Dasatinib: a potent SRC inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors

Synergistic Mechanisms of Selected Polyphenols in Overcoming Chemoresistance and Enhancing Chemosensitivity in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Despite significant advances in medical treatment, chemotherapy as monotherapy can lead to substantial side effects and chemoresistance. This underscores the need for therapeutic approaches that are not only pharmacologically safe but also modulate multiple potent signaling pathways and sensitize cancer cells to overcome resistance to standard drugs. In recent years, scientists have been searching for natural compounds that can be used as chemosensitizers in addition to conventional medications for the synergistic treatment of CRC. Polyphenols represent a diverse group of natural compounds that can target multiple signaling pathways in cancer cells to induce anti-cancer effects. Additionally, polyphenols have been shown to work synergistically with chemotherapeutics and other natural compounds in cancer cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols as chemosensitizers in CRC cells. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully harness the synergistic mechanisms of selected polyphenols combined with chemotherapy or natural compounds in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Multiaction Pt(IV) Prodrugs Releasing Cisplatin and Dasatinib Are Potent Anticancer and Anti-Invasive Agents Displaying Synergism between the Two Drugs

Herein, we describe the general design, synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of new multitargeting Pt(IV) prodrugs that combine antitumor cisplatin and dasatinib, a potent inhibitor of Src kinase. These prodrugs exhibit impressive antiproliferative and anti-invasive activities in tumor cell lines in both two-dimensional (2D) monolayers of cell cultures and three-dimensional (3D) spheroids. We show that the cisplatin moiety and dasatinib in the investigated Pt(IV) complexes are both involved in the mechanism of action in MCF7 breast cancer cells and act synergistically. Thus, combining dasatinib and cisplatin into one molecule, compared to using individual components in a mix, may bring several advantages, such as significantly higher activity in cancer cell lines and higher selectivity for tumor cells. Most importantly, Pt(IV)-dasatinib complexes hold significant promise for potential anticancer therapies by targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thus preventing the spread and metastasis of tumors, a value unachievable by a simple combination of both individual components.

Co-assembly of cisplatin and dasatinib in hyaluronan nanogel to combat triple negative breast cancer with reduced side effects

Treatment for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a huge challenge due to the lack of targeted therapeutics and tumor heterogenicity. Cisplatin (Cis) have demonstrated favorable therapeutic response in TNBC and thus is used together with various kinase inhibitors to fight the heterogenicity of TNBC. The combination of Cis with SRC inhibitor dasatinib (DAS) has shown encouraging anti-TNBC efficacy although the additive toxicity was commonly observed. To overcome the severe side effects of this Cis involved therapy, here we co-encapsulated Cis and DAS into a self-assembled hyaluronan (HA) nanogel (designated as HA/Cis/DAS (HCD) nanogel) to afford the TNBC targeted delivery by using the 4T1 mouse model. The acquired HCD nanogel was around 181 nm in aqueous solution, demonstrating the pharmacological activities of both Cis and DAS. Taking advantages of HA's targeting capability towards CD44 that is overexpressed on many TNBC cells, the HCD could well maintain the anticancer efficacy of the Cis and DAS combination, significantly increase the maximum tolerated dose and relieve the renal toxicity in vivo. The current HCD nanogel provides a potent strategy to improve the therapeutic outcome of Cis and DAS combination and thus representing a new targeted treatment option for TNBC.

Focal adhesion kinase-YAP signaling axis drives drug-tolerant persister cells and residual disease in lung cancer

Targeted therapy is effective in many tumor types including lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer mortality. Paradigm defining examples are targeted therapies directed against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subtypes with oncogenic alterations in EGFR, ALK and KRAS. The success of targeted therapy is limited by drug-tolerant persister cells (DTPs) which withstand and adapt to treatment and comprise the residual disease state that is typical during treatment with clinical targeted therapies. Here, we integrate studies in patient-derived and immunocompetent lung cancer models and clinical specimens obtained from patients on targeted therapy to uncover a focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-YAP signaling axis that promotes residual disease during oncogenic EGFR-, ALK-, and KRAS-targeted therapies. FAK-YAP signaling inhibition combined with the primary targeted therapy suppressed residual drug-tolerant cells and enhanced tumor responses. This study unveils a FAK-YAP signaling module that promotes residual disease in lung cancer and mechanism-based therapeutic strategies to improve tumor response.

NK92 cells and peripheral blood NK cells respond oppositely upon dasatinib treatment

Natural killer (NK) cell is a valuable tool for immunotherapy in cancer treatment, both the cultured cell line NK92 and primary NK cells are widely studied and used in research and clinical trials. Clinical observations witnessed the improvement of patients' NK cells in terms of cell counts and cytotoxic activity upon dasatinib treatment, an approved drug for chronic myeloid leukaemia and Ph+ acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Several studies supported the clinical observations, yet others argued a detrimental effect of dasatinib on NK cells. Due to the complex conditions in different studies, the definite influence of dasatinib on NK92 and primary NK cells remains to be settled. Here, we used a well-defined in vitro system to evaluate the effects of dasatinib on NK92 cells and peripheral blood (PB)-NK cells. By co-culturing NK cells with dasatinib to test the cell counts and target cell-killing activities, we surprisingly found that the chemical influenced oppositely on these two types of NK cells. While dasatinib suppressed NK92 cell proliferation and cytotoxic activity, it improved PB-NK-killing tumour cells. RNA sequencing analysis further supported this finding, uncovering several proliferating and cytotoxic pathways responding invertedly between them. Our results highlighted an intrinsic difference between NK92 and PB-NK cells and may build clues to understand how dasatinib interacts with NK cells in vivo.

DCLK1-Mediated Regulation of Invadopodia Dynamics and Matrix Metalloproteinase Trafficking Drives Invasive Progression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major health concern due to its high mortality from poor treatment responses and locoregional tumor invasion into life sustaining structures in the head and neck. A deeper comprehension of HNSCC invasion mechanisms holds the potential to inform targeted therapies that may enhance patient survival. We previously reported that doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1) regulates invasion of HNSCC cells. Here, we tested the hypothesis that DCLK1 regulates proteins within invadopodia to facilitate HNSCC invasion. Invadopodia are specialized subcellular protrusions secreting matrix metalloproteinases that degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM). Through a comprehensive proteome analysis comparing DCLK1 control and shDCLK1 conditions, our findings reveal that DCLK1 plays a pivotal role in regulating proteins that orchestrate cytoskeletal and ECM remodeling, contributing to cell invasion. Further, we demonstrate in TCGA datasets that DCLK1 levels correlate with increasing histological grade and lymph node metastasis. We identified higher expression of DCLK1 in the leading edge of HNSCC tissue. Knockdown of DCLK1 in HNSCC reduced the number of invadopodia, cell adhesion and colony formation. Using super resolution microscopy, we demonstrate localization of DCLK1 in invadopodia and colocalization with mature invadopodia markers TKS4, TKS5, cortactin and MT1-MMP. We carried out phosphoproteomics and validated using immunofluorescence and proximity ligation assays, the interaction between DCLK1 and motor protein KIF16B. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of DCLK1 reduced interaction with KIF16B, secretion of MMPs, and cell invasion. This research unveils a novel function of DCLK1 within invadopodia to regulate the trafficking of matrix degrading cargo. The work highlights the impact of targeting DCLK1 to inhibit locoregional invasion, a life-threatening attribute of HNSCC.

Synergistic effect of cannabidiol with dasatinib on lung cancer by SRC/PI3K/AKT signal pathway

Dasatinib-related resistance frequently occurs and may lead to the failure of chemotherapy; thus, dose interruptions are necessary. Cannabidiol (CBD) has potential for integration with orthodox cancer care. In this study, we explored the combination effect of CBD and dasatinib on A549 cells. CBD in combination with dasatinib could induce significant synergistic apoptosis in vitro (ZIP > 10) and in vivo. The combination of CBD and low-dose dasatinib exhibited antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects through up-regulation of caspase-3 and Bax, and down-regulation of Bcl-2 in A549 cells. The xenograft mouse model suggested that the combination was more efficient and safer. In short, CBD and low-dose dasatinib exhibited a synergistic effect on anticancer by targeting the SRC/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of lung cancer.

Dasatinib loaded mucoadhesive lecithin-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles for its augmented oral delivery, in-vitro efficacy and safety

Dasatinib (DAS) is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor; however, its efficacy is significantly subsided by its low oral bioavailability. The present research aimed to improve DAS's oral delivery and efficacy in triple-negative breast cancer by fabricating its mucoadhesive lecithin-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles (DAS-L/CS-NPs). DAS-L/CS-NPs were optimized using Box-Behnken design which showed mean particle size and percent entrapment efficiency of 179.7 ± 5.42 nm and 64.65 ± 0.06 %, respectively. DAS-L/CS-NPs demonstrated sustained release profile in different release media up to 48 h and showed 10 times higher apparent permeability coefficient and flux than free DAS suspension. The binding of DAS-L/CS-NPs to the mucus layer was demonstrated via ex-vivo mucoadhesion study and change in absorbance using turbidimetry. In cell culture studies, DAS-L/CS-NPs revealed a 4.14-fold decrease in IC50, significantly higher cellular uptake and mitochondrial membrane depolarization, 3.82-fold increased reactive oxygen species generation and 2.10-fold enhanced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells than free DAS. In in-vivo pharmacokinetic assessment, DAS-L/CS-NPs showed a 5.08-fold and 3.74-fold rise in AUC (0-t) and Cmax than free DAS suspension, respectively. An acute toxicity study revealed a good safety profile of DAS-L/CS-NPs. In a nutshell, proposed hybrid nanoparticles are promising carriers for improved oral delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Therapeutic strategy using novel RET/YES1 dual-target inhibitor in lung cancer

Lung cancer represents a significant global health concern and stands as the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The identification of specific genomic alterations such as EGFR and KRAS in lung cancer has paved the way for the development of targeted therapies. While targeted therapies for lung cancer exhibiting EGFR, MET and ALK mutations have been well-established, the options for RET mutations remain limited. Importantly, RET mutations have been found to be mutually exclusive from other genomic mutations and to be related with high incidences of brain metastasis. Given these facts, it is imperative to explore the development of RET-targeting therapies and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying metastasis in RET-expressing lung cancer cells. In this study, we investigated PLM-101, a novel dual-target inhibitor of RET/YES1, which exhibits notable anti-cancer activities against CCDC6-RET-positive cancer cells and anti-metastatic effects against YES1-positive cancer cells. Our findings shed light on the significance of the YES1-Cortactin-actin remodeling pathway in the metastasis of lung cancer cells, establishing YES1 as a promising target for suppression of metastasis. This paper unveils a novel inhibitor that effectively targets both RET and YES1, thereby demonstrating its potential to impede the growth and metastasis of RET rearrangement lung cancer.

Cellular signaling in the hypoxic cancer microenvironment: Implications for drug resistance and therapeutic targeting

The rewiring of cellular metabolism is a defining characteristic of cancer, as tumor cells adapt to acquire essential nutrients from a nutrient-poor environment to sustain their viability and biomass. While hypoxia has been identified as a major factor depriving cancer cells of nutrients, recent studies have revealed that cancer cells distant from supporting blood vessels also face nutrient limitations. To overcome this challenge, hypoxic cancer cells, which heavily rely on glucose as an energy source, employ alternative pathways such as glycogen metabolism and reductive carboxylation of glutamine to meet their energy requirements for survival. Our preliminary studies, alongside others in the field, have shown that under glucose-deficient conditions, hypoxic cells can utilize mannose and maltose as alternative energy sources. This review aims to comprehensively examine the hypoxic cancer microenvironment, its association with drug resistance, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting this unique niche. Furthermore, we will critically evaluate the current literature on hypoxic cancer microenvironments and explore state-of-the-art techniques used to analyze alternate carbohydrates, specifically mannose and maltose, in complex biological fluids. We will also propose the most effective analytical methods for quantifying mannose and maltose in such biological samples. By gaining a deeper understanding of the hypoxic cancer cell microenvironment and its role in drug resistance, novel therapeutic approaches can be developed to exploit this knowledge.

Phenethyl isothiocyanate and dasatinib combination synergistically reduces hepatocellular carcinoma growth via cell cycle arrest and oxeiptosis

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer, which is among the most lethal tumours. Combination therapy exploits multiple drugs to target key pathways synergistically to reduce tumour growth. Isothiocyanates have been shown to possess anticancer potential and to complement the anticancer activity of other compounds. This study aimed to investigate the potential of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) to synergise with dasatinib, improving its anticancer potential in HCC. Methods: MTT, 3D spheroids and clonogenic assays were used to assess the combination anti-tumour effect in vitro, whereas a murine syngeneic model was employed to evaluate the combination efficacy in vivo. DCFDA staining was employed to evaluate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while flow cytometry and Western blot assays were used to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the synergistic activiy. Results: PEITC and dasatinib combination exhibited a synergistic effect in vitro and in vivo. The combination induced DNA damage and oxidative stress through the production of ROS, which led to the formation of a premature CDK1/Cyclin B1 complex associated with induction of mitotic catastrophe. Furthermore, ROS activated oxeiptosis, a caspase-independent form of programmed cell death. Conclusion: PEITC showed to enhance dasatinib action in treating HCC with increased production of ROS that induced cell cycle arrest followed by mitotic catastrophe, and to induce oxeiptosis. These results highlight the role that ITCs may have in cancer therapy as a complement of clinically approved chemotherapeutic drugs.

Combination of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate and Dasatinib Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastatic Potential through FAK/STAT3/Cadherin Signalling and Reduction of VEGF Secretion

Cancerous cells are characterised by their ability to invade, metastasise, and induce angiogenesis. Tumour cells use various molecules that can be targeted to reverse these processes. Dasatinib, a potent Src inhibitor, has shown promising results in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo. However, its effectiveness is limited by focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation. Isothiocyanates, on the other hand, are phytochemicals with broad anticancer activity and FAK inhibition capabilities. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of dasatinib and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) on HCC. The combination was tested using various assays, including MTT, adhesion, scratch, Boyden chamber, chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), and yolk sac membrane (YSM) assays to evaluate the effect of the drug combination on HCC metastatic potential and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the combination inhibited the adhesion, migration, and invasion of HepG2 cells and reduced xenograft volume in the CAM assay. Additionally, the combination reduced angiogenesis in vitro, diminishing the growth of vessels in the tube formation assay. The inhibition of FAK/STAT3 signalling led to increased E-cadherin expression and reduced VEGF secretion, reducing HCC metastatic potential. Therefore, a combination of PEITC and dasatinib could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.

Review of Patents for Anticancer Agents Targeting Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase

Cancer, caused by abnormal and excessive cellular proliferation, can invade and destroy surrounding tissues and organs through the spreading of cancer cells. A general strategy for developing anticancer agents is to identify biomarkers that, if targeted, can produce a robust cytotoxic effect with minimal side effects. Cell-cycle regulators, checkpoint regulatory genes, and apoptosis-related genes are well-known biomarkers that inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Several compounds that target such biomarkers have been patented and more are being developed as novel therapies. Recent additions to this list include anticancer drugs that target signaling pathway proteins, such as 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a vital role in cancer and normal cell metabolism. Herein, we have reviewed recent patents related to AMPK-targeting anticancer drugs and discussed the mechanisms of action of these drugs. We conclude that these recently published patents include several attractive compounds and methods for targeting AMPK. Further research and clinical trials are required to elucidate the comprehensive role of AMPK in cancer cell metabolism, identify its associated signal transduction systems, and develop novel activators that may find applications in cancer therapy. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT01904123.

A phase 2 study of dasatinib in recurrent clear cell carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube, peritoneum or endometrium: NRG oncology/gynecologic oncology group study 0283

OBJECTIVE

Gynecologic cancers are traditionally managed according to their presumed site of origin, without regard to the underlying histologic subtype. Clear cell histology is associated with chemotherapy refractoriness and poor survival. Mutations in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex member ARID1A, which encodes for BAF250a protein, are common in clear cell and endometriosis-associated endometrioid carcinomas. High-throughput cell-based drug screening predicted activity of dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in ARID1A-mutant clear cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We conducted a phase 2 clinical trial of dasatinib 140 mg once daily by mouth in patients with recurrent or persistent ovarian and endometrial clear cell carcinoma. Patients with measurable disease were enrolled and then assigned to biomarker-defined populations based on BAF250a immunohistochemistry. The translational endpoints included broad next-generation sequencing to assess concordance of protein expression and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients, 15 of whom had tumors with retained BAF250a and 13 with loss of BAF250a were evaluable for treatment response and safety. The most common grade 3 adverse events were anemia, fatigue, dyspnea, hyponatremia, pleural effusion, and vomiting. One patient had a partial response, eight (28%) had stable disease, and 15 (53.6%) had disease progression. Twenty-three patients had next-generation sequencing results; 13 had a pathogenic ARID1A alteration. PIK3CA mutations were more prevalent in ARID1A-mutant tumors, while TP53 mutations were more prevalent in ARID1A wild-type tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Dasatinib was not an effective single-agent treatment for recurrent or persistent ovarian and endometrial clear cell carcinoma. Studies are urgently needed for this rare gynecologic subtype.

Nanoparticle-mediated cancer cell therapy: basic science to clinical applications

Every sixth person in the world dies due to cancer, making it the second leading severe cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. According to WHO, cancer claimed nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. The most common types of cancers reported have been breast (lung, colon and rectum, prostate cases), skin (non-melanoma) and stomach. In addition to surgery, the most widely used traditional types of anti-cancer treatment are radio- and chemotherapy. However, these do not distinguish between normal and malignant cells. Additional treatment methods have evolved over time for early detection and targeted therapy of cancer. However, each method has its limitations and the associated treatment costs are quite high with adverse effects on the quality of life of patients. Use of individual atoms or a cluster of atoms (nanoparticles) can cause a paradigm shift by virtue of providing point of sight sensing and diagnosis of cancer. Nanoparticles (1-100 nm in size) are 1000 times smaller in size than the human cell and endowed with safer relocation capability to attack mechanically and chemically at a precise location which is one avenue that can be used to destroy cancer cells precisely. This review summarises the extant understanding and the work done in this area to pave the way for physicians to accelerate the use of hybrid mode of treatments by leveraging the use of various nanoparticles.

Dasatinib suppresses particulate-induced pyroptosis and acute lung inflammation

Background: Humans are constantly exposed to various industrial, environmental, and endogenous particulates that result in inflammatory diseases. After being engulfed by immune cells, viz. Macrophages, such particulates lead to phagolysosomal dysfunction, eventually inducing pyroptosis, a form of cell death accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators, including members of the interleukin (IL)-1 family. Phagolysosomal dysfunction results in the activation of the nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, an immune complex that induces pyroptosis upon exposure to various external stimuli. However, several particulates induce pyroptosis even if the NLRP3 inflammasome is inhibited; this indicates that such inhibition is not always effective in treating diseases induced by particulates. Therefore, discovery of drugs suppressing particulate-induced NLRP3-independent pyroptosis is warranted. Methods: We screened compounds that inhibit silica particle (SP)-induced cell death and release of IL-1α using RAW264.7 cells, which are incapable of NLRP3 inflammasome formation. The candidates were tested for their ability to suppress particulate-induced pyroptosis and phagolysosomal dysfunction using mouse primary macrophages and alleviate SP-induced NLRP3-independent lung inflammation. Results: Several Src family kinase inhibitors, including dasatinib, effectively suppressed SP-induced cell death and IL-1α release. Furthermore, dasatinib suppressed pyroptosis induced by other particulates but did not suppress that induced by non-particulates, such as adenosine triphosphate. Dasatinib reduced SP-induced phagolysosomal dysfunction without affecting phagocytosis of SPs. Moreover, dasatinib treatment strongly suppressed the increase in IL-1α levels and neutrophil counts in the lungs after intratracheal SP administration. Conclusion: Dasatinib suppresses particulate-induced pyroptosis and can be used to treat relevant inflammatory diseases.

Suppressing Src-Mediated EGFR Signaling by Sustained Calcium Supply Targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Src is emerging as a promising target in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment because it activates survival signaling linked to the epidermal growth factor receptor. In this study, the effect of calcium supply on Src degradation was investigated to confirm underlying mechanisms and anticancer effects targeting TNBC. MDA-MB-231 cells, the TNBC cell line, were used. Calcium supply was feasible through lactate calcium salt (CaLac), and the applicable calcium concentration was decided by changes in the viability with different doses of CaLac. Expression of signaling molecules mediated by calcium-dependent Src degradation was observed by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry, and the recovery of the signaling molecules was confirmed following calpeptin treatment. The anticancer effect was investigated in the xenograft animal model. Significant suppression of Src was induced by calcium supply, followed by a successive decrease in the expression of epithelial growth factor receptor, RAS, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B. Then, the suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 contributed to a significant deactivation of the prostaglandin E2 receptors. These results suggest that calcium supply has the potential to reduce the risk of TNBC. However, as this study is at an early stage to determine clinical applicability, close consideration is needed.

Using evolutionary constraint to define novel candidate driver genes in medulloblastoma

Current knowledge of cancer genomics remains biased against noncoding mutations. To systematically search for regulatory noncoding mutations, we assessed mutations in conserved positions in the genome under the assumption that these are more likely to be functional than mutations in positions with low conservation. To this end, we use whole-genome sequencing data from the International Cancer Genome Consortium and combined it with evolutionary constraint inferred from 240 mammals, to identify genes enriched in noncoding constraint mutations (NCCMs), mutations likely to be regulatory in nature. We compare medulloblastoma (MB), which is malignant, to pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), a primarily benign tumor, and find highly different NCCM frequencies between the two, in agreement with the fact that malignant cancers tend to have more mutations. In PA, a high NCCM frequency only affects the BRAF locus, which is the most commonly mutated gene in PA. In contrast, in MB, >500 genes have high levels of NCCMs. Intriguingly, several loci with NCCMs in MB are associated with different ages of onset, such as the HOXB cluster in young MB patients. In adult patients, NCCMs occurred in, e.g., the WASF-2/AHDC1/FGR locus. One of these NCCMs led to increased expression of the SRC kinase FGR and augmented responsiveness of MB cells to dasatinib, a SRC kinase inhibitor. Our analysis thus points to different molecular pathways in different patient groups. These newly identified putative candidate driver mutations may aid in patient stratification in MB and could be valuable for future selection of personalized treatment options.

Dasatinib: a potential tyrosine kinase inhibitor to fight against multiple cancer malignancies

Dasatinib is the 2nd generation TKI (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor) having the potential to treat numerous forms of leukemic and cancer patients and it is 300 times more potent than imatinib. Cancer is the major cause of death globally and need to enumerate novel strategies to coping with it. Various novel therapeutics introduced into the market for ease in treating various forms of cancer. We reviewed and evaluated all the related aspects of dasatinib, which can enhance the knowledge about dasatinib therapeutics methodology, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics, side effects, advantages, disadvantages, various kinds of interactions and its novel formulations as well.

Functional roles of SRC signaling in pancreatic cancer: Recent insights provide novel therapeutic opportunities

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignant disease with a 5-year survival rate of <10%. Aberrant activation or elevated expression of the tyrosine kinase c-SRC (SRC) is frequently observed in PDAC and is associated with a poor prognosis. Preclinical studies have revealed a multifaceted role for SRC activation in PDAC, including promoting chronic inflammation, tumor cell proliferation and survival, cancer cell stemness, desmoplasia, hypoxia, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Strategies to inhibit SRC signaling include suppressing its catalytic activity, inhibiting protein stability, or by interfering with signaling components of the SRC signaling pathway including suppressing protein interactions of SRC. In this review, we discuss the molecular and immunological mechanisms by which aberrant SRC activity promotes PDAC tumorigenesis. We also provide a comprehensive update of SRC inhibitors in the clinic, and discuss the clinical challenges associated with targeting SRC in pancreatic cancer.

Immunomodulatory Activity of the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Dasatinib to Elicit NK Cytotoxicity against Cancer, HIV Infection and Aging

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been extensively used as a treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Dasatinib is a broad-spectrum TKI with off-target effects that give it an immunomodulatory capacity resulting in increased innate immune responses against cancerous cells and viral infected cells. Several studies reported that dasatinib expanded memory-like natural killer (NK) cells and γδ T cells that have been related with increased control of CML after treatment withdrawal. In the HIV infection setting, these innate cells are associated with virus control and protection, suggesting that dasatinib could have a potential role in improving both the CML and HIV outcomes. Moreover, dasatinib could also directly induce apoptosis of senescence cells, being a new potential senolytic drug. Here, we review in depth the current knowledge of virological and immunogenetic factors associated with the development of powerful cytotoxic responses associated with this drug. Besides, we will discuss the potential therapeutic role against CML, HIV infection and aging.

[Anti-inflammatory Effects of a Src Inhibitor on the Murine Model of Asthma Exacerbation Induced by Ovalbumin and Lipopolysaccharide]

Asthma is often exacerbated by airway infection, and some patients with severe asthma may be unresponsive to conventional corticosteroid treatment. Src family kinases (SFKs) were recently implicated in the inflammatory responses of mice induced by allergen and bacterial toxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Therefore, we examined the effects of dasatinib (DAS), a Src inhibitor, on airway inflammation in mice induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and LPS. Male A/J mice were sensitized to OVA Day -14 and -7, challenged with intranasal OVA on Day 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8, and on Day 10, mice were also challenged with OVA via inhalation. Mice were treated intranasally with DAS or fluticasone propionate (FP), a glucocorticoid, twice daily for 3 d starting 1 d after OVA inhalation. Moreover, some mice were also administrated LPS 2 h after DAS or FP treatment to model of asthma exacerbation. One day after the last intervention, lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. DAS attenuated the accumulation of inflammatory cells and cytokines/chemokines in BALF induced by both OVA and OVA+LPS, while FP did not reduce accumulations induced by OVA+LPS. Therefore, targeting SFKs may be a superior therapeutic approach for asthma exacerbation by infection.

Opposite Effects of Src Family Kinases on YAP and ERK Activation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells: Implications for Targeted Therapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an aggressive disease that is expected to become the second cause of cancer fatalities during the next decade. As therapeutic options are limited, novel targets, and agents for therapeutic intervention are urgently needed. Previously, we identified potent positive crosstalk between insulin/IGF-1 receptors and G protein-coupled (GPCR) signaling systems leading to mitogenic signaling in PDAC cells. Here, we show that a combination of insulin and the GPCR agonist neurotensin induced rapid activation of Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFK) within PANC-1 cells, as shown by FAK phosphorylation at Tyr576/577 and Tyr861, sensitive biomarkers of SFK activity within intact cells and Src416 autophosphorylation. Crucially, SFKs promoted YAP nuclear localization and phosphorylation at Tyr357, as shown by using the SFK inhibitors dasatinib, saracatinib, the preferential YES1 inhibitor CH6953755, siRNA-mediated knockdown of YES1, and transfection of epitogue-tagged YAP mutants in PANC-1 and Mia PaCa-2 cancer cells, models of the aggressive squamous subtype of PDAC. Surprisingly, our results also demonstrate that exposure to SFK inhibitors, including dasatinib or knockdown of YES and Src induces ERK overactivation in PDAC cells. Dasatinib-induced ERK activation was completely abolished by exposure to the FDA-approved MEK inhibitor trametinib. A combination of dasatinib and trametinib potently and synergistically inhibited colony formation by PDAC cells and suppressed the growth of Mia PaCa-2 cells xenografted into the flank of nude mice. The results provide rationale for considering a combination(s) of FDA-approved SFK (dasatinib) and MEK (e.g., trametinib) inhibitors in prospective clinical trials for the treatment of PDAC.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel dialkyl (4-amino-5H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)phosphonates

This study reports the design and synthesis of novel dialkyl (4-amino-5H-chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)phosphonates as potential antitumor agents against A549 (lung cancer), DU-145 (prostate cancer), PC-3 (prostate cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer), cell lines evidenced from the in vitro antitumor studies performed by MTT assay (across 10-30 μM concentrations). The structural eminence of these synthesized molecules has emanated by designing the structural core by uniting the chromene, pyrimidine and phosphonate moieties into one, which has augmented their novelty and made them unreported. Further the deep structural activity relationship study investigations articulated that the title compounds are promising drug-like compounds and potential inhibitor of histidine amino acid residue present on the respective enzymatic proteins [3QJZ (A549), 3VHE (DU-145), 3V49 (PC-3), 3F81 (HeLa), & 3R7Q (MCF-7)] of the cell lines screened and are identified as responsible for the multi-faceted antitumor activities predicted in vitro. The obtained results were further supported by molecular docking studies, QSAR, ADMET, and bioactivity studies which have supported them as potential BBB penetrable molecules and proficient CNS active neuro-protective agents during drug delivery.

Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics

Cancer theranostics is the combination of diagnosis and therapeutic approaches for cancer, which is essential in personalized cancer treatment. The aims of the theranostics application of nanoparticles in cancer detection and therapy are to reduce delays in treatment and hence improve patient care. Recently, it has been found that the functionalization of nanoparticles can improve the efficiency, performance, specificity and sensitivity of the structure, and increase stability in the body and acidic environment. Moreover, functionalized nanoparticles have been found to possess a remarkable theranostic ability and have revolutionized cancer treatment. Each cancer treatment modality, such as MRI-guided gene therapy, MRI-guided thermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia treatment, MRI-guided chemotherapy, immunotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, has its strengths and weaknesses, and combining modalities allows for a better platform for improved cancer control. This is why cancer theranostics have been investigated thoroughly in recent years and enabled by functionalized nanoparticles. In this topical review, we look at the recent advances in cancer theranostics using functionalized nanoparticles. Through understanding and updating the development of nanoparticle-based cancer theranostics, we find out the future challenges and perspectives in this novel type of cancer treatment.

Identification of Src as a Therapeutic Target in Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma through Functional Genomic and High-Throughput Drug Screening Approaches

Drug resistance limits the effectiveness of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) chemotherapies, leading to a poor prognosis for this disease. Elucidation of the underlying resistance mechanisms is key to enabling the identification of more effective treatments. This study, therefore, aims to identify novel therapeutic and/or chemotherapy sensitising drug targets in OAC. Transcriptional data from a cohort of 273 pre-treatment OAC biopsies, from patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection, were analysed using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to determine differential gene expression between responding and non-responding OAC tumours. From this, 80 genes were selected for high-throughput siRNA screening in OAC cell lines with or without standard chemotherapy treatment. In parallel, cell viability assays were performed using a panel of FDA-approved drugs and combination index (CI) values were calculated to evaluate drug synergy with standard chemotherapy. Mechanisms of synergy were investigated using western blot, propidium iodide flow cytometry, and proliferation assays. Taken together, the screens identified that targeting Src, using either siRNA or the small molecule inhibitor dasatinib, enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy in OAC cells. Further in vitro functional analysis confirmed Src inhibition to be synergistic with standard OAC chemotherapies, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and cisplatin (CDDP). In conclusion, a compound screen together with a functional genomic approach identified Src as a potential chemosensitising target in OAC, which could be assessed in a clinical study for poor prognosis OAC patients.

YES1: a novel therapeutic target and biomarker in cancer

YES1 is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that belongs to the SRC family of kinases (SFKs) and controls multiple cancer signaling pathways. YES1 is amplified and overexpressed in many tumor types, where it promotes cell proliferation, survival and invasiveness. Therefore, YES1 has been proposed as an emerging target in solid tumors. In addition, studies have shown that YES1 is a prognostic biomarker and a predictor of dasatinib activity. Several SFKs-targeting drugs have been developed and some of them have reached clinical trials. However, these drugs have encountered challenges to their utilization in the clinical practice in unselected patients due to toxicity and lack of efficacy. In the case of YES1, novel specific inhibitors have been developed and tested in preclinical models, with impressive antitumor effects. In this review, we summarize the structure and activation of YES1 and describe its role in cancer as a target and prognostic and companion biomarker. We also address the efficacy of SFKs inhibitors that are currently in clinical trials, highlighting the main hindrances for their clinical use. Current available information strongly suggests that inhibiting YES1 in tumors with high expression of this protein is a promising strategy against cancer.

Genomic Hippo Pathway Alterations and Persistent YAP/TAZ Activation: New Hallmarks in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a highly prevalent and deadly malignancy worldwide. The prognosis for locoregionally advanced HNSCC has not appreciably improved over the past 30 years despite advances in surgical, radiation, and targeted therapies and less than 20% of HNSCC patients respond to recently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors. The Hippo signaling pathway, originally discovered as a mechanism regulating tissue growth and organ size, transduces intracellular and extracellular signals to regulate the transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ. Alterations in the Hippo pathway resulting in persistent YAP and TAZ activation have emerged as major oncogenic drivers. Our analysis of the human HNSCC oncogenome revealed multiple genomic alterations impairing Hippo signaling and activating YAP and TAZ, which in turn contribute to HNSCC development. This includes mutations and deletions of the FAT1 gene (29%) and amplification of the WWTR1 (encoding TAZ, 14%) and YAP1 genes (8%), together representing one of the most genetically altered signaling mechanisms in this malignancy. Here, we discuss key elements of the mammalian Hippo pathway, detail mechanisms by which perturbations in Hippo signaling promote HNSCC initiation and progression and outline emerging strategies to target Hippo signaling vulnerabilities as part of novel multimodal precision therapies for HNSCC.

Structural study of ponatinib in inhibiting SRC kinase

Ponatinib is a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets ABL, SRC, FGFR, and so on. It was designed to overcome the resistance of BCR-ABL mutation to imatinib, especially the gatekeeper mutation ABL^T315I. The molecular mechanism by which ponatinib overcomes mutations of BCR-ABL and some other targets has been explained, but little information is known about the characteristics of ponatinib binding to SRC. Here, we showed that ponatinib inhibited wild type SRC kinase but failed to inhibit SRC gatekeeper mutants in both biochemical and cellular assays. We determined the crystal structure of ponatinib in complex with the SRC kinase domain. In addition, by structural analysis, we provided a possible explanation for why ponatinib showed different effects on SRC and other kinases with gatekeeper mutations. The resistance mechanism of SRC gatekeeper mutations to ponatinib may provide meaningful information for designing inhibitors against SRC family kinases in the future.

Weighted Correlation Network Analysis of Cancer Stem Cell-Related Prognostic Biomarkers in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: The role of cancer stem cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Methods: The mRNA stemness index (mRNAsi) of 179 ESCC patients (GSE53625) was calculated using a machine learning algorithm based on their mRNA expression. Stemness-related genes were identified by weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and LASSO regression, whose associations with mutation status, immune cell infiltrations, and potential compounds were also analyzed. The role of these genes in proliferation and their expressions was assessed in ESCC cell lines and 112 samples from our center. Results: The ESCC samples had significantly higher mRNAsi than the normal tissues. Patients with high mRNAsi exhibited higher worse OS. Seven stemness-related genes were identified by WGCNA and LASSO regression, based on which a risk-predicted score model was constructed. Among them, CST1, CILP, PITX2, F2RL2, and RIOX1 were favorable for OS, which were adverse for DPP4 and ZFHX4 in the GSE53625 dataset. However, RIOX1 was unfavorable for OS in patients from our center. In vitro assays showed that CST1, CILP, PITX2, F2RL2, and RIOX1 were pro-proliferated, which were opposite for DDP4 and ZFHX4. In addition, SMARCA4, NOTCH3, DNAH5, and KALRN were more mutated in the low-score group. The low-score group had significantly more memory B cells, monocytes, activated NK cells, and Tregs and less macrophages M2, resting mast cells, and resting dendritic cells. Conclusions: Seven stemness-related genes are significantly related to the prognosis, gene mutations, and immune cell infiltration of ESCC. Some potential anticancer compounds may be favorable for OS.

TSPAN1, a novel tetraspanin member highly involved in carcinogenesis and chemoresistance

The tetraspanin (TSPAN) family constitutes a poorly explored family of membrane receptors involved in various physiological processes, with relevant roles in anchoring multiple proteins, acting as scaffolding proteins, and cell signaling. Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated the involvement of TSPANs in cancer. In particular, tetraspanin 1 (also known as TSPAN1, NET-1, TM4C, C4.8 or GEF) has been implicated in cell survival, proliferation and invasion. Recently, our laboratory revealed a key role of TSPAN1 in the acquired resistance of tumor cells to conventional chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin). In this review, we summarize and discuss the latest research on the physiological mechanisms of TSPANs in cancer and, in particular, on TSPAN1 regulating resistance to chemotherapy. A model of TSPAN1 action is proposed, and the potential of targeting TSPAN1 in anticancer therapeutic strategies is discussed.

Experimental and computational assessment of the synergistic pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions of a triple combination therapy in refractory HER2-positive breast cancer cells

The development of innate and/or acquired resistance to human epidermal growth factor receptor type-2 (HER2)-targeted therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer (HER2 + BC) is a major clinical challenge that needs to be addressed. One of the main mechanisms of resistance includes aberrant activation of the HER2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT8 virus oncogene cellular homolog/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathways. In the present work, we propose to use a triple combination therapy to combat this resistance phenomenon. Our strategy involves evaluation of two targeted small molecule agents, everolimus and dasatinib, with complementary inhibitory circuitries in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, along with a standard cytotoxic agent, paclitaxel. Everolimus inhibits mTOR, while dasatinib inhibits Src, which is a protein upstream of Akt. An over-activation of these two proteins has been implicated in approximately 50% of HER2 + BC cases. Hence, we hypothesize that their simultaneous inhibition may lead to enhanced cell-growth inhibition. Moreover, the potent apoptotic effects of paclitaxel may help augment the overall cytotoxicity of the proposed triple combination in HER2 + BC cells. To this end, we investigated experimentally and assessed computationally the in vitro pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions of the various dual and triple combinations to assess their subsequent combinatorial effects (synergistic/additive/antagonistic) in a HER2-therapy resistant BC cell line, JIMT-1. Our proposed triple combination therapy demonstrated synergism in JIMT-1 cells, thus corroborating our hypothesis. This effort may form the basis for further investigation of the triple combination therapy in vivo at a mechanistic level in HER2-therapy resistant BC cells.

Carrier-free prodrug nanoparticles based on dasatinib and cisplatin for efficient antitumor in vivo

Carrier-free drug self-delivery systems consisting of amphiphilic drug-drug conjugate (ADDC) with well-defined structure and nanoscale features have drawn much attention in tumor drug delivery. Herein, we report a simple and effective strategy to prepare ADDC using derivatives of cisplatin (CP) and dasatinib (DAS), which further self-assembled to form reduction-responsive nanoparticles (CP-DDA NPs). DAS was modified with succinic anhydride and then connected with CP derivative by ester bonds. The size, micromorphology and in vitro drug release of CP-DDA NPs were characterized. The biocompatibility and bioactivity of these carrier-free nanoparticles were then investigated by HepG2 cells and H22-tumor bearing mice. In vitro and in vivo experiments proved that CP-DDA NPs had excellent anti-tumor activity and significantly reduced toxicities. This study provides a new strategy to design the carrier-free nanomedicine composed of CP and DAS for synergistic tumor treatment.

Impairment of Autophagic Flux Participates in the Antitumor Effects of TAT-Cx43266-283 in Glioblastoma Stem Cells

Simple Summary

Autophagy is a process in which the cell recycles components that are not needed at that moment and uses the resulting elements to satisfy more urgent needs. Depending on the specific context, this can be beneficial or detrimental for tumor development. We found that in glioblastoma, the most lethal brain tumor, autophagy is upregulated and contributes to glioblastoma stem cell survival under starvation. Importantly, the antitumor peptide TAT-Cx43_266-283 blocks autophagy flux, contributing to the death of glioblastoma stem cells. This peptide induces glioblastoma stem cell death in nutrient-deprived and complete environments, while the effect of other unsuccessful drugs for glioblastoma depends on nutrient context, supporting the potential of TAT-Cx43_266-283 as a treatment to improve the lives of glioblastoma patients.

Abstract

Autophagy is a physiological process by which various damaged or non-essential cytosolic components are recycled, contributing to cell survival under stress conditions. In cancer, autophagy can have antitumor or protumor effects depending on the developmental stage. Here, we use Western blotting, immunochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy to demonstrate that the antitumor peptide TAT-Cx43_266-283, a c-Src inhibitor, blocks autophagic flux in glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) under basal and nutrient-deprived conditions. Upon nutrient deprivation, GSCs acquired a dormant-like phenotype that was disrupted by inhibition of autophagy with TAT-Cx43_266-283 or chloroquine (a classic autophagy inhibitor), leading to GSC death. Remarkably, dasatinib, a clinically available c-Src inhibitor, could not replicate TAT-Cx43_266-283 effect on dormant GSCs, revealing for the first time the possible involvement of pathways other than c-Src in TAT-Cx43_266-283 effect. TAT-Cx43_266-283 exerts an antitumor effect both in nutrient-complete and nutrient-deprived environments, which constitutes an advantage over chloroquine and dasatinib, whose effects depend on nutrient environment. Finally, our analysis of the levels of autophagy-related proteins in healthy and glioma donors suggests that autophagy is upregulated in glioblastoma, further supporting the interest in inhibiting this process in the most aggressive brain tumor and the potential use of TAT-Cx43_266-283 as a therapy for this type of cancer.

Combinatorial Strategies to Target Molecular and Signaling Pathways to Disarm Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer is an urgent public health issue with a very huge number of cases all over the world expected to increase by 2040. Despite improved diagnosis and therapeutic protocols, it remains the main leading cause of death in the world. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a tumor subpopulation defined by ability to self-renewal and to generate the heterogeneous and differentiated cell lineages that form the tumor bulk. These cells represent a major concern in cancer treatment due to resistance to conventional protocols of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. In fact, although partial or complete tumor regression can be achieved in patients, these responses are often followed by cancer relapse due to the expansion of CSCs population. The aberrant activation of developmental and oncogenic signaling pathways plays a relevant role in promoting CSCs therapy resistance. Although several targeted approaches relying on monotherapy have been developed to affect these pathways, they have shown limited efficacy. Therefore, an urgent need to design alternative combinatorial strategies to replace conventional regimens exists. This review summarizes the preclinical studies which provide a proof of concept of therapeutic efficacy of combinatorial approaches targeting the CSCs.

Organ-Specific, Fibroblast-Derived Matrix as a Tool for Studying Breast Cancer Metastasis

Simple Summary

Cancer in the breast often spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, which leads to poor outcomes for patients, as there are few effective treatments. Within organs such as the lungs, cancer cells are surrounded by a scaffold, made of proteins, which helps keeps the organs’ structure and maintains their function. This scaffold is produced by cells called fibroblasts, and we can reproduce this in the lab. We aim to investigate how cancer cells interact with the protein scaffold from different organs, where breast cancer cells spread to. This study hopes to reveal how breast cancer reacts to different organ environments and use this method to perform large-scale drug screening. Importantly, this study has shown that drug testing of breast cancer cells within a more physiological context, as opposed to testing on plastic, can lead to increased identification of targets to treat breast cancer.

Abstract

During the metastatic process, breast cancer cells must come into contact with the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) at every step. The ECM provides both structural support and biochemical cues, and cell–ECM interactions can lead to changes in drug response. Here, we used fibroblast-derived ECM (FDM) to perform high throughput drug screening of 4T1 breast cancer cells on metastatic organ ECM (lung), and we see that drug response differs from treatment on plastic. The FDMs that we can produce from different organs are abundant in and contains a complex mixture of ECM proteins. We also show differences in ECM composition between the primary site and secondary organ sites. Furthermore, we show that global kinase signalling of 4T1 cells on the ECM is relatively unchanged between organs, while changes in signalling compared to plastic are significant. Our study highlights the importance of context when testing drug response in vitro, showing that consideration of the ECM is critically important.

Dasatinib-SIK2 Binding Elucidated by Homology Modeling, Molecular Docking, and Dynamics Simulations

Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) are calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CAMK)-like (CAMKL) family members implicated in insulin signal transduction, metabolic regulation, inflammatory response, and other processes. Here, we focused on SIK2, which is a target of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved pan inhibitor N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-(6-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-methylpyrimidin-4-ylamino)thiazole-5-carboxamide (dasatinib), and constructed four representative SIK2 structures by homology modeling. We investigated the interactions between dasatinib and SIK2 via molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and binding free energy calculation and found that dasatinib showed strong binding affinity for SIK2. Binding free energy calculations suggested that the modification of various dasatinib regions may provide useful information for drug design and to guide the discovery of novel dasatinib-based SIK2 inhibitors.

Inhibitors of Src Family Kinases, Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, and NADPH Oxidase as Potential CNS Drug Targets for Neurological Diseases

Neurological diseases share common neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress pathways. Both phenotypic and molecular changes in microglia, astrocytes, and neurons contribute to the progression of disease and present potential targets for disease modification. Src family kinases (SFKs) are present in both neurons and glial cells and are upregulated following neurological insults in both human and animal models. In neurons, SFKs interact with post-synaptic protein domains to mediate hyperexcitability and neurotoxicity. SFKs are upstream of signaling cascades that lead to the modulation of neurotransmitter receptors and the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as producers of free radicals through the activation of glia. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS/NOS-II) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2), the major mediators of reactive nitrogen/oxygen species (RNS/ROS) production in the brain, are also upregulated along with the pro-inflammatory cytokines following neurological insult and contribute to disease progression. Persistent neuronal hyperexcitability, RNS/ROS, and cytokines can exacerbate neurodegeneration, a common pathognomonic feature of the most prevalent neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. Using a wide variety of preclinical disease models, inhibitors of the SFK-iNOS-NOX2 signaling axis have been tested to cure or modify disease progression. In this review, we discuss the SFK-iNOS-NOX2 signaling pathway and their inhibitors as potential CNS targets for major neurological diseases.

SRC Signaling in Cancer and Tumor Microenvironment

Pioneering experiments performed by Harold Varmus and Mike Bishop in 1976 led to one of the most influential discoveries in cancer research and identified the first cancer-causing oncogene called Src. Later experimental and clinical evidence suggested that Src kinase plays a significant role in promoting tumor growth and progression and its activity is associated with poor patient survival. Thus, several Src inhibitors were developed and approved by FDA for treatment of cancer patients. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a highly complex and dynamic milieu where significant cross-talk occurs between cancer cells and TME components, which consist of tumor-associated macrophages, fibroblasts, and other immune and vascular cells. Growth factors and chemokines activate multiple signaling cascades in TME and induce multiple kinases and pathways, including Src, leading to tumor growth, invasion/metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and progression. Here, we will systemically evaluate recent findings regarding regulation of Src and significance of targeting Src in cancer therapy.

Novel Targeted Photosensitizer as an Immunomodulator for Highly Efficient Therapy of T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Dasatinib is a kinase-targeted drug used in the treatment of leukemia. Regrettably, it remains far from optimal medicine due to insurmountable drug resistance and side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has proven that it can induce systemic immune responses. However, conventional photosensitizers as immunomodulators produce anticancer immunities, which are inadequate to eliminate residual cancer cells. Herein, a novel compound 4 was synthesized and investigated, which introduces dasatinib and zinc(II) phthalocyanine as the targeting and photodynamic moiety, respectively. Compound 4 exhibits a high affinity to CCRF-CEM cells/tumor tissues, which overexpress lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK), and preferential elimination from the body. Meanwhile, compound 4 shows excellent photocytotoxicity and tumor regression. Significantly, compound 4-induced PDT can obviously enhance immune responses, resulting in the production of more immune cells. We believe that the proposed manner is a potential strategy for the treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

First-in-Humans Trial of Dasatinib-Derivative Tracer for Tumor Kinase-Targeted PET

We developed a first-of-kind dasatinib-derivative imaging agent, 18F-SKI-249380 (18F-SKI), and validated its use for noninvasive in vivo tyrosine kinase-targeted tumor detection in preclinical models. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of using 18F-SKI for PET imaging in patients with malignancies. Methods: Five patients with a prior diagnosis of breast cancer, renal cell cancer, or leukemia underwent whole-body PET/CT imaging 90 min after injection of 18F-SKI (mean, 241.24 ± 116.36 MBq) as part of a prospective study. In addition, patients underwent either a 30-min dynamic scan of the upper abdomen including, at least partly, cardiac left ventricle, liver, spleen, and kidney (n = 2) or three 10-min whole-body PET/CT scans (n = 3) immediately after injection and blood-based radioactivity measurements to determine the time course of tracer distribution and facilitate radiation dose estimates. A subset of 3 patients had a delayed whole-body PET/CT scan at 180 min. Biodistribution, dosimetry, and tumor uptake were quantified. Absorbed doses were calculated using OLINDA/EXM 1.0. Results: No adverse events occurred after injection of 18F-SKI. In total, 27 tumor lesions were analyzed, with a median SUVpeak of 1.4 (range, 0.7-2.3) and tumor-to-blood ratios of 1.6 (range, 0.8-2.5) at 90 min after injection. The intratumoral drug concentrations calculated for 4 reference lesions ranged from 0.03 to 0.07 nM. In all reference lesions, constant tracer accumulation was observed between 30 and 90 min after injection. A blood radioassay indicated that radiotracer clearance from blood and plasma was initially rapid (blood half-time, 1.31 ± 0.81 min; plasma, 1.07 ± 0.66 min; n = 4), followed variably by either a prolonged terminal phase (blood half-time, 285 ± 148.49 min; plasma, 240 ± 84.85 min; n = 2) or a small rise to a plateau (n = 2). Like dasatinib, 18F-SKI underwent extensive metabolism after administration, as evidenced by metabolite analysis. Radioactivity was predominantly cleared via the hepatobiliary route. The highest absorbed dose estimates (mGy/MBq) in normal tissues were to the right colon (0.167 ± 0.04) and small intestine (0.153 ± 0.03). The effective dose was 0.0258 mSv/MBq (SD, 0.0034 mSv/MBq). Conclusion:18F-SKI demonstrated significant tumor uptake, distinct image contrast despite low injected doses, and rapid clearance from blood.

Bile Acids Signal via TGR5 to Activate Intestinal Stem Cells and Epithelial Regeneration

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Renewal and patterning of the intestinal epithelium is coordinated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs); dietary and metabolic factors provide signals to the niche that control ISC activity. Bile acids (BAs), metabolites in the gut, signal nutrient availability by activating the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1, also called TGR5). TGR5 is expressed in the intestinal epithelium, but it is not clear how its activation affects ISCs and regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. We studied the role of BAs and TGR5 in intestinal renewal, and regulation of ISC function in mice and intestinal organoids.

METHODS

We derived intestinal organoids from wild-type mice and Tgr5^-/- mice, incubated them with BAs or the TGR5 agonist INT-777, and monitored ISC function by morphologic analyses and colony-forming assays. We disrupted Tgr5 specifically in Lgr5-positive ISCs in mice (Tgr5^ISC-/- mice) and analyzed ISC number, proliferation, and differentiation by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and organoid assays. Tgr5^ISC-/- mice were given cholecystokinin; we measured the effects of BA release into the intestinal lumen and on cell renewal. We induced colitis in Tgr5^ISC-/- mice by administration of dextran sulfate sodium; disease severity was determined based on body weight, colon length, and histopathology analysis of colon biopsies.

RESULTS

BAs and TGR5 agonists promoted growth of intestinal organoids. Administration of cholecystokinin to mice resulted in acute release of BAs into the intestinal lumen and increased proliferation of the intestinal epithelium. BAs and Tgr5 expression in ISCs were required for homeostatic intestinal epithelial renewal and fate specification, and for regeneration after colitis induction. Tgr5^ISC-/- mice developed more severe colitis than mice without Tgr5 disruption in ISCs. ISCs incubated with INT-777 increased activation of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and of its upstream regulator SRC. Inhibitors of YAP1 and SRC prevented organoid growth induced by TGR5 activation.

CONCLUSIONS

BAs promote regeneration of the intestinal epithelium via activation of TGR5 in ISCs, resulting in activation of SRC and YAP and activation of their target genes. Release of endogenous BAs in the intestinal lumen is sufficient to promote ISC renewal and drives regeneration in response to injury.

Therapeutic role of recurrent ESR1-CCDC170 gene fusions in breast cancer endocrine resistance

Background

Endocrine therapy is the most common treatment for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, but its effectiveness is limited by high rates of primary and acquired resistance. There are likely many genetic causes, and recent studies suggest the important role of ESR1 mutations and fusions in endocrine resistance. Previously, we reported a recurrent ESR1 fusion called ESR1-CCDC170 in 6–8% of the luminal B breast cancers that has a worse clinical outcome after endocrine therapy. Despite being the most frequent ESR1 fusion, its functional role in endocrine resistance has not been studied in vivo, and the engaged mechanism and therapeutic relevance remain uncharacterized.

Methods

The endocrine sensitivities of HCC1428 or T47D breast cancer cells following genetic perturbations of ESR1-CCDC170 were assessed using clonogenic assays and/or xenograft mouse models. The underlying mechanisms were investigated by reverse phase protein array, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. The sensitivity of ESR1-CCDC170 expressing breast cancer cells to concomitant treatments of tamoxifen and HER/SRC inhibitors was assessed by clonogenic assays.

Results

Our results suggested that different ESR1-CCDC170 fusions endow different levels of reduced endocrine sensitivity in vivo, resulting in significant survival disadvantages. Further investigation revealed a novel mechanism that ESR1-CCDC170 binds to HER2/HER3/SRC and activates SRC/PI3K/AKT signaling. Silencing of ESR1-CCDC170 in the fusion-positive cell line, HCC1428, downregulates HER2/HER3, represses pSRC/pAKT, and improves endocrine sensitivity. More important, breast cancer cells expressing ectopic or endogenous ESR1-CCDC170 are highly sensitive to treatment regimens combining endocrine agents with the HER2 inhibitor lapatinib and/or the SRC inhibitor dasatinib.

Conclusion

ESR1-CCDC170 may endow breast cancer cell survival under endocrine therapy via maintaining/activating HER2/HER3/SRC/AKT signaling which implies a potential therapeutic strategy for managing these fusion positive tumors.

Historical retrospective of the oncogene and new perspectives (Review)

Since its first discovery as part of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) genome, the c-SRC (SRC) proto-oncogene has been proved a key regulator of cancer development and progression, and thus it has been highlighted as an attractive target for anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. Though the exact mechanisms of its action are still not fully understood, SRC protein mediates crucial normal cell functions, such as cell development, proliferation and survival, and its dysregulation is considered as an oncogenic signature and a driving force for cancer initiation. In the present review, we present a flashback to the history of the Src research, while focusing on the most important milestones in the field. Moreover, we investigate the proposed regulatory mechanisms and molecules that mediate its action in order to designate putative therapeutic targets and useful prognostic and/or diagnostic tools. Furthermore, we present and discuss existing therapeutic approaches that are explored in clinical settings.

Mechano-modulatory synthetic niches for liver organoid derivation

The recent demonstration that primary cells from the liver can be expanded in vitro as organoids holds enormous promise for regenerative medicine and disease modelling. The use of three-dimensional (3D) cultures based on ill-defined and potentially immunogenic matrices, however, hampers the translation of liver organoid technology into real-life applications. We here use chemically defined hydrogels for the efficient derivation of both mouse and human hepatic organoids. Organoid growth is found to be highly stiffness-sensitive, a mechanism independent of acto-myosin contractility and requiring instead activation of the Src family of kinases (SFKs) and yes-associated protein 1 (YAP). Aberrant matrix stiffness, on the other hand, results in compromised proliferative capacity. Finally, we demonstrate the establishment of biopsy-derived human liver organoids without the use of animal components at any step of the process. Our approach thus opens up exciting perspectives for the establishment of protocols for liver organoid-based regenerative medicine.

3D liver organoids hold great promise for regenerative medicine but the use of ill-defined matrices limits their potential. Here, the authors generate human and mouse liver organoids using a chemically defined matrix, and reveal a link between matrix stiffness and organoid growth that does not require acto-myosin contraction.

Dasatinib-induced hypoglycemia in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can cause significant hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes on other antihyperglycemic medications. These patients should be monitored, and their medications adjusted accordingly.

Fyn kinase mediates pro-inflammatory response in a mouse model of endotoxemia: Relevance to translational research

Systemic inflammation resulting from the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the chronic activation of the innate immune system remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. After having demonstrated that Fyn, a Src family kinase, regulates microglial neuroinflammatory responses in cell culture and animal models of Parkinson's disease, we investigate here its role in modulating systemic inflammation using an endotoxic mouse model. Fyn knockout (KO) and their wild-type (WT) littermate mice were injected once intraperitoneally with either saline or 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and were killed 48 h later. LPS-induced mortality, endotoxic symptoms and hypothermia were significantly attenuated in Fyn KO, but not WT, mice. LPS reduced survival in Fyn WT mice to 49% compared to 84% in Fyn KO mice. Fyn KO mice were also protected from LPS-induced deficits in horizontal and vertical locomotor activities, total distance traveled and stereotypic movements. Surface body temperatures recorded at 24 h and 48 h post-LPS dropped significantly in Fyn WT, but not in KO, mice. Importantly, endotoxemia-associated changes to levels of the serum pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), splenocyte apoptosis and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) production in hepatocytes were also significantly attenuated in Fyn KO mice. Likewise, pharmacologically inhibiting Fyn with 10 mg/kg dasatinib (oral) significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in plasma TNF-α and IL-6 protein levels and hepatic pro-IL-1β messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs). Collectively, these results indicate that genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of Fyn dampens systemic inflammation, demonstrating for the first time that Fyn kinase plays a critical role in mediating the endotoxic inflammatory response.