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Singla P, Jain A. Deciphering the complex landscape of post-translational modifications on PKM2: Implications in head and neck cancer pathogenesis. Life Sci 2024; 349:122719. [PMID: 38759866 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122719] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
In the vast landscape of human health, head and neck cancer (HNC) poses a significant health burden globally, necessitating the exploration of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. Metabolic alterations occurring within tumor microenvironment are crucial to understand the foundational cause of HNC. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have recently emerged as a silent foe exerting a significantly heightened influence on various aspects of the biological processes associated with the onset and advancement of cancer, particularly in the context of HNC. There are numerous targets involved in HNC but recently, the enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has come out as a hot target due to its involvement in glycolysis resulting in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Various PTMs have been reported to affect the structure and function of PKM2 by modulating its activity. This review aims to investigate the impact of PTMs on the interaction between PKM2 and several signaling pathways and transcription factors in the context of HNC. These interactions possess significant ramification for cellular proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis. This review primarily explores the role of PTMs influencing PKM2 and its involvement in tumor development. While acknowledging the significance of PKM2 interactions with other tumor regulators, the emphasis lies on dissecting PTM-related mechanisms rather than solely scrutinizing individual regulators. It lays the framework for the development of more sophisticated diagnostic tools and uncovers exciting possibilities for precision medicine essential for effectively addressing the complexity of this malignancy in a precise and focused manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Singla
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India
| | - Alok Jain
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India.
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Pimentel PAB, Giuliano A, Bęczkowski PM, Horta RDS. Molecular Profile of Canine Hemangiosarcoma and Potential Novel Therapeutic Targets. Vet Sci 2023; 10:387. [PMID: 37368773 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10060387] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is a relatively common neoplasia, occurring mainly in the skin, spleen, liver and right atrium. Despite the numerous studies investigating the treatment of canine HSA, no significant improvement in survival has been achieved in the last 20 years. Advancements in genetic and molecular profiling presented molecular similarities between canine HSA and human angiosarcoma. It could therefore serve as a valuable model for investigating new and more effective treatments in people and dogs. The most common genetic abnormalities in canine HSA have been found in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) and neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) pathways. Mutations are also found in tumor protein p53 (TP53), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A). Known abnormal protein expression could be exploited to trial new target treatments that could be beneficial for both canine and human patients. Despite the high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR), no correlation with overall survival time has ever been found. In this review, we explore the most recent developments in molecular profiling in canine HSA and discuss their possible applications in the prognosis and treatment of this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Veterinary Medical Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paweł Marek Bęczkowski
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rodrigo Dos Santos Horta
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
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Alves LB, Moura AC, Amorim Dos Santos J, Borges GA, Guerra ENS. Pharmacological PI3K inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 88:105558. [PMID: 36681288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105558] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Considering the role of PI3K and its downstream effectors in cell proliferation, invasion, and survival, it is reasonable to expect that treatment with PI3K inhibitors could control HNSCC onset and progression. Thus, the research question for our review was whether pharmacological inhibition of PI3K affects HNSCC progression. METHODS In vitro and in vivo studies were selected from six databases. We collected data regarding cell viability, apoptosis, and the regulation of protein expression levels from in vitro studies. For the in vivo studies, we analyzed the reduction in tumor size or gene and protein expression. RESULTS The included studies showed reduced cell proliferation and apoptosis after treatment with PI3K inhibitors. PI3K inhibitors in combination with other drugs had an enhanced anticancer effects compared to those of single-drug treatments. CONCLUSIONS The results support the potential of PI3K inhibitors as candidates for clinical trials in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Alves
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - A C Moura
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - J Amorim Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - G A Borges
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - E N S Guerra
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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DNA Damage Response Mechanisms in Head and Neck Cancer: Significant Implications for Therapy and Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032760. [PMID: 36769087 PMCID: PMC9917521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a term collectively used to describe a heterogeneous group of tumors that arise in the oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, and represents the sixth most common type of malignancy worldwide. Despite advances in multimodality treatment, the disease has a recurrence rate of around 50%, and the prognosis of metastatic patients remains poor. HNCs are characterized by a high degree of genomic instability, which involves a vicious circle of accumulating DNA damage, defective DNA damage repair (DDR), and replication stress. Nonetheless, the damage that is induced on tumor cells by chemo and radiotherapy relies on defective DDR processes for a successful response to treatment, and may play an important role in the development of novel and more effective therapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the genes and proteins that appear to be deregulated in DDR pathways, their implication in HNC pathogenesis, and the rationale behind targeting these genes and pathways for the development of new therapies. We give particular emphasis on the therapeutic targets that have shown promising results at the pre-clinical stage and on those that have so far been associated with a therapeutic advantage in the clinical setting.
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Li Q, Tie Y, Alu A, Ma X, Shi H. Targeted therapy for head and neck cancer: signaling pathways and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:31. [PMID: 36646686 PMCID: PMC9842704 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is malignant, genetically complex and difficult to treat and is the sixth most frequent cancer, with tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus being major risk factors. Based on epigenetic data, HNC is remarkably heterogeneous, and treatment remains challenging. There is a lack of significant improvement in survival and quality of life in patients with HNC. Over half of HNC patients experience locoregional recurrence or distal metastasis despite the current multiple traditional therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted therapies is common. Therefore, it is urgent to explore more effective and tolerable targeted therapies to improve the clinical outcomes of HNC patients. Recent targeted therapy studies have focused on identifying promising biomarkers and developing more effective targeted therapies. A well understanding of the pathogenesis of HNC contributes to learning more about its inner association, which provides novel insight into the development of small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarized the vital signaling pathways and discussed the current potential therapeutic targets against critical molecules in HNC, as well as presenting preclinical animal models and ongoing or completed clinical studies about targeted therapy, which may contribute to a more favorable prognosis of HNC. Targeted therapy in combination with other therapies and its limitations were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aqu Alu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Long Z, Grandis JR, Johnson DE. Emerging tyrosine kinase inhibitors for head and neck cancer. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:333-344. [PMID: 36131561 PMCID: PMC9987561 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2125954] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conventional regimens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited in efficacy and are associated with adverse toxicities. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved molecular targeting agents include the HER1 (EGFR)-directed monoclonal antibody cetuximab and the immune checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab. However, clinical benefit is only seen in roughly 15-20% of HNSCC patients treated with these agents. New molecular targeting agents are needed that either act with monotherapeutic activity against HNSCC tumors or enhance the activities of current therapies, particularly immunotherapy. Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent a viable option toward this goal. AREAS COVERED This review provides an update on TKIs currently under investigation in HNSCC. We focus our review on data obtained and trials underway in HNSCC, including salivary gland cancers and nasopharyngeal carcinomas, but excluding thyroid cancer and esophageal cancer. EXPERT OPINION While some emerging TKIs have shown clinical benefit, the positive effects have, largely, been modest. The design of clinical trials of TKIs has been hampered by a lack of understanding of biomarkers that can be used to define patient populations most likely to respond. Further preclinical and translational studies to define biomarkers of TKI response will be critically important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Long
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel E. Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Mardanshahi A, Gharibkandi NA, Vaseghi S, Abedi SM, Molavipordanjani S. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors enhance radiosensitivity in cancer cell lines. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1-14. [PMID: 34357550 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06607-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radiotherapy is one of the most common types of cancer treatment modalities. Radiation can affect both cancer and normal tissues, which limits the whole delivered dose. It is well documented that radiation activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT signaling pathway; hence, the inhibition of this pathway enhances the radiosensitivity of tumor cells. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a regulator that is involved in autophagy, cell growth, proliferation, and survival. CONCLUSION The inhibition of mTOR as a downstream mediator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway represents a vital option for more effective cancer treatments. The combination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors with radiation can increase the radiosensitivity of malignant cells to radiation by autophagy activation. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the impact of such inhibitors on the cell response to radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mardanshahi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasrin Abbasi Gharibkandi
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Samaneh Vaseghi
- Department of Chemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Abedi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sajjad Molavipordanjani
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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