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Miyamoto-Sato E, Imanishi S, Huang L, Itakura S, Iwasaki Y, Ishizaka M. A First-Class Degrader Candidate Targeting Both KRAS G12D and G12V Mediated by CANDDY Technology Independent of Ubiquitination. Molecules 2023; 28:5600. [PMID: 37513471 PMCID: PMC10386196 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
"Undruggable" targets such as KRAS are particularly challenging in the development of drugs. We devised a novel chemical knockdown strategy, CANDDY (Chemical knockdown with Affinity aNd Degradation DYnamics) technology, which promotes protein degradation using small molecules (CANDDY molecules) that are conjugated to a degradation tag (CANDDY tag) modified from proteasome inhibitors. We demonstrated that CANDDY tags allowed for direct proteasomal target degradation independent of ubiquitination. We synthesized a KRAS-degrading CANDDY molecule, TUS-007, which induced degradation in KRAS mutants (G12D and G12V) and wild-type KRAS. We confirmed the tumor suppression effect of TUS-007 in subcutaneous xenograft models of human colon cells (KRAS G12V) with intraperitoneal administrations and in orthotopic xenograft models of human pancreatic cells (KRAS G12D) with oral administrations. Thus, CANDDY technology has the potential to therapeutically target previously undruggable proteins, providing a simpler and more practical drug targeting approach and avoiding the difficulties in matchmaking between the E3 enzyme and the target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsuko Miyamoto-Sato
- R&D Department, FuturedMe Inc., 2-3-11 Honcho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda 278-0022, Chiba, Japan
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda 278-0022, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Imanishi
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda 278-0022, Chiba, Japan
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda 278-0022, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shoko Itakura
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda 278-0022, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoichi Iwasaki
- R&D Department, FuturedMe Inc., 2-3-11 Honcho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamichi Ishizaka
- R&D Department, FuturedMe Inc., 2-3-11 Honcho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Alteration in Levels of Specific miRNAs and Their Potential Protein Targets between Human Pancreatic Cancer Samples, Adjacent Normal Tissue, and Xenografts Derived from These Tumors. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13030608. [PMID: 36983764 PMCID: PMC10057657 DOI: 10.3390/life13030608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein, we describe the global comparison of miRNAs in human pancreatic cancer tumors, adjacent normal tissue, and matched patient-derived xenograft models using microarray screening. RNA was extracted from seven tumor, five adjacent normal, and eight FI PDX tumor samples and analyzed by Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA 4.0 array. A transcriptome analysis console (TAC) was used to generate comparative lists of up- and downregulated miRNAs for the comparisons, tumor vs. normal and F1 PDX vs. tumor. Particular attention was paid to miRNAs that were changed in the same direction in both comparisons. We identified the involvement in pancreatic tumor tissue of several miRNAs, including miR4534, miR3154, and miR4742, not previously highlighted as being involved in this type of cancer. Investigation in the parallel mRNA and protein lists from the same samples allowed the elimination of proteins where altered expression correlated with corresponding mRNA levels and was thus less likely to be miRNA regulated. Using the remaining differential expression protein lists for proteins predicted to be targeted for differentially expressed miRNA on our list, we were able to tentatively ascribe specific protein changes to individual miRNA. Particularly interesting target proteins for miRs 615-3p, 2467-3p, 4742-5p, 509-5p, and 605-3p were identified. Prominent among the protein targets are enzymes involved in aldehyde metabolism and membrane transport and trafficking. These results may help to uncover vulnerabilities that could enable novel approaches to treating pancreatic cancer.
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3
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Pallara C, Cabot D, Rivas J, Brun S, Seco J, Abuasaker B, Tarragó T, Jaumot M, Prades R, Agell N. Peptidomimetics designed to bind to RAS effector domain are promising cancer therapeutic compounds. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15810. [PMID: 36138080 PMCID: PMC9499927 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19703-6] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic RAS proteins are important for driving tumour formation, and for maintenance of the transformed phenotype, and thus their relevance as a cancer therapeutic target is undeniable. We focused here on obtaining peptidomimetics, which have good pharmacological properties, to block Ras–effector interaction. Computational analysis was used to identify hot spots of RAS relevant for these interactions and to screen a library of peptidomimetics. Nine compounds were synthesized and assayed for their activity as RAS inhibitors in cultured cells. Most of them induced a reduction in ERK and AKT activation by EGF, a marker of RAS activity. The most potent inhibitor disrupted Raf and PI3K interaction with oncogenic KRAS, corroborating its mechanism of action as an inhibitor of protein–protein interactions, and thus validating our computational methodology. Most interestingly, improvement of one of the compounds allowed us to obtain a peptidomimetic that decreased the survival of pancreatic cancer cell lines harbouring oncogenic KRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pallara
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Debora Cabot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Rivas
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Brun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Seco
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Baraa Abuasaker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Tarragó
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Jaumot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Prades
- Iproteos S.L., Barcelona Science Park, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Neus Agell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, C/Casanova 143, 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
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4
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c-Myc Protein Level Affected by Unsymmetrical Bisacridines Influences Apoptosis and Senescence Induced in HCT116 Colorectal and H460 Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063061. [PMID: 35328482 PMCID: PMC8955938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063061] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Unsymmetrical bisacridines (UAs) are highly active antitumor compounds. They contain in their structure the drugs previously synthesized in our Department: C-1311 and C-1748. UAs exhibit different properties than their monomer components. They do not intercalate to dsDNA but stabilize the G-quadruplex structures, particularly those of the MYC and KRAS genes. Since MYC and KRAS are often mutated and constitutively expressed in cancer cells, they can be used as therapeutic targets. Herein, we investigate whether UAs can affect the expression and protein level of c-Myc and K-Ras in HCT116 and H460 cancer cells, and if so, what are the consequences for the UAs-induced cellular response. UAs did not affect K-Ras, but they strongly influenced the expression and translation of the c-Myc protein, and in H460 cells, they caused its full inhibition. UAs treatment resulted in apoptosis, as confirmed by the morphological changes, the presence of sub-G1 population and active caspase-3, cleaved PARP, annexin-V/PI staining and a decrease in mitochondrial potential. Importantly, apoptosis was induced earlier and to a greater extent in H460 compared to HCT116 cells. Moreover, accelerated senescence occurred only in H460 cells. In conclusion, the strong inhibition of c-Myc by UAs in H460 cells may participate in the final cellular response (apoptosis, senescence).
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5
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Kang BW, Chau I. Emerging agents for metastatic pancreatic cancer: spotlight on early phase clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:1089-1107. [PMID: 34727804 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1995354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the recent development of new chemotherapeutic regimens and combination strategies, metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) still shows only a modest response to conventional cytotoxic agents. However, several novel therapeutic agents targeting the unique features of mPC are showing promise in clinical trials. AREA COVERED This article reviews the current state of development of new agents targeting various systems and molecular pathways. We searched PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov in September 2021 with a special focus on ongoing early phase clinical trials to identify the promising therapeutic strategies for mPC. EXPERT OPINION Extensive tumor heterogeneity, complex tumor microenvironment, genetic alterations of the oncogenic signaling pathways, metabolic dysregulation, and a low immunogenicity are hurdles for current treatment approaches. Ongoing research efforts strive to overcome these hurdles and are showing some promising early results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woog Kang
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, Surrey, UK
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6
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Cytotoxicity of juglone and thymoquinone against pancreatic cancer cells. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 327:109142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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7
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Giopanou I, Pintzas A. RAS and BRAF in the foreground for non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer: Similarities and main differences for prognosis and therapies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 146:102859. [PMID: 31927392 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung and colorectal cancer are included in the most tremendously threatening diseases in terms of incidence and death. Although they are located in completely different organs and differ in various characteristics they do share some common features, especially regarding their molecular mutational profile. Among several commonly mutated genes KRAS and BRAF are spotted to be highly associated with patient's poor disease outcome and resistance to targeted therapies mostly in liaison with other mutant activated genes. Many studies have shed light in these mechanisms for disease progression and numerous preclinical models, clinical trials and meta-analysis reports investigate the impact of specific treatments or combination of therapies. The present review is an effort to compare the mutational imprint of these genes between the two diseases and their impact in prognosis, current therapy, mechanisms of therapy resistance and future therapeutic plans and provide a spherical perspective regarding the systemic molecular profile of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Giopanou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Alexandros Pintzas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece.
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Capula M, Mantini G, Funel N, Giovannetti E. New avenues in pancreatic cancer: exploiting microRNAs as predictive biomarkers and new approaches to target aberrant metabolism. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2019; 12:1081-1090. [PMID: 31721608 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2019.1693256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced-stages and first-line regimens (FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel) provide limited survival advantage and are associated with considerable toxicities. In this grim scenario, novel treatments and biomarkers are warranted.Areas covered: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) emerged as biomarkers for cancer prognosis and chemoresistance and blood-based miRNAs are being evaluated as indicators of therapeutic activity. Moreover, aberrant metabolism, such as aerobic glycolysis, has been correlated to tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Against this background, innovative approaches to tackle metabolic aberrations are being implemented and glycolytic inhibitors targeting lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A) showed promising effects in preclinical models. A PubMed search was used to compile relevant publications until February 2019.Expert opinion: Analysis of tissue/circulating miRNA might improve selection for optimal treatment regimens. For instance, miR-181a modulation seems to predict response to FOLFIRINOX. However, we need further studies to validate predictive miRNA profiles, as well as to exploit miRNAs for treatment-tailoring. Several miRNAs have also a key role in regulating metabolic aberrations. Since preliminary evidence supports the development of new agents targeting these aberrations, such as LDH-A inhibitors, the identification of biomarkers for these treatments, including the above-mentioned miRNAs, should shorten the gap between preclinical studies and personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mjriam Capula
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisa per la Scienza Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisa per la Scienza Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisa per la Scienza Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisa per la Scienza Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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9
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Lenting K, van den Heuvel CNAM, van Ewijk A, ElMelik D, de Boer R, Tindall E, Wei G, Kusters B, te Dorsthorst M, ter Laan M, Huynen MA, Leenders WP. Mapping actionable pathways and mutations in brain tumours using targeted RNA next generation sequencing. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:185. [PMID: 31747973 PMCID: PMC6865071 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Many biology-based precision drugs are available that neutralize aberrant molecular pathways in cancer. Molecular heterogeneity and the lack of reliable companion diagnostic biomarkers for many drugs makes targeted treatment of cancer inaccurate for many individuals. Identifying actionable hyperactive biological pathways in individual cancers may improve this situation. To achieve this we applied a novel targeted RNA next generation sequencing (t/RNA-NGS) technique to surgically obtained glioma tissues. The test combines mutation detection with analysis of biological pathway activities that are involved in tumour behavior in many cancer types (e.g. tyrosine kinase signaling, angiogenesis signaling, immune response, metabolism), via quantitative measurement of transcript levels and splice variants of hundreds of genes. We here present proof of concept that the technique, which uses molecular inversion probes, generates a histology-independent molecular diagnosis and identifies classifiers that are strongly associated with conventional histopathology diagnoses and even with patient prognosis. The test not only confirmed known glioma-associated molecular aberrations but also identified aberrant expression levels of actionable genes and mutations that have so far been considered not to be associated with glioma, opening up the possibility of drug repurposing for individual patients. Its cost-effectiveness makes t/RNA-NGS to an attractive instrument to aid oncologists in therapy decision making.
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10
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Chatani PD, Yang JC. Mutated RAS: Targeting the "Untargetable" with T Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:537-544. [PMID: 31511296 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The RAS family of proteins is at the apex of several pathways implicated in a multitude of epithelial cancers but has remained stubbornly resistant to the wave of targeted small molecules and antibodies that have revolutionized clinical oncology. KRAS, the most commonly mutated of the isoforms, represents an attractive target for treatment, given its ubiquity, central role as a driver mutation, and association with poor prognosis. This review is a comprehensive summary of the existing approaches to targeting KRAS spanning small-molecule inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and with a focus on trials in adoptive cell therapy. Here we explain how the limitations of existing drugs and nonspecific immune-based therapies are circumvented with techniques in modern immunotherapy. The successes outlined represent the most promising path to finally targeting the prototypical "undruggable" RAS oncogene family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James C Yang
- Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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11
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Morgan CJ, Hedman AC, Li Z, Sacks DB. Endogenous IQGAP1 and IQGAP3 do not functionally interact with Ras. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11057. [PMID: 31363101 PMCID: PMC6667474 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46677-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ras family of small GTPases modulates numerous essential processes. Activating Ras mutations result in hyper-activation of selected signaling cascades, which leads to human diseases. The high frequency of Ras mutations in human malignant neoplasms has led to Ras being a desirable chemotherapeutic target. The IQGAP family of scaffold proteins binds to and regulates multiple signaling molecules, including the Rho family GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42. There are conflicting data in the published literature regarding interactions between IQGAP and Ras proteins. Initial reports showed no binding, but subsequent studies claim associations of IQGAP1 and IQGAP3 with K-Ras and H-Ras, respectively. Therefore, we set out to resolve this controversy. Here we demonstrate that neither endogenous IQGAP1 nor endogenous IQGAP3 binds to the major Ras isoforms, namely H-, K-, and N-Ras. Importantly, Ras activation by epidermal growth factor is not altered when IQGAP1 or IQGAP3 proteins are depleted from cells. These data strongly suggest that IQGAP proteins are not functional interactors of H-, K-, or N-Ras and challenge the rationale for targeting the interaction of Ras with IQGAP for the development of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase J Morgan
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Andrew C Hedman
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Zhigang Li
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - David B Sacks
- From the Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.
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12
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Vitiello PP, Cardone C, Martini G, Ciardiello D, Belli V, Matrone N, Barra G, Napolitano S, Della Corte C, Turano M, Furia M, Troiani T, Morgillo F, De Vita F, Ciardiello F, Martinelli E. Receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent PI3K activation is an escape mechanism to vertical suppression of the EGFR/RAS/MAPK pathway in KRAS-mutated human colorectal cancer cell lines. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:41. [PMID: 30691487 PMCID: PMC6350302 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous studies showed that the combination of an anti-Epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and a MEK-inhibitor is able to prevent the onset of resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in KRAS-wild type colorectal cancer (CRC), while the same combination reverts anti-EGFR primary resistance in KRAS mutated CRC cell lines. However, rapid onset of resistance is a limit to combination therapies in KRAS mutated CRC. Methods We generated four different KRAS mutated CRC cell lines resistant to a combination of cetuximab (an anti-EGFR antibody) and refametinib (a selective MEK-inhibitor) after continuous exposure to increasing concentration of the drugs. We characterized these resistant cell lines by evaluating the expression and activation status of a panel of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and intracellular transducers by immunoblot and qRT-PCR. Oncomine comprehensive assay and microarray analysis were carried out to investigate new acquired mutations or transcriptomic adaptation, respectively, in the resistant cell lines. Immunofluorescence assay was used to show the localization of RTKs in resistant and parental clones. Results We found that PI3K-AKT pathway activation acts as an escape mechanism in cell lines with acquired resistance to combined inhibition of EGFR and MEK. AKT pathway activation is coupled to the activation of multiple RTKs such as HER2, HER3 and IGF1R, though its pharmacological inhibition is not sufficient to revert the resistant phenotype. PI3K pathway activation is mediated by autocrine loops and by heterodimerization of multiple receptors. Conclusions PI3K activation plays a central role in the acquired resistance to the combination of anti-EGFR and MEK-inhibitor in KRAS mutated colorectal cancer cell lines. PI3K activation is cooperatively achieved through the activation of multiple RTKs such as HER2, HER3 and IGF1R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Paolo Vitiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Cardone
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Martini
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy.,Centro Cellex, Vall D'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Davide Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Belli
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Matrone
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giusi Barra
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Napolitano
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy.,MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carmina Della Corte
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy.,MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mimmo Turano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Furia
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Troiani
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ferdinando De Vita
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Fortunato Ciardiello
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Erika Martinelli
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131, Naples, Italy.
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13
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Kargbo RB. Inhibitors of G12C Mutant Ras Proteins for the Treatment of Cancers. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:10-11. [PMID: 30655937 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Kargbo
- Usona Institute, 277 Granada Drive, San Luis Obispo, California 93401-7337, United States
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14
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Eng C, Rogers JE. Current synthetic pharmacotherapy for treatment-resistant colorectal cancer: when urgent action is required. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2019; 20:523-534. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1561866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Eng
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jane E. Rogers
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Department, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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