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Tanim K, Holtzhausen A, Thapa A, Huelse JM, Graham DK, Earp HS. MERTK Inhibition as a Targeted Novel Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7660. [PMID: 39062902 PMCID: PMC11277220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147660] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this issue honoring the contributions of Greg Lemke, the Earp and Graham lab teams discuss several threads in the discovery, action, signaling, and translational/clinical potential of MERTK, originally called c-mer, a member of the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. The 30-year history of the TAM RTK family began slowly as all three members were orphan RTKs without known ligands and/or functions when discovered by three distinct alternate molecular cloning strategies in the pre-genome sequencing era. The pace of understanding their physiologic and pathophysiologic roles has accelerated over the last decade. The activation of ligands bridging externalized phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) has placed these RTKs in a myriad of processes including neurodevelopment, cancer, and autoimmunity. The field is ripe for further advancement and this article hopefully sets the stage for further understanding and therapeutic intervention. Our review will focus on progress made through the collaborations of the Earp and Graham labs over the past 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.M. Tanim
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alisha Holtzhausen
- Lineburger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Aashis Thapa
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Justus M. Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- Lineburger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Czogalla B, Dötzer K, Sigrüner N, von Koch FE, Brambs CE, Anthuber S, Frangini S, Burges A, Werner J, Mahner S, Mayer B. Combined Expression of HGFR with Her2/neu, EGFR, IGF1R, Mucin-1 and Integrin α2β1 Is Associated with Aggressive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2694. [PMID: 36359213 PMCID: PMC9687566 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), also known as c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET), plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In contrast, the mechanisms contributing to aberrant expression of HGFR in EOC are not fully understood. In the present study, the expression of HGFR with its prognostic and predictive role was evaluated immunohistochemically in a cohort of 42 primary ovarian cancer patients. Furthermore, we analyzed the dual expression of HGFR and other druggable biomarkers. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, high HGFR expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.99, 95% confidence interval (CI95%) 1.01-8.91, p = 0.049) and overall survival (OS) (HR 5.77, CI95% 1.56-21.34, p = 0.009). In addition, the combined expression of HGFR, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/neu), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1R), Mucin-1 and Integrin α2β1 further significantly impaired PFS, platinum-free interval (PFI) and OS. Protein co-expression analyses were confirmed by transcriptomic data in a large, independent cohort of patients. In conclusion, new biomarker-directed treatment targets were identified to fight poor prognosis of primary EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Czogalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Dötzer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Sigrüner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Edler von Koch
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Klinikum Dritter Orden, Menzinger Straße 44, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Christine E. Brambs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Anthuber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Starnberg Hospital, Oßwaldstraße 1, 82319 Starnberg, Germany
| | - Sergio Frangini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Munich Clinic Harlaching, Sanatoriumsplatz 2, 81545 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Burges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Mayer
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Zhang J, Xiong H, Yang F, He J, Chen T, Fu D, Zheng P, Tang Q. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 4-(pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4-yloxy)benzamide derivatives as potential antitumor agents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 33:127740. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Huelse J, Fridlyand D, Earp S, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. MERTK in cancer therapy: Targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase in tumor cells and the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 213:107577. [PMID: 32417270 PMCID: PMC9847360 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MERTK is aberrantly expressed in numerous human malignancies, and is a novel target in cancer therapeutics. Physiologic roles of MERTK include regulation of tissue homeostasis and repair, innate immune control, and platelet aggregation. However, aberrant expression in a wide range of liquid and solid malignancies promotes neoplasia via growth factor independence, cell cycle progression, proliferation and tumor growth, resistance to apoptosis, and promotion of tumor metastases. Additionally, MERTK signaling contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via induction of an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and regulation of the PD-1 axis, as well as regulation of macrophage, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, natural killer cell and T cell functions. Various MERTK-directed therapies are in preclinical development, and clinical trials are underway. In this review we discuss MERTK inhibition as an emerging strategy for cancer therapy, focusing on MERTK expression and function in neoplasia and its role in mediating resistance to cytotoxic and targeted therapies as well as in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we review preclinical and clinical pharmacological strategies to target MERTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Diana Fridlyand
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Binju M, Amaya-Padilla MA, Wan G, Gunosewoyo H, Suryo Rahmanto Y, Yu Y. Therapeutic Inducers of Apoptosis in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1786. [PMID: 31766284 PMCID: PMC6896143 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancers remain one of the most common causes of gynecologic cancer-related death in women worldwide. The standard treatment comprises platinum-based chemotherapy, and most tumors develop resistance to therapeutic drugs. One mechanism of developing drug resistance is alterations of molecules involved in apoptosis, ultimately assisting in the cells' capability to evade death. Thus, there is a need to focus on identifying potential drugs that restore apoptosis in cancer cells. Here, we discuss the major inducers of apoptosis mediated through various mechanisms and their usefulness as potential future treatment options for ovarian cancer. Broadly, they can target the apoptotic pathways directly or affect apoptosis indirectly through major cancer-pathways in cells. The direct apoptotic targets include the Bcl-2 family of proteins and the inhibitor of apoptotic proteins (IAPs). However, indirect targets include processes related to homologous recombination DNA repair, micro-RNA, and p53 mutation. Besides, apoptosis inducers may also disturb major pathways converging into apoptotic signals including janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/β-Catenin, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET)/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/v-AKT murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Several drugs in our review are undergoing clinical trials, for example, birinapant, DEBIO-1143, Alisertib, and other small molecules are in preclinical investigations showing promising results in combination with chemotherapy. Molecules that exhibit better efficacy in the treatment of chemo-resistant cancer cells are of interest but require more extensive preclinical and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudra Binju
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovative Research Institute, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Monica Angelica Amaya-Padilla
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovative Research Institute, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Graeme Wan
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovative Research Institute, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Hendra Gunosewoyo
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovative Research Institute, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Yohan Suryo Rahmanto
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yu Yu
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Curtin Health Innovative Research Institute, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- University of Western Australia Medical School, Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Sun ZG, Liu JH, Zhang JM, Qian Y. Research Progress of Axl Inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1338-1349. [PMID: 31218961 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190620155613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Axl, a Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) belonging to the TAM (Axl, Mer, Tyro3) family, participates in many signal transduction cascades after mostly being stimulated by Growth arrestspecific 6(Gas6). Axl is widely expressed in many organs, such as macrophages, endothelial cells, heart, liver and skeletal muscle. Over-expression and activation of Axl are associated with promoting chemotherapy resistance, cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in many human cancers, such as breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Therefore, the research and development of Axl inhibitors is of great significance to strengthen the means of cancer treatment, especially to solve the problem of drug resistance. Axl inhibitors have attracted more and more researchers' attention in recent years. This review discusses the research progress of Axl inhibitors in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Gang Sun
- Central Laboratory, Linyi Central Hospital, No.17 Jiankang Road, Linyi 276400, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No.163 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jian-Hua Liu
- Central Laboratory, Linyi Central Hospital, No.17 Jiankang Road, Linyi 276400, China
| | - Jin-Mai Zhang
- Room 205, BIO-X white house, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, No.163 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
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Cheng M, Liu CH, Horng HC, Chen YJ, Lo PF, Lee WL, Wang PH. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor presenting as a rectovaginal septal mass: A case report and review of literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15398. [PMID: 31027138 PMCID: PMC6831160 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) arising from the gynecological tract are extremely rare. A case of GIST with an unusual presentation as a vaginal mass is presented with comprehensive literature review, aiming to gain a better understanding of the diagnostic and treatment strategy of the disease. PATIENT CONCERNS A 78-year-old woman presented with persistent vaginal bleeding and difficulty in micturition. Although the tumor mass was diagnosed, the results of preoperative evaluations are uncertain. DIAGNOSIS Preoperative evaluation included the computed tomography examination (a 6.3×5.3 cm cervical mass lesion with rectal and vaginal invasion), colonoscopy (an external compression with an intact mucosa), tumor markers, and biopsy (spindle cell tumor). Postoperative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of GIST. INTERVENTIONS Posterior exenteration with complete resection was performed. The patient received postoperative adjuvant imatinib therapy. OUTCOMES The patient has survived without the disease for more than 3 years. CONCLUSION It is still a challenge to diagnose GISTs in women with rectovaginal mass preoperatively. Efforts should be made, including a high suspicion and an assistance of immunohistochemistry. A precise diagnosis may offer a better surgical and treatment plan, especially on the preservation of reproductive organs and accessibility of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University
| | - Chia-Hao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University
| | - Huann-Cheng Horng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University
| | - Pei-Fen Lo
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
| | - Wen-Ling Lee
- Department of Nursing, Oriental Institute of Technology, New Taipei City
- Department of Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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