1
|
Poh AR, Ernst M. Functional roles of SRC signaling in pancreatic cancer: Recent insights provide novel therapeutic opportunities. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02701-x. [PMID: 37120696 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02701-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignant disease with a 5-year survival rate of <10%. Aberrant activation or elevated expression of the tyrosine kinase c-SRC (SRC) is frequently observed in PDAC and is associated with a poor prognosis. Preclinical studies have revealed a multifaceted role for SRC activation in PDAC, including promoting chronic inflammation, tumor cell proliferation and survival, cancer cell stemness, desmoplasia, hypoxia, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Strategies to inhibit SRC signaling include suppressing its catalytic activity, inhibiting protein stability, or by interfering with signaling components of the SRC signaling pathway including suppressing protein interactions of SRC. In this review, we discuss the molecular and immunological mechanisms by which aberrant SRC activity promotes PDAC tumorigenesis. We also provide a comprehensive update of SRC inhibitors in the clinic, and discuss the clinical challenges associated with targeting SRC in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh R Poh
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu YH, Chen LC, Cheng WT, Wei PS, Hsieh CM, Sheu MT, Lin SY, Ho HO, Lin HL. Synergistic Combination of Irinotecan and Rapamycin Orally Delivered by Nanoemulsion for Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Pancreatic Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020473. [PMID: 36839795 PMCID: PMC9963937 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020473] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, combining different types of therapy has emerged as an advanced strategy for cancer treatment. In these combination therapies, oral delivery of anticancer drugs is more convenient and compliant. This study developed an irinotecan/rapamycin-loaded oral lecithin-based self-nanoemulsifying nanoemulsion preconcentrate (LBSNENPir/ra) and evaluated its synergistic combination effects on pancreatic cancer. LBSNENP loaded with irinotecan and rapamycin at a ratio of 1:1 (LBSNENPir10/ra10) had a better drug release profile and smaller particle size (<200 nm) than the drug powder. Moreover, LBSNENPir10/ra10 exhibited a strong synergistic effect (combination index [CI] < 1.0) in cell viability and combination effect studies. In the tumor inhibition study, the antitumor activity of LBSNENPir10/ra10/sily20 against MIA PaCa-2 (a human pancreatic cancer cell line) was significantly increased compared with the other groups. When administered with rapamycin and silymarin, the area under the curve and the maximum concentration of irinotecan significantly improved compared with the control. We successfully developed an irinotecan/rapamycin-loaded oral self-nanoemulsifying nanoemulsion system to achieve treatment efficacy for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chun Chen
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu 30015, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ting Cheng
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu 30015, Taiwan
| | - Pu-Sheng Wei
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Hsieh
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Thau Sheu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Shyr-Yi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-O Ho
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-O.H.); (H.-L.L.)
| | - Hong-Liang Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-O.H.); (H.-L.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alexandrova A, Lomakina M. How does plasticity of migration help tumor cells to avoid treatment: Cytoskeletal regulators and potential markers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962652. [PMID: 36278174 PMCID: PMC9582651 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor shrinkage as a result of antitumor therapy is not the only and sufficient indicator of treatment success. Cancer progression leads to dissemination of tumor cells and formation of metastases - secondary tumor lesions in distant organs. Metastasis is associated with acquisition of mobile phenotype by tumor cells as a result of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and further cell migration based on cytoskeleton reorganization. The main mechanisms of individual cell migration are either mesenchymal, which depends on the activity of small GTPase Rac, actin polymerization, formation of adhesions with extracellular matrix and activity of proteolytic enzymes or amoeboid, which is based on the increase in intracellular pressure caused by the enhancement of actin cortex contractility regulated by Rho-ROCK-MLCKII pathway, and does not depend on the formation of adhesive structures with the matrix, nor on the activity of proteases. The ability of tumor cells to switch from one motility mode to another depending on cell context and environmental conditions, termed migratory plasticity, contributes to the efficiency of dissemination and often allows the cells to avoid the applied treatment. The search for new therapeutic targets among cytoskeletal proteins offers an opportunity to directly influence cell migration. For successful treatment it is important to assess the likelihood of migratory plasticity in a particular tumor. Therefore, the search for specific markers that can indicate a high probability of migratory plasticity is very important.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gao JF, Pan Y, Lin XC, Lu FC, Qiu DS, Liu JJ, Huang HG. Prognostic value of preoperative enhanced computed tomography as a quantitative imaging biomarker in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2468-2481. [PMID: 35979266 PMCID: PMC9258279 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i22.2468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with high mortality and short survival time. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of pancreatic tumour. Pancreatic cancer generally shows a low enhancement pattern compared with normal pancreatic tissue.
AIM To analyse whether preoperative enhanced CT could be used to predict postoperative overall survival in patients with PDAC.
METHODS Sixty-seven patients with PDAC undergoing pancreatic resection were enrolled retrospectively. All patients underwent preoperative unenhanced and enhanced CT examination, the CT values of which were measured. The ratio of the preoperative CT value increase from the nonenhancement phase to the portal venous phase between pancreatic tumour and normal pancreatic tissue was calculated. The cut-off value of ratios was obtained by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the tumour relative enhancement ratio (TRER), according to which patients were divided into low- and high-enhancement groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox regression based on TRER grouping. Finally, the correlation between TRER and clinicopathological characteristics was analysed.
RESULTS The area under the curve of the ROC curve was 0.768 (P < 0.05), and the cut-off value of the ROC curve was calculated as 0.7. TRER ≤ 0.7 was defined as the low-enhancement group, and TRER > 0.7 was defined as the high-enhancement group. According to the TRER grouping, the Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis results showed that the median survival (10.0 mo) with TRER ≤ 0.7 was significantly shorter than that (22.0 mo) with TRER > 0.7 (P < 0.05). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, the prognosis of patients with TRER ≤ 0.7 was significantly worse than that of patients with TRER > 0.7 (P < 0.05). Our results demonstrated that patients in the low TRER group were more likely to have higher American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, tumour stage and lymph node stage (all P < 0.05), and TRER was significantly negatively correlated with tumour size (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION TRER ≤ 0.7 in patients with PDAC may represent a tumour with higher clinical stage and result in a shorter overall survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Feng Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yu Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xian-Chao Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Feng-Chun Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ding-Shen Qiu
- Department of Radiology, The Hospital of Changle, Fuzhou 350200, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jun-Jun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Hospital of Changle, Fuzhou 350200, Fujian Province, China
| | - He-Guang Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shin DW, Park J, Lee JC, Kim J, Kim YH, Hwang JH. Multi-Phase, Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography-Based Radiomic Prognostic Marker of Non-Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102476. [PMID: 35626080 PMCID: PMC9139570 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102476] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim: This study investigated the predictive ability of intra-tumor enhancement on computed tomography (CT) for the outcomes of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Methods: Multi-phase, contrast-enhanced CT (including unenhanced, pancreatic parenchymal phase (PPP) and portal venous phase (PVP)) images of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic PDA were analyzed to investigate prognostic factors. Results: Two hundred ninety-eight patients with PDA (159 with resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) and 139 with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC)/locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC)) were included. The attenuation values of PDA during the PPP (94.5 vs. 60.7 HU; p <0.001) and PVP (101.5 vs. 75.5 HU; p <0.001) were higher in patients with RPC than in those with BRPC/LAPC. Well-enhanced PDA during the PPP was associated with longer overall survival in the RPC group (27.9 vs. 15.4 months; p <0.001) and the BRPC/LAPC group (22.7 vs. 13.6 months; p = 0.024). Patients with BRPC/LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant treatment and had well-enhanced PDA during the PPP were more likely to undergo resection. Although tumor size was also an independent prognostic factor, it was not correlated with intra-tumoral enhancement during the PPP. Conclusions: Intra-tumoral contrast enhancement on CT is an independent prognostic factor in patients with non-metastatic PDA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Woo Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Korea;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (J.P.); (J.-C.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaewon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (J.P.); (J.-C.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Jong-Chan Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (J.P.); (J.-C.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaihwan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (J.P.); (J.-C.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Young Hoon Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.H.K.); (J.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-31-787-7017 (J.-H.H.)
| | - Jin-Hyeok Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (J.P.); (J.-C.L.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: (Y.H.K.); (J.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-31-787-7017 (J.-H.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Te Boekhorst V, Jiang L, Mählen M, Meerlo M, Dunkel G, Durst FC, Yang Y, Levine H, Burgering BMT, Friedl P. Calpain-2 regulates hypoxia/HIF-induced plasticity toward amoeboid cancer cell migration and metastasis. Curr Biol 2022; 32:412-427.e8. [PMID: 34883047 PMCID: PMC10439789 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia, through hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), drives cancer cell invasion and metastatic progression in various cancer types. In epithelial cancer, hypoxia induces the transition to amoeboid cancer cell dissemination, yet the molecular mechanisms, relevance for metastasis, and effective intervention to combat hypoxia-induced amoeboid reprogramming remain unclear. Here, we identify calpain-2 as a key regulator and anti-metastasis target of hypoxia-induced transition from collective to amoeboid dissemination of breast and head and neck (HN) carcinoma cells. Hypoxia-induced amoeboid dissemination occurred through low extracellular matrix (ECM)-adhesive, predominantly bleb-based amoeboid movement, which was maintained by a low-oxidative and -glycolytic energy metabolism ("eco-mode"). Hypoxia induced calpain-2-mediated amoeboid conversion by deactivating β1 integrins through enzymatic cleavage of the focal adhesion adaptor protein talin-1. Consequently, targeted downregulation or pharmacological inhibition of calpain-2 restored talin-1 integrity and β1 integrin engagement and reverted amoeboid to elongated phenotypes under hypoxia. Calpain-2 activity was required for hypoxia-induced amoeboid conversion in the orthotopic mouse dermis and upregulated in invasive HN tumor xenografts in vivo, and attenuation of calpain activity prevented hypoxia-induced metastasis to the lungs. This identifies the calpain-2/talin-1/β1 integrin axis as a druggable mechanosignaling program that conserves energy yet enables metastatic dissemination that can be reverted by interfering with calpain activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Te Boekhorst
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Liying Jiang
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marius Mählen
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Meerlo
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gina Dunkel
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Franziska C Durst
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanjun Yang
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Boudewijn M T Burgering
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Cancer Genomics Center, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Cancer Genomics Center, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wishart G, Gupta P, Nisbet A, Schettino G, Velliou E. On the Evaluation of a Novel Hypoxic 3D Pancreatic Cancer Model as a Tool for Radiotherapy Treatment Screening. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6080. [PMID: 34885188 PMCID: PMC8657010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering is evolving to mimic intricate ecosystems of tumour microenvironments (TME) to more readily map realistic in vivo niches of cancerous tissues. Such advanced cancer tissue models enable more accurate preclinical assessment of treatment strategies. Pancreatic cancer is a dangerous disease with high treatment resistance that is directly associated with a highly complex TME. More specifically, the pancreatic cancer TME includes (i) complex structure and complex extracellular matrix (ECM) protein composition; (ii) diverse cell populations (e.g., stellate cells), cancer associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, which interact with the cancer cells and promote resistance to treatment and metastasis; (iii) accumulation of high amounts of (ECM), which leads to the creation of a fibrotic/desmoplastic reaction around the tumour; and (iv) heterogeneous environmental gradients such as hypoxia, which result from vessel collapse and stiffness increase in the fibrotic/desmoplastic area of the TME. These unique hallmarks are not effectively recapitulated in traditional preclinical research despite radiotherapeutic resistance being largely connected to them. Herein, we investigate, for the first time, the impact of in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) on the radiotherapy treatment response of pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) in a novel polymer (polyurethane) based highly macroporous scaffold that was surface modified with proteins (fibronectin) for ECM mimicry. More specifically, PANC-1 cells were seeded in fibronectin coated macroporous scaffolds and were cultured for four weeks in in vitro normoxia (21% O2), followed by a two day exposure to either in vitro hypoxia (5% O2) or maintenance in in vitro normoxia. Thereafter, in situ post-radiation monitoring (one day, three days, seven days post-irradiation) of the 3D cell cultures took place via quantification of (i) live/dead and apoptotic profiles and (ii) ECM (collagen-I) and HIF-1a secretion by the cancer cells. Our results showed increased post-radiation viability, reduced apoptosis, and increased collagen-I and HIF-1a secretion in in vitro hypoxia compared to normoxic cultures, revealing hypoxia-induced radioprotection. Overall, this study employed a low cost, animal free model enabling (i) the possibility of long-term in vitro hypoxic 3D cell culture for pancreatic cancer, and (ii) in vitro hypoxia associated PDAC radio-protection development. Our novel platform for radiation treatment screening can be used for long-term in vitro post-treatment observations as well as for fractionated radiotherapy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wishart
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Andrew Nisbet
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; (G.W.); (P.G.)
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Department of Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), London W1W 7TY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jain A, Bhardwaj V. Therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Current challenges and future opportunities. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6527-6550. [PMID: 34754151 PMCID: PMC8554400 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i39.6527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Although chemotherapeutic regimens such as gemcitabine+ nab-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX (FOLinic acid, 5-Fluroruracil, IRINotecan, and Oxaliplatin) significantly improve patient survival, the prevalence of therapy resistance remains a major roadblock in the success of these agents. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms that play a crucial role in PDAC therapy resistance and how a better understanding of these mechanisms has shaped clinical trials for pancreatic cancer chemotherapy. Specifically, we have discussed the metabolic alterations and DNA repair mechanisms observed in PDAC and current approaches in targeting these mechanisms. Our discussion also includes the lessons learned following the failure of immunotherapy in PDAC and current approaches underway to improve tumor's immunological response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Jain
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Vikas Bhardwaj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ventura M, Bernards N, De Souza R, Fricke IB, Hendriks BS, Fitzgerald JB, Lee H, Klinz SG, Zheng J. Longitudinal PET Imaging to Monitor Treatment Efficacy by Liposomal Irinotecan in Orthotopic Patient-Derived Pancreatic Tumor Models of High and Low Hypoxia. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 22:653-664. [PMID: 31482415 PMCID: PMC7782415 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-019-01374-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Hypoxia is linked to aggressiveness, resistance to therapy, and poor prognosis of pancreatic tumors. Liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI, ONIVYDE®) has shown potential in reducing hypoxia in the HT29 colorectal cancer model, and here, we investigate its therapeutic activity and ability to modulate hypoxia in patient-derived orthotopic tumor models of pancreatic cancer. Procedures Mice were randomized into nal-IRI treated and untreated controls. Magnetic resonance imaging was used for monitoring treatment efficacy, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with F-18-labelled fluoroazomycinarabinoside ([18F]FAZA) for tumor hypoxia quantification, and F-18-labelled fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT) for tumor cell proliferation. Results The highly hypoxic OCIP51 tumors showed significant response following nal-IRI treatment compared with the less hypoxic OCIP19 tumors. [18F]FAZA-PET detected significant hypoxia reduction in treated OCIP51 tumors, 8 days before significant changes in tumor volume. OCIP19 tumors also responded to therapy, although tumor volume control was not accompanied by any reduction in [18F]FAZA uptake. In both models, no differences were observable in [18F]FLT uptake in treated tumors compared with control mice. Conclusions Hypoxia modulation may play a role in nal-IRI’s mechanism of action. Nal-IRI demonstrated greater anti-tumor activity in the more aggressive and hypoxic tumor model. Furthermore, hypoxia imaging provided early prediction of treatment response. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11307-019-01374-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ventura
- TECHNA Institute for the Advancement of Technology for Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bernards
- TECHNA Institute for the Advancement of Technology for Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raquel De Souza
- TECHNA Institute for the Advancement of Technology for Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Inga B Fricke
- TECHNA Institute for the Advancement of Technology for Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Helen Lee
- Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephan G Klinz
- Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ipsen Bioscience, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jinzi Zheng
- TECHNA Institute for the Advancement of Technology for Health, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mallya K, Gautam SK, Aithal A, Batra SK, Jain M. Modeling pancreatic cancer in mice for experimental therapeutics. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188554. [PMID: 33945847 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that is characterized by early metastasis, low resectability, high recurrence, and therapy resistance. The experimental mouse models have played a central role in understanding the pathobiology of PDAC and in the preclinical evaluation of various therapeutic modalities. Different mouse models with targetable pathological hallmarks have been developed and employed to address the unique challenges associated with PDAC progression, metastasis, and stromal heterogeneity. Over the years, mouse models have evolved from simple cell line-based heterotopic and orthotopic xenografts in immunocompromised mice to more complex and realistic genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) involving multi-gene manipulations. The GEMMs, mostly driven by KRAS mutation(s), have been widely accepted for therapeutic optimization due to their high penetrance and ability to recapitulate the histological, molecular, and pathological hallmarks of human PDAC, including comparable precursor lesions, extensive metastasis, desmoplasia, perineural invasion, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Advanced GEMMs modified to express fluorescent proteins have allowed cell lineage tracing to provide novel insights and a new understanding about the origin and contribution of various cell types in PDAC pathobiology. The syngeneic mouse models, GEMMs, and target-specific transgenic mice have been extensively used to evaluate immunotherapies and study therapy-induced immune modulation in PDAC yielding meaningful results to guide various clinical trials. The emerging mouse models for parabiosis, hepatic metastasis, cachexia, and image-guided implantation, are increasingly appreciated for their high translational significance. In this article, we describe the contribution of various experimental mouse models to the current understanding of PDAC pathobiology and their utility in evaluating and optimizing therapeutic modalities for this lethal malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Mallya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
| | - Abhijit Aithal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Javadrashid D, Baghbanzadeh A, Derakhshani A, Leone P, Silvestris N, Racanelli V, Solimando AG, Baradaran B. Pancreatic Cancer Signaling Pathways, Genetic Alterations, and Tumor Microenvironment: The Barriers Affecting the Method of Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:373. [PMID: 33918146 PMCID: PMC8067185 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations, especially the K-Ras mutation, carry the heaviest burden in the progression of pancreatic precursor lesions into pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The tumor microenvironment is one of the challenges that hinder the therapeutic approaches from functioning sufficiently and leads to the immune evasion of pancreatic malignant cells. Mastering the mechanisms of these two hallmarks of PDAC can help us in dealing with the obstacles in the way of treatment. In this review, we have analyzed the signaling pathways involved in PDAC development and the immune system's role in pancreatic cancer and immune checkpoint inhibition as next-generation therapeutic strategy. The direct targeting of the involved signaling molecules and the immune checkpoint molecules, along with a combination with conventional therapies, have reached the most promising results in pancreatic cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darya Javadrashid
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.L.); (V.R.)
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.L.); (V.R.)
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (P.L.); (V.R.)
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran; (D.J.); (A.B.); (A.D.)
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614766, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mayer P, Kraft A, Witzel HR, Marnet N, Hörner N, Roth W, Heinrich S, Hackert T, Bergmann F, Kauczor HU, Klauss M, Gaida MM. Restricted Water Diffusion in Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pancreatic Cancer is Associated with Tumor Hypoxia. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010089. [PMID: 33396818 PMCID: PMC7801953 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a dense network of connective tissue surrounding clusters of cancer cells, the so-called stroma. This ubiquitous connective tissue impairs the delivery of oxygen to cancer cells. This results in hypoxia, which renders the cancer more aggressive and more resistant to treatment. In the present study, we investigated whether the extent of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer can be predicted by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a widely used medical imaging technique. More specifically, we used an MRI sequence which can quantitate the random motion (i.e., diffusion) of water molecules within the cancer tissue, namely diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI. We found that the random motion of water molecules is lower in cancer lesions with high hypoxia compared to those with low hypoxia. The findings from our study imply that DW-MRI can be used to identify pancreatic cancer lesions with high hypoxia which are at high risk for treatment failure. Abstract Hypoxia is a hallmark of pancreatic cancer (PDAC) due to its compact and extensive fibrotic tumor stroma. Hypoxia contributes to high lethality of this disease, by inducing a more malignant phenotype and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. Thus, non-invasive methods to quantify hypoxia could be helpful for treatment decisions, for monitoring, especially in non-resectable tumors, or to optimize personalized therapy. In the present study, we investigated whether tumor hypoxia in PDAC is reflected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), a functional imaging technique, frequently used in clinical practice for identification and characterization of pancreatic lesions. DW-MRI assesses the tissue microarchitecture by measuring the diffusion of water molecules, which is more restricted in highly compact tissues. As reliable surrogate markers for hypoxia, we determined Blimp-1 (B-lymphocyte induced maturation protein), a transcription factor, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are up-regulated in response to hypoxia. In 42 PDAC patients, we observed a close association between restricted water diffusion in DW-MRI and tumor hypoxia in matched samples, as expressed by high levels of Blimp-1 and VEGF in tissue samples of the respective patients. In summary, our data show that DW-MRI is well suited for the evaluation of tumor hypoxia in PDAC and could potentially be used for the identification of lesions with a high hypoxic fraction, which are at high risk for failure of radiochemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Mayer
- Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (H.-U.K.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6221-5637-345
| | - Anne Kraft
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (H.R.W.); (N.M.); (N.H.); (W.R.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Hagen R. Witzel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (H.R.W.); (N.M.); (N.H.); (W.R.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Nicole Marnet
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (H.R.W.); (N.M.); (N.H.); (W.R.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Nina Hörner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (H.R.W.); (N.M.); (N.H.); (W.R.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Wilfried Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (H.R.W.); (N.M.); (N.H.); (W.R.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Stefan Heinrich
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Thilo Hackert
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Frank Bergmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Clinical Pathology, Klinikum Darmstadt GmbH, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (H.-U.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Miriam Klauss
- Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (H.-U.K.); (M.K.)
| | - Matthias M. Gaida
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.K.); (H.R.W.); (N.M.); (N.H.); (W.R.); (M.M.G.)
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Joint Unit Immunopathology, Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, JGU-Mainz and TRON, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, JGU-Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shah VM, Sheppard BC, Sears RC, Alani AW. Hypoxia: Friend or Foe for drug delivery in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 492:63-70. [PMID: 32822815 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal solid tumors with an overall five-year survival rate of that has only just reached 10%. The tumor microenvironment of PDAC is characterized by desmoplasia, which consist of dense stroma of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, resulting in a hypoxic environment due to limited oxygen diffusion through the tumor. Hypoxia contributes to the aggressive tumor biology by promoting tumor progression, malignancy, and promoting resistance to conventional and targeted therapeutic agents. In depth research in the area has identified that hypoxia modulates the tumor biology through hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs), which not only are the key determinant of pancreatic malignancy but also an important target for therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding hypoxia driven phenotypes, which are responsible for the highly aggressive and metastatic characteristics of pancreatic cancer, and how hypoxia can be exploited as a target for drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vidhi M Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University/OHSU, 2730 SW Moody Ave., Portland, OR, 97201, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S. W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Brett C Sheppard
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S. W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR, 97239, USA; OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Adam Wg Alani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University/OHSU, 2730 SW Moody Ave., Portland, OR, 97201, USA; OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sarcar B, Li X, Fleming JB. Hypoxia-Induced Autophagy Degrades Stromal Lumican into Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Mini-Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [PMID: 31406961 PMCID: PMC6690605 DOI: 10.29245/2578-2967/2019/1.1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained considerable interest in recent years as a crucial component in fundamental cellular processes and provides novel therapeutic targets. Lumican is a class II small leucine-rich proteoglycan with a key role in ECM organization and modulation of biological functions dependent on tumor type, abundance, and stage of disease. The presence of stromal lumican in the ECM surrounding pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) inhibits cancer cell replication and is associated with improved patient outcomes after multimodal therapies. In this mini-review, were-present our novel findings describing how hypoxia (1% O2) within the TME influences stromal lumican expression and secretion. We observed that hypoxia specifically inhibited lumican expression and secretion post-transcriptionally only from pancreatic stellate cells. Hypoxia-induced increased lactate production did not influence lumican expression. Notably, autophagy was induced by hypoxia in ex vivo cultures of patient-derived primary PDAC xenograft and pancreatic stellate cells; however, the cancer cells remain unaffected. Moreover, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression or inhibition of AMP-regulated protein kinase (AMPK) activation within hypoxic stellate cells restored lumican expression levels. Interestingly, AMPK inhibition attenuated hypoxia-reduced phosphorylation of the mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP signaling pathway. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize our recent publication that hypoxia reduces stromal lumican in PDAC through autophagy-mediated degradation and reduction in protein synthesis within pancreatic cancer stellate cells. This may provide another plausible mechanism by which hypoxia-induced stromal autophagy leads to cancer growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhaswati Sarcar
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, FL, USA
| | - Xinqun Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX, USA
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li X, Lee Y, Kang Y, Dai B, Perez MR, Pratt M, Koay EJ, Kim M, Brekken RA, Fleming JB. Hypoxia-induced autophagy of stellate cells inhibits expression and secretion of lumican into microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Differ 2019; 26:382-393. [PMID: 30283082 PMCID: PMC6329841 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0207-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Lumican is secreted by pancreatic stellate cells and inhibits cancer progression. Extracellular lumican inhibits cancer cell replication and restrains growth of early-stage pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) such that patients with tumors containing stromal lumican experience a three-fold longer survival after treatment. In the present study, patient tumor tissues, ex-vivo cultures of patient-derived xenografts (PDX), PDAC stellate and tumor cells were used to investigate whether hypoxia (1% O2) within the tumor microenvironment influences stromal lumican expression and secretion. We observed that hypoxia significantly reduced lumican expression and secretion from pancreatic stellate cells, but not cancer cells. Although hypoxia enhanced lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression and lactate secretion from all cells, neither hypoxia-induced nor exogenous lactate influenced lumican expression. Autophagy was induced by hypoxia in ex vivo cultures of PDX and pancreatic stellate cells, but not cancer cells cultured in 2D. Autophagic flux inhibitors, bafilomycin A1, chloroquine diphosphate salt, and ammonium chloride prevented hypoxia-mediated reduction in lumican expression in stellate cells. Furthermore, inhibition of AMP-regulated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation or hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression within hypoxic stellate cells restored lumican expression levels. Hypoxia did not affect lumican mRNA expression, indicating that hypoxia-induced reduction of lumican occurs post-transcriptionally; in addition, AMPK inhibition prevented hypoxia-reduced phosphorylation of the mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP signaling pathway, a key contributor to protein synthesis. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that hypoxia reduces stromal lumican in PDAC through autophagy-mediated degradation and reduction in protein synthesis within pancreatic cancer stellate cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinqun Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yeonju Lee
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ya'an Kang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bingbing Dai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mayrim Rios Perez
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Pratt
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eugene J Koay
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Kim
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center of Therapeutic Oncology Research and Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wolfe AR, Williams TM. Altering the response to radiation: radiosensitizers and targeted therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: preclinical and emerging clinical evidence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 1. [PMID: 32656528 DOI: 10.21037/apc.2018.08.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy continues to have an evolving role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. While metastatic failure likely contributes to the majority of patient mortality, achieving local control through surgery and/or radiation appears to be important as certain studies suggest that mortality is contributed by local failure. Many studies support that pancreatic cancer is a relatively radiation resistant tumor type. In addition, the ability to further improve radiation through dose escalation strategies in the non-metastatic setting is hampered by closeness of normal organs, including small bowel and stomach, to the tumor. Thus subverting molecular pathways that promote radiation resistance will be critical to further success of radiation in this disease. There is a wealth of preclinical data supporting the targeting of various molecular pathways in combination with radiation therapy, including DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoint proteins, receptor tyrosine kinases, oncoproteins, stem cells, and immunomodulation. A number of clinical trials have been completed or are on-going with novel molecular inhibitors. In this review, we summarize existing preclinical and clinical molecular strategies for improving the efficacy of radiation in pancreatic cancer, and highlight recent and ongoing clinical trials combining radiation and various targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Wolfe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Terence M Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hu L, Tang J, Huang X, Zhang T, Feng X. Hypoxia exposure upregulates MALAT-1 and regulates the transcriptional activity of PTB-associated splicing factor in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:294-300. [PMID: 29928414 PMCID: PMC6006348 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia has been reported to be a critical microenvironmental factor that induces cancer metastasis and proliferation in gastric, liver and hepatic cancers; however, the underlying mechanisms of this are largely unknown. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial factors of several aspects of tumor malignancy, including tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance. However, the potential association of lncRNAs with hypoxia-induced cancer malignancy remains to be determined. In the present study, the differential expression of lncRNAs following the induction of hypoxia in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells was analyzed reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. It was identified that the lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT-1) was upregulated significantly by hypoxia in A549 cells. By considering its promotive effects on malignant tumor behaviors, in the present study, it was identified that upregulated MALAT-1 released the binding of PTB-associated splicing factor (PSF) to its target gene, GAGE6, and thus promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 cells following hypoxia exposure. These results advance the overall understanding of the mechanism of hypoxia-induced lung cancer metastasis and may assist in the development of novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Hu
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 400000, P.R. China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 400000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohuan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 400000, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 400000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Feng
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 400000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bharti SK, Mironchik Y, Wildes F, Penet MF, Goggins E, Krishnamachary B, Bhujwalla ZM. Metabolic consequences of HIF silencing in a triple negative human breast cancer xenograft. Oncotarget 2018; 9:15326-15339. [PMID: 29632647 PMCID: PMC5880607 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is frequently encountered in tumors and results in the stabilization of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs). These factors transcriptionally activate genes that allow cells to adapt to hypoxia. In cancers, hypoxia and HIFs have been associated with increased invasion, metastasis, and resistance to chemo and radiation therapy. Here we have characterized the metabolic consequences of silencing HIF-1α and HIF-2α singly or combined in MDA-MB-231 triple negative human breast cancer xenografts, using non-invasive proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H MRSI) of in vivo tumors, and high-resolution 1H MRS of tumor extracts. Tumors from all three sublines showed a significant reduction of growth rate. We identified new metabolic targets of HIF, and demonstrated the divergent consequences of silencing HIF-1α and HIF-2α individually on some of these targets. These data expand our understanding of the metabolic pathways regulated by HIFs that may provide new insights into the adaptive metabolic response of cancer cells to hypoxia. Such insights may lead to novel metabolism based therapeutic targets for triple negative breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh K Bharti
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yelena Mironchik
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Flonne Wildes
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marie-France Penet
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eibhlin Goggins
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Balaji Krishnamachary
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zaver M Bhujwalla
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) is a hypoxia-inducible and differentiation-related protein and candidate biomarker in pancreatic cancer. As NDRG1 expression is lost in high-grade tumors, the effects of the differentiating histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) were examined in human pancreatic cancer cell lines representing different tumor grades. METHODS PANC-1 (poorly differentiated) and Capan-1 (moderately to well-differentiated) cells were treated with TSA. Effects were assessed in vitro by microscopic analysis, colorimetric assays, cell counts, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. RESULTS Treatment of PANC-1 cells over 4 days with 0.5 μM TSA restored cellular differentiation, inhibited proliferation, and enhanced p21 protein expression. Trichostatin A upregulated NDRG1 mRNA and protein levels under normoxia from day 1 and by 6-fold by day 4 (P < 0.01 at all time points). After 24 hours under hypoxia, NDRG1 expression was further increased in differentiated cells (P < 0.01). Favorable changes were identified in the expression of other hypoxia-regulated genes. CONCLUSIONS Histone deacetylase inhibitors offer a potential novel epidrug approach for pancreatic cancer by reversing the undifferentiated phenotype and allowing patients to overcome resistance and better respond to conventional cytotoxic treatments.
Collapse
|
20
|
Characterization of histone-related chemical modifications in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and fresh-frozen human pancreatic cancer xenografts using LC-MS/MS. J Transl Med 2017; 97:279-288. [PMID: 27941757 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2016.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones including acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination are known to be involved in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and thus can have an important role in tumorigenesis. A number of PTMs have been linked to pancreatic cancer and are frequently studied as potential targets for cancer therapy or diagnosis. The availability of biobank-stored, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) materials and advanced proteomic analytical tools make it possible to detect histone-related PTMs using predicted mass shifts caused by specific modification. It is, however, important to take into account the fact that formaldehyde (FA) present in the FFPE material is chemically reactive and may undergo condensation reactions, for example, with terminal amino groups and active CH functionalities of the studied proteins. As supported by the results of this study, the possibility to misinterpret such protein condensation product as endogenous PTMs should be taken into consideration in all proteomic analytical work involving FFPE materials. In this study, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to assess preassumed modification of the lysine residues of histone proteins in FFPE or fresh-frozen (FF) tumor xenografts, derived from the human pancreatic cancer cell line, Capan-1. Here we report modifications with a defined mass shift of +14.016, +28.031, +42.011, or +114.043 Da, corresponding to apparent methylation, dimethylation, acetylation, or ubiquitination that were differentially distributed between the groups. The identified modifications were significantly more frequent in FFPE samples as compared with FF samples. Our results indicate that FFPE tissue processing may result in persistent chemical modifications of histones, which correspond in mass shift of important PTMs. Herein, we highlight the importance to investigate and report FA-formed modifications in FFPE-treated tissues, as well as the necessity of careful manual examination of observed modifications to eliminate false-positive PTMs.
Collapse
|
21
|
Cassinotto C, Chong J, Zogopoulos G, Reinhold C, Chiche L, Lafourcade JP, Cuggia A, Terrebonne E, Dohan A, Gallix B. Resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Role of CT quantitative imaging biomarkers for predicting pathology and patient outcomes. Eur J Radiol 2017; 90:152-158. [PMID: 28583627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Patients with a pancreatic cancer amenable to surgery still have a poor prognosis and high risk of post-operative recurrence. We aimed to assess the value of quantitative imaging biomarkers using computed-tomography (CT) texture analysis to evaluate the pathologic tumor aggressiveness and predict disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS We retrospectively performed attenuation measurements and texture analysis on the portal-venous phase of the pre-operative CT scan of 99 patients that underwent resection of a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in two university hospitals. Tumor attenuation parameters included: mean attenuation value of the whole tumor (WHOLE-AV), and of the most hypoattenuating area within the tumor (CENTRAL-AV). Tumor heterogeneity parameters included: standard deviation, entropy, skewness, and kurtosis. RESULTS Tumor attenuation parameters showed significant association with the tumor differentiation grade (CENTRAL-AV, Odds ratio (OR) 0.968, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-0.998) and lymph node invasion (WHOLE-AV, OR 0.886, CI 0.823-0.955). Variables associated with early-recurrence were: lymph node ratio (R2=0.15), kurtosis (R2=0.08), and CENTRAL-AV (R2=0.04). Lymph node ratio (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.02), and CENTRAL-AV (HR 0.98) were independently associated with shorter DFS. Patients with CENTRAL-AV<62 Hounsfield units had a shorter 1-year DFS (35% versus 68%, p=0.004). CONCLUSION Tumors that are more hypoattenuating on the portal-venous phase on CT scan are potentially more aggressive with higher tumor grade, greater lymph node invasion, and shorter DFS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Cassinotto
- Department of Radiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Jaron Chong
- Department of Radiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - George Zogopoulos
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Caroline Reinhold
- Department of Radiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Laurence Chiche
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 1 Avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France.
| | - Jean-Pierre Lafourcade
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 1 avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France.
| | - Adeline Cuggia
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Eric Terrebonne
- Department of Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 1 Avenue de Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France.
| | - Anthony Dohan
- Department of Radiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Benoît Gallix
- Department of Radiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lehmann S, te Boekhorst V, Odenthal J, Bianchi R, van Helvert S, Ikenberg K, Ilina O, Stoma S, Xandry J, Jiang L, Grenman R, Rudin M, Friedl P. Hypoxia Induces a HIF-1-Dependent Transition from Collective-to-Amoeboid Dissemination in Epithelial Cancer Cells. Curr Biol 2017; 27:392-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.11.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
23
|
Erkan M, Kurtoglu M, Kleeff J. The role of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer: a potential therapeutic target? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:301-16. [PMID: 26560854 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2016.1117386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
One of the key factors that correlates with poor survival of patients with pancreatic cancer is the extent of hypoxic areas within the tumor tissue. The adaptation of pancreatic cancer cells to limited oxygen delivery promotes the induction of an invasive and treatment-resistant phenotype, triggering metastases at an early stage of tumor development, which resist in most cases adjuvant therapies following tumor resection. In this article, the authors summarize the evidence demonstrating the significance of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and discuss the possible hypoxia-induced mechanisms underlying its aggressive nature. We then conclude with promising strategies that target hypoxia-adapted pancreatic cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mert Erkan
- a Department of Surgery , Koç University School of Medicine , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Metin Kurtoglu
- b Department of Oncology , Koç University School of Medicine , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Jorg Kleeff
- c Department of Surgery , The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals , Liverpool , UK.,d Department of General-, Visceral- and Pediatric Surgery , University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf , Düsseldorf , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Diana A, Wang LM, D'Costa Z, Azad A, Silva MA, Soonawalla Z, Allen P, Liu S, McKenna WG, Muschel RJ, Fokas E. Prognostic role and correlation of CA9, CD31, CD68 and CD20 with the desmoplastic stroma in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:72819-72832. [PMID: 27637082 PMCID: PMC5341946 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the prognostic value of hypoxia (carbonic anhydrase 9; CA9), vessel density (CD31), with macrophages (CD68) and B cells (CD20) that can interact and lead to immune suppression and disease progression using scanning and histological mapping of whole-mount FFPE pancreatectomy tissue sections from 141 primarily resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) samples treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Their expression was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), local progression-free survival (LPFS) and distant metastases free-survival (DMFS), also in the context of stroma density (haematoxylin-eosin) and activity (alpha-smooth muscle actin). The median OS was 21 months after a mean follow-up of 20 months (range, 2-69 months). The median tumor surface area positive for CA9 and CD31 was 7.8% and 8.1%, respectively. Although total expression of these markers lacked prognostic value in the entire cohort, nevertheless, high tumor compartment CD68 expression correlated with worse PFS (p = 0.033) and DMFS (p = 0.047). Also, high CD31 expression predicted for worse OS (p = 0.004), PFS (p = 0.008), LPFS (p = 0.014) and DMFS (p = 0.004) in patients with moderate density stroma. High stromal and peripheral compartment CD68 expression predicted for significantly worse outcome in patients with loose and moderate stroma density, respectively. Altogether, in contrast to the current notion, hypoxia levels in PDAC appear to be comparable to other malignancies. CD31 and CD68 constitute prognostic markers in patient subgroups that vary according to tumor compartment and stromal density. Our study provides important insight on the pathophysiology of PDAC and should be exploited for future treatments.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, CD20/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/metabolism
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Carbonic Anhydrase IX/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/mortality
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/therapy
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Female
- Humans
- Hypoxia/metabolism
- Immunohistochemistry
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/mortality
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy
- Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Stromal Cells/metabolism
- Survival Analysis
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Diana
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lai Mun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Zenobia D'Costa
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Abul Azad
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael A. Silva
- Department of Surgery, Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Zahir Soonawalla
- Department of Surgery, Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Allen
- Department of Pathology, Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Stanley Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - W. Gillies McKenna
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ruth J. Muschel
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Department of Oncology, CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Current Address: Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fels B, Nielsen N, Schwab A. Role of TRPC1 channels in pressure-mediated activation of murine pancreatic stellate cells. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2016; 45:657-670. [PMID: 27670661 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-016-1176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The tumor environment contributes importantly to tumor cell behavior and cancer progression. Aside from biochemical constituents, physical factors of the environment also influence the tumor. Growing evidence suggests that mechanics [e.g., tumor (stroma) elasticity, tissue pressure] are critical players of cancer progression. Underlying mechanobiological mechanisms involve among others the regulation of focal adhesion molecules, cytoskeletal modifications, and mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels of cancer- and tumor-associated cells. After reviewing the current concepts of cancer mechanobiology, we will focus on the canonical transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) channel and its role in mechano-signaling in tumor-associated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). PSCs are key players of pancreatic fibrosis, especially in cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is characterized by the formation of a dense fibrotic stroma (desmoplasia), primarily formed by activated PSCs. Desmoplasia contributes to high pancreatic tissue pressure, which in turn activates PSCs, thereby perpetuating matrix deposition. Here, we investigated the role of the putatively mechanosensitive TRPC1 channels in murine PSCs exposed to elevated ambient pressure. Pressurization leads to inhibition of mRNA expression of MS ion channels. Migration of PSCs representing a readout of their activation is enhanced in pressurized PSCs. Knockout of TRPC1 leads to an attenuated phenotype. While TRPC1-mediated calcium influx is increased in wild-type PSCs after pressure incubation, loss of TRPC1 abolishes this effect. Our findings provide mechanistic insight how pressure, an important factor of the PDAC environment, contributes to PSC activation. TRPC1-mediated activation could be a potential target to disrupt the positive feedback of PSC activation and PDAC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fels
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149, Munster, Germany
| | - Nikolaj Nielsen
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149, Munster, Germany. .,Novo Nordisk A/S, Smørmosevej 10-12, 2880, Bagsværd, Denmark.
| | - Albrecht Schwab
- Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27b, 48149, Munster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Topalovski M, Hagopian M, Wang M, Brekken RA. Hypoxia and Transforming Growth Factor β Cooperate to Induce Fibulin-5 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:22244-22252. [PMID: 27531748 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.730945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a defining feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), where ECM signaling can promote cancer cell survival and epithelial plasticity programs. However, ECM signaling can also limit PDA tumor growth by producing cytotoxic levels of reactive oxygen species. For example, excess fibronectin stimulation of α5β1 integrin on stromal cells in PDA results in reduced angiogenesis and increased tumor cell apoptosis because of oxidative stress. Fibulin-5 (Fbln5) is a matricellular protein that blocks fibronectin-integrin interaction and thus directly limits ECM-driven reactive oxygen species production and supports PDA progression. Compared with normal pancreatic tissue, Fbln5 is expressed abundantly in the stroma of PDA; however, the mechanisms underlying the stimulation of Fbln5 expression in PDA are undefined. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches, we report that hypoxia triggers Fbln5 expression in a TGF-β- and PI3K-dependent manner. Pharmacologic inhibition of TGF-β receptor, PI3K, or protein kinase B (AKT) was found to block hypoxia-induced Fbln5 expression in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and 3T3 fibroblasts. Moreover, tumor-associated fibroblasts from mouse PDA were also responsive to TGF-β receptor and PI3K/AKT inhibition with regard to suppression of Fbln5. In genetically engineered mouse models of PDA, therapy-induced hypoxia elevated Fbln5 expression, whereas pharmacologic inhibition of TGF-β signaling reduced Fbln5 expression. These findings offer insight into the signaling axis that induces Fbln5 expression in PDA and a potential strategy to block its production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Topalovski
- From the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Cancer Biology Graduate Program
| | | | - Miao Wang
- From the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- From the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8593
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Polireddy K, Chen Q. Cancer of the Pancreas: Molecular Pathways and Current Advancement in Treatment. J Cancer 2016; 7:1497-514. [PMID: 27471566 PMCID: PMC4964134 DOI: 10.7150/jca.14922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers among all malignances, with a median overall survival of <1 year and a 5-year survival of ~5%. The dismal survival rate and prognosis are likely due to lack of early diagnosis, fulminant disease course, high metastasis rate, and disappointing treatment outcome. Pancreatic cancers harbor a variety of genetic alternations that render it difficult to treat even with targeted therapy. Recent studies revealed that pancreatic cancers are highly enriched with a cancer stem cell (CSC) population, which is resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, and therefore escapes chemotherapy and promotes tumor recurrence. Cancer cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is highly associated with metastasis, generation of CSCs, and treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Reviewed here are the molecular biology of pancreatic cancer, the major signaling pathways regulating pancreatic cancer EMT and CSCs, and the advancement in current clinical and experimental treatments for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Polireddy
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, USA 66160
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, USA 66160
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Blanco FF, Jimbo M, Wulfkuhle J, Gallagher I, Deng J, Enyenihi L, Meisner-Kober N, Londin E, Rigoutsos I, Sawicki JA, Risbud MV, Witkiewicz AK, McCue PA, Jiang W, Rui H, Yeo CJ, Petricoin E, Winter JM, Brody JR. The mRNA-binding protein HuR promotes hypoxia-induced chemoresistance through posttranscriptional regulation of the proto-oncogene PIM1 in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncogene 2015; 35:2529-41. [PMID: 26387536 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previously, it has been shown that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) tumors exhibit high levels of hypoxia, characterized by low oxygen pressure (pO2) and decreased O2 intracellular perfusion. Chronic hypoxia is strongly associated with resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy and chemoradiation in an understudied phenomenon known as hypoxia-induced chemoresistance. The hypoxia-inducible, pro-oncogenic, serine-threonine kinase PIM1 (Proviral Integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1) has emerged as a key regulator of hypoxia-induced chemoresistance in PDA and other cancers. Although its role in therapeutic resistance has been described previously, the molecular mechanism behind PIM1 overexpression in PDA is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that cis-acting AU-rich elements (ARE) present within a 38-base pair region of the PIM1 mRNA 3'-untranslated region mediate a regulatory interaction with the mRNA stability factor HuR (Hu antigen R) in the context of tumor hypoxia. Predominantly expressed in the nucleus in PDA cells, HuR translocates to the cytoplasm in response to hypoxic stress and stabilizes the PIM1 mRNA transcript, resulting in PIM1 protein overexpression. A reverse-phase protein array revealed that HuR-mediated regulation of PIM1 protects cells from hypoxic stress through phosphorylation and inactivation of the apoptotic effector BAD and activation of MEK1/2. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of HuR by MS-444 inhibits HuR homodimerization and its cytoplasmic translocation, abrogates hypoxia-induced PIM1 overexpression and markedly enhances PDA cell sensitivity to oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil under physiologic low oxygen conditions. Taken together, these results support the notion that HuR has prosurvival properties in PDA cells by enabling them with growth advantages in stressful tumor microenvironment niches. Accordingly, these studies provide evidence that therapeutic disruption of HuR's regulation of PIM1 may be a key strategy in breaking an elusive chemotherapeutic resistance mechanism acquired by PDA cells that reside in hypoxic PDA microenvironments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F F Blanco
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Jimbo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Wulfkuhle
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - I Gallagher
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - J Deng
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - L Enyenihi
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N Meisner-Kober
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Novartis, Switzerland
| | - E Londin
- Center for Computational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - I Rigoutsos
- Center for Computational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J A Sawicki
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M V Risbud
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - A K Witkiewicz
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - P A McCue
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - W Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Rui
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C J Yeo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - J M Winter
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dhani NC, Serra S, Pintilie M, Schwock J, Xu J, Gallinger S, Hill RP, Hedley DW. Analysis of the intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer patients receiving the nitroimidazole tracer pimonidazole. Br J Cancer 2015; 113:864-71. [PMID: 26325106 PMCID: PMC4578083 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2015.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypoxia is thought to be an adverse feature of pancreatic cancer, but direct measurement in patients is technically challenging. To address this, we characterised the intra/interpatient heterogeneity of hypoxia in surgical specimens from patients who received the 2-nitroimidazole tracer pimonidazole pre-operatively. Methods: Pimondazole was given intravenously 16–20 h before pancreatectomy, and the extent and intratumoral heterogeneity of hypoxia determined by image analysis applied to multiple tissue blocks stained by immunohistochemistry. Intra/interpatient heterogeneity was estimated by variance component analysis. Results: Pimonidazole staining was analysed in 10 tumours. The extent of labelling varied amongst patients (0–26%), with a broader range of hypoxia in the epithelial (1–39%) compared with the stromal (1–13%) compartments. Variance component analysis demonstrated greater inter- than intrapatient variability of hypoxia, and that multiple (4–5) tumour sections are required to provide a consistent evaluation of its extent in individual tumours. Conclusions: There is significant intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity of hypoxia in pancreatic cancers, and these do not appear to be generally more hypoxic than other cancer types. This study establishes the feasibility to assess hypoxia in pancreatic cancer patients using pimonidazole, but questions the reliability of measurements made using a single tissue section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N C Dhani
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - S Serra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - M Pintilie
- Department of Biostatistics, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9
| | - J Schwock
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - J Xu
- Applied Molecular Profiling Laboratory, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - S Gallinger
- Division of Hepato-biliary Pancreatic Surgical Oncology, University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - R P Hill
- Radiation Medicine Program, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| | - D W Hedley
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2M9
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cohen R, Neuzillet C, Tijeras-Raballand A, Faivre S, de Gramont A, Raymond E. Targeting cancer cell metabolism in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2015; 6:16832-47. [PMID: 26164081 PMCID: PMC4627277 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030. Current therapeutic options are limited, warranting an urgent need to explore innovative treatment strategies. Due to specific microenvironment constraints including an extensive desmoplastic stroma reaction, PDAC faces major metabolic challenges, principally hypoxia and nutrient deprivation. Their connection with oncogenic alterations such as KRAS mutations has brought metabolic reprogramming to the forefront of PDAC therapeutic research. The Warburg effect, glutamine addiction, and autophagy stand as the most important adaptive metabolic mechanisms of cancer cells themselves, however metabolic reprogramming is also an important feature of the tumor microenvironment, having a major impact on epigenetic reprogramming and tumor cell interactions with its complex stroma. We present a comprehensive overview of the main metabolic adaptations contributing to PDAC development and progression. A review of current and future therapies targeting this range of metabolic pathways is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romain Cohen
- INSERM U728, Beaujon University Hospital (AP-HP – PRES Paris 7 Diderot), Clichy La Garenne, France
| | - Cindy Neuzillet
- INSERM U728, Beaujon University Hospital (AP-HP – PRES Paris 7 Diderot), Clichy La Garenne, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Créteil, France
| | | | - Sandrine Faivre
- Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Armand de Gramont
- New Drug Evaluation Laboratory, Centre of Experimental Therapeutics and Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Raymond
- Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tumor bioengineering using a transglutaminase crosslinked hydrogel. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105616. [PMID: 25133673 PMCID: PMC4136878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of a physiologically relevant 3D model system for cancer research and drug development is a current challenge. We have adopted a 3D culture system based on a transglutaminase-crosslinked gelatin gel (Col-Tgel) to mimic the tumor 3D microenvironment. The system has several unique advantages over other alternatives including presenting cell-matrix interaction sites from collagen-derived peptides, geometry-initiated multicellular tumor spheroids, and metabolic gradients in the tumor microenvironment. Also it provides a controllable wide spectrum of gel stiffness for mechanical signals, and technical compatibility with imaging based screening due to its transparent properties. In addition, the Col-Tgel provides a cure-in-situ delivery vehicle for tumor xenograft formation in animals enhancing tumor cell uptake rate. Overall, this distinctive 3D system could offer a platform to more accurately mimic in vivo situations to study tumor formation and progression both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
|
32
|
Autophagy, Warburg, and Warburg reverse effects in human cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:926729. [PMID: 25197670 PMCID: PMC4145381 DOI: 10.1155/2014/926729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly regulated-cell pathway for degrading long-lived proteins as well as for clearing cytoplasmic organelles. Autophagy is a key contributor to cellular homeostasis and metabolism. Warburg hypothesized that cancer growth is frequently associated with a deviation of a set of energy generation mechanisms to a nonoxidative breakdown of glucose. This cellular phenomenon seems to rely on a respiratory impairment, linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. This mitochondrial dysfunction results in a switch to anaerobic glycolysis. It has been recently suggested that epithelial cancer cells may induce the Warburg effect in neighboring stromal fibroblasts in which autophagy was activated. These series of observations drove to the proposal of a putative reverse Warburg effect of pathophysiological relevance for, at least, some tumor phenotypes. In this review we introduce the autophagy process and its regulation and its selective pathways and role in cancer cell metabolism. We define and describe the Warburg effect and the newly suggested "reverse" hypothesis. We also discuss the potential value of modulating autophagy with several pharmacological agents able to modify the Warburg effect. The association of the Warburg effect in cancer and stromal cells to tumor-related autophagy may be of relevance for further development of experimental therapeutics as well as for cancer prevention.
Collapse
|
33
|
McCarroll JA, Naim S, Sharbeen G, Russia N, Lee J, Kavallaris M, Goldstein D, Phillips PA. Role of pancreatic stellate cells in chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Front Physiol 2014; 5:141. [PMID: 24782785 PMCID: PMC3988387 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is highly chemoresistant. A major contributing factor is the characteristic extensive stromal or fibrotic reaction, which comprises up to 90% of the tumor volume. Over the last decade there has been intensive research into the role of the pro-fibrogenic pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and their interaction with pancreatic cancer cells. As a result of the significant alterations in the tumor microenvironment following activation of PSCs, tumor progression, and chemoresistance is enhanced. This review will discuss how PSCs contribute to chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A McCarroll
- Tumour Biology and Targeting Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute Australia, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie Naim
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - George Sharbeen
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nelson Russia
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia Lee
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Tumour Biology and Targeting Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute Australia, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Phoebe A Phillips
- Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chang J, Erler J. Hypoxia-Mediated Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 772:55-81. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-5915-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
35
|
Fukukura Y, Takumi K, Higashi M, Shinchi H, Kamimura K, Yoneyama T, Tateyama A. Contrast-enhanced CT and diffusion-weighted MR imaging: performance as a prognostic factor in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Radiol 2013; 83:612-9. [PMID: 24418286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether contrast enhancement of CT and apparent diffusion coefficient on diffusion-weighted MR imaging are important parameters that can predict outcomes for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety-two patients with histologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent quadriphasic CT (including unenhanced, pancreatic parenchymal, portal venous and delayed phases) and fat-suppressed single-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted MR imaging at 3.0 T were retrospectively analyzed to investigate prognostic factors. Overall survival curves were drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method. Effects on survival of variables including age, sex, tumor location, tumor size, TNM stage, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, treatment, tumor contrast enhancement and apparent diffusion coefficient values were analyzed in univariate analysis using the log-rank test. Variables were analyzed in multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS Median survival for the entire patient population was 18.2 months. Higher contrast enhancement during all phases was associated with significantly longer overall survival (P<0.001 for all phases). The difference in overall survival between groups divided by median apparent diffusion coefficient value was not significant (P=0.672). TNM stage (P=0.026) and tumor contrast enhancement on CT (P=0.027) were significantly related to survival in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Poor enhancement of pancreatic adenocarcinomas on enhanced CT is associated with reduced patient survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Fukukura
- Department of Radiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-8544, Japan.
| | - Koji Takumi
- Department of Radiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-8544, Japan
| | - Michiyo Higashi
- Department of Human Pathology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shinchi
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Digestive Surgery, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-8544, Japan
| | - Kiyohisa Kamimura
- Department of Radiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-8544, Japan
| | - Tomohide Yoneyama
- Department of Radiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-8544, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tateyama
- Department of Radiology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima City 890-8544, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hamada S, Masamune A, Shimosegawa T. Alteration of pancreatic cancer cell functions by tumor-stromal cell interaction. Front Physiol 2013; 4:318. [PMID: 24198790 PMCID: PMC3814547 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer shows a characteristic tissue structure called desmoplasia, which consists of dense fibrotic stroma surrounding cancer cells. Interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and stromal cells promote invasive growth of cancer cells and establish a specific microenvironment such as hypoxia which further aggravates the malignant behavior of cancer cells. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a pivotal role in the development of fibrosis within the pancreatic cancer tissue, and also affect cancer cell function. PSCs induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell (CSC)-related phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells by activating multiple signaling pathways. In addition, pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs recruit myeloid-derived suppressor cells which attenuate the immune reaction against pancreatic cancer cells. As a result, pancreatic cancer cells become refractory against conventional therapies. The formation of the CSC-niche by stromal cells facilitates postoperative recurrence, re-growth of therapy-resistant tumors and distant metastasis. Conventional therapies targeting cancer cells alone have failed to conquer pancreatic cancer, but targeting the stromal cells and immune cells in animal experiments has provided evidence of improved therapeutic responses. A combination of novel strategies altering stromal cell functions could contribute to improving the pancreatic cancer prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine Sendai, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Lunardi S, Muschel RJ, Brunner TB. The stromal compartments in pancreatic cancer: are there any therapeutic targets? Cancer Lett 2013; 343:147-55. [PMID: 24141189 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by an abundant stromal response also known as a desmoplastic reaction. Pancreatic Stellate Cells have been identified as playing a key role in pancreatic cancer desmoplasia. There is accumulating evidence that the stroma contributes to tumour progression and to the low therapeutic response of PDAC patients. In this review we described the main actors of the desmoplastic reaction within PDAC and novel therapeutic approaches that are being tested to block the detrimental function of the stroma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lunardi
- Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, RRI, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK
| | - Ruth J Muschel
- Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, RRI, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK
| | - Thomas B Brunner
- Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, RRI, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK; Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Straße 3, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Detection of hypoxia with 18F-fluoromisonidazole (18F-FMISO) PET/CT in suspected or proven pancreatic cancer. Clin Nucl Med 2013; 38:1-6. [PMID: 23242037 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0b013e3182708777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT Pancreatic carcinoma is known to demonstrate molecular features of hypoxia. The aim of this prospective pilot study is to analyze the hypoxia agent fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) using PET/CT in pancreatic carcinoma and to compare FMISO activity with glucose metabolism reflected by FDG. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten patients with pancreatic carcinoma underwent FMISO and FDG PET scans. FMISO and FDG PET/CT scans were analyzed by 2 PET physicians. Regions of interest drawn on the FDG images were transposed to the FMISO images after study coregistration. The FDG SUVmax was used to quantify metabolic activity and FMISO SUVmax and tumor-to-background (muscle) ratio to quantify hypoxia. RESULTS Seven patients were diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The remaining patients had a neuroendocrine tumor, poorly differentiated/sarcomatoid carcinoma, and mucinous neoplasm. Visual analysis demonstrated increased FMISO activity in 2 pancreatic adenocarcinomas. All patients, however, had increased FDG activity at the tumor site. Mean FDG SUVmax was 6 (range: 3.8 to 9.5) compared to 2.3 for FMISO (range: 1 to 3.4). The 2 positive studies on visual analysis of FMISO did not correspond to the largest tumors, the studies with the highest FMISO or FDG SUVmax. There was no significant correlation between FMISO and FDG SUVmax values. CONCLUSIONS The hypoxia imaging agent, FMISO, demonstrates minimal activity in pancreatic tumors. If FMISO PET/CT is to be included in clinical trial protocols of hypoxia in pancreatic cancer, it would require correlation with other imaging modalities to localize the tumor and allow semiquantitative analysis.
Collapse
|
39
|
Brullé L, Vandamme M, Riès D, Martel E, Robert E, Lerondel S, Trichet V, Richard S, Pouvesle JM, Le Pape A. Effects of a non thermal plasma treatment alone or in combination with gemcitabine in a MIA PaCa2-luc orthotopic pancreatic carcinoma model. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52653. [PMID: 23300736 PMCID: PMC3530450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic tumors are the gastrointestinal cancer with the worst prognosis in humans and with a survival rate of 5% at 5 years. Nowadays, no chemotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in terms of survival for this cancer. Previous study focused on the development of a new therapy by non thermal plasma showed significant effects on tumor growth for colorectal carcinoma and glioblastoma. To allow targeted treatment, a fibered plasma (Plasma Gun) was developed and its evaluation was performed on an orthotopic mouse model of human pancreatic carcinoma using a MIA PaCa2-luc bioluminescent cell line. The aim of this study was to characterize this pancreatic carcinoma model and to determine the effects of Plasma Gun alone or in combination with gemcitabine. During a 36 days period, quantitative BLI could be used to follow the tumor progression and we demonstrated that plasma gun induced an inhibition of MIA PaCa2-luc cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo and that this effect could be improved by association with gemcitabine possibly thanks to its radiosensitizing properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brullé
- Centre d'Imagerie du Petit Animal-CIPA TAAM, UPS44 CNRS, Orléans, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ropolo A, Bagnes CI, Molejon MI, Lo Re A, Boggio V, Gonzalez CD, Vaccaro MI. Chemotherapy and autophagy-mediated cell death in pancreatic cancer cells. Pancreatology 2011; 12:1-7. [PMID: 22487466 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily preserved degradation process of cytoplasmic cellular constituents and plays important physiological roles in human health and disease. It has been proposed that autophagy plays an important role both in tumor progression and in promotion of cancer cell death, although the molecular mechanisms responsible for this dual action of autophagy in cancer have not been elucidated. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive human malignancies with 2-3% five-year survival rate. Its poor prognosis has been attributed to the lack of specific symptoms and early detection tools, and its relatively refractory to traditional cytotoxic agents and radiotherapy. Experimental evidence pointed at autophagy as a pancreatic cancer cell mechanism to survive under adverse environmental conditions, or as a defective programmed cell death mechanism that favors pancreatic cancer cell resistance to treatment. Here, we consider several phenotypical alterations that have been related to increase or decrease the autophagic process in pancreatic tumor cells. We specially review autophagy as a cell death mechanism in response to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ropolo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, 956 Junin p5, C1113AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Yu L, Hales CA. Long-term exposure to hypoxia inhibits tumor progression of lung cancer in rats and mice. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:331. [PMID: 21812995 PMCID: PMC3199866 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypoxia has been identified as a major negative factor for tumor progression in clinical observations and in animal studies. However, the precise role of hypoxia in tumor progression has not been fully explained. In this study, we extensively investigated the effect of long-term exposure to hypoxia on tumor progression in vivo. Methods Rats bearing transplanted tumors consisting of A549 human lung cancer cells (lung cancer tumor) were exposed to hypoxia for different durations and different levels of oxygen. The tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated. We also treated A549 lung cancer cells (A549 cells) with chronic hypoxia and then implanted the hypoxia-pretreated cancer cells into mice. The effect of exposure to hypoxia on metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice was also investigated. Results We found that long-term exposure to hypoxia a) significantly inhibited lung cancer tumor growth in xenograft and orthotopic models in rats, b) significantly reduced lymphatic metastasis of the lung cancer in rats and decreased lung metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice, c) reduced lung cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in vitro, d) decreased growth of the tumors from hypoxia-pretreated A549 cells, e) decreased Na+-K+ ATPase α1 expression in hypoxic lung cancer tumors, and f) increased expression of hypoxia inducible factors (HIF1α and HIF2α) but decreased microvessel density in the lung cancer tumors. In contrast to lung cancer, the growth of tumor from HCT116 human colon cancer cells (colon cancer tumor) was a) significantly enhanced in the same hypoxia conditions, accompanied by b) no significant change in expression of Na+-K+ ATPase α1, c) increased HIF1α expression (no HIF2α was detected) and d) increased microvessel density in the tumor tissues. Conclusions This study demonstrated that long-term exposure to hypoxia repressed tumor progression of the lung cancer from A549 cells and that decreased expression of Na+-K+ ATPase was involved in hypoxic inhibition of tumor progression. The results from this study provide new insights into the role of hypoxia in tumor progression and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lunyin Yu
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Su Y, Loos M, Giese N, Metzen E, Büchler MW, Friess H, Kornberg A, Büchler P. Prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2) exerts tumor-suppressive activity in pancreatic cancer. Cancer 2011; 118:960-72. [PMID: 21792862 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.26344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2011] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is 1 of the most common and poorly treated tumors. In search of new therapeutic approaches, the oxygen sensors prolyl hydroxylases (PHD) are potential targets. PHD2 is considered the key oxygen sensor-regulating hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Currently, there is conflicting evidence regarding the exact role of PHD2 in tumorigenesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of PHD2 in pancreatic cancer growth and progression. METHODS PHD2 expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry in human tissue specimens and cell lines. Knockdown of PHD2 was done by using short-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) specific against PHD2, and PHD2 overexpression was achieved by stable combinational DNA transfection. In vivo, an orthotopic murine model was used. Angiogenic cytokines were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and invasion was studied with Matrigel assays. RESULTS PHD2 expression was not altered substantially in cancer tissues and their metastases. Lymph node-negative tissues had higher levels of PHD2 than lymph node-positive tissues. PHD2 was hypoxia-inducible in pancreatic cancer cell lines and regulated cell growth through cyclin D1 down-regulation samples with PHD2 suppression and through p21 up-regulation in samples with of PHD2 overexpression. In vivo, PHD2 caused tumor growth retardation and reduced tumor invasion by inhibiting angiogenesis. This observation was caused by the suppression of angiogenic cytokines and tumor invasion. CONCLUSIONS The current results indicated that PHD2 plays an important role in pancreatic tumorigenesis. In summary, the authors concluded that PHD2 may function as a tumor suppressor gene in pancreatic cancer and, thus, may define a potential target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Su
- Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Su Y, Loos M, Giese N, Hines OJ, Diebold I, Görlach A, Metzen E, Pastorekova S, Friess H, Büchler P. PHD3 regulates differentiation, tumour growth and angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2010; 103:1571-9. [PMID: 20978507 PMCID: PMC2990580 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Tumour hypoxia activates hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and indluences angiogenesis, cell survival and invasion. Prolyl hydroxylase-3 (PHD3) regulates degradation of HIF-1α. The effects of PHD3 in tumour growth are largely unknown. Experimental design: PHD3 expression was analysed in human pancreatic cancer tissues and cancer cell lines by real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. PHD3 overexpression was established by stable transfection and downregulation by short interfering RNA technology. VEGF was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Matrigel invasion assays were performed to examine tumour cell invasion. Apoptosis was measured by annexin-V staining and caspase-3 assays. The effect of PHD3 on tumour growth in vivo was evaluated in an established orthotopic murine model. Results: PHD3 was upregulated in well-differentiated human tumours and cell lines, and regulated hypoxic VEGF secretion. PHD3 overexpression mediated tumour cell growth and invasion by induction of apoptosis in a nerve growth factor-dependent manner by the activation of caspase-3 and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase HIF-1 independently. In vivo, PHD3 inhibited tumour growth by abrogation of tumour angiogenesis. Conclusion: Our results indicate essential functions of PHD3 in tumour growth, apoptosis and angiogenesis and through HIF-1-dependent and HIF-1-independent pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Su
- Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liu X, Zhang M, Go VLW, Hu S. Membrane proteomic analysis of pancreatic cancer cells. J Biomed Sci 2010; 17:74. [PMID: 20831833 PMCID: PMC2949717 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-17-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human tumors due to its high potential of local invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study was to characterize the membrane proteomes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells of primary and metastatic origins, and to identify potential target proteins related to metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Methods Membrane/membrane-associated proteins were isolated from AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells and identified with a proteomic approach based on SDS-PAGE, in-gel tryptic digestion and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). X! Tandem was used for database searching against the SwissProt human protein database. Results We identified 221 & 208 proteins from AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells, respectively, most of which are membrane or membrane-associated proteins. A hundred and nine proteins were found in both cell lines while the others were present in either AsPC-1 or BxPC-3 cells. Differentially expressed proteins between two cell lines include modulators of cell adhesion, cell motility or tumor invasion as well as metabolic enzymes involved in glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, or nucleotide/lipid metabolism. Conclusion Membrane proteomes of AsPC-1 (metastatic) and BxPC-3 (primary) cells are remarkably different. The differentially expressed membrane proteins may serve as potential targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Liu
- UCLA School of Dentistry & Dental Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sivridis E, Koukourakis MI, Zois CE, Ledaki I, Ferguson DJP, Harris AL, Gatter KC, Giatromanolaki A. LC3A-positive light microscopy detected patterns of autophagy and prognosis in operable breast carcinomas. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 176:2477-89. [PMID: 20382705 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-degradation mechanism by which cells recycle their own cytoplasmic constituents and dispose of excess or defective organelles after starvation and oxygen deprivation. An antibody to the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3A), recognizing both the soluble (LC3A-I) and the membrane-bound form (LC3A-II) of the protein, was used to detect autophagic activity in 102 breast carcinomas. Three distinct patterns were recognized: (1) diffuse cytoplasmic, (2) cytoplasmic/juxta-nuclear, and (3) "stone-like" pattern--dense, rounded, amorphous structures, 5 microm on average, typically enclosed within cytoplasmic vacuoles. The diffuse cytoplasmic pattern showed a direct association with estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. The juxta-nuclear pattern indicated a similar association with hormone receptors, an inverse association with tumor size, and a favorable prognosis. By contrast, an increased number of stone-like structures, probably representing an excessive autophagic response, was related to high-grade tumors and a less favorable outcome. Interestingly, 60 additional epithelial tumors of nonbreast origin disclosed identical autophagic patterns, and so did MDA231 breast cancer xenografts and HCT116 colon tumor spheroids (also analyzed by electron microscopy). Moreover, MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines confirmed induction of LC3A by anoxia and Thapsigargin. It is concluded that autophagy can be readily recognized in breast carcinomas by light microscopy, after immunohistochemical staining with LC3A, but the significance of the various patterns expressed would need further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efthimios Sivridis
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
A rationally designed histone deacetylase inhibitor with distinct antitumor activity against ovarian cancer. Neoplasia 2009; 11:552-63, 3 p following 563. [PMID: 19484144 DOI: 10.1593/neo.09204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are a class of antineoplastic agents previously demonstrating preclinical chemosensitizing activity against drug-resistant cancer cells and mouse xenografts. However, whereas clinical studies have shown efficacy against human hematologic malignancies, solid tumor trials have proved disappointing. We previously developed a novel HDACI, "OSU-HDAC42," and herein examine its activity against ovarian cancer cell lines and xenografts. OSU-HDAC42, (i) unlike most HDACIs, elicited a more than five-fold increase in G(2)-phase cells, at 2.5 microM, with G(2) arrest followed by apoptosis; (ii) at 1.0 microM, completely repressed messenger RNA expression of the cell cycle progression gene cdc2; (iii) at low doses (0.25-1.0 microM for 24 hours), induced tumor cell epithelial differentiation, as evidenced by morphology changes and a more than five-fold up-regulation of epithelium-specific cytokeratins; (iv) potently abrogated the growth of numerous ovarian cancer cells, with IC(50) values of 0.5 to 1.0 microM, whereas also remaining eight-fold less toxic (IC(50) of 8.6 microM) to normal ovarian surface epithelial cells; and (v) chemosensitizated platinum-resistant mouse xenografts to cisplatin. Compared with the clinically approved HDACI suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (vorinostat), 1.0 microM OSU-HDAC42 was more biochemically potent (i.e., enzyme-inhibitory), as suggested by greater gene up-regulation and acetylation of both histone and nonhistone proteins. In p53-dysfunctional cells, however, OSU-HDAC42 was two- to eight-fold less inductive of p53-regulated genes, whereas also having a two-fold higher IC(50) than p53-functional cells, demonstrating some interaction with p53 tumor-suppressive cascades. These findings establish OSU-HDAC42 as a promising therapeutic agent for drug-resistant ovarian cancer and justify its further investigation.
Collapse
|
47
|
Song JH, Jeon EJ, Kwak HW, Lee HM, Cho SG, Kang HK, Park SW, Lee JH, Lee BO, Jung JW, Choi JC, Shin JW, Kim KJ, Kim JY, Park IW, Choi BW. The Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on HIF-1α and VEGF in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2009. [DOI: 10.4046/trd.2009.66.3.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joo Han Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Joo Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Won Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Gun Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyung Koo Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Woon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Ook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Woo Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Cheol Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Wook Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki Jeong Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Yeol Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byoung Whui Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer death. This devastating disease has the horrible honour of close to equal incidence and mortality rates. Late diagnosis and a constitutive resistance to every chemotherapy approach are responsible for this scenario. However, molecular biology tools in cooperation with translational efforts have dissected several secrets that underlie pancreatic cancer. Progressive acquisition of malignant, invasive phenotypes from pre-malignant lesions, recent revelations on core signalling pathways and new targeted designed trials offer a better future for pancreatic cancer patients. This review will summarise recent advances in the molecular biology of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
|
49
|
Fujii S, Mitsunaga S, Yamazaki M, Hasebe T, Ishii G, Kojima M, Kinoshita T, Ueno T, Esumi H, Ochiai A. Autophagy is activated in pancreatic cancer cells and correlates with poor patient outcome. Cancer Sci 2008; 99:1813-9. [PMID: 18616529 PMCID: PMC11159933 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2008.00893.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Because autonomous proliferating cancer cells are often exposed to hypoxic conditions, there must be an alternative metabolic pathway, such as autophagy, that allows them to obtain energy when both oxygen and glucose are depleted. We previously reported finding that autophagy actually contributes to cancer cell survival in colorectal cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Pancreatic cancer remains a devastating and poorly understood malignancy, and hypoxia in pancreatic cancers is known to increase their malignant potential. In the present study archival pancreatic cancer tissue was retrieved from 71 cases treated by curative pancreaticoduodenectomy. Autophagy was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining with anti-LC3 antibody, as LC3 is a key component of autophagy and has been used as a marker of autophagy. The results showed that strong LC3 expression in the peripheral area of pancreatic cancer tissue was correlated with a poor outcome (P = 0.0170) and short disease-free period (P = 0.0118). Two of the most significant correlations among the clinicopathological factors tested were found between the peripheral intensity level of LC3 expression and tumor size (P = 0.0098) or tumor necrosis (P = 0.0127). Activated autophagy is associated with pancreatic cancer cells, and autophagy is thought to be a response to factors in the cancer microenvironment, such as hypoxia and poor nutrient supply. This is the first study to report the clinicopathological significance of autophagy in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Fujii
- Pathology Division, Research Center for Innovative Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cao X, Bloomston M, Zhang T, Frankel WL, Jia G, Wang B, Hall NC, Koch RM, Cheng H, Knopp MV, Sun D. Synergistic antipancreatic tumor effect by simultaneously targeting hypoxic cancer cells with HSP90 inhibitor and glycolysis inhibitor. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:1831-9. [PMID: 18347186 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to examine the synergistic antipancreatic cancer effect by simultaneously targeting hypoxic cancer cells with heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor and blockade of energy production. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The anticancer effects of an HSP90 inhibitor (geldanamycin) in pancreatic cells were investigated in hypoxia and normoxia. A hexokinase II inhibitor, 3-broma-pyruvate (3BrPA), was evaluated for selective glycolysis inhibition in hypoxia as a sensitizer of HSP90 inhibitor against pancreatic cancer. The HSP90 client protein degradation was monitored by Western blot. The synergistic antitumor effect of geldanamycin and 3BrPA was evaluated in a xenograft pancreatic cancer model and monitored by a noninvasive dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Hypoxia enhanced HIF-1alpha expression by 11-fold in pancreatic cancer cells, and HSP90 inhibitor exhibited a seven- to eightfold higher anticancer effect in hypoxia compared with normoxia via HSP90 client protein degradation. 3BrPA selectively inhibited glycolysis and sensitized geldanamycin against pancreatic cancer cells by 17- to 400-fold through HSP90 client protein degradation. The synergistic anticancer effect of reduced doses of geldanamycin and 3-BrPA was confirmed in xenograft models in vivo by more than 75% tumor growth inhibition. CONCLUSIONS The combination of HSP90 inhibitors and glycolysis inhibitors provides preferential inhibition of cancer cells in hypoxia through HSP90 client protein degradation and selective glycolysis inhibition. This may provide a new therapeutic regimen to battle chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancers, by enhancing the synergistic therapeutic efficacy and reducing dose-limiting toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianhua Cao
- Drug Discovery Support, Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|