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Rinne N, Christie EL, Ardasheva A, Kwok CH, Demchenko N, Low C, Tralau-Stewart C, Fotopoulou C, Cunnea P. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in epithelial ovarian cancer, therapeutic treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2022; 4:573-595. [PMID: 35582310 PMCID: PMC9019160 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The survival rates for women with ovarian cancer have shown scant improvement in recent years, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 40% for women diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal subtype where the majority of women develop recurrent disease and chemotherapy resistance, despite over 70%-80% of patients initially responding to platinum-based chemotherapy. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway regulates many vital processes such as cell growth, survival and metabolism. However, this pathway is frequently dysregulated in cancers including different subtypes of ovarian cancer, through amplification or somatic mutations of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), amplification of AKT isoforms, or deletion or inactivation of PTEN. Further evidence indicates a role for the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the development of chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer. Thus, targeting key nodes of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a potential therapeutic prospect. In this review, we outline dysregulation of PI3K signaling in ovarian cancer, with a particular emphasis on HGSOC and platinum-resistant disease. We review pre-clinical evidence for inhibitors of the main components of the PI3K pathway and highlight past, current and upcoming trials in ovarian cancers for different inhibitors of the pathway. Whilst no inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway have thus far advanced to the clinic for the treatment of ovarian cancer, several promising compounds which have the potential to restore platinum sensitivity and improve clinical outcomes for patients are under evaluation and in various phases of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rinne
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | - Anastasia Ardasheva
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Chun Hei Kwok
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nikita Demchenko
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Caroline Low
- Department of Metabolism Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Catherine Tralau-Stewart
- Takeda Academic Innovation, Center for External Innovation, Takeda California, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Christina Fotopoulou
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Paula Cunnea
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith campus, London W12 0NN, UK
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Moosavi F, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ, Firuzi O. Combination of HGF/MET-targeting agents and other therapeutic strategies in cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103234. [PMID: 33497758 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MET receptor has emerged as a druggable target across several human cancers. Agents targeting MET and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) including small molecules such as crizotinib, tivantinib and cabozantinib or antibodies including rilotumumab and onartuzumab have proven their values in different tumors. Recently, capmatinib was approved for treatment of metastatic lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping. In this review, we critically examine the current evidence on how HGF/MET combination therapies may take advantage of synergistic effects, overcome primary or acquired drug resistance, target tumor microenvironment, modulate drug metabolism or tackle pharmacokinetic issues. Preclinical and clinical studies on the combination of HGF/MET-targeted agents with conventional chemotherapeutics or molecularly targeted treatments (including EGFR, VEGFR, HER2, RAF/MEK, and PI3K/Akt targeting agents) and also the value of biomarkers are examined. Our deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying successful pharmacological combinations is crucial to find the best personalized treatment regimens for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moosavi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Darici S, Alkhaldi H, Horne G, Jørgensen HG, Marmiroli S, Huang X. Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR in AML: Rationale and Clinical Evidence. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2934. [PMID: 32932888 PMCID: PMC7563273 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy characterized by excessive proliferation and accumulation of immature myeloid blasts in the bone marrow. AML has a very poor 5-year survival rate of just 16% in the UK; hence, more efficacious, tolerable, and targeted therapy is required. Persistent leukemia stem cell (LSC) populations underlie patient relapse and development of resistance to therapy. Identification of critical oncogenic signaling pathways in AML LSC may provide new avenues for novel therapeutic strategies. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, is often hyperactivated in AML, required to sustain the oncogenic potential of LSCs. Growing evidence suggests that targeting key components of this pathway may represent an effective treatment to kill AML LSCs. Despite this, accruing significant body of scientific knowledge, PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have not translated into clinical practice. In this article, we review the laboratory-based evidence of the critical role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in AML, and outcomes from current clinical studies using PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors. Based on these results, we discuss the putative mechanisms of resistance to PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibition, offering rationale for potential candidate combination therapies incorporating PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors for precision medicine in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salihanur Darici
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Hazem Alkhaldi
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Gillian Horne
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Heather G. Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
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Al-Ghabkari A, Perinpanayagam MA, Narendran A. Inhibition of PI3K/mTOR Pathways with GDC-0980 in Pediatric Leukemia: Impact on Abnormal FLT-3 Activity and Cooperation with Intracellular Signaling Targets. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:828-837. [PMID: 30914027 DOI: 10.2174/1568009619666190326120833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GDC-0980 is a selective small molecule inhibitor of class I PI3K and mTOR pathway with a potent anti-proliferative activity. OBJECTIVE We set out to evaluate the efficacy of GDC-0980, in pre-clinical studies, against pediatric leukemia cells. METHODS The anti-neoplastic activity of GDC-0980 was evaluated in vitro using five different pediatric leukemia cells. RESULTS Our data show that GDC-0980 significantly inhibited the proliferation of leukemia cell lines, KOPN8 (IC50, 532 nM), SEM (IC50,720 nM), MOLM-13 (IC50,346 nM), MV4;11 (IC50,199 nM), and TIB-202 (IC50, 848 nM), compared to normal control cells (1.23 µM). This antiproliferative activity was associated with activation of cellular apoptotic mechanism characterized by a decrease in Bcl-2 protein phosphorylation and enhanced PARP cleavage. Western blot analyses of GDC-0980 treated cells also showed decreased phosphorylation levels of mTOR, Akt and S6, but not ERK1/2. Notably, FLT3 phosphorylation was decreased in Molm-13 and MV4;11 cells following the application of GDC-0980. We further examined cellular viability of GDC-0980-treated primary leukemia cells isolated from pediatric leukemia patients. This study revealed a potential therapeutic effect of GDC-0980 on two ALL patients (IC50's, 1.23 and 0.625 µM, respectively). Drug combination analyses of GDC-0980 demonstrated a synergistic activity with the MEK inhibitor Cobimetinib (MV4-11; 11, CI, 0.25, SEM, CI, 0.32, and TIB-202, CI, 0.55) and the targeted FLT3 inhibitor, Crenolanib (MV4-11; 11, CI, 0.25, SEM, CI, 0.7, and TIB-202, CI, 0.42). CONCLUSION These findings provide initial proof-of-concept data and rationale for further investigation of GDC-0980 in selected subgroups of pediatric leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhameed Al-Ghabkari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Maneka A Perinpanayagam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Aru Narendran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Jiang W, Xie S, Liu Y, Zou S, Zhu X. The Application of Patient-Derived Xenograft Models in Gynecologic Cancers. J Cancer 2020; 11:5478-5489. [PMID: 32742495 PMCID: PMC7391187 DOI: 10.7150/jca.46145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, due to the limitations of cell line models and animal models in the preclinical research with insufficient reflecting the physiological situation of humans, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of many cancers have been widely developed because of their better representation of the tumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment with retention of the cellular complexity, cytogenetics, and stromal architecture. PDX models now have been identified as a powerful tool for determining cancer characteristics, developing new treatment, and predicting drug efficacy. An increase in attempts to generate PDX models in gynecologic cancers has emerged in recent years to understand tumorigenesis. Hence, this review summarized the generation of PDX models and engraftment success of PDX models in gynecologic cancers. Furthermore, we illustrated the similarity between PDX model and original tumor, and described preclinical utilization of PDX models in gynecologic cancers. It would help supply better personalized therapy for gynecologic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Shangdan Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Shuangwei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
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Langdon SP, Kay C, Um IH, Dodds M, Muir M, Sellar G, Kan J, Gourley C, Harrison DJ. Evaluation of the dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors Gedatolisib (PF-05212384) and PF-04691502 against ovarian cancer xenograft models. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18742. [PMID: 31822716 PMCID: PMC6904563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the antitumour effects of two dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors, gedatolisib (WYE-129587/PKI-587/PF-05212384) and PF-04691502 against a panel of six human patient derived ovarian cancer xenograft models. Both dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors demonstrated antitumour activity against all xenografts tested. The compounds produced tumour stasis during the treatment period and upon cessation of treatment, tumours re-grew. In several models, there was an initial rapid reduction of tumour volume over the first week of treatment before tumour stasis. No toxicity was observed during treatment. Biomarker studies were conducted in two xenograft models; phospho-S6 (Ser235/236) expression (as a readout of mTOR activity) was reduced over the treatment period in the responding xenograft but expression increased to control (no treatment) levels on cessation of treatment. Phospho-AKT (Ser473) expression (as a readout of PI3K) was inhibited by both drugs but less markedly so than phospho-S6 expression. Initial tumour volume reduction on treatment and regrowth rate after treatment cessation was associated with phospho-S6/total S6 expression ratio. Both drugs produced apoptosis but minimally influenced markers of proliferation (Ki67, phospho-histone H3). These results indicate that mTOR/PI3K inhibition can produce broad spectrum tumour growth stasis in ovarian cancer xenograft models during continuous chronic treatment and this is associated with apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Langdon
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and Edinburgh Pathology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom.
| | - Charlene Kay
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and Edinburgh Pathology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - In Hwa Um
- Pathology, School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TF, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Dodds
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and Edinburgh Pathology, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Morwenna Muir
- Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Grant Sellar
- Wyeth Translational Medicine Research Consortium, Sir James Black Centre, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Kan
- Pfizer Translational Pharmacology, Oncology, San Diego, USA
| | - Charlie Gourley
- Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - David J Harrison
- Pathology, School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TF, United Kingdom
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Ediriweera MK, Tennekoon KH, Samarakoon SR. Role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in ovarian cancer: Biological and therapeutic significance. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:147-160. [PMID: 31128298 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 372] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a lethal gynecological cancer. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cell survival, growth, and proliferation. Irregularities in the major components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway are common in human cancers. Despite the availability of strong pre-clinical and clinical data of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors in OC, there is no FDA approved inhibitor available for the treatment of OC. Here, we outline the importance of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in OC tumorigenesis, proliferation and progression, and pre-clinical and clinical experience with several PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meran Keshawa Ediriweera
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 90, Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.
| | - Kamani Hemamala Tennekoon
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 90, Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
| | - Sameera Ranganath Samarakoon
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, 90, Cumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
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Dai C, Xie Y, Zhuang X, Yuan Z. MiR-206 inhibits epithelial ovarian cancer cells growth and invasion via blocking c-Met/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 104:763-770. [PMID: 29807226 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs play important roles in the pathogenesis of various kinds of tumors. However, there are few studies on the expression profile and function of miRNAs in epithelial ovarian cancer. In this study, we performed microRNA array to compare the expression profile of microRNA in ovarian cancer tissues with noncancerous tissues. METHODS qRT-PCR was used to further confirm the microRNA expression levels in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. The function of microRNA was analyzed by overexpressing microRNA mimics followed by the analysis of cell cycle, proliferation, and metastasis. The downstream target of miR-206 was found and western blot analysis was performed to measure the activation of the downstream signaling pathway. RESULTS In this study, we found the expression of miR-206 was significantly down-regulated in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues and epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines. In epithelial ovarian cancer patients, downregulation of miR-206 was associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. In epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines, miR-206 contributed to the cell cycle regulation, cell apoptosis, and cancer cell metastasis. MiR-206 mimics inhibited cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, and induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, our results demonstrated that miR-206 directly targeted c-Met and repressed the activation of downstream AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that miR-206 was down-regulated in epithelial ovarian cancer tissues and cell lines. MiR-206 inhibits the development of epithelial ovarian cancer cell by directly targeting c-Met and inhibiting the c-Met/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiu Dai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yongyong Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhuang
- Department of Pathology, Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhengzhong Yuan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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Hass R, Jennek S, Yang Y, Friedrich K. c-Met expression and activity in urogenital cancers - novel aspects of signal transduction and medical implications. Cell Commun Signal 2017; 15:10. [PMID: 28212658 PMCID: PMC5316205 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-017-0165-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
C-Met is a receptor tyrosine kinase with multiple functions throughout embryonic development, organogenesis and wound healing and is expressed in various epithelia. The ligand of c-Met is Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) which is secreted among others by mesenchymal stroma/stem (MSC) cells. Physiological c-Met functions are centred around processes that underly cellular motility and invasive growth. Aberrant c-Met expression and activity is observed in numerous cancers and makes major contributions to cell malignancy. Importantly, HGF/c-Met signaling is crucial in the context of communication between cancer cells and the the tumor stroma. Here, we review recent findings on roles of dysregulated c-Met in urogenital tumors such as cancers of the urinary bladder, prostate, and ovary. We put emphasis on novel aspects of cancer-associated c-Met expression regulation on both, HGF-dependent and HGF-independent non-canonical mechanisms. Moreover, this review focusses on c-Met-triggered signalling with potential relevance for urogenital oncogenesis, and on strategies to specifically inhibit c-Met activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Lab, Department of Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Jennek
- Institute of Biochemistry II, University Hospital Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4, D-07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Yuanyuan Yang
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Lab, Department of Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Friedrich
- Institute of Biochemistry II, University Hospital Jena, Nonnenplan 2-4, D-07743, Jena, Germany.
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