse-phase protein array. RESULTS Among several ERBB2-amplified cancers, CCNE1 co-amplification was identified (gastric 37%, endometroid 43%, and ovarian serous adenocarcinoma 41%). We hypothesized that adavosertib may enhance activity of HER2 antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd). In vitro, sensitivity to T-DXd was decreased by cyclin E overexpression and increased by knockdown, and adavosertib was synergistic with topoisomerase I inhibitor DXd. In vivo, the T-DXd + adavosertib combination significantly increased γH2AX and antitumor activity in HER2 low, cyclin E amplified gastroesophageal cancer PDX models and prolonged event-free survival (EFS) in a HER2-overexpressing gastroesophageal cancer model. T-DXd + adavosertib treatment also increased EFS in other HER2-expressing tumor types, including a T-DXd-treated colon cancer model. CONCLUSIONS We provide rationale for combining T-DXd with adavosertib in HER2-expressing cancers, especially with co-occuring CCNE1 amplifications. See related commentary by Rolfo et al., p. 4317.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P. DiPeri
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kurt W. Evans
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Maria Gabriela Raso
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yasmeen Q. Rizvi
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bailiang Wang
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Bryce P. Kirby
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kathleen Kong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Kahle
- Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Timothy A. Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ecaterina E. Dumbrava
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jaffer A. Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Siqing Fu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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22
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Ooki A, Osumi H, Fukuda K, Yamaguchi K. Potent molecular-targeted therapies for gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1021-1054. [PMID: 37422534 PMCID: PMC10584733 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), which are characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation, can arise in various organs. NENs have been divided into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) based on morphological differentiation, each of which has a distinct etiology, molecular profile, and clinicopathological features. While the majority of NECs originate in the pulmonary organs, extrapulmonary NECs occur most predominantly in the gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) system. Although platinum-based chemotherapy is the main therapeutic option for recurrent or metastatic GEP-NEC patients, the clinical benefits are limited and associated with a poor prognosis, indicating the clinically urgent need for effective therapeutic agents. The clinical development of molecular-targeted therapies has been hampered due to the rarity of GEP-NECs and the paucity of knowledge on their biology. In this review, we summarize the biology, current treatments, and molecular profiles of GEP-NECs based on the findings of pivotal comprehensive molecular analyses; we also highlight potent therapeutic targets for future precision medicine based on the most recent results of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Osumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koshiro Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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23
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Benada J, Bulanova D, Azzoni V, Petrosius V, Ghazanfar S, Wennerberg K, Sørensen C. Synthetic lethal interaction between WEE1 and PKMYT1 is a target for multiple low-dose treatment of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad029. [PMID: 37325550 PMCID: PMC10262308 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is driven by genetic alterations that necessitate protective DNA damage and replication stress responses through cell cycle control and genome maintenance. This creates specific vulnerabilities that may be exploited therapeutically. WEE1 kinase is a key cell cycle control kinase, and it has emerged as a promising cancer therapy target. However, adverse effects have limited its clinical progress, especially when tested in combination with chemotherapies. A strong genetic interaction between WEE1 and PKMYT1 led us to hypothesize that a multiple low-dose approach utilizing joint WEE1 and PKMYT1 inhibition would allow exploitation of the synthetic lethality. We found that the combination of WEE1 and PKMYT1 inhibition exhibited synergistic effects in eradicating ovarian cancer cells and organoid models at a low dose. The WEE1 and PKMYT1 inhibition synergistically promoted CDK activation. Furthermore, the combined treatment exacerbated DNA replication stress and replication catastrophe, leading to increase of the genomic instability and inflammatory STAT1 signalling activation. These findings suggest a new multiple low-dose approach to harness the potency of WEE1 inhibition through the synthetic lethal interaction with PKMYT1 that may contribute to the development of new treatments for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Benada
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daria Bulanova
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Violette Azzoni
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Valdemaras Petrosius
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Saba Ghazanfar
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Claus Storgaard Sørensen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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24
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Kong SH, Ma L, Yuan Q, Liu X, Han Y, Xiang W, Liu DX, Zhang Y, Lu J. Inhibition of EZH2 alleviates SAHA-induced senescence-associated secretion phenotype in small cell lung cancer cells. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:289. [PMID: 37543653 PMCID: PMC10404275 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01591-y] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy has been widely used in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatment in the past decades. However, SCLC is easy to recur after chemotherapy. The senescence of cancer cells during chemotherapy is one of the effective therapeutic strategies to inhibit the progression of cancer. Nevertheless, the senescence-associated secretion phenotype (SASP) promotes chronic inflammation of the cancer microenvironment and further accelerates the progression of tumors. Therefore, inducing the senescence of cancer cells and inhibiting the production of SASP factors during anticancer treatment have become effective therapeutic strategies to improve the anticancer effect of drugs. Here we reported that SCLC cells treated with an FDA-approved HDAC inhibitor SAHA underwent senescence and displayed remarkable SASP. In particular, SAHA promoted the formation of cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCFs) in SCLC cells. The increased CCFs in SAHA-treated SCLC cells were related to nuclear porin Tpr, which activated the cGAS-STING pathway, and promoted the secretion of SASP in cancer cells. Inhibition of EZH2 suppressed the increase of CCFs in SAHA-treated SCLC cells, weakened the production of SASP, and increased the antiproliferative effect of SAHA. Overall, our work affords new insight into the secretion of SASP in SCLC and establishes a foundation for constructing a new therapeutic strategy for SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Hyok Kong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
- School of Life Science, University of Science, Pyongyang, 999091, Democratic People's Republic of Korea
| | - Lie Ma
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Qingxia Yuan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Xiangxiang Liu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Yu Han
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Weifang Xiang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
| | - Dong-Xu Liu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
| | - Yu Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Ministry of Education (MOE), Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
| | - Jun Lu
- The Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China.
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25
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Kaverina N, Schweickart RA, Chan GC, Maggiore JC, Eng DG, Zeng Y, McKinzie SR, Perry HS, Ali A, O’Connor C, Pereira BMV, Theberge AB, Vaughan JC, Loretz CJ, Chang A, Hukriede NA, Bitzer M, Pippin JW, Wessely O, Shankland SJ. Inhibiting NLRP3 signaling in aging podocytes improves their life- and health-span. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6658-6689. [PMID: 37487005 PMCID: PMC10415579 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The decrease in the podocyte's lifespan and health-span that typify healthy kidney aging cause a decrease in their normal structure, physiology and function. The ability to halt and even reverse these changes becomes clinically relevant when disease is superimposed on an aged kidney. RNA-sequencing of podocytes from middle-aged mice showed an inflammatory phenotype with increases in the NLRP3 inflammasome, signaling for IL2/Stat5, IL6 and TNF, interferon gamma response, allograft rejection and complement, consistent with inflammaging. Furthermore, injury-induced NLRP3 signaling in podocytes was further augmented in aged mice compared to young ones. The NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL1β IL-18) was also increased in podocytes of middle-aged humans. Higher transcript expression for NLRP3 in human glomeruli was accompanied by reduced podocyte density and increased global glomerulosclerosis and glomerular volume. Pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 with MCC950, or gene deletion, reduced podocyte senescence and the genes typifying aging in middle-aged mice, which was accompanied by an improved podocyte lifespan and health-span. Moreover, modeling the injury-dependent increase in NLRP3 signaling in human kidney organoids confirmed the anti-senescence effect of MC9950. Finally, NLRP3 also impacted liver aging. Together, these results suggest a critical role for the NLRP3 inflammasome in podocyte and liver aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Kaverina
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - R. Allen Schweickart
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Gek Cher Chan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Joseph C. Maggiore
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Diana G. Eng
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Yuting Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sierra R. McKinzie
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hannah S. Perry
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Adilijiang Ali
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | | | - Joshua C. Vaughan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Carol J. Loretz
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Anthony Chang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Neil A. Hukriede
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Markus Bitzer
- Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jeffrey W. Pippin
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Oliver Wessely
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Stuart J. Shankland
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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26
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Zhang C, Zhang C, Wang K, Wang H. Orchestrating smart therapeutics to achieve optimal treatment in small cell lung cancer: recent progress and future directions. J Transl Med 2023; 21:468. [PMID: 37452395 PMCID: PMC10349514 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recalcitrant malignancy with elusive mechanism of pathogenesis and dismal prognosis. Over the past decades, platinum-based chemotherapy has been the backbone treatment for SCLC. However, subsequent chemoresistance after initial effectiveness urges researchers to explore novel therapeutic targets of SCLC. Recent years have witnessed significant improvements in targeted therapy in SCLC. New molecular candidates such as Ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3-related protein (ATR), WEE1, checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) have shown promising therapeutic utility in SCLC. While immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has emerged as an indispensable treatment modality for SCLC, approaches to boost efficacy and reduce toxicity as well as selection of reliable biomarkers for ICI in SCLC have remained elusive and warrants our further investigation. Given the increasing importance of precision medicine in SCLC, optimal subtyping of SCLC using multi-omics have gradually applied into clinical practice, which may identify more drug targets and better tailor treatment strategies to each individual patient. The present review summarizes recent progress and future directions in SCLC. In addition to the emerging new therapeutics, we also focus on the establishment of predictive model for early detection of SCLC. More importantly, we also propose a multi-dimensional model in the prognosis of SCLC to ultimately attain the goal of accurate treatment of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Number 440, Ji Yan Road, Jinan, China.
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27
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Faida P, Attiogbe MKI, Majeed U, Zhao J, Qu L, Fan D. Lung cancer treatment potential and limits associated with the STAT family of transcription factors. Cell Signal 2023:110797. [PMID: 37423343 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the mortal cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with a cancer survival rate of fewer than 5% in developing nations. This low survival rate can be linked to things like late-stage detection, quick postoperative recurrences in patients receiving therapy, and chemoresistance developing against various lung cancer treatments. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors are involved in lung cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, immunological control, and treatment resistance. By interacting with specific DNA sequences, STAT proteins trigger the production of particular genes, which in turn result in adaptive and incredibly specific biological responses. In the human genome, seven STAT proteins have been discovered (STAT1 to STAT6, including STAT5a and STAT5b). Many external signaling proteins can activate unphosphorylated STATs (uSTATs), which are found inactively in the cytoplasm. When STAT proteins are activated, they can increase the transcription of several target genes, which leads to unchecked cellular proliferation, anti-apoptotic reactions, and angiogenesis. The effects of STAT transcription factors on lung cancer are variable; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic, while others maintain dual, context-dependent activities. Here, we give a succinct summary of the various functions that each member of the STAT family plays in lung cancer and go into more detail about the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paison Faida
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Mawusse K I Attiogbe
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Usman Majeed
- College of Food Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Linlin Qu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Daidi Fan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Degradable Biomedical Materials and Shaanxi R&D Center of Biomaterials and Fermentation Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China; Biotech. & Biomed. Research Institute, Northwest University, Taibai North Road 229, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
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28
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Klapp V, Álvarez-Abril B, Leuzzi G, Kroemer G, Ciccia A, Galluzzi L. The DNA Damage Response and Inflammation in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1521-1545. [PMID: 37026695 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-1220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic stability in normal cells is crucial to avoid oncogenesis. Accordingly, multiple components of the DNA damage response (DDR) operate as bona fide tumor suppressor proteins by preserving genomic stability, eliciting the demise of cells with unrepairable DNA lesions, and engaging cell-extrinsic oncosuppression via immunosurveillance. That said, DDR sig-naling can also favor tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Indeed, DDR signaling in cancer cells has been consistently linked to the inhibition of tumor-targeting immune responses. Here, we discuss the complex interactions between the DDR and inflammation in the context of oncogenesis, tumor progression, and response to therapy. SIGNIFICANCE Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that DDR is intimately connected to the emission of immunomodulatory signals by normal and malignant cells, as part of a cell-extrinsic program to preserve organismal homeostasis. DDR-driven inflammation, however, can have diametrically opposed effects on tumor-targeting immunity. Understanding the links between the DDR and inflammation in normal and malignant cells may unlock novel immunotherapeutic paradigms to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Klapp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Beatriz Álvarez-Abril
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Leuzzi
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Ciccia
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, New York
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29
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Alli VJ, Yadav P, Suresh V, Jadav SS. Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry Approaches Toward WEE1 Kinase Inhibitors and Its Degraders. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20196-20233. [PMID: 37323408 PMCID: PMC10268025 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
WEE1 is a checkpoint kinase critical for mitotic events, especially in cell maturation and DNA repair. Most cancer cells' progression and survival are linked with elevated levels of WEE1 kinase. Thus, WEE1 kinase has become a new promising druggable target. A few classes of WEE1 inhibitors are designed by rationale or structure-based techniques and optimization approaches to identify selective acting anticancer agents. The discovery of the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 further emphasized WEE1 as a promising anticancer target. Therefore, the current review provides a comprehensive data on medicinal chemistry, synthetic approaches, optimization methods, and the interaction profile of WEE1 kinase inhibitors. In addition, WEE1 PROTAC degraders and their synthetic procedures, including a list of noncoding RNAs necessary for regulation of WEE1, are also highlighted. From the standpoint of medicinal chemistry, the contents of this compilation serve as an exemplar for the further design, synthesis, and optimization of promising WEE1-targeted anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Jyothi Alli
- Department
of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Pawan Yadav
- Department
of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
| | - Vavilapalli Suresh
- Department
of Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Surender Singh Jadav
- Department
of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500037, India
- Academy
of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
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30
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Su YL, Xiao LY, Huang SY, Wu CC, Chang LC, Chen YH, Luo HL, Huang CC, Liu TT, Peng JM. Inhibiting WEE1 Augments the Antitumor Efficacy of Cisplatin in Urothelial Carcinoma by Enhancing the DNA Damage Process. Cells 2023; 12:1471. [PMID: 37296592 PMCID: PMC10252844 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111471] [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: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is characterized by a high incidence of TP53 mutation, and overcoming resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in UC is a major concern. Wee1 is a G2/M phase regulator that controls the DNA damage response to chemotherapy in TP53-mutant cancers. The combination of Wee1 blockade with cisplatin has shown synergistic efficacy in several types of cancers, but little is known regarding UC. The antitumor efficacy of the Wee1 inhibitor (AZD-1775) alone or in combination with cisplatin was evaluated in UC cell lines and a xenograft mouse model. AZD-1775 enhanced the anticancer activity of cisplatin by increasing cellular apoptosis. AZD-1775 inhibited the G2/M checkpoint, improving the sensitivity of mutant TP53 UC cells to cisplatin by enhancing the DNA damage process. We confirmed that AZD-1775 combined with cisplatin reduced tumor volume and proliferation activity and increased the markers of cell apoptosis and DNA damage in the mouse xenograft model. In summary, the Wee1 inhibitor AZD-1775 combined with cisplatin elicited a promising anticancer efficacy in UC, and constitutes an innovative and promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Li Su
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- Genomic & Proteomic Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yi Xiao
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Huang
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Che Wu
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chung Chang
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Lun Luo
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ting Liu
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Jei-Ming Peng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
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31
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Kang K, Wu Y, Yao Z, Lu Y. Tackling the current dilemma of immunotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A promising strategy of combining with radiotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 565:216239. [PMID: 37211066 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Progress in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been modest over the past decades until the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have redefined the standard first-line treatment for extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC). However, despite the positive results of several clinical trials, the limited survival benefit achieved suggests that the priming and sustaining of immunotherapeutic efficacy are poor and further investigation is urgently needed. In this review, we aim to summarize the potential mechanisms underlying the limited efficacy of immunotherapy and intrinsic resistance in ES-SCLC, including impaired antigen presentation and limited T cell infiltration. Moreover, to tackle the current dilemma, given the synergistic effects of radiotherapy on immunotherapy, especially the unique advantages of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT), such as less immunosuppression and lower radiation toxicity, we propose radiotherapy as a booster to enhance the immunotherapeutic efficacy by overcoming the poor priming effect. Recent clinical trials, including ours, have also focused on adding radiotherapy, including LDRT, to first-line treatment of ES-SCLC. Additionally, we also suggest combination strategies to sustain the immunostimulatory effect of radiotherapy, as well as the cancer-immunity cycle, and further improve survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijun Wu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuoran Yao
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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32
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Cani M, Napoli VM, Garbo E, Ferrari G, Del Rio B, Novello S, Passiglia F. Targeted Therapies in Small Cell Lung Cancer: From Old Failures to Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108883. [PMID: 37240229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108883] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical management of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treatment remains a major challenge for thoracic oncologists, with very few therapeutic advances significantly impacting patients' survival. The recent introduction of immunotherapy in the clinical setting produced a marginal benefit for a limited subset of metastatic patients, while the therapeutic scenario for relapsing extended-disease small cell lung cancers (ED-SCLCs) remains almost deserted. Recent efforts clarified the molecular features of this disease, leading to the identification of key signalling pathways which may serve as potential targets for clinical use. Despite the large number of molecules tested and the numerous therapeutic failures, some targeted therapies have recently shown interesting preliminary results. In this review, we describe the main molecular pathways involved in SCLC development/progression and provide an updated summary of the targeted therapies currently under investigation in SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Cani
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Valerio Maria Napoli
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Edoardo Garbo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Giorgia Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Benedetta Del Rio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
| | - Francesco Passiglia
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, TO, Italy
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Yang J, Xiang T, Zhu S, Lao Y, Wang Y, Liu T, Li K, Ma Y, Zhong C, Zhang S, Tan W, Lin D, Wu C. Comprehensive Analyses Reveal Effects on Tumor Immune Infiltration and Immunotherapy Response of APOBEC Mutagenesis and Its Molecular Mechanisms in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2551-2571. [PMID: 37215984 PMCID: PMC10197887 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide (APOBEC) mutagenesis is prevalent in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the functional role of APOBEC mutagenesis has yet to be fully delineated. To address this, we collect matched multi-omics data of 169 ESCC patients and evaluate characteristics of immune infiltration using multiple bioinformatic approaches based on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and verified by functional assays. We find that APOBEC mutagenesis prolongs overall survival (OS) of ESCC patients. The reason for this outcome is probably due to high anti-tumor immune infiltration, immune checkpoints expression and immune related pathway enrichment, such as interferon (IFN) signaling, innate and adaptive immune system. The elevated AOBEC3A (A3A) activity paramountly contributes to the footprints of APOBEC mutagenesis and is first discovered to be transactivated by FOSL1. Mechanistically, upregulated A3A exacerbates cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) accumulation, thus stimulating cGAS-STING pathway. Simultaneously, A3A is associated with immunotherapy response which is predicted by TIDE algorithm, validated in a clinical cohort and further confirmed in mouse models. These findings systematically elucidate the clinical relevance, immunological characteristics, prognostic value for immunotherapy and underlying mechanisms of APOBEC mutagenesis in ESCC, which demonstrate great potential in clinical utility to facilitate clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Tao Xiang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shihao Zhu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yueqiong Lao
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Tianyuan Liu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuling Ma
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ce Zhong
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shaosen Zhang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Wen Tan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- CAMS Oxford Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100006, China
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34
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Moliner L, Zhang B, Lamberti G, Ardizzoni A, Byers LA, Califano R. Novel therapeutic strategies for recurrent SCLC. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 186:104017. [PMID: 37150311 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104017] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options for patients with relapsed SCLC are limited, and the prognosis in this setting remains poor. While clinical outcomes for frontline treatment have modestly improved with the introduction of immunotherapy, treatment in the second-line setting persists almost unchanged. In this review, current treatment options and recent advances in molecular biology are described. Emerging therapeutic options in this setting and potential strategies to improve clinical outcomes of these patients are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Moliner
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Bingnan Zhang
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Giuseppe Lamberti
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Lauren A Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Raffaele Califano
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK; Division of Cancer Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK.
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Li Y, Wang X, Hou X, Ma X. Could Inhibiting the DNA Damage Repair Checkpoint Rescue Immune-Checkpoint-Inhibitor-Resistant Endometrial Cancer? J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12083014. [PMID: 37109350 PMCID: PMC10144486 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12083014] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is increasingly undermining female health worldwide, with poor survival rates for advanced or recurrent/metastatic diseases. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has opened a window of opportunity for patients with first-line therapy failure. However, there is a subset of patients with endometrial cancer who remain insensitive to immunotherapy alone. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic agents and further explore reliable combinational strategies to optimize the efficacy of immunotherapy. DNA damage repair (DDR) inhibitors as novel targeted drugs are able to generate genomic toxicity and induce cell death in solid tumors, including EC. Recently, growing evidence has demonstrated the DDR pathway modulates innate and adaptive immunity in tumors. In this review, we concentrate on the exploration of the intrinsic correlation between DDR pathways, especially the ATM-CHK2-P53 pathway and the ATR-CHK1-WEE1 pathway, and oncologic immune response, as well as the feasibility of adding DDR inhibitors to ICIs for the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent/metastatic EC. We hope that this review will offer some beneficial references to the investigation of immunotherapy and provide a reasonable basis for "double-checkpoint inhibition" in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xin Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiangyi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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36
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Li Y, Li X, Yi J, Cao Y, Qin Z, Zhong Z, Yang W. Nanoparticle-Mediated STING Activation for Cancer Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2300260. [PMID: 36905358 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
As the first line of host defense against pathogenic infections, innate immunity plays a key role in antitumor immunotherapy. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) (cGAS-STING) pathway has attracted much attention because of the secretion of various proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Many STING agonists have been identified and applied into preclinical or clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy. However, the fast excretion, low bioavailability, nonspecificity, and adverse effects of the small molecule STING agonists limit their therapeutic efficacy and in vivo application. Nanodelivery systems with appropriate size, charge, and surface modification are capable of addressing these dilemmas. In this review, the mechanism of the cGAS-STING pathway is discussed and the STING agonists, focusing on nanoparticle-mediated STING therapy and combined therapy for cancers, are summarized. Finally, the future direction and challenges of nano-STING therapy are expounded, emphasizing the pivotal scientific problems and technical bottlenecks and hoping to provide general guidance for its clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjuan Li
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.,The Center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.,The Center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jinmeng Yi
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.,The Center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yongjian Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zhihai Qin
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.,The Center of Infection and Immunity, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Weijing Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
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37
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Zhu M, Li S, Cao X, Rashid K, Liu T. The STAT family: Key transcription factors mediating crosstalk between cancer stem cells and tumor immune microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:18-31. [PMID: 36410636 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins compose a family of transcription factors critical for cancer stem cells (CSCs), and they are involved in maintaining stemness properties, enhancing cell proliferation, and promoting metastasis. Recent studies suggest that STAT proteins engage in reciprocal communication between CSCs and infiltrate immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging evidence has substantiated the influence of immune cells, including macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and T cells, on CSC survival through the regulation of STAT signaling. Conversely, dysregulation of STATs in CSCs or immune cells contributes to the establishment of an immunosuppressive TME. Thus, STAT proteins are promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, especially when used in combination with immunotherapy. From this perspective, we discuss the complex roles of STATs in CSCs and highlight their functions in the crosstalk between CSCs and the immune microenvironment. Finally, cutting-edge clinical trial progress with STAT signaling inhibitors is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxuan Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Suyao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Cao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Cancer Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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38
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Schmitz CRR, Maurmann RM, Guma FTCR, Bauer ME, Barbé-Tuana FM. cGAS-STING pathway as a potential trigger of immunosenescence and inflammaging. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1132653. [PMID: 36926349 PMCID: PMC10011111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1132653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with an increased incidence of autoimmune diseases, despite the progressive decline of immune responses (immunosenescence). This apparent paradox can be explained by the age-related chronic low-grade systemic inflammation (inflammaging) and progressive dysregulation of innate signaling. During cellular aging, there is an accumulation of damaged DNA in the cell's cytoplasm, which serves as ubiquitous danger-associated molecule, promptly recognized by DNA sensors. For instance, the free cytoplasmic DNA can be recognized, by DNA-sensing molecules like cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase linked to a stimulator of interferon genes), triggering transcriptional factors involved in the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. However, the contribution of this pathway to the aging immune system remains largely unknown. Here, we highlight recent advances in understanding the biology of the cGAS-STING pathway, its influence on the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and its modulation of the immune system during sterile inflammation. We propose that this important stress sensor of DNA damage is also a trigger of immunosenescence and inflammaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Raquel Richter Schmitz
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moura Maurmann
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fatima T C R Guma
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Moisés Evandro Bauer
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Neuroimunomodulação (INCT-NIM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Gerontologia Biomédica, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Florencia Maria Barbé-Tuana
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular da Escola de Ciências da Saúde da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Pediatria e Saúde da Criança da Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Leung ELH, Fan XX, Huang JM, Huang C, Lin H, Cao YB. Holistic immunomodulation for small cell lung cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:96-105. [PMID: 36470543 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.012] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a high mortality rate, rapid growth, and early metastasis, which lead to a poor prognosis. Moreover, limited clinical treatment options further lower the survival rate of patients. Therefore, novel technology and agents are urgently required to enhance clinical efficacy. In this review, from a holistic perspective, we summarized the therapeutic targets, agents and strategies with the most potential for treating SCLC, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy, immunomodulating antibodies, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), and the microbiota, which have been found recently to improve the clinical outcomes and prognosis of SCLC. Multiomics technologies can be integrated to develop effective diagnostic methods and identify new targets for new drug discovery in SCLC. We discussed in depth the feasibility, potential, and challenges of these new strategies, as well as their combinational treatments, which may provide promising alternatives for enhancing the clinical efficacy of SCLC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao Special Administrative Region of China; MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ju-Min Huang
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao Special Administrative Region of China; MOE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Chen Huang
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hong Lin
- Zhuhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ya-Bing Cao
- Department of Oncology, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
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40
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Repurposing of Commercially Existing Molecular Target Therapies to Boost the Clinical Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246150. [PMID: 36551637 PMCID: PMC9776741 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is now standard of care for several metastatic epithelial cancers and prolongs life expectancy for a significant fraction of patients. A hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) induced by intrinsic oncogenic signaling induces an immunosuppressive niche that protects the tumor cells, limiting the durability and efficacy of ICB therapies. Addition of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (RTKi) as potential modulators of an unfavorable local immune environment has resulted in moderate life expectancy improvement. Though the combination strategy of ICB and RTKi has shown significantly better results compared to individual treatment, the benefits and adverse events are additive whereas synergy of benefit would be preferable. There is therefore a need to investigate the potential of inhibitors other than RTKs to reduce malignant cell survival while enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In the last five years, preclinical studies have focused on using small molecule inhibitors targeting cell cycle and DNA damage regulators such as CDK4/6, CHK1 and poly ADP ribosyl polymerase (PARP) to selectively kill tumor cells and enhance cytotoxic immune responses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the available drugs that attenuate immunosuppression and overcome hostile TME that could be used to boost FDA-approved ICB efficacy in the near future.
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41
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Khan P, Fatima M, Khan MA, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Emerging role of chemokines in small cell lung cancer: Road signs for metastasis, heterogeneity, and immune response. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:117-126. [PMID: 36371025 PMCID: PMC10199458 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a recalcitrant, relatively immune-cold, and deadly subtype of lung cancer. SCLC has been viewed as a single or homogenous disease that includes deletion or inactivation of the two major tumor suppressor genes (TP53 and RB1) as a key hallmark. However, recent sightings suggest the complexity of SCLC tumors that comprises highly dynamic multiple subtypes contributing to high intratumor heterogeneity. Furthermore, the absence of targeted therapies, the understudied tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and subtype plasticity are also responsible for therapy resistance. Secretory chemokines play a crucial role in immunomodulation by trafficking immune cells to the tumors. Chemokines and cytokines modulate the anti-tumor immune response and wield a pro-/anti-tumorigenic effect on SCLC cells after binding to cognate receptors. In this review, we summarize and highlight recent findings that establish the role of chemokines in SCLC growth and metastasis, and sophisticated intratumor heterogeneity. We also discuss the chemokine networks that are putative targets or modulators for augmenting the anti-tumor immune responses in targeted or chemo-/immuno-therapeutic strategies, and how these combinations may be utilized to conquer SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mahek Fatima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Md Arafat Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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42
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Catalano M, Francesco Iannone L, Cosso F, Generali D, Mini E, Roviello G. Combining inhibition of immune checkpoints and PARP: rationale and perspectives in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:923-936. [PMID: 36519314 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2158813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genomic instability resulting from the inability of cells to repair DNA damage is a breeding ground for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and targeted treatments. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) interfere with the efficient repair of DNA single-strand break damage inducing, mainly in tumors with existing defects in double strand DNA repair system, synthetic lethality. AREAS COVERED By amplifying the DNA damage and inducing immunogenic cell death PARPi leads tumor neoantigens to increase, upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment facilitating a more intense antitumor immune response. In this review, we reported the immunological role of PARPi and the rational use of the combination with ICIs, evaluating data from combination clinical trials and discussing perspectives. EXPERT OPINION Several prospective combination studies to overcome existing limitations to PARPi and ICI single agents are currently ongoing. The identification of the different resistance mechanisms to PARPi and ICI as well as the development of accurate and predictive biomarkers of response should be a priority to identify the patients who may most benefit from this combination. Similarly, clarifying the role and interaction between the DNA damage repair pathways and the tumor immune microenvironment would increase success of the combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luigi Francesco Iannone
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Cosso
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Mini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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43
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Seven Fatty Acid Metabolism-Related Genes as Potential Biomarkers for Predicting the Prognosis and Immunotherapy Responses in Patients with Esophageal Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101721. [PMID: 36298586 PMCID: PMC9610070 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Altered fatty acid metabolism is a hallmark of cancer. However, studies on the roles of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FRGs) in ESCA remain limited. Method: We identified differentially expressed FRGs (DE-FRGs). Then, the DE-FRGs prognostic model was constructed and validated using a comprehensive analysis. Moreover, the correlation between the risk model and clinical characteristics was investigated. A nomogram for predicting survival was established and evaluated. Subsequently, the difference in tumor microenvironment (TME) was compared between two risk groups. The sensitivity of key DE-FRGs to chemotherapeutic interventions and their correlation with immune cells were investigated. Finally, DEGs between two risk groups were measured and the prognostic value of key DE-FRGs in ESCA was confirmed in other databases. Results: A prognostic model was constructed based on seven selected DEG-FRGs. TNM staging and CD8+ T cells were significantly correlated with high-risk groups. Low-risk groups exhibited more infiltrated M0 macrophages, an activation of type II interferon (IFN-γ) responses, and were found to be more suitable for immunotherapy. Seven key DE-FRGs with prognostic value were found to be considerably influenced by different chemotherapy drugs. Conclusion: A prognostic model based on seven DE-FRGs may efficiently predict patient prognosis and immunotherapy response, helping to develop individualized treatment strategies in ESCA.
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Carlsen L, El-Deiry WS. Anti-cancer immune responses to DNA damage response inhibitors: Molecular mechanisms and progress toward clinical translation. Front Oncol 2022; 12:998388. [PMID: 36276148 PMCID: PMC9583871 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.998388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA damage response inhibitors are widely used anti-cancer agents that have potent activity against tumor cells with deficiencies in various DNA damage response proteins such as BRCA1/2. Inhibition of other proteins in this pathway including PARP, DNA-PK, WEE1, CHK1/2, ATR, or ATM can sensitize cancer cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and such combinations are currently being tested in clinical trials for treatment of many malignancies including breast, ovarian, rectal, and lung cancer. Unrepaired DNA damage induced by DNA damage response inhibitors alone or in combination with radio- or chemotherapy has a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells and can also engage anti-cancer innate and adaptive immune responses. DNA damage-induced immune stimulation occurs by a variety of mechanisms including by the cGAS/STING pathway, STAT1 and downstream TRAIL pathway activation, and direct immune cell activation. Whether or not the relative contribution of these mechanisms varies after treatment with different DNA damage response inhibitors or across cancers with different genetic aberrations in DNA damage response enzymes is not well-characterized, limiting the design of optimal combinations with radio- and chemotherapy. Here, we review how the inhibition of key DNA damage response enzymes including PARP, DNA-PK, WEE1, CHK1/2, ATR, and ATM induces innate and adaptive immune responses alone or in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or immunotherapy. We also discuss current progress in the clinical translation of immunostimulatory DNA-damaging treatment regimens and necessary future directions to optimize the immune-sensitizing potential of DNA damage response inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Carlsen
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Wafik S. El-Deiry
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and the Lifespan Health System, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Medicine, Hematology-Oncology Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Wafik S. El-Deiry,
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