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Matsuishi A, Nakajima S, Saito M, Saito K, Fukai S, Tsumuraya H, Kanoda R, Kikuchi T, Nirei A, Kaneta A, Okayama H, Mimura K, Hanayama H, Sakamoto W, Momma T, Saze Z, Kono K. The impact of CLDN18.2 expression on effector cells mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17916. [PMID: 39095563 PMCID: PMC11297210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68970-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Activating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by targeting claudin-18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2) using zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody against CLDN18.2, has been considered a promising novel therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer (GC). However, the impact of CLDN18.2 expression on natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes/macrophages-crucial effector cells of ADCC-in GC has not been fully investigated. In the present study, we assessed the impact of CLDN18.2 expression on clinical outcomes, molecular features, and the frequencies of tumor-infiltrating NK cells and macrophages, as well as peripheral blood NK cells and monocytes, in GC by analyzing our own GC cohorts. The expression of CLDN18.2 did not significantly impact clinical outcomes of GC patients, while it was significantly and positively associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status and PD-L1 expression. The frequencies of tumor-infiltrating NK cells and macrophages, as well as peripheral blood NK cells and monocytes, were comparable between CLDN18.2-positive and CLDN18.2-negative GCs. Importantly, both CLDN18.2 expression and the number of tumor-infiltrating NK cells were significantly higher in EBV-associated GC compared to other molecular subtypes. Our findings support the effectiveness of zolbetuximab in CLDN18.2-positive GC, and offer a novel insight into the treatment of this cancer type, highlighting its potential effectiveness for CLDN18.2-positive/EBV-associated GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Matsuishi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shotaro Nakajima
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.
- Department of Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer and Regional Medical Support, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Katsuharu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tsumuraya
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Ryo Kanoda
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kikuchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Azuma Nirei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akinao Kaneta
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Okayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kosaku Mimura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hanayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Wataru Sakamoto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Momma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Zenichiro Saze
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Koji Kono
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer and Regional Medical Support, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikariga-oka, Fukushima City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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Zeng Y, Lockhart AC, Jin RU. The preclinical discovery and development of zolbetuximab for the treatment of gastric cancer. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:873-886. [PMID: 38919123 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2370332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastric cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology with high mortality rates and few advancements in treatment. Claudin-18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a tight junction protein primarily expressed in the stomach and is frequently overexpressed in certain subsets of gastric cancers. Targeting CLDN18.2 with monoclonal antibodies, such as zolbetuximab (IMAB362), has shown promising efficacy results in combination with chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED The molecular cell biology of CLDN18.2 is discussed along with studies demonstrating the utility of CLDN18.2 expression as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Important clinical studies are reviewed, including Phase III trials, SPOTLIGHT and GLOW, which demonstrate the efficacy of zolbetuximab in combination with chemotherapy in patients with CLDN18.2-positive advanced gastric cancer. EXPERT OPINION CLDN18.2 is involved in gastric differentiation through maintenance of epithelial barrier function and coordination of signaling pathways, and its expression in gastric cancers reflects a 'gastric differentiation' program. Targeting Claudin-18.2 represents the first gastric cancer specific 'targeted' treatment. Further studies are needed to determine its role within current gastric cancer treatment sequencing, including HER2-targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Management strategies will also be needed to better mitigate zolbetuximab-related treatment side effects, including gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongji Zeng
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - A Craig Lockhart
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ramon U Jin
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Mohammed O, Gizaw ST, Degef M. Potential diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers of gastric cancer. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2261. [PMID: 39040881 PMCID: PMC11260885 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC), a malignant epithelial tumor, is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Therapeutic strategies for GC, despite the biggest challenges, can significantly improve survival rates through early detection and effective screening methods. Aim To provide brief information on the necessity of multiple specific diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers for GC. Methods This review was conducted using a variety of search engines, including PubMed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and others. Results Some potential biomarkers that provide essential information include circulating tumor cells (CTCs), DNA methylation, claudin 18.2, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), microRNAs, and serum pepsinogens. Conclusion Multiple tumor markers are essential for screening, tumor identification, staging, prognostic assessment, and monitoring recurrence after therapy due to the absence of a single tumor indicator for diagnosing, prognosticating, and predicting GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ousman Mohammed
- Department of Medical Laboratory SciencesCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo UniversityDessieEthiopia
| | - Solomon Tebeje Gizaw
- Department of Medical BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, AAUAddis AbabaEthiopia
| | - Maria Degef
- Department of Medical BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, AAUAddis AbabaEthiopia
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Ogawa H, Abe H, Yagi K, Seto Y, Ushiku T. Claudin-18 status and its correlation with HER2 and PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination. Gastric Cancer 2024; 27:802-810. [PMID: 38724721 PMCID: PMC11193835 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-024-01505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination (PD) has a dismal prognosis, and current treatments have shown little efficacy. CLDN18.2-targeted therapies have shown promising efficacy against gastric cancers that express high levels of CLDN18. Because of the limited information regarding CLDN18.2 status in PD, we analyzed PD-positive gastric cancers for CLDN18 status in both primary and PD, along with HER2 and PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS). METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on 84 gastric cancer cases using paired primary and PD tissue samples. RESULTS At 40% cut-off, CLDN18 was positive in 57% (48/84) primary tumors and in 44% (37/84) PDs. At 75% cut-off, 28.6% (24/84) primary tumors and 20.2% (17/84) PDs were CLDN18-positive. The concordance rate between primary tumors and PD was 79.8% at 40% cut-off and 75% at 75% cut-off. When comparing biopsy and surgical specimens, the concordance rates were 87.5% at 40% cut-off and 81.3% at 75% cut-off. Within a tumor, the superficial area tended to have a higher CLDN18-positive rate than the invasive front (P = 0.001). Although HER2 -positivity was only 11.9% in this cohort, CLDN18 positivity in HER2-negative tumors (n = 74) was relatively high: 60.8% at 40% cut-off and 28.4% at 75% cut-off. Among double-negative (HER2 - and PD-L1 CPS < 1) tumors, CLDN18 positivity was 67.6% at 40% cut-off and 26.5% at 75% cut-off. CONCLUSIONS CLDN18 expression is generally maintained in PD and is relatively high even in double-negative tumors, making it a promising therapeutic target for PD-positive gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Ogawa
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Koichi Yagi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Seto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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Jin WM, Zhu Y, Cai ZQ, He N, Yu ZQ, Li S, Yang JY. Progress of Clinical Studies Targeting Claudin18.2 for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:2631-2647. [PMID: 38769225 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Claudin18.2 is a tight junction protein, highly selective, generally expressed only in normal gastric mucosal epithelial cells, which can effectively maintain the polarity of epithelial and endothelial cells, thus effectively regulating the permeability and conductance of the paracellular pathway. Abnormal expression of Claudin18.2 can occur in various primary malignant tumors, especially gastrointestinal tumors, and even in metastatic foci. It regulates its expression by activating the aPKC/MAPK/AP-1 pathway, and therefore, the Claudin18.2 protein is a pan-cancer target expressed in primary and metastatic lesions in human cancer types. Zolbetuximab (IMAB362), an antibody specific for Claudin18.2, has been successfully tested in a phase III clinical trial, and the results of the study showed that combining Zolbetuximab with chemotherapy notably extends patients' survival and is expected to be a potential first-line treatment for patients with Claudin18.2(+)/HER-2(-) gastric cancer. Here, we systematically describe the biological properties and oncogenic effects of Claudin18.2, centering on its clinical-pathological aspects and the progress of drug studies in gastric cancer, which can help to further explore its clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Mei Jin
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Cai
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Na He
- Department of General, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Qiong Yu
- Department of Respiratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Yuan Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Nakayama I, Qi C, Chen Y, Nakamura Y, Shen L, Shitara K. Claudin 18.2 as a novel therapeutic target. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:354-369. [PMID: 38503878 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Claudin 18.2, a tight-junction molecule predominantly found in the nonmalignant gastric epithelium, becomes accessible on the tumour cell surface during malignant transformation, thereby providing an appealing target for cancer therapy. Data from two phase III trials testing the anti-claudin 18.2 antibody zolbetuximab have established claudin 18.2-positive advanced-stage gastric cancers as an independent therapeutic subset that derives benefit from the addition of this agent to chemotherapy. This development has substantially increased the percentage of patients eligible for targeted therapy. Furthermore, newer treatments, such as high-affinity monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells and antibody-drug conjugates capable of bystander killing effects, have shown considerable promise in patients with claudin 18.2-expressing gastric cancers. This new development has resulted from drug developers moving beyond traditional targets, such as driver gene alterations or growth factors. In this Review, we highlight the biological rationale and explore the clinical activity of therapies that target claudin 18.2 in patients with advanced-stage gastric cancer and explore the potential for expansion of claudin 18.2-targeted therapies to patients with other claudin 18.2-positive solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izuma Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Changsong Qi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
- Translational Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
- International Research Promotion Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China.
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan.
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Waters R, Sewastjanow-Silva M, Yamashita K, Abdelhakeem A, Iwata KK, Moran D, Elsouda D, Guerrero A, Pizzi M, Vicentini ER, Shanbhag N, Ta A, Chatterjee D, Ajani JA. Retrospective Study of Claudin 18 Isoform 2 Prevalence and Prognostic Association in Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma. JCO Precis Oncol 2024; 8:e2300543. [PMID: 38781542 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Claudin 18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2) is an emerging biomarker and therapeutic target in gastric and gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma. This study aimed to obtain deeper understanding of CLDN18.2 positivity patterns, prognostic implications, and associations with various demographic, clinical, and molecular characteristics in G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. METHODS Archived tumor tissue samples from 304 patients with G/GEJ adenocarcinoma in the United States were assessed for CLDN18.2 positivity by immunohistochemistry. CLDN18.2 positivity was defined as ≥50% or ≥75% of tumor cells with CLDN18 staining intensity ≥2+. CLDN18.2 positivity patterns were analyzed for association with prognosis and clinicopathologic/demographic characteristics. Where possible, CLDN18.2 positivity was analyzed for matched tissue samples to assess concordance between primary and metastatic tumors and concordance before and after chemotherapy. RESULTS The overall prevalence of CLDN18.2-positive tumors (with ≥75% cutoff) was 44.4% (n = 135 of 304). CLDN18.2-positive tumors had a prevalence of 51.4% (n = 91 of 177) in gastric and 34.6% (n = 44 of 127) in GEJ adenocarcinoma. With a ≥50% cutoff, the prevalence of CLDN18.2-positive tumors was 64.4% (n = 114 of 177) in gastric adenocarcinoma and 44.9% (n = 57 of 127) in GEJ adenocarcinoma. There was no association between overall survival and CLDN18.2 positivity using either threshold. Statistically significant associations were noted between CLDN18.2 positivity and sex, histologic type of G/GEJ adenocarcinoma, and adenocarcinoma subtype (≥75% cutoff), and metastasis site and tumor grade (≥50% cutoff). The overall concordance of CLDN18.2 positivity (≥75% cutoff) was 73% (27 of 37) for matched primary versus metastatic tumor samples and 74% (29 of 39) for matched samples before and after chemotherapy. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that CLDN18.2 positivity did not correlate with survival in G/GEJ adenocarcinoma, consistent with published data. On the basis of matched sample analysis, CLDN18.2 appears to demonstrate >70% concordance as a biomarker. Observed correlations with certain patient/tumor characteristics warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anh Ta
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Xu Q, Jia C, Ou Y, Zeng C, Jia Y. Dark horse target Claudin18.2 opens new battlefield for pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1371421. [PMID: 38511141 PMCID: PMC10951399 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1371421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignant tumors, which is a serious threat to human health and life, and it is expected that pancreatic cancer may be the second leading cause of cancer death in developed countries by 2030. Claudin18.2 is a tight junction protein expressed in normal gastric mucosal tissues, which is involved in the formation of tight junctions between cells and affects the permeability of paracellular cells. Claudin18.2 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is associated with the initiation, progression, metastasis and prognosis of cancer, so it is considered a potential therapeutic target. Up to now, a number of clinical trials for Claudin18.2 are underway, including solid tumors such as pancreatic cancers and gastric cancers, and the results of these trials have not yet been officially announced. This manuscript briefly describes the Claudia protein, the dual roles of Cluadin18 in cancers, and summarizes the ongoing clinical trials targeting Claudin18.2 with a view to integrating the research progress of Claudin18.2 targeted therapy. In addition, this manuscript introduces the clinical research progress of Claudin18.2 positive pancreatic cancer, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cell therapy, and hope to provide feasible ideas for the clinical treatment of Claudin18.2 positive pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Caiyan Jia
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Ou
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuanxiu Zeng
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjie Jia
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Li D, Ding L, Chen Y, Wang Z, Zeng Z, Ma X, Huang H, Li H, Qian X, Yang Z, Zhu H. Exploration of radionuclide labeling of a novel scFv-Fc fusion protein targeting CLDN18.2 for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116134. [PMID: 38266552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), due to its highly selective expression in tumor cells, has made breakthrough progress in clinical research and is expected to be integrated into routine tumor diagnosis and treatment. METHODS In this research, we obtained an scFv-Fc fusion protein (SF106) targeting CLDN18.2 through hybridoma technology. The scFv-Fc fusion protein was labeled with radioactive isotopes (124I and 177Lu) to generate the radio-probes. The targeting and specificity of the radio-probes were tested in cellular models, and its diagnostic and therapeutic potential was further evaluated in tumor-bearing models. RESULTS The molecular probes [124I]I-SF106 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-SF106 possess high radiochemical purity (RCP, 98.18 ± 0.93 % and 97.05 ± 1.1 %) and exhibit good stability in phosphate buffer saline and 5 % human serum albumin (92.44 ± 4.68 % and 91.03 ± 2.42 % at 120 h). [124I]I-SF106 uptake in cells expressing CLDN18.2 was well targeted and specific, and the dissociation constant was 17.74 nM [124I]I-SF106 micro-PET imaging showed that the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was significantly higher than CLDN18.2-negative tumors (1.83 ± 0.02 vs. 1.23 ± 0.04, p < 0.001). The maximum uptake was attained in tumors expressing CLDN18.2 at 48 h after injection. [124I]I-SF106 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-SF106 dosimetric study showed that the effective dose in humans complies with the medical safety standards required for their clinical application. The results of treatment experiments showed that 3 MBq of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-SF106 in CLDN18.2-expressing tumor-bearing mice could significantly inhibit tumor growth. CONCLUSION These results indicate that radionuclide-labeled scFv-Fc molecular probes ([124I]I-SF106 and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-SF106) provide a new possibility for the diagnosis and treatment of CLDN18.2-positive cancer patients in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Li
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lei Ding
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zilei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Ziqing Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Xiaopan Ma
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Haifeng Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Suzhou Transcenta Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Xueming Qian
- Suzhou Transcenta Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Hua Zhu
- Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Mathias-Machado MC, de Jesus VHF, Jácome A, Donadio MD, Aruquipa MPS, Fogacci J, Cunha RG, da Silva LM, Peixoto RD. Claudin 18.2 as a New Biomarker in Gastric Cancer-What Should We Know? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:679. [PMID: 38339430 PMCID: PMC10854563 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030679] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) remains a formidable global health challenge, ranking among the top-five causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The majority of patients face advanced stages at diagnosis, with a mere 6% five-year survival rate. First-line treatment for metastatic GC typically involves a fluoropyrimidine and platinum agent combination; yet, predictive molecular markers have proven elusive. This review navigates the evolving landscape of GC biomarkers, with a specific focus on Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) as an emerging and promising target. Recent phase III trials have unveiled the efficacy of Zolbetuximab, a CLDN18.2-targeting antibody, in combination with oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for CLDN18.2-positive metastatic GC. As this novel therapeutic avenue unfolds, understanding the nuanced decision making regarding the selection of anti-CLDN18.2 therapies over other targeted agents in metastatic GC becomes crucial. This manuscript reviews the evolving role of CLDN18.2 as a biomarker in GC and explores the current status of CLDN18.2-targeting agents in clinical development. The aim is to provide concise insights into the potential of CLDN18.2 as a therapeutic target and guide future clinical decisions in the management of metastatic GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cecília Mathias-Machado
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, São Paulo 04538-132, Brazil; (M.D.D.); (M.P.S.A.); (R.D.P.)
| | | | - Alexandre Jácome
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, Belo Horizonte 30360-680, Brazil;
| | - Mauro Daniel Donadio
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, São Paulo 04538-132, Brazil; (M.D.D.); (M.P.S.A.); (R.D.P.)
| | | | - João Fogacci
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, Rio de Janeiro 22775-003, Brazil;
| | - Renato Guerino Cunha
- Cellular Therapy Program, Division of Hematology, Oncoclínicas, São Paulo 04538-132, Brazil;
| | | | - Renata D’Alpino Peixoto
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, São Paulo 04538-132, Brazil; (M.D.D.); (M.P.S.A.); (R.D.P.)
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11
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Angerilli V, Ghelardi F, Nappo F, Grillo F, Parente P, Lonardi S, Luchini C, Pietrantonio F, Ugolini C, Vanoli A, Fassan M. Claudin-18.2 testing and its impact in the therapeutic management of patients with gastric and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas: A literature review with expert opinion. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155145. [PMID: 38277741 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Claudin-18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a member of the tight junction protein family and is a highly selective biomarker with frequent abnormal expression during the occurrence and development of various primary malignant tumors, including gastric cancer (GC) and esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinomas (EGJA). For these reasons, CLDN18.2 has been investigated as a therapeutic target for GC/EGJA malignancies. Recently, zolbetuximab has been proposed as a new standard of care for patients with CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced and metastatic GC/EGJA. The use of CLDN18 IHC assays to select patients who might benefit from anti-CLDN18.2 therapy is currently entering clinical practice. In this setting, pathologists play a central role in therapeutic decision-making. Accurate biomarker assessment is essential to ensure the best therapeutic option for patients. In the present review, we provide a comprehensive overview of available evidence on CLDN18.2 testing and its impact on the therapeutic management of patients with GC/EGJA, as well as some practical suggestions for CLDN18.2 staining interpretation and potential pitfalls in the real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Angerilli
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Ghelardi
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Floriana Nappo
- Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Anatomic Pathology, Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genova, Italy.
| | - Paola Parente
- Unit of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy.
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Medical Oncology 3, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vanoli
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV-IRCCS), Padua, Italy
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12
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Liu S, Zhang Z, Jiang L, Zhang M, Zhang C, Shen L. Claudin-18.2 mediated interaction of gastric Cancer cells and Cancer-associated fibroblasts drives tumor progression. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:27. [PMID: 38200591 PMCID: PMC10777637 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01406-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Claudin-18.2 (CLDN18.2) has emerged as an alluring therapeutic target against gastrointestinal tumors in recent years. However, a thorough understanding of its regulatory mechanism in gastric cancer remains elusive. METHODS We presented a comprehensive study comprising 185 gastric cancer patients, which included 112 cases with high CLDN18.2 expression and 73 cases with low CLDN18.2 expression as determined by immunohistochemistry. After overdressed CLDN18.2 in AGS and NUGC4 cell lines, we elucidated the functions of CLDN18.2 in connecting gastric cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) through an in vitro adhesion models and in vivo lung colonization models. The molecular mechanism underlying CLDN18.2-mediated interaction between gastric cancer cells and CAFs was identified through RNA sequencing and protein-proximity labeling techniques in vivo. RESULTS In our own cohort, a correlation was observed between high levels of CLDN18.2 expression and advanced cancer stage, poor prognosis, and heightened infiltration of CAFs. We elucidated a pivotal role of CLDN18.2 in mediating adhesion between gastric cancer cells and CAFs, which leads to the adhesion of cancer cells to stroma tissue and facilitates the clustering of cancer cells and CAFs into embolus, enhancing gastric cancer's metastatic progression and the risk of embolic death. Mechanistically, it was discovered that CAFs can activate adhesion and metastasis-related signaling pathways in CLDN18.2-positive gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, using an in vivo protein-proximity labeling approach, we identified S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4) as a distinctive marker of CAFs that interacts with CLDN18.2 to enhance gastric cancer progression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illuminated the role of the CLDN18.2-mediated interaction between cancer cells and CAFs in promoting gastric cancer progression and embolism, thereby providing insight into potential therapeutic avenues for CLDN18.2 positive cancers. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengde Liu
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zizhen Zhang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Lin Shen
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Kubota Y, Shitara K. Zolbetuximab for Claudin18.2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359231217967. [PMID: 38188462 PMCID: PMC10768589 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231217967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Claudins (CLDNs) are a family of major membrane proteins that form components of tight junctions. In normal tissues, CLDNs seal the intercellular space in the epithelial sheets to regulate tissue permeability, paracellular transport, and signal transduction. Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2), a member of the CLDN family, is expressed specifically in gastric mucosal cells in normal tissue, and its expression is often retained in gastric cancer cells. CLDN18.2 is ectopically expressed in many cancers other than gastric cancer such as esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, biliary tract cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, and ovarian cancer. Structurally, CLDN18.2 is localized on the apical side of the cell membrane and has extracellular loops capable of binding monoclonal antibodies. Upon malignant transformation, CLDN18.2 is exposed to the cell surface of the whole membrane, which enables the binding of monoclonal antibodies. Based on these characteristics, CLDN18.2 was considered to be optimal for target therapy, and zolbetuximab was developed which is a first-in-class chimeric immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody highly specific for CLDN18.2. It binds to CLDN18.2 on the tumor cell surface and stimulates cellular and soluble immune effectors that activate antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Recently, zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy demonstrated a survival benefit in patients with CLDN18.2-positive and HER-2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancers in the global phase III SPOTLIGHT and GLOW trials. From these clinically meaningful results, CLDN18.2-targeting therapy including zolbetuximab has attracted a lot of attention. In this review, we summarize the clinical implications of CLDN18.2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer, and CLDN18.2-targeting therapy, mainly for zolbetuximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Kubota
- Department of Clinical Oncology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
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14
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Łukaszewicz-Zając M, Mroczko B. Claudins-Promising Biomarkers for Selected Gastrointestinal (GI) Malignancies? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:152. [PMID: 38201579 PMCID: PMC10778544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent() improvements in diagnostic ability() and treatment() strategies for patients() with neoplastic disease(), gastrointestinal (GI) cancers(), such() as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and oesophageal cancers(), are still common() malignancies and the leading() cause() of cancer() deaths worldwide(), with a high frequency of recurrence and metastasis as well as poor patient() prognosis. There is a link() between the secretion of proteolytic enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix and the pathogenesis of GI tumours. Recent() findings have focused() on the potential() significance() of selected claudins (CLDNs) in the pathogenesis and prognosis of GI cancers(). Tight junctions (TJs) have been proven to play an important role() in maintaining cell() polarity and permeability. A number of authors have recently() revealed that TJ proteins, particularly() selected CLDNs, are related() to inflammation and the development() of various tumours, including GI malignancies. This review() presents general() characteristics and the involvement() of selected CLDNs in the progression() of GI malignancies, with a focus() on the potential() application() of these proteins in the diagnosis() and prognosis of colorectal cancer() (CRC), gastric cancer() (GC), pancreatic cancer() (PC), and oesophageal cancer() (EC). Our review() indicates that selected CLDNs, particularly() CLDN1, 2, 4, 7, and 18, play a significant() role() in the development() of GI tumours and in patient() prognosis. Furthermore, selected CLDNs may be of value() in the design() of therapeutic() strategies for the treatment() of recurrent tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Łukaszewicz-Zając
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University, Waszyngtona 15 a, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University, Waszyngtona 15 a, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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15
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Inamoto R, Takahashi N, Yamada Y. Claudin18.2 in Advanced Gastric Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5742. [PMID: 38136288 PMCID: PMC10741608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the fifth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality is gastric cancer (GC). Recent clinical trials on solid tumors enrolled patients who possess druggable genetic alterations, protein expression, and immune characteristics. In gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers, trastuzumab combined with first-line chemotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive patients and ramucirumab combined with second-line paclitaxel remarkably prolonged overall survival (OS) compared with chemotherapy alone, according to phase 3 trial results. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy was approved as third- or later-line treatment. Chemotherapy plus ICIs as first-line treatment exhibited improved survival compared with chemotherapy alone in HER2-negative patients according to Checkmate 649 trial results. Conversely, systemic chemotherapy prognosis remains poor. although some patients may achieve durable response to treatment and prolonged survival in advanced GC. Recently, a first-in-class, chimeric immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody (zolbetuximab) that targets and binds to claudin 18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2) has emerged as a new target therapy in GC treatment. Global phase Ⅲ trials revealed that the addition of zolbetuximab to first-line chemotherapy prolonged OS in CLDN18.2-positive and HER2-negative GC patients. This review summarizes recent clinical trials of CLDN18.2-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rin Inamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saitama Cancer Center, 780 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama 362-0806, Japan;
| | - Naoki Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saitama Cancer Center, 780 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama 362-0806, Japan;
| | - Yasuhide Yamada
- Department of Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan;
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16
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Tao D, Guan B, Li H, Zhou C. Expression patterns of claudins in cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21338. [PMID: 37954388 PMCID: PMC10637965 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudins are four-transmembrane proteins, which were found in tight junctions. They maintain cell barriers and regulate cell differentiation and proliferation. They are involved in maintaining cellular polarity and normal functions. Different claudins show different expression patterns. The expression level and localization of claudins are altered in various cancers. They promote or inhibit proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells through multiple signaling pathways. Therefore, claudins may serve as diagnostic markers, novel therapeutic targets, and prognostic risk factors. The important roles of claudins in cancer aroused our great interest. In the present review, we provide a summary of insights into expression patterns of claudins in cancer, which is more comprehensive and provides new ideas for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyu Tao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Bingxin Guan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chengjun Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
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17
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Wang C, Wang Y, Chen J, Wang Y, Pang C, Liang C, Yuan L, Ma Y. CLDN18.2 expression and its impact on prognosis and the immune microenvironment in gastric cancer. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:283. [PMID: 37582713 PMCID: PMC10428652 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The investigational use of zolbetuximab (IMAB362), a groundbreaking monoclonal antibody medication targeting claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), for treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancers is currently underway. The unclear clinicopathological characteristics and tumour immune microenvironment of CLDN18.2-positive gastric cancer (GC) make it difficult to develop and optimize CLDN18.2-targeted therapies. METHODS A total of 451 tumour tissues, 342 matched paraneoplastic tissues, and 107 matched metastatic lymph nodes were collected from GC patients. These specimens were stained for CLDN18.2 expression and quantified using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlations between CLDN18.2 expression and clinicopathological features as well as immune-related factors were analysed. Survival curves were drawn using the Kaplan‒Meier approach, and independent factors affecting GC prognosis were identified using Cox regression analysis. Information from relevant databases was used for corroboration. RESULTS Expression of the CLDN18.2 gene was significantly lower in gastric tumour tissues than in normal tissues (p < 0.001) but comparable in metastatic lymph nodes (p = 0.851). CLDN18.2 expression was significantly associated with Borrmann type, degree of differentiation, PD-L1 expression, and survival in GC patients and was identified as an independent risk factor for patient prognosis (HR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.16-2.11, p = 0.003). There was no correlation between CLDN18.2 expression and HER2, Lauren type, tumour size, TNM stage, or any other clinicopathological characteristic. In CLDN18.2-positive tumours, fractions of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells were significantly higher than those in CLDN18.2-negative tumours. Patients with CLDN18.2-negative expression and significant CD4 + T-cell or CD8 + T-cell infiltration had the best prognosis (5-year OS: 61.0%, P = 0.036; 5-year OS: 62.2%, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS CLDN18.2 is expressed at a low level in tumour tissues and serves as an independent prognostic factor for patients with GC. Furthermore, CLDN18.2 correlates with immune infiltrating cells and PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canming Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yukai Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, Guizhou, China
| | - Jinxia Chen
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chuhong Pang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yubo Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
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18
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Grizzi G, Venetis K, Denaro N, Bonomi M, Celotti A, Pagkali A, Hahne JC, Tomasello G, Petrelli F, Fusco N, Ghidini M. Anti-Claudin Treatments in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Mainstream and Upcoming Strategies. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082973. [PMID: 37109309 PMCID: PMC10142079 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudins (CLDNs) are a multigene family of proteins and the principal components of tight junctions (TJs), which normally mediate cell-cell adhesion and selectively allow the paracellular flux of ions and small molecules between cells. Downregulation of claudin proteins increases the paracellular permeability of nutrients and growth stimuli to malignant cells, which aids the epithelial transition. Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) was identified as a promising target for the treatment of advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEAC), with high levels found in almost 30% of metastatic cases. CLDN18.2 aberrations, enriched in the genomically stable subgroup of GEAC and the diffuse histological subtype, are ideal candidates for monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cells. Zolbetuximab, a highly specific anti-CLDN18.2 monoclonal antibody, demonstrated efficacy in phase II studies and, more recently, in the phase III SPOTLIGHT trial, with improvements in both PFS and OS with respect to standard chemotherapy. Anti-CLDN18.2 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells showed a safety profile with a prevalence of hematologic toxicity in early phase clinical trials. The aim of this review is to present new findings in the treatment of CLDN18.2-positive GEAC, with a particular focus on the monoclonal antibody zolbetuximab and on the use of engineered anti-CLDN18.2 CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Grizzi
- Operative Unit of Oncology, ASST of Cremona, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Kostantinos Venetis
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nerina Denaro
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Bonomi
- Operative Unit of Oncology, ASST of Cremona, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Andrea Celotti
- Department of Surgery, ASST of Cremona, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Antonia Pagkali
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Jens Claus Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Gianluca Tomasello
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Fausto Petrelli
- Oncology Unit, Medical Sciences Department, ASST Bergamo Ovest, 24047 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Fang X, Xu J, Jin K, Qian J. Combining of immunotherapeutic approaches with chemotherapy for treatment of gastric cancer: Achievements and limitations. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110062. [PMID: 36965367 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Evidence reveals that gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy in humans, and about 770,000 people die from this cancer yearly. It has been reported that new cases and deaths from GC are more common in men than women. Therapeutic approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have been common for treating GC. Nevertheless, due to the complications and limitations of these methods, researchers use novel approaches, such as immunotherapeutic or target therapies, to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in patients with metastatic GC. Studies have shown that monotherapy is usually associated with unpromising outcomes, and combination therapy can be a more practical option for treating metastatic GC. Therefore, to clarify different aspects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with metastatic GC, this review discussed the achievements and challenges of combining immunotherapeutic methods with chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingliang Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China
| | - Jinfang Xu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinchang People's Hospital, Affiliated Xinchang Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xinchang, Zhejiang 312500, China.
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20
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Chen J, Xu Z, Hu C, Zhang S, Zi M, Yuan L, Cheng X. Targeting CLDN18.2 in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract: New drugs and new indications. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1132319. [PMID: 36969060 PMCID: PMC10036590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1132319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract greatly contribute to the global cancer burden and cancer-related death. Claudin-18.2(CLDN18.2), a transmembrane protein, is a major component of tight junctions and plays an important role in the maintenance of barrier function. Its characteristic widespread expression in tumour tissues and its exposed extracellular loops make it an ideal target for researchers to develop targeted strategies and immunotherapies for cancers of the GI tract. In the present review, we focus on the expression pattern of CLDN18.2 and its clinical significance in GI cancer. We also discuss the tumour-promoting and/or tumour-inhibiting functions of CLDN18.2, the mechanisms regulating its expression, and the current progress regarding the development of drugs targeting CLDN18.2 in clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Can Hu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengjie Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengli Zi
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Li Yuan, ; Xiangdong Cheng,
| | - Xiangdong Cheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Lab of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Li Yuan, ; Xiangdong Cheng,
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21
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Tight Junction Protein Signaling and Cancer Biology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020243. [PMID: 36672179 PMCID: PMC9857217 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) are intercellular protein complexes that preserve tissue homeostasis and integrity through the control of paracellular permeability and cell polarity. Recent findings have revealed the functional role of TJ proteins outside TJs and beyond their classical cellular functions as selective gatekeepers. This is illustrated by the dysregulation in TJ protein expression levels in response to external and intracellular stimuli, notably during tumorigenesis. A large body of knowledge has uncovered the well-established functional role of TJ proteins in cancer pathogenesis. Mechanistically, TJ proteins act as bidirectional signaling hubs that connect the extracellular compartment to the intracellular compartment. By modulating key signaling pathways, TJ proteins are crucial players in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, all of which being essential cancer hallmarks crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. TJ proteins also promote the acquisition of stem cell phenotypes in cancer cells. These findings highlight their contribution to carcinogenesis and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, recent preclinical and clinical studies have used TJ proteins as therapeutic targets or prognostic markers. This review summarizes the functional role of TJ proteins in cancer biology and their impact for novel strategies to prevent and treat cancer.
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22
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Petrillo A, Smyth EC, van Laarhoven HWM. Emerging targets in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: what the future looks like. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231173177. [PMID: 37197225 PMCID: PMC10184253 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231173177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) is a heterogeneous disease with a poor prognosis. Chemotherapy has been the cornerstone in treating metastatic diseases. Recently, the introduction of immunotherapy demonstrated improved survival outcomes in localized and metastatic diseases. Beyond immunotherapy, several attempts were made to improve patient survival by understanding the molecular mechanisms of GEA and several molecular classifications were published. In this narrative review, we will discuss emerging targets in GEA, including fibroblast growth factor receptor and Claudin 18.2, as well as the accompanying drugs. In addition, novel agents directed against well-known targets, such as HER2 and angiogenesis, will be discussed, as well as cellular therapies like CAR-T and SPEAR-T cells.
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23
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Wang DW, Zhang WH, Danil G, Yang K, Hu JK. The role and mechanism of claudins in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1051497. [PMID: 36620607 PMCID: PMC9818346 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1051497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins are a tetraspan membrane protein multigene family that plays a structural and functional role in constructing tight junctions. Claudins perform crucial roles in maintaining cell polarity in epithelial and endothelial cell sheets and controlling paracellular permeability. In the last two decades, increasing evidence indicates that claudin proteins play a major role in controlling paracellular permeability and signaling inside cells. Several types of claudins are dysregulated in various cancers. Depending on where the tumor originated, claudin overexpression or underexpression has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, cell growth, metabolism, metastasis and cell stemness. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is one of the most important functions of claudin proteins in disease progression. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that explain why claudin proteins are so important to tumorigenesis and progression have not been determined. In addition, claudins are currently being investigated as possible diagnostic and treatment targets. Here, we discuss how claudin-related signaling pathways affect tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and treatment sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Wen Wang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Han Zhang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Galiullin Danil
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Central Research Laboratory, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Russia
| | - Kun Yang
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian-Kun Hu
- Gastric Cancer Center and Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Jian-Kun Hu,
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24
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Myer NM, Shitara K, Chung HC, Lordick F, Kelly RJ, Szabo Z, Cao ZA, Leong S, Ilson DH, Weichert W. Evolution of predictive and prognostic biomarkers in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:2023-2043. [PMID: 35551464 PMCID: PMC11110882 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03902-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite new therapeutic options, advanced gastric cancer remains associated with a poor prognosis compared with other cancers. Recent gains in the treatment of gastric cancer were accompanied by the identification of novel biomarkers associated with various cellular pathways and corresponding diagnostic technologies. It is expected that the standardization of clinical workflow and technological refinements in biomarker assessment will support greater personalization and further improve treatment outcomes. In this article, we review the current state of prognostic and predictive biomarkers in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Myer
- Merck & Co., Inc., 90 E. Scott Avenue, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA.
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hyun C Chung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Florian Lordick
- Medical Department (Oncology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pulmonology, and Infectious Diseases), University Cancer Center Leipzig (UCCL), Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ronan J Kelly
- Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zsolt Szabo
- Merck & Co., Inc., Ringstrasse 27 Kriens, LUZERN, 6010, Switzerland
| | - Z Alexander Cao
- Merck & Co., Inc., 90 E. Scott Avenue, Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Stephen Leong
- Merck & Co., Inc., 351 N Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, PA, 19454, USA
| | - David H Ilson
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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25
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Cao W, Xing H, Li Y, Tian W, Song Y, Jiang Z, Yu J. Claudin18.2 is a novel molecular biomarker for tumor-targeted immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2022; 10:38. [PMID: 35642043 PMCID: PMC9153115 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) protein, an isoform of claudin18, a member of the tight junction protein family, is a highly selective biomarker with limited expression in normal tissues and often abnormal expression during the occurrence and development of various primary malignant tumors, such as gastric cancer/gastroesophageal junction (GC/GEJ) cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, bronchial cancer and non-small-cell lung cancer. CLDN18.2 participates in the proliferation, differentiation and migration of tumor cells. Recent studies have identified CLDN18.2 expression as a potential specific marker for the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. With its specific expression pattern, CLDN18.2 has become a unique molecule for targeted therapy in different cancers, especially in GC; for example, agents such as zolbetuximab (claudiximab, IMAB362), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CLDN18.2, have been developed. In this review, we outline recent advances in the development of immunotherapy strategies targeting CLDN18.2, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells redirected to target CLDN18.2, and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Cao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Haizhou Xing
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yingmei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wenliang Tian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Jifeng Yu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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26
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Claudins and Gastric Cancer: An Overview. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020290. [PMID: 35053454 PMCID: PMC8773541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with a high frequency of recurrence and metastasis, and a poor prognosis. This review presents novel biological and clinical significance of claudin (CLDN) expression in GC, especially CLDN18, and clinical trials centered around CLDN18.2. It also presents new findings for other CLDNs. Abstract Despite recent improvements in diagnostic ability and treatment strategies, advanced gastric cancer (GC) has a high frequency of recurrence and metastasis, with poor prognosis. To improve the treatment results of GC, the search for new treatment targets from proteins related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell–cell adhesion is currently being conducted. EMT plays an important role in cancer metastasis and is initiated by the loss of cell–cell adhesion, such as tight junctions (TJs), adherens junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions. Among these, claudins (CLDNs) are highly expressed in some cancers, including GC. Abnormal expression of CLDN1, CLDN2, CLDN3, CLDN4, CLDN6, CLDN7, CLDN10, CLDN11, CLDN14, CLDN17, CLDN18, and CLDN23 have been reported. Among these, CLDN18 is of particular interest. In The Cancer Genome Atlas, GC was classified into four new molecular subtypes, and CLDN18–ARHGAP fusion was observed in the genomically stable type. An anti-CLDN18.2 antibody drug was recently developed as a therapeutic drug for GC, and the results of clinical trials are highly predictable. Thus, CLDNs are highly expressed in GC as TJs and are expected targets for new antibody drugs. Herein, we review the literature on CLDNs, focusing on CLDN18 in GC.
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27
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Kyuno D, Takasawa A, Takasawa K, Ono Y, Aoyama T, Magara K, Nakamori Y, Takemasa I, Osanai M. Claudin-18.2 as a therapeutic target in cancers: cumulative findings from basic research and clinical trials. Tissue Barriers 2022; 10:1967080. [PMID: 34486479 PMCID: PMC8794250 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1967080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins are major components of tight junctions that maintain cell polarity and intercellular adhesion. The dynamics of claudins in cancer cells have attracted attention as a therapeutic target. During carcinogenesis, claudin expression is generally downregulated; however, overexpression of claudin-18.2 has been observed in several types of cancers. Upregulated and mislocalized claudin-18.2 expression in cancer cells has been suggested as a therapeutic target. Research on claudin-18.2 has revealed its involvement in carcinogenesis. Clinical trials using zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting claudin-18.2, for patients with advanced cancer yielded positive results with few high-grade adverse events; thus, it is expected to be a novel and effective therapeutic. Here, we review current insights into the role that claudin-18.2 plays in basic cancer research and clinical applications. A better understanding of these roles will facilitate the development of new treatment strategies for cancer patients with poor prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kyuno
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akira Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kumi Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ono
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Aoyama
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Magara
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuna Nakamori
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Makoto Osanai
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
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28
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Arpa G, Fassan M, Guerini C, Quaquarini E, Grillo F, Angerilli V, Guzzardo V, Lonardi S, Bergamo F, Lenti MV, Pedrazzoli P, Paulli M, Di Sabatino A, Vanoli A. Claudin-18 expression in small bowel adenocarcinoma: a clinico-pathologic study. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:853-863. [PMID: 35925388 PMCID: PMC9734203 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-ampullary small bowel adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm with an ominous prognosis, whose incidence is higher in some chronic immuno-inflammatory conditions, such as coeliac and Crohn's disease. Recently, claudin 18.2, a transmembrane protein normally expressed in gastric mucosa, has been recognized as a novel pan-cancer therapeutic target, and several clinical trials with claudin-18-directed drugs have shown promising results on various gastrointestinal malignancies. This is the first study focusing on claudin-18 expression in small bowel adenocarcinomas. The immunohistochemical expression of claudin-18 (clone 43-14A) was assessed in 81 small bowel adenocarcinomas of diverse aetiologies and correlated with several clinico-pathologic features and patient survival. We found that 28% of adenocarcinomas were immunoreactive for claudin-18, with cutoff values of ≥1% at any intensity, while 6% of cancers showed immunoexpression of ≥75% with 2+/3+ score. Moreover, claudin-18 (≥1%) was positively associated with cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and MUC5AC expression, showing CK7+/MUC5AC+ carcinomas the highest rate of positive cases, whereas a negative correlation was found between claudin-18 and CDX2 expression. In addition, some cancer-adjacent dysplastic growths and foci of gastric-type metaplasia in Crohn's disease-associated cases showed claudin-18 immunoreactivity. Survival analysis showed a non-significant trend towards a worse cancer-specific survival for claudin-18-positive cases. A fraction of small bowel adenocarcinomas, mainly sporadic or Crohn's disease-associated, and often exhibiting a non-intestinal immunoprofile, expressed claudin-18, suggesting that claudin-18-directed targeted therapy is worth investigating in such cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Arpa
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Anatomic Pathology, University of Pavia, Via Carlo Forlanini 16-27100, Pavia, Italy ,grid.419425.f0000 0004 1760 3027Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy ,grid.419546.b0000 0004 1808 1697Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Camilla Guerini
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Anatomic Pathology, University of Pavia, Via Carlo Forlanini 16-27100, Pavia, Italy ,grid.419425.f0000 0004 1760 3027Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
| | - Erica Quaquarini
- Medical Oncology Unit, ICS Maugeri-IRCCS SpA SB, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Pathology Unit, Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy ,grid.410345.70000 0004 1756 7871IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Angerilli
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenza Guzzardo
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Medicine, DIMED, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- grid.419546.b0000 0004 1808 1697Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- grid.419546.b0000 0004 1808 1697Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Vincenzo Lenti
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy ,grid.419425.f0000 0004 1760 3027Oncology Unit, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Paulli
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Anatomic Pathology, University of Pavia, Via Carlo Forlanini 16-27100, Pavia, Italy ,grid.419425.f0000 0004 1760 3027Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vanoli
- grid.8982.b0000 0004 1762 5736Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Anatomic Pathology, University of Pavia, Via Carlo Forlanini 16-27100, Pavia, Italy ,grid.419425.f0000 0004 1760 3027Anatomic Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
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29
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Transcriptional and Epigenetic Bioinformatic Analysis of Claudin-9 Regulation in Gastric Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5936905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease that represents 5% to 10% of all new cancer cases worldwide. Advances in histological diagnosis and the discovery of new genes have admitted new genomic classifications. Nevertheless, the bioinformatic analysis of gastric cancer databases has favored the detection of specific differentially expressed genes with biological significance. Claudins, a family of proteins involved in tight junction physiology, have emerged as the key regulators of cellular processes, such as growth, proliferation, and migration, associated with cancer progression. The expression of Claudin-9 in the gastric cancer tissue has been linked to poor prognosis, however, its transcriptional and epigenetic regulations demand a more comprehensive analysis. Using the neural network promoter prediction, TransFact, Uniprot-KB, Expasy-SOPMA, protein data bank, proteomics DB, Interpro, BioGRID, String, and the FASTA protein sequence databases and software, we found the following: (1) the promoter sequence has an unconventional structure, including different transcriptional regulation elements distributed throughout it, (2) GATA 4, GATA 6, and KLF5 are the key regulators of Claudin-9 expression, (3) Oct1, NF-κB, AP-1, c-Ets-1, and HNF-3β have the higher binding affinity to the CLDN9 promoter, (4) Claudin-9 interacts with cell differentiation and development proteins, (5) CLDN9 is highly methylated, and (6) Claudin-9 expression is associated with poor survival. In conclusion, Claudin-9 is a protein that should be considered a diagnostic marker as its gene promoter region binds to the transcription factors associated with the deregulation of cell control, enhanced cell proliferation, and metastasis.
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30
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Xue YH, Feng LS, Xu ZY, Zhao FY, Wen XL, Jin T, Sun ZX. The time-dependent variations of zebrafish intestine and gill after polyethylene microplastics exposure. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:1997-2010. [PMID: 34529203 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02469-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are common environmental contaminants that present a growing health concern due to their increasing presence in aquatic and human systems. However, the mechanisms behind MP effects on organisms are unclear. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used as an in vivo model to investigate the potential risks and molecular mechanisms of the toxic effects of polyethylene MPs (45-53 μm). In the zebrafish intestine, 6, 5, and 186 genes showed differential expression after MP treatment for 1, 5, and 10 days, respectively. In the gills, 318, 92, and 484 genes showed differential expression after MP treatment for 1, 5, and 10 days, respectively. In both the intestine and the gills, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation showed that the main enriched terms were biological regulation, cellular process, metabolic process, cellular anatomical entity, and binding. KEGG enrichment analysis on DEGs revealed that the dominant pathways were carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism, which were strongly influenced by MPs in the intestine. The dominant pathways in the gills were immune and lipid metabolism. The respiratory rate of gills, the activity of SOD and GSH in the intestine significantly increased after exposure to MPs compared with the control (p < 0.05), while the activity of SOD did not change in the gills. GSH activity was only significantly increased after MP exposure for 5 days. Also, the MDA content was not changed in the intestine but was significantly decreased in the gills after MP exposure. The activity of AChE significantly decreased only after MPs exposure for 5 days. Overall, these results indicated that MPs pollution significantly induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, increased respiratory rate, disturbed energy metabolism and stimulated immune function in fish, displaying an environmental risk of MPs to aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hao Xue
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, PR China
- Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100125, PR China
| | - Liang-Shan Feng
- Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, PR China
| | - Zhi-Yu Xu
- Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100125, PR China
| | - Feng-Yan Zhao
- Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, PR China
| | - Xin-Li Wen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, PR China
| | - Tuo Jin
- Rural Energy and Environment Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100125, PR China
| | - Zhan-Xiang Sun
- Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, 110161, PR China.
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31
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Pellino A, Brignola S, Riello E, Niero M, Murgioni S, Guido M, Nappo F, Businello G, Sbaraglia M, Bergamo F, Spolverato G, Pucciarelli S, Merigliano S, Pilati P, Cavallin F, Realdon S, Farinati F, Dei Tos AP, Zagonel V, Lonardi S, Loupakis F, Fassan M. Association of CLDN18 Protein Expression with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis in Advanced Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinomas. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1095. [PMID: 34834447 PMCID: PMC8624955 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tight junction protein claudin-18 (CLDN18), is often expressed in various cancer types including gastric (GC) and gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (GECs). In the last years, the isoform CLDN18.2 emerged as a potential drug target in metastatic GCs, leading to the development of monoclonal antibodies against this protein. CLDN18.2 is the dominant isoform of CLDN18 in normal gastric and gastric cancer tissues. In this work, we evaluated the immunohistochemical (IHC) profile of CLDN18 and its correlation with clinical and histopathological features including p53, E-cadherin, MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PMS2, HER2, EBER and PD-L1 combined positive score, in a large real-world and mono-institutional series of advanced GCs (n = 280) and GECs (n = 70). The association of IHC results with survival outcomes was also investigated. High membranous CLDN18 expression (2+ and 3+ intensity ≥75%) was found in 117/350 (33.4%) samples analyzed. CLDN18 expression correlated with age <70 (p = 0.0035), positive EBV status (p = 0.002), high stage (III, IV) at diagnosis (p = 0.003), peritoneal involvement (p < 0.001) and lower incidence of liver metastases (p = 0.013). CLDN18 did not correlate with overall survival. The predictive value of response of CLDN18 to targeted agents is under investigation in several clinical trials and further studies will be needed to select patients who could benefit from these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pellino
- Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (F.N.); (F.B.); (V.Z.); (F.L.)
| | - Stefano Brignola
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (S.B.); (E.R.); (M.G.); (G.B.); (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Erika Riello
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (S.B.); (E.R.); (M.G.); (G.B.); (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
| | - Monia Niero
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Sabina Murgioni
- Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (F.N.); (F.B.); (V.Z.); (F.L.)
| | - Maria Guido
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (S.B.); (E.R.); (M.G.); (G.B.); (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy;
| | - Floriana Nappo
- Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (F.N.); (F.B.); (V.Z.); (F.L.)
| | - Gianluca Businello
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (S.B.); (E.R.); (M.G.); (G.B.); (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (S.B.); (E.R.); (M.G.); (G.B.); (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (F.N.); (F.B.); (V.Z.); (F.L.)
| | - Gaya Spolverato
- 1st Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Gastroenterological Sciences (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (G.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Salvatore Pucciarelli
- 1st Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Gastroenterological Sciences (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (G.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefano Merigliano
- 3rd Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Pilati
- Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 31033 Castelfranco Veneto, Italy;
| | | | - Stefano Realdon
- Gastroenterology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Gastroenterological Sciences (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy;
| | - Angelo Paolo Dei Tos
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (S.B.); (E.R.); (M.G.); (G.B.); (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (F.N.); (F.B.); (V.Z.); (F.L.)
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Oncology Unit 3, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Fotios Loupakis
- Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.); (F.N.); (F.B.); (V.Z.); (F.L.)
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (S.B.); (E.R.); (M.G.); (G.B.); (M.S.); (A.P.D.T.)
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 35128 Padua, Italy
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Kozieł MJ, Ziaja M, Piastowska-Ciesielska AW. Intestinal Barrier, Claudins and Mycotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:758. [PMID: 34822542 PMCID: PMC8622050 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal barrier is the main barrier against all of the substances that enter the body. Proper functioning of this barrier guarantees maintained balance in the organism. Mycotoxins are toxic, secondary fungi metabolites, that have a negative impact both on human and animal health. It was postulated that various mycotoxins may affect homeostasis by disturbing the intestinal barrier. Claudins are proteins that are involved in creating tight junctions between epithelial cells. A growing body of evidence underlines their role in molecular response to mycotoxin-induced cytotoxicity. This review summarizes the information connected with claudins, their association with an intestinal barrier, physiological conditions in general, and with gastrointestinal cancers. Moreover, this review also includes information about the changes in claudin expression upon exposition to various mycotoxins.
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Li J. Targeting claudins in cancer: diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:3406-3424. [PMID: 34354852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has linked claudins to signal transduction and tumorigenesis. The expression of claudins is frequently dysregulated in the context of neoplastic transformation, suggesting their promise as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis or targets for treatment. Claudin binders (Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin and monoclonal antibody) have been tested in preclinical experiments, and some of them have progressed into clinical trials involving patients with certain cancers. However, the clinical development of many of these agents has not advanced to clinical applications. Herein, I review the current status of preclinical and clinical investigations of agents targeting claudins for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. I also discuss the potential of combining claudin binders with other currently approved therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Hospital of Mianyang, Sichuan Mental Health Center Mianyang 621000, Sichuan, China
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Astudillo P. A Non-canonical Wnt Signature Correlates With Lower Survival in Gastric Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633675. [PMID: 33869179 PMCID: PMC8047116 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633675] [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: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic evidence suggests a role for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in gastric cancer. However, Wnt5a, regarded as a prototypical non-canonical Wnt ligand, has also been extensively associated with this disease. Therefore, the roles of the Wnt signaling pathway in gastric cancer initiation and progression, and particularly the precise mechanisms by which the non-canonical Wnt pathway might promote the development and progression of gastric cancer, are not entirely well understood. This article analyzes publicly available gene and protein expression data and reveals the existence of a WNT5A/FZD2/FZD7/ROR2 signature, which correlates with tumor-infiltrating and mesenchymal cell marker expression. High expression of FZD7 and ROR2 correlates with a shared gene and protein expression profile, which in turn correlates with poor prognosis. In summary, the findings presented in this article provide an updated view of the relative contributions of the Wnt/β-catenin and non-canonical Wnt pathways in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Astudillo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Manikhas G, Lordick F, Rusyn A, Vynnychenko I, Dudov A, Bazin I, Bondarenko I, Melichar B, Dhaene K, Wiechen K, Huber C, Maurus D, Arozullah A, Park JW, Schuler M, Al-Batran SE. FAST: a randomised phase II study of zolbetuximab (IMAB362) plus EOX versus EOX alone for first-line treatment of advanced CLDN18.2-positive gastric and gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:609-619. [PMID: 33610734 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is contained within normal gastric mucosa epithelial tight junctions; upon malignant transformation, CLDN18.2 epitopes become exposed. Zolbetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody, mediates specific killing of CLDN18.2-positive cells through immune effector mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS The FAST study enrolled advanced gastric/gastro-oesophageal junction and oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients (aged ≥18 years) with moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression in ≥40% tumour cells. Patients received first-line epirubicin + oxaliplatin + capecitabine (EOX, arm 1, n = 84) every 3 weeks (Q3W), or zolbetuximab + EOX (loading dose, 800 mg/m2 then 600 mg/m2 Q3W) (arm 2, n = 77). Arm 3 (exploratory) was added after enrolment initiation (zolbetuximab + EOX 1000 mg/m2 Q3W, n = 85). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was a secondary endpoint. RESULTS In the overall population, both PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.29-0.67; P < 0.0005] and OS (HR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.39-0.77; P < 0.0005) were significantly improved with zolbetuximab + EOX (arm 2) compared with EOX alone (arm 1). This significant PFS benefit was retained in patients with moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression in ≥70% of tumour cells (HR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.62; P < 0.0005). Significant improvement in PFS was also reported in the overall population of arm 3 versus arm 1 (HR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.85; P = 0.0114) but not in high CLDN18.2-expressing patients; no significant improvement in OS was observed in either population. Most adverse events (AEs) related to zolbetuximab + EOX (nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, anaemia) were grade 1-2. Grade ≥3 AEs showed no substantial increases overall (zolbetuximab + EOX versus EOX alone). CONCLUSIONS In advanced gastric/gastro-oesophageal junction and oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients expressing CLDN18.2, adding zolbetuximab to first-line EOX provided longer PFS and OS versus EOX alone. Zolbetuximab + EOX was generally tolerated and AEs were manageable. Zolbetuximab 800/600 mg/m2 is being evaluated in phase III studies based on clinical benefit observed in the overall population and in patients with moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression in ≥70% of tumour cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Sahin
- Department of Experimental and Translational Oncology, TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Department of Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ö Türeci
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany; CI3 - Cluster of Individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany; formerly of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH
| | - G Manikhas
- Department of Oncology, City Clinical Oncology Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - F Lordick
- Department of Medicine II and University Cancer Center Leipzig, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Rusyn
- Department of Oncology, Transcarpathian Regional Clinical Oncological Center, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
| | - I Vynnychenko
- Sumy State University, Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center, Oncothoracic Department, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - A Dudov
- Department of Oncology, Acibadem City Clinic Mladost, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - I Bazin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Chemotherapy, Russian Oncology Research Center n. a. N.N. Blokhin, Moscow, Russia
| | - I Bondarenko
- Dnipropetrovsk Medical Academy, City Multispecialty Clinical Hospital #4, Department of Chemotherapy, Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine
| | - B Melichar
- Department of Oncology, Palacky University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - K Dhaene
- MD Dhaene Pathology Lab BVBA, Destelbergen, Belgium
| | - K Wiechen
- Department of Pathology, Klinikum Worms GmbH, Institute for Pathology, Worms, Germany
| | - C Huber
- Department of Experimental and Translational Oncology, TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany; CI3 - Cluster of Individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany; formerly of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH
| | - D Maurus
- Formerly of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - A Arozullah
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, USA
| | - J W Park
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, USA
| | - M Schuler
- West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - S-E Al-Batran
- Institute of Clinical Cancer Research (IKF) at Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Businello G, Galuppini F, Fassan M. The impact of recent next generation sequencing and the need for a new classification in gastric cancer. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2021; 50-51:101730. [PMID: 33975684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2021.101730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The phenotypical and molecular heterogeneity of gastric cancer has hampered the introduction in clinical practice of a unifying classification of the disease. However, as next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies enhanced the comprehension of the molecular landscape of gastric cancer, novel molecular classification systems have been proposed, allowing the dissection of molecular tumor heterogeneity and paving the way for the development of new targeted therapies. Moreover, the use of NGS analyses in the molecular profiling of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens will improve patient selection for the enrolment in novel clinical trials. In conclusion, the application of NGS in precision oncology will revolutionize the diagnosis and clinical management in gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Businello
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Galuppini
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Lu Y, Wu T, Sheng Y, Dai Y, Xia B, Xue Y. Correlation between Claudin-18 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2020; 11:1253-1260. [PMID: 33456998 PMCID: PMC7807262 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-20-463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the correlation between Claudin-18 expression and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric cancer. METHODS A total of 63 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery from December 2012 to June 2013 were recruited as the research participants. The clinicopathological data and prognostic information of the participants were collected, and expression levels of Claudin-18 in gastric cancer and adjacent tissues were detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. The correlation between Claudin-18 expression and clinicopathological features of gastric cancer patients was analyzed. The Cox regression model was used to analyze the risk factors associated with the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. RESULTS The expression of Claudin-18 was positive in 35 (55.6%) of the participants' gastric cancer tissues, which was significantly lower than that in the adjacent tissues (51 tissues/81.0%), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.002). In addition, the IHC staining score of Claudin-18 expression in gastric cancer tissues (1.49±1.69), was significantly lower than that in the adjacent tissues (4.61±1.81), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.016), The incidence of nerve invasion in patients with low expression of Claudin-18 was significantly higher than that in patients with high expression of Claudin-18 (P=0.038). In addition, univariate Cox regression analysis showed that nerve invasion, Claudin-18 staining score, tumor size, and positive count of lymph nodes were risk factors associated with the survival of gastric cancer patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Claudin-18 staining score and tumor size were independent risk factors associated with the survival of gastric cancer patients. The overall survival (OS) of patients with low Claudin-18 staining score or larger tumor size was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS The low expression of Claudin-18 was closely related to nerve invasion in gastric cancer, which indicated the poor clinical prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Tielong Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yingyue Sheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Beilei Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuzheng Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Xu B, Liu F, Liu Q, Shi T, Wang Z, Wu N, Xu X, Li L, Fan X, Yu L, Liu B, Wei J. Highly expressed Claudin18.2 as a potential therapeutic target in advanced gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC). J Gastrointest Oncol 2020; 11:1431-1439. [PMID: 33457012 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-20-344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Advanced gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a specific type of malignant gastric cancer (GC) with distinct poorer survival. Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a promising neo-biomarker for the treatment of GC. Clinical trials of CLDN18.2-targeted antibody and T cell-based immunotherapy providing promising prospects for the treatment of GC. The effect of antibody therapy depended on the expression rate of CLDN18.2 has been found in clinical trials. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the therapeutic value of CLDN18.2 in advanced gastric SRCC. Methods Expression of CLDN18.2 in 105 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and evaluated according to FAST criteria. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) using 416 pan-cancer genes panel was performed to characterize the genomic landscape in 61 advanced gastric SRCC patients. Fisher's exact test was used to determine gene differences in different CLDN18.2 expression levels. Results A total number of 105 advanced gastric SRCC samples were analyzed, of which 95.2% (100/105) were positive stained. Moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression was observed in 64.8% (68/105) of all samples. In particularly, 21.0% (22/105) samples had positive staining in more than 90% tumor cells. No significance was found between CLDN18.2 expression and overall survival (OS). NGS results showed that single nucleotide variations (SNVs) could be frequently found in TP53 (26.2%), CDH1 (19.7%), MED12 (18.0%), PKHD1 (18.0%) and ARID1A (11.5%), besides, copy number variations (CNVs) were rich in NOTCH1 (18.0%) and FLT4 (9.8%) in SRCC samples. Moreover, SNVs in GRIN2A was found in 20% of the patients who had CLDN18.2 staining in <40% of tumor cells (P=0.043), indicating CLDN18.2 expression might be related to the aberration of GRIN2A in advanced gastric SRCC. Conclusions The highly expressed CLDN18.2 among advanced gastric SRCC patients that we found certified the value of CLDN18.2-targeted therapy in this specific type of GC. In addition, Analyses between CLDN18.2 expression and genetic abnormalities provided novel therapeutic options for advanced gastric SRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangcen Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Shi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongda Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nandie Wu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyun Xu
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Yu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Role of tight junctions in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1863:183503. [PMID: 33189716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential step in cancer progression. Epithelial cells possess several types of cell-cell junctions, and tight junctions are known to play important roles in maintaining the epithelial program. EMT is characterized by a loss of epithelial markers, including E-cadherin and tight junction proteins. Somewhat surprisingly, the evidence is accumulating that upregulated expression of tight junction proteins plays an important role in the EMT of cancer cells. Tight junctions have distinct tissue-specific and cancer-specific regulatory mechanisms, enabling them to play different roles in EMT. Tight junctions and related signaling pathways are attractive targets for cancer treatments; signal transduction inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies for tight junction proteins may be used to suppress EMT, invasion, and metastasis. Here we review the role of bicellular and tricellular tight junction proteins during EMT. Further investigation of regulatory mechanisms of tight junctions during EMT in cancer cells will inform the development of biomarkers for predicting prognosis as well as novel therapies.
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Analysis of the expression and genetic alteration of CLDN18 in gastric cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:14271-14284. [PMID: 32668412 PMCID: PMC7425459 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Claudin 18 (CLDN18) is a transmembrane protein that localizes to apical regions to form tight junction complexes. Abnormal expression of CLDN18 has been reported in gastric cancer (GC). The expression, genetic alterations, and prognostic role of CLDN18 were analyzed using public data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases using multiple online tools. The biological network of CLDN18 was determined using GeneMANIA. Expression of CLDN18 was restricted to lung and stomach in normal tissues, was significantly downregulated in GC, but was ectopically overexpressed in some other cancer types. There was no correlation between mRNA expression of CLDN18 and the clinicopathology of GC, although expression was higher in the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive subgroup than other subgroups. Genetic alteration of CLDN18 was not a common event in GC; the main alteration was gene fusion with ARHGAP26. CLDN18 expression did not predict the overall survival (OS) of GC patients. This study summarizes the expression features of CLDN18 in GC and suggests it may serve as a biomarker and therapy target for GC.
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Quan JC, Peng J, Guan X, Liu Z, Jiang Z, Chen HP, Zhuang M, Wang S, Sun P, Wang HY, Zou SM, Wang XS. Evaluation of clinical significance of claudin 7 and construction of prognostic grading system for stage II colorectal cancer. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:2190-2200. [PMID: 32548149 PMCID: PMC7281043 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i11.2190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Claudin 7 is often abnormally expressed in cancers and promotes the progression of some malignancies. However, the role of claudin 7 in stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been studied.
AIM To assess the expression and prognostic value of claudin 7 in stage II CRC.
METHODS We retrospectively studied 231 stage II CRC patients who underwent radical surgery at our hospital from 2013 to 2014. The protein expression level of claudin 7 was assessed and its relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis was statistically analyzed. The independent prognostic factors were identified by Cox proportional hazards models. A prognostic grading system was constructed to stratify the survival of CRC patients.
RESULTS The expression of claudin 7 was significantly reduced in cancer tissues compared with normal tissues (P < 0.001), and its low expression was closely related to recurrence of the disease (P = 0.017). Multivariate analysis confirmed that claudin 7 low expression (claudin 7-low) (P = 0.028) and perineural invasion positivity (PNI+) (P = 0.026) were independent predictors of poor disease-free survival (DFS). A prognostic grading system based on the status of claudin 7 and PNI classified the patients into three prognostic grades: grade A (claudin 7-high and PNI-), grade B (claudin 7-low and PNI-, claudin 7-high and PNI+), and grade C (claudin 7-low and PNI+). The DFS was significantly different among the three grades (grade B vs grade A, P = 0.032; grade C vs grade A, P < 0.001; grade C vs grade B, P = 0.040).
CONCLUSION Claudin 7 can be used as a new prognostic marker to predict the DFS of patients with stage II CRC. The prognostic grading system with the addition of claudin 7 can further improve prognosis stratification of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Chuan Quan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jian Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xu Guan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Hai-Peng Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Meng Zhuang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hong-Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shuang-Mei Zou
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xi-Shan Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
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Ji H, Ding X, Zhang W, Zheng Y, Du H, Zheng Y, Song H, Li M, Jiang Y, Xie J, Wu M, Jiao P, Wang Z, Wu H, Zhong Y. Claudin-7 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis in Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Through Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Cell Transplant 2020; 29:963689720943583. [PMID: 32749148 PMCID: PMC7563826 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720943583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate claudin-7 (CLDN7) expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) and its function in SACC cells. We determined CLDN7 expression in SACC tumors via immunohistochemistry and western blotting and evaluated the association between CLDN7 expression and clinicopathologic variables. Besides this, we constructed a stably transfected CLDN7 knockdown SACC-LM cell line via RNAi and assessed its biological behavior changes (cell viability, migration, and invasion). The correlation between CLDN7 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was analyzed. Additionally, a subcutaneous tumor formation model was used to assess SACC-LM cells tumorigenicity after the CLDN7 knockdown. In the present study, we found the CLDN7 expression of tumor group was lower than that in normal salivary glands and was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, recurrence, and gender. CLDN7 knockdown could add the proliferation and metastasis ability of SACC by regulating EMT through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, CLDN7 knockdown in SACC promoted tumor growth in nude mice. CLDN7 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis by inactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in SACC. Thus, CLDN7 expression might be a useful marker to identify the potential for progression in SACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Both the authors are co-first authors
| | - Xu Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Both the authors are co-first authors
| | - Wei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongming Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yangyu Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiyang Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaxiang Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Jiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heming Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Stomatology, Department of Oral Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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Rohde C, Yamaguchi R, Mukhina S, Sahin U, Itoh K, Türeci Ö. Comparison of Claudin 18.2 expression in primary tumors and lymph node metastases in Japanese patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2019; 49:870-876. [PMID: 31087075 PMCID: PMC6792344 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyz068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The monoclonal antibody zolbetuximab (formerly IMAB362), which is being developed as a potential treatment for gastric cancer (GC), targets Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), a GC biomarker. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CLDN18.2 in primary tumors and lymph node (LN) metastases of Japanese patients with GC. METHODS CLDN18.2 expression was investigated in tissue samples from patients with gastric adenocarcinoma archived at Kurume University Medical Center, Japan, between 2000 and 2012. Expression of CLDN18.2 in tumor samples was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using the same detection antibody (43-14A) and assay used in the FAST clinical trial (NCT01630083), a phase 2 randomized trial that compared the safety and antitumor activity of the zolbetuximab-chemotherapy combination with chemotherapy alone. Samples showing any specific staining with ≥1+ intensity were defined as CLDN18.2-positive. RESULTS Of 263 samples analyzed (134 primary gastric tumors and corresponding LN metastases; 128 primary tumors only; one LN metastases only), CLDN18.2 was detected in 87% (n = 228/262) of all primary tumors and 80% (n = 108/135) of LN metastases. Moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression (≥2+ membrane staining intensity in ≥40% of tumor cells [FAST eligibility criterion]) was observed in 52% (n = 135/262) of primary tumors and 45% (n = 61/135) of (LN) metastases. CLDN18.2 expression was significantly higher in GCs of the diffuse histological subtype per Lauren classification and in high grade (G3) tumors. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of CLDN18.2 among Japanese patients with GC supports the therapeutic assessment of zolbetuximab in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rin Yamaguchi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Medicine, Kurume University Medical Center, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Ugur Sahin
- TRON, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kyogo Itoh
- Kurume University Cancer Vaccine Center, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Özlem Türeci
- Ci3-Cluster of Individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany
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Kage H, Flodby P, Zhou B, Borok Z. Dichotomous roles of claudins as tumor promoters or suppressors: lessons from knockout mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4663-4672. [PMID: 31332482 PMCID: PMC6858953 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Claudins are a family of integral tight junction proteins that regulate paracellular permeability in polarized epithelia. Overexpression or reduction of claudins can both promote and limit cancer progression, revealing complex dichotomous roles for claudins depending on cellular context. In contrast, recent studies demonstrating tumor formation in claudin knockout mouse models indicate a role for several claudin family members in suppressing tumor initiation. For example, intestine-specific claudin-7 knockout mice spontaneously develop atypical hyperplasia and intestinal adenomas, while claudin-18 knockout mice develop carcinomas in the lung and stomach. Claudin-4, -11, and -15 knockout mice show increased cell proliferation and/or hyperplasia in urothelium, Sertoli cells, and small intestinal crypts, respectively, possibly a precursor to cancer development. Pathways implicated in both cell proliferation and tumorigenesis include Yap/Taz and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/Akt pathways, among others. Consistent with the tumor suppressive role of claudins shown in mice, in humans, claudin-low breast cancer has been described as a distinct entity with a poor prognosis, and claudin-18-Rho GTPase activating protein 26 (CLDN18-ARHGAP26) fusion protein as a driver gene aberration in diffuse-type gastric cancer due to effects on RhoA. Paradoxically, claudins have also garnered interest as targets for therapy, as they are sometimes aberrantly expressed in cancer cells, which may or may not promote cancer progression. For example, a chimeric monoclonal antibody which targets cells expressing claudin-18.2 through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity has shown promise in multiple phase II studies. In this review, we focus on new findings supporting a tumor suppressive role for claudins during cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kage
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Per Flodby
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA.
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Dottermusch M, Krüger S, Behrens HM, Halske C, Röcken C. Expression of the potential therapeutic target claudin-18.2 is frequently decreased in gastric cancer: results from a large Caucasian cohort study. Virchows Arch 2019; 475:563-571. [PMID: 31332522 PMCID: PMC6861347 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-019-02624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is frequently diagnosed and treated in advanced tumour stages with poor prognosis. Recent studies have identified isoform 2 of the tight junction protein claudin-18 (CLDN18.2) as a promising target in GC therapy. In this study, we aimed to outline the expression of CLDN18.2 and its correlation with clinico-pathological patient characteristics in a large and well-characterized cohort of GC patients. The expression of CLDN18.2 was studied in 481 GCs by immunohistochemistry on whole tissue sections. Immunostained GCs were evaluated using the histoscore (H-score) and subsequently divided into two groups: tumours showing any or no expression. CLDN18.2 expression was investigated for correlation with various clinico-pathological patient characteristics, including survival. CLDN18.2 expression was found in 203 GCs (42.2%). Of these tumours, 71 (14.8%) showed solely weak immunostaining. CLDN18.2 expression correlated with mucin phenotype, EBV status, the integrin αvβ5, the EpCAM extracellular domain EpEX, and lysozyme. We found no correlation with survival, Laurén phenotype, or any other clinico-pathological patient characteristic. In conclusion, we demonstrate frequently decreased expression of CLDN18.2 in a GC cohort of appropriate size. Correlating CLDN18.2 expression with clinico-pathological patient characteristics reveals new linkages to αvβ5, EpEX, and lysozyme, which may pave the way for further investigations regarding the role of tight junction proteins in GC progression. Though CLDN18.2 continues to pose an attractive target candidate, we conclude that a rather low overall expression rate challenges its significance in advanced GC therapy and indicates the need for further investigations across different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Dottermusch
- Department of Pathology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 14, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sandra Krüger
- Department of Pathology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 14, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hans-Michael Behrens
- Department of Pathology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 14, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christine Halske
- Department of Pathology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 14, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christoph Röcken
- Department of Pathology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 14, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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Coati I, Lotz G, Fanelli GN, Brignola S, Lanza C, Cappellesso R, Pellino A, Pucciarelli S, Spolverato G, Guzzardo V, Munari G, Zaninotto G, Scarpa M, Mastracci L, Farinati F, Realdon S, Pilati P, Lonardi S, Valeri N, Rugge M, Kiss A, Loupakis F, Fassan M. Claudin-18 expression in oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas: a tissue microarray study of 523 molecularly profiled cases. Br J Cancer 2019; 121:257-263. [PMID: 31235864 PMCID: PMC6738069 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0508-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Claudin-18 (CLDN18) is a highly specific tight junction protein of the gastric mucosa. An isoform of CLDN18, the Claudin 18.2, has recently emerged as an innovative drug target for metastatic gastric cancer. METHODS We investigated the immunohistochemical profile of CLDN18, p53, p16, E-cadherin, MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, PSM2, HER2, and PDL-1 in a large series of 523 primary gastric carcinomas (GCs; n = 408) and gastro-oesophageal carcinomas (GECs; n = 115) and 135 matched and synchronous nodal metastases. The status of HER2 and EBER by means of chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH) was also evaluated. RESULTS High membranous CLDN18 expression was present in 150/510 (29.4%) primary cases and in 45/132 (34.1%) metastases. An abnormal expression (i.e. nuclear and/or cytoplasmic) was observed in 115 (22.5%) primary cases and in 33 (25.0%) metastases. A 38.8% of the cases showed significant CLDN18 intratumoural variability among the different tissue microarray cores obtained from the same tumour. Positive membrane CLDN18 expression was statistically associated with non-antral GCs (p = 0.016), Lauren diffuse type (p = 0.009), and with EBV-associated cancers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS CLDN18 is frequently expressed in gastric and gastro-oesophageal cancers; further studies should investigate the prognostic significance of CLDN18 heterogeneity in order to implement its test into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Coati
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gábor Lotz
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Giuseppe Nicolò Fanelli
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Brignola
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristiano Lanza
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rocco Cappellesso
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Pellino
- Unit of Oncology 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pucciarelli
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences (DiSCOG), Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gaya Spolverato
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences (DiSCOG), Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenza Guzzardo
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giada Munari
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Unit of Oncology 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Marco Scarpa
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences (DiSCOG), Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), Pathology Unit, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences (DiSCOG), Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Realdon
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Pilati
- Unit of Surgical Oncology of the Esophagus and Digestive Tract, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Unit of Oncology 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Massimo Rugge
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Cancer Registry, Padua, Italy
| | - Andras Kiss
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fotios Loupakis
- Unit of Oncology 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Hagen SJ. Unraveling a New Role for Claudins in Gastric Tumorigenesis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 8:151-152. [PMID: 31047875 PMCID: PMC6599093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Hagen
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Susan J. Hagen, PhD, Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.
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Li W, Xu C, Wang K, Ding Y, Ding L. Non-tight junction-related function of claudin-7 in interacting with integrinβ1 to suppress colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:1443-1451. [PMID: 30863155 PMCID: PMC6389015 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s188020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We conducted a preliminarily exploration of the role and possible mechanism of the non-tight junction-related function of claudin-7 in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. Methods We selected the colorectal cancer cell line HCT116, constructed a stably transfected claudin-7 knockdown cell line via RNAi and lentiviral infection, and determined the claudin-7 knockdown efficiency. We assessed the biological behavior changes (cell viability, apoptosis, and migration) in the stably transfected HCT116 cells and observed structural changes in the tight junction by transmission electron microscopy. We used a subcutaneous tumor formation model to assess the tumorigenicity of HCT116 cells after claudin-7 knockdown. We assessed the expression and localization of integrinβ1 in the stably transfected cell line by immunofluorescence staining and investigated the interaction between integrinβ1 and claudin-7 by co-immunoprecipitation. Results After the knockdown of claudin-7 the expression, the viability and migration ability of HCT116 cells increased and apoptosis decreased. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that the intercellular tight junction structure did not change substantially. Furthermore, the tumor growth in nude mice was enhanced. Immunofluorescence staining showed that integrinβ1 and claudin-7 were co-expressed and co-localized on the cell membrane, and immunoprecipitation suggested that claudin-7 interacts with integrinβ1. Conclusion Claudin-7 may inhibit the proliferation and migration of tumor cells by interacting with integrinβ1, subsequently participating in the development of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China, .,Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yuhan Ding
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
| | - Lei Ding
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
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Hagen SJ, Ang LH, Zheng Y, Karahan SN, Wu J, Wang YE, Caron T, Gad A, Muthupalani S, Fox JG. Loss of Tight Junction Protein Claudin 18 Promotes Progressive Neoplasia Development in Mouse Stomach. Gastroenterology 2018; 155:1852-1867. [PMID: 30195448 PMCID: PMC6613545 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Loss of claudin 18 (CLDN18), a membrane-spanning tight junction protein, occurs during early stages of development of gastric cancer and associates with shorter survival times of patients. We investigated whether loss of CLDN18 occurs in mice that develop intraepithelial neoplasia with invasive glands due to infection with Helicobacter pylori, and whether loss is sufficient to promote the development of similar lesions in mice with or without H pylori infection. METHODS We performed immunohistochemical analyses in levels of CLDN18 in archived tissues from B6:129 mice infected with H pylori for 6 to 15 months. We analyzed gastric tissues from B6:129S5-Cldn18tm1Lex/Mmucd mice, in which the CLDN18 gene was disrupted in gastric tissues (CLDN18-knockout mice), or from control mice with a full-length CLDN18 gene (CLDN18+/+; B6:129S5/SvEvBrd) or heterozygous disruption of CLDN18 (CLDN18+/-; B6:129S5/SvEvBrd) that were infected with H pylori SS1 or PMSS1 at 6 weeks of age and tissues collected for analysis at 20 and 30 weeks after infection. Tissues from CLDN18-knockout mice and control mice with full-length CLDN18 gene expression were also analyzed without infection at 7 weeks and 2 years after birth. Tissues from control and CLDN18-knockout mice were analyzed by electron microscopy, stained by conventional methods and analyzed for histopathology, prepared by laser capture microdissection and analyzed by RNAseq, and immunostained for lineage markers, proliferation markers, and stem cell markers and analyzed by super-resolution or conventional confocal microscopy. RESULTS CLDN18 had a basolateral rather than apical tight junction localization in gastric epithelial cells. B6:129 mice infected with H pylori, which developed intraepithelial neoplasia with invasive glands, had increasing levels of CLDN18 loss over time compared with uninfected mice. In B6:129 mice infected with H pylori compared with uninfected mice, CLDN18 was first lost from most gastric glands followed by disrupted and reduced expression in the gastric neck and in surface cells. Gastric tissues from CLDN18-knockout mice had low levels of inflammation but increased cell proliferation, expressed markers of intestinalized proliferative spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia, and had defects in signal transduction pathways including p53 and STAT signaling by 7 weeks after birth compared with full-length CLDN18 gene control mice. By 20 to 30 weeks after birth, gastric tissues from uninfected CLDN18-knockout mice developed intraepithelial neoplasia that invaded the submucosa; by 2 years, gastric tissues contained large and focally dysplastic polypoid tumors with invasive glands that invaded the serosa. CONCLUSIONS H pylori infection of B6:129 mice reduced the expression of CLDN18 early in gastric cancer progression, similar to previous observations from human gastric tissues. CLDN18 regulates cell lineage differentiation and cellular signaling in mouse stomach; CLDN18-knockout mice develop intraepithelial neoplasia and then large and focally dysplastic polypoid tumors in the absence of H pylori infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J. Hagen
- Department of Surgery/Division of General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lay-Hong Ang
- Department of Surgery/Division of General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Surgery/Division of General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Present address: Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA
| | - Salih N. Karahan
- Department of Surgery/Division of General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Dr. Karahan was a visiting medical student from the Koç University School of Medicine, Bakirkoy, Istanbul,TURKEY
| | - Jessica Wu
- Department of Surgery/Division of General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Present address: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yaoyu E. Wang
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02130 USA
| | - Tyler Caron
- Department of Surgery/Division of General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA,Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Present address: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Aniket Gad
- Department of Surgery/Division of General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sureshkumar Muthupalani
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - James G. Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Wang K, Xu C, Li W, Ding L. Emerging clinical significance of claudin-7 in colorectal cancer: a review. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:3741-3752. [PMID: 30288105 PMCID: PMC6159786 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s175383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) play an important role in maintaining cell polarity and regulating cell permeability. In recent years, many studies have shown that TJ proteins, especially claudin-7, are closely related to inflammation and the development of various malignant tumors. Claudin-7 plays a significant role in maintaining the physiological functions and pathological conditions of the TJ barrier. The dysregulation of claudin-7 plays a tumor suppressor role or conversely has carcinogenic effects in different target tissues or cells, but the exact underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this review, we will summarize the expression pattern of claudin-7 in tumors, focusing on the expression and regulation of claudin-7 in colorectal cancer and discussing the correlation between claudin-7 and invasion, metastasis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer. The construction of Cldn7−/− mice and conventional claudin-7 knockout mouse models has helped determine the mechanisms by which claudin-7 promotes tumorigenesis. Elucidation of the expression and subcellular localization of claudin-7 under pathological conditions will help develop claudin-7 as a useful biomarker for detecting and diagnosing cancer, and thus may help combat the occurrence, development, and invasion of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China,
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China,
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China,
| | - Lei Ding
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, People's Republic of China,
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