1
|
Hassan RT, Al Hassawi B, Alkazzaz M. The Clinicopathological Correlation of KRAS Mutation and PTEN Expression Status in Primary and Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma. Cureus 2024; 16:e53884. [PMID: 38465160 PMCID: PMC10924830 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) research has identified a consistent loss of PTEN expression in both primary tumors and metastasis, highlighting its potential role in this disease. However, the impact of PTEN on downstream proteins of KRAS mutation, namely p-AKT, p-ERK, and p65 (NFkB), remains unknown. This study aims to explore the inhibitory effect of PTEN on KRAS downstream proteins and its correlation with pathological features in CRC patients. METHODS From January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2021, 86 CRC cases were collected from governmental and private laboratories in the Duhok province. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were obtained, and the study involved histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry of PTEN, AKT, ERK, and P65 markers, and molecular analysis of the KRAS gene. RESULTS Among the 86 cases, there were 46 males (53.5%) and 40 females (46.5%), with an equal distribution between right colon and left colon/rectum. Tumors larger than 5cm were observed in 47 cases, predominantly displaying a polypoid or ulcerated growth pattern. Most cases were moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas, with stages II and III being the most prevalent 31 cases (36%) and 34 cases (39.5%) respectively. Significant associations were found between PTEN, ERK expressions, and tumor location in the right colon (P=0.031 and P=0.009 respectively). Tumor size correlated with P65 expression (P=0.042). KRAS mutation showed a positive relationship with the type of tumor growth (P=0.035). Tumor grade increased with KRAS mutations (P=0.043). PTEN expression correlated significantly with ERK and AKT markers (P=0.018 and 0.035 respectively). P65 exhibited an association with KRAS mutation (P=0.034). CONCLUSION The study revealed PTEN expression in association with the inhibition of AKT and ERK, and the absence of KRAS gene mutation. Conversely, PTEN is not expressed with the positively reactive P65 and the presence of KRAS mutation. This study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between PTEN expression, KRAS mutation, and downstream signaling pathways in CRC. It suggests potential avenues for further research and therapeutic strategies in the context of CRC treatment.
Collapse
|
2
|
Deschênes-Simard X, Malleshaiah M, Ferbeyre G. Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases: One Pathway, Multiple Fates. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:95. [PMID: 38201521 PMCID: PMC10778234 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted aspects of ERK signaling and the intricate mechanisms underlying distinct cellular fates. ERK1 and ERK2 (ERK) govern proliferation, transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, differentiation, senescence, or cell death, contingent upon activation strength, duration, and context. The biochemical mechanisms underlying these outcomes are inadequately understood, shaped by signaling feedback and the spatial localization of ERK activation. Generally, ERK activation aligns with the Goldilocks principle in cell fate determination. Inadequate or excessive ERK activity hinders cell proliferation, while balanced activation promotes both cell proliferation and survival. Unraveling the intricacies of how the degree of ERK activation dictates cell fate requires deciphering mechanisms encompassing protein stability, transcription factors downstream of ERK, and the chromatin landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Deschênes-Simard
- Montreal University Hospital Center (CHUM), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
| | - Mohan Malleshaiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada;
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Gerardo Ferbeyre
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Montreal Cancer Institute, CR-CHUM, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Decreased concentrations of intracellular signaling proteins in colon cancer patients with BRAF mutations. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20113. [PMID: 33208845 PMCID: PMC7675974 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of intracellular signaling pathways plays a critical role in cancer pathogenesis. The current study aims to quantify intracellular signaling proteins in localized colon cancer tissue to investigate the prognostic value of these biomarkers and elucidate their possible relations to mutation status. Colon cancer tissue and autologous reference tissue were collected from 176 patients who underwent colon cancer surgery. Assays were developed to quantify ERK, AKT and cyclin d using single-molecule array technology. KRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA mutation status was determined using droplet digital PCR. Patients with BRAF mutations had decreased concentrations of ERK (p = 0.0003), AKT (p = 0.0001) and cyclin d (p = 0.003), while no significant differences were found between patients with KRAS mutations and wild-type patients. None of the investigated proteins were associated with disease-free survival or overall survival when all patients were included. However, when patients were stratified according to mutation status, significant correlations with overall survival were seen for patients with BRAF mutations and AKT (p = 0.002) or ERK (p = 0.03) and for KRAS mutations and cyclin d (p = 0.01). Conclusions: A strong correlation exists between intracellular signaling protein concentrations and mutational BRAF status. Overall survival in colon cancer patients depends on both gene mutation status and signaling protein concentrations.
Collapse
|
4
|
Watanabe S, Shimomura A, Kubo T, Sekimizu M, Seo T, Watanabe SI, Kawai A, Yamamoto N, Tamura K, Kohno T, Ichikawa H, Yoshida A. BRAF V600E mutation is a potential therapeutic target for a small subset of synovial sarcoma. Mod Pathol 2020; 33:1660-1668. [PMID: 32238877 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-0530-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive tumor that most often affects the deep soft tissues in young adults. Intrathoracic SS is rare and is associated with poor outcome, highlighting the urgent need for a novel therapeutic strategy. In the process of clinical sequencing, we identified two patients with intrathoracic SS harboring the BRAF V600E mutation. The patients were women aged 32 and 23 years, and both presented with SS18-SSX2-positive monophasic SS in the thoracic cavity. BRAF V600E mutations were detected by next generation sequencing, and validated immunohistochemically by diffuse intense positivity to BRAF V600E mutation-specific antibodies. The phosphorylated ERK (pERK) immunohistochemistry result was also positive. One patient received a combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib, which led to tumor shrinkage. However, the tumor growth progressed 7.5 months later with an additional NRAS Q61K mutation. Immunohistochemical screening of 67 archival SS tumor samples failed to identify additional samples with BRAF V600E mutation. However, 32% of BRAF V600E-negative cases was positive for pERK, and one of the six tumors showing the highest pERK expression harbored an FGFR2-activating mutation. This is the first report of targetable BRAF mutation in a small subset of SS. Our study suggests involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and the potential clinical implication of BRAF mutation screening in SS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Watanabe
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akihiko Shimomura
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kubo
- Division of Translational Genomics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Sekimizu
- Department of Clinical Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuji Seo
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Kawai
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Rare Cancer Center, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noboru Yamamoto
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Tamura
- Department of Breast and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Kohno
- Division of Translational Genomics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Genome Biology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ichikawa
- Division of Translational Genomics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Genomics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. .,Rare Cancer Center, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fan X, Liu M, Tang H, Leng D, Hu S, Lu R, Wan W, Yuan S. MicroRNA-7 Exerts Antiangiogenic Effect on Colorectal Cancer via ERK Signaling. J Surg Res 2019; 240:48-59. [PMID: 30909065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that microRNA-7 (miR-7) family members may play important roles in human cancer by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of miR-7 in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS Initially, cancer and adjacent tissues were collected from 76 patients with CRC. Then, microvascular density was detected using the Weidner counting method. The functional role of miR-7 in CRC was determined using ectopic expression, knockdown, and reporter assay experiments. The vasculogenic mimicry density was determined. Expression of miR-7, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), vascular endothelial growth factor, and thrombospondin-1 was determined. 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, scratch tests, and Transwell assays were conducted to examine cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. Finally, flow cytometry was applied to evaluate cell apoptosis. RESULTS CRC tissues showed increased microvascular density and EGFR expression, activated ERK signaling, and miR-7 downregulation. EGFR was a target gene of miR-7. miR-7 overexpression and EGFR silencing decreased vasculogenic mimicry density, cell migration, and cell invasion, but increased cell apoptosis. In addition, miR-7 overexpression and EGFR silencing upregulated thrombospondin-1 and downregulated EGFR, ERK1/2, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, we observed that the effect of miR-7 inhibition was abolished after EGFR silencing. CONCLUSIONS Overexpressed miR-7 suppresses angiogenesis of CRC cells through ERK signaling by downregulating EGFR. It may identify new targets for CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuepeng Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Dewen Leng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuli Hu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Weibo Wan
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan NO.1 Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiying Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Holck S, Klarskov LL, Larsson LI. Phospho-ERK levels as predictors for chemotherapy of rectal carcinoma. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1745-1755. [PMID: 30899445 PMCID: PMC6422203 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of rectal cancer has been vastly improved by advances in surgery and radiochemotherapy but remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A particular problem is the lack of predictive markers that can help to individualize treatment. The growth- and apoptosis-regulating signaling molecules ERK 1 and 2 are important to cancer growth and progression. They are activated through phosphorylation, which is initiated by a cascade involving the EGF receptor and RAS as upstream regulators. Moreover, in vitro studies indicate that phospho-ERKs interfere with 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Recently, we showed that high levels of phospho-ERKs in rectal cancer cells predict poor responses to neoadjuvant (preoperative) radiochemotherapy. We now report that preoperative phospho-ERK levels also can subdivide high-risk rectal cancer patients into a favorable and a poor prognostic group with respect to recurrence-free survival. Importantly, phospho-ERK levels were of predictive significance only in high-risk patients, who received adjuvant (postoperative) chemotherapy, but not in high-risk patients not receiving such therapy. Our results suggest that high cancer cell levels of phospho-ERK predict poor responsiveness to both preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy of rectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Holck
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | | | - Lars-Inge Larsson
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark.,Clinical Research Center, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Flores K, Yadav SS, Katz AA, Seger R. The Nuclear Translocation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases: Molecular Mechanisms and Use as Novel Therapeutic Target. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:121-131. [PMID: 30261516 DOI: 10.1159/000494085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central signaling pathways that play a central role in the regulation of most stimulated cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, stress response and apoptosis. Currently 4 such cascades are known, each termed by its downstream MAPK components: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and ERK5. One of the hallmarks of these cascades is the stimulated nuclear translocation of their MAPK components using distinct mechanisms. ERK1/2 are shuttled into the nucleus by importin7, JNK and p38 by a dimer of importin3 with either importin9 or importin7, and ERK5 by importin-α/β. Dysregulation of these cascades often results in diseases, including cancer and inflammation, as well as developmental and neurological disorders. Much effort has been invested over the years in developing inhibitors to the MAPK cascades to combat these diseases. Although some inhibitors are already in clinical use or clinical trials, their effects are hampered by development of resistance or adverse side-effects. Recently, our group developed 2 myristoylated peptides: EPE peptide, which inhibits the interaction of ERK1/2 with importin7, and PERY peptide, which prevents JNK/p38 interaction with either importin7 or importin9. These peptides block the nuclear translocation of their corresponding kinases, resulting in prevention of several cancers, while the PERY peptide also inhibits inflammation-induced diseases. These peptides provide a proof of concept for the use of the nuclear translocation of MAPKs as therapeutic targets for cancer and/or inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Flores
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Suresh Singh Yadav
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arieh A Katz
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wagle MC, Kirouac D, Klijn C, Liu B, Mahajan S, Junttila M, Moffat J, Merchant M, Huw L, Wongchenko M, Okrah K, Srinivasan S, Mounir Z, Sumiyoshi T, Haverty PM, Yauch RL, Yan Y, Kabbarah O, Hampton G, Amler L, Ramanujan S, Lackner MR, Huang SMA. A transcriptional MAPK Pathway Activity Score (MPAS) is a clinically relevant biomarker in multiple cancer types. NPJ Precis Oncol 2018; 2:7. [PMID: 29872725 PMCID: PMC5871852 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-018-0051-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS- and BRAF-mutant tumors are often dependent on MAPK signaling for proliferation and survival and thus sensitive to MAPK pathway inhibitors. However, clinical studies have shown that MEK inhibitors are not uniformly effective in these cancers indicating that mutational status of these oncogenes does not accurately capture MAPK pathway activity. A number of transcripts are regulated by this pathway and are recurrently identified in genome-based MAPK transcriptional signatures. To test whether the transcriptional output of only 10 of these targets could quantify MAPK pathway activity with potential predictive or prognostic clinical utility, we created a MAPK Pathway Activity Score (MPAS) derived from aggregated gene expression. In vitro, MPAS predicted sensitivity to MAPK inhibitors in multiple cell lines, comparable to or better than larger genome-based statistical models. Bridging in vitro studies and clinical samples, median MPAS from a given tumor type correlated with cobimetinib (MEK inhibitor) sensitivity of cancer cell lines originating from the same tissue type. Retrospective analyses of clinical datasets showed that MPAS was associated with the sensitivity of melanomas to vemurafenib (HR: 0.596) and negatively prognostic of overall or progression-free survival in both adjuvant and metastatic CRC (HR: 1.5 and 1.4), adrenal cancer (HR: 1.7), and HER2+ breast cancer (HR: 1.6). MPAS thus demonstrates potential clinical utility that warrants further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Wagle
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Daniel Kirouac
- 2Department of Pre-Clinical and Translational PKPD, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Christiaan Klijn
- 3Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Bonnie Liu
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Shilpi Mahajan
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Melissa Junttila
- 4Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - John Moffat
- 5Department of Biochemical and Cellular pharmacology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Mark Merchant
- 4Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Ling Huw
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Matthew Wongchenko
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Kwame Okrah
- 6Department of Biostatistics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Shrividhya Srinivasan
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Zineb Mounir
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Teiko Sumiyoshi
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Peter M Haverty
- 3Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Robert L Yauch
- 4Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Yibing Yan
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Omar Kabbarah
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Garret Hampton
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Lukas Amler
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Saroja Ramanujan
- 2Department of Pre-Clinical and Translational PKPD, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Mark R Lackner
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Shih-Min A Huang
- 1Department of Oncology Biomarker Development, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA.,7Present Address: Bristol-Myers Squibb, 3551 Lawrenceville Princeton, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ray A, Cleary MP. The potential role of leptin in tumor invasion and metastasis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 38:80-97. [PMID: 29158066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The adipocyte-released hormone-like cytokine/adipokine leptin behaves differently in obesity compared to its functions in the normal healthy state. In obese individuals, elevated leptin levels act as a pro-inflammatory adipokine and are associated with certain types of cancers. Further, a growing body of evidence suggests that higher circulating leptin concentrations and/or elevated expression of leptin receptors (Ob-R) in tumors may be poor prognostic factors. Although the underlying pathological mechanisms of leptin's association with poor prognosis are not clear, leptin can impact the tumor microenvironment in several ways. For example, leptin is associated with a number of biological components that could lead to tumor cell invasion and distant metastasis. This includes interactions with carcinoma-associated fibroblasts, tumor promoting effects of infiltrating macrophages, activation of matrix metalloproteinases, transforming growth factor-β signaling, etc. Recent studies also have shown that leptin plays a role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, an important phenomenon for cancer cell migration and/or metastasis. Furthermore, leptin's potentiating effects on insulin-like growth factor-I, epidermal growth factor receptor and HER2/neu have been reported. Regarding unfavorable prognosis, leptin has been shown to influence both adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Features of poor prognosis such as tumor invasion, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis have been recorded in several cancer types with higher levels of leptin and/or Ob-R. This review will describe the current scenario in a precise manner. In general, obesity indicates poor prognosis in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amitabha Ray
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA 15601, United States
| | - Margot P Cleary
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Prall F, Maletzki C, Hühns M, Krohn M, Linnebacher M. Colorectal carcinoma tumour budding and podia formation in the xenograft microenvironment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186271. [PMID: 29040282 PMCID: PMC5645095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour budding and podia formation are well-appreciated in surgical pathology as an aggressive invasion phenotype of colorectal carcinoma cells that is attained in the microenvironment of the invasive margin. In this study, we addressed how tumour budding and podia formation feature in xenografts. Primary colorectal carcinomas (N = 44) of various molecular types (sporadic standard type, high-degree microsatellite-unstable, CpG island methylator phenotype) were transplanted subcutaneously into T and B cell-deficient NSG mice, making possible immunohistochemistry with routine surgical pathology antibodies. Tumor budding and podia formation were both appreciably present in the xenografts. Quantitative evaluations of cytokeratin immunostains of primaries and their corresponding xenografts showed a reduction of tumour buds in the xenografts. Furthermore, in xenografts tumour cells were completely negative by pSTAT3 immunohistochemistry, indicating absence of cytokine/chemokine signalling, but nuclear β-catenin and SMAD4 immunostainings as read-out of wnt and BMP pathway activation, respectively, were maintained. Carcinoma cells in most xenografts retained immunostaining of at least some nuclei by immunohistochemistry with antibodies against pERK1/2. K-ras/B-raf mutational status did not correlate with tumour budding or podia formation in the xenografts. Our results indicate that tumour budding and podia formation can be modelled by xenografting, and in NSG mice it can be studied with the same immunohistochemical methods as used for primaries in surgical pathology. Dysregulation of wnt and BMP signalling appears to be transferred into the xenograft microenvironment, but not cytokine/chemokine signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Prall
- Institute of Pathology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Maja Hühns
- Institute of Pathology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Mathias Krohn
- Department of Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|