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Zheng W, Yuan H, Fu Y, Deng G, Zheng X, Xu L, Fan H, Jiang W, Yu X. An effective two-stage NMBzA-induced rat esophageal tumor model revealing that the FAT-Hippo-YAP1 axis drives the progression of ESCC. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216813. [PMID: 38499266 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Rat model of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBzA)-induced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is routinely used to study ESCC initiation, progression and new therapeutic strategies. However, the model is time-consuming and malignant tumor incidences are low. Here, we report the usage of multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib as a tumor promoter to establish an efficient two-stage NMBzA-induced rat ESCC carcinogenesis model, resulting in increments of tumor incidences and shortened tumor formation times. By establishing the model and applying whole-genome sequencing, we discover that benign papillomas and malignant ESCCs harbor most of the "driver" events found in rat ESCCs (e.g. recurrent mutations in Ras family, the Hippo and Notch pathways and histone modifier genes) and the mutational landscapes of rat and human ESCCs overlap extensively. We generate tumor cell lines derived from NMBzA-induced papillomas and ESCCs, showing that papilloma cells retain more characteristics of normal epithelial cells than carcinoma cells, especially their exhibitions of normal rat cell karyotypes and inabilities of forming tumors in immunodeficient mice. Three-dimensional (3-D) organoid cultures and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) indicate that, when compared to control- and papilloma-organoids, ESCC-organoids display salient abnormalities at tissue and single-cell levels. Multi-omic analyses indicate that NMBzA-induced rat ESCCs are accompanied by progressive hyperactivations of the FAT-Hippo-YAP1 axis and siRNA or inhibitors of YAP1 block the growth of rat ESCCs. Taken together, these studies provide a framework of using an effective rat ESCC model to investigate multilevel functional genomics of ESCC carcinogenesis, which justify targeting YAP1 as a therapeutic strategy for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuxia Fu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xuejing Zheng
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hongjun Fan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Xiying Yu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Zheng S, He S, Liang Y, Tan Y, Liu Q, Liu T, Lu X. Understanding PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in squamous cell carcinoma: mutated PIK3CA as an example. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:13. [PMID: 38616230 PMCID: PMC11016524 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with those in adenocarcinoma, PIK3CA mutations are more common in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which arises from stratified squamous epithelia that are usually exposed to adverse environmental factors. Although hotspot mutations in exons 9 and 20 of PIK3CA, including E542K, E545K, H1047L and H1047R, are frequently encountered in the clinic, their clinicopathological meaning remains to be determined in the context of SCC. Considering that few reviews on PIK3CA mutations in SCC are available in the literature, we undertook this review to shed light on the clinical significance of PIK3CA mutations, mainly regarding the implications and ramifications of PIK3CA mutations in malignant cell behavior, prognosis, relapse or recurrence and chemo- or radioresistance of SCC. It should be noted that only those studies regarding SCC in which PIK3CA was mutated were cherry-picked, which fell within the scope of this review. However, the role of mutated PIK3CA in adenocarcinoma has not been discussed. In addition, mutations occurring in other main members of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway other than PIK3CA were also excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo He
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiyi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, People's Republic of China.
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Kumai T, Shinomiya H, Shibata H, Takahashi H, Kishikawa T, Okada R, Fujieda S, Sakashita M. Translational research in head and neck cancer: Molecular and immunological updates. Auris Nasus Larynx 2024; 51:391-400. [PMID: 37640594 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a poor prognosis. Each year, approximately 880,000 patients are newly diagnosed with HNSCC worldwide, and 450,000 patients with HNSCC die. Risk factors for developing HNSCC have been identified, with cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and viral infections being the major factors. Owing to the prevalence of human papillomavirus infection, the number of HNSCC cases is increasing considerably. Surgery and chemoradiotherapy are the primary treatments for HNSCC. With advancements in tumor biology, patients are eligible for novel treatment modalities, namely targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and photoimmunotherapy. Because this area of research has rapidly progressed, clinicians should understand the basic biology of HNSCC to choose an appropriate therapy in the upcoming era of personalized medicine. This review summarized recent developments in tumor biology, focusing on epidemiology, genetic/epigenetic factors, the tumor microenvironment, microbiota, immunity, and photoimmunotherapy in HNSCC, as well as how these findings can be translated into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kumai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Midorigaoka-Higashi 2-1-1-1, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Shinomiya
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Hirofumi Shibata
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Takahashi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Toshihiro Kishikawa
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Ryuhei Okada
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shigeharu Fujieda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Masafumi Sakashita
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
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Rodrigo JP, Rodríguez-Santamarta T, Corte D, García-de-la-Fuente V, Rodríguez-Torres N, Lequerica-Fernández P, Lorz C, García-Pedrero JM, de Vicente JC. Hippo-YAP signaling activation and cross-talk with PI3K in oral cancer: A retrospective cohort study. Oral Dis 2024; 30:149-162. [PMID: 35951471 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the clinical and prognostic relevance of the Hippo-YAP transactivators YAP1 and TAZ in oral squamous cell carcinoma, and their possible relationship with PI3K/mTOR pathway activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis of YAP1, TAZ, PIK3CA (p110α), p-AKT (Ser473), and p-S6 (Ser235) was performed in paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 165 OSCC patients. Correlations between protein expression and clinical data were further assessed. RESULTS YAP1 expression was detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells, whereas TAZ expression was only found in the nucleus. Nuclear YAP1 was significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.03), neck lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02), TNM stage (p = 0.02), and poor differentiation (p = 0.04). Nuclear TAZ was associated with tobacco (p = 0.03) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.04), and poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.04). There was a positive significant correlation between nuclear and cytoplasmic YAP1, nuclear TAZ, p110α expression, and mTORC1 activation p-S6 (S235). Combined expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic YAP1 was prognostic in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Active nuclear YAP1 was significantly and independently associated with poor disease-specific (p = 0.005, HR = 2.520; 95% CI = 1.319-4.816) and overall survival (p = 0.015, HR = 2.126; 95% CI = 1.155-3.916). CONCLUSION Nuclear YAP1 is an independent predictor of poor survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Rodrigo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tania Rodríguez-Santamarta
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Daniela Corte
- Tumor Biobank Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Vanessa García-de-la-Fuente
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nerea Rodríguez-Torres
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paloma Lequerica-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Corina Lorz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain
- Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C de Vicente
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), Oviedo, Spain
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Montoro-Jiménez I, Granda-Díaz R, Menéndez ST, Prieto-Fernández L, Otero-Rosales M, Álvarez-González M, García-de-la-Fuente V, Rodríguez A, Rodrigo JP, Álvarez-Teijeiro S, García-Pedrero JM, Hermida-Prado F. Combined PIK3CA and SOX2 Gene Amplification Predicts Laryngeal Cancer Risk beyond Histopathological Grading. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2695. [PMID: 38473941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The PIK3CA and SOX2 genes map at 3q26, a chromosomal region frequently amplified in head and neck cancers, which is associated with poor prognosis. This study explores the clinical significance of PIK3CA and SOX2 gene amplification in early tumorigenesis. Gene copy number was analyzed by real-time PCR in 62 laryngeal precancerous lesions and correlated with histopathological grading and laryngeal cancer risk. Amplification of the SOX2 and PIK3CA genes was frequently detected in 19 (31%) and 32 (52%) laryngeal dysplasias, respectively, and co-amplification in 18 (29%) cases. The PIK3CA and SOX2 amplifications were predominant in high-grade dysplasias and significantly associated with laryngeal cancer risk beyond histological criteria. Multivariable Cox analysis further revealed PIK3CA gene amplification as an independent predictor of laryngeal cancer development. Interestingly, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification allowed us to distinguish three cancer risk subgroups, and PIK3CA and SOX2 co-amplification was found the strongest predictor by ROC analysis. Our data demonstrate the clinical relevance of PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification in early laryngeal tumorigenesis. Remarkably, PIK3CA amplification was found to be an independent cancer predictor. Furthermore, combined PIK3CA and SOX2 amplification is emerging as a valuable and easy-to-implement tool for cancer risk assessment in patients with laryngeal precancerous lesions beyond current WHO histological grading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Montoro-Jiménez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Granda-Díaz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofía T Menéndez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Llara Prieto-Fernández
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Otero-Rosales
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Álvarez-González
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Vanessa García-de-la-Fuente
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aida Rodríguez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan P Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saúl Álvarez-Teijeiro
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juana M García-Pedrero
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Hermida-Prado
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Juan A, Segrelles C, del Campo-Balguerías A, Bravo I, Silva I, Peral J, Ocaña A, Clemente-Casares P, Alonso-Moreno C, Lorz C. Anti-EGFR conjugated nanoparticles to deliver Alpelisib as targeted therapy for head and neck cancer. Cancer Nanotechnol 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-023-00180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. Even though surgical approaches, radiation therapy, and therapeutic agents are commonly used, the prognosis of this cancer remains poor, with a tendency towards recurrence and metastasis. Current targeted therapeutic options for these patients are limited to monoclonal antibodies against EGFR or PD-1 receptors. Thus, there is an urgent need to introduce new molecularly targeted therapies for treating head and neck SCC. EGFR can be used as a target to improve the ability of nanoparticles to bind to tumor cells and deliver chemotherapeutic agents. In fact, over 90% of head and neck SCCs overexpress EGFR, and other tumor types, such as colorectal and glioblastoma, show EGFR overexpression. The PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most commonly altered oncogenic pathways in head and neck SCC. Alpelisib is a specific PI3Kα inhibitor indicated for PIK3CA mutant advanced breast cancer that showed promising activity in clinical trials in head and neck SCC. However, its use is associated with dose-limiting toxicities and treatment-related adverse effects.
Results
We generated polylactide (PLA) polymeric nanoparticles conjugated to anti-EGFR antibodies via chemical cross-linking to a polyethyleneimine (PEI) coating. Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles (ACNP) displayed low polydispersity and high stability. In vivo, ACNP showed increased tropism for EGFR-expressing head and neck tumors in a xenograft model compared to non-conjugated nanoparticles (NP). Alpelisib-loaded nanoparticles were homogeneous, stable, and showed a sustained drug release profile. Encapsulated Alpelisib inhibited PI3K pathway activation in the different cell lines tested that included wild type and altered PIK3CA. Alpelisib-NP and Alpelisib-ACNP decreased by 25 times the half-maximal inhibitory concentration compared to the free drug and increased the bioavailability of the drug in the cells. Herein we propose an efficient strategy to treat head and neck SCC based on nanotechnology.
Conclusions
Anti-EGFR-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles are an effective delivery system to increase drug efficiency and bioavailability in head and neck cancer cells. This strategy can help reduce drug exposure in disease-free organs and decrease drug-associated unwanted side effects.
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7
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Brennan K, Espín-Pérez A, Chang S, Bedi N, Saumyaa S, Shin JH, Plevritis SK, Gevaert O, Sunwoo JB, Gentles AJ. Loss of p53-DREAM-mediated repression of cell cycle genes as a driver of lymph node metastasis in head and neck cancer. Genome Med 2023; 15:98. [PMID: 37978395 PMCID: PMC10656821 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01236-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is poor and has improved little in recent decades, partially due to lack of therapeutic options. To identify effective therapeutic targets, we sought to identify molecular pathways that drive metastasis and HNC progression, through large-scale systematic analyses of transcriptomic data. METHODS We performed meta-analysis across 29 gene expression studies including 2074 primary HNC biopsies to identify genes and transcriptional pathways associated with survival and lymph node metastasis (LNM). To understand the biological roles of these genes in HNC, we identified their associated cancer pathways, as well as the cell types that express them within HNC tumor microenvironments, by integrating single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq from sorted cell populations. RESULTS Patient survival-associated genes were heterogenous and included drivers of diverse tumor biological processes: these included tumor-intrinsic processes such as epithelial dedifferentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, as well as tumor microenvironmental factors such as T cell-mediated immunity and cancer-associated fibroblast activity. Unexpectedly, LNM-associated genes were almost universally associated with epithelial dedifferentiation within malignant cells. Genes negatively associated with LNM consisted of regulators of squamous epithelial differentiation that are expressed within well-differentiated malignant cells, while those positively associated with LNM represented cell cycle regulators that are normally repressed by the p53-DREAM pathway. These pro-LNM genes are overexpressed in proliferating malignant cells of TP53 mutated and HPV + ve HNCs and are strongly associated with stemness, suggesting that they represent markers of pre-metastatic cancer stem-like cells. LNM-associated genes are deregulated in high-grade oral precancerous lesions, and deregulated further in primary HNCs with advancing tumor grade and deregulated further still in lymph node metastases. CONCLUSIONS In HNC, patient survival is affected by multiple biological processes and is strongly influenced by the tumor immune and stromal microenvironments. In contrast, LNM appears to be driven primarily by malignant cell plasticity, characterized by epithelial dedifferentiation coupled with EMT-independent proliferation and stemness. Our findings postulate that LNM is initially caused by loss of p53-DREAM-mediated repression of cell cycle genes during early tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Brennan
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Almudena Espín-Pérez
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serena Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Nikita Bedi
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Saumyaa Saumyaa
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - June Ho Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Sylvia K Plevritis
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivier Gevaert
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John B Sunwoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Andrew J Gentles
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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8
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Tasoulas J, Srivastava S, Xu X, Tarasova V, Maniakas A, Karreth FA, Amelio AL. Genetically engineered mouse models of head and neck cancers. Oncogene 2023; 42:2593-2609. [PMID: 37474617 PMCID: PMC10457205 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02783-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The head and neck region is one of the anatomic sites commonly afflicted by cancer, with ~1.5 million new diagnoses reported worldwide in 2020 alone. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the underlying disease mechanisms, personalizing care based on each tumor's individual molecular characteristics, and even therapeutically exploiting the inherent vulnerabilities of these neoplasms. In this regard, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have played an instrumental role. While progress in the development of GEMMs has been slower than in other major cancer types, several GEMMs are now available that recapitulate most of the heterogeneous characteristics of head and neck cancers such as the tumor microenvironment. Different approaches have been employed in GEMM development and implementation, though each can generally recapitulate only certain disease aspects. As a result, appropriate model selection is essential for addressing specific research questions. In this review, we present an overview of all currently available head and neck cancer GEMMs, encompassing models for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and salivary and thyroid gland carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Tasoulas
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sonal Srivastava
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Xiaonan Xu
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Valentina Tarasova
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Anastasios Maniakas
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Florian A Karreth
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Antonio L Amelio
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
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9
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Wei Y, Hui VLZ, Chen Y, Han R, Han X, Guo Y. YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e340. [PMID: 37576865 PMCID: PMC10412783 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Yes-associated protein and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) are two homologous transcriptional coactivators that lie at the center of a key regulatory network of Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling. YAP/TAZ influences the expressions of downstream genes and proteins as well as enzyme activity in metabolic cycles, cell proliferation, inflammatory factor expression, and the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. YAP/TAZ can also be regulated through epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications. Consequently, the regulatory function of these mechanisms implicates YAP/TAZ in the pathogenesis of metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and the delicate equilibrium between cancer progression and organ regeneration. As such, there arises a pressing need for thorough investigation of YAP/TAZ in clinical settings. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate YAP/TAZ and explore the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-induce diseases and their potential therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical studies investigating treatments targeting YAP/TAZ. We also address the limitations of existing research on YAP/TAZ and propose future directions for research. In conclusion, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the signaling mediated by YAP/TAZ and identify potential therapeutic targets to present innovative solutions to overcome the challenges associated with YAP/TAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Victoria Lee Zhi Hui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yilin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ruiying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xianglong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yongwen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsWest China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of OrthodonticsLanzhou Stomatological HospitalLanzhouGansuChina
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10
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Kompuinen J, Keskin M, Yilmaz D, Gürsoy M, Gürsoy UK. Human β-Defensins in Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060830. [PMID: 36980171 PMCID: PMC10047923 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are malignant growths with high death rates, which makes the early diagnosis of the affected patients of utmost importance. Over 90% of oral cavity cancers come from squamous cells, and the tongue, oral cavity, and salivary glands are the most common locations for oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions. Human β-defensins (hBDs), which are mainly produced by epithelial cells, are cationic peptides with a wide antimicrobial spectrum. In addition to their role in antimicrobial defense, these peptides also take part in the regulation of the immune response. Recent studies produced evidence that these small antimicrobial peptides are related to the gene and protein expression profiles of tumors. While the suppression of hBDs is a common finding in head and neck cancer studies, opposite findings were also presented. In the present narrative review, the aim will be to discuss the changes in the hBD expression profile during the onset and progression of head and neck cancers. The final aim will be to discuss the use of hBDs as diagnostic markers of head and neck cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Kompuinen
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Mutlu Keskin
- Oral and Dental Health Department, Altınbaş University, İstanbul 34147, Turkey
| | - Dogukan Yilmaz
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Sakarya University, Sakarya 54050, Turkey
| | - Mervi Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Welfare Division, Oral Health Care, 20101 Turku, Finland
| | - Ulvi Kahraman Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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11
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Li Q, Tie Y, Alu A, Ma X, Shi H. Targeted therapy for head and neck cancer: signaling pathways and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:31. [PMID: 36646686 PMCID: PMC9842704 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is malignant, genetically complex and difficult to treat and is the sixth most frequent cancer, with tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus being major risk factors. Based on epigenetic data, HNC is remarkably heterogeneous, and treatment remains challenging. There is a lack of significant improvement in survival and quality of life in patients with HNC. Over half of HNC patients experience locoregional recurrence or distal metastasis despite the current multiple traditional therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted therapies is common. Therefore, it is urgent to explore more effective and tolerable targeted therapies to improve the clinical outcomes of HNC patients. Recent targeted therapy studies have focused on identifying promising biomarkers and developing more effective targeted therapies. A well understanding of the pathogenesis of HNC contributes to learning more about its inner association, which provides novel insight into the development of small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarized the vital signaling pathways and discussed the current potential therapeutic targets against critical molecules in HNC, as well as presenting preclinical animal models and ongoing or completed clinical studies about targeted therapy, which may contribute to a more favorable prognosis of HNC. Targeted therapy in combination with other therapies and its limitations were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aqu Alu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Huang QH, Zhang J, Cho WCS, Huang Y, Yang W, Zuo Z, Xian YF, Lin ZX. Brusatol suppresses the tumor growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer via upregulating ARRDC4 expression through modulating PI3K/YAP1/TAZ Pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154567. [PMID: 36610120 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers with high metastasis and lethality. Arrestin domain-containing 4 (ARRDC4) is involved in inhibiting cancer glycolytic phenotypes. Brusatol (BR), extracted from Bruceae Fructus, exerts good anti-cancer effects against a number of cancers. PURPOSE In the present study, we aimed to explore the efficacy of BR on inhibiting CRC metastasis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving the upregulation of the ARRDC4 expression. METHODS Cell viability, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assay were used to detect the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of BR against CRC in vitro. Microarray analysis was performed to find out differential genes in CRC cells after treatment with BR. Analysis of the CRC patients tumor samples and GEPIA database were first conducted to identify the expression of ARRDC4 on CRC. Stable overexpression and knockdown of ARRDC4 CRC cells were established by lentiviral transfection. The role of ARRDC4 in mediating the anti-metastatic effects of BR on CRC was measured using qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis. Orthotopic xenograft and pulmonary metastasis mouse models of CRC were established to determine the anti-cancer and anti-metastatic effects of ARRDC4 and BR. RESULTS BR markedly suppressed the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibited tumor growth and tumor metastasis. Microarray analysis demonstrated that BR treatment markedly increased the gene expression of ARRDC4 in CRC cells. ARRDC4 was significantly repressed in CRC in the clinical samples and GEPIA analysis. ARRDC4 overexpression plus BR produced better inhibitory effects on CRC metastasis than BR treatment alone, while ARRDC4 knockdown could partially eliminate the inhibitory effects of BR against CRC metastasis. BR exerted anti-metastatic effects against CRC via upregulating ARRDC4 and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processing through modulating PI3K/Hippo pathway. CONCLUSION This study reported for the first time that BR is a potent ARRDC4 agonist, and is worthy of further development into a new therapeutic strategy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Hui Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - William Chi Shing Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Yanfeng Huang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Wen Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Zhong Zuo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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13
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Perossi IFS, Saito MM, Varallo GR, de Godoy BLV, Colombo J, Zuccari DAPC. Protein Expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Targets Validated by Gene Expression and its Correlation with Prognosis in Canine Mammary Cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2022; 27:241-252. [PMID: 36323932 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-022-09527-5] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary cancer is the main type of neoplasia in female dogs and is considered an adequate model for the biological and therapeutic study of cancer in women. The PIK3CA/AKT/mTOR pathway plays a central role in cellular homeostasis and is often dysregulated in cancer. The increased expression of PI3K protein in the literature is associated with a poor prognosis, and alterations in the PIK3CA gene can lead to changes in downstream pathways. Thus, the objective of this study was to validate the protein expression to confirm the gene expression of proteins belonging to the main pathway PI3K and PTEN, and their downstream pathways through ZEB1, ZEB2, HIF1A, VHL, CASP3 and PARP1 relating to prognosis in canine mammary cancer. For protein studies, the samples came from 58 female dogs with mammary neoplasia, immunohistochemistry was performed and its analysis by the histoscore method. For the genetic evaluation, the samples came from 13 patients, the DNA was extracted and the analysis for quantitative expression. Through immunohistochemistry, PI3K positivity was significantly associated with affected regional lymph node, distant metastasis, patients with HER2+, Triple Negative and Luminal B phenotypes, and the lowest survival rates. Through gene expression, we observed higher gene expression of ZEB2 and PARP1 both among patients who were alive and who died, which was not true for the expressions of PIK3CA and HIF1A. In conclusion, the data observed in this work are promising in the study of new molecular prognostic markers such as PI3K, ZEB2 and PARP1 for canine mammary cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela F S Perossi
- Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE) UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.
| | - Mylena M Saito
- Centro Universitário de Rio Preto (UNIRP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jucimara Colombo
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Debora A P C Zuccari
- Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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14
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Fukunaga Y, Fukuda A, Omatsu M, Namikawa M, Sono M, Masuda T, Araki O, Nagao M, Yoshikawa T, Ogawa S, Hiramatsu Y, Muta Y, Tsuda M, Maruno T, Nakanishi Y, Ferrer J, Tsuruyama T, Masui T, Hatano E, Seno H. Loss of Arid1a and Pten in Pancreatic Ductal Cells Induces Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm via the YAP/TAZ Pathway. Gastroenterology 2022; 163:466-480.e6. [PMID: 35483445 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) arises from several types of premalignant lesions, including intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN); however, the molecular pathogenesis of ITPN remains unknown. METHODS We performed studies with Hnf1b-CreERT2; Ptenf/f; Arid1af/f mice to investigate the consequence of genetic deletion of Arid1a in adult pancreatic ductal cells in the context of oncogenic PI3K/Akt pathway activation. RESULTS Simultaneous deletion of Arid1a and Pten in pancreatic ductal cells resulted in the development of ITPN, which progressed to PDAC, in mice. Simultaneous loss of Arid1a and Pten induced dedifferentiation of pancreatic ductal cells and Yes-associated protein 1/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) pathway activation. Consistent with the mouse data, TAZ expression was found elevated in human ITPNs and ITPN-derived PDACs but not in human intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, indicating that activation of the TAZ pathway is a distinctive feature of ITPN. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of the YAP/TAZ pathway suppressed the dedifferentiation of pancreatic ductal cells and development of ITPN in Arid1a and Pten double-knockout mice. CONCLUSION Concurrent loss of Arid1a and Pten in adult pancreatic ductal cells induced ITPN and ITPN-derived PDAC in mice through aberrant activation of the YAP/TAZ pathway, and inhibition of the YAP/TAZ pathway prevented the development of ITPN. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of ITPN-derived PDAC and highlight the YAP/TAZ pathway as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Fukunaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan; DSP Cancer Institute, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihisa Fukuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Mayuki Omatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mio Namikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Sono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Masuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Osamu Araki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Munemasa Nagao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takaaki Yoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hiramatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yu Muta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Tsuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahisa Maruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakanishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jorge Ferrer
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Toshihiko Masui
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Seno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Hall DCN, Benndorf RA. Aspirin sensitivity of PIK3CA-mutated Colorectal Cancer: potential mechanisms revisited. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:393. [PMID: 35780223 PMCID: PMC9250486 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PIK3CA mutations are amongst the most prevalent somatic mutations in cancer and are associated with resistance to first-line treatment along with low survival rates in a variety of malignancies. There is evidence that patients carrying PIK3CA mutations may benefit from treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin, particularly in the setting of colorectal cancer. In this regard, it has been clarified that Class IA Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), whose catalytic subunit p110α is encoded by the PIK3CA gene, are involved in signal transduction that regulates cell cycle, cell growth, and metabolism and, if disturbed, induces carcinogenic effects. Although PI3K is associated with pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and signaling, and COX-2 is among the best-studied targets of aspirin, the mechanisms behind this clinically relevant phenomenon are still unclear. Indeed, there is further evidence that the protective, anti-carcinogenic effect of aspirin in this setting may be mediated in a COX-independent manner. However, until now the understanding of aspirin's prostaglandin-independent mode of action is poor. This review will provide an overview of the current literature on this topic and aims to analyze possible mechanisms and targets behind the aspirin sensitivity of PIK3CA-mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella C N Hall
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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16
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Simula L, Alifano M, Icard P. How Phosphofructokinase-1 Promotes PI3K and YAP/TAZ in Cancer: Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102478. [PMID: 35626081 PMCID: PMC9139230 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We propose that PFK1 promotes a positive feedback loop with PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways in cancer cells. Therefore, targeting PFK1 (or its product F-1,6-BP) could improve the efficacy of PI3K and YAP/TAZ inhibitors currently tested in clinical trials. To this aim, we suggest the use of citrate, which is a physiologic and potent inhibitor of PFK1. Abstract PI3K/AKT is one of the most frequently altered signaling pathways in human cancers, supporting the activation of many proteins sustaining cell metabolism, proliferation, and aggressiveness. Another important pathway frequently altered in cancer cells is the one regulating the YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators, which promote the expression of genes sustaining aerobic glycolysis (such as WNT, MYC, HIF-1), EMT, and drug resistance. Of note, the PI3K/AKT pathway can also regulate the YAP/TAZ one. Unfortunately, although PI3K and YAP inhibitors are currently tested in highly resistant cancers (both solid and hematologic ones), several resistance mechanisms may arise. Resistance mechanisms to PI3K inhibitors may involve the stimulation of alternative pathways (such as RAS, HER, IGFR/AKT), the inactivation of PTEN (the physiologic inhibitor of PI3K), and the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL and MCL1 proteins. Therefore, it is important to improve current therapeutic strategies to overcome these limitations. Here, we want to highlight how the glycolytic enzyme PFK1 (and its product F-1,6-BP) promotes the activation of both PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ pathways by several direct and indirect mechanisms. In turn, PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ can promote PFK1 activity and F-1,6-BP production in a positive feedback loop, thus sustaining the Warburg effect and drug resistance. Thus, we propose that the inhibition of PFK1 (and of its key activator PFK2/PFKFB3) could potentiate the sensitivity to PI3K and YAP inhibitors currently tested. Awaiting the development of non-toxic inhibitors of these enzymes, we propose to test the administration of citrate at a high dosage, because citrate is a physiologic inhibitor of both PFK1 and PFK2/PFKFB3. Consistently, in various cultured cancer cells (including melanoma, sarcoma, hematologic, and epithelial cancer cells), this “citrate strategy” efficiently inhibits the IGFR1/AKT pathway, promotes PTEN activity, reduces Bcl-xL and MCL1 expression, and increases sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. It also inhibits the development of sarcoma, pancreatic, mammary HER+ and lung RAS-driven tumors in mice without apparent toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Simula
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Cochin Institute, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, University of Paris, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Marco Alifano
- INSERM U1138, Integrative Cancer Immunology, University of Paris, 75006 Paris, France;
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, APHP, Paris-Descartes University, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Icard
- Service de Chirurgie Thoracique, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, APHP, Paris-Descartes University, 75014 Paris, France
- UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France
- Correspondence:
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Tosevska A, Morselli M, Basak SK, Avila L, Mehta P, Wang MB, Srivatsan ES, Pellegrini M. Cell-Free RNA as a Novel Biomarker for Response to Therapy in Head & Neck Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:869108. [PMID: 35600369 PMCID: PMC9121879 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.869108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies are gaining more traction as non-invasive tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. In a new paradigm of cancer treatment, a synergistic botanical drug combination (APG-157) consisting of multiple molecules, is emerging as a new class of cancer therapeutics, targeting multiple pathways and providing a durable clinical response, wide therapeutic window and high level of safety. Monitoring the efficacy of such drugs involves assessing multiple molecules and cellular events simultaneously. We report, for the first time, a methodology that uses circulating plasma cell-free RNA (cfRNA) as a sensitive indicator of patient response upon drug treatment. Plasma was collected from six patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and four healthy controls receiving three doses of 100 or 200 mg APG-157 or placebo through an oral mucosal route, before treatment and on multiple points post-dosing. Circulating cfRNA was extracted from plasma at 0-, 3- and 24-hours post-treatment, followed by RNA sequencing. We performed comparative analyses of the circulating transcriptome and were able to detect significant perturbation following APG-157 treatment. Transcripts associated with inflammatory response, leukocyte activation and cytokine were upregulated upon treatment with APG-157 in cancer patients, but not in healthy or placebo-treated patients. A platelet-related transcriptional signature could be detected in cancer patients but not in healthy individuals, indicating a platelet-centric pathway involved in the development of HNC. These results from a Phase 1 study are a proof of principle of the utility of cfRNAs as non-invasive circulating biomarkers for monitoring the efficacy of APG-157 in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anela Tosevska
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marco Morselli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Saroj K Basak
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Luis Avila
- Aveta Biomics Inc, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Parag Mehta
- Aveta Biomics Inc, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Marilene B Wang
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eri S Srivatsan
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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18
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Lu Y, Jia Z. Inflammation-Related Gene Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:4793-4805. [PMID: 35592543 PMCID: PMC9113041 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s354349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The inflammatory response was associated with the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aimed to perform a novel prognostic signature based on inflammation-related genes (IRGs) for a better understanding of the prognosis of HNSCC. Patients and Methods IRGs were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore potential pathways. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression as well as the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) were utilized to construct an IRGs-based prognostic model on TCGA database and the GEO database was utilized for outcome validation. The nomogram model was constructed based on independent prognostic factors after univariate and multivariate Cox regression. The immune cell infiltration level was analyzed via the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. Results In this study, we confirmed that 60% IRGs were abnormally expressed in HNSCC samples, and these were associated with important oncobiology. Then, a prognostic signature comprising 7 hub genes was generated based on TCGA database. The results were validated in 97 patients from GSE41613. A nomogram comprising risk score, age, M stage and N stage was generated to improve the accuracy of prognosis evaluation. The immune cell infiltration analysis suggested that 5 hub genes (ADGRE1, OLR1, TIMP1, GPR132 and CCR7) were negatively correlated with tumor purity and positively correlated with the infiltration of immune cells. Conclusion Our study established a novel signature consisting of 7 hub genes for the prognostic prediction in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Lu
- School of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zengrong Jia
- Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zengrong Jia, Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325015, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 135 874 22709, Fax +86 577 55578033, Email
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19
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Faraji F, Ramirez SI, Anguiano Quiroz PY, Mendez-Molina AN, Gutkind JS. Genomic Hippo Pathway Alterations and Persistent YAP/TAZ Activation: New Hallmarks in Head and Neck Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:1370. [PMID: 35456049 PMCID: PMC9028246 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a highly prevalent and deadly malignancy worldwide. The prognosis for locoregionally advanced HNSCC has not appreciably improved over the past 30 years despite advances in surgical, radiation, and targeted therapies and less than 20% of HNSCC patients respond to recently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors. The Hippo signaling pathway, originally discovered as a mechanism regulating tissue growth and organ size, transduces intracellular and extracellular signals to regulate the transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ. Alterations in the Hippo pathway resulting in persistent YAP and TAZ activation have emerged as major oncogenic drivers. Our analysis of the human HNSCC oncogenome revealed multiple genomic alterations impairing Hippo signaling and activating YAP and TAZ, which in turn contribute to HNSCC development. This includes mutations and deletions of the FAT1 gene (29%) and amplification of the WWTR1 (encoding TAZ, 14%) and YAP1 genes (8%), together representing one of the most genetically altered signaling mechanisms in this malignancy. Here, we discuss key elements of the mammalian Hippo pathway, detail mechanisms by which perturbations in Hippo signaling promote HNSCC initiation and progression and outline emerging strategies to target Hippo signaling vulnerabilities as part of novel multimodal precision therapies for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhoud Faraji
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Sydney I. Ramirez
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Division of Infectious Disease and Global Public Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | | | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Gleiberman Head and Neck Cancer Center, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
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20
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Chen J, Cheng J, Zhao C, Zhao B, Mi J, Li W. The Hippo pathway: a renewed insight in the craniofacial diseases and hard tissue remodeling. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:4060-4072. [PMID: 34671220 PMCID: PMC8495397 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway plays an important role in many pathophysiological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation, cell death, cell migration and invasion. Because of its extensive functions, Hippo pathway is closely related to not only growth and development, but also many diseases, including inflammation and cancer. In this study, the role of Hippo pathway in craniofacial diseases and hard tissue remodeling was reviewed, in attempting to find new research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.,Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jingyi Cheng
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Boxuan Zhao
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jia Mi
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.,Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.,National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on High-strength Structural Materials, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.,State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
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21
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Feng XD. Targeting-YAP/TAZ therapies for head and neck cancer, directly or indirectly? HUA XI KOU QIANG YI XUE ZA ZHI = HUAXI KOUQIANG YIXUE ZAZHI = WEST CHINA JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2021; 39:493-500. [PMID: 34636195 DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
YAP/TAZ are wild over-activated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with high potential as a direct therapy target for HNSCC treatments. However, the efforts on the directly targeting-YAP/TAZ therapies over the past decade, have very limited impacts, mainly caused by: 1. There is still none effective and specific YAP/TAZ inhibitor with clinical potential; 2. YAP/TAZ might not be directly targeted, because of their multiple important biological functions, such as: regulation of cell proliferation and survival, stem cell maintain, regulation of organ development, organ size control, and tissue regeneration. Interestingly, the over-activation of YAP/TAZ in HNSCC mainly be regulated by upstream abnormal molecular or biological events, instead of genes alteration of YAP/TAZ. Therefore, exploring the alternative molecular events regulating YAP/TAZ activation and molecular mechanism in HNSCC might help to uncover novel indirect targets of YAP/TAZ therapies for HNSCC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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22
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Shi X, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang W, Xu J, Guan Y, Ding Y, Yao Y. MEX3A promotes development and progression of breast cancer through regulation of PIK3CA. Exp Cell Res 2021; 404:112580. [PMID: 33811903 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer has been identified as the most common malignant tumors among women and the morbidity of breast cancer is still increasing rapidly. MEX3A possesses important functions in the regulation of mRNAs and may be involved in a variety of human diseases including cancer, whose relationship with breast cancer is still not clear. In this study, MEX3A was identified as a potential promotor in breast cancer, whose expression was strongly higher in breast cancer tissues than normal tissues. The in vitro experiments showed that MEX3A is capable of promoting the development of breast cancer through stimulating cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, arresting cell cycle and promoting cell migration. The functions of MEX3A were also verified in vivo. Furthermore, a combination of genechip analysis and Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) identified PIK3CA as a potential downstream target of MEX3A, knockdown of which executes similar inhibitory effects on breast cancer and could alleviate MEX3A-induced progression of breast cancer. In conclusion, our study unveiled, as the first time, MEX3A as a tumor promotor for breast cancer, whose function was carried out probably through the regulation of PIK3CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbiao Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulu Sun
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahan Xu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinan Guan
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yitao Ding
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yongzhong Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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23
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Yu L, Wei J, Liu P. Attacking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway for targeted therapeutic treatment in human cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:69-94. [PMID: 34175443 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of human death globally. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling pathways observed in cancer patients that plays crucial roles in promoting tumor initiation, progression and therapy responses. This is largely due to that PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is indispensable for many cellular biological processes, including cell growth, metastasis, survival, metabolism, and others. As such, small molecule inhibitors targeting major kinase components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway have drawn extensive attention and been developed and evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials. Targeting a single kinase component within this signaling usually causes growth arrest rather than apoptosis associated with toxicity-induced adverse effects in patients. Combination therapies including PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors show improved patient response and clinical outcome, albeit developed resistance has been reported. In this review, we focus on revealing the mechanisms leading to the hyperactivation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in cancer and summarizing efforts for developing PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors as either mono-therapy or combination therapy in different cancer settings. We hope that this review will facilitate further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing dysregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR oncogenic signaling in cancer and provide insights into possible future directions for targeted therapeutic regimen for cancer treatment, by developing new agents, drug delivery systems, or combination regimen to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This information will also provide effective patient stratification strategy to improve the patient response and clinical outcome for cancer patients with deregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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24
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Li S, Huang XT, Wang MY, Chen DP, Li MY, Zhu YY, Yu Y, Zheng L, Qi B, Liu JQ. FSCN1 Promotes Radiation Resistance in Patients With PIK3CA Gene Alteration. Front Oncol 2021; 11:653005. [PMID: 34249689 PMCID: PMC8264437 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.653005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the standard treatments for cervical cancer and head and neck cancer. However, the clinical efficacy of this treatment is limited by radioresistance. The discovery of effective prognostic biomarkers and the identification of new therapeutic targets have helped to overcome the problem of radioresistance. In this study, we show that in the context of PIK3CA mutation or amplification, high expression of fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) (using the median as the cut-off value) is associated with poor prognosis and radiotherapy response in cancer patients. Silencing FSCN1 enhances radiosensitivity and promotes apoptosis in cancer cells with PIK3CA alterations, and this process may be associated with the downregulation of YWHAZ. These results reveal that FSCN1 may be a key regulator of radioresistance and could be a potential target for improving radiotherapy efficacy in cervical cancer and head and neck cancer patients with PIK3CA alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Qi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-quan Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Dong H, Shu X, Xu Q, Zhu C, Kaufmann AM, Zheng ZM, Albers AE, Qian X. Current Status of Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer: From Viral Genome to Patient Care. Virol Sin 2021; 36:1284-1302. [PMID: 34152564 PMCID: PMC8692589 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-021-00413-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection identified as a definitive human carcinogen is increasingly being recognized for its role in carcinogenesis of human cancers. Up to 38%–80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in oropharyngeal location (OPSCC) and nearly all cervical cancers contain the HPV genome which is implicated in causing cancer through its oncoproteins E6 and E7. Given by the biologically distinct HPV-related OPSCC and a more favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative tumors, clinical trials on de-escalation treatment strategies for these patients have been studied. It is therefore raised the questions for the patient stratification if treatment de-escalation is feasible. Moreover, understanding the crosstalk of HPV-mediated malignancy and immunity with clinical insights from the proportional response rate to immune checkpoint blockade treatments in patients with HNSCC is of importance to substantially improve the treatment efficacy. This review discusses the biology of HPV-related HNSCC as well as successful clinically findings with promising candidates in the pipeline for future directions. With the advent of various sequencing technologies, further biomolecules associated with HPV-related HNSCC progression are currently being identified to be used as potential biomarkers or targets for clinical decisions throughout the continuum of cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoru Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xinhua Shu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Cancer Hospital University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Andreas M Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, 12203, Germany
| | - Zhi-Ming Zheng
- Tumor Virus RNA Biology Section, HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Andreas E Albers
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, 13353, Germany
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
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26
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Borkowska EM, Barańska M, Kowalczyk M, Pietruszewska W. Detection of PIK3CA Gene Mutation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Droplet Digital PCR and RT-qPCR. Biomolecules 2021; 11:818. [PMID: 34072735 PMCID: PMC8227819 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the seventh cause of human malignancy with low survival rate due to late diagnosis and treatment. Its etiology is diverse; however genetic factors are significant. The most common mutations in HNSCC were found in the genes: PIK3CA (10-12%), BRCA1 (6%), and BRCA2 (7-9%). In some cases, these biomarkers correlate with recurrences or survival showing a potential of prognostic and predictive value. A total of 113 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tumor samples were collected from patients with HNSCC (oral cavity: 35 (31.0%); oropharynx: 30 (26.0%); larynx: 48 (43.0%)). We examined PIK3CA H1047R mutation by Real Time PCR (RT-qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were analyzed by RT-qPCR while p16 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we identified HPV infection by RT-qPCR. The relationships between genomic alterations and clinical parameters were assessed using the Yates' corrected Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test for nominal variables. Kaplan Meier plots were applied for survival analysis. Our results revealed 9 PIK3CA H1047R mutations detected by ddPCR: 8 of them were negative in RT-qPCR. Due to the use of different methods to test the presence of the PIK3CA gene mutation, different treatment decisions might be made. That is why it is so important to use the most sensitive methods available. We confirmed the usefulness of ddPCR in the PIK3CA mutation assessment in FFPE samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta M. Borkowska
- Department of Clinical Genetics Chair of Laboratory and Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Magda Barańska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-143 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Magdalena Kowalczyk
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-143 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Wioletta Pietruszewska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-143 Lodz, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
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Tada H, Nagata Y, Takahashi H, Matsuyama T, Ida S, Mito I, Chikamatsu K. Systemic immune responses are associated with molecular characteristics of circulating tumor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2021; 15:147. [PMID: 34094545 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2021.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic immunity mediated by circulating immune cells may affect clinical features, as well as the characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The present study aimed to analyze the influence of circulating immune cells, using their markers, on clinical features to investigate the association between systemic immunity and the molecular characteristics of CTCs. Circulating immune-cell markers were associated with disease progression and clinical outcomes in patients with HNSCC. Meanwhile, there was no significant association between the presence of CTCs and systemic immune-related markers. Moreover, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit a expression in CTCs was significantly associated with higher lymphocyte counts (P=0.035) and an increased prognostic nutrition index (P=0.0157). Patients with CTCs expressing CD47 exhibited significantly higher neutrophil (P=0.0031) and monocyte (P=0.0016) counts. Patients with CTCs expressing programmed cell death 1 ligand 2 exhibited lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P=0.0271) and a decreased CRP/albumin ratio (P=0.0207). The current results suggested that the interaction between CTCs and circulating immune cells may provide survival advantages via molecular alterations to CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroe Tada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 3718511, Japan
| | - Yurino Nagata
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 3718511, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 3718511, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Matsuyama
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 3718511, Japan
| | - Shota Ida
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 3718511, Japan
| | - Ikko Mito
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 3718511, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chikamatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 3718511, Japan
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28
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Moura ACD, Assad DX, Amorim Dos Santos J, Porto de Toledo I, Barra GB, Castilho RM, Squarize CH, Guerra ENS. Worldwide prevalence of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway mutations in head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103284. [PMID: 33675910 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the prevalence of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway mutations in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Overall, 105 studies comprising 8630 patients and 1306 mutations were selected. The estimated mutations prevalence was 13 % for PIK3CA (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 11-14; I2 = 82 %; p < 0.0001), 4% for PTEN (95 % CI = 3-5; I2 = 55 %; p < 0.0001), 3% for MTOR (95 % CI = 2-4; I2 = 5%; p = 0.40), and 2% for AKT (95 % CI = 1-2; I2 = 50 %; p = 0.0001). We further stratified the available data of the participants according to risk factors and tumor characteristics, including HPV infection, tobacco use, alcohol exposure, TNM stage, and histological tumor differentiation, and performed subgroup analysis. We identified significant associations between PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway-associated mutations and advanced TNM stage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.20; 95 % CI = 0.09-0.44; I² = 71 %; p = 0.0001) and oropharyngeal HPV-positive tumors and PIK3CA mutations (OR = 17.48; 95 % CI = 4.20-72.76; I² = 69 %; p < 0.0002). No associations were found between alcohol and tobacco exposure, and tumor differentiation grade. This SR demonstrated that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway emerges as a potential prognostic factor and could offer a molecular basis for future studies on therapeutic targeting in HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Castelo de Moura
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Hospital Universitário de Brasília (HUB-UnB/Ebserh), Brasília, DF, Brazil; Hospital Santa Lúcia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Daniele Xavier Assad
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Juliana Amorim Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Isabela Porto de Toledo
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Barcelos Barra
- Sabin Medicina Diagnóstica, SAAN Quadra 03 Lotes 145/185, Brasília, 70632-340, DF, Brazil
| | - Rogerio Moraes Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Division of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Ann Arbor, 48109-1078, MI, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
| | - Cristiane Helena Squarize
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Division of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Ann Arbor, 48109-1078, MI, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
| | - Eliete Neves Silva Guerra
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Health Sciences Faculty, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil; Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Division of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Ann Arbor, 48109-1078, MI, USA.
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Ortiz-Cuaran S, Bouaoud J, Karabajakian A, Fayette J, Saintigny P. Precision Medicine Approaches to Overcome Resistance to Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:614332. [PMID: 33718169 PMCID: PMC7947611 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.614332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most incident cancer worldwide. More than half of HNSCC patients experience locoregional or distant relapse to treatment despite aggressive multimodal therapeutic approaches that include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Before the arrival of immunotherapy, systemic chemotherapy was previously employed as the standard first-line protocol with an association of cisplatin or carboplatin plus 5-fluorouracil plus cetuximab (anti-EFGR antibody). Unfortunately, acquisition of therapy resistance is common in patients with HNSCC and often results in local and distant failure. Despite our better understanding of HNSCC biology, no other molecular-targeted agent has been approved for HNSCC. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of resistance to the therapeutic strategies currently used in HNSCC, discuss combination treatment strategies to overcome them, and summarize the therapeutic regimens that are presently being evaluated in early- and late-phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ortiz-Cuaran
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jebrane Bouaoud
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Pierre et Marie Curie University, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Andy Karabajakian
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Fayette
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
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Amaya Arbeláez MI, de Paula E Silva ACA, Navegante G, Valente V, Barbugli PA, Vergani CE. Proto-Oncogenes and Cell Cycle Gene Expression in Normal and Neoplastic Oral Epithelial Cells Stimulated With Soluble Factors From Single and Dual Biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:627043. [PMID: 33718274 PMCID: PMC7947338 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.627043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed at analyzing proto-oncogenic signaling pathway activation in normal oral keratinocytes (NOK-si) and neoplastic cell lines (SCC 25 and Detroit 562) stimulated with metabolites (soluble factors) from single and dual biofilms of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. Soluble factors (SF) from early (16-h) and mature (36-h) biofilms of C. albicans and S. aureus were collected and incubated with cell cultures, which were subsequently evaluated using gene expression via RT-qPCR, cell viability via AlamarBlueTM, and flow cytometry cell cycle analysis. In general, exposure to the SF of early and mature biofilms from C. albicans and dual species caused a major reduction in NOK-si cell viability and enhanced the sub G0 phase. This led to a decrease in gene expression. However, in this cell line, SF of S. aureus biofilms upregulated the CDKN1A gene followed by the maintenance of cell viability and a significant increase in the G2/M population. For tumor cells, SCC 25 and Detroit 562, the stimuli of SF biofilms upregulated oncogenes such as hRAS and mTOR, as well as Bcl-2 and CDKN1A. SCC 25 and Detroit 562 cells could survive even after 24 h of stimuli from both SF (early and mature). This occurred without significant changes taking place in the cell cycle progression for SCC 25, and with a significant tendency to increase the G2/M phase for Detroit 562. These results point to the fact that metabolites from prevalent clinical fungal and bacterial biofilms, C. albicans and S. aureus, can disrupt the homeostasis of normal and neoplastic oral epithelial cells. This changes proto-oncogenes’ expression, specifically PI3KCA, hRAS, mTOR, BRAF, and cell cycle genes CDKN1A and Bcl-2, thus causing a disturbance in cell viability, survival, and the cell cycle profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Amaya Arbeláez
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Alves de Paula E Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Geovana Navegante
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Valeria Valente
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Paula Aboud Barbugli
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analysis, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Vergani
- Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Araraquara, Brazil
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Raudenská M, Balvan J, Masařík M. Cell death in head and neck cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:192. [PMID: 33602906 PMCID: PMC7893032 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03474-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many cancer therapies aim to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. Nevertheless, the presence of oncogenic alterations in these cells and distorted composition of tumour microenvironment largely limit the clinical efficacy of this type of therapy. Luckily, scientific consensus describes about 10 different cell death subroutines with different regulatory pathways and cancer cells are probably not able to avoid all of cell death types at once. Therefore, a focused and individualised therapy is needed to address the specific advantages and disadvantages of individual tumours. Although much is known about apoptosis, therapeutic opportunities of other cell death pathways are often neglected. Molecular heterogeneity of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) causing unpredictability of the clinical response represents a grave challenge for oncologists and seems to be a critical component of treatment response. The large proportion of this clinical heterogeneity probably lies in alterations of cell death pathways. How exactly cells die is very important because the predominant type of cell death can have multiple impacts on the therapeutic response as cell death itself acts as a second messenger. In this review, we discuss the different types of programmed cell death (PCD), their connection with HNSCC pathogenesis and possible therapeutic windows that result from specific sensitivity to some form of PCD in some clinically relevant subgroups of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Raudenská
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masařík
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00, Brno, Czech Republic. .,BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, CZ-252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic.
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A model of seven immune checkpoint-related genes predicting overall survival for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 278:3467-3477. [PMID: 33449165 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-020-06540-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by different molecular subtypes with different prognosis and response to treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to construct reliable gene signatures based on immune checkpoint-related genes to distinguish between subgroups of patients with different risks. METHODS We obtained the HNSCC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) as a training set and the external validation set, respectively. First, differentially expressed immune checkpoint-related genes in tumor tissues and normal tissues were determined, and the potential functions of differential genes were explored through GO function annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Using univariate Cox regression analysis, 20 immune checkpoint-related genes in HNSCC patients were significantly associated with overall survival (OS). Subsequently, seven genes were selected by multivariate Cox regression analysis to create a gene signature. Next, the stability of gene signatures was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Finally, we constructed a nomogram visualization modelled to facilitate subsequent clinical applications. RESULTS A total of 80 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, the GO analysis of these DEGs indicated that they were significantly enriched in positive regulation of cell activation, T cell activation; the KEGG analysis results performed and showed that the DEGs were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K - Akt signaling pathway. 7 genes (PPP2R1B, MYD88, CD86, CD80, MAP2K1, TRIB3 and ICOS) were screened by univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and they were used to construct a prognostic model. In the TCGA and GEO datasets, Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients in the high-risk group have a poor prognosis. The sensitivity and specificity evaluation of prognostic model for 1-, 3-, 5-year OS in TCGA were 0.644, 0.661 and 0.625, respectively; and in GSE41613 were 0.748, 0.719, and 0.727, respectively. The calibration chart curve showed that the nomogram has strong clinical performance in the prognosis prediction of HNSCC patients. CONCLUSIONS A novel immune checkpoint-related gene signature can effectively predict and stratify OS in HNSCC patients.
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Madhukar G, Subbarao N. Current and Future Therapeutic Targets: A Review on Treating Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 21:386-400. [PMID: 33372876 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666201229120332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to be a global public health burden even after a tremendous development in its treatment. It is a heterogeneous cancer of upper aero-digestive tract. The contemporary strategy to treat cancer is the use of anticancer drugs against proteins possessing abnormal expression. Targeted chemotherapy was found successful in HNSCC, but, there is still a stagnant improvement in the survival rates and high recurrence rates due to undesirable chemotherapy reactions, non-specificity of drugs, resistance against drugs and drug toxicity on non-cancerous tissues and cells. Various extensive studies lead to the identification of drug targets capable to treat HNSCC effectively. The current review article gives an insight into these promising anticancer targets along with knowledge of drugs under various phases of development. In addition, new potential targets that are not yet explored against HNSCC are also described. We believe that exploring and developing drugs against these targets might prove beneficial in treating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geet Madhukar
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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34
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Cui D, Liu Y, Ma J, Lin K, Xu K, Lin J. Identification of key genes and pathways in endometriosis by integrated expression profiles analysis. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10171. [PMID: 33354413 PMCID: PMC7727381 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to integrate the existing expression profile data on endometriosis (EM)-related tissues in order to identify the differentially expressed genes. In this study, three series of raw expression data were downloaded from GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in three tissue types were screened. GO, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, core differential genes (CDGs) protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed, finally, the dysregulation of Hippo pathway in ectopic endometrium (EC) was detected by Western blotting. A total of 1,811 DEGs between eutopic (EU) and normal endometrium (NE), 5,947 DEGs between EC and EU, and 3,192 DEGs between EC and NE datasets were identified. After screening, 394 CDGs were obtained, and 5 hub genes identified in the PPI network. CDGs enrichment and WGCNA network analysis revealed cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and other biological processes, Hippo and Wnt signaling pathways, and a variety of tumor-related pathways. Western blotting results showed that YAP/TAZ was upregulated, and MOB1, pMOB1, SAV1, LATS1 and LATS2 were downregulated in EC. Moreover, CDGs, especially the hub genes, are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Finally, the Hippo pathway might play a key role in the development of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Cui
- Department of Laboratory, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Ma
- Department of Laboratory, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaiqing Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaihong Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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35
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Maehama T, Nishio M, Otani J, Mak TW, Suzuki A. The role of Hippo-YAP signaling in squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer Sci 2020; 112:51-60. [PMID: 33159406 PMCID: PMC7780025 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo‐YAP pathway regulates organ size, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis in mammals. In response to cell density, external mechanical pressure, and/or other stimuli, the Hippo core complex controls the translocation of YAP1/TAZ proteins to the nucleus and thereby regulates cell growth. Abnormal upregulation or nuclear localization of YAP1/TAZ occurs in many human malignancies and promotes their formation, progression, and metastasis. A key example is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) genesis. Many risk factors and crucial signals associated with SCC development in various tissues accelerate YAP1/TAZ accumulation, and mice possessing constitutively activated YAP1/TAZ show immediate carcinoma in situ (CIS) formation in these tissues. Because CIS onset is so rapid in these mutants, we propose that many SCCs initiate and progress when YAP1 activity is sustained and exceeds a certain oncogenic threshold. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the roles of YAP1/TAZ in several types of SCCs. We also discuss whether targeting aberrant YAP1/TAZ activation might be a promising strategy for SCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiko Maehama
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Miki Nishio
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junji Otani
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tak Wah Mak
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN, Toronto, Canada.,Departments of Immunology and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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36
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[Tumor biology of oropharyngeal carcinoma]. HNO 2020; 69:249-255. [PMID: 33215226 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00964-4] [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: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Etiologically, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) can be divided into OPSCC caused by noxious agents and human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven carcinoma. These types differ with regard to clinical features and prognosis-differences which are rooted in the underlying molecular biology of the tumor. OBJECTIVE The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the molecular biological characteristics of the genetics, epigenetics, and immunology of OPSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature review was performed on a selection of genetic, epigenetic, and immunological factors characterizing OPSCC. RESULTS The understanding of genetic aberrations and their consequences for cancerogenesis and tumor biology is increasing. Epigenetic phenomena are complementing functional relationships. However, epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation are complex and much research is still required in this field. Immunological aspects of cancer molecular biology have moved into the focus in light of recent advances in the field of immunotherapy. CONCLUSION The tumor biology of OPSCC is primarily defined by its HPV status. Additionally, HPV-independent genetic, epigenetic, and immunological signatures are being defined. From these advances, rationales for new treatment concepts may evolve.
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Chai AWY, Yee PS, Price S, Yee SM, Lee HM, Tiong VKH, Gonçalves E, Behan FM, Bateson J, Gilbert J, Tan AC, McDermott U, Garnett MJ, Cheong SC. Genome-wide CRISPR screens of oral squamous cell carcinoma reveal fitness genes in the Hippo pathway. eLife 2020; 9:e57761. [PMID: 32990596 PMCID: PMC7591259 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
New therapeutic targets for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are urgently needed. We conducted genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screens in 21 OSCC cell lines, primarily derived from Asians, to identify genetic vulnerabilities that can be explored as therapeutic targets. We identify known and novel fitness genes and demonstrate that many previously identified OSCC-related cancer genes are non-essential and could have limited therapeutic value, while other fitness genes warrant further investigation for their potential as therapeutic targets. We validate a distinctive dependency on YAP1 and WWTR1 of the Hippo pathway, where the lost-of-fitness effect of one paralog can be compensated only in a subset of lines. We also discover that OSCCs with WWTR1 dependency signature are significantly associated with biomarkers of favorable response toward immunotherapy. In summary, we have delineated the genetic vulnerabilities of OSCC, enabling the prioritization of therapeutic targets for further exploration, including the targeting of YAP1 and WWTR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Wai Yeeng Chai
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Cancer Research Malaysia, Head and Neck Cancer Research TeamSubang Jaya, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Pei San Yee
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Cancer Research Malaysia, Head and Neck Cancer Research TeamSubang Jaya, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Stacey Price
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Shi Mun Yee
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Cancer Research Malaysia, Head and Neck Cancer Research TeamSubang Jaya, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Hui Mei Lee
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Cancer Research Malaysia, Head and Neck Cancer Research TeamSubang Jaya, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Vivian KH Tiong
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Cancer Research Malaysia, Head and Neck Cancer Research TeamSubang Jaya, SelangorMalaysia
| | - Emanuel Gonçalves
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Fiona M Behan
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Jessica Bateson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - James Gilbert
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Aik Choon Tan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer CenterTampaUnited States
| | - Ultan McDermott
- Oncology R&D AstraZeneca, CRUK Cambridge InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Mathew J Garnett
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Sok Ching Cheong
- Head and Neck Cancer Research Team, Cancer Research Malaysia, Head and Neck Cancer Research TeamSubang Jaya, SelangorMalaysia
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
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38
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Azad T, Rezaei R, Surendran A, Singaravelu R, Boulton S, Dave J, Bell JC, Ilkow CS. Hippo Signaling Pathway as a Central Mediator of Receptors Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) in Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082042. [PMID: 32722184 PMCID: PMC7463967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway plays a critical role in tissue and organ growth under normal physiological conditions, and its dysregulation in malignant growth has made it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in the fight against cancer. To date, its complex signaling mechanisms have made it difficult to identify strong therapeutic candidates. Hippo signaling is largely carried out by two main activated signaling pathways involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)—the RTK/RAS/PI3K and the RTK-RAS-MAPK pathways. However, several RTKs have also been shown to regulate this pathway to engage downstream Hippo effectors and ultimately influence cell proliferation. In this text, we attempt to review the diverse RTK signaling pathways that influence Hippo signaling in the context of oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Azad
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Reza Rezaei
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Abera Surendran
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Ragunath Singaravelu
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Stephen Boulton
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jaahnavi Dave
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - John C. Bell
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Carolina S. Ilkow
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (T.A.); (R.R.); (A.S.); (R.S.); (S.B.); (J.D.); (J.C.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-737-8899 (ext. 75208)
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Yang CY, Liu CR, Chang IYF, OuYang CN, Hsieh CH, Huang YL, Wang CI, Jan FW, Wang WL, Tsai TL, Liu H, Tseng CP, Chang YS, Wu CC, Chang KP. Cotargeting CHK1 and PI3K Synergistically Suppresses Tumor Growth of Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patient-Derived Xenografts. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071726. [PMID: 32610557 PMCID: PMC7408003 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are aggressive tumors, and their recurrence leads to poor prognosis and reduced survival rates. This study aimed to identify therapeutic targets and to evaluate the efficacy of targeted inhibitors in OSCC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Herein, we reported that OSCC PDXs recapitulated the genomic signatures of their paired primary tumors and the expression of CHEK1, PIK3CA, and PIK3CD was significantly upregulated in OSCC. The antitumor efficacy of CHK1 inhibitors (PF477736, AZD7762, LY2606368) and PI3K inhibitors (BYL719, GDC0941, GSK1059615) was investigated in OSCC cell lines and PDX models. Targeting either CHK1 or PI3K effectively inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in in vitro cell-based assays. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy combined with CHK1 inhibitor treatment synergistically inhibited cell proliferation by suppressing CHK1 phosphorylation and inducing PARP cleavage. Furthermore, compared with monotherapy, cotreatment with CHK1 and PI3K inhibitors exerted synergistic anticancer effects by suppressing CHK1, AKT, and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. In summary, our study identified CHK1 and PI3K as promising targets, especially in a dual treatment strategy combining a CHK1 inhibitor with cisplatin or a PI3K inhibitor as a novel therapeutic approach for OSCC patients with aberrant cell cycle regulation and PI3K signaling activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-R.L.); (F.-W.J.); (W.-L.W.); (T.-L.T.)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (H.L.); (Y.-S.C.)
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (I.Y.-F.C.); (C.-N.O.)
| | - Chiao-Rou Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-R.L.); (F.-W.J.); (W.-L.W.); (T.-L.T.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
| | - Ian Yi-Feng Chang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (I.Y.-F.C.); (C.-N.O.)
| | - Chun-Nan OuYang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (I.Y.-F.C.); (C.-N.O.)
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lin Huang
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-I Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
| | - Fei-Wen Jan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-R.L.); (F.-W.J.); (W.-L.W.); (T.-L.T.)
| | - Wan-Ling Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-R.L.); (F.-W.J.); (W.-L.W.); (T.-L.T.)
| | - Ting-Lin Tsai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (C.-R.L.); (F.-W.J.); (W.-L.W.); (T.-L.T.)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (H.L.); (Y.-S.C.)
| | - Hsuan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (H.L.); (Y.-S.C.)
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (I.Y.-F.C.); (C.-N.O.)
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ping Tseng
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sun Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (H.L.); (Y.-S.C.)
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (I.Y.-F.C.); (C.-N.O.)
| | - Chih-Ching Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (I.Y.-F.C.); (C.-N.O.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (C.-C.W.); or (K.-P.C.)
| | - Kai-Ping Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan;
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; (I.Y.-F.C.); (C.-N.O.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-C.W.); or (K.-P.C.)
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Targeting the Hippo pathway in cancer, fibrosis, wound healing and regenerative medicine. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:480-494. [PMID: 32555376 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signalling pathway with key roles in organ development, epithelial homeostasis, tissue regeneration, wound healing and immune modulation. Many of these roles are mediated by the transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ, which direct gene expression via control of the TEAD family of transcription factors. Dysregulated Hippo pathway and YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity is associated with various diseases, most notably cancer, making this pathway an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. This Review highlights the key findings from studies of Hippo pathway signalling across biological processes and diseases, and discusses new strategies and therapeutic implications of targeting this pathway.
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Thompson BJ. YAP/TAZ: Drivers of Tumor Growth, Metastasis, and Resistance to Therapy. Bioessays 2020; 42:e1900162. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Barry J. Thompson
- EMBL AustraliaJohn Curtin School of Medical ResearchThe Australian National University 131 Garran Rd, Acton 2602 Canberra ACT Australia
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Omori H, Nishio M, Masuda M, Miyachi Y, Ueda F, Nakano T, Sato K, Mimori K, Taguchi K, Hikasa H, Nishina H, Tashiro H, Kiyono T, Mak TW, Nakao K, Nakagawa T, Maehama T, Suzuki A. YAP1 is a potent driver of the onset and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay3324. [PMID: 32206709 PMCID: PMC7080500 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay3324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common group of cancers in the world, and patients have a poor prognosis. Here, we present data indicating that YAP1 may be a strong driver of the onset and progression of oral SCC (OSCC), a major subtype of HNSCC. Mice with tongue-specific deletion of Mob1a/b and thus endogenous YAP1 hyperactivation underwent surprisingly rapid and highly reproducible tumorigenesis, developing tongue carcinoma in situ within 2 weeks and invasive SCC within 4 weeks. In humans, precancerous tongue dysplasia displays YAP1 activation correlating with reduced patient survival. Combinations of molecules mutated in OSCC may increase and sustain YAP1 activation to the point of oncogenicity. Strikingly, siRNA or pharmacological inhibition of YAP1 blocks murine OSCC onset in vitro and in vivo. Our work justifies targeting YAP1 as therapy for OSCC and perhaps HNSCC, and our mouse model represents a powerful tool for evaluating these agents.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Animals
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/etiology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Disease Susceptibility
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/deficiency
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mouth Neoplasms/etiology
- Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism
- Mouth Neoplasms/mortality
- Mouth Neoplasms/pathology
- Oncogene Proteins
- Prognosis
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Omori
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Miki Nishio
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Muneyuki Masuda
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yosuke Miyachi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Fumihito Ueda
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takafumi Nakano
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Sato
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Koshi Mimori
- Department of Surgery, Kyushu University Beppu Hospital, Oita, Japan
| | - Kenichi Taguchi
- Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hikasa
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishina
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hironori Tashiro
- Department of Women’s Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tohru Kiyono
- Division of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tak Wah Mak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kazuwa Nakao
- Medical Innovation Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakagawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Maehama
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akira Suzuki
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
- Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Cai Y, Yousef A, Grandis JR, Johnson DE. NSAID therapy for PIK3CA-Altered colorectal, breast, and head and neck cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 75:100653. [PMID: 31594701 PMCID: PMC7056575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic evidence indicates that regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provides a protective effect against the development of colorectal, breast, and head and neck cancers. Genomic characterization of these cancers has lent considerable insight into the subpopulations of cancer patients who are most likely to benefit from NSAID therapy. The PIK3CA gene encodes the catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and is among the most frequently mutated genes in solid tumor malignancies. Cancer-associated mutations in PIK3CA promote signaling via the PI3K pathway and stimulate tumor cell growth. In addition, activation of the PI3K pathway leads to induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and production of immunosuppressive prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Notably, in both colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer the subpopulation of patients that benefit from NSAID use is restricted to those whose tumors exhibit PIK3CA genomic alterations. Preclinical studies, particularly in models of head and neck cancer, support the hypothesis that the chemopreventive impact of NSAIDs may be due, in part, to inhibition of COX-2 and reduction of PGE2 levels in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Yousef
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Santos-de-Frutos K, Segrelles C, Lorz C. Hippo Pathway and YAP Signaling Alterations in Squamous Cancer of the Head and Neck. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122131. [PMID: 31817001 PMCID: PMC6947155 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer affects the upper aerodigestive tract and is the sixth leading cancer worldwide by incidence and the seventh by cause of death. Despite significant advances in surgery and chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapeutic options for this type of cancer are scarce and long term survival rates remain low. Recently, comprehensive genomic studies have highlighted the most commonly altered genes and signaling pathways in this cancer. The Hippo-YAP pathway has been identified as a key oncogenic pathway in multiple tumors. Expression of genes controlled by the Hippo downstream transcriptional coactivators YAP (Yes-associated protein 1) and TAZ (WWTR1, WW domain containing transcription regulator 1) is widely deregulated in human cancer including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Interestingly, YAP/TAZ signaling might not be as essential for the normal homeostasis of adult tissues as for oncogenic growth, altogether making the pathway an amenable therapeutic target in cancer. Recent advances in the role of Hippo-YAP pathway in HNSCC have provided evidence that genetic alterations frequent in this type of cancer such as PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha) overexpression or FAT1 (FAT atypical cadherin 1) functional loss can result in YAP activation. We discuss current therapeutic options targeting this pathway which are currently in use for other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Santos-de-Frutos
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Ave Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (K.S.-d.-F.); (C.S.)
- Molecular Oncology, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Ave Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Segrelles
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Ave Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (K.S.-d.-F.); (C.S.)
- Molecular Oncology, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Ave Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Ave Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Corina Lorz
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Ave Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (K.S.-d.-F.); (C.S.)
- Molecular Oncology, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Ave Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Ave Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-4962-521; Fax: +34-91-3466-484
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Omori H, Sato K, Nakano T, Wakasaki T, Toh S, Taguchi K, Nakagawa T, Masuda M. Stress-triggered YAP1/SOX2 activation transcriptionally reprograms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for the acquisition of stemness. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2019; 145:2433-2444. [PMID: 31485767 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-019-02995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinical importance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is well recognized. However, a reliable method for the detection of functioning CSC has not yet been established. We hypothesized that YAP1, a transcriptional coactivator, and SOX2, a master transcription factor of SCC, may cooperatively induce stemness through transcriptional reprogramming. METHODS We immunohistochemically examined the expression of SOX2 and YAP1 in the CD44 variant 9 (CD44v9)-positive invasion front. A CSC-inducible module was identified through a combination of siRNAs and sphere formation assays. YAP1 and SOX2 interactions were analyzed in vitro. RESULTS The triple overexpression of SOX2, YAP1, and CD44v9 was significantly associated with poor prognosis. TCGA data revealed that the CSC-inducible module, which was related to EMT and angiogenesis, was significantly correlated with poor prognosis. The KLF7 expression, representatively chosen from the module, also correlated with poor prognosis and was essential for sphere formation and CSC propagation. Sphere stress-activated YAP1 enhanced SOX2 activity. CONCLUSIONS The stress-triggered activation of YAP1/SOX2 transcriptionally reprograms HNSCC for the acquisition of stemness. Triple SOX2, YAP1, and CD44v9 immunostaining assays may be useful for the selection of high-risk patients with functioning CSCs, and YAP1 targeting may lead to the development of a CSC-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Omori
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, 3-1-1 Notame, Minamiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 811-1395, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Sato
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, 3-1-1 Notame, Minamiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 811-1395, Japan
| | - Takafumi Nakano
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, 3-1-1 Notame, Minamiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 811-1395, Japan
| | - Takahiro Wakasaki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Toh
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, 3-1-1 Notame, Minamiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 811-1395, Japan
| | - Kenichi Taguchi
- Department of Pathology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, 3-1-1 Notame, Minamiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 811-1395, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakagawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Muneyuki Masuda
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center, 3-1-1 Notame, Minamiku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 811-1395, Japan.
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Molecular prognosticators in clinically and pathologically distinct cohorts of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-A meta-analysis approach. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218989. [PMID: 31310629 PMCID: PMC6634788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) includes multiple subsites that exhibit differential treatment outcome, which is in turn reflective of tumor stage/histopathology and molecular profile. This study hypothesized that the molecular profile is an accurate prognostic adjunct in patients triaged based on clinico-pathological characteristics. Towards this effect, publically available micro-array datasets (n = 8), were downloaded, classified based on HPV association (n = 83) and site (tongue n = 88; laryngopharynx n = 53; oropharynx n = 51) and re-analyzed (Genespring; v13.1). The significant genes were validated in respective cohorts in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for correlation with clinico-pathological parameters/survival. The gene entities (n = 3258) identified from HPV based analysis, when validated in TCGA identified the subset specifically altered in HPV+ HNSCC (n = 63), with three genes showing survival impact (RPP25, NUDCD2, NOVA1). Site-specific meta-analysis identified respective differentials (tongue: 3508, laryngopharynx: 4893, oropharynx: 2386); validation in TCGA revealed markers with high incidence (altered in >10% of patients) in tongue (n = 331), laryngopharynx (n = 701) and oropharynx (n = 404). Assessment of these genes in clinical sub-cohorts of TCGA indicated that early stage tongue (MTFR1, C8ORF33, OTUD6B) and laryngeal cancers (TWISTNB, KLHL13 and UBE2Q1) were defined by distinct prognosticators. Similarly, correlation with perineural/angiolymophatic invasion, identified discrete marker panels with survival impact (tongue: NUDCD1, PRKC1; laryngopharynx: SLC4A1AP, PIK3CA, AP2M1). Alterations in ANO1, NUDCD1, PIK3CA defined survival in tongue cancer patients with nodal metastasis (node+ECS-), while EPS8 is a significant differential in node+ECS- laryngopharyngeal cancers. In oropharynx, wherein HPV is a major etiological factor, distinct prognosticators were identified in HPV+ (ECHDC2, HERC5, GGT6) and HPV- (GRB10, EMILIN1, FNDC1). Meta-analysis in combination with TCGA validation carried out in this study emphasized on the molecular heterogeneity inherent within HNSCC; the feasibility of leveraging this information for improving prognostic efficacy is also established. Subject to large scale clinical validation, the marker panel identified in this study can prove to be valuable prognostic adjuncts.
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Zhou Y, Sinha S, Schwartz JL, Adami GR. A subtype of oral, laryngeal, esophageal, and lung, squamous cell carcinoma with high levels of TrkB-T1 neurotrophin receptor mRNA. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:607. [PMID: 31221127 PMCID: PMC6587277 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5789-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The NTRK2 genetic locus encodes neurotrophin membrane receptors that play an important role in normal neural tissue plasticity, growth, and survival. One NTRK2-encoded protein is TrkB-FL, which can regulate multiple pathways relevant to cancer. A second NTRK2 gene mRNA isoform encodes TrkB-T1, a receptor that has a different cytoplasmic domain encoded in a mRNA with a unique 3′ terminal exon. Method Tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and other studies were classified according to the expression of a single form of NTRK2 mRNA, TrkB-T1, identified by its unique 3′ terminal exon. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in TrkB-T1 high expressers was done to determine if tumors enriched for TrkB-T1 mRNA were a uniform group independent of anatomic site. Results The mRNA for TrkB-T1 is the most abundant NTRK2 gene mRNA in all squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in the TCGA database. Comparison of larynx SCC high TrkB-T1 RNA expressers to low expressers (n = 96) revealed gene expression differences consistent with the high TrkB-T1 tumors being more neural-like. The upregulated genes in the TrkB-T1 RNA high expressers also showed enrichment of pathways involved in retinol metabolism, hedgehog signaling, and the Nfe2l2 response, among other pathways. An examination of oral, esophagus, and lung SCCs (n = 284, 97, 501) showed induction of the same pathways among tumors that expressed high levels of TrkB-T1 mRNA. Proteins associated with regulation of the sonic hedgehog pathway, and the Nfe2l2 response, Tp63, and Keap1 and p62/SQSTM1 proteins, showed differential expression in larynx, oral and lung high TrkB1-T1 expresser SCCs. Unexpectantly, the relationship of high level TrkB-T1 expression to patient outcomes was SCC anatomic site specific. High TrkB-T1 mRNA levels in laryngeal SCC correlated with poor survival, but the opposite was true for lung SCC. This may be because pathways enriched in the TrkB high expressers, like those involving oncogenes NFE2L2, PIK3CA, and SOX2, are known to have SCC anatomic site-specific effects on progression. Conclusions High level TrkB-T1 mRNA is a marker of a distinct SCC subtype enriched for at least 3 pathways relevant to tumor progression: Nfe2l2 response, retinol metabolism, and hedgehog signaling. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5789-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalu Zhou
- Department of Oral Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 801 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Saurabh Sinha
- Department of Computer Science and Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2122 Siebel Center, 201N. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Joel L Schwartz
- Department of Oral Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 801 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Guy R Adami
- Department of Oral Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 801 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Calses PC, Crawford JJ, Lill JR, Dey A. Hippo Pathway in Cancer: Aberrant Regulation and Therapeutic Opportunities. Trends Cancer 2019; 5:297-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Xu PF, Yang JA, Liu JH, Yang X, Liao JM, Yuan FE, Liu BH, Chen QX. PI3Kβ inhibitor AZD6482 exerts antiproliferative activity and induces apoptosis in human glioblastoma cells. Oncol Rep 2018; 41:125-132. [PMID: 30542720 PMCID: PMC6278584 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common type of primary brain tumour in adults, and its pathogenesis is particularly complicated. Among the many possible mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis, hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway is essential to the occurrence and development of glioma through the loss of PTEN or somatic activating mutations in PIK3CA. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the PI3Kβ inhibitor AZD6482 on glioma cells. The CCK-8 assay showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in glioma cell lines treated with AZD6482. Additionally, AZD6482 treatment was found to significantly induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest as detected using flow cytometry. Moreover, as shown using western blot analysis, the levels of p-AKT, p-GSK-3β, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1 were decreased after AZD6482 treatment. In addition, we found that AZD6482 inhibited the migration and invasion of glioma cells as detected by wound healing and Transwell invasion assays. Taken together, our findings indicate that AZD6482 exerts an antitumour effect by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in human glioma cells. AZD6482 may be applied as an adjuvant therapy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Ji-An Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ming Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Fan-En Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Qian-Xue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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50
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Segrelles C, Paramio JM, Lorz C. The transcriptional co-activator YAP: A new player in head and neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2018; 86:25-32. [PMID: 30409308 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo-YAP (Yes-associated protein) pathway is a key regulator of tissue growth, organ size and stem cell function. More recently, a fundamental role for this pathway has emerged in stem cell function and tumorigenesis. Activation of the transcriptional co-activator YAP promotes cell-contact independent proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cell features and drug resistance. In this review, we describe the main components of the pathway, the microenvironment and the cell-intrinsic cues governing its activation, the downstream players of the pathway and the biological implications of their activation in the context of cancer. We will focus on the existing knowledge of this pathway in head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC), its clinical value in this type of cancer as a marker of poor prognosis and resistance to therapy, as well as the most encouraging therapeutic strategies targeting the pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Segrelles
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Av. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Molecular Oncology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, Av. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Paramio
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Av. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Molecular Oncology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, Av. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Corina Lorz
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), Av. Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Molecular Oncology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Research Institute 12 de Octubre i+12, Av. Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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