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Sztankovics D, Moldvai D, Petővári G, Dankó T, Szalai F, Miyaura R, Varga V, Nagy N, Papp G, Pápay J, Krencz I, Sebestyén A. mTOR hyperactivity and RICTOR amplification as targets for personalized treatments in malignancies. Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611643. [PMID: 38515456 PMCID: PMC10954904 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The increasing knowledge of molecular alterations in malignancies, including mutations and regulatory failures in the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) signaling pathway, highlights the importance of mTOR hyperactivity as a validated target in common and rare malignancies. This review summarises recent findings on the characterization and prognostic role of mTOR kinase complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) activity regarding differences in their function, structure, regulatory mechanisms, and inhibitor sensitivity. We have recently identified new tumor types with RICTOR (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR) amplification and associated mTORC2 hyperactivity as useful potential targets for developing targeted therapies in lung cancer and other newly described malignancies. The activity of mTOR complexes is recommended to be assessed and considered in cancers before mTOR inhibitor therapy, as current first-generation mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin and analogs) can be ineffective in the presence of mTORC2 hyperactivity. We have introduced and proposed a marker panel to determine tissue characteristics of mTOR activity in biopsy specimens, patient materials, and cell lines. Ongoing phase trials of new inhibitors and combination therapies are promising in advanced-stage patients selected by genetic alterations, molecular markers, and/or protein expression changes in the mTOR signaling pathway. Hopefully, the summarized results, our findings, and the suggested characterization of mTOR activity will support therapeutic decisions.
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Sztankovics D, Krencz I, Moldvai D, Dankó T, Nagy Á, Nagy N, Bedics G, Rókusz A, Papp G, Tőkés AM, Pápay J, Sápi Z, Dezső K, Bödör C, Sebestyén A. Novel RICTOR amplification harbouring entities: FISH validation of RICTOR amplification in tumour tissue after next-generation sequencing. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19610. [PMID: 37949943 PMCID: PMC10638425 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in mTOR signalling molecules, including RICTOR amplification, have been previously described in many cancers, particularly associated with poor prognosis. In this study, RICTOR copy number variation (CNV) results of diagnostic next-generation sequencing (NGS) were analysed in 420 various human malignant tissues. RICTOR amplification was tested by Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) and validated using the "gold standard" fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Additionally, the consequences of Rictor protein expression were also studied by immunohistochemistry. RICTOR amplification was presumed in 37 cases with CNV ≥ 3 by NGS, among these, 16 cases (16/420; 3.8%) could be validated by FISH, however, ddPCR confirmed only 11 RICTOR-amplified cases with lower sensitivity. Based on these, neither NGS nor ddPCR could replace traditional FISH in proof of RICTOR amplification. However, NGS could be beneficial to highlight potential RICTOR-amplified cases. The obtained results of the 14 different tumour types with FISH-validated RICTOR amplification demonstrate the importance of RICTOR amplification in a broad spectrum of tumours. The newly described RICTOR-amplified entities could initiate further collaborative studies with larger cohorts to analyse the prevalence of RICTOR amplification in rare diseases. Finally, our and further work could help to improve and expand future therapeutic opportunities for mTOR-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dániel Sztankovics
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Krencz
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Moldvai
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Titanilla Dankó
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Nagy
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Nagy
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Bedics
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Rókusz
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergő Papp
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna-Mária Tőkés
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 93, 1091, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Pápay
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Sápi
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Dezső
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bödör
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Sebestyén
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085, Budapest, Hungary.
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Mozaffari MS, Abdelsayed R, Emami S, Kavuri S. Expression profiles of glucocorticoid-inducible proteins in human papilloma virus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2023; 4:1285139. [PMID: 37954869 PMCID: PMC10634427 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2023.1285139] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Human papillomavirus virus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) comprises a significant portion of head and neck cancers. Several glucocorticoid-inducible proteins play important roles in pathogenesis of some cancers but their status and roles in HPV-OPSCC remain elusive; these include the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ), Annexin-A1 and serum glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK-1). Methods We determined expression profiles of these proteins, using immunohistochemistry, in archived biopsy samples of patients diagnosed with HPV-OPSCC; samples of non-cancer oral lesions (e.g., hyperkeratosis) were used as controls. Results GILZ staining was primarily confined to nuclei of all tissues but, in HPV-OPSCC specimens, neoplastic cells exhibiting mitosis displayed prominent cytoplasmic GILZ expression. On the other hand, nuclear, cytoplasmic and membranous Annexin-A1 staining was observed in suprabasal cell layers of control specimens. A noted feature of the HPV-OPSCC specimens was few clusters of matured and differentiated nonbasaloid cells that showed prominent nuclear and cytoplasmic Annexin-A1 staining while the remainder of the tumor mass was devoid of staining. Cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for SGK-1 was prominent for control than PV-OPSCC specimens while staining for phosphorylated SGK-1 (pSGK-1; active) was prominent for cell membrane and cytoplasm of control specimens but HPV-OPSCC specimens showed mild and patchy nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. Semi-quantitative analysis of GILZ immunostaining indicated increased staining area but similar normalized staining for HPV-OPSCC compared to control specimens. By contrast, staining area and normalized staining were reduced for other proteins in HPV-OPSCC than control specimens. Discussion Our collective observations suggest differential cellular localization and expression of glucocorticoid-inducible proteins in HPV-OPSCC suggestive of different functional roles in pathogenesis of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood S. Mozaffari
- Departmentof Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Rafik Abdelsayed
- Departmentof Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Sahar Emami
- Departmentof Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Sravan Kavuri
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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Mozaffari MS, Abdelsayed R. Expression Profiles of GILZ and SGK-1 in Potentially Malignant and Malignant Human Oral Lesions. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:675288. [PMID: 35048019 PMCID: PMC8757717 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.675288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper and serum-glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK-1) are major glucocorticoid-inducible proteins. Recent studies indicate the local production of cortisol in oral mucosa, which can impact the tissue generation of glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and SGK-1. Furthermore, GILZ and SGK-1 play pathogenic roles in a variety of cancers, but their status in potentially malignant (e.g., epithelial dysplasia) or malignant oral lesions remains unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that expression profiles of GILZ and SGK-1, along with the phosphorylated (active) form of SGK-1 (pSGK-1), are different in epithelial dysplasia than squamous cell carcinoma. Accordingly, archived paraffin-embedded biopsy samples were subjected to immunohistochemistry to establish tissue localization and the profile of proteins of interest, while hematoxylin-eosin stained tissues were used for histopathological assessment. Based on histopathological examinations, tissue specimens were categorized as displaying mild-moderate or severe epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma; benign keratosis specimens served as controls. All the tissue specimens showed staining for SGK-1 and pSGK-1; however, while SGK-1 staining was primarily cytoplasmic, pSGK-1 was mainly confined to the cell membrane. On the other hand, all the tissue specimens displayed primarily nuclear staining for GILZ. A semi-quantitative analysis of immunohistochemistry staining indicates increased GILZ expression in epithelial dysplasia but reversal in squamous cell carcinoma to a level seen for benign keratosis. On the other hand, the SGK-1 and pSGK-1 expressions decreased for squamous cell carcinoma specimens compared with benign keratosis or dysplastic specimens. Collectively, in this cross-sectional study, immunostaining patterns for proteins of interest do not seemingly differentiate epithelial dysplasia from squamous cell carcinoma. However, subcellular localization and expression profiles for GILZ, SGK-1, and pSGK-1 are suggestive of differential functional roles in dysplastic or malignant oral lesions compared with benign keratosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood S Mozaffari
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Rafik Abdelsayed
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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Sebestyén A, Dankó T, Sztankovics D, Moldvai D, Raffay R, Cervi C, Krencz I, Zsiros V, Jeney A, Petővári G. The role of metabolic ecosystem in cancer progression — metabolic plasticity and mTOR hyperactivity in tumor tissues. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 40:989-1033. [PMID: 35029792 PMCID: PMC8825419 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite advancements in cancer management, tumor relapse and metastasis are associated with poor outcomes in many cancers. Over the past decade, oncogene-driven carcinogenesis, dysregulated cellular signaling networks, dynamic changes in the tissue microenvironment, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, protein expression within regulatory pathways, and their part in tumor progression are described in several studies. However, the complexity of metabolic enzyme expression is considerably under evaluated. Alterations in cellular metabolism determine the individual phenotype and behavior of cells, which is a well-recognized hallmark of cancer progression, especially in the adaptation mechanisms underlying therapy resistance. In metabolic symbiosis, cells compete, communicate, and even feed each other, supervised by tumor cells. Metabolic reprogramming forms a unique fingerprint for each tumor tissue, depending on the cellular content and genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental alterations of the developing cancer. Based on its sensing and effector functions, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is considered the master regulator of metabolic adaptation. Moreover, mTOR kinase hyperactivity is associated with poor prognosis in various tumor types. In situ metabolic phenotyping in recent studies highlights the importance of metabolic plasticity, mTOR hyperactivity, and their role in tumor progression. In this review, we update recent developments in metabolic phenotyping of the cancer ecosystem, metabolic symbiosis, and plasticity which could provide new research directions in tumor biology. In addition, we suggest pathomorphological and analytical studies relating to metabolic alterations, mTOR activity, and their associations which are necessary to improve understanding of tumor heterogeneity and expand the therapeutic management of cancer.
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Stergiou IE, Chatzis L, Papanikolaou A, Giannouli S, Tzioufas AG, Voulgarelis M, Kapsogeorgou EK. Akt Signaling Pathway Is Activated in the Minor Salivary Glands of Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413441. [PMID: 34948236 PMCID: PMC8709495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413441] [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] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy of mainly the salivary and lacrimal glands associated with high prevalence of lymphoma. Akt is a phosphoinositide-dependent serine/threonine kinase, controlling numerous pathological processes, including oncogenesis and autoimmunity. Herein, we sought to examine its implication in pSS pathogenesis and related lymphomagenesis. The expression of the entire and activated forms of Akt (partially and fully activated: phosphorylated at threonine-308 (T308) and serine-473 (S473), respectively), and two of its substrates, the proline-rich Akt-substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40) and FoxO1 transcription factor has been immunohistochemically examined in minor salivary glands (MSG) of pSS patients (n = 29; including 9 with pSS-associated lymphoma) and sicca-complaining controls (sicca-controls; n = 10). The entire and phosphorylated Akt, PRAS40, and FoxO1 molecules were strongly, uniformly expressed in the MSG epithelia and infiltrating mononuclear cells of pSS patients, but not sicca-controls. Morphometric analysis revealed that the staining intensity of the fully activated phospho-Akt-S473 in pSS patients (with or without lymphoma) was significantly higher than sicca-controls. Akt pathway activation was independent from the extent or proximity of infiltrates, as well as other disease features, including lymphoma. Our findings support that the Akt pathway is specifically activated in MSGs of pSS patients, revealing novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (L.C.); (A.G.T.); (M.V.)
| | - Loukas Chatzis
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (L.C.); (A.G.T.); (M.V.)
| | | | - Stavroula Giannouli
- Hematology Unit, Second Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios G. Tzioufas
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (L.C.); (A.G.T.); (M.V.)
| | - Michael Voulgarelis
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (L.C.); (A.G.T.); (M.V.)
| | - Efstathia K. Kapsogeorgou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (L.C.); (A.G.T.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-746-2670
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase-1 (SGK1) belonging to the AGC protein kinase family phosphorylates serine and threonine residues of target proteins. It regulates numerous ion channels and transporters and promotes survival under cellular stress. Unique to SGK1 is a tight control at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. SGK1 regulates multiple signal transduction pathways related to tumor development. Several studies have reported that SGK1 is upregulated in different types of human malignancies and induces resistance against inhibitors, drugs, and targeted therapies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION This review highlights the cellular functions of SGK1, its crucial role in cancer development, and clinical insights for SGK1 targeted therapies. Furthermore, the role of SGK1-mediated autophagy as a potential therapeutic target for cancer has been discussed.
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Sang Y, Kong P, Zhang S, Zhang L, Cao Y, Duan X, Sun T, Tao Z, Liu W. SGK1 in Human Cancer: Emerging Roles and Mechanisms. Front Oncol 2021; 10:608722. [PMID: 33542904 PMCID: PMC7851074 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.608722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 1 (SGK1) is a member of the "AGC" subfamily of protein kinases, which shares structural and functional similarities with the AKT family of kinases and displays serine/threonine kinase activity. Aberrant expression of SGK1 has profound cellular consequences and is closely correlated with human cancer. SGK1 is considered a canonical factor affecting the expression and signal transduction of multiple genes involved in the genesis and development of many human cancers. Abnormal expression of SGK1 has been found in tissue and may hopefully become a useful indicator of cancer progression. In addition, SGK1 acts as a prognostic factor for cancer patient survival. This review systematically summarizes and discusses the role of SGK1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of diverse cancer types; focuses on its essential roles and functions in tumorigenesis, cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, autophagy, metabolism, and therapy resistance and in the tumor microenvironment; and finally summarizes the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of SGK1 at the molecular level. Taken together, this evidence highlights the crucial role of SGK1 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, revealing why it has emerged as a potential target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Sang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Piaoping Kong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shizhen Zhang
- The Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingyu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiuzhi Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Tao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Tsuchihashi H, Naruse T, Yanamoto S, Okuyama K, Furukawa K, Omori K, Umeda M. Selective inhibition of PI3K110α as a novel therapeutic strategy for cetuximab‑resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:863-872. [PMID: 32705230 PMCID: PMC7388413 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High expression of the 110 kDa catalytic subunit of the class IA PI3K (PI3Kp110α) may play an important role in cetuximab resistance exhibited by both colorectal cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between the expression of proteins in the PI3Kp110α pathway and cetuximab resistance, and the antitumor effects of alpelisib (PI3K inhibitor) and cetuximab in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. The association between PI3Kp110α protein expression levels and the tumor response to cetuximab was determined using immunohistochemistry. OSCC cells were treated with alpelisib, cetuximab, or in combination, and the effects were examined in vitro and in vivo. PI3Kp110α protein expression was significantly associated with the tumor response to cetuximab (P<0.05) and 1-year progression-free survival and overall survival (P<0.05). Combined treatment of alpelisib and cetuximab resulted in enhanced antitumor effects in vitro compared with either agent administered alone. In particular, the expression level of N-cadherin, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related protein, was decreased, suggesting that the invasion potential of cetuximab-resistant cells decreased. Furthermore, the expression of proteins in the PI3K pathway were decreased in tumors from mice with OSCC xenografts treated with alpelisib and cetuximab in combination. These results indicate that novel regimens of systemic therapy (such as chemotherapy), with combinations of cetuximab and alpelisib, may be beneficial for patients with cetuximab-resistant OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tsuchihashi
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Naruse
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Kohei Okuyama
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Kohei Furukawa
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Keisuke Omori
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Masahiro Umeda
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
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Irelli A, Sirufo MM, Scipioni T, De Pietro F, Pancotti A, Ginaldi L, De Martinis M. mTOR Links Tumor Immunity and Bone Metabolism: What are the Clinical Implications? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235841. [PMID: 31766386 PMCID: PMC6928935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a crucial role in the control of cellular growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, angiogenesis, transcription, and translation. In most human cancers, alterations to this pathway are common and cause activation of other downstream signaling pathways linked with oncogenesis. The mTOR pathway modulates the interactions between the stroma and the tumor, thereby affecting both tumor immunity and angiogenesis. Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer, playing a central role in the tumor dynamics, and immune cells can exert antitumor functions or promote the growth of cancer cells. In this context, mTOR may regulate the activity of macrophages and T cells by regulating the expression of cytokines/chemokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF-β), and/or membrane receptors, such as cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA-4) and Programmed Death 1 (PD-1). Furthermore, inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin are demonstrated to actively modulate osteoclastogenesis, exert antiapoptotic and pro-differentiative activities in osteoclasts, and reduce the number of lytic bone metastases, increasing bone mass in tumor-bearing mice. With regard to the many actions in which mTOR is involved, the aim of this review is to describe its role in the immune system and bone metabolism in an attempt to identify the best strategy for therapeutic opportunities in the metastatic phase of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Irelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.I.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Sirufo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Teresa Scipioni
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.I.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Francesca De Pietro
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Amedeo Pancotti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (A.I.); (T.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Lia Ginaldi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo De Martinis
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (M.M.S.); (F.D.P.); (L.G.)
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Center for the diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis, AUSL 04 Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-08-6142-9548; Fax: +39-08-6121-1395
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Gkountakos A, Pilotto S, Mafficini A, Vicentini C, Simbolo M, Milella M, Tortora G, Scarpa A, Bria E, Corbo V. Unmasking the impact of Rictor in cancer: novel insights of mTORC2 complex. Carcinogenesis 2019; 39:971-980. [PMID: 29955840 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic alterations affecting components of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway are found rather frequently in cancers, suggesting that aberrant pathway activity is implicated in oncogenesis of different tumor types. mTOR functions as the core catalytic kinase of two distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), which control numerous vital cellular processes. There is growing evidence indicating that Rictor, an essential subunit of the mTORC2 complex, is inappropriately overexpressed across numerous cancer types and this is associated with poor survival. To date, the candidate mechanisms responsible for aberrant Rictor expression described in cancer are two: (i) gene amplification and (ii) epigenetic regulation, mainly by microRNAs. Moreover, different mTOR-independent Rictor-containing complexes with oncogenic role have been documented, revealing alternative routes of Rictor-driven tumorigenesis, but simultaneously, paving the way for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, we review the main preclinical and clinical data regarding the role of Rictor in carcinogenesis and metastatic behavior as well as the potentiality of its alteration as a target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Gkountakos
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- Medical Oncology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Mafficini
- ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Caterina Vicentini
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Simbolo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology Section, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,ARC-NET Applied Research on Cancer Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Moraes JKD, Wagner VP, Fonseca FP, Amaral‐Silva GKD, de Farias CB, Pilar EFS, Gregianin L, Roesler R, Vargas PA, Martins MD. Activation of BDNF/TrkB/Akt pathway is associated with aggressiveness and unfavorable survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2019; 25:1925-1936. [DOI: 10.1111/odi.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Kern de Moraes
- Department of Oral Diagnosis Piracicaba Dental School University of Campinas Piracicaba Brazil
| | - Vivian Petersen Wagner
- Department of Oral Diagnosis Piracicaba Dental School University of Campinas Piracicaba Brazil
| | - Felipe Paiva Fonseca
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology School of Dentistry Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Brunetto de Farias
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory Experimental Research Center Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Emily Ferreira Salles Pilar
- Experimental Pathology Unit Clinics Hospital of Porto Alegre Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Lauro Gregianin
- Children’s Cancer Institute Porto Alegre Brazil
- Pediatric Oncology Service Clinical Hospital Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory Experimental Research Center Porto Alegre Clinical Hospital Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
- Children’s Cancer Institute Porto Alegre Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology Institute for Basic Health Sciences Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Pablo Agustin Vargas
- Department of Oral Diagnosis Piracicaba Dental School University of Campinas Piracicaba Brazil
| | - Manoela Domingues Martins
- Department of Oral Diagnosis Piracicaba Dental School University of Campinas Piracicaba Brazil
- Experimental Pathology Unit Clinics Hospital of Porto Alegre Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
- Department of Oral Pathology School of Dentistry Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
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13
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Ruicci KM, Plantinga P, Pinto N, Khan MI, Stecho W, Dhaliwal SS, Yoo J, Fung K, MacNeil D, Mymryk JS, Barrett JW, Howlett CJ, Nichols AC. Disruption of the RICTOR/mTORC2 complex enhances the response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells to PI3K inhibition. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:2160-2177. [PMID: 31393061 PMCID: PMC6763779 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is aberrantly activated in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis by driving Akt signaling, leading to cell survival and proliferation. Phosphorylation of Akt Thr308 by PI3K-PDK1 and Akt Ser473 by mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) activates Akt. Targeted inhibition of PI3K is a major area of preclinical and clinical investigation as it reduces Akt Thr308 phosphorylation, suppressing downstream mTORC1 activity. However, inhibition of mTORC1 releases feedback inhibition of mTORC2, resulting in a resurgence of Akt activation mediated by mTORC2. While the role of PI3K-activated Akt signaling is well established in HNSCC, the significance of mTORC2-driven Akt signaling has not been thoroughly examined. Here we explore the expression and function of mTORC2 and its obligate subunit RICTOR in HNSCC primary tumors and cell lines. We find RICTOR to be overexpressed in a subset of HNSCC tumors, including those with PIK3CA or EGFR gene amplifications. Whereas overexpression of RICTOR reduced susceptibility of HNSCC tumor cells to PI3K inhibition, genetic ablation of RICTOR using CRISPR/Cas9 sensitized cells to PI3K inhibition, as well as to EGFR inhibition and cisplatin treatment. Further, mTORC2 disruption led to reduced viability and colony forming abilities of HNSCC cells relative to their parental lines and induced loss of both activating Akt phosphorylation modifications (Thr308 and Ser473). Taken together, our findings establish RICTOR/mTORC2 as a critical oncogenic complex in HNSCC and rationalize the development of an mTORC2-specific inhibitor for use in HNSCC, either combined with agents already under investigation, or as an independent therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara M. Ruicci
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Paul Plantinga
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Nicole Pinto
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Mohammed I. Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - William Stecho
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Sandeep S. Dhaliwal
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - John Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Kevin Fung
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Danielle MacNeil
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Joe S. Mymryk
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - John W. Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Christopher J. Howlett
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Anthony C. Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
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