1
|
Park YL, Lee GH, Kim KY, Myung E, Kim JS, Myung DS, Park KJ, Cho SB, Lee WS, Jung YD, Kim HS, Joo YE. Expression of RON in colorectal cancer and its relationships with tumor cell behavior and prognosis. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 98:652-62. [DOI: 10.1177/030089161209800517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Aims and background The aims of the current study were to evaluate whether recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) affects tumor cell behavior and oncogenic signaling pathways in colorectal cancer, and to examine the relationship of its expression with various clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. Methods Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of the RON gene in human colorectal cancer tissue. To study the biological role of RON in tumor cell behavior and cellular signaling pathways, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down RON gene expression in human colorectal cancer cell lines. Results Knockdown of RON inhibited the induction of the invasive growth phenotype and the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways including Akt, MAPK and β-catenin. RON overexpression was associated with tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, tumor stage and poor survival. Conclusions These results suggest that RON overexpression may help in predicting poor clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Lan Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Gi-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kyu-Yeol Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Eun Myung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jong-Sun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Dae-Seong Myung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kang-Jin Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sung-Bum Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Wan-Sik Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young-Do Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young-Eun Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
LoRusso PM, Gounder M, Jalal SI, André V, Kambhampati SRP, Loizos N, Hall J, Holzer TR, Nasir A, Cosaert J, Kauh J, Chiorean EG. Phase 1 study of narnatumab, an anti-RON receptor monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2017; 35:442-450. [PMID: 28161886 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-016-0413-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Macrophage-stimulating 1-receptor (RON) is expressed on macrophages, epithelial cells, and a variety of tumors. Narnatumab (IMC-RON8; LY3012219) is a neutralizing monoclonal antibody that blocks RON binding to its ligand, macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP). This study assessed safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of narnatumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods Narnatumab was administered intravenously weekly at 5, 10, 15, or 20 mg/kg or every 2 weeks at 15, 20, 30, or 40 mg/kg in 4-week cycles. Results Thirty-nine patients were treated, and 1 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) (grade 3 hyponatremia, 5 mg/kg) was reported. The most common narnatumab-related adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (20.5%) and decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (10.3% each). Except for 2 treatment-related grade 3 AEs (hyponatremia, hypokalemia), all treatment-related AEs were grade 1 or 2. Narnatumab had a short half-life (<7 days). After Cycle 2, no patients had concentrations above 140 μg/mL (concentration that demonstrated antitumor activity in animal models), except for 1 patient receiving 30 mg/kg biweekly. Eleven patients had a best response of stable disease, ranging from 6 weeks to 11 months. Despite only 1 DLT, due to suboptimal drug exposure, the dose was not escalated beyond 40 mg/kg biweekly. This decision was based on published data reporting that mRNA splice variants of RON are highly prevalent in tumors, accumulate in cytoplasm, and are not accessible by large-molecule monoclonal antibodies. Conclusions Narnatumab was well tolerated and showed limited antitumor activity with this dosing regimen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M LoRusso
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Mrinal Gounder
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shadia I Jalal
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Nick Loizos
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jennifer Hall
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Boehringer Ingelheim, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | | | - Aejaz Nasir
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jan Cosaert
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - John Kauh
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - E Gabriela Chiorean
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Faham N, Welm AL. RON Signaling Is a Key Mediator of Tumor Progression in Many Human Cancers. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2017; 81:177-188. [PMID: 28057847 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2016.81.031377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing body of literature covering RON receptor tyrosine kinase function in different types of human cancers, it is becoming clear that RON has prominent roles in both cancer cells and in the tumor-associated microenvironment. RON not only activates several oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer cells, leading to more aggressive behavior, but also promotes an immunosuppressive, alternatively activated phenotype in macrophages and limits the antitumor immune response. These two unique functions of this oncogene, the strong correlation between RON expression and poor outcomes in cancer, and the high tolerability of a new RON inhibitor make it an exciting therapeutic target, the blocking of which offers an advantage toward improving the survival of cancer patients. Here, we discuss recent findings on the role of RON signaling in cancer progression and its potential in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Najme Faham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Strauss O, Dunbar PR, Bartlett A, Phillips A. The immunophenotype of antigen presenting cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system in normal human liver--a systematic review. J Hepatol 2015; 62:458-68. [PMID: 25315649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS), comprised of monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, is essential in tissue homeostasis and in determining the balance of the immune response through its role in antigen presentation. It has been identified as a therapeutic target in infectious disease, cancer, autoimmune disease and transplant rejection. Here, we review the current understanding of the immunophenotype and function of the MPS in normal human liver. Using well-defined selection criteria, a search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases identified 76 appropriate studies. The majority (n=67) described Kupffer cells (KCs), although the definition of KC differs between sources, and little data were available regarding their function. Only 10 papers looked at liver dendritic cells (DCs), and largely confirmed the presence of the major dendritic cell subsets identified in human blood. Monocytes were thoroughly characterized in four studies that utilized flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy and highlighted their prominent role in liver homeostasis and displayed subtle differences from circulating monocytes. There was some limited evidence that liver DCs are tolerogenic but neither liver dendritic cell subsets nor macrophages have been thoroughly characterized, using either multi-colour flow cytometry or multi-parameter fluorescence microscopy. The lobular distribution of different subsets of liver MPS cells was also poorly described, and the ability to distinguish between passenger leukocytes and tissue resident cells remains limited. It was apparent that further research, using modern immunological techniques, is now required to accurately characterize the cells of the MPS in human liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Otto Strauss
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - P Rod Dunbar
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adam Bartlett
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Anthony Phillips
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kulkarni RM, Stuart WD, Gurusamy D, Waltz SE. Ron receptor signaling is protective against DSS-induced colitis in mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2014; 306:G1065-74. [PMID: 24742989 PMCID: PMC4059975 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00421.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the intestine that result in painful and debilitating complications. Currently no cure exists for IBD, and treatments are primarily aimed at reducing inflammation to alleviate symptoms. Genome-wide linkage studies have identified the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor-like protein (HGFL), as genes highly associated with IBD. However, only scant information exists on the role of Ron or HGFL in IBD. Based on the linkage of Ron to IBD, we directly examined the biological role of Ron in colitis. Wild-type mice and mice lacking the TK signaling domain of Ron (TK-/- mice) were utilized in a well-characterized model of chronic colitis induced by cyclic exposure to dextran sulfate sodium. In this model, TK-/- mice were more susceptible to injury as judged by increased mortality compared with control mice and developed more severe colitis. Loss of Ron led to significantly reduced body weights and more aggressive clinical and histopathologies. Ron loss also resulted in a dramatic reduction in colonic epithelial cell proliferation and increased proinflammatory cytokine production, which was associated with alterations in important signaling pathways known to regulate IBD. Examination of human gene expression data further supports the contention that loss of Ron signaling is associated with IBD. In total, our studies point to important functional roles for Ron in IBD by regulating healing of the colonic epithelium and by controlling cytokine secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - William D. Stuart
- 1Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and
| | - Devikala Gurusamy
- 1Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- 1Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and ,2Department of Research, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kulkarni RM, Stuart WD, Waltz SE. Ron receptor-dependent gene regulation of Kupffer cells during endotoxemia. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2014; 13:281-92. [PMID: 24919612 PMCID: PMC4108450 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(14)60254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ron receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in macrophages, including Kupffer cells and alveolar macrophages, suppresses endotoxin-induced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production. Further, we have also identified genes from Ron replete and Ron deplete livers that were differentially expressed during the progression of liver inflammation associated with acute liver failure in mice by microarray analyses. While important genes and signaling pathways have been identified downstream of Ron signaling during progression of inflammation by this approach, the precise role that Ron receptor plays in regulating the transcriptional landscape in macrophages, and particular in isolated Kupffer cells, has still not been investigated. METHODS Kupffer cells were isolated from wild-type (TK+/+) and Ron tyrosine kinase deficient (TK-/-) mice. Ex vivo, the cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of the Ron ligand, hepatocyte growth factor-like protein (HGFL). Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses were utilized to identify alterations in gene expression between genotypes. RESULTS Microarray analyses identified genes expressed differentially in TK+/+ and TK-/- Kupffer cells basally as well as after HGFL and LPS treatment. Interestingly, our studies identified Mefv, a gene that codes for the anti-inflammatory protein pyrin, as an HGFL-stimulated Ron-dependent gene. Moreover, lipocalin 2, a proinflammatory gene, which is induced by LPS, was significantly suppressed by HGFL treatment. Microarray results were validated by qRT-PCR studies on Kupffer cells treated with LPS and HGFL. CONCLUSION The studies herein suggest a novel mechanism whereby HGFL-induced Ron receptor activation promotes the expression of anti-inflammatory genes while inhibiting genes involved in inflammation with a net effect of diminished inflammation in macrophages.
Collapse
|
7
|
Eksteen B. Advances and controversies in the pathogenesis and management of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Br Med Bull 2014; 110:89-98. [PMID: 24795363 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldu008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic immune-mediated liver disease that results in end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation. PSC is closely associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with 70% of patients with PSC also suffering from IBD. SOURCES OF DATA Data for this review were obtained from PubMed. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Historical and genome-wide association studies have established a strong human leukocyte antigen (HLA) linkage to PSC and defined specific haplotypes associated with enhanced PSC risk. Fifteen non-HLA loci have been defined in PSC. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The biological role of risk loci in PSC and their place in PSC pathogenesis remain speculative but suggest significant interactions with the host microbiome and therapeutic opportunities. GROWING POINTS Genetics provides a platform to systematically target emerging therapies in PSC. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Linking PSC genotypes with biology and disease phenotypes paves the way for a personalized medicine approach to manage PSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bertus Eksteen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kauder SE, Santell L, Mai E, Wright LY, Luis E, N'Diaye EN, Lutman J, Ratti N, Sa SM, Maun HR, Stefanich E, Gonzalez LC, Graham RR, Diehl L, Faubion WA, Keir ME, Young J, Chaudhuri A, Lazarus RA, Egen JG. Functional consequences of the macrophage stimulating protein 689C inflammatory bowel disease risk allele. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83958. [PMID: 24409221 PMCID: PMC3884107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) is a serum growth factor that binds to and activates the receptor tyrosine kinase, Recepteur d'Origine Nantais (RON). A non-synonymous coding variant in MSP (689C) has been associated with genetic susceptibility to both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, two major types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. We investigated the consequences of this polymorphism for MSP-RON pathway activity and IBD pathogenesis. Methods RON expression patterns were examined on mouse and human cells and tissues under normal and disease conditions to identify cell types regulated by MSP-RON. Recombinant MSP variants were tested for their ability to bind and stimulate RON and undergo proteolytic activation. MSP concentrations were quantified in the serum of individuals carrying the MSP 689R and 689C alleles. Results In intestinal tissue, RON was primarily expressed by epithelial cells under normal and disease conditions. The 689C polymorphism had no impact on the ability of MSP to bind to or signal through RON. In a cohort of normal individuals and IBD patients, carriers of the 689C polymorphism had lower concentrations of MSP in their serum. Conclusions By reducing the quantities of circulating MSP, the 689C polymorphism, or a variant in linkage disequilibrium with this polymorphism, may impact RON ligand availability and thus receptor activity. Given the known functions of RON in regulating wound healing and our analysis of RON expression patterns in human intestinal tissue, these data suggest that decreased RON activity may impact the efficiency of epithelial repair and thus underlie the increased IBD susceptibility associated with the MSP 689C allele.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven E. Kauder
- Discovery Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lydia Santell
- Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Elaine Mai
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lilyan Y. Wright
- Immunology, Tissue Growth and Repair- Diagnostics Discovery, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Luis
- Protein Chemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Elsa N. N'Diaye
- Discovery Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jeff Lutman
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Navneet Ratti
- Pathology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Susan M. Sa
- Pathology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Henry R. Maun
- Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Eric Stefanich
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lino C. Gonzalez
- Protein Chemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Robert R. Graham
- Immunology, Tissue Growth and Repair -Human Genetics, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Lauri Diehl
- Pathology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - William A. Faubion
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Mary E. Keir
- Immunology, Tissue Growth and Repair- Diagnostics Discovery, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Judy Young
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Amitabha Chaudhuri
- Molecular Oncology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Lazarus
- Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jackson G. Egen
- Discovery Immunology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Catenacci DVT, Cervantes G, Yala S, Nelson EA, El-Hashani E, Kanteti R, El Dinali M, Hasina R, Brägelmann J, Seiwert T, Sanicola M, Henderson L, Grushko TA, Olopade O, Karrison T, Bang YJ, Kim WH, Tretiakova M, Vokes E, Frank DA, Kindler HL, Huet H, Salgia R. RON (MST1R) is a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2011; 12:9-46. [PMID: 21543897 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.12.1.15747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RON (MST1R) is one of two members of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase family, along with parent receptor MET. RON has a putative role in several cancers, but its expression and function is poorly characterized in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. A recognized functional role of MET tyrosine kinase in gastroesophageal cancer has led to early phase clinical trials using MET inhibitors, with unimpressive results. Therefore, the role of RON in gastroesophageal cancer, as well as its role in cooperative signaling with MET and as a mechanism of resistance to MET inhibition, was studied in gastroesophageal tissues and cell lines. By IHC, RON was highly over-expressed in 74% of gastroesophageal samples (n=94), and over-expression was prognostic of poor survival (p=0.008); RON and MET co-expression occurred in 43% of samples and was prognostic of worst survival (p=0.03). High MST1R gene copy number by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or array comparative genomic hybridization, was seen in 35.5% (16/45) of cases. High MST1R gene copy number correlated with poor survival (p=0.01), and was associated with high MET and ERBB2 gene copy number. A novel somatic MST1R juxtamembrane mutation R1018G was found in 11% of samples. RON signaling was functional in cell lines, activating downstream effector STAT3, and resulted in increased viability over controls. RON and MET co-stimulation assays led to enhanced malignant phenotypes over stimulation of either receptor alone. Growth inhibition as evidenced by viability and apoptosis assays was optimal using novel blocking monoclonal antibodies to both RON and MET, versus either alone. SU11274, a classic MET small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocked signaling of both receptors, and proved synergistic when combined with STAT3 inhibition (combination index < 1). These preclinical studies define RON as an important novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for gastroesophageal cancer warranting further investigation.
Collapse
|
10
|
Benvenuti S, Lazzari L, Arnesano A, Li Chiavi G, Gentile A, Comoglio PM. Ron kinase transphosphorylation sustains MET oncogene addiction. Cancer Res 2011; 71:1945-55. [PMID: 21212418 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-2100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Receptors for the scatter factors HGF and MSP that are encoded by the MET and RON oncogenes are key players in invasive growth. Receptor cross-talk between Met and Ron occurs. Amplification of the MET oncogene results in kinase activation, deregulated expression of an invasive growth phenotype, and addiction to MET oncogene signaling (i.e., dependency on sustained Met signaling for survival and proliferation). Here we show that cancer cells addicted to MET also display constitutive activation of the Ron kinase. In human cancer cell lines coexpressing the 2 oncogenes, Ron is specifically transphosphorylated by activated Met. In contrast, Ron phosphorylation is not triggered in cells harboring constitutively active kinase receptors other than Met, including Egfr or Her2. Furthermore, Ron phosphorylation is suppressed by Met-specific kinase inhibitors (PHA-665752 or JNJ-38877605). Last, Ron phosphorylation is quenched by reducing cell surface expression of Met proteins by antibody-induced shedding. In MET-addicted cancer cells, short hairpin RNA-mediated silencing of RON expression resulted in decreased proliferation and clonogenic activity in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Our findings establish that oncogene addiction to MET involves Ron transactivation, pointing to Ron kinase as a target for combinatorial cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Benvenuti
- Exploratory Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), University of Turin Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Laskin DL, Chen L, Hankey PA, Laskin JD. Role of STK in mouse liver macrophage and endothelial cell responsiveness during acute endotoxemia. J Leukoc Biol 2010; 88:373-82. [PMID: 20453108 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0210113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute endotoxemia is associated with excessive production of proinflammatory mediators by hepatic macrophages and endothelial cells, which have been implicated in liver injury and sepsis. In these studies, we analyzed the role of MSP and its receptor STK in regulating the activity of these cells. Acute endotoxemia, induced by administration of LPS (3 mg/kg) to mice, resulted in increased expression of STK mRNA and protein in liver macrophages and endothelial cells, an effect that was dependent on TLR-4. This was correlated with decreased MSP and increased pro-MSP in serum. In Kupffer cells, but not endothelial cells, MSP suppressed LPS-induced NOS-2 expression, with no effect on COX-2. LPS treatment of mice caused a rapid (within 3 h) increase in the proinflammatory proteins NOS-2, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha, as well as TREM-1 and TREM-3 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in liver macrophages and endothelial cells. Whereas LPS-induced expression of proinflammatory proteins was unchanged in STK-/- mice, IL-10 expression was reduced significantly. Enzymes mediating eicosanoid biosynthesis including COX-2 and mPGES-1 also increased in macrophages and endothelial cells after LPS administration. In STK-/- mice treated with LPS, mPGES-1 expression increased, although COX-2 expression was reduced. LPS-induced up-regulation of SOD was also reduced in STK-/- mice in liver macrophages and endothelial cells. These data suggest that MSP/STK signaling plays a role in up-regulating macrophage and endothelial cell anti-inflammatory activity during hepatic inflammatory responses. This may be important in protecting the liver from tissue injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debra L Laskin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, 160 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Meyer SE, Waltz SE, Goss KH. The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase is not required for adenoma formation in Apc(Min/+) mice. Mol Carcinog 2009; 48:995-1004. [PMID: 19452510 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in approximately half of all human colon cancers. Increased Ron expression positively correlates with tumor progression, and reduction of Ron levels in human colon adenocarcinoma cells reverses their tumorigenic properties. Nearly all colon tumors demonstrate loss of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor, an early initiating event, subsequently leading to beta-catenin stabilization. To understand the role of Ron in early stage intestinal tumorigenesis, we generated Apc-mutant (Apc(Min/+)) mice with and without Ron signaling. Interestingly, we report here that significantly more Apc(Min/+) Ron-deficient mice developed higher tumor burden than Apc(Min/+) mice with wild-type Ron. Even though baseline levels of intestinal crypt proliferation were increased in the Apc(Min/+) Ron-deficient mice, loss of Ron did not influence tumor size or histological appearance of the Apc(Min/+) adenomas, nor was beta-catenin localization changed compared to Apc(Min/+) mice with Ron. Together, these data suggest that Ron may be important in normal intestinal tissue homeostasis, but that the expression of this receptor is not required for the formation and growth of adenomas in Apc(Min/+) mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Meyer
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kawaguchi M, Orikawa H, Baba T, Fukushima T, Kataoka H. Hepatocyte growth factor activator is a serum activator of single-chain precursor macrophage-stimulating protein. FEBS J 2009; 276:3481-90. [PMID: 19456860 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.07070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) is a plasma protein that circulates as a single-chain proform. It acquires biological activity after proteolytic cleavage at the Arg483-Val484 bond, a process in which serum and cell surface serine proteinases have been implicated. In this article, we report that hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA), a serum proteinase which activates hepatocyte growth factor in response to tissue injury, may have a critical role in the activation of pro-MSP. In vitro analysis has revealed that human HGFA efficiently cleaves human pro-MSP at the physiological activation site without further degradation, resulting in biologically active MSP, as measured by the chemotactic response and MSP-induced morphological change of peritoneal macrophages. The processing of pro-MSP by HGFA is 10-fold more efficient than processing by factor XIa. To search for a role of HGFA in pro-MSP activation, we analyzed the processing of mouse pro-MSP in sera from HGFA-knockout (HGFA(-/-)) mice. The proform of MSP was the predominant molecular form in the plasma of both wild-type and HGFA(-/-) mice. In wild-type sera, endogenous pro-MSP was progressively converted to the mature two-chain form during incubation at 37 degrees C. However, this conversion was significantly impaired in sera from HGFA(-/-) mice. The addition of recombinant HGFA to HGFA-deficient serum restored pro-MSP convertase activity in a dose-dependent manner, and a neutralizing antibody to HGFA significantly reduced the conversion of pro-MSP in wild-type serum. Moreover, initial infiltration of macrophages into the site of mechanical skin injury was delayed in HGFA(-/-) mice. We suggest that HGFA is a major serum activator of pro-MSP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Makiko Kawaguchi
- Section of Oncopathology and Regenerative Biology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou D, Pan G, Zheng C, Zheng J, Yian L, Teng X. Expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase and its association with gastric carcinoma versus normal gastric tissues. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:353. [PMID: 19040718 PMCID: PMC2629483 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2008] [Accepted: 11/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by a serum-derived, macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) growth factor and is expressed in many malignant tumors. The aim of the present study was to reveal the protein expression profile of RON and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics of gastric carcinoma and prognosis. METHODS Gastric carcinoma tissue from 98 patients, along with 29 specimens of paraneoplastic tissue and 10 specimens of normal gastric mucosa, were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blot analysis of 19 samples of gastric carcinoma tissue and corresponding paraneoplastic tissue, 8 specimens of normal gastric mucosa, and 2 specimens of normal lymph node samples also detected expression of a splice variant of RON, RONDelta165. All samples obtained were accompanied by patient follow-up data that ranged from 3 to 89 months (median time: 22 months). RESULTS The rate of positive RON expression differed significantly between gastric carcinoma tissues [56.1%, (55/98)] and paraneoplastic tissues [25.6%, (8/29)] (p = 0.007). In contrast, RON expression was absent in normal gastric mucosa samples. RON expression positively correlated with the invasive depth of the tumor (p = 0.019), perigastric lymph nodes metastasis (p = 0.019), and TNM stage (p = 0.001). However, RON expression was independent of tumor growth pattern according to Bormann criteria (p = 0.209), histopathological grade (p = 0.196), and incidence of distant metastasis (p = 0.400). RON expression was not related to a patient's survival rate (p = 0.195). RONDelta165 was strongly expressed in fresh gastric carcinoma tissue, corresponding paraneoplastic tissue, and perigastric lymph nodes with metastatic carcinoma. In contrast, expression of RONDelta165 was not observed in normal gastric mucosa and normal lymph node tissue samples. CONCLUSION RON expression is significant in gastric carcinoma tissue and corresponding paraneoplastic tissue, but is not expressed in normal gastric mucosa. Expression of RONDelta165 was similarly observed in gastric carcinoma tissue and in metastases present in lymph node tissues. We hypothesize that RON and its splice variant play an important role in the occurrence, progression, and metastasis of gastric carcinoma, and therefore may represent a useful marker to evaluate the biological activity of gastric carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donghui Zhou
- Department of oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Takahara T, Xue F, Mazzone M, Yata Y, Nonome K, Kanayama M, Kawai K, Pisacane AM, Takahara S, Li XK, Comoglio PM, Sugiyama T, Michieli P. Metron factor-1 prevents liver injury without promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Hepatology 2008; 47:2010-25. [PMID: 18506889 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is the most powerful hepatotrophic factor identified so far. However, the ability of HGF to promote tumor cell "scattering" and invasion raises some concern about its therapeutic safety. We compared the therapeutic efficacy of HGF with that of Metron Factor-1 (MF-1), an engineered cytokine derived from HGF and the HGF-like factor macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), in mouse models of acute and chronic liver injury. At the same time, we tested the ability of HGF and MF-1 to promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and invasion in several mouse models of cancer. We show that (1) MF-1 and HGF stimulate hepatocyte proliferation in vitro; (2) MF-1 and HGF protect primary hepatocytes against Fas-induced and drug-induced apoptosis; (3) HGF but not MF-1 induces scattering and matrigel invasion of carcinoma cell lines in vitro; (4) HGF but not MF-1 promotes migration and extracellular matrix invasion of endothelial cells in vitro; (5) MF-1 and HGF prevent CCl(4)-induced acute liver injury as measured by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, histology, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) analysis, and phospho-histone-3 immunostaining; (6) MF-1 and HGF attenuate liver fibrosis caused by chronic CCl(4) intoxication and promote regeneration as measured by Sirius red staining, alpha-smooth muscle actin immunostaining, and Ki-67 analysis; (7) HGF but not MF-1 promotes tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in a variety of xenograft models; (8) HGF but not MF-1 promotes intrahepatic dissemination of hepatocarcinoma cells injected orthotopically. CONCLUSION These data suggest that MF-1 is as effective as HGF at preventing liver injury and at promoting hepatocyte regeneration, but therapeutically safer than HGF because it lacks proangiogenic and prometastatic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terumi Takahara
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The genetic paradigm of cancer, focused largely on sequential molecular aberrations and associated biological impact in the neoplastic cell compartment of malignant tumors, has dominated our view of cancer pathogenesis. For the most part, this conceptualization has overlooked the dynamic and complex contributions of the surrounding microenvironment comprised of non-tumor cells (stroma) that may resist, react to, and/or foster tumor development. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal disease in which a prominent tumor stroma compartment is a defining characteristic. Indeed, the bulk of PDAC tumor volume consists of non-neoplastic fibroblastic, vascular, and inflammatory cells surrounded by immense quantities of extracellular matrix, far exceeding that found in most other tumor types. Remarkably, little is known about the composition and physiology of the PDAC tumor microenvironment, in particular, the role of stroma in tumor initiation and progression. This review attempts to define key challenges, opportunities and state-of-knowledge relating to the PDAC microenvironment research with an emphasis on how inflammatory processes and key cancer pathways may shape the ontogeny of the tumor stroma. Such knowledge may be used to understand the evolution and biology of this lethal cancer and may convert these insights into new points of therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald C Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Various cytokines and soluble growth factors upon interaction with their membrane receptors are responsible for inducing cellular proliferation, differentiation, movement, and protection from anoikis (a planned suicide activated by normal cells in absence of attachment to neighboring cells or extracellular matrix (EMC)). Among those soluble factors a major position is exerted by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) together with its receptor MET and macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) in cooperation with its receptor RON.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Benvenuti
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo (Torino), Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
O'Toole JM, Rabenau KE, Burns K, Lu D, Mangalampalli V, Balderes P, Covino N, Bassi R, Prewett M, Gottfredsen KJ, Thobe MN, Cheng Y, Li Y, Hicklin DJ, Zhu Z, Waltz SE, Hayman MJ, Ludwig DL, Pereira DS. Therapeutic implications of a human neutralizing antibody to the macrophage-stimulating protein receptor tyrosine kinase (RON), a c-MET family member. Cancer Res 2006; 66:9162-70. [PMID: 16982759 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RON is a member of the c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase family. Like c-MET, RON is expressed by a variety of epithelial-derived tumors and cancer cell lines and it is thought to play a functional role in tumorigenesis. To date, antagonists of RON activity have not been tested in vivo to validate RON as a potential cancer target. In this report, we used an antibody phage display library to generate IMC-41A10, a human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody that binds with high affinity (ED50 = 0.15 nmol/L) to RON and effectively blocks interaction with its ligand, macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP; IC50 = 2 nmol/L). We found IMC-41A10 to be a potent inhibitor of receptor and downstream signaling, cell migration, and tumorigenesis. It antagonized MSP-induced phosphorylation of RON, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and AKT in several cancer cell lines. In HT-29 colon, NCI-H292 lung, and BXPC-3 pancreatic cancer xenograft tumor models, IMC-41A10 inhibited tumor growth by 50% to 60% as a single agent, and in BXPC-3 xenografts, it led to tumor regressions when combined with Erbitux. Western blot analyses of HT-29 and NCI-H292 xenograft tumors treated with IMC-41A10 revealed a decrease in MAPK phosphorylation compared with control IgG-treated tumors, suggesting that inhibition of MAPK activity may be required for the antitumor activity of IMC-41A10. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that a RON antagonist and specifically an inhibitory antibody of RON negatively affects tumorigenesis. Another major contribution of this report is an extensive analysis of RON expression in approximately 100 cancer cell lines and approximately 300 patient tumor samples representing 10 major cancer types. Taken together, our results highlight the potential therapeutic usefulness of RON activity inhibition in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M O'Toole
- Department of Tumor Biology, ImClone Systems, Inc, New York, NY 10014, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Patton KT, Tretiakova MS, Yao JL, Papavero V, Huo L, Adley BP, Wu G, Huang J, Pins MR, Teh BT, Yang XJ. Expression of RON Proto-oncogene in Renal Oncocytoma and Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2004; 28:1045-50. [PMID: 15252311 DOI: 10.1097/01.pas.0000128661.58697.7d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recently, it was reported that RON proto-oncogene, encoding a receptor tyrosine kinase, was strongly expressed in renal oncocytomas but not in any renal cell carcinomas, including 5 chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, which morphologically resemble oncocytomas. To determine its diagnostic value, we studied Ron protein expression by immunohistochemistry in a larger number of renal cell neoplasms with emphasis on chromophobe renal cell carcinomas. Tissue microarrays containing 141 renal cell neoplasms, including 55 oncocytomas and 52 chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, were constructed. In addition, conventional sections from 15 cases of oncocytoma and 5 cases of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was carried out with a monoclonal mouse anti-human Ron-alpha antibody. Staining intensity was scored on a 0 to 3 scale. Ninety-nine percent of oncocytomas (69 of 70) and 96% of chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (55 of 57) showed moderate to strong, diffuse cytoplasmic Ron immunoreactivity with intensities > or =2, while only 17% of other renal cell carcinoma subtypes stained with intensities > or =2. Our study indicates that Ron immunostaining cannot be used to distinguish oncocytoma from chromophobe renal cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt T Patton
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 251 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Leonis MA, Toney-Earley K, Degen SJF, Waltz SE. Deletion of the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase domain in mice provides protection from endotoxin-induced acute liver failure. Hepatology 2002; 36:1053-60. [PMID: 12395314 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2002.36822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The targeted deletion of the cytoplasmic domain of the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) in mice leads to exaggerated responses to injury in several murine models of inflammation as well as increased lethality in response to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Using a well-characterized model of LPS-induced acute liver failure (ALF) in galactosamine (GalN)-sensitized mice, we show that Ron TK(-/-) mice display marked protection compared with control Ron TK(+/+) mice. Whereas control mice have profound elevation of serum aminotransferase levels (a marker of hepatocyte injury) and hemorrhagic necrosis of the liver, in dramatic contrast, Ron TK(-/-) mice have mild elevation of aminotransferase levels and relatively normal liver histology. These findings are associated with a reduction in the number of liver cells undergoing apoptosis in Ron TK(-/-) mice. Paradoxically, treatment of Ron TK(-/-) mice with LPS/GalN leads to markedly elevated (3.5-fold) serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, a key inflammatory mediator in this liver injury model, as well as reduced amounts of interleukin (IL) 10 (a suppressor of TNF-alpha production) and interferon (IFN)-gamma (a TNF-alpha sensitizer). These results show that ablation of the TK activity of the Ron receptor leads to protection from the development of hepatocellular apoptosis in response to treatment with LPS/GalN, even in the presence of excessive levels of serum TNF-alpha. In conclusion, our studies show that the Ron receptor TK plays a critical role in modulating the response of the liver to endotoxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike A Leonis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation and Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|