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Freeman DW, Gates BL, Spendlove MD, Gulbahce HE, Spike BT. CRIPTO promotes extracellular vesicle uptake and activation of cancer associated fibroblasts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.01.583059. [PMID: 38496478 PMCID: PMC10942388 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.01.583059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Expression of CRIPTO, a factor involved in embryonic stem cells, fetal development, and wound healing, is tied to poor prognosis in multiple cancers. Prior studies in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) models showed CRIPTO blockade inhibits tumor growth and dissemination. Here, we uncover a previously unidentified role for CRIPTO in orchestrating tumor-derived extracellular vesicle (TEV) uptake and fibroblast activation through discrete mechanisms. We found a novel mechanism by which CRIPTO drives aggressive TNBC phenotypes, involving CRIPTO-laden TEVs that program stromal fibroblasts, toward cancer associated fibroblast cell states, which in turn prompt tumor cell invasion. CRIPTO-bearing TEVs exhibited markedly elevated uptake in target fibroblasts and activated SMAD2/3 through NODAL-independent and - dependent mechanisms, respectively. Engineered expression of CRIPTO on EVs enhanced the delivery of bioactive molecules. In vivo , CRIPTO levels dictated TEV uptake in mouse lungs, a site of EV-regulated premetastatic niches important for breast cancer dissemination. These discoveries reveal a novel role for CRIPTO in coordinating heterotypic cellular crosstalk which offers novel insights into breast cancer progression, delivery of therapeutic molecules, and new, potentially targetable mechanisms of heterotypic cellular communication between tumor cells and the TME.
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2
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Understanding the role of Cripto-1 in cancer progression and therapeutic strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 25:1135-1144. [PMID: 36456761 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
During the initial stages of gastrulation during embryonic differentiation and wound healing, Cripto-1 is a critical protein for human growth. The epithelial adhesion molecules' downregulation, the mesenchymal overexpression, and mobile proteins are important mechanisms by which Cripto-1 initiates epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). As a result, the function of Cripto-1 for inducing EMT to increase cell migration is advantageous during embryogenesis; however, it is deleterious during the formation, growth, and malignant tumor metastasis. The majority of malignancies are reported to have elevated levels of Cripto-1. Cripto-1 can modify cancerous cells through its function in EMT, which enables these cells to migrate via the extracellular matrix, bloodstream, and lymphatic vessels, on their way for metastasizing to other organs. The goal of this review is to explain what role Cripto-1 plays in common cancers and to summarize how therapeutic strategies are used to interfere with this molecule to target cancers.
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3
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Teicher BA, Morris J. Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targets, Drugs and Linkers. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 22:463-529. [PMID: 35209819 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220224110538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates offer the possibility of directing powerful cytotoxic agents to a malignant tumor while sparing normal tissue. The challenge is to select an antibody target expressed exclusively or at highly elevated levels on the surface of tumor cells and either not all or at low levels on normal cells. The current review explores 78 targets that have been explored as antibody-drug conjugate targets. Some of these targets have been abandoned, 9 or more are the targets of FDA-approved drugs, and most remain active clinical interest. Antibody-drug conjugates require potent cytotoxic drug payloads, several of these small molecules are discussed, as are the linkers between the protein component and small molecule components of the conjugates. Finally, conclusions regarding the elements for the successful antibody-drug conjugate are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly A Teicher
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, DCTD, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892,United States
| | - Joel Morris
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, DCTD, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892,United States
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4
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Freeman DW, Rodrigues Sousa E, Karkampouna S, Zoni E, Gray PC, Salomon DS, Kruithof-de Julio M, Spike BT. Whence CRIPTO: The Reemergence of an Oncofetal Factor in 'Wounds' That Fail to Heal. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10164. [PMID: 34576327 PMCID: PMC8472190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There exists a set of factors termed oncofetal proteins that play key roles in ontogeny before they decline or disappear as the organism's tissues achieve homeostasis, only to then re-emerge in cancer. Although the unique therapeutic potential presented by such factors has been recognized for more than a century, their clinical utility has yet to be fully realized1. This review highlights the small signaling protein CRIPTO encoded by the tumor derived growth factor 1 (TDGF1/Tdgf1) gene, an oft cited oncofetal protein whose presence in the cancer literature as a tumor promoter, diagnostic marker and viable therapeutic target continues to grow. We touch lightly on features well established and well-reviewed since its discovery more than 30 years ago, including CRIPTO's early developmental roles and modulation of SMAD2/3 activation by a selected set of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family ligands. We predominantly focus instead on more recent and less well understood additions to the CRIPTO signaling repertoire, on its potential upstream regulators and on new conceptual ground for understanding its mode of action in the multicellular and often stressful contexts of neoplastic transformation and progression. We ask whence it re-emerges in cancer and where it 'hides' between the time of its fetal activity and its oncogenic reemergence. In this regard, we examine CRIPTO's restriction to rare cells in the adult, its potential for paracrine crosstalk, and its emerging role in inflammation and tissue regeneration-roles it may reprise in tumorigenesis, acting on subsets of tumor cells to foster cancer initiation and progression. We also consider critical gaps in knowledge and resources that stand between the recent, exciting momentum in the CRIPTO field and highly actionable CRIPTO manipulation for cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Freeman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA;
| | - Elisa Rodrigues Sousa
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
| | - Sofia Karkampouna
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
| | - Eugenio Zoni
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
| | - Peter C. Gray
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - David S. Salomon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 20893, USA;
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
- Translational Organoid Models, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin T. Spike
- Department of Oncological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA;
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Arnouk H, Yum G, Shah D. Cripto-1 as a Key Factor in Tumor Progression, Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179280. [PMID: 34502188 PMCID: PMC8430685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cripto-1 is an essential protein for human development that plays a key role in the early phase of gastrulation in the differentiation of an embryo as well as assists with wound healing processes. Importantly, Cripto-1 induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition to turn fixed epithelial cells into a more mobile mesenchymal phenotype through the downregulation of epithelial adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin, occludins, and claudins, and the upregulation of mesenchymal, mobile proteins, such as N-cadherin, Snail, and Slug. Consequently, Cripto-1’s role in inducing EMT to promote cell motility is beneficial in embryogenesis, but detrimental in the formation, progression and metastasis of malignant tumors. Indeed, Cripto-1 is found to be upregulated in most cancers, such as breast, lung, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, cervical, ovarian, prostate, and skin cancers. Through its role in EMT, Cripto-1 can remodel cancer cells to enable them to travel through the extracellular matrix as well as blood and lymphatic vessels to metastasize to different organs. Additionally, Cripto-1 promotes the survival of cancer stem cells, which can lead to relapse in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Arnouk
- Department of Pathology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
- Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
- College of Dental Medicine-Illinois, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Gloria Yum
- Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
| | - Dean Shah
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
- Master of Public Health Program, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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Arboretto P, Cillo M, Leonardi A. New Insights into Cancer Targeted Therapy: Nodal and Cripto-1 as Attractive Candidates. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157838. [PMID: 34360603 PMCID: PMC8345935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is fundamental for correct embryonic development. However, alterations of this pathway have been correlated with oncogenesis, tumor progression and sustaining of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cripto-1 (CR-1) and Nodal are two embryonic proteins involved in TGF-β signaling. Their expression is almost undetectable in terminally differentiated cells, but they are often re-expressed in tumor cells, especially in CSCs. Moreover, cancer cells that show high levels of CR-1 and/or Nodal display more aggressive phenotypes in vitro, while in vivo their expression correlates with a worse prognosis in several human cancers. The ability to target CSCs still represents an unmet medical need for the complete eradication of certain types of tumors. Given the prognostic role and the selective expression of CR-1 and Nodal on cancer cells, they represent archetypes for targeted therapy. The aim of this review is to clarify the role of CR-1 and Nodal in cancer stem populations and to summarize the current therapeutic strategy to target CSCs using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or other molecular tools to interfere with these two proteins.
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Ishii H, Afify SM, Hassan G, Salomon DS, Seno M. Cripto-1 as a Potential Target of Cancer Stem Cells for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102491. [PMID: 34065315 PMCID: PMC8160785 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer immunotherapy is gaining attention as a potential fourth treatment following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Cancer stem cells have recently been recognized and validated as a key target for cancer treatment. Cripto-1, which is a GPI-anchored membrane-bound protein that functions as a co-receptor of Nodal, is a marker of cancer stem cells. Since Nodal is a member of the TGF-β family, which performs an important role in stem cells and cancer stem cells, the inhibition of Cripto-1 could be a strategy by which to block Nodal signaling and thereby suppress cancer stem cells. We propose that Cripto-1 may be a novel target for cancer immunotherapy. Abstract The immune system has been found to be suppressed in cancer patients. Cancer cells are extremely resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, conventional immunotherapy, or cancer antigen vaccine therapy. Cancer immunotherapy, which is mainly based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as those for PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4, is an effective treatment method. However, no immunotherapeutic target has been found that retains validity in the face of tumor diversity. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β cytokine family possesses broad biological activity and is involved in the induction and/or transdifferentiation of helper T cells, which are important in immunotherapy. Nodal is a member of the TGF-β family playing important roles in tissue stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs), interacting with the co-receptor Cripto-1, as well as with Activin type IB (Alk4) and Activin typeIIreceptors, and maintaining stemness and Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CSCs. In recent years, it has been reported that Cripto-1 could be a potential therapeutic target in CSCs. Here, we review the accumulated literature on the molecular mechanisms by which Cripto-1 functions in CSCs and discuss the potential of Cripto-1 as an immunotherapeutic target in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Ishii
- GSP Enterprise, Inc., 1-4-38 12F Minato-machi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0017, Japan;
| | - Said M. Afify
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
- Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin ElKoum Menoufia 32511, Egypt
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
| | - David S. Salomon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-251-8216
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Balcioglu O, Heinz RE, Freeman DW, Gates BL, Hagos BM, Booker E, Mirzaei Mehrabad E, Diesen HT, Bhakta K, Ranganathan S, Kachi M, Leblanc M, Gray PC, Spike BT. CRIPTO antagonist ALK4 L75A-Fc inhibits breast cancer cell plasticity and adaptation to stress. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:125. [PMID: 33187540 PMCID: PMC7664111 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CRIPTO is a multi-functional signaling protein that promotes stemness and oncogenesis. We previously developed a CRIPTO antagonist, ALK4L75A-Fc, and showed that it causes loss of the stem cell phenotype in normal mammary epithelia suggesting it may similarly inhibit CRIPTO-dependent plasticity in breast cancer cells. METHODS We focused on two triple negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) to measure the effects of ALK4L75A-Fc on cancer cell behavior under nutrient deprivation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. We characterized the proliferation and migration of these cells in vitro using time-lapse microscopy and characterized stress-dependent changes in the levels and distribution of CRIPTO signaling mediators and cancer stem cell markers. We also assessed the effects of ALK4L75A-Fc on proliferation, EMT, and stem cell markers in vivo as well as on tumor growth and metastasis using inducible lentiviral delivery or systemic administration of purified ALK4L75A-Fc, which represents a candidate therapeutic approach. RESULTS ALK4L75A-Fc inhibited adaptive responses of breast cancer cells under conditions of nutrient and ER stress and reduced their proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and expression of EMT and cancer stem cell markers. ALK4L75A-Fc also inhibited proliferation of human breast cancer cells in stressed tumor microenvironments in xenografts and reduced both primary tumor size and metastatic burden. CONCLUSIONS Cancer cell adaptation to stresses such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and chemotherapy can critically contribute to dormancy, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence. Identifying mechanisms that govern cellular adaptation, plasticity, and the emergence of stem-like cancer cells may be key to effective anticancer therapies. Results presented here indicate that targeting CRIPTO with ALK4L75A-Fc may have potential as such a therapy since it inhibits breast cancer cell adaptation to microenvironmental challenges and associated stem-like and EMT phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlen Balcioglu
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Richard E Heinz
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - David W Freeman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Brooke L Gates
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Berhane M Hagos
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Evan Booker
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | | | - Hyrum T Diesen
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Kishan Bhakta
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Supraja Ranganathan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Masami Kachi
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mathias Leblanc
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Peter C Gray
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Present Address: Biotheranostics Inc., San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Benjamin T Spike
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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He R, Pan J, Mayer JP, Liu F. The Chemical Methods of Disulfide Bond Formation and Their Applications to Drug Conjugates. CURR ORG CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1385272823666191202111723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
:
The disulfide bond possesses unique chemical and biophysical properties which
distinguish it as one of the key structural elements of bioactive proteins and peptides, important
drugs and other materials. The chemo-selective synthesis of these structures and
the exploration of their function have been of longstanding interest to the chemistry community.
The past decades have witnessed significant progress in both areas. This review
will summarize the historically established and recently developed chemical methods in
disulfide bond formation. The discussion will also be extended to the use of the disulfide
linkers in small molecules, and peptide- and protein-drug conjugates. It is hoped that the
combined overview of the fundamental chemistries and applications to drug discovery
will inspire creative thinking and stimulate future novel uses of these versatile chemistries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongjun He
- Novo Nordisk Research Center Indianapolis, 5225 Exploration Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241, United States
| | - Jia Pan
- Novo Nordisk Research Centre China, 20 Life Science Road, Beijing, China
| | - John P. Mayer
- Department of Molecular, Developmental & Cell Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, United States
| | - Fa Liu
- Novo Nordisk Research Center, 530 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
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Knewtson K, Perera C, Hymel D, Gao Z, Lee MM, Peterson BR. Antibody-Drug Conjugate that Exhibits Synergistic Cytotoxicity with an Endosome-Disruptive Peptide. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:12955-12968. [PMID: 31460422 PMCID: PMC6690568 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b01585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates are an important class of cancer therapeutics. These agents generally bind a specific cell surface receptor, undergo receptor-mediated endocytosis, and enter the endosomal-lysosomal system, where the environment in these organelles facilitates the release of a membrane-permeable cytotoxin. By using a membrane-impermeable cytotoxin, we describe here a method that allows the cytotoxicity of an antibody conjugate to be triggered by co-administration with an endosome-disruptive peptide that exhibits low toxicity. This approach was validated by conjugation of an anionic derivative of the tubulin-binding cytotoxin colchinol methyl ether to lysine residues of the HER2-targeting antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) via a disulfide. When this antibody binds HER2 on SKBR3 breast cancer cells and undergoes endocytosis, the membrane-impermeable cytotoxin is released, but it becomes trapped in endosomes, resulting in relatively low cytotoxicity (IC50 > 1 μM). However, co-administration with an essentially nontoxic (IC50 > 10 μM) cholesterol-linked endosome-disruptive peptide promotes the release of this small molecule into the cytoplasm, conferring subnanomolar cytotoxic potency (IC50 = 0.11 ± 0.07 nM). Studies of a structurally related fluorophore conjugate revealed that the endosome-disruptive peptide does not substantially enhance cleavage of the disulfide (t 1/2 = 8 ± 2 h) within endosomes, suggesting that the mechanism of endosomal escape involves the efflux of some small molecules without facilitating substantial influx of reduced glutathione.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey
E. Knewtson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Chamani Perera
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | | | | | | | - Blake R. Peterson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
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Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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Focà G, Iaccarino E, Focà A, Sanguigno L, Untiveros G, Cuevas-Nunez M, Strizzi L, Leonardi A, Ruvo M, Sandomenico A. Development of conformational antibodies targeting Cripto-1 with neutralizing effects in vitro. Biochimie 2019; 158:246-256. [PMID: 30703478 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human Cripto-1 (Cripto-1), the founding member of the EGF-CFC superfamily, is a key regulator of many processes during embryonic development and oncogenesis. Cripto-1 is barely present or even absent in normal adult tissues while it is aberrantly re-expressed in various tumors. Blockade of the CFC domain-mediated Cripto-1 functions is acknowledged as a promising therapeutic intervention point to inhibit the tumorigenic activity of the protein. In this work, we report the generation and characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies raised against the synthetic folded CFC [112-150] domain of the human protein. Through subtractive ELISA assays clones were screened for the ability to specifically recognize "hot spot" residues on the CFC domain, which are crucial for the interaction with Activin Type I receptor (ALK4) and GRP78. On selected antibodies, SPR and epitope mapping studies have confirmed their specificity and have revealed that recognition occurs only on a conformational epitope. Furthermore, FACS analyses have confirmed the ability of 1B4 antibody to recognize the membrane-anchored and soluble native Cripto-1 protein in a panel of human cancer cells. Finally, we have evaluated its functional effects through in vitro cellular signaling assays and cell cycle analysis. These findings suggest that the selected anti-CFC mAbs have the potential to neutralize the protein oncogenic activity and may be used as theranostic molecules suitable as tumor homing agents for Cripto-1-overexpressing cancer cells and tissues and to overcome drug-resistance in routine cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gustavo Untiveros
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria Cuevas-Nunez
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA; College of Dental Medicine, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luigi Strizzi
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
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Taplin S, Vashisht K, Walles M, Calise D, Kluwe W, Bouchard P, Johnson R. Hepatotoxicity with antibody maytansinoid conjugates: A review of preclinical and clinical findings. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 38:600-615. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Taplin
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Inc.; East Hanover NJ USA
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14
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Calvanese L, Focà A, Sandomenico A, Focà G, Caporale A, Doti N, Iaccarino E, Leonardi A, D'Auria G, Ruvo M, Falcigno L. Structural insights into the interaction of a monoclonal antibody and Nodal peptides by STD-NMR spectroscopy. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6589-6596. [PMID: 29113739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nodal is a growth factor expressed during early embryonic development, but reactivated in several advanced-stage cancers. Targeting of Nodal signaling, which occurs via the binding to Cripto-1 co-receptor, results in inhibition of cell aggressiveness and reduced tumor growth. The Nodal binding region to Cripto-1 was identified and targeted with a high affinity monoclonal antibody (3D1). By STD-NMR technique, we investigated the interaction of Nodal fragments with 3D1 with the aim to elucidate at atomic level the interaction surface. Data indicate with high accuracy the antibody-antigen contact atoms and confirm the information previously obtained by immune-enzymatic methods. Main residues contacted by 3D1 are P46, V47, E49 and E50, which belong to the Nodal loop involved in the interaction with the co-receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Calvanese
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Caporale
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- DISTABIF, Università degli Studi della Campania "Lugi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi, 43, 80100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Dept. Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Auria
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Falcigno
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
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15
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Kalim M, Chen J, Wang S, Lin C, Ullah S, Liang K, Ding Q, Chen S, Zhan J. Intracellular trafficking of new anticancer therapeutics: antibody-drug conjugates. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:2265-2276. [PMID: 28814834 PMCID: PMC5546728 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s135571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is a milestone in targeted cancer therapy that comprises of monoclonal antibodies chemically linked to cytotoxic drugs. Internalization of ADC takes place via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and pinocytosis. Conjugation strategies, endocytosis and intracellular trafficking optimization, linkers, and drugs chemistry present a great challenge for researchers to eradicate tumor cells successfully. This inventiveness of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking has given considerable momentum recently to develop specific antibodies and ADCs to treat cancer cells. It is significantly advantageous to emphasize the endocytosis and intracellular trafficking pathways efficiently and to design potent engineered conjugates and biological entities to boost efficient therapies enormously for cancer treatment. Current studies illustrate endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of ADC, protein, and linker strategies in unloading and also concisely evaluate practically applicable ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Kalim
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
| | - Shenghao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
| | - Caiyao Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
| | - Saif Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
| | - Keying Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
| | - Qian Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
| | - Shuqing Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinbiao Zhan
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine
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16
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Disulfide conjugation chemistry: a mixed blessing for therapeutic drug delivery? Ther Deliv 2017; 8:359-362. [DOI: 10.4155/tde-2017-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Bodenstine TM, Chandler GS, Seftor REB, Seftor EA, Hendrix MJC. Plasticity underlies tumor progression: role of Nodal signaling. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2016; 35:21-39. [PMID: 26951550 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-016-9605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily member Nodal is an established regulator of early embryonic development, with primary roles in endoderm induction, left-right asymmetry, and primitive streak formation. Nodal signals through TGFβ family receptors at the plasma membrane and induces signaling cascades leading to diverse transcriptional regulation. While conceptually simple, the regulation of Nodal and its molecular effects are profoundly complex and context dependent. Pioneering work by developmental biologists has characterized the signaling pathways, regulatory components, and provided detailed insight into the mechanisms by which Nodal mediates changes at the cellular and organismal levels. Nodal is also an important factor in maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells through regulation of core transcriptional programs. Collectively, this work has led to an appreciation for Nodal as a powerful morphogen capable of orchestrating multiple cellular phenotypes. Although Nodal is not active in most adult tissues, its reexpression and signaling have been linked to multiple types of human cancer, and Nodal has emerged as a driver of tumor growth and cellular plasticity. In vitro and in vivo experimental evidence has demonstrated that inhibition of Nodal signaling reduces cancer cell aggressive characteristics, while clinical data have established associations with Nodal expression and patient outcomes. As a result, there is great interest in the potential targeting of Nodal activity in a therapeutic setting for cancer patients that may provide new avenues for suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we evaluate our current understanding of the complexities of Nodal function in cancer and highlight recent experimental evidence that sheds light on the therapeutic potential of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bodenstine
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Grace S Chandler
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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18
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Lu J, Jiang F, Lu A, Zhang G. Linkers Having a Crucial Role in Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:561. [PMID: 27089329 PMCID: PMC4849017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) comprised of a desirable monoclonal antibody, an active cytotoxic drug and an appropriate linker are considered to be an innovative therapeutic approach for targeted treatment of various types of tumors and cancers, enhancing the therapeutic parameter of the cytotoxic drug and reducing the possibility of systemic cytotoxicity. An appropriate linker between the antibody and the cytotoxic drug provides a specific bridge, and thus helps the antibody to selectively deliver the cytotoxic drug to tumor cells and accurately releases the cytotoxic drug at tumor sites. In addition to conjugation, the linkers maintain ADCs' stability during the preparation and storage stages of the ADCs and during the systemic circulation period. The design of linkers for ADCs is a challenge in terms of extracellular stability and intracellular release, and intracellular circumstances, such as the acid environment, the reducing environment and cathepsin, are considered as the catalysts to activate the triggers for initiating the cleavage of ADCs. This review discusses the linkers used in the clinical and marketing stages for ADCs and details the fracture modes of the linkers for the further development of ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lu
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine & Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Feng Jiang
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine & Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, HKBU (Haimen) Institute of Science and Technology, Haimen 226100, China.
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine & Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine & Translational Science, Hong Kong Baptist University Shenzhen Research Institute and Continuing Education, Shenzhen 518000, China.
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Rangel MC, Bertolette D, Castro NP, Klauzinska M, Cuttitta F, Salomon DS. Developmental signaling pathways regulating mammary stem cells and contributing to the etiology of triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2016; 156:211-26. [PMID: 26968398 PMCID: PMC4819564 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-016-3746-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been considered as temporal and spatial aberrations of normal development in tissues. Similarities between mammary embryonic development and cell transformation suggest that the underlying processes required for mammary gland development are also those perturbed during various stages of mammary tumorigenesis and breast cancer (BC) development. The master regulators of embryonic development Cripto-1, Notch/CSL, and Wnt/β-catenin play key roles in modulating mammary gland morphogenesis and cell fate specification in the embryo through fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSC) and in the adult organism particularly within the adult mammary stem cells (aMaSC), which determine mammary progenitor cell lineages that generate the basal/myoepithelial and luminal compartments of the adult mammary gland. Together with recognized transcription factors and embryonic stem cell markers, these embryonic regulatory molecules can be inappropriately augmented during tumorigenesis to support the tumor-initiating cell (TIC)/cancer stem cell (CSC) compartment, and the effects of their deregulation may contribute for the etiology of BC, in particular the most aggressive subtype of BC, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This in depth review will present evidence of the involvement of Cripto-1, Notch/CSL, and Wnt/β-catenin in the normal mammary gland morphogenesis and tumorigenesis, from fMaSC/aMaSC regulation to TIC generation and maintenance in TNBC. Specific therapies for treating TNBC by targeting these embryonic pathways in TICs will be further discussed, providing new opportunities to destroy not only the bulk tumor, but also TICs that initiate and promote the metastatic spread and recurrence of this aggressive subtype of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Rangel
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Daniel Bertolette
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Nadia P Castro
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Malgorzata Klauzinska
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Frank Cuttitta
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - David S Salomon
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 560, Room 32-40B, 1050 Boyles Street, Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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20
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Gordon MR, Canakci M, Li L, Zhuang J, Osborne B, Thayumanavan S. Field Guide to Challenges and Opportunities in Antibody-Drug Conjugates for Chemists. Bioconjug Chem 2015; 26:2198-215. [PMID: 26308881 PMCID: PMC4933296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates have attracted a great amount of attention as a therapeutic strategy for diseases where targeting specific tissues and cells are critical components, such as in cancer therapy. Although promising, the number of approved ADC drugs is relatively limited. This emanates from the challenges associated with generating the conjugates and the complexities associated with the stability requirements for these conjugates during circulation and after reaching the target. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the design challenges facing the ADC field. These challenges also provide several unique research and development opportunities, which are also highlighted throughout the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory R. Gordon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Mine Canakci
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Longyu Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Jiaming Zhuang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - Barbara Osborne
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
| | - S. Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 (USA)
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21
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Damelin M, Bankovich A, Park A, Aguilar J, Anderson W, Santaguida M, Aujay M, Fong S, Khandke K, Pulito V, Ernstoff E, Escarpe P, Bernstein J, Pysz M, Zhong W, Upeslacis E, Lucas J, Lucas J, Nichols T, Loving K, Foord O, Hampl J, Stull R, Barletta F, Falahatpisheh H, Sapra P, Gerber HP, Dylla SJ. Anti-EFNA4 Calicheamicin Conjugates Effectively Target Triple-Negative Breast and Ovarian Tumor-Initiating Cells to Result in Sustained Tumor Regressions. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:4165-73. [PMID: 26015513 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and ovarian cancer each comprise heterogeneous tumors, for which current therapies have little clinical benefit. Novel therapies that target and eradicate tumor-initiating cells (TIC) are needed to significantly improve survival. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A panel of well-annotated patient-derived xenografts (PDX) was established, and surface markers that enriched for TIC in specific tumor subtypes were empirically determined. The TICs were queried for overexpressed antigens, one of which was selected to be the target of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The efficacy of the ADC was evaluated in 15 PDX models to generate hypotheses for patient stratification. RESULTS We herein identified E-cadherin (CD324) as a surface antigen able to reproducibly enrich for TIC in well-annotated, low-passage TNBC and ovarian cancer PDXs. Gene expression analysis of TIC led to the identification of Ephrin-A4 (EFNA4) as a prospective therapeutic target. An ADC comprising a humanized anti-EFNA4 monoclonal antibody conjugated to the DNA-damaging agent calicheamicin achieved sustained tumor regressions in both TNBC and ovarian cancer PDX in vivo. Non-claudin low TNBC tumors exhibited higher expression and more robust responses than other breast cancer subtypes, suggesting a specific translational application for tumor subclassification. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the potential of PF-06647263 (anti-EFNA4-ADC) as a first-in-class compound designed to eradicate TIC. The use of well-annotated PDX for drug discovery enabled the identification of a novel TIC target, pharmacologic evaluation of the compound, and translational studies to inform clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Albert Park
- Stemcentrx, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Fong
- Stemcentrx, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | | | | | - Paul Escarpe
- Stemcentrx, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Orit Foord
- Stemcentrx, Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Robert Stull
- Stemcentrx, Inc., South San Francisco, California
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22
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Evolving Strategies for Target Selection for Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Pharm Res 2015; 32:3494-507. [PMID: 25585957 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-015-1624-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising modality for the treatment of cancer. The therapeutic strategy is to deliver a potent drug preferentially to the tumor and not normal tissues by attaching the drug to an antibody that recognizes a tumor antigen. The selection of antigen targets is critical to enabling a therapeutic window for the ADC and has proven to be surprisingly complex. We surveyed the tumor and normal tissue expression profiles of the targets of ADCs currently in clinical development. Our analysis demonstrates a surprisingly broad range of expression profiles and the inability to formalize any optimal parameters for an ADC target. In this context, we discuss additional considerations for ADC target selection, including interdependencies among biophysical properties of the drug, biological functions of the target and strategies for clinical development. The TPBG (5T4) oncofetal antigen and the anti-TPBG ADC A1-mcMMAF are highlighted to demonstrate the relevance of the target's biological function. Emerging platform technologies and novel biological insights are expanding ADC target space and transforming strategies for target selection.
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23
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The multifaceted role of the embryonic gene Cripto-1 in cancer, stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 29:51-8. [PMID: 25153355 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cripto-1 (CR-1)/Teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor1 (TDGF-1) is a cell surface glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked glycoprotein that can function either in cis (autocrine) or in trans (paracrine). The cell membrane cis form is found in lipid rafts and endosomes while the trans acting form lacking the GPI anchor is soluble. As a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)/Cripto-1-FRL-1-Cryptic (CFC) family, CR-1 functions as an obligatory co-receptor for the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members, Nodal and growth and differentiation factors 1 and 3 (GDF1/3) by activating Alk4/Alk7 signaling pathways that involve Smads 2, 3 and 4. In addition, CR-1 can activate non-Smad-dependent signaling elements such as PI3K, Akt and MAPK. Both of these pathways depend upon the 78kDa glucose regulated protein (GRP78). Finally, CR-1 can facilitate signaling through the canonical Wnt/β-catenin and Notch/Cbf-1 pathways by functioning as a chaperone protein for LRP5/6 and Notch, respectively. CR-1 is essential for early embryonic development and maintains embryonic stem cell pluripotentiality. CR-1 performs an essential role in the etiology and progression of several types of human tumors where it is expressed in a population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and facilitates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this context, CR-1 can significantly enhance tumor cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis. Collectively, these facts suggest that CR-1 may be an attractive target in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of several types of human cancer.
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Chari RVJ, Miller ML, Widdison WC. Antibody-drug conjugates: an emerging concept in cancer therapy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014; 53:3796-827. [PMID: 24677743 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201307628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 703] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Traditional cancer chemotherapy is often accompanied by systemic toxicity to the patient. Monoclonal antibodies against antigens on cancer cells offer an alternative tumor-selective treatment approach. However, most monoclonal antibodies are not sufficiently potent to be therapeutically active on their own. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) use antibodies to deliver a potent cytotoxic compound selectively to tumor cells, thus improving the therapeutic index of chemotherapeutic agents. The recent approval of two ADCs, brentuximab vedotin and ado-trastuzumab emtansine, for cancer treatment has spurred tremendous research interest in this field. This Review touches upon the early efforts in the field, and describes how the lessons learned from the first-generation ADCs have led to improvements in every aspect of this technology, i.e., the antibody, the cytotoxic compound, and the linker connecting them, leading to the current successes. The design of ADCs currently in clinical development, and results from mechanistic studies and preclinical and clinical evaluation are discussed. Emerging technologies that seek to further advance this exciting area of research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi V J Chari
- ImmunoGen, Inc. 830 Winter St, Waltham, MA 02451 (USA) http://www.immunogen.com.
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25
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Chari RVJ, Miller ML, Widdison WC. Antikörper-Wirkstoff-Konjugate: ein neues Konzept in der Krebstherapie. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201307628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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26
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Roberts SA, Andrews PA, Blanset D, Flagella KM, Gorovits B, Lynch CM, Martin PL, Kramer-Stickland K, Thibault S, Warner G. Considerations for the nonclinical safety evaluation of antibody drug conjugates for oncology. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2013; 67:382-91. [PMID: 24012707 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2013.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) include monoclonal antibodies that are linked to cytotoxic small molecules. A number of these agents are currently being developed as anti-cancer agents designed to improve the therapeutic index of the cytotoxin (i.e., cytotoxic small molecule or cytotoxic agent) by specifically delivering it to tumor cells. This paper presents primary considerations for the nonclinical safety evaluation of ADCs and includes strategies for the evaluation of the entire ADC or the various individual components (i.e., antibody, linker or the cytotoxin). Considerations are presented on how to design a nonclinical safety assessment program to identify the on- and off-target toxicities to enable first-in-human (FIH) studies. Specific discussions are also included that provide details as to the need and how to conduct the studies for evaluating ADCs in genetic toxicology, tissue cross-reactivity, safety pharmacology, carcinogenicity, developmental and reproductive toxicology, biotransformation, toxicokinetic monitoring, bioanalytical assays, immunogenicity testing, test article stability and the selection of the FIH dose. Given the complexity of these molecules and our evolving understanding of their properties, there is no single all-encompassing nonclinical strategy. Instead, each ADC should be evaluated on a case-by-case scientifically-based approach that is consistent with ICH and animal research guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley A Roberts
- SAR Safety Assessment, 14677 Via Bettona, Suite #100 - 432, San Diego, CA 92127, USA.
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Hussain AF, Krüger HR, Kampmeier F, Weissbach T, Licha K, Kratz F, Haag R, Calderón M, Barth S. Targeted Delivery of Dendritic Polyglycerol–Doxorubicin Conjugates by scFv-SNAP Fusion Protein Suppresses EGFR+ Cancer Cell Growth. Biomacromolecules 2013; 14:2510-20. [DOI: 10.1021/bm400410e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Fawzi Hussain
- Department of Gynecology and
Obstetrics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Harald Rune Krüger
- Institut für Chemie und
Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Kampmeier
- Department of Imaging Sciences
and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7EH, U.K
| | - Tim Weissbach
- Department of Experimental Medicine
and Immunotherapy, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 20,
52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kai Licha
- mivenion GmbH, Robert-Koch-Platz 4, 10115,
Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Kratz
- Tumor Biology Center and Proquinase GmbH, Breisacher Strasse 117, 79106, Freiburg,
Germany
| | - Rainer Haag
- Institut für Chemie und
Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcelo Calderón
- Institut für Chemie und
Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Barth
- Department of Experimental Medicine
and Immunotherapy, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 20,
52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical
Product Development, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074,
Aachen, Germany
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28
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Krentz AD, Murphy MW, Zhang T, Sarver AL, Jain S, Griswold MD, Bardwell VJ, Zarkower D. Interaction between DMRT1 function and genetic background modulates signaling and pluripotency to control tumor susceptibility in the fetal germ line. Dev Biol 2013; 377:67-78. [PMID: 23473982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor (1) is a regulator of testis development in vertebrates that has been implicated in testicular germ cell tumors of mouse and human. In the fetal mouse testis Dmrt1 regulates germ cell pluripotency in a strain-dependent manner. Loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv strain mice results in a >90% incidence of testicular teratomas, tumors consisting cells of multiple germ layers; by contrast, these tumors have never been observed in Dmrt1 mutants of C57BL/6J (B6) or mixed genetic backgrounds. To further investigate the interaction between Dmrt1 and genetic background we compared mRNA expression in wild type and Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes of 129Sv and B6 mice at embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5), prior to overt tumorigenesis. Loss of Dmrt1 caused misexpression of overlapping but distinct sets of mRNAs in the two strains. The mRNAs that were selectively affected included some that changed expression only in one strain or the other and some that changed in both strains but to a greater degree in one versus the other. In particular, loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv testes caused a more severe failure to silence regulators of pluripotency than in B6 testes. A number of genes misregulated in 129Sv mutant testes also are misregulated in human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), suggesting similar etiology between germ cell tumors in mouse and man. Expression profiling showed that DMRT1 also regulates pluripotency genes in the fetal ovary, although Dmrt1 mutant females do not develop teratomas. Pathway analysis indicated disruption of several signaling pathways in Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes, including Nodal, Notch, and GDNF. We used a Nanos3-cre knock-in allele to perform conditional gene targeting, testing the GDNF coreceptors Gfra1 and Ret for effects on teratoma susceptibility. Conditional deletion of Gfra1 but not Ret in fetal germ cells of animals outcrossed to 129Sv caused a modest but significant elevation in tumor incidence. Despite some variability in genetic background in these crosses, this result is consistent with previous genetic mapping of teratoma susceptibility loci to the region containing Gfra1. Using Nanos3-cre we also uncovered a strong genetic interaction between Dmrt1 and Nanos3, suggesting parallel functions for these two genes in fetal germ cells. Finally, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) analysis to identify a number of potentially direct DMRT1 targets. This analysis suggested that DMRT1 controls pluripotency via transcriptional repression of Esrrb, Nr5a2/Lrh1, and Sox2. Given the strong evidence for involvement of DMRT1 in human TGCT, the downstream genes and pathways identified in this study provide potentially useful candidates for roles in the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Krentz
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Developmental Biology Center, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Laboratory, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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29
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Spiller CM, Feng CW, Jackson A, Gillis AJM, Rolland AD, Looijenga LHJ, Koopman P, Bowles J. Endogenous Nodal signaling regulates germ cell potency during mammalian testis development. Development 2012; 139:4123-32. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.083006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells, the embryonic precursors of sperm or oocytes, respond to molecular cues that regulate their sex-specific development in the fetal gonads. In males in particular, the balance between continued proliferation and cell fate commitment is crucial: defects in proliferation result in insufficient spermatogonial stem cells for fertility, but escape from commitment and prolonged pluripotency can cause testicular germ cell tumors. However, the factors that regulate this balance remain unidentified. Here, we show that signaling by the TGFβ morphogen Nodal and its co-receptor Cripto is active during a crucial window of male germ cell development. The Nodal pathway is triggered when somatic signals, including FGF9, induce testicular germ cells to upregulate Cripto. Germ cells of mutant mice with compromised Nodal signaling showed premature differentiation, reduced pluripotency marker expression and a reduced ability to form embryonic germ (EG) cell colonies in vitro. Conversely, human testicular tumors showed upregulation of NODAL and CRIPTO that was proportional to invasiveness and to the number of malignant cells. Thus, Nodal signaling provides a molecular control mechanism that regulates male germ cell potency in normal development and testicular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy M. Spiller
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chun-Wei Feng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew Jackson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine D. Rolland
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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