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The IGF-II-Insulin Receptor Isoform-A Autocrine Signal in Cancer: Actionable Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020366. [PMID: 32033443 PMCID: PMC7072655 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin receptor overexpression is a common event in human cancer. Its overexpression is associated with a relative increase in the expression of its isoform A (IRA), a shorter variant lacking 11 aa in the extracellular domain, conferring high affinity for the binding of IGF-II along with added intracellular signaling specificity for this ligand. Since IGF-II is secreted by the vast majority of malignant solid cancers, where it establishes autocrine stimuli, the co-expression of IGF-II and IRA in cancer provides specific advantages such as apoptosis escape, growth, and proliferation to those cancers bearing such a co-expression pattern. However, little is known about the exact role of this autocrine ligand–receptor system in sustaining cancer malignant features such as angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. The recent finding that the overexpression of angiogenic receptor kinase EphB4 along with VEGF-A is tightly dependent on the IGF-II/IRA autocrine system independently of IGFIR provided new perspectives for all malignant IGF2omas (those aggressive solid cancers secreting IGF-II). The present review provides an updated view of the IGF system in cancer, focusing on the biology of the autocrine IGF-II/IRA ligand–receptor axis and supporting its underscored role as a malignant-switch checkpoint target.
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MicroRNA-7 enhances cytotoxicity induced by gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer via inhibiting the EGFR and IGF1R signalling pathways. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2015; 19:201-6. [PMID: 26557760 PMCID: PMC4631286 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2015.52655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gefitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been used for the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The ability of miR-7 to enhance gefitinib-induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells was evaluated in this study. We found that miR-7 significantly decreased the IC50 of gefitinib and inhibited cell growth. G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis were increased after the treatment of gefitinib coupled with miR-7 transfection. In addition, levels of Raf1, IGF1R, and PI3K and phosphorylation levels of Akt and ERK were also significantly decreased. Our results suggest that miR-7 may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLCs.
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IGF-1R inhibition enhances radiosensitivity and delays double-strand break repair by both non-homologous end-joining and homologous recombination. Oncogene 2013; 33:5262-73. [PMID: 24186206 PMCID: PMC3997348 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2013] [Revised: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) enhances tumor cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation. It is not clear how this effect is mediated, nor whether this approach can be applied effectively in the clinic. We previously showed that IGF-1R depletion delays repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), unlikely to be explained entirely by reduction in homologous recombination (HR) repair. The current study tested the hypothesis that IGF-1R inhibition induces a repair defect that involves non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). IGF-1R inhibitor AZ12253801 blocked cell survival and radiosensitized IGF-1R-overexpressing murine fibroblasts but not isogenic IGF-1R-null cells, supporting specificity for IGF-1R. IGF-1R inhibition enhanced radiosensitivity in DU145, PC3 and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells, comparable to effects of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated inhibition. AZ12253801-treated DU145 cells showed delayed resolution of γH2AX foci, apparent within 1 h of irradiation and persisting for 24 h. In contrast, IGF-1R inhibition did not influence radiosensitivity or γH2AX focus resolution in LNCaP-LN3 cells, suggesting that radiosensitization tracks with the ability of IGF-1R to influence DSB repair. To differentiate effects on repair from growth and cell-survival responses, we tested AZ12253801 in DU145 cells at sub-SF50 concentrations that had no early (⩽48 h) effects on cell cycle distribution or apoptosis induction. Irradiated cultures contained abnormal mitoses, and after 5 days IGF-1R-inhibited cells showed enhanced radiation-induced polyploidy and nuclear fragmentation, consistent with the consequences of entry into mitosis with incompletely repaired DNA. AZ12253801 radiosensitized DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)-proficient but not DNA-PK-deficient glioblastoma cells, and did not radiosensitize DNA-PK-inhibited DU145 cells, suggesting that in the context of DSB repair, IGF-1R functions in the same pathway as DNA-PK. Finally, IGF-1R inhibition attenuated repair by both NHEJ and HR in HEK293 reporter assays. These data indicate that IGF-1R influences DSB repair by both major DSB repair pathways, findings that may inform clinical application of this approach.
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Pavlicek A, Lira ME, Lee NV, Ching KA, Ye J, Cao J, Garza SJ, Hook KE, Ozeck M, Shi ST, Yuan J, Zheng X, Rejto PA, Kan JLC, Christensen JG. Molecular predictors of sensitivity to the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor inhibitor Figitumumab (CP-751,871). Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:2929-39. [PMID: 24107449 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0442-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Figitumumab (CP-751,871), a potent and fully human monoclonal anti-insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) antibody, has been investigated in clinical trials of several solid tumors. To identify biomarkers of sensitivity and resistance to figitumumab, its in vitro antiproliferative activity was analyzed in a panel of 93 cancer cell lines by combining in vitro screens with extensive molecular profiling of genomic aberrations. Overall response was bimodal and the majority of cell lines were resistant to figitumumab. Nine of 15 sensitive cell lines were derived from colon cancers. Correlations between genomic characteristics of cancer cell lines with figitumumab antiproliferative activity revealed that components of the IGF pathway, including IRS2 (insulin receptor substrate 2) and IGFBP5 (IGF-binding protein 5), played a pivotal role in determining the sensitivity of tumors to single-agent figitumumab. Tissue-specific differences among the top predictive genes highlight the need for tumor-specific patient selection strategies. For the first time, we report that alteration or expression of the MYB oncogene is associated with sensitivity to IGF1R inhibitors. MYB is dysregulated in hematologic and epithelial tumors, and IGF1R inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic opportunity. Although growth inhibitory activity with single-agent figitumumab was relatively rare, nine combinations comprising figitumumab plus chemotherapeutic agents or other targeted agents exhibited properties of synergy. Inhibitors of the ERBB family were frequently synergistic and potential biomarkers of drug synergy were identified. Several biomarkers of antiproliferative activity of figitumumab both alone and in combination with other therapies may inform the design of clinical trials evaluating IGF1R inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pavlicek
- Corresponding Author: James G. Christensen, Mirati Therapeutics, 9363 Towne Center Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121.
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van der Meel R, Oliveira S, Altintas I, Heukers R, Pieters EHE, van Bergen en Henegouwen PMP, Storm G, Hennink WE, Kok RJ, Schiffelers RM. Inhibition of tumor growth by targeted anti-EGFR/IGF-1R nanobullets depends on efficient blocking of cell survival pathways. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:3717-27. [PMID: 23889133 DOI: 10.1021/mp400212v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted inhibitors is limited due to resistance mechanisms of the tumor such as activation of compensatory pathways. Crosstalk between EGFR and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1R) signaling has been frequently described to be involved in tumor proliferation and resistance. One of the attractive features of nanomedicines is the possibility to codeliver agents that inhibit different molecular targets in one nanocarrier system, thereby strengthening the antitumor effects of the individual agents. Additionally, exposure to healthy tissues and related unwanted side-effects can be reduced. To this end, we have recently developed anti-EGFR nanobody (Nb)-liposomes loaded with the anti-IGF-1R kinase inhibitor AG538, which showed promising antiproliferative effects in vitro. In the present study, we have further evaluated the potential of this dual-active nanomedicine in vitro and for the first time in vivo. As intended, the nanomedicine inhibited EGFR and IGF-1R signaling and subsequent activation of downstream cell proliferation and survival pathways. The degree of inhibition induced by the nanomedicine on a molecular level correlated with cytotoxicity in tumor cell proliferation assays and may even be predictive of the response to nanomedicine treatment in tumor xenograft models. Combination therapy with kinase inhibitor-loaded Nb-liposomes is therefore an appealing strategy for inhibiting the proliferation of tumors that are highly dependent on EGFR and IGF-1R signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy van der Meel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University , Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mohammed A, Janakiram NB, Brewer M, Vedala K, Steele VE, Rao CV. Multitargeted low-dose GLAD combination chemoprevention: a novel and promising approach to combat colon carcinogenesis. Neoplasia 2013; 15:481-90. [PMID: 23633920 PMCID: PMC3638351 DOI: 10.1593/neo.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have shown that gefitinib, licofelone, atorvastatin, and α-difluoromethylornithine (GLAD) are promising colon cancer chemopreventive agents. Because low-dose combination regimens can offer potential additive or synergistic effects without toxicity, GLAD combination was tested for toxicity and chemopreventive efficacy for suppression of intestinal tumorigenesis in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC)(Min/+) mice. Six-week-old wild-type and APC(Min/+) mice were fed modified American Institute of Nutrition 76A diets with or without GLAD (25 + 50 + 50 + 500 ppm) for 14 weeks. Dietary GLAD caused no signs of toxicity based on organ pathology and liver enzyme profiles. GLAD feeding strongly inhibited (80-83%, P < .0001) total intestinal tumor multiplicity and size in APC(Min/+) mice (means ± SEM tumors for control vs GLAD were 67.1 ± 5.4 vs. 11.3 ± 1.1 in males and 72.3 ± 8.9 vs 14.5 ± 2.8 in females). Mice fed GLAD had >95% fewer polyps with sizes of >2 mm compared with control mice and showed 75% and 85% inhibition of colonic tumors in males and females, respectively. Molecular analyses of polyps suggested that GLAD exerts efficacy by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, decreasing β-catenin and caveolin-1 levels, increasing caspase-3 cleavage and p21, and modulating expression profile of inflammatory cytokines. These observations demonstrate that GLAD, a novel cocktail of chemopreventive agents at very low doses, suppresses intestinal tumorigenesis in APC(Min/+) mice with no toxicity. This novel strategy to prevent colorectal cancer is an important step in developing agents with high efficacy without unwanted side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf Mohammed
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology-Oncology Section, Department of Medicine, PC Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Neufert C, Becker C, Türeci Ö, Waldner MJ, Backert I, Floh K, Atreya I, Leppkes M, Jefremow A, Vieth M, Schneider-Stock R, Klinger P, Greten FR, Threadgill DW, Sahin U, Neurath MF. Tumor fibroblast-derived epiregulin promotes growth of colitis-associated neoplasms through ERK. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:1428-43. [PMID: 23549083 DOI: 10.1172/jci63748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms specific to colitis-associated cancers have been poorly characterized. Using comparative whole-genome expression profiling, we observed differential expression of epiregulin (EREG) in mouse models of colitis-associated, but not sporadic, colorectal cancer. Similarly, EREG expression was significantly upregulated in cohorts of patients with colitis-associated cancer. Furthermore, tumor-associated fibroblasts were identified as a major source of EREG in colitis-associated neoplasms. Functional studies showed that Ereg-deficient mice, although more prone to colitis, were strongly protected from colitis-associated tumors. Serial endoscopic studies revealed that EREG promoted tumor growth rather than initiation. Additionally, we demonstrated that fibroblast-derived EREG requires ERK activation to induce proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) and tumor development in vivo. To demonstrate the functional relevance of EREG-producing tumor-associated fibroblasts, we developed a novel system for adoptive transfer of these cells via mini-endoscopic local injection. It was found that transfer of EREG-producing, but not Ereg-deficient, fibroblasts from tumors significantly augmented growth of colitis-associated neoplasms in vivo. In conclusion, our data indicate that EREG and tumor-associated fibroblasts play a crucial role in controlling tumor growth in colitis-associated neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Neufert
- Medical Clinic 1, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Kirschner LS. The next generation of therapies for adrenocortical cancers. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2012; 23:343-50. [PMID: 22626690 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer for which few treatment options have been available. Currently, the best available treatment involves combination chemotherapy with the adrenolytic drug mitotane, although the response rate remains modest. Over the past 10 years there has been renewed interest in the field owing to the recognition that targeted therapies may provide new avenues for effective treatment of this deadly disease. Molecular analyses have revealed specific signaling alterations in ACC, and advances in drug development have generated the tools to block these pathways. Although convincing evidence for the effectiveness of targeted therapies is not currently available, these studies are in progress and should shift the prognosis of this disease in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence S Kirschner
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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van der Meel R, Oliveira S, Altintas I, Haselberg R, van der Veeken J, Roovers RC, van Bergen en Henegouwen PMP, Storm G, Hennink WE, Schiffelers RM, Kok RJ. Tumor-targeted Nanobullets: Anti-EGFR nanobody-liposomes loaded with anti-IGF-1R kinase inhibitor for cancer treatment. J Control Release 2011; 159:281-9. [PMID: 22227023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2011.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated target for anti-cancer therapy and several EGFR inhibitors are used in the clinic. Over the years, an increasing number of studies have reported on the crosstalk between EGFR and other receptors that can contribute to accelerated cancer development or even acquisition of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. Combined targeting of EGFR and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a rational strategy to potentiate anti-cancer treatment and possibly retard resistance development. In the present study, we have pursued this by encapsulating the kinase inhibitor AG538 in anti-EGFR nanobody-liposomes. The thus developed dual-active nanobody-liposomes associated with EGFR-(over)expressing cells in an EGFR-specific manner and blocked both EGFR and IGF-1R activation, due to the presence of the EGFR-blocking nanobody EGa1 and the anti-IGF-1R kinase inhibitor AG538 respectively. AG538-loaded nanobody-liposomes induced a strong inhibition of tumor cell proliferation even upon short-term exposure followed by a drug-free wash-out period. Therefore, AG538-loaded nanobody-liposomes are a promising anti-cancer formulation due to efficient intracellular delivery of AG538 in combination with antagonistic and downregulating properties of the EGa1 nanobody-liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy van der Meel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
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