1
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Gallo-Oller G, Pons G, Sansa-Girona J, Navarro N, Zarzosa P, García-Gilabert L, Cabré-Fernandez P, Guillén Burrieza G, Valero-Arrese L, Segura MF, Lizcano JM, Sánchez de Toledo J, Moreno L, Gallego S, Roma J. TRIB3 silencing promotes the downregulation of Akt pathway and PAX3-FOXO1 in high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:38. [PMID: 38581035 PMCID: PMC10996176 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00503-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), such as other childhood tumors, has witnessed treatment advancements in recent years. However, high-risk patients continue to face poor survival rates, often attributed to the presence of the PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion proteins, which has been associated with metastasis and treatment resistance. Despite efforts to directly target these chimeric proteins, clinical success remains elusive. In this study, the main aim was to address this challenge by investigating regulators of FOXO1. Specifically, we focused on TRIB3, a potential regulator of the fusion protein in RMS. Our findings revealed a prominent TRIB3 expression in RMS tumors, highlighting its correlation with the presence of fusion protein. By conducting TRIB3 genetic inhibition experiments, we observed an impairment on cell proliferation. Notably, the knockdown of TRIB3 led to a decrease in PAX3-FOXO1 and its target genes at protein level, accompanied by a reduction in the activity of the Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, inducible silencing of TRIB3 significantly delayed tumor growth and improved overall survival in vivo. Based on our analysis, we propose that TRIB3 holds therapeutic potential for treating the most aggressive subtype of RMS. The findings herein reported contribute to our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms driving RMS progression and provide novel insights into the potential use of TRIB3 as a therapeutic intervention for high-risk RMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Pons
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Júlia Sansa-Girona
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Zarzosa
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lia García-Gilabert
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Cabré-Fernandez
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Lorena Valero-Arrese
- Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Segura
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Lizcano
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular and Institut de Neurociències. Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Protein Kinases in Cancer Research. Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Sánchez de Toledo
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Roma
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.
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2
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Jing J, Wu Z, Wang J, Luo G, Lin H, Fan Y, Zhou C. Hedgehog signaling in tissue homeostasis, cancers, and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:315. [PMID: 37596267 PMCID: PMC10439210 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen significant advances in our understanding of Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway in various biological events. HH signaling pathway exerts its biological effects through a complex signaling cascade involved with primary cilium. HH signaling pathway has important functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. It plays a central role in the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. Importantly, it has become increasingly clear that HH signaling pathway is associated with increased cancer prevalence, malignant progression, poor prognosis and even increased mortality. Understanding the integrative nature of HH signaling pathway has opened up the potential for new therapeutic targets for cancer. A variety of drugs have been developed, including small molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and long non-coding RNA (LncRNA), some of which are approved for clinical use. This review outlines recent discoveries of HH signaling in tissue homeostasis and cancer and discusses how these advances are paving the way for the development of new biologically based therapies for cancer. Furthermore, we address status quo and limitations of targeted therapies of HH signaling pathway. Insights from this review will help readers understand the function of HH signaling in homeostasis and cancer, as well as opportunities and challenges of therapeutic targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhuoxuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guowen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hengyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Zarzosa P, Garcia-Gilabert L, Hladun R, Guillén G, Gallo-Oller G, Pons G, Sansa-Girona J, Segura MF, Sánchez de Toledo J, Moreno L, Gallego S, Roma J. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:727. [PMID: 36765685 PMCID: PMC9913695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is known to play an oncogenic role in a wide range of cancers; in the particular case of rhabdomyosarcoma, this pathway has been demonstrated to be an important player for both oncogenesis and cancer progression. In this review, after a brief description of the pathway and the characteristics of its molecular components, we describe, in detail, the main activation mechanisms that have been found in cancer, including ligand-dependent, ligand-independent and non-canonical activation. In this context, the most studied inhibitors, i.e., SMO inhibitors, have shown encouraging results for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, both tumour types often associated with mutations that lead to the activation of the pathway. Conversely, SMO inhibitors have not fulfilled expectations in tumours-among them sarcomas-mostly associated with ligand-dependent Hh pathway activation. Despite the controversy existing regarding the results obtained with SMO inhibitors in these types of tumours, several compounds have been (or are currently being) evaluated in sarcoma patients. Finally, we discuss some of the reasons that could explain why, in some cases, encouraging preclinical data turned into disappointing results in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Zarzosa
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lia Garcia-Gilabert
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Hladun
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Guillén
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Pons
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Sansa-Girona
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Sánchez de Toledo
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Roma
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Perrone C, Pomella S, Cassandri M, Pezzella M, Milano GM, Colletti M, Cossetti C, Pericoli G, Di Giannatale A, de Billy E, Vinci M, Petrini S, Marampon F, Quintarelli C, Taulli R, Roma J, Gallego S, Camero S, Mariottini P, Cervelli M, Maestro R, Miele L, De Angelis B, Locatelli F, Rota R. MET Inhibition Sensitizes Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells to NOTCH Signaling Suppression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:835642. [PMID: 35574376 PMCID: PMC9092259 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.835642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric myogenic soft tissue sarcoma. The Fusion-Positive (FP) subtype expresses the chimeric protein PAX3-FOXO1 (P3F) while the Fusion-Negative (FN) is devoid of any gene translocation. FP-RMS and metastatic FN-RMS are often unresponsive to conventional therapy. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed to halt tumor progression. NOTCH signaling has oncogenic functions in RMS and its pharmacologic inhibition through γ-secretase inhibitors blocks tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that NOTCH signaling blockade resulted in the up-regulation and phosphorylation of the MET oncogene in both RH30 (FP-RMS) and RD (FN-RMS) cell lines. Pharmacologic inhibition of either NOTCH or MET signaling slowed proliferation and restrained cell survival compared to control cells partly by increasing Annexin V and CASP3/7 activation. Co-treatment with NOTCH and MET inhibitors significantly amplified these effects and enhanced PARP1 cleavage in both cell lines. Moreover, it severely hampered cell migration, colony formation, and anchorage-independent growth compared to single-agent treatments in both cell lines and significantly prevented the growth of FN-RMS cells grown as spheroids. Collectively, our results unveil the overexpression of the MET oncogene by NOTCH signaling targeting in RMS cells and show that MET pathway blockade sensitizes them to NOTCH inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Perrone
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Science, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Rome "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Cassandri
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Radiotherapy, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Pezzella
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maria Milano
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Colletti
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Cossetti
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Pericoli
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giannatale
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuel de Billy
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vinci
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Quintarelli
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Josep Roma
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Insti-tute-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d'Hebron Research Insti-tute-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simona Camero
- Department of Maternal, Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Mariottini
- Department of Science, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Rome "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Cervelli
- Department of Science, "Department of Excellence 2018-2022", University of Rome "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Maestro
- Unit of Oncogenetics and Functional Oncogenomics, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO Aviano) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Biagio De Angelis
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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5
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Krausert S, Brabetz S, Mack NL, Schmitt-Hoffner F, Schwalm B, Peterziel H, Mangang A, Holland-Letz T, Sieber L, Korshunov A, Oehme I, Jäger N, Witt O, Pfister SM, Kool M. Predictive modeling of resistance to SMO-inhibition in a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft model of SHH medulloblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac026. [PMID: 35475274 PMCID: PMC9034118 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inhibition of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway with Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors is a promising treatment strategy in SHH-activated medulloblastoma, especially in adult patients. However, the problem is that tumors frequently acquire resistance to the treatment. To understand the underlying resistance mechanisms and to find ways to overcome the resistance, preclinical models that became resistant to SMO inhibition are needed. Methods To induce SMO inhibitor resistant tumors, we have treated a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of SHH medulloblastoma, sensitive to SMO inhibition, with 20 mg/kg Sonidegib using an intermitted treatment schedule. Vehicle-treated and resistant models were subjected to whole-genome and RNA sequencing for molecular characterization and target engagement. In vitro drug screens (76 drugs) were performed using Sonidegib-sensitive and -resistant lines to find other drugs to target the resistant lines. One of the top hits was then validated in vivo. Results Nine independent Sonidegib-resistant PDX lines were generated. Molecular characterization of the resistant models showed that eight models developed missense mutations in SMO and one gained an inactivating point mutation in MEGF8, which acts downstream of SMO as a repressor in the SHH pathway. The in vitro drug screen with Sonidegib-sensitive and -resistant lines identified good efficacy for Selinexor in the resistant line. Indeed, in vivo treatment with Selinexor revealed that it is more effective in resistant than in sensitive models. Conclusions We report the first human SMO inhibitor resistant medulloblastoma PDX models, which can be used for further preclinical experiments to develop the best strategies to overcome the resistance to SMO inhibitors in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Krausert
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Sebastian Brabetz
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Norman L Mack
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Schmitt-Hoffner
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schwalm
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Peterziel
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aileen Mangang
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Holland-Letz
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Sieber
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrey Korshunov
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Oehme
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Jäger
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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6
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Patel TN, Dhanyamraju PK. Role of aberrant Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in cancers and developmental anomalies. J Biomed Res 2021; 36:1-9. [PMID: 34963676 PMCID: PMC8894283 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.35.20210139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Development is a sophisticated process maintained by various signal transduction pathways, including the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Several important functions are executed by the Hh signaling cascade such as organogenesis, tissue regeneration, and tissue homeostasis, among various others. Considering the multiple functions carried out by this pathway, any mutation causing aberrant Hh signaling may lead to myriad developmental abnormalities besides cancers. In the present review article, we explored a wide range of diseases caused by aberrant Hh signaling, including developmental defects and cancers. Finally, we concluded this mini-review with various treatment strategies for Hh-induced diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trupti N Patel
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.,Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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7
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Pakvasa M, Tucker AB, Shen T, He TC, Reid RR. The Pleiotropic Intricacies of Hedgehog Signaling: From Craniofacial Patterning to Carcinogenesis. FACE (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2021; 2:260-274. [PMID: 35812774 PMCID: PMC9268505 DOI: 10.1177/27325016211024326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling was discovered more than 40 years ago in experiments demonstrating that it is a fundamental mediator of limb development. Since that time, it has been shown to be important in development, homeostasis, and disease. The hedgehog pathway proceeds through a pathway highly conserved throughout animals beginning with the extracellular diffusion of hedgehog ligands, proceeding through an intracellular signaling cascade, and ending with the activation of specific target genes. A vast amount of research has been done elucidating hedgehog signaling mechanisms and regulation. This research has found a complex system of genetics and signaling that helps determine how organisms develop and function. This review provides an overview of what is known about hedgehog genetics and signaling, followed by an in-depth discussion of the role of hedgehog signaling in craniofacial development and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Pakvasa
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine,University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Andrew B. Tucker
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine,University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Timothy Shen
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine,University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Molecular Oncology Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine,University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
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8
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Context-dependent modulation of aggressiveness of pediatric tumors by individual oncogenic RAS isoforms. Oncogene 2021; 40:4955-4966. [PMID: 34172934 PMCID: PMC8342309 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A prototypic pediatric cancer that frequently shows activation of RAS signaling is embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). ERMS also show aberrant Hedgehog (HH)/GLI signaling activity and can be driven by germline mutations in this pathway. We show, that in ERMS cell lines derived from sporadic tumors i.e. from tumors not caused by an inherited genetic variant, HH/GLI signaling plays a subordinate role, because oncogenic mutations in HRAS, KRAS, or NRAS (collectively named oncRAS) inhibit the main HH target GLI1 via the MEK/ERK-axis, but simultaneously increase proliferation and tumorigenicity. oncRAS also modulate expression of stem cell markers in an isoform- and context-dependent manner. In Hh-driven murine ERMS that are caused by a Patched mutation, oncHRAS and mainly oncKRAS accelerate tumor development, whereas oncNRAS induces a more differentiated phenotype. These features occur when the oncRAS mutations are induced at the ERMS precursor stage, but not when induced in already established tumors. Moreover, in contrast to what is seen in human cell lines, oncRAS mutations do not alter Hh signaling activity and marginally affect expression of stem cell markers. Together, all three oncRAS mutations seem to be advantageous for ERMS cell lines despite inhibition of HH signaling and isoform-specific modulation of stem cell markers. In contrast, oncRAS mutations do not inhibit Hh-signaling in Hh-driven ERMS. In this model, oncRAS mutations seem to be advantageous for specific ERMS populations that occur within a specific time window during ERMS development. In addition, this window may be different for individual oncRAS isoforms, at least in the mouse.
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9
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Nisar S, Hashem S, Macha MA, Yadav SK, Muralitharan S, Therachiyil L, Sageena G, Al-Naemi H, Haris M, Bhat AA. Exploring Dysregulated Signaling Pathways in Cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:429-445. [PMID: 31939726 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200115095937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell biology takes advantage of identifying diverse cellular signaling pathways that are disrupted in cancer. Signaling pathways are an important means of communication from the exterior of cell to intracellular mediators, as well as intracellular interactions that govern diverse cellular processes. Oncogenic mutations or abnormal expression of signaling components disrupt the regulatory networks that govern cell function, thus enabling tumor cells to undergo dysregulated mitogenesis, to resist apoptosis, and to promote invasion to neighboring tissues. Unraveling of dysregulated signaling pathways may advance the understanding of tumor pathophysiology and lead to the improvement of targeted tumor therapy. In this review article, different signaling pathways and how their dysregulation contributes to the development of tumors have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States.,Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Santosh K Yadav
- Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hamda Al-Naemi
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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10
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Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive childhood mesenchymal tumor with two major molecular and histopathologic subtypes: fusion-positive (FP)RMS, characterized by the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein and largely of alveolar histology, and fusion-negative (FN)RMS, the majority of which exhibit embryonal tumor histology. Metastatic disease continues to be associated with poor overall survival despite intensive treatment strategies. Studies on RMS biology have provided some insight into autocrine as well as paracrine signaling pathways that contribute to invasion and metastatic propensity. Such pathways include those driven by the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion oncoprotein in FPRMS and signaling pathways such as IGF/RAS/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, cMET, FGFR4, and PDGFR in both FP and FNRMS. In addition, specific cytoskeletal proteins, G protein coupled receptors, Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt, Hippo, and p53 pathways play a role, as do specific microRNA. Paracrine factors, including secreted proteins and RMS-derived exosomes that carry cargo of protein and miRNA, have also recently emerged as potentially important players in RMS biology. This review summarizes the known factors contributing to RMS invasion and metastasis and their implications on identifying targets for treatment and a better understanding of metastatic RMS.
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11
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McCarthy N, Dolgikh N, Logue S, Patterson JB, Zeng Q, Gorman AM, Samali A, Fulda S. The IRE1 and PERK arms of the unfolded protein response promote survival of rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Cancer Lett 2020; 490:76-88. [PMID: 32679165 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma, is associated with a low 5-year survival and harsh treatment side effects, underscoring an urgent need for therapy. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, where three ER stress receptors, IRE1, PERK and ATF6, aim to restore cellular homeostasis. The UPR is pro-tumourigenic in many cancers. In this study, we investigate basal UPR activity in RMS. Basal activation of IRE1 and PERK was observed in RMS cell lines, which was diminished upon addition of the IRE1 RNase inhibitor, MKC8866, or PERK inhibitor, AMGEN44. UPR inhibition caused a reduction in cell viability, cell proliferation and inhibition of long-term colony formation in both subtypes of RMS. Alveolar RMS (ARMS) subtype was highly sensitive to IRE1 inhibition, whereas embryonal RMS (ERMS) subtypes responded more markedly to PERK inhibition. Further investigation revealed a robust activation of senescence upon UPR inhibition. For the first time, the UPR is implicated in RMS biology and phenotype, and inhibition of UPR signalling reduces cell growth, suggesting that the UPR may be a promising target in RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole McCarthy
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstr. 3a, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nadezda Dolgikh
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstr. 3a, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susan Logue
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Qinping Zeng
- Fosun Orinove PharmaTech Inc., Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Adrienne M Gorman
- Apoptosis Research Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Afshin Samali
- Apoptosis Research Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Komturstr. 3a, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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Yoon JW, Lamm M, Chandler C, Iannaccone P, Walterhouse D. Up-regulation of GLI1 in vincristine-resistant rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:511. [PMID: 32493277 PMCID: PMC7310145 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical significance of GLI1 expression either through canonical Hedgehog signal transduction or through non-canonical mechanisms in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) or Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is incompletely understood. We tested a role for Hedgehog (HH) signal transduction and GL11 expression in development of vincristine (VCR) resistance in RMS and EWS. Methods We characterized baseline expression and activity of HH pathway components in 5 RMS (RD, Rh18, Ruch-2, Rh30, and Rh41) and 5 EWS (CHLA9, CHLA10, TC32, CHLA258, and TC71) cell lines. We then established VCR-resistant RMS and EWS cell lines by exposing cells to serially increasing concentrations of VCR and determining the IC50. We defined resistance as a ≥ 30-fold increase in IC50 compared with parental cells. We determined changes in gene expression in the VCR-resistant cells compared with parental cells using an 86-gene cancer drug resistance array that included GLI1 and tested the effect of GLI1 inhibition with GANT61 or GLI1 siRNA on VCR resistance. Results We found evidence for HH pathway activity and GLI1 expression in RMS and EWS cell lines at baseline, and evidence that GLI1 contributes to survival and proliferation of these sarcoma cells. We were able to establish 4 VCR-resistant cell lines (Ruch-2VR, Rh30VR, Rh41VR, and TC71VR). GLI1 was significantly up-regulated in the Rh30VR, Rh41VR, and TC71VR cells. The only other gene in the drug resistance panel that was significantly up-regulated in each of these VCR-resistant cell lines compared with their corresponding parental cells was the GLI1 direct target and multidrug resistance gene, ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (MDR1). We established major vault protein (MVP), which was up-regulated in both vincristine-resistant alveolar RMS cell lines (Rh30VR and Rh41VR), as another direct target of GLI1 during development of drug resistance. Treatment of the VCR-resistant cell lines with the small molecule inhibitor GANT61 or GLI1 siRNA together with VCR significantly decreased cell viability at doses that did not reduce viability individually. Conclusions These experiments demonstrate that GLI1 up-regulation contributes to VCR resistance in RMS and EWS cell lines and suggest that targeting GLI1 may benefit patients with RMS or EWS by reducing multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Won Yoon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Marilyn Lamm
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Christopher Chandler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Philip Iannaccone
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.,Department of Pathology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - David Walterhouse
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Box 30, 225 East Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Heparanase: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Sarcomas. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1221:405-431. [PMID: 32274719 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34521-1_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sarcomas comprise a heterogeneous group of rare malignancies of mesenchymal origin including more than 70 subtypes. They may arise in muscle, bone, cartilage and other connective tissues. Their high histological and genetic heterogeneity makes diagnosis and treatment very challenging. Deregulation of heparanase has been found in several sarcoma subtypes and high expression levels have been correlated with poor prognosis in Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma. Altered expression of specific heparan sulfate proteoglycans and heparan sulfate biosynthetic enzymes has also been observed. Advances in molecular pathogenesis of sarcomas have evidenced the critical role of several heparan sulfate binding growth factors and receptor tyrosine kinases, highly interconnected with the microenvironment, in sustaining tumor growth and progression. Interference with heparanase/heparan sulfate functions represents a potential therapeutic approach in sarcoma. In this chapter, we summarize the current knowledge about the biological significance of heparanase expression and its potential as a therapeutic target in subtypes of both soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Particular emphasis is given to the involvement of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and their synthesizing and modifying enzymes in bone physiology and disorders leading up to the pathobiology of bone sarcomas. The chapter also describes the cooperation between exostin loss-of-function and heparanase upregulation in hereditary Multiple Osteochondroma syndrome as a paradigmatic example of constitutive alteration of the heparanase/heparan sulfate proteoglycan system which may contribute to progression to malignant secondary chondrosarcoma. Preclinical evidence of the role of heparanase as a promising therapeutic target in various sarcoma subtypes is finally resumed.
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14
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Concomitant targeting of Hedgehog signaling and MCL-1 synergistically induces cell death in Hedgehog-driven cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2019; 465:1-11. [PMID: 31465840 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we show that concomitant inhibition of Hedgehog (HH) signaling by the glioma-associated oncogene homolog1 (GLI1)-targeting agent GANT61 and the antiapoptotic BCL-2 protein family member MCL-1 by A-1210477 synergistically induces cell death in HH-driven cancers, i.e. rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and medulloblastoma (MB) cells. Combined genetic and pharmacological inhibition emphasized that co-treatment of GANT61 and A-1210477 indeed relies on inhibition of GLI1 (by GANT61) and MCL-1 (by A-1210477). Mechanistic studies revealed that A-1210477 triggers the release of BIM from MCL-1 and its shuttling to BCL-xL and BCL-2. Indeed, BIM proved to be required for GANT61/A-1210477-induced cell death, as genetic silencing of BIM using siRNA significantly rescues cell death upon GANT61/A-1210477 co-treatment. Similarly, genetic silencing of NOXA results in a significant reduction of GANT61/A-1210477-mediated cell death. Also, overexpression of MCL-1 or BCL-2 significantly protects RMS cells from GANT61/A-1210477-triggered cell death. Addition of the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk significantly decreases GANT61/A-1210477-stimulated cell demise, indicating apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, GANT61 and A-1210477 synergize to engage mitochondrial apoptosis. These findings provide the rationale for further evaluation of dual inhibition of HH signaling and MCL-1 in HH-driven cancers.
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15
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van Erp AEM, Versleijen-Jonkers YMH, van der Graaf WTA, Fleuren EDG. Targeted Therapy-based Combination Treatment in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 17:1365-1380. [PMID: 29967215 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment; however, progress lags behind in alveolar (ARMS) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), a soft-tissue sarcoma mainly occurring at pediatric and young adult age. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R)-directed targeted therapy is one of the few single-agent treatments with clinical activity in these diseases. However, clinical effects only occur in a small subset of patients and are often of short duration due to treatment resistance. Rational selection of combination treatments of either multiple targeted therapies or targeted therapies with chemotherapy could hypothetically circumvent treatment resistance mechanisms and enhance clinical efficacy. Simultaneous targeting of distinct mechanisms might be of particular interest in this regard, as this affects multiple hallmarks of cancer at once. To determine the most promising and clinically relevant targeted therapy-based combination treatments for ARMS and ERMS, we provide an extensive overview of preclinical and (early) clinical data concerning a variety of targeted therapy-based combination treatments. We concentrated on the most common classes of targeted therapies investigated in rhabdomyosarcoma to date, including those directed against receptor tyrosine kinases and associated downstream signaling pathways, the Hedgehog signaling pathway, apoptosis pathway, DNA damage response, cell-cycle regulators, oncogenic fusion proteins, and epigenetic modifiers. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1365-80. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke E M van Erp
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Winette T A van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,The Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Clinical Studies, Clinical and Translational Sarcoma Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Emmy D G Fleuren
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Clinical Studies, Clinical and Translational Sarcoma Research, Sutton, United Kingdom.
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16
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Pal A, Chiu HY, Taneja R. Genetics, epigenetics and redox homeostasis in rhabdomyosarcoma: Emerging targets and therapeutics. Redox Biol 2019; 25:101124. [PMID: 30709791 PMCID: PMC6859585 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma accounting for 5-8% of malignant tumours in children and adolescents. Children with high risk disease have poor prognosis. Anti-RMS therapies include surgery, radiation and combination chemotherapy. While these strategies improved survival rates, they have plateaued since 1990s as drugs that target differentiation and self-renewal of tumours cells have not been identified. Moreover, prevailing treatments are aggressive with drug resistance and metastasis causing failure of several treatment regimes. Significant advances have been made recently in understanding the genetic and epigenetic landscape in RMS. These studies have identified novel diagnostic and prognostic markers and opened new avenues for treatment. An important target identified in high throughput drug screening studies is reactive oxygen species (ROS). Indeed, many drugs in clinical trials for RMS impact tumour progression through ROS. In light of such emerging evidence, we discuss recent findings highlighting key pathways, epigenetic alterations and their impacts on ROS that form the basis of developing novel molecularly targeted therapies in RMS. Such targeted therapies in combination with conventional therapy could reduce adverse side effects in young survivors and lead to a decline in long-term morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Pal
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Hsin Yao Chiu
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore.
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17
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Cortes JE, Gutzmer R, Kieran MW, Solomon JA. Hedgehog signaling inhibitors in solid and hematological cancers. Cancer Treat Rev 2019; 76:41-50. [PMID: 31125907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hedgehog signaling pathway is normally tightly regulated. Mutations in hedgehog pathway components may lead to abnormal activation. Aberrantly activated hedgehog signaling plays a major role in the development of solid and hematological cancer. In recent years, inhibitors have been developed that attenuate hedgehog signaling; 2 have been approved for use in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), while others are under development or in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of known hedgehog inhibitors (HHIs) and their potential for the treatment of hematological cancers and solid tumors beyond BCC. DESIGN Published literature was searched to identify articles relating to HHIs in noncutaneous cancer. Both preclinical and clinical research articles were included. In addition, relevant clinical trial results were identified from www.clinicaltrials.gov. Information on the pharmacology of HHIs is also included. RESULTS HHIs show activity in a variety of solid and hematological cancers. In preclinical studies, HHIs demonstrated efficacy in pancreatic cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma, breast cancer, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In clinical studies, HHIs showed activity in medulloblastoma, as well as prostate, pancreatic, and hematological cancers. Current clinical trials testing the efficacy of HHIs are underway for prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancers, as well as multiple myeloma and AML. CONCLUSIONS As clinical trial results become available, it will be possible to discern which additional tumor types are suited to HHI mono- or combination therapy with other anticancer agents. The latter strategy may be useful for delaying or overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E Cortes
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd. #428, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Skin Cancer Center Hannover, Department of Dermatology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Mark W Kieran
- Dana-Farber Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - James A Solomon
- Ameriderm Research, 725 W Granada Blvd Ste 44, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, USA; University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
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18
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Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and represents a high-grade neoplasm of skeletal myoblast-like cells. Decades of clinical and basic research have gradually improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of RMS and helped to optimize clinical care. The two major subtypes of RMS, originally characterized on the basis of light microscopic features, are driven by fundamentally different molecular mechanisms and pose distinct clinical challenges. Curative therapy depends on control of the primary tumour, which can arise at many distinct anatomical sites, as well as controlling disseminated disease that is known or assumed to be present in every case. Sophisticated risk stratification for children with RMS incorporates various clinical, pathological and molecular features, and that information is used to guide the application of multifaceted therapy. Such therapy has historically included cytotoxic chemotherapy as well as surgery, ionizing radiation or both. This Primer describes our current understanding of RMS epidemiology, disease susceptibility factors, disease mechanisms and elements of clinical care, including diagnostics, risk-based care of newly diagnosed and relapsed disease and the prevention and management of late effects in survivors. We also outline potential opportunities to further translate new biological insights into improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen X Skapek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Andrea Ferrari
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Abha A Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip J Lupo
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erin Butler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Belmont, UK
| | - Frederic G Barr
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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19
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Geyer N, Ridzewski R, Bauer J, Kuzyakova M, Dittmann K, Dullin C, Rosenberger A, Schildhaus HU, Uhmann A, Fulda S, Hahn H. Different Response of Ptch Mutant and Ptch Wildtype Rhabdomyosarcoma Toward SMO and PI3K Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2018; 8:396. [PMID: 30319965 PMCID: PMC6168716 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma with poor prognosis. RMS frequently show Hedgehog (HH) pathway activity, which is predominantly seen in the embryonal subtype (ERMS). They also show activation of Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Here we compared the therapeutic effectiveness and the impact on HH target gene expression of Smoothened (SMO) antagonists with those of the PI3K inhibitor pictilisib in ERMS with and without mutations in the HH receptor Patched1 (PTCH). Our data demonstrate that growth of ERMS showing canonical Hh signaling activity due to Ptch germline mutations is efficiently reduced by SMO antagonists. This goes along with strong downregulation of the Hh target Gli1. Likewise Ptch mutant tumors are highly responsive toward the PI3K inhibitor pictilisib, which involves modulation of AKT and caspase activity. Pictilisib also modulates Hh target gene expression, which, however, is rather not correlated with its antitumoral effects. In contrast, sporadic ERMS, which usually express HH target genes without having PTCH mutation, apparently lack canonical HH signaling activity. Thus, stimulation by Sonic HE (SHH) or SAG (Smoothened agonist) or inhibition by SMO antagonists do not modulate HH target gene expression. In addition, SMO antagonists do not provoke efficient anticancer effects and rather exert off-target effects. In contrast, pictilisib and other PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors potently inhibit cellular growth. They also efficiently inhibit HH target gene expression. However, of whether this is correlated with their antitumoral effects it is not clear. Together, these data suggest that PI3K inhibitors are a good and reliable therapeutic option for all ERMS, whereas SMO inhibitors might only be beneficial for ERMS driven by PTCH mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Geyer
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Rosalie Ridzewski
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Julia Bauer
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Maria Kuzyakova
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kai Dittmann
- Institute for Celluar and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian Dullin
- Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Albert Rosenberger
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Uhmann
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heidi Hahn
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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20
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Skoda AM, Simovic D, Karin V, Kardum V, Vranic S, Serman L. The role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer: A comprehensive review. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2018; 18:8-20. [PMID: 29274272 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2018.2756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 442] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway was first identified in the common fruit fly. It is a highly conserved evolutionary pathway of signal transmission from the cell membrane to the nucleus. The Hh signaling pathway plays an important role in the embryonic development. It exerts its biological effects through a signaling cascade that culminates in a change of balance between activator and repressor forms of glioma-associated oncogene (Gli) transcription factors. The components of the Hh signaling pathway involved in the signaling transfer to the Gli transcription factors include Hedgehog ligands (Sonic Hh [SHh], Indian Hh [IHh], and Desert Hh [DHh]), Patched receptor (Ptch1, Ptch2), Smoothened receptor (Smo), Suppressor of fused homolog (Sufu), kinesin protein Kif7, protein kinase A (PKA), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). The activator form of Gli travels to the nucleus and stimulates the transcription of the target genes by binding to their promoters. The main target genes of the Hh signaling pathway are PTCH1, PTCH2, and GLI1. Deregulation of the Hh signaling pathway is associated with developmental anomalies and cancer, including Gorlin syndrome, and sporadic cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, pancreatic, breast, colon, ovarian, and small-cell lung carcinomas. The aberrant activation of the Hh signaling pathway is caused by mutations in the related genes (ligand-independent signaling) or by the excessive expression of the Hh signaling molecules (ligand-dependent signaling - autocrine or paracrine). Several Hh signaling pathway inhibitors, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, have been developed for cancer treatment. These drugs are regarded as promising cancer therapies, especially for patients with refractory/advanced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Marija Skoda
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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