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Khatoon E, Hegde M, Kumar A, Daimary UD, Sethi G, Bishayee A, Kunnumakkara AB. The multifaceted role of STAT3 pathway and its implication as a potential therapeutic target in oral cancer. Arch Pharm Res 2022; 45:507-534. [PMID: 35987863 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, and it has become a matter of serious concern due to the alarming rise in its incidence rate worldwide. Despite recent advancements in oral cancer treatment strategies, there are no significant improvements in patient's survival rate. Among the numerous cell signaling pathways involved in oral cancer development and progression, STAT3 is known to play a multifaceted oncogenic role in shaping the tumor pathophysiology. STAT3 hyperactivation in oral cancer contributes to survival, proliferation, invasion, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, metastasis, immunosuppression, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. A plethora of pre-clinical and clinical studies have documented the role of STAT3 in the initiation and development of oral cancer and showed that STAT3 inhibition holds significant potential in the prevention and treatment of this cancer. However, to date, targeting STAT3 activation mainly involves inhibiting the upstream signaling molecules such as JAK and IL-6 receptors. The major challenge in targeting STAT3 lies in the complexity of its phosphorylation- and dimerization-independent functions, which are not affected by disrupting the upstream regulators. The present review delineates the significance of the STAT3 pathway in regulating various hallmarks of oral cancer. In addition, it highlights the STAT3 inhibitors identified to date through various preclinical and clinical studies that can be employed for the therapeutic intervention in oral cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Khatoon
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Mangala Hegde
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Uzini Devi Daimary
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India. .,DBT-AIST International Center for Translational and Environmental Research (DAICENTER), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.
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Nakagawa T, Oda G, Kawachi H, Ishikawa T, Okamoto K, Uetake H. Nuclear Expression of p-STAT3 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in ER(−) Breast Cancer. Clin Pract 2022; 12:157-167. [PMID: 35314590 PMCID: PMC8938801 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract12020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been reported in several types of cancer, where it acts as an oncogene. However, in breast cancer, the clinical role of STAT3 remains unclear. In the present study, the association between phosphorylated-STAT3 (p-STAT3) expression and clinicopathological/biological factors was examined in each subtype. p-STAT3 expression was examined in 135 cases of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. p-STAT3 expression was not associated with clinicopathological/biological factors and prognosis in a complete cohort of breast cancer cases. However, in patients with estrogen receptor-negative (ER(−)) breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), multivariate analysis showed that higher p-STAT3 expression was significantly associated with a short relapse-free survival (p = 0.029, HR 5.37, 95%CI 1.19–24.29). TNBC patients with p-STAT3 overexpression were found to have a poor prognosis (p = 0.029, HR 5.37, 95%CI 1.19–24.29). On the other hand, in ER(+) breast cancer, p-STAT3 overexpression was associated with a favorable prognosis (p = 0.034, HR 9.48, 95%CI 1.18–76.21). The present results suggested that STAT3 expression may play a different role in ER(−) and ER(+) breast cancer. In the future, the pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 expression may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for ER(−) breast cancer, particularly TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Nakagawa
- Department of Specialized Surgeries, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan; (G.O.); (T.I.); (K.O.); (H.U.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-5803-5261
| | - Goshi Oda
- Department of Specialized Surgeries, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan; (G.O.); (T.I.); (K.O.); (H.U.)
| | - Hiroshi Kawachi
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan;
| | - Toshiaki Ishikawa
- Department of Specialized Surgeries, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan; (G.O.); (T.I.); (K.O.); (H.U.)
| | - Kentaro Okamoto
- Department of Specialized Surgeries, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan; (G.O.); (T.I.); (K.O.); (H.U.)
| | - Hiroyuki Uetake
- Department of Specialized Surgeries, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan; (G.O.); (T.I.); (K.O.); (H.U.)
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3
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A novel small molecular STAT3 inhibitor, 5Br-6b, induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in colorectal cancer cells. Anticancer Drugs 2018; 29:402-410. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Shah NG, Trivedi TI, Tankshali RA, Goswami JA, Shah JS, Jetly DH, Kobawala TP, Patel KC, Shukla SN, Shah PM, Verma RJ. Molecular Alterations in Oral Carcinogenesis: Significant Risk Predictors in Malignant Transformation and Tumor Progression. Int J Biol Markers 2018; 22:132-43. [PMID: 17549669 DOI: 10.1177/172460080702200207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study an attempt was made to establish the significance of a battery of molecular alterations and thereby identify risk predictors in oral carcinogenesis. For this purpose, EGFR, Stat3, H-ras, c-myc, p53, cyclin D1, p16, Rb, Ki-67 and Bcl-2 were localized immunohistochemically in normal mucosa (n=12), hyperplasia (n=35), dysplasia (n=25), early stage carcinoma (n=65) and advanced stage carcinoma (n=70). Deregulation occurred at an early stage and the number of alterations increased with disease progression. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the significant risk predictor for hyperplasia from normal mucosa was Ki-67 (OR=5.75, p=0.021); the significant risk predictors for dysplasia from hyperplasia were EGFR (OR=12.96, p=0.002), Stat3 (OR=17.16, p=0.0001), p16 (OR=5.50, p=0.039) and c-myc (OR=5.99, p=0.052); the significant risk predictors for early stage carcinoma from dysplasia were p53 (OR=6.63, p=0.0001) and Rb (OR=3.81, p=0.056); and the significant risk predictors for further progression were EGFR (OR=5.50, p=0.0001), Stat3 (OR=4.49, p=0.0001), H-ras (OR=4.05, p=0.001) and c-myc (OR=2.99, p=0.015). Cyclin D1 holds a key position linking upstream signaling pathways to cell cycle regulation. Gene products of the mitogenic signaling pathway play an equally significant role as cell cycle regulatory proteins in the hyperplasia-dysplasia-early-advanced-carcinoma sequence and together may provide a reference panel of markers for use in defining premalignant lesions and predicting the risk of malignant transformation and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Shah
- Division of Molecular Endocrinology, Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute, Ahmedabad, India.
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Overcoming resistance of targeted EGFR monotherapy by inhibition of STAT3 escape pathway in soft tissue sarcoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:21496-509. [PMID: 26909593 PMCID: PMC5008301 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is often over-expressed in soft tissue sarcoma (STS), a phase II trial using an EGFR inhibitor gefitinib showed a low response rate. This study identified a new secondary resistance mechanism of gefitinib in STS, and developed new strategies to improve the effectiveness of EGFR inhibition particularly by blocking the STAT3 pathway. We demonstrated that seven STS cell lines of diverse histological origin showed resistance to gefitinib despite blockade of phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR) and downstream signal transducers (pAKT and pERK) in PI3K/AKT and RAS/ERK pathways. Gefitinib exposure was not associated with decrease in the ratio of pSTAT3/pSTAT1. The relative STAT3 abundance and activation may be responsible for the drug resistance. We therefore hypothesized that the addition of a STAT3 inhibitor could overcome the STAT3 escape pathway. We found that the addition of STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 to gefitinib achieved synergistic anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in all three STS cell lines examined. This was confirmed in a fibrosarcoma xenografted mouse model, where the tumours from the combination group (418mm3) were significantly smaller than those from untreated (1032mm3) or single drug (912 and 798mm3) groups. Our findings may have clinical implications for optimising EGFR-targeted therapy in STS.
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Liu S, Ye D, Wang T, Guo W, Song H, Liao Y, Xu D, Zhu H, Zhang Z, Deng J. Repression of GPRC5A is associated with activated STAT3, which contributes to tumor progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:34. [PMID: 28270740 PMCID: PMC5335824 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0406-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background G protein–coupled receptor family C group 5 member A (GPRC5A), a retinoic acid-inducible gene, is a lung tumor suppressor. Previously, we showed that repression of GPRC5A expression was associated with pathologic differentiation grade of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) and overexpression of GPRC5A gene inhibited the malignant phenotype in OSCC cells, suggesting that GPRC5A also functions as a tumor suppressor in oral cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying GPRC5A deficiency in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are still unclear. Methods In this study, we used Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to investigate the expression of GPRC5A in both HNSCC cell lines and clinical samples. GPRC5A stable transfectants and their parental HNSCC cells were characterized for their biological activities in anchorage-independent growth. Results IHC analysis showed that, GPRC5A expression was high in normal tissue, but gradually decreased in oral leukoplakia, a precancerous stage, and greatly suppressed in primary cancer. Repression of GPRC5A was correlated with activated STAT3, which associates with aggressive clinicopathological features in HNSCC patients. Moreover, overexpression of GPRC5A suppressed IL-6-induced-STAT3 activation and inhibited anchorage-independent growth in HNSCC cells. Conclusions Repressed GPRC5A associates with increased tumor grade and activated STAT3, which may be used as a prognostic marker for tumor progression of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxia Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Key laboratory of cell differentiation and apoptosis of Chinese Minister of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzheng Guo
- Key laboratory of cell differentiation and apoptosis of Chinese Minister of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyong Song
- Key laboratory of cell differentiation and apoptosis of Chinese Minister of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueling Liao
- Key laboratory of cell differentiation and apoptosis of Chinese Minister of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongliang Xu
- Key laboratory of cell differentiation and apoptosis of Chinese Minister of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanguang Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiong Deng
- Key laboratory of cell differentiation and apoptosis of Chinese Minister of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Siavash H, Nikitakis N, Sauk J. Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription: Insights into the Molecular Basis of Oral Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 15:298-307. [DOI: 10.1177/154411130401500505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent efforts on developing more direct and effective targets for cancer therapy have revolved around a family of transcription factors known as STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription). STAT proteins are latent cytoplasmic transcription factors that become activated in response to extracellular signaling proteins. STAT proteins have been convincingly reported to possess oncogenic properties in a plethora of human cancers, including oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Signal transduction pathways mediated by these oncogenic transcription factors and their regulation in oral cancer are the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Siavash
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Pathology, University of Maryland, Dental School, 666 West Baltimore Street, Room 4-C-02, Baltimore, MD 21201; and
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - N.G. Nikitakis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Pathology, University of Maryland, Dental School, 666 West Baltimore Street, Room 4-C-02, Baltimore, MD 21201; and
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - J.J. Sauk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Pathology, University of Maryland, Dental School, 666 West Baltimore Street, Room 4-C-02, Baltimore, MD 21201; and
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201
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Mali SB. Review of STAT3 (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) in head and neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2015; 51:565-9. [PMID: 25817923 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
STATs can be activated independently of JAKs, most notably by c-Src kinases. In cancer cells, STAT3 and STAT5 activation leads to the increased expression of downstream target genes, leading to increased cell proliferation, cell survival, angiogenesis, and immune system evasion. STAT3 and STAT5 are expressed and activated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma where they contribute to cell survival and proliferation. STATs can be activated by a number of signal transduction pathways, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), nicotinic receptor, interleukin (IL) receptor, and erythropoietin receptor pathways. Identifying agents that inhibit STAT-3, a cytosolic transcription factor involved in the activation of various genes implicated in tumor progression is a promising strategy for cancer chemoprevention. Several approaches have been used to inhibit STAT3 in the hope of developing an antitumor agent. Although several STAT3-specific agents are promising, none are in clinical development, mostly because of drug delivery and stability issues.
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9
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Thota B, Arimappamagan A, Kandavel T, Shastry AH, Pandey P, Chandramouli BA, Hegde AS, Kondaiah P, Santosh V. STAT-1 expression is regulated by IGFBP-3 in malignant glioma cells and is a strong predictor of poor survival in patients with glioblastoma. J Neurosurg 2014; 121:374-83. [PMID: 24878287 DOI: 10.3171/2014.4.jns131198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECT Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glioma. In a previous study the authors demonstrated that IGFBP-3 is a novel glioblastoma biomarker associated with poor survival. Since signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) has been shown to be regulated by IGFBP-3 during chondrogenesis and is a prosurvival and radioresistant molecule in different tumors, the aim in the present study was to explore the functional significance of IGFBP-3 in malignant glioma cells, to determine if STAT-1 is indeed regulated by IGFBP-3, and to study the potential of STAT-1 as a biomarker in glioblastoma. METHODS The functional significance of IGFBP-3 was investigated using the short hairpin (sh)RNA gene knockdown approach on U251MG cells. STAT-1 regulation by IGFBP-3 was tested on U251MG and U87MG cells by shRNA gene knockdown and exogenous treatment with recombinant IGFBP-3 protein. Subsequently, the expression of STAT-1 was analyzed with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in glioblastoma and control brain tissues. Survival analyses were done on a uniformly treated prospective cohort of adults with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (136 patients) using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. RESULTS IGFBP-3 knockdown significantly impaired proliferation, motility, migration, and invasive capacity of U251MG cells in vitro (p < 0.005). Exogenous overexpression of IGFBP-3 in U251MG and U87MG cells demonstrated STAT-1 regulation. The mean transcript levels (by real-time RT-PCR) and the mean labeling index of STAT-1 (by IHC) were significantly higher in glioblastoma than in control brain tissues (p = 0.0239 and p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate survival analysis revealed that STAT-1 protein expression (HR 1.015, p = 0.033, 95% CI 1.001-1.029) along with patient age (HR 1.025, p = 0.005, 95% CI 1.008-1.042) were significant predictors of shorter survival in patients with glioblastoma. CONCLUSIONS IGFBP-3 influences tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and regulates STAT-1 expression in malignant glioma cells. STAT-1 is overexpressed in human glioblastoma tissues and emerges as a novel prognostic biomarker.
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Boeckx C, Baay M, Wouters A, Specenier P, Vermorken JB, Peeters M, Lardon F. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: focus on potential molecular mechanisms of drug resistance. Oncologist 2013; 18:850-64. [PMID: 23821327 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2013-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most promising molecular therapeutics for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). EGFR is overexpressed in a wide range of malignancies, including HNSCC, and initiates important signal transduction pathways in HNSCC carcinogenesis. However, primary and acquired resistance are serious problems and are responsible for low single-agent response rate and tumor recurrence. Therefore, an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of resistance to EGFR inhibitors may provide valuable indications to identify biomarkers that can be used clinically to predict response to EGFR blockade and to establish new treatment options to overcome resistance. To date, no predictive biomarker for HNSCC is available in the clinic. Therapeutic resistance to anti-EGFR therapy may arise from mechanisms that can compensate for reduced EGFR signaling and/or mechanisms that can modulate EGFR-dependent signaling. In this review, we will summarize some of these molecular mechanisms and describe strategies to overcome that resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Boeckx
- Center for Oncological Research Antwerp, Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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11
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Wang X, Crowe PJ, Goldstein D, Yang JL. STAT3 inhibition, a novel approach to enhancing targeted therapy in human cancers (review). Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1181-91. [PMID: 22842992 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates many critical functions in human normal and malignant tissues, such as differentiation, proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and immune function. Constitutive activation of STAT3 is implicated in a wide range of human cancers. As such, STAT3 has been studied as a tumour therapeutic target. This review aimed principally to summarise the updated research on STAT3 inhibition studies and their therapeutic potential in solid tumours. Recent literature associated with STAT3 inhibition was reviewed through PubMed and Medline database, followed by critical comparison and analysis. Constitutive activation of STAT3 has been identified as abnormal and oncogenic. The pathway of STAT3 activation and signal transduction identifies 3 approaches for inhibition: modulating upstream positive or negative regulators, regulating RNA (DN-STAT3, anti-sense RNA, siRNA and microRNA) or targeting STAT3 protein at different domains. The last approach using small molecule STAT3 inhibitors has been the most examined so far with both preclinical and clinical studies. Targeting STAT3 using a specific inhibitor may be a useful cancer treatment approach, with the potential for a broad clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Wang
- Sarcoma Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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12
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Johnson DE. Targeting proliferation and survival pathways in head and neck cancer for therapeutic benefit. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2012; 31:319-26. [PMID: 22257382 PMCID: PMC3607312 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.011.10404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are common human malignancies with poor clinical outcomes. The 5-year survival rates for patients with advanced stage HNSCC have not changed appreciably in the past few decades, underscoring a dire need for improved therapeutic options. Recent studies have elucidated a key signaling axis, the EGFR-STAT3-Bcl-XL signaling axis, that is aberrantly activated in a majority of HNSCC and contributes to the proliferation and survival of malignant cells. Considerable effort is being placed on developing highly specific inhibitors of different components of this pathway. This review highlights the progress that is being made towards achieving potent inhibition of the EGFR-STAT3-Bcl-XL signaling axis in HNSCC and the promising therapeutic strategies that are currently under development for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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13
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Targeted therapy in head and neck cancer. Tumour Biol 2012; 33:707-21. [PMID: 22373581 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-012-0350-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) of multi-factorial etiopathogenesis is rising worldwide. Treatment-associated toxicity problems and treatment failure in advanced disease stages with conventional therapies have necessitated a focus on alternative strategies. Molecular targeted therapy, with the potential for increased selectivity and fewer adverse effects, hold promise in the treatment of HNSCC. In an attempt to improve outcomes in HNSCC, targeted therapeutic strategies have been developed. These strategies are focusing on the molecular biology of HNSCC in an attempt to target selected pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by focusing on specific protein or signal transduction pathways or by targeting the tumor microenvironment or vasculature are some of the new approaches. Targeted agents for HNSCC expected to improve the effectiveness of current therapy include EGFR inhibitors (Cetuximab, Panitumumab, Zalutumumab), EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Gefitinib, Erloitinib), VEGFR inhibitors (Bevacizumab, Vandetanib), and various inhibitors of, e.g., Src-family kinase, PARP, proteasome, mTOR, COX, and heat shock protein. Moreover, targeted molecular therapy can also act as a complement to other existing cancer therapies. Several studies have demonstrated that the combination of targeting techniques with conventional current treatment protocols may improve the treatment outcome and disease control, without exacerbating the treatment related toxicities. Some of the targeted approaches have been proved as promising therapeutic potentials and are already in use, whereas remainder exhibits mixed result and necessitates further studies. Identification of predictive biomarkers of resistance or sensitivity to these therapies remains a fundamental challenge in the optimal selection of patients most likely to benefit from targeted treatment.
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Mehra R, Serebriiskii IG, Dunbrack RL, Robinson MK, Burtness B, Golemis EA. Protein-intrinsic and signaling network-based sources of resistance to EGFR- and ErbB family-targeted therapies in head and neck cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2011; 14:260-79. [PMID: 21920801 PMCID: PMC3195944 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Agents targeting EGFR and related ErbB family proteins are valuable therapies for the treatment of many cancers. For some tumor types, including squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN), antibodies targeting EGFR were the first protein-directed agents to show clinical benefit, and remain a standard component of clinical strategies for management of the disease. Nevertheless, many patients display either intrinsic or acquired resistance to these drugs; hence, major research goals are to better understand the underlying causes of resistance, and to develop new therapeutic strategies that boost the impact of EGFR/ErbB inhibitors. In this review, we first summarize current standard use of EGFR inhibitors in the context of SCCHN, and described new agents targeting EGFR currently moving through pre-clinical and clinical development. We then discuss how changes in other transmembrane receptors, including IGF1R, c-Met, and TGF-β, can confer resistance to EGFR-targeted inhibitors, and discuss new agents targeting these proteins. Moving downstream, we discuss critical EGFR-dependent effectors, including PLC-γ; PI3K and PTEN; SHC, GRB2, and RAS and the STAT proteins, as factors in resistance to EGFR-directed inhibitors and as alternative targets of therapeutic inhibition. We summarize alternative sources of resistance among cellular changes that target EGFR itself, through regulation of ligand availability, post-translational modification of EGFR, availability of EGFR partners for hetero-dimerization and control of EGFR intracellular trafficking for recycling versus degradation. Finally, we discuss new strategies to identify effective therapeutic combinations involving EGFR-targeted inhibitors, in the context of new system level data becoming available for analysis of individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranee Mehra
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Ilya G. Serebriiskii
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Roland L. Dunbrack
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Matthew K. Robinson
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Barbara Burtness
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Erica A. Golemis
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
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15
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Epidermal growth factor receptor gene copy number aberration at the primary tumour is significantly associated with extracapsular spread in oral cancer. Br J Cancer 2011; 104:850-5. [PMID: 21304522 PMCID: PMC3048213 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2011.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Extracapsular spread (ECS) of lymph node metastasis in head and neck cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), is known to reflect tumour aggressiveness, and is significantly associated with high rates of loco-regional recurrence, distant metastasis, and poor outcome. The purpose of this study was to confirm ECS as an important prognostic indicator and to determine the significant factors associated with ECS in OSCCs. Methods: We investigated the incidence of ECS and impact of ECS on survival in 127 OSCC patients. To determine the factors significantly correlated with ECS, we examined many factors, including the clinicopathological features of primary tumours, lymph node metastasis, and copy number aberrations of the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) and epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) at primary tumours, and evaluated the value of predicting the risk of ECS of the metastatic lymph node. Results: Kaplan–Meier and multivariate disease-free and overall survival analysis clearly demonstrated that ECS is an independent prognostic factor in OSCCs. Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that the number of pathologically positive nodes and copy number aberrations of EGFR at the primary tumour are independent predictors of ECS. Conclusions: The findings suggest that ECS is an independent prognostic factor in OSCCs. Moreover, the number of pathologically positive lymph nodes and EGFR numerical aberrations of the primary tumour were also shown to be excellent predictors of ECS in OSCCs. Preoperative evaluation of EGFR numerical aberrations might therefore be a useful tool for selecting patients at high risk of ECS, who would benefit from targeted aggressive multimodality therapy.
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16
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STAT-Related Profiles Are Associated with Patient Response to Targeted Treatments in Locally Advanced SCCHN. Transl Oncol 2011; 4:47-58. [PMID: 21286377 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.10217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody cetuximab (Erbitux, CTX) is currently used for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN), as yet with modest effectiveness, prompting for the identification of response predictors to this treatment and for the targeting of additional pathways implicated in this disease. Within this scope, we investigated the effect of SRC/STAT pathway components on LA-SCCHN patient outcome. SRC, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A, STAT5B, ANXA1, CAV1, IGFBP2, EPHA2, EPHB2, and MSN relative gene expression, as well as Stat protein activation, were assessed on LA-SCCHN tumor tissues from 35 patients treated with combined radiotherapy (RT) and CTX-based regimens. Stat1, Stat3, and Stat5 proteins were usually found activated in neoplastic nuclei (70.4%, 85.7%, and 70.8%, respectively). Activated Stat3 and Stat5 were associated with each other (P = .017) and with a CAV1(high)/MSN(high)/IGFBP2(low) profile. All patients with tumors expressing high STAT5A/EPHA2 experienced a complete response on RT-CTX-based treatments (12/15 complete responders, P < .0001) and a longer progression-free survival (P = .024). Few tumors expressed high ANXA1/CAV1/EPHA2 and low IGFBP2, a putative dasatinib response-related profile, whereas high ANXA1 was associated with shorter overall survival (P = .003). In conclusion, Stat activation is common in LA-SCCHN, where overexpression of STAT5A and EPHA2 may predict for response to RT-CTX treatments. The STAT5A/EPHA2 profile seems of particular interest for validation in larger cohorts and in multiple tumor types because markers for the positive selection of patients to benefit from CTX-containing treatments are currently lacking.
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17
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Sasi W, Jiang WG, Sharma A, Mokbel K. Higher expression levels of SOCS 1,3,4,7 are associated with earlier tumour stage and better clinical outcome in human breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2010; 10:178. [PMID: 20433750 PMCID: PMC2876081 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-10-178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) are important negative feedback regulators of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and have been recently investigated for their role in the development of different cancers. In this study, we examined the expression of SOCS1-7 genes in normal and breast cancer tissue and correlated this with several clinico-pathological and prognostic factors. METHODS SOCS1-7 mRNA extraction and reverse transcription were performed on fresh frozen breast cancer tissue samples (n = 127) and normal background breast tissue (n = 31). Transcript levels of expression were determined using real-time PCR and analyzed against TNM stage, tumour grade and clinical outcome over a 10 year follow-up period. RESULTS SOCS1,4,5,6 and 7 expression decreased with increased TNM stage (TNM1 vs. TNM3 p = 0.039, TNM1 vs. TNM4 p = 0.016, TNM2 vs. TNM4 p = 0.025, TNM1 vs. TNM3 p = 0.012, and TNM1 vs. TNM3 p = 0.044 respectively). SOCS2 and 3 expression decreased with increased Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI) (NPI1 vs. NPI3 p = 0.033, and NPI2 vs. NPI3 p = 0.041 respectively). SOCS7 expression decreased with higher tumour grade (Grade 3 vs. Grade 2 p = 0.037). After a median follow up period of 10 years, we found higher levels of SOCS1,2 and 7 expression among those patients who remained disease-free compared to those who developed local recurrence (p = 0.0073, p = 0.021, and p = 0.039 respectively). Similarly, we found higher levels of SOCS 2,4, and 7 expression in those who remained disease-free compared to those who developed distant recurrence (p = 0.022, p = 0.024, and p = 0.033 respectively). Patients who remained disease-free had higher levels of SOCS1 and 2 expression compared to those who died from breast cancer (p = 0.02 and p = 0.033 respectively). The disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) curves showed that higher levels of SOCS1, 3 and 7 were significant predictors of higher DFS (p = 0.015, p = 0.024 and 0.03 respectively) and OS (p = 0.005, p = 0.013 and p = 0.035 respectively). Higher levels of SOCS 4 were significant in predicting better OS (p = 0.007) but not DFS. Immunohistochemical staining of representative samples showed a correlation between SOCS1, 3, 7 protein staining and the SOCS1, 3, 7 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION Higher mRNA expression levels of SOCS1, 3, 4 and 7 are significantly associated with earlier tumour stage and better clinical outcome in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid Sasi
- St. George's University of London, London, UK
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18
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Ratushny V, Astsaturov I, Burtness BA, Golemis EA, Silverman JS. Targeting EGFR resistance networks in head and neck cancer. Cell Signal 2009; 21:1255-68. [PMID: 19258037 PMCID: PMC2770888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A core set of oncoproteins is overexpressed or functionally activated in many types of cancer, and members of this group have attracted significant interest as subjects for development of targeted therapeutics. For some oncoproteins such as EGFR/ErbB1, both small molecule and antibody agents have been developed and applied in the clinic for over a decade. Analysis of clinical outcomes has revealed an initially unexpected complexity in the response of patients to these agents. Diverse factors, including developmental lineage of the tumor progenitor cell, co-mutation or epigenetic modulation of genes encoding proteins in an extended EGFR signaling network or regulating core survival responses in individual tumors, and environmental factors including inflammatory agents and viral infection, all have been identified as modulating response to treatment with EGFR-targeted drugs. Second and third generation therapeutic strategies increasingly incorporate knowledge of cancer type-specific signaling environments, in a more personalized treatment approach. This review takes squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) as a specific example of an EGFR-involved cancer with idiosyncratic biological features that influence design of treatment modalities, with particular emphasis on commonalities and differences with other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Ratushny
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Igor Astsaturov
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Barbara A. Burtness
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Erica A. Golemis
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Joshua S. Silverman
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
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19
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Hui Z, Tretiakova M, Zhang Z, Li Y, Wang X, Zhu JX, Gao Y, Mai W, Furge K, Qian CN, Amato R, Butler EB, Teh BT, Teh BS. Radiosensitization by Inhibiting STAT1 in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2009; 73:288-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2008.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Revised: 08/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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20
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Activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and overexpression of its target gene CyclinD1 in laryngeal carcinomas. Laryngoscope 2008; 118:1976-80. [PMID: 18758380 DOI: 10.1097/mlg.0b013e31817fd3fa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Constitutive activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 3 has been observed in many solid tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expression and activation of STAT3 in laryngeal carcinoma have not been fully understood. The study aims to investigate the expression and activation of STAT3 in laryngeal carcinoma, the relationship between activated STAT3 and its downstream target gene CyclinD1 and the related clinicopathological factors of activated STAT3. STUDY DESIGN Prospective. METHODS Sixty-four samples of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 12 samples of control mucosa obtained from total laryngectomy cases were analyzed using Western blot analysis and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS The overexpression of both STAT3 and CyclinD1 mRNA was observed in all samples of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The mRNA levels of STAT3 and CyclinD1 in carcinoma tissue were 2.1- and 2.3-fold higher than those in control mucosa, respectively; the differences were statistically significant (P < .01). The overexpression of STAT3, p-STAT3, and CyclinD1 protein was also observed in all tumor samples. The protein levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, and CyclinD1 in carcinoma tissue were 1.6-, 4.5-, and 2.0-fold higher than those in control mucosa respectively; the differences were statistically significant (P < .01). There was a positive correlation between p-STAT3 protein and CyclinD1 mRNA (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.827, P < .01). There were significant correlations between the overexpression of p-STAT3 protein and clinical T stage (P < .01), and tumor size (P < .05). The p-STAT3 protein level of patients in T1, T2 was higher than that of patients in T3, T4. The p-STAT3 protein level of patients with tumor size within 20 mm was higher than that of patients with tumor size more than 20 mm. CONCLUSIONS High expression and activation of STAT3 exist in laryngeal carcinomas. Activated STAT3 may take effect on promoting transcription of its downstream target gene CyclinD1. The role of activation of STAT3 in laryngeal carcinogenesis needs further research.
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22
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Regis G, Pensa S, Boselli D, Novelli F, Poli V. Ups and downs: the STAT1:STAT3 seesaw of Interferon and gp130 receptor signalling. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2008; 19:351-9. [PMID: 18620071 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2008.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2008] [Revised: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Downstream of cytokine or growth factor receptors, STAT3 counteracts inflammation and promotes cell survival/proliferation and immune tolerance while STAT1 inhibits proliferation and favours innate and adaptive immune responses. STAT1 and STAT3 activation are reciprocally regulated and perturbation in their balanced expression or phosphorylation levels may re-direct cytokine/growth factor signals from proliferative to apoptotic, or from inflammatory to anti-inflammatory. Here we review the functional canonical and non-canonical effects of STAT1/3 activation and discuss the hypothesis that perturbation of their expression and/or activation levels may provide novel therapeutic strategies in different clinical settings and particularly in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Regis
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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23
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Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) are commonly expressed and activated in many malignancies. EGFR is an upstream activator of several pathways involved in tumor progression, and STATs activate selected genes involved in oncogenesis. There are several different mechanisms by which STAT proteins can mediate intracellular EGFR signaling, including direct activation of STATs by EGFR binding and indirect activation of STATs through Src-mediated EGFR signaling. EGFR likely activates STAT in a manner distinctive from other mechanisms of STAT activation; STAT5 can be phosphorylated in an EGF-dependent manner at unique sites, conferring novel functions. Cumulative evidence suggests that targeting EGFR signaling pathways at several levels may demonstrate synergistic therapeutic effects compared with targeting the upstream receptor alone. Thus, methods to inhibit EGFR in conjunction with oncogenic STATs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for cancers characterized by upregulation of EGFR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Quesnelle
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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24
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Karamouzis MV, Konstantinopoulos PA, Papavassiliou AG. The role of STATs in lung carcinogenesis: an emerging target for novel therapeutics. J Mol Med (Berl) 2007; 85:427-36. [PMID: 17216202 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-006-0152-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2006] [Revised: 11/29/2006] [Accepted: 11/29/2006] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are a family of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors, which form dimers when activated by cytokine receptors, tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors as well as non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Dimeric STATs translocate to the nucleus, where they bind to specific DNA-response elements in the promoters of target genes, thereby inducing unique gene expression programs often in association with other transcription regulatory proteins. The functional consequence of different STAT proteins activation varies, as their target genes play diverse roles in normal cellular/tissue functions, including growth, apoptosis, differentiation and angiogenesis. Certain activated STATs have been implicated in human carcinogenesis, albeit only few studies have focused into their role in lung tumours. Converging evidence unravels their molecular interplays and complex multipartite regulation, rendering some of them appealing targets for lung cancer treatment with new developing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis V Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
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25
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Laimer K, Spizzo G, Obrist P, Gastl G, Brunhuber T, Schäfer G, Norer B, Rasse M, Haffner MC, Doppler W. STAT1 activation in squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity. Cancer 2007; 110:326-33. [PMID: 17559122 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.22813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, both locoregional and distant recurrences are common, and an appropriate adjuvant treatment modality has yet to be defined. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel molecular markers with potential prognostic and/or predictive value to improve treatment outcome in these patients. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the predictive and/or prognostic value of STAT1 activation in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. METHODS STAT1 expression and subcellular localization was examined immunohistochemically on a tissue microarray of paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 89 patients who underwent surgical treatment in the period between 1980 and 1997. A nuclear staining score of greater than 35% was defined as high STAT1 activation. RESULTS According to study criteria, 18% of analyzed tumor samples exhibited high STAT1 activation. High STAT1 activation was associated with negative lymph node status. Moreover, in the subgroup of patients who received chemotherapy, high nuclear STAT1 staining in the tumor was associated with good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report demonstrating the potential predictive value of STAT1 activation status in patients with squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity. If confirmed in large prospective trials, this molecular marker could help in guiding therapeutic decisions in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Laimer
- Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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26
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Martinez I, Wang J, Hobson KF, Ferris RL, Khan SA. Identification of differentially expressed genes in HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Eur J Cancer 2006; 43:415-32. [PMID: 17079134 PMCID: PMC1847595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2006.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2006] [Revised: 07/28/2006] [Accepted: 09/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a subset of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The goal of this study was to compare the cellular gene expression profiles of HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinomas with those of the normal oral epithelium. Using Affymetrix Human U133A GeneChip, our results showed that 397 genes were differentially expressed in HPV-positive SCCHN compared to the normal oral epithelium. The upregulated genes included those involved in cell cycle regulation (CDKN2A), cell differentiation (SFRP4) and DNA repair (RAD51AP1), while the downregulated genes included those involved in proteolysis (PRSS3). We also found 162 differentially expressed genes in HPV-negative SCCHN compared to the normal oral mucosa. The upregulated genes included those involved in cell proliferation (AKR1C3) and transcription regulation (SNAPC1), while downregulated genes included those involved in apoptosis (CLU) and RNA processing (RBM3). Our studies also identified a subgroup of 59 differentially expressed genes in HPV-positive SCCHN as compared to both HPV-negative SCCHN and normal oral tissues. Such upregulated genes included those involved in nuclear structure and meiosis (SYCP2), DNA repair (RFC5), and transcription regulation (ZNF238). Genes involved in proteolysis (KLK8) and signal transduction (CRABP2) were found to be downregulated in HPV-positive SCCHN. The results of GeneChip experiments were validated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis of a few representative genes. Our results reveal specific gene expression patterns in HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous carcinomas that may serve as potential biomarkers for the development of SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Martinez
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kenosha F. Hobson
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, USA
| | - Robert L. Ferris
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPCI Resea4rch pavilion, The Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Saleem A. Khan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15208, USA
- *Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 412 648 9025; fax: 1 412 624 1401. E-mail address:
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Yang SF, Wang SN, Wu CF, Yeh YT, Chai CY, Chunag SC, Sheen MC, Lee KT. Altered p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression is associated with histological grading and intratumour microvessel density in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2006; 60:642-8. [PMID: 16901975 PMCID: PMC1955084 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2006.036970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 at tyrosine residue 705 (p-STAT3 (tyr705)) has been associated with many types of human cancers. However, its potential roles and biological effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not well established. AIM To explore whether an altered p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression is associated with angiogenesis or proliferation and thereby plays a part in HCC development. METHODS Paraffin-wax-embedded sections from 69 patients with HCC were collected in this study. Using a semiquantitative immunohistochemical staining method, the expression patterns of p-STAT3 (tyr705) in both HCC lesions and the adjacent non-tumorous liver parenchyma were analysed. The results obtained were further correlated with intratumour microvessel density (MVD), Ki-67 expression, clinicopathological parameters and overall survival. RESULTS A strong p-STAT3 (tyr705) nuclear staining was observed in 49.3% of HCC lesions, but was reported only in 5.8% of the adjacent non-tumorous liver parenchyma (p<0.001). The expression of p-STAT3 (tyr705) in HCC lesions was significantly and positively correlated with the intratumour MVD (p = 0.002), but not with Ki-67 expression. No significant correlation of p-STAT3 (tyr705) was found in addition to histological grading (p = 0.019). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression was a significant predictor of overall survival for HCC (p = 0.036), although the Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no significant difference between the high and low p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression subgroups. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression was closely correlated with histological grading and intratumour MVD in HCC. Thus, the potential role of p-STAT3 (tyr705) in HCC development may be through these correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheau-Fang Yang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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28
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Altered p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression is associated with histological grading and intratumour microvessel density in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Pathol 2006. [PMID: 16901975 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2006.036970.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 at tyrosine residue 705 (p-STAT3 (tyr705)) has been associated with many types of human cancers. However, its potential roles and biological effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not well established. AIM To explore whether an altered p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression is associated with angiogenesis or proliferation and thereby plays a part in HCC development. METHODS Paraffin-wax-embedded sections from 69 patients with HCC were collected in this study. Using a semiquantitative immunohistochemical staining method, the expression patterns of p-STAT3 (tyr705) in both HCC lesions and the adjacent non-tumorous liver parenchyma were analysed. The results obtained were further correlated with intratumour microvessel density (MVD), Ki-67 expression, clinicopathological parameters and overall survival. RESULTS A strong p-STAT3 (tyr705) nuclear staining was observed in 49.3% of HCC lesions, but was reported only in 5.8% of the adjacent non-tumorous liver parenchyma (p<0.001). The expression of p-STAT3 (tyr705) in HCC lesions was significantly and positively correlated with the intratumour MVD (p = 0.002), but not with Ki-67 expression. No significant correlation of p-STAT3 (tyr705) was found in addition to histological grading (p = 0.019). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression was a significant predictor of overall survival for HCC (p = 0.036), although the Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no significant difference between the high and low p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression subgroups. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that p-STAT3 (tyr705) expression was closely correlated with histological grading and intratumour MVD in HCC. Thus, the potential role of p-STAT3 (tyr705) in HCC development may be through these correlations.
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Leeman RJ, Lui VWY, Grandis JR. STAT3 as a therapeutic target in head and neck cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2006; 6:231-41. [PMID: 16503733 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.6.3.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins relay signals from cytokine receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases on the cell surface to the nucleus, where they affect the transcription of genes involved in normal cell functions, including growth, apoptosis and differentiation. STAT3 has been found to be constitutively active in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as well as in other epithelial malignancies. In HNSCC, STAT3 alters the cell cycle, prevents apoptosis, and mediates the proliferation and survival of tumour cells. Several therapeutic approaches are being developed to target STAT3, including molecules that block either dimerisation or DNA binding by STAT3, strategies to decrease STAT3 expression and drugs that inhibit STAT3 function. Strategies that block STAT3 may prove efficacious for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Leeman
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Eye and Ear Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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30
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Identification of three gene candidates for multicellular resistance in colon carcinoma. Cytotechnology 2005; 46:9-18. [PMID: 19003254 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-005-1476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2004] [Accepted: 01/21/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumours display elevated resistance to chemo- and radiotherapies compared to individual tumour derived cells. This so-called multicellular resistance (MCR) phenomenon can only be partly explained by reduced diffusion and altered cell cycle status; even fast growing cells on the surface of solid tumours display MCR. Multicellular spheroids (MCS) recapture this phenomenon ex vivo and here we compare gene expression in exponentially growing MCS with gene expression in monolayer culture. Using an 18,664 gene microarray, we identified 42 differentially expressed genes and three of these genes can be linked to potential mechanisms of MCR. A group of interferon response genes were also up-regulated in MCS, as were a number of genes that that are indicative of greater differentiation in three-dimensional cultures.
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