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Boyer JA, Sharma M, Dorso MA, Mai N, Amor C, Reiter JM, Kannan R, Gadal S, Xu J, Miele M, Li Z, Chen X, Chang Q, Pareja F, Worland S, Warner D, Sperry S, Chiang GG, Thompson PA, Yang G, Ouerfelli O, de Stanchina E, Wendel HG, Rosen EY, Chandarlapaty S, Rosen N. eIF4A controls translation of estrogen receptor alpha and is a therapeutic target in advanced breast cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.08.593195. [PMID: 38766126 PMCID: PMC11100762 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.08.593195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The majority of human breast cancers are dependent on hormone-stimulated estrogen receptor alpha (ER) and are sensitive to its inhibition. Treatment resistance arises in most advanced cancers due to genetic alterations that promote ligand independent activation of ER itself or ER target genes. Whereas re-targeting of the ER ligand binding domain (LBD) with newer ER antagonists can work in some cases, these drugs are largely ineffective in many genetic backgrounds including ER fusions that lose the LBD or in cancers that hyperactivate ER targets. By identifying the mechanism of ER translation, we herein present an alternative strategy to target ER and difficult to treat ER variants. We find that ER translation is cap-independent and mTOR inhibitor insensitive, but dependent on 5' UTR elements and sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of the translation initiation factor eIF4A, an mRNA helicase. EIF4A inhibition rapidly reduces expression of ER and short-lived targets of ER such as cyclin D1 and other components of the cyclin D-CDK complex in breast cancer cells. These effects translate into suppression of growth of a variety of ligand-independent breast cancer models including those driven by ER fusion proteins that lack the ligand binding site. The efficacy of eIF4A inhibition is enhanced when it is combined with fulvestrant-an ER degrader. Concomitant inhibition of ER synthesis and induction of its degradation causes synergistic and durable inhibition of ER expression and tumor growth. The clinical importance of these findings is confirmed by results of an early clinical trial (NCT04092673) of the selective eIF4A inhibitor zotatifin in patients with estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. Multiple clinical responses have been observed on combination therapy including durable regressions. These data suggest that eIF4A inhibition could be a useful new strategy for treating advanced ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A. Boyer
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Malvika Sharma
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Madeline A. Dorso
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nicholas Mai
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Amor
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason M. Reiter
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Ram Kannan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunyana Gadal
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianing Xu
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Miele
- Microchemistry and Proteomics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhuoning Li
- Microchemistry and Proteomics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 11065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 11065, USA
| | - Fresia Pareja
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephan Worland
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Douglas Warner
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sam Sperry
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gary G. Chiang
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Peggy A. Thompson
- Department of Cancer Biology, eFFECTOR Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Guangli Yang
- The Organic Synthesis Core Facility, MSK, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 11065, USA
| | - Hans-Guido Wendel
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ezra Y. Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
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Vonka P, Rarova L, Bazgier V, Tichy V, Kolarova T, Holcakova J, Berka K, Kvasnica M, Oklestkova J, Kudova E, Strnad M, Hrstka R. Small change - big consequence: The impact of C15-C16 double bond in a D‑ring of estrone on estrogen receptor activity. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 233:106365. [PMID: 37468002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ER) is a key biomarker for breast cancer, and the presence or absence of ER in breast and other hormone-dependent cancers decides treatment regimens and patient prognosis. ER is activated after ligand binding - typically by steroid. 2682 steroid compounds were used in a molecular docking study to identify novel ligands for ER and to predict compounds that may show anticancer activity. The effect of the most promising compounds was determined by a novel luciferase reporter assay. Two compounds, 7 and 12, showing ER inhibitory activity comparable to clinical inhibitors such as tamoxifen or fulvestrant were selected. We propose that the inhibitory effect of compounds 7 and 12 on ER is related to the presence of a double bond in their D-ring, which may protect against ER activation by reducing the electron density of the keto group, or may undergo metabolism leading to an active compound. Western blotting revealed that compound 12 decreased the level of ER in the breast cancer cell line MCF7, which was associated with reduced expression of both isoforms of the progesterone receptor, a well-known downstream target of ER. However, compound 12 has a different mechanism of action from fulvestrant. Furthermore, we found that compound 12 interferes with mitochondrial functions, probably by disrupting the electron transport chain, leading to induction of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway even in ER-negative breast cancer cells. In conclusion, the combination of computational and experimental methods shown here represents a rapid approach to determine the activity of compounds towards ER. Our data will not only contribute to research focused on the regulation of ER activity but may also be useful for the further development of novel steroid receptor-targeted drugs applicable in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Vonka
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Žlutý kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science of Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Rarova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Bazgier
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, třída 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Vlastimil Tichy
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Žlutý kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tamara Kolarova
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Žlutý kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Holcakova
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Žlutý kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Berka
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, třída 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Kvasnica
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science of Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Oklestkova
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science of Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry AS CR, Flemingovo náměstí 2, 166 10, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Strnad
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science of Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hrstka
- Research Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Žlutý kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Faculty of Science of Palacký University & Institute of Experimental Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, 783 71 Olomouc, Czech Republic.
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Alfaris I, Asselah J, Aziz H, Bouganim N, Mousavi N. The Cardiovascular Risks Associated with Aromatase Inhibitors, Tamoxifen, and GnRH Agonists in Women with Breast Cancer. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:145-154. [PMID: 36848014 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular disease accounts for up to 10% of all-cause mortality in women with a diagnosis of breast cancer, and the causes for this are multifaceted. Many women at risk of or with a diagnosis of breast cancer are on endocrine-modulating therapies. It is therefore important to understand the effect of hormone therapies on cardiovascular outcomes in breast cancer patients to mitigate against any adverse effects and to identify those most at risk so that they can be proactively managed. Here we discuss the pathophysiology of these agents, their effect on the cardiovascular system, and the latest evidence on their cardiovascular risks association. RECENT FINDINGS Tamoxifen appears to be cardioprotective during treatment but not over the longer term, while the effect of AIs on cardiovascular outcomes remains controversial. Heart failure outcomes remain understudied, and the cardiovascular effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists (GNRHa) in women need further research, especially since data from men with prostate cancer have indicated an increased risk of cardiac events in GNRHa users. There remains a need for a greater understanding of the effects of hormone therapies on cardiovascular outcomes in breast cancer patients. Further areas of research in this area include developing evidence to better define the optimal preventive and screening methods for cardiovascular effects and the risk factors for patients on hormonal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Alfaris
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Jamil Asselah
- Department of Oncology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Haya Aziz
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nathaniel Bouganim
- Department of Oncology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Negareh Mousavi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
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Ge Y, Zhan Z, Ye M, Jin X. The crosstalk between ubiquitination and endocrine therapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:461-486. [PMID: 36961537 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02300-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy (ET), also known as hormone therapy, refers to the treatment of tumors by regulating and changing the endocrine environment and hormone levels. Its related mechanism is mainly through reducing hormone levels and blocking the binding of hormones to corresponding receptors, thus blocking the signal transduction pathway to stimulate tumor growth. However, with the application of ET, some patients show resistance to ET, which is attributed to abnormal accumulation of hormone receptors (HRs) and the production of multiple mutants of HRs. The targeted degradation of abnormal accumulation protein mediated by ubiquitination is an important approach that regulates the protein level and function of intracellular proteins in eukaryotes. Here, we provide a brief description of the traditional and novel drugs available for ET in this review. Then, we introduce the link between ubiquitination and ET. In the end, we elaborate the clinical application of ET combined with ubiquitination-related molecules. KEY MESSAGES: • A brief description of the traditional and novel drugs available for endocrine therapy (ET). • The link between ubiquitination and ET. • The clinical application of ET combined with ubiquitination-related molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidong Ge
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Ziqing Zhan
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Meng Ye
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- The Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315010, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
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Lu Y, Sheng X, Liu C, Liang Z, Wang X, Liu L, Wen Z, Yang Z, Du Q, Liu W. SERD-NHC-Au(I) complexes for dual targeting ER and TrxR to induce ICD in breast cancer. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106731. [PMID: 36933755 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The development of selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) has brought new ideas for the clinical treatment of ER-positive advanced breast cancer. The successful application of combinational therapy inspired the exploration of other targets to prevent breast cancer progression. Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is an important enzyme that can regulate redox balance in cells and it was considered as a potential target for anticancer treatment. In this study, we firstly combine a clinical SERD candidate--G1T48 (NCT03455270), with a TrxR inhibitor--N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) [NHC-Au(I)] to form dual targeting complexes that can regulate both signaling pathways. The most efficacious complex 23 exhibited significant antiproliferative profile through degrading ER and inhibiting TrxR activity. Interestingly, it can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) caused by ROS. This is the first evidence to elucidate the role of ER/TrxR-ROS-ICD axis in ER positive breast cancer and this research may inspire new drug development with novel mechanisms. The in vivo xenograft study demonstrated that complex 23 had excellent antiproliferative activity toward MCF-7 cells in mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xinyu Sheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Zhenlin Liang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Zhenfan Wen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China
| | - Zhibin Yang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R&D, Dali University, Dali 671000, PR China
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210006, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, PR China; State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, PR China.
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Lu Y, Liu C, Wang X, Liu L, Zhao Z, Liang Z, Liu Y, Wen Z, Du Q, Liu W. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of fluorinated selective estrogen receptor degraders (FSERDs) - A promising strategy for advanced ER positive breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 253:115324. [PMID: 37019030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Although endocrine therapies involving pharmaceuticals, such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, had initially demonstrated good responses in patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, they often led to drug resistance. ER plays a vital role in the progression of metastatic diseases. Fulvestrant, a first generation selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), can effectively downregulate the ER protein and inhibit its downstream signaling pathways. However, as the drug needs to be intramuscularly injected, its widespread use is limited owing to poor patient compliance. Herein, we described a novel class of orally bioavailable fluorine-substituted SERDs that exhibit improved pharmacokinetic profiles. We substituted the hydroxyl group of clinical SERD candidate 6 with a fluorine atom to diminish phase II metabolism. The subsequent structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation identified 22h and 27b, which can effectively degrade ER in a dose-dependent manner and exhibit considerable antiproliferative potency and efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The excellent pharmacokinetic profiles of 27b render it promising candidate of clinically useful oral SERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Zhihao Zhao
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Zhenlin Liang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Yuanhao Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Zhenfan Wen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Qianming Du
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210006, PR China; School of Basic Medicine & Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China; State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Guangxi Normal University, 541004, Guilin, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, PR China.
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Lu Y, Liu W. Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs): A Promising Strategy for Estrogen Receptor Positive Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15094-15114. [PMID: 33138369 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) plays important roles in gene transcription and the proliferation of ER positive breast cancers. Selective modulation of ER has been a therapeutic target for this specific type of breast cancer for more than 30 years. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been demonstrated to be effective therapeutic approaches for ER positive breast cancers. Unfortunately, 30-50% of ER positive tumors become resistant to SERM/AI treatment after 3-5 years. Fulvestrant, the only approved selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), is currently an important therapeutic approach for the treatment of endocrine-resistant breast cancers. The poor pharmacokinetic properties of fulvestrant have inspired the development of a new generation of oral SERDs to overcome drug resistance. In this review, we describe recent advances in ERα structure, functions, and mechanisms of endocrine resistance and summarize the development of oral SERDs in both academic and industrial areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Lu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Wukun Liu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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Jeffreys SA, Powter B, Balakrishnar B, Mok K, Soon P, Franken A, Neubauer H, de Souza P, Becker TM. Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer: The Role of Estrogen Receptor Stability. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092077. [PMID: 32932819 PMCID: PMC7564140 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy of hormone receptor positive breast cancer (BCa) generally targets estrogen receptor (ER) function and signaling by reducing estrogen production or by blocking its interaction with the ER. Despite good long-term responses, resistance to treatment remains a significant issue, with approximately 40% of BCa patients developing resistance to ET. Mutations in the gene encoding ERα, ESR1, have been identified in BCa patients and are implicated as drivers of resistance and disease recurrence. Understanding the molecular consequences of these mutations on ER protein levels and its activity, which is tightly regulated, is vital. ER activity is in part controlled via its short protein half-life and therefore changes to its stability, either through mutations or alterations in pathways involved in protein stability, may play a role in therapy resistance. Understanding these connections and how ESR1 alterations could affect protein stability may identify novel biomarkers of resistance. This review explores the current reported data regarding posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of the ER and the potential impact of known resistance associated ESR1 mutations on ER regulation by affecting these PTMs in the context of ET resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Jeffreys
- Centre for Circulating Tumour Cells Diagnostics & Research, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.P.); (P.S.); (A.F.); (P.d.S.); (T.M.B.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-873-89022
| | - Branka Powter
- Centre for Circulating Tumour Cells Diagnostics & Research, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.P.); (P.S.); (A.F.); (P.d.S.); (T.M.B.)
| | - Bavanthi Balakrishnar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Kelly Mok
- Department of Medical Oncology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Patsy Soon
- Centre for Circulating Tumour Cells Diagnostics & Research, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.P.); (P.S.); (A.F.); (P.d.S.); (T.M.B.)
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Bankstown NSW 2200, Australia
| | - André Franken
- Centre for Circulating Tumour Cells Diagnostics & Research, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.P.); (P.S.); (A.F.); (P.d.S.); (T.M.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Hans Neubauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
| | - Paul de Souza
- Centre for Circulating Tumour Cells Diagnostics & Research, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.P.); (P.S.); (A.F.); (P.d.S.); (T.M.B.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.B.); (K.M.)
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Therese M. Becker
- Centre for Circulating Tumour Cells Diagnostics & Research, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia; (B.P.); (P.S.); (A.F.); (P.d.S.); (T.M.B.)
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown NSW 2560, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia
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9
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Ishii H, Hattori Y, Ozawa H. Identification of a novel C-terminally truncated estrogen receptor α variant (ERαi34) with constitutive transactivation and estrogen receptor antagonist resistance. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 503:110693. [PMID: 31881246 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Constitutively active estrogen receptor α (ERα) variants with C-terminal truncation are candidate molecules for gain of both endocrine- and chemotherapy-resistance in estrogen-sensitive tumors. Our previous reports using artificially truncated ERα constructs demonstrated that ERα variants encoded in 1-2-3-cryptic exon- and 1-2-3-4-cryptic exon-types of transcripts have potentials to display constitutive transactivation of an estrogen response element reporter. However, naturally occurring 1-2-3-cryptic exon-type ERα variants have not been cloned yet. Therefore, the present study was designed to identify naturally occurring ERα variants encoded in 1-2-3-cryptic exon-type ERα transcripts. We cloned a novel C-terminally truncated ERα variant (ERαi34) encoded in a 1-2-3-i34 transcript from MCF-7 cells and characterized its constitutive and ER antagonist-resistant transactivation in transfected cells. Stable transfection of the variant into MCF-7 cells augmented basal cell proliferation insensitive to fulvestrant. Collectively, we validated the structure-based mechanisms underlying constitutive and ER antagonist-resistant transactivation by C-terminally truncated ERα variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Yujiro Hattori
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
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10
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Long-term exposure to carcinoma-associated fibroblasts makes breast cancer cells addictive to integrin β1. Oncotarget 2018; 9:22079-22094. [PMID: 29774124 PMCID: PMC5955132 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the long-term effect of stromal factors on the development of fulvestrant-resistance (FR) and fulvestrant-induced dormancy (D). Sublines established from stroma-treated FR-cells (C-FR cells) and D-cells (C-D cells) show permanently high expression of integrin β1 as well as Bcl-3 and P-STAT3 (C-FR) or IGF1R (C-D). Yet, cells fail to withstand fulvestrant better and do not migrate or grow faster than control cells. Instead, C-D cells rely on stromal factors to perform as well as control cells. In addition, C-FR cells adapted to integrin β1 for growth in 3D cultures. These data suggest that long-term exposure to stromal factors leads to addiction rather than better performance in cellular activities. We also found that morphologically distinct breast cancer cell line subpopulations share key responses to stromal factors suggesting that intratumoral heterogeneity may play a minor role in the interaction between breast cancer and stromal cells.
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11
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Tecalco-Cruz AC. Molecular pathways involved in the transport of nuclear receptors from the nucleus to cytoplasm. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:36-44. [PMID: 29107180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are transcription regulators that direct the expression of many genes linked to cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Additionally, some cellular events are also modulated by signaling pathways induced by NRs outside of the nucleus. Hence, the subcellular transport of NRs is dynamic and is modulated by several signals, protein-protein interactions, and posttranslational modifications. Particularly, the exit of NRs from the nucleus to cytoplasm and/or other compartments is transcendental, as it is this export event, which determines their abundance in the cells' compartments, the activation or attenuation of nuclear or extranuclear pathways, and the magnitude and duration of their effects inside or outside of the nucleus. Consequently, an adequate control of the distribution of NRs is critical for homeostasis, because a deregulation in the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of NRs could be involved in diseases including cancer as well as metabolic and vascular alterations. In this review, we investigated the pathways and molecular and biological aspects that have been described for the nuclear export of NRs so far and their functional relevance in some diseases. This information suggests that the transport of NRs out of the nucleus is a key mechanism for the identification of new therapeutic targets for alterations associated with the deregulation of the function of NRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles C Tecalco-Cruz
- Programa de Investigación de Cáncer de Mama, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo Postal, D.F. 04510, Mexico.
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12
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Abstract
The field of medical oncology is experiencing a period of rapid evolution owing to advances in the fields of genomics, tumor biology, and immunology. These disciplines have provided valuable insights into the heterogeneity between breast tumors, key oncogenic drivers, and the role of the immune system in the natural history of breast cancer. This knowledge is translating into many novel therapeutic strategies using personalized medicines, targeted drug delivery systems, and immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of both the early and metastatic stages of the disease. This review article attempts to cover the major developments in experimental therapeutics and how they relate to our understanding of breast cancer and its various biologic subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Cox
- From the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Brandon Alford
- From the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hatem Soliman
- From the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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13
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Nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of estrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer cells. Cell Signal 2017; 34:121-132. [PMID: 28341599 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 70% cases of breast cancers exhibit high expression and activity levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), a transcription regulator that induces the expression of genes associated with cellular proliferation and survival. These nuclear functions of the receptor are associated with the development of breast cancer. However, ERα localization is not static, but rather, dynamic with continuous shuttling between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Interestingly, both the nuclear import and export of ERα are modulated by several stimuli that include estradiol, antiestrogens, and growth factors. As ERα nuclear accumulation is critical to the regulation of gene expression, nuclear export of this receptor modulates the intensity and duration of its transcriptional activity. Thus, the subcellular spatial distribution of ERα ensures tight modulation of its concentration in cellular compartments, as well as of its nuclear and extranuclear functions. In this review, we will discuss current findings regarding the biological importance of molecular mechanisms of, and proteins responsible for, the nuclear import and export of ERα in breast cancer cells.
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14
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Traboulsi T, El Ezzy M, Gleason JL, Mader S. Antiestrogens: structure-activity relationships and use in breast cancer treatment. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 58:R15-R31. [PMID: 27729460 PMCID: PMC5148801 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
About 70% of breast tumors express estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which mediates the proliferative effects of estrogens on breast epithelial cells, and are candidates for treatment with antiestrogens, steroidal or non-steroidal molecules designed to compete with estrogens and antagonize ERs. The variable patterns of activity of antiestrogens (AEs) in estrogen target tissues and the lack of systematic cross-resistance between different types of molecules have provided evidence for different mechanisms of action. AEs are typically classified as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which display tissue-specific partial agonist activity (e.g. tamoxifen and raloxifene), or as pure AEs (e.g. fulvestrant), which enhance ERα post-translational modification by ubiquitin-like molecules and accelerate its proteasomal degradation. Characterization of second- and third-generation AEs, however, suggests the induction of diverse ERα structural conformations, resulting in variable degrees of receptor downregulation and different patterns of systemic properties in animal models and in the clinic.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal/therapeutic use
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/mortality
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Estrogen Antagonists/chemistry
- Estrogen Antagonists/pharmacology
- Estrogen Antagonists/therapeutic use
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/chemistry
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Conformation
- Molecular Structure
- Mutation
- Protein Binding
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- Receptors, Estrogen/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Estrogen/chemistry
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/chemistry
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/pharmacology
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/therapeutic use
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- T Traboulsi
- Institute for Research in Immunology and CancerUniversité de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversité de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - M El Ezzy
- Institute for Research in Immunology and CancerUniversité de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - J L Gleason
- Department of ChemistryMcGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - S Mader
- Institute for Research in Immunology and CancerUniversité de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular MedicineUniversité de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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