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Guelfi S, Hodivala-Dilke K, Bergers G. Targeting the tumour vasculature: from vessel destruction to promotion. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00736-0. [PMID: 39210063 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
As angiogenesis was recognized as a core hallmark of cancer growth and survival, several strategies have been implemented to target the tumour vasculature. Yet to date, attempts have rarely been so diverse, ranging from vessel growth inhibition and destruction to vessel normalization, reprogramming and vessel growth promotion. Some of these strategies, combined with standard of care, have translated into improved cancer therapies, but their successes are constrained to certain cancer types. This Review provides an overview of these vascular targeting approaches and puts them into context based on our subsequent improved understanding of the tumour vasculature as an integral part of the tumour microenvironment with which it is functionally interlinked. This new knowledge has already led to dual targeting of the vascular and immune cell compartments and sets the scene for future investigations of possible alternative approaches that consider the vascular link with other tumour microenvironment components for improved cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Guelfi
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK.
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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2
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Schlaepfer DD, Ojalill M, Stupack DG. Focal adhesion kinase signaling - tumor vulnerabilities and clinical opportunities. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261723. [PMID: 39034922 PMCID: PMC11298715 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261723] [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] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK; encoded by PTK2) was discovered over 30 years ago as a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is localized to cell adhesion sites, where it is activated by integrin receptor binding to extracellular matrix proteins. FAK is ubiquitously expressed and functions as a signaling scaffold for a variety of proteins at adhesions and in the cell cytoplasm, and with transcription factors in the nucleus. FAK expression and intrinsic activity are essential for mouse development, with molecular connections to cell motility, cell survival and gene expression. Notably, elevated FAK tyrosine phosphorylation is common in tumors, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers, where it is associated with decreased survival. Small molecule and orally available FAK inhibitors show on-target inhibition in tumor and stromal cells with effects on chemotherapy resistance, stromal fibrosis and tumor microenvironment immune function. Herein, we discuss recent insights regarding mechanisms of FAK activation and signaling, its roles as a cytoplasmic and nuclear scaffold, and the tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic effects of FAK inhibitors. We also discuss results from ongoing and advanced clinical trials targeting FAK in low- and high-grade serous ovarian cancers, where FAK acts as a master regulator of drug resistance. Although FAK is not known to be mutationally activated, preventing FAK activity has revealed multiple tumor vulnerabilities that support expanding clinical combinatorial targeting possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D. Schlaepfer
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Marjaana Ojalill
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
| | - Dwayne G. Stupack
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA 92098, USA
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3
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Cetin M, Saatci O, Rezaeian AH, Rao CN, Beneker C, Sreenivas K, Taylor H, Pederson B, Chatzistamou I, Buckley B, Lessner S, Angel P, McInnes C, Sahin O. A highly potent bi-thiazole inhibitor of LOX rewires collagen architecture and enhances chemoresponse in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Chem Biol 2024:S2451-9456(24)00273-3. [PMID: 39043186 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is upregulated in highly stiff aggressive tumors, correlating with metastasis, resistance, and worse survival; however, there are currently no potent, safe, and orally bioavailable small molecule LOX inhibitors to treat these aggressive desmoplastic solid tumors in clinics. Here we discovered bi-thiazole derivatives as potent LOX inhibitors by robust screening of drug-like molecules combined with cell/recombinant protein-based assays. Structure-activity relationship analysis identified a potent lead compound (LXG6403) with ∼3.5-fold specificity for LOX compared to LOXL2 while not inhibiting LOXL1 with a competitive, time- and concentration-dependent irreversible mode of inhibition. LXG6403 shows favorable pharmacokinetic properties, globally changes ECM/collagen architecture, and reduces tumor stiffness. This leads to better drug penetration, inhibits FAK signaling, and induces ROS/DNA damage, G1 arrest, and apoptosis in chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, PDX organoids, and in vivo. Overall, our potent and tolerable bi-thiazole LOX inhibitor enhances chemoresponse in TNBC, the deadliest breast cancer subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Metin Cetin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Ozge Saatci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Abdol-Hossein Rezaeian
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Chintada Nageswara Rao
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Chad Beneker
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kukkamudi Sreenivas
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Harrison Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Breanna Pederson
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Ioulia Chatzistamou
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Brian Buckley
- Small Molecule Screening Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Susan Lessner
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Peggi Angel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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4
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Markowska A, de Mezer M, Kurzawa P, Bednarek W, Gryboś A, Krzyżaniak M, Markowska J, Gryboś M, Żurawski J. Analysis of Expression of the ANG1, CaSR and FAK Proteins in Uterine Fibroids. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7164. [PMID: 39000274 PMCID: PMC11241732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular factors involved in the development of uterine myomas may result in the use of pharmacological drugs instead of aggressive surgical treatment. ANG1, CaSR, and FAK were examined in myoma and peripheral tissue samples taken from women after myoma surgery and in normal uterine muscle tissue samples taken from the control group. Tests were performed using tissue microarray immunohistochemistry. No statistically significant differences in ANG1 expression between the tissue of the myoma, the periphery, and the normal uterine muscle tissue of the control group were recorded. The CaSR value was reduced in the myoma and peripheral tissue and normal in the group of women without myomas. FAK expression was also lower in the myoma and periphery compared to the healthy uterine myometrium. Calcium supplementation could have an effect on stopping the growth of myomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Markowska
- Department of Perinatology and Women’s Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Mateusz de Mezer
- Medical Biology, Department of Immunobiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Paweł Kurzawa
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (P.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Oncological Pathology, University Clinical Hospital in Poznan, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiesława Bednarek
- Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Gryboś
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Monika Krzyżaniak
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (P.K.); (M.K.)
- Department of Oncological Pathology, University Clinical Hospital in Poznan, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-848 Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Marian Gryboś
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Opole, 45-040 Opole, Poland;
| | - Jakub Żurawski
- Medical Biology, Department of Immunobiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland;
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5
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Reynolds LE, Maallin S, Haston S, Martinez-Barbera JP, Hodivala-Dilke KM, Pedrosa AR. Effects of senescence on the tumour microenvironment and response to therapy. FEBS J 2024; 291:2306-2319. [PMID: 37873605 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16984] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a state of durable cell arrest that has been identified both in vitro and in vivo. It is associated with profound changes in gene expression and a specific secretory profile that includes pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and matrix-remodelling enzymes, referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In cancer, senescence can have anti- or pro-tumour effects. On one hand, it can inhibit tumour progression in a cell autonomous manner. On the other hand, senescence can also promote tumour initiation, progression, metastatic dissemination and resistance to therapy in a paracrine manner. Therefore, despite efforts to target senescence as a potential strategy to inhibit tumour growth, senescent cancer and microenvironmental cells can eventually lead to uncontrolled proliferation and aggressive tumour phenotypes. This can happen either through overcoming senescence growth arrest or through SASP-mediated effects in adjacent tumour cells. This review will discuss how senescence affects the tumour microenvironment, including extracellular matrix remodelling, the immune system and the vascular compartment, to promote tumourigenesis, metastasis and resistance to DNA-damaging therapies. It will also discuss current approaches used in the field to target senescence: senolytics, improving the immune clearance of senescent cells and targeting the SASP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise E Reynolds
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Lab, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University London, UK
| | - Seynab Maallin
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Lab, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University London, UK
| | - Scott Haston
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
| | - Kairbaan M Hodivala-Dilke
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Lab, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University London, UK
| | - Ana-Rita Pedrosa
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Lab, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University London, UK
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Solomatina ES, Kovaleva AV, Tvorogova AV, Vorobjev IA, Saidova AA. Effect of Focal Adhesion Kinase and Vinculin Expression on Migration Parameters of Normal and Tumor Epitheliocytes. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:474-486. [PMID: 38648767 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924030088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) are mechanosensory structures that transform physical stimuli into chemical signals guiding cell migration. Comprehensive studies postulate correlation between the FA parameters and cell motility metrics for individual migrating cells. However, which properties of the FAs are critical for epithelial cell motility in a monolayer remains poorly elucidated. We used high-throughput microscopy to describe relationship between the FA parameters and cell migration in immortalized epithelial keratinocytes (HaCaT) and lung carcinoma cells (A549) with depleted or inhibited vinculin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) FA proteins. To evaluate relationship between the FA morphology and cell migration, we used substrates with varying stiffness in the model of wound healing. Cells cultivated on fibronectin had the highest FA area values, migration rate, and upregulated expression of FAK and vinculin mRNAs, while the smallest FA area and slower migration rate to the wound were specific to cells cultivated on glass. Suppression of vinculin expression in both normal and tumor cells caused decrease of the FA size and fluorescence intensity but did not affect cell migration into the wound. In contrast, downregulation or inactivation of FAK did not affect the FA size but significantly slowed down the wound closure rate by both HaCaT and A549 cell lines. We also showed that the FAK knockdown results in the FA lifetime decrease for the cells cultivated both on glass and fibronectin. Our data indicate that the FA lifetime is the most important parameter defining migration of epithelial cells in a monolayer. The observed change in the cell migration rate in a monolayer caused by changes in expression/activation of FAK kinase makes FAK a promising target for anticancer therapy of lung carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia S Solomatina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Kovaleva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Anna V Tvorogova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
- Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Ivan A Vorobjev
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Aleena A Saidova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Biology, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Dou T, Li J, Zhang Y, Pei W, Zhang B, Wang B, Wang Y, Jia H. The cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is an important marker for predicting therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368687. [PMID: 38487526 PMCID: PMC10937353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, the incidence rate of breast cancer ranks first among new-onset malignant tumors in women. The tumor microenvironment is a hot topic in tumor research. There are abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment that play a protumor or antitumor role in breast cancer. During the treatment of breast cancer, different cells have different influences on the therapeutic response. And after treatment, the cellular composition in the tumor microenvironment will change too. In this review, we summarize the interactions between different cell compositions (such as immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes) in the tumor microenvironment and the treatment mechanism of breast cancer. We believe that detecting the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is able to predict the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for breast cancer and benefit to combination administration of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyao Dou
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yaochen Zhang
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wanru Pei
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Binyue Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongyan Jia
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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8
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Zhang B, Li N, Gao J, Zhao Y, Jiang J, Xie S, Zhang C, Zhang Q, Liu L, Wang Z, Ji D, Wu L, Ren R. Targeting of focal adhesion kinase enhances the immunogenic cell death of PEGylated liposome doxorubicin to optimize therapeutic responses of immune checkpoint blockade. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:51. [PMID: 38373953 PMCID: PMC10875809 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02974-4] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is widely considered to exert long-term treatment benefits by activating antitumor immunity. However, many cancer patients show poor clinical responses to ICB due in part to the lack of an immunogenic niche. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is frequently amplified and acts as an immune modulator across cancer types. However, evidence illustrates that targeting FAK is most effective in combination therapy rather than in monotherapy. METHODS Here, we used drug screening, in vitro and in vivo assays to filter out that doxorubicin and its liposomal form pegylated liposome doxorubicin (PLD) showed synergistic anti-tumor effects in combination with FAK inhibitor IN10018. We hypothesized that anti-tumor immunity and immunogenic cell death (ICD) may be involved in the treatment outcomes through the data analysis of our clinical trial testing the combination of IN10018 and PLD. We then performed cell-based assays and animal studies to detect whether FAK inhibition by IN10018 can boost the ICD of PLD/doxorubicin and further established syngeneic models to test the antitumor effect of triplet combination of PLD, IN10018, and ICB. RESULTS We demonstrated that the combination of FAK inhibitor IN10018, and PLD/doxorubicin exerted effective antitumor activity. Notably, the doublet combination regimen exhibited response latency and long-lasting treatment effects clinically, outcomes frequently observed in immunotherapy. Our preclinical study confirmed that the 2-drug combination can maximize the ICD of cancer cells. This approach primed the tumor microenvironment, supplementing it with sufficient tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) to activate antitumor immunity. Finally, different animal studies confirmed that the antitumor effects of ICB can be significantly enhanced by this doublet regimen. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that targeting FAK by IN10018 can enhance the ICD of PLD/doxorubicin, further benefiting the anti-tumor effect of ICB. The animal tests of the triplet regimen warrant further discovery in the real world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of HematologyNational Research Center for Translational MedicineRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinses Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaming Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of HematologyNational Research Center for Translational MedicineRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinses Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Xie
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Cuiping Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Leo Liu
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Zaiqi Wang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lingying Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinses Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Ruibao Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of HematologyNational Research Center for Translational MedicineRuijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- International Center for Aging and Cancer, Hainan Medical University, Hainan Province, Haikou, China.
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Hu HH, Wang SQ, Shang HL, Lv HF, Chen BB, Gao SG, Chen XB. Roles and inhibitors of FAK in cancer: current advances and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1274209. [PMID: 38410129 PMCID: PMC10895298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1274209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that exhibits high expression in various tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. FAK activation promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. Moreover, FAK is crucial for sustaining the tumor microenvironment. The inhibition of FAK impedes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer. Therefore, developing targeted inhibitors against FAK presents a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, numerous FAK inhibitors, including IN10018, defactinib, GSK2256098, conteltinib, and APG-2449, have been developed, which have demonstrated positive anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies and are undergoing clinical trials for several types of tumors. Moreover, many novel FAK inhibitors are currently in preclinical studies to advance targeted therapy for tumors with aberrantly activated FAK. The benefits of FAK degraders, especially in terms of their scaffold function, are increasingly evident, holding promising potential for future clinical exploration and breakthroughs. This review aims to clarify FAK's role in cancer, offering a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of FAK-targeted therapy and combination approaches. The goal is to provide valuable insights for advancing anti-cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai-Li Shang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui-Fang Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei-Bei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - She-Gan Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Carrera-Aguado I, Marcos-Zazo L, Carrancio-Salán P, Guerra-Paes E, Sánchez-Juanes F, Muñoz-Félix JM. The Inhibition of Vessel Co-Option as an Emerging Strategy for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:921. [PMID: 38255995 PMCID: PMC10815934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020921] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic mechanism of vascularization that has been associated to anti-angiogenic therapy. In VCO, cancer cells hijack the pre-existing blood vessels and use them to obtain oxygen and nutrients and invade adjacent tissue. Multiple primary tumors and metastases undergo VCO in highly vascularized tissues such as the lungs, liver or brain. VCO has been associated with a worse prognosis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that undergo VCO are poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that co-opted vessels show a quiescent phenotype in contrast to angiogenic tumor blood vessels. On the other hand, it is believed that during VCO, cancer cells are adhered to basement membrane from pre-existing blood vessels by using integrins, show enhanced motility and a mesenchymal phenotype. Other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as extracellular matrix, immune cells or extracellular vesicles play important roles in vessel co-option maintenance. There are no strategies to inhibit VCO, and thus, to eliminate resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes all the molecular mechanisms involved in vessel co-option analyzing the possible therapeutic strategies to inhibit this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Carrera-Aguado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Marcos-Zazo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Carrancio-Salán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Guerra-Paes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Juanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M. Muñoz-Félix
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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11
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Adeyemi DH, Obembe OO, Hamed MA, Akhigbe RE. Sodium acetate ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury via upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulation of NFkB-mediated apoptotic signaling in Wistar rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:423-435. [PMID: 37458777 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite the effectiveness of doxorubicin (DOX) in the management of a wide range of cancers, a major challenge is its cardio-toxic effect. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are major pathways for the cardiotoxic effect of DOX. On the other hand, acetate reportedly exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This particular research assessed the impact of acetate on cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. Mechanistically, acetate dramatically inhibited DOX-induced upregulation of xanthine oxidase and uric acid pathway as well as downregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and its upstream proteins (reduced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase, glutathione reductase). In addition, acetate markedly attenuated DOX-driven rise inTNF-α, NFkB IL-6 and IL-1β expression, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, acetate significantly ameliorated DOX-led suppression of Bcl-2 and Ca2+-ATPase activity and upregulation of Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 actions. Improved body weight, heart structural integrity, and cardiac function as depicted by cardiac injury markers convoyed these cascades of events. Summarily, the present study demonstrated that acetate protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulating NFkB-mediated activation of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Adeyemi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - O O Obembe
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - M A Hamed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
- The Brainwill Laboratories, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - R E Akhigbe
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratory, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
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12
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Ji S, Wu W, Jiang Q. Crosstalk between Endothelial Cells and Tumor Cells: A New Era in Prostate Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16893. [PMID: 38069225 PMCID: PMC10707594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer stands as one of the most prevalent malignancies afflicting men worldwide. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor progression, comprising various cell types including endothelial cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, and macrophages. Recent accumulating evidence underscores the indispensable contribution of endothelial cells to prostate cancer development. Both endothelial cells and tumor cells release a multitude of factors that instigate angiogenesis, metastasis, and even drug resistance in prostate cancer. These factors serve as regulators within the tumor microenvironment and represent potential therapeutic targets for managing prostate cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the crucial functions of endothelial cells in angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance, and their prospective therapeutic applications in combating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qi Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai 200080, China; (S.J.); (W.W.)
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13
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Mei X, Ouyang H, Zhang H, Jia W, Lu B, Zhang J, Ji L. Scutellarin suppresses the metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer via targeting TNFα/TNFR2-RUNX1-triggered G-CSF expression in endothelial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115808. [PMID: 37716622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is heterogeneous and aggressive, with high vascularity and frequent metastasis. We have already found natural flavonoid scutellarin (SC) suppressed spontaneous TNBC metastasis via normalizing tumor vasculature in vivo. In this study, supernatant from tumor necrosis factorα (TNFα)-treated human mammary microvascular endothelial cell (HMMEC) promoted cell migration and pseudopod formation in TNBC cells, but these phenomena were disappeared in SC-co-treated HMMEC. TNFα enhanced the expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in both HMMEC and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). G-CSF promoted TNBC migration and invasion in vitro, while G-CSF neutralization antibody and SC both inhibited TNBC metastasis in Balb/c mice. SC had no inhibition on the G-CSF-induced TNBC cell migration, but reduced G-CSF content in TNBC tumor tissues and TNFα-stimulated endothelial cells (ECs). SC restricted the nuclear translocation of runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) in TNBC tumor vessels and TNFα-treated ECs. RUNX1 was found to directly bind to the promoter of G-CSF in TNBC tumor vessels and regulated G-CSF expression. TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) was crucial for regulating the TNFα-induced RUNX1 activation and G-CSF expression. Notably, SC hindered the interaction between TNFα and TNFR2 via binding to TNFR2. This work demonstrated that SC reduced TNBC metastasis by targeting TNFα/TNFR2-initiated RUNX1 activation and subsequent G-CSF production in TNBC-associated ECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyu Mei
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis Research in Chinese Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Basic Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou 310007, China
| | - Hao Ouyang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wangya Jia
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bin Lu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jingnan Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lili Ji
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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14
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Su L, Wu S, Huang C, Zhuo X, Chen J, Jiang X, Kong X, Lv C, Xu Q, Han P, Huang X, Wong PP. Chemoresistant fibroblasts dictate neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic response of head and neck cancer via TGFα-EGFR paracrine signaling. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:102. [PMID: 37821657 PMCID: PMC10567732 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy targets malignant cells without evaluating counter protection from the tumor microenvironment that often causes treatment failure. Herein, we establish chemoresistant fibroblasts (rCAFs) as regulators of neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic (NACT) response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Clinically, high expression of CAF-related gene signature correlates with worse prognosis and chemotherapeutic response in multiple cancers, while the population of CAFs in the residual tumors of chemoresistant HNSCC patients remains unchanged after NACT treatment, compared to chemosensitive patients. Using a murine cancer model or patient-derived organoid, and primary CAFs isolated from chemo-sensitive (sCAFs) or -resistant patients, we show that rCAFs, but not sCAFs, are resistant to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis while reducing HNSCC cell chemosensitivity via paracrine signals. Combined multi-omics and biochemical analyses indicate an elevated PI3K/AKT/p65 driven cell survival and cytokine production in rCAFs, while rCAF-secreted TGFα promotes cancer cell chemoresistance by activating EGFR/Src/STAT3 survival signaling axis. Treatment with anti-EGFR cetuximab restores the chemosensitivity of tumors derived from co-injection of cancer cells and rCAFs in vivo, while the serum level of TGFα determines NACT response in HNSCC patients. Overall, our findings uncover a novel insight whereby the crosstalk between tumor cell and rCAF determines chemotherapeutic response and prognosis in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Sangqing Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xianhua Zhuo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiangzhan Kong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Cui Lv
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qiuping Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ping Han
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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15
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Xie D, Wang Z, Sun B, Qu L, Zeng M, Feng L, Guo M, Wang G, Hao J, Zhou G. High frequency of alternative splicing variants of the oncogene Focal Adhesion Kinase in neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas and breast. Front Med 2023; 17:907-923. [PMID: 37682378 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1009-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The characteristic genetic abnormality of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), a heterogeneous group of tumors found in various organs, remains to be identified. Here, based on the analysis of the splicing variants of an oncogene Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) in The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets that contain 9193 patients of 33 cancer subtypes, we found that Box 6/Box 7-containing FAK variants (FAK6/7) were observed in 7 (87.5%) of 8 pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas and 20 (11.76%) of 170 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs). We tested FAK variants in 157 tumor samples collected from Chinese patients with pancreatic tumors, and found that FAK6/7 was positive in 34 (75.6%) of 45 pancreatic NENs, 19 (47.5%) of 40 pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasms, and 2 (2.9%) of 69 PDACs. We further tested FAK splicing variants in breast neuroendocrine carcinoma (BrNECs), and found that FAK6/7 was positive in 14 (93.3%) of 15 BrNECs but 0 in 23 non-NEC breast cancers. We explored the underlying mechanisms and found that a splicing factor serine/arginine repetitive matrix protein 4 (SRRM4) was overexpressed in FAK6/7-positive pancreatic tumors and breast tumors, which promoted the formation of FAK6/7 in cells. These results suggested that FAK6/7 could be a biomarker of NENs and represent a potential therapeutic target for these orphan diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Beibei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Liwei Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Musheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Lin Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Mingzhou Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Department of Pathology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Guizhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Guangbiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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16
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Mattioli R, Ilari A, Colotti B, Mosca L, Fazi F, Colotti G. Doxorubicin and other anthracyclines in cancers: Activity, chemoresistance and its overcoming. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 93:101205. [PMID: 37515939 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Anthracyclines have been important and effective treatments against a number of cancers since their discovery. However, their use in therapy has been complicated by severe side effects and toxicity that occur during or after treatment, including cardiotoxicity. The mode of action of anthracyclines is complex, with several mechanisms proposed. It is possible that their high toxicity is due to the large set of processes involved in anthracycline action. The development of resistance is a major barrier to successful treatment when using anthracyclines. This resistance is based on a series of mechanisms that have been studied and addressed in recent years. This work provides an overview of the anthracyclines used in cancer therapy. It discusses their mechanisms of activity, toxicity, and chemoresistance, as well as the approaches used to improve their activity, decrease their toxicity, and overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Mattioli
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ilari
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Colotti
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Mosca
- Dept. Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council IBPM-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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17
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Tan X, Yan Y, Song B, Zhu S, Mei Q, Wu K. Focal adhesion kinase: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:83. [PMID: 37749625 PMCID: PMC10519103 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, is a vital participant in primary cellular functions, such as proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. In addition, FAK regulates cancer stem cell activities and contributes to the formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Importantly, increased FAK expression and activity are strongly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and metastatic characteristics in numerous tumors. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that modulating FAK activity by application of FAK inhibitors alone or in combination treatment regimens could be effective for cancer therapy. Based on these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. This article briefly describes the structure and function of FAK, as well as research progress on FAK inhibitors in combination therapies. We also discuss the challenges and future directions regarding anti-FAK combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximin Tan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Song
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Shuangli Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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18
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Zhuo X, Huang C, Su L, Liang F, Xie W, Xu Q, Han P, Huang X, Wong PP. Identification of a distinct tumor endothelial cell-related gene expression signature associated with patient prognosis and immunotherapy response in multiple cancers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:9635-9655. [PMID: 37227522 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04848-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) play a significant role in regulating the tumor microenvironment, drug response, and immune cell activities in various cancers. However, the association between TEC gene expression signature and patient prognosis or therapeutic response remains poorly understood. METHODS We analyzed transcriptomics data of normal and tumor endothelial cells obtained from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with TECs. We then compared these DEGs with those commonly found across five different tumor types from the TCGA database to determine their prognostic relevance. Using these genes, we constructed a prognostic risk model integrated with clinical features to develop a nomogram model, which we validated through biological experiments. RESULTS We identified 12 TEC-related prognostic genes across multiple tumor types, of which five genes were sufficient to construct a prognostic risk model with an AUC of 0.682. The risk scores effectively predicted patient prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. Our newly developed nomogram model provided more accurate prognostic estimates of cancer patients than the TNM staging method (AUC = 0.735) and was validated using external patient cohorts. Finally, RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses indicated that the expression of these 5 TEC-related prognostic genes was up-regulated in both patient-derived tumors and cancer cell lines, while depletion of the hub genes reduced cancer cell growth, migration and invasion, and enhanced their sensitivity to gemcitabine or cytarabine. CONCLUSIONS Our study discovered the first TEC-related gene expression signature that can be used to construct a prognostic risk model for guiding treatment options in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhua Zhuo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Liangping Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Faya Liang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qiuping Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Ping Han
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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19
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Steinberg T, Dieterle MP, Ramminger I, Klein C, Brossette J, Husari A, Tomakidi P. On the Value of In Vitro Cell Systems for Mechanobiology from the Perspective of Yes-Associated Protein/Transcriptional Co-Activator with a PDZ-Binding Motif and Focal Adhesion Kinase and Their Involvement in Wound Healing, Cancer, Aging, and Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12677. [PMID: 37628858 PMCID: PMC10454169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanobiology comprises how cells perceive different mechanical stimuli and integrate them into a process called mechanotransduction; therefore, the related mechanosignaling cascades are generally important for biomedical research. The ongoing discovery of key molecules and the subsequent elucidation of their roles in mechanobiology are fundamental to understanding cell responses and tissue conditions, such as homeostasis, aging, senescence, wound healing, and cancer. Regarding the available literature on these topics, it becomes abundantly clear that in vitro cell systems from different species and tissues have been and are extremely valuable tools for enabling the discovery and functional elucidation of key mechanobiological players. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the significant contributions of in vitro cell systems to the identification and characterization of three such key players using the selected examples of yes-associated protein (YAP), its paralog transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and their involvement in wound healing, cancer, aging, and senescence. In addition, the reader is given suggestions as to which future prospects emerge from the in vitro studies discussed herein and which research questions still remain open.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Steinberg
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Philipp Dieterle
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Imke Ramminger
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Klein
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julie Brossette
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ayman Husari
- Center for Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pascal Tomakidi
- Center for Dental Medicine, Division of Oral Biotechnology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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20
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Benkhaled S, Peters C, Jullian N, Arsenijevic T, Navez J, Van Gestel D, Moretti L, Van Laethem JL, Bouchart C. Combination, Modulation and Interplay of Modern Radiotherapy with the Tumor Microenvironment and Targeted Therapies in Pancreatic Cancer: Which Candidates to Boost Radiotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030768. [PMID: 36765726 PMCID: PMC9913158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) is a highly diverse disease with low tumor immunogenicity. PDAC is also one of the deadliest solid tumor and will remain a common cause of cancer death in the future. Treatment options are limited, and tumors frequently develop resistance to current treatment modalities. Since PDAC patients do not respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), novel methods for overcoming resistance are being explored. Compared to other solid tumors, the PDAC's tumor microenvironment (TME) is unique and complex and prevents systemic agents from effectively penetrating and killing tumor cells. Radiotherapy (RT) has the potential to modulate the TME (e.g., by exposing tumor-specific antigens, recruiting, and infiltrating immune cells) and, therefore, enhance the effectiveness of targeted systemic therapies. Interestingly, combining ICI with RT and/or chemotherapy has yielded promising preclinical results which were not successful when translated into clinical trials. In this context, current standards of care need to be challenged and transformed with modern treatment techniques and novel therapeutic combinations. One way to reconcile these findings is to abandon the concept that the TME is a well-compartmented population with spatial, temporal, physical, and chemical elements acting independently. This review will focus on the most interesting advancements of RT and describe the main components of the TME and their known modulation after RT in PDAC. Furthermore, we will provide a summary of current clinical data for combinations of RT/targeted therapy (tRT) and give an overview of the most promising future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofian Benkhaled
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UNIL-CHUV, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cedric Peters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AZ Turnhout, Rubensstraat 166, 2300 Turnhout, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Jullian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tatjana Arsenijevic
- Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Navez
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dirk Van Gestel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luigi Moretti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Van Laethem
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles H.U.B. CUB Hopital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Route de Lennik 808, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christelle Bouchart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hopital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B.), Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Rue Meylenmeersch 90, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-25-413-800
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21
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Lander VE, Belle JI, Kingstonl NL, Herndon JM, Hogg GD, Liu X, Kang LI, Knolhoff BL, Bogner SJ, Baer JM, Zuo C, Borcherding NC, Lander DP, Mpoy C, Scott J, Zahner M, Rogers BE, Schwarz JK, Kim H, DeNardo DG. Stromal Reprogramming by FAK Inhibition Overcomes Radiation Resistance to Allow for Immune Priming and Response to Checkpoint Blockade. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2774-2799. [PMID: 36165893 PMCID: PMC9722639 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The effects of radiotherapy (RT) on tumor immunity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are not well understood. To better understand if RT can prime antigen-specific T-cell responses, we analyzed human PDAC tissues and mouse models. In both settings, there was little evidence of RT-induced T-cell priming. Using in vitro systems, we found that tumor-stromal components, including fibroblasts and collagen, cooperate to blunt RT efficacy and impair RT-induced interferon signaling. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition rescued RT efficacy in vitro and in vivo, leading to tumor regression, T-cell priming, and enhanced long-term survival in PDAC mouse models. Based on these data, we initiated a clinical trial of defactinib in combination with stereotactic body RT in patients with PDAC (NCT04331041). Analysis of PDAC tissues from these patients showed stromal reprogramming mirroring our findings in genetically engineered mouse models. Finally, the addition of checkpoint immunotherapy to RT and FAK inhibition in animal models led to complete tumor regression and long-term survival. SIGNIFICANCE Checkpoint immunotherapeutics have not been effective in PDAC, even when combined with RT. One possible explanation is that RT fails to prime T-cell responses in PDAC. Here, we show that FAK inhibition allows RT to prime tumor immunity and unlock responsiveness to checkpoint immunotherapy. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2711.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varintra E. Lander
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jad I. Belle
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Natalie L. Kingstonl
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - John M. Herndon
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Graham D. Hogg
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xiuting Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Liang-I Kang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brett L. Knolhoff
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Savannah J. Bogner
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - John M. Baer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chong Zuo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nicholas C. Borcherding
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Daniel P. Lander
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Cedric Mpoy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jalen Scott
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Michael Zahner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Buck E. Rogers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Julie K. Schwarz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David G. DeNardo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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22
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Kaeppler JR, Chen J, Buono M, Vermeer J, Kannan P, Cheng W, Voukantsis D, Thompson JM, Hill MA, Allen D, Gomes A, Kersemans V, Kinchesh P, Smart S, Buffa F, Nerlov C, Muschel RJ, Markelc B. Endothelial cell death after ionizing radiation does not impair vascular structure in mouse tumor models. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53221. [PMID: 35848459 PMCID: PMC9442312 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of radiation therapy on tumor vasculature has long been a subject of debate. Increased oxygenation and perfusion have been documented during radiation therapy. Conversely, apoptosis of endothelial cells in irradiated tumors has been proposed as a major contributor to tumor control. To examine these contradictions, we use multiphoton microscopy in two murine tumor models: MC38, a highly vascularized, and B16F10, a moderately vascularized model, grown in transgenic mice with tdTomato-labeled endothelium before and after a single (15 Gy) or fractionated (5 × 3 Gy) dose of radiation. Unexpectedly, even these high doses lead to little structural change of the perfused vasculature. Conversely, non-perfused vessels and blind ends are substantially impaired after radiation accompanied by apoptosis and reduced proliferation of their endothelium. RNAseq analysis of tumor endothelial cells confirms the modification of gene expression in apoptotic and cell cycle regulation pathways after irradiation. Therefore, we conclude that apoptosis of tumor endothelial cells after radiation does not impair vascular structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob R Kaeppler
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Jianzhou Chen
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Mario Buono
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Jenny Vermeer
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Pavitra Kannan
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Wei‐Chen Cheng
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Dimitrios Voukantsis
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - James M Thompson
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Mark A Hill
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Danny Allen
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Ana Gomes
- In Vivo ImagingThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Veerle Kersemans
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Paul Kinchesh
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Sean Smart
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Francesca Buffa
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Claus Nerlov
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe HospitalUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Ruth J Muschel
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Cancer Research UK and MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Present address:
Department of Experimental OncologyInstitute of Oncology LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
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23
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Hervás-Salcedo R, Martín-Antonio B. A Journey through the Inter-Cellular Interactions in the Bone Marrow in Multiple Myeloma: Implications for the Next Generation of Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3796. [PMID: 35954459 PMCID: PMC9367481 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors are composed of a plethora of extracellular matrix, tumor and non-tumor cells that form a tumor microenvironment (TME) that nurtures the tumor cells and creates a favorable environment where tumor cells grow and proliferate. In multiple myeloma (MM), the TME is the bone marrow (BM). Non-tumor cells can belong either to the non-hematological compartment that secretes soluble mediators to create a favorable environment for MM cells to grow, or to the immune cell compartment that perform an anti-MM activity in healthy conditions. Indeed, marrow-infiltrating lymphocytes (MILs) are associated with a good prognosis in MM patients and have served as the basis for developing different immunotherapy strategies. However, MM cells and other cells in the BM can polarize their phenotype and activity, creating an immunosuppressive environment where immune cells do not perform their cytotoxic activity properly, promoting tumor progression. Understanding cell-cell interactions in the BM and their impact on MM proliferation and the performance of tumor surveillance will help in designing efficient anti-MM therapies. Here, we take a journey through the BM, describing the interactions of MM cells with cells of the non-hematological and hematological compartment to highlight their impact on MM progression and the development of novel MM treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Martín-Antonio
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Diaz (IIS-FJD), University Autonomous of Madrid (UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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24
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Roy-Luzarraga M, Reynolds LE, de Luxán-Delgado B, Maiques O, Wisniewski L, Newport E, Rajeeve V, Drake RJ, Gómez-Escudero J, Richards FM, Weller C, Dormann C, Meng YM, Vermeulen PB, Saur D, Sanz-Moreno V, Wong PP, Géraud C, Cutillas PR, Hodivala-Dilke K. Suppression of Endothelial Cell FAK Expression Reduces Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Metastasis after Gemcitabine Treatment. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1909-1925. [PMID: 35350066 PMCID: PMC9381116 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite substantial advances in the treatment of solid cancers, resistance to therapy remains a major obstacle to prolonged progression-free survival. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, with a high level of liver metastasis. Primary PDAC is highly hypoxic, and metastases are resistant to first-line treatment, including gemcitabine. Recent studies have indicated that endothelial cell (EC) focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates DNA-damaging therapy-induced angiocrine factors and chemosensitivity in primary tumor models. Here, we show that inducible loss of EC-FAK in both orthotopic and spontaneous mouse models of PDAC is not sufficient to affect primary tumor growth but reduces liver and lung metastasis load and improves survival rates in gemcitabine-treated, but not untreated, mice. EC-FAK loss did not affect primary tumor angiogenesis, tumor blood vessel leakage, or early events in metastasis, including the numbers of circulating tumor cells, tumor cell homing, or metastatic seeding. Phosphoproteomics analysis showed a downregulation of the MAPK, RAF, and PAK signaling pathways in gemcitabine-treated FAK-depleted ECs compared with gemcitabine-treated wild-type ECs. Moreover, low levels of EC-FAK correlated with increased survival and reduced relapse in gemcitabine-treated patients with PDAC, supporting the clinical relevance of these findings. Altogether, we have identified a new role of EC-FAK in regulating PDAC metastasis upon gemcitabine treatment that impacts outcome. SIGNIFICANCE These findings establish the potential utility of combinatorial endothelial cell FAK targeting together with gemcitabine in future clinical applications to control metastasis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Roy-Luzarraga
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise E. Reynolds
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beatriz de Luxán-Delgado
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Wisniewski
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Newport
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vinothini Rajeeve
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J.G. Drake
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jesús Gómez-Escudero
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Frances M. Richards
- Translational Medicine Operations, Astrazeneca Oncology, Darwin Building, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Céline Weller
- Department of Dermatology, Section of Clinical and Molecular Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center and European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christof Dormann
- Department of Dermatology, Section of Clinical and Molecular Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center and European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ya-Ming Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter B. Vermeulen
- Department of Oncological Research, Translational Cancer Research Unit, Oncology Center GZA—GZA Hospitals St. Augustinus and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg and Chair of Translational Cancer Research and Institute for Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ping-Pui Wong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cyrill Géraud
- Department of Dermatology, Section of Clinical and Molecular Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center and European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Pedro R. Cutillas
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Barts Cancer Institute—A CR-UK Center of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Center, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
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25
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FAK in Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031726. [PMID: 35163650 PMCID: PMC8836199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is overexpressed and activated in many cancer types. FAK regulates diverse cellular processes, including growth factor signaling, cell cycle progression, cell survival, cell motility, angiogenesis, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments through kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Mounting evidence has indicated that targeting FAK, either alone or in combination with other agents, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying FAK-mediated signaling networks during tumor development. We also summarize the recent progress of FAK-targeted small-molecule compounds for anticancer activity from preclinical and clinical evidence.
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26
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Newport E, Pedrosa AR, Lees D, Dukinfield M, Carter E, Gomez-Escudero J, Casado P, Rajeeve V, Reynolds LE, R Cutillas P, Duffy SW, De Luxán Delgado B, Hodivala-Dilke K. Elucidating the role of the kinase activity of endothelial cell focal adhesion kinase in angiocrine signalling and tumour growth. J Pathol 2022; 256:235-247. [PMID: 34743335 DOI: 10.1002/path.5833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A common limitation of cancer treatments is chemotherapy resistance. We have previously identified that endothelial cell (EC)-specific deletion of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) sensitises tumour cells to DNA-damaging therapies, reducing tumour growth in mice. The present study addressed the kinase activity dependency of EC FAK sensitisation to the DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin. FAK is recognised as a therapeutic target in tumour cells, leading to the development of a range of inhibitors, the majority being ATP competitive kinase inhibitors. We demonstrate that inactivation of EC FAK kinase domain (kinase dead; EC FAK-KD) in established subcutaneous B16F0 tumours improves melanoma cell sensitisation to doxorubicin. Doxorubicin treatment in EC FAK-KD mice reduced the percentage change in exponential B16F0 tumour growth further than in wild-type mice. There was no difference in tumour blood vessel numbers, vessel perfusion or doxorubicin delivery between genotypes, suggesting a possible angiocrine effect on the regulation of tumour growth. Doxorubicin reduced perivascular malignant cell proliferation, while enhancing perivascular tumour cell apoptosis and DNA damage in tumours grown in EC FAK-KD mice 48 h after doxorubicin injection. Human pulmonary microvascular ECs treated with the pharmacological FAK kinase inhibitors defactinib, PF-562,271 or PF-573,228 in combination with doxorubicin also reduced cytokine expression levels. Together, these data suggest that targeting EC FAK kinase activity may alter angiocrine signals that correlate with improved acute tumour cell chemosensitisation. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Endothelial Cells/enzymology
- Female
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/genetics
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/enzymology
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neovascularization, Physiologic
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/enzymology
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Tumor Burden
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Newport
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Ana Rita Pedrosa
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Delphine Lees
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Matthew Dukinfield
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Edward Carter
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Jesus Gomez-Escudero
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Pedro Casado
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Vinothini Rajeeve
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Louise E Reynolds
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | | | - Beatriz De Luxán Delgado
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
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27
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Jia Q, Liao X, Zhang Y, Xu B, Song Y, Bian G, Fu X. Anti-Tumor Role of CAMK2B in Remodeling the Stromal Microenvironment and Inhibiting Proliferation in Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:740051. [PMID: 35127542 PMCID: PMC8815460 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.740051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is variable across tumor types and has diverse effects on malignant progression, based on the type and number of infiltrating stromal cells. In particular, TME effector genes and their competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks play a critical role in regulating malignant tumor progression. However, the core effector molecules involved in TME modulation of kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) are poorly understood. To address this question, a cohort containing 233 KIRP patients was derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the data were processed using the ESTIMATE algorithm. We further evaluated the relationship between immune scores (ISs) and stromal scores (SSs) and disease progression and found that high SSs were associated with a poor prognosis in KIRP. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were therefore screened based on SS scores, resulting in 2509 DEGs, including 1668 mRNAs, 783 long noncoding (lnc)RNAs, and 58 micro (mi)RNAs. DEGs were then filtered using the random variance and subjected to hierarchical clustering using EPCLUST. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to assess the prognostic capacity of these DEGs and identify target ceRNA networks, and lncRNA GUSBP11/miR-432-5p/CAMK2B in the turquoise module was selected as a promising ceRNA network. From this analysis CAMK2B was selected as the core gene predicted to be involved in stromal TMA regulation. We therefore explored the expression and function of CAMK2B in vitro and in vivo and provide evidence that this protein promotes stromal TME remodulation and inhibits proliferation in KIRP. Lastly, we show that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)β, and close homolog of L1 (CHL1) act as downstream effectors of CAMK2B in KIRP. Thus, in this study, we show that the TME determines prognosis of KIRP patients via the core effector molecule CAMK2B, which mediates both microenvironmental remodeling and tumor progression. Based on these findings, we propose that remodeling of the stromal microenvironment could represent an improved therapeutic approach relative to immunotherapy for KIRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingan Jia
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xia Liao
- Department of Nutrition, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Binghui Xu
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuna Song
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ganlan Bian
- Xi’an Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaoliang Fu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoliang Fu,
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28
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Salimi-Jeda A, Ghabeshi S, Gol Mohammad Pour Z, Jazaeri EO, Araiinejad M, Sheikholeslami F, Abdoli M, Edalat M, Abdoli A. Autophagy Modulation and Cancer Combination Therapy: A Smart Approach in Cancer Therapy. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 30:100512. [PMID: 35026533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The autophagy pathway is the process whereby cells keep cellular homeostasis and respond to stress via recycling their damaged cellular proteins, organelles, and other cellular components. In the context of cancer, autophagy is a dual-edge sword pro- and anti-tumorigenic role depending on the oncogenic context and stage of tumorigenesis. Cancer cells have a higher dependency on autophagy compared with normal cells because of cellular damages and high demands for energy. The carbon, nitrogen, and molecular oxygen are building blocks for highly proliferative cancer cells which extremely depend on glutaminolysis and aerobic glycolysis; when a cancer cell is restricted to glucose and glutamine, it initiates to activate a stress response pathway using autophagy. Oncogenic tyrosine kinases (OncTKs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) activation result in autophagy modulation through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 and RAS/MAPK signaling pathways. Targeted inhibition of tyrosine kinases (TKs) and RTKs have recently been considered as cancer therapy but drug resistance and cancer relapse continue to be a major limitation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Manipulation of autophagy pathway along with TKIs may be a promising strategy to circumvent unknown existing drug-resistance mechanisms that may emerge in a treated patient. In this way, clinical trials are ongoing to modulate autophagy to treat cancer. This review aims to summarize the combination therapy of autophagy affecting compounds with anticancer drugs which target cell signaling pathways, metabolism mechanisms, and epigenetics modification to improve therapeutic efficacy against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Salimi-Jeda
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Soad Ghabeshi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ehsan Ollah Jazaeri
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 13169-43551, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Araiinejad
- WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sheikholeslami
- WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran Iran
| | - Mohsen Abdoli
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdi Edalat
- Department of medical laboratory sciences, Paramedical Sciences, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asghar Abdoli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 13169-43551, Iran.
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29
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Taylor JAGE, Benwell CJ, Robinson SD. Using Immortalized Endothelial Cells to Study the Roles of Adhesion Molecules in VEGF-Induced Signaling. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2475:133-141. [PMID: 35451754 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2217-9_9] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability to study the role of specific genes in endothelial cell biology is made possible by our ability to modulate their expression through siRNA or knockout technologies. However, many in vitro protocols, particularly those of a biochemical nature, require large numbers of endothelial cells. These types of analyses are encumbered by the need to repeatedly produce and characterize primary endothelial cell cultures and can be greatly facilitated by the use of immortalized microvascular endothelial cells. However, we have found that the manipulation of gene expression in these cells is not always straight forward. Here we describe how we alter gene expression in polyoma middle T antigen immortalized microvascular endothelial cells isolated from wild-type and genetically modified mice to study the role of cell adhesion molecules in downstream assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A G E Taylor
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Christopher J Benwell
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Stephen D Robinson
- Gut Microbes and Health Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
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30
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PLGA/β-TCP composite scaffold incorporating cucurbitacin B promotes bone regeneration by inducing angiogenesis. J Orthop Translat 2021; 31:41-51. [PMID: 34804799 PMCID: PMC8571783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Vascularization is an essential step in successful bone tissue engineering. The induction of angiogenesis in bone tissue engineering can be enhanced through the delivery of therapeutic agents that stimulate vessel and bone formation. In this study, we show that cucurbitacin B (CuB), a tetracyclic terpene derived from Cucurbitaceae family plants, facilitates the induction of angiogenesis in vitro. Methods We incorporated CuB into a biodegradable poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) biomaterial scaffold (PT/CuB) Using 3D low-temperature rapid prototyping (LT-RP) technology. A rat skull defect model was used to verify whether the drug-incorporated scaffold has the effects of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in vivo for the regeneration of bone defect. Cytotoxicity assay was performed to determine the safe dose range of the CuB. Tube formation assay and western blot assay were used to analyze the angiogenesis effect of CuB. Results PT/CuB scaffold possessed well-designed bio-mimic structure and improved mechanical properties. CuB was linear release from the composite scaffold without affecting pH value. The results demonstrated that the PT/CuB scaffold significantly enhanced neovascularization and bone regeneration in a rat critical size calvarial defect model compared to the scaffold implants without CuB. Furthermore, CuB stimulated angiogenic signaling via up-regulating VEGFR2 and VEGFR-related signaling pathways. Conclusion CuB can serve as promising candidate compound for promoting neovascularization and osteogenesis, especially in tissue engineering for repair of bone defects. The translational potential of this article This study highlights the potential use of CuB as a therapeutic agent and strongly support its adoption as a component of composite scaffolds for tissue-engineering of bone repair.
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31
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Wu Y, Li N, Ye C, Jiang X, Luo H, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Zhang Q. Focal adhesion kinase inhibitors, a heavy punch to cancer. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:52. [PMID: 35201485 PMCID: PMC8777493 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinases are the ideal druggable targets for diseases and especially were highlighted on cancer therapy. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and its aberrant signaling extensively implicates in the progression of most cancer types, involving in cancer cell growth, adhesion, migration, and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling. FAK is commonly overexpressed and activated in a variety of cancers and plays as a targetable kinase in cancer therapy. FAK inhibitors already exhibited promising performance in preclinical and early-stage clinical trials. Moreover, substantial evidence has implied that targeting FAK is more effective in combination strategy, thereby reversing the failure of chemotherapies or targeted therapies in solid tumors. In the current review, we summarized the drug development progress, chemotherapy strategy, and perspective view for FAK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueling Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Ning Li
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Chengfeng Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Xingmei Jiang
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Hui Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Baoyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China.
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China.
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China.
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32
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Zhou Z, Liu Y, Gao S, Zhou M, Qi F, Ding N, Zhang J, Li R, Wang J, Shi J, Yu R, Wang Y, Li Y, Pan J, Du J, Wang D. Excessive DNA damage mediates ECM degradation via the RBBP8/NOTCH1 pathway in sporadic aortic dissection. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1868:166303. [PMID: 34780912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stanford type A aortic dissection (TA-AD) is a life-threatening disease. Most cases of aortic dissection (AD) are sporadic rather than inherited. Unlike that of inherited AD, the pathogenesis of sporadic AD is still unclear. In the current study, we aimed to explore the pathogenesis of sporadic AD through transcriptome sequencing data analyses. We downloaded sporadic TA-AD transcriptome profiles from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and found response to DNA damage stimulus was activated in AD. Furthermore, by conducting mouse AD tissue single cell RNA sequencing and immunostaining, we found that DNA damage mainly occurred in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts. Next, we examined the repair patterns in response to DNA damage and found the linker molecules RBBP8/NOTCH1 between DNA damage/repair and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization through protein-protein interaction analysis. Thus, we proposed that DNA damage could contribute to AD by regulating ECM changes. To explore the underlying mechanism, we knocked down the DNA repair-related gene RBBP8 in aortic SMCs, which could exacerbate DNA damage, and observed decreased expression level of NOTCH1. Inhibition of NOTCH1 with crenigacestat in vivo accelerated β-aminopropionitrile-induced formation of AD and increased mortality. Meanwhile, phenotype switching of SMCs was induced by Notch1 knockdown or inhibition; this switching occurred via a pathway involving downregulation of contractile marker gene expression and upregulation of MMP2 expression, which might aggravate ECM degradation. In conclusion, excessive DNA damage is a characteristic pathological change of sporadic aortic dissection, which might contribute to ECM changes and AD development via action on the NOTCH1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyi Zhou
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing 100029, China; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shijuan Gao
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing 100029, China; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Feiran Qi
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing 100029, China; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ningyu Ding
- Department of Cardiology, the First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing 100016, China
| | - Junmeng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing 100016, China
| | - Ruisha Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Junxia Wang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ronghuang Yu
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing 100029, China; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Jie Du
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing 100029, China; The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Dongjin Wang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Cardiothoracic Vascular Disease, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Pang H, Zhou Y, Wang J, Wu H, Cui C, Xiao Z. SKA3 overexpression predicts poor outcomes in skin cutaneous melanoma patients. Transl Oncol 2021; 15:101253. [PMID: 34737118 PMCID: PMC8571110 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spindle and Kinetochore Associated Complex Subunit 3 (SKA3) is a part of the SKA complex, which plays a key role in cell mitosis. Studies have shown that SKA3 was associated with cancer progression. However, its role in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the expression level and prognostic value of SKA3 in SKCM. METHODS Based on public databases, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the different expression of SKA3 between SKCM and normal tissues. Then, the relationship between SKA3 expression level and prognosis was assessed. PPI network and functional enrichment analysis were performed. ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT were expected to evaluate the SKA3 expression and immune status. CCK8, wound healing, transwell assays and tumor xenograft trial were performed to detect the SKA3 function in cell viability, migration and invasion of the cell lines. RESULTS The SKA3 was highly expressed in SKCM tissues. SKA3 overexpression was associated with poor survival and immune status. SKA3 knockdown inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion of SKCM cells. CONCLUSION SKA3 is involved in the progression of SKCM and may serve as a new prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Pang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Yongting Zhou
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Chenyang Cui
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Zhibo Xiao
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China.
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The Dual Effect of the BMP9-ALK1 Pathway in Blood Vessels: An Opportunity for Cancer Therapy Improvement? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215412. [PMID: 34771575 PMCID: PMC8582496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The modulation of tumor blood vessels is a great opportunity for improving cancer therapies. Understanding the cellular and molecular players that regulate the biology of tumor blood vessels and tumor angiogenesis is necessary for the development of new anti-tumor strategies. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is a circulating factor with multiple effects in vascular biology through its receptor activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1). In this review, we give an overview of the possible benefits of modulating BMP9–ALK1 functions for cancer therapy improvement. Abstract The improvement of cancer therapy efficacy, the extension of patient survival and the reduction of adverse side effects are major challenges in cancer research. Targeting blood vessels has been considered a promising strategy in cancer therapy. Since the tumor vasculature is disorganized, leaky and triggers immunosuppression and tumor hypoxia, several strategies have been studied to modify tumor vasculature for cancer therapy improvement. Anti-angiogenesis was first described as a mechanism to prevent the formation of new blood vessels and prevent the oxygen supply to tumor cells, showing numerous limitations. Vascular normalization using low doses of anti-angiogenic drugs was purposed to overcome the limitations of anti-angiogenic therapies. Other strategies such as vascular promotion or the induction of high endothelial venules are being studied now to improve cancer therapy. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) exerts a dual effect through the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) receptor in blood vessel maturation or activation phase of angiogenesis. Thus, it is an interesting pathway to target in combination with chemotherapies or immunotherapies. This review manuscript explores the effect of the BMP9–ALK1 pathway in tumor angiogenesis and the possible usefulness of targeting this pathway in anti-angiogenesis, vascular normalization or vascular promotion therapies.
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35
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He J, Zhang S, Qiu Z, Li X, Huang H, Jin W, Xu Y, Shao G, Wang L, Meng J, Wang S, Geng X, Jia Y, Li M, Yang B, Jenny Lu HA, Zhou H. Inhibiting Focal Adhesion Kinase Ameliorates Cyst Development in Polycystin-1-Deficient Polycystic Kidney Disease in Animal Model. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:2159-2174. [PMID: 34465607 PMCID: PMC8729842 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by numerous cysts originating from renal tubules and is associated with significant tubular epithelial cell proliferation. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) promotes tumor growth by regulating multiple proliferative pathways. METHODS We established the forskolin (FSK)-induced three-dimensional (3D) Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cystogenesis model and 8-bromoadenosine-3`,5`-cyclic monophosphate-stimulated cyst formation in ex vivo embryonic kidney culture. Cultured human renal cyst-lining cells (OX-161) and normal tubular epithelial cells were treated with FAK inhibitors or transfected with green fluorescent protein-tagged FAK mutant plasmids for proliferation study. Furthermore, we examined the role of FAK in two transgenic ADPKD animal models, the kidney-specific Pkd1 knockout and the collecting duct-specific Pkd1 knockout mouse models. RESULTS FAK activity was significantly elevated in OX-161 cells and in two ADPKD mouse models. Inhibiting FAK activity reduced cell proliferation in OX-161 cells and prevented cyst growth in ex vivo and 3D cyst models. In tissue-specific Pkd1 knockout mouse models, FAK inhibitors retarded cyst development and mitigated renal function decline. Mechanically, FSK stimulated FAK activation in tubular epithelial cells, which was blocked by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Inhibition of FAK activation by inhibitors or transfected cells with mutant FAK constructs interrupted FSK-mediated Src activation and upregulation of ERK and mTOR pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the critical involvement of FAK in renal cyst development, suggests that FAK is a potential therapeutic target in treating patients with ADPKD, and highlights the role of FAK in cAMP-PKA-regulated proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhao He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Huang
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William Jin
- Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangying Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingli Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Hua A. Jenny Lu
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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Li JJ, Tsang JY, Tse GM. Tumor Microenvironment in Breast Cancer-Updates on Therapeutic Implications and Pathologic Assessment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164233. [PMID: 34439387 PMCID: PMC8394502 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) in breast cancer comprises local factors, cancer cells, immune cells and stromal cells of the local and distant tissues. The interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment plays important roles in tumor proliferation, propagation and response to therapies. There is increasing research in exploring and manipulating the non-cancerous components of the TME for breast cancer treatment. As the TME is now increasingly recognized as a treatment target, its pathologic assessment has become a critical component of breast cancer management. The latest WHO classification of tumors of the breast listed stromal response pattern/fibrotic focus as a prognostic factor and includes recommendations on the assessment of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and PD-1/PD-L1 expression, with therapeutic implications. This review dissects the TME of breast cancer, describes pathologic assessment relevant for prognostication and treatment decision, and details therapeutic options that interacts with and/or exploits the TME in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gary M. Tse
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 852-3505-2359; Fax: 852-2637-4858
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Lees DM, Reynolds LE, Pedrosa AR, Roy-Luzarraga M, Hodivala-Dilke KM. Phosphorylation of pericyte FAK-Y861 affects tumour cell apoptosis and tumour blood vessel regression. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:471-482. [PMID: 33730293 PMCID: PMC8292267 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09776-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed in many cancer types and in vivo studies have shown that vascular endothelial cell FAK expression and FAK-phosphorylation at tyrosine (Y) 397, and subsequently FAK-Y861, are important in tumour angiogenesis. Pericytes also play a vital role in regulating tumour blood vessel stabilisation, but the specific involvement of pericyte FAK-Y397 and FAK-Y861 phosphorylation in tumour blood vessels is unknown. Using PdgfrβCre + ;FAKWT/WT, PdgfrβCre + ;FAKY397F/Y397F and PdgfrβCre + ;FAKY861F/Y861F mice, our data demonstrate that Lewis lung carcinoma tumour growth, tumour blood vessel density, blood vessel perfusion and pericyte coverage were affected only in late stage tumours in PdgfrβCre + ;FAKY861F/Y861F but not PdgfrβCre + ;FAKY397F/Y397F mice. Further examination indicates a dual role for pericyte FAK-Y861 phosphorylation in the regulation of tumour vessel regression and also in the control of pericyte derived signals that influence apoptosis in cancer cells. Overall this study identifies the role of pericyte FAK-Y861 in the regulation of tumour vessel regression and tumour growth control and that non-phosphorylatable FAK-Y861F in pericytes reduces tumour growth and blood vessel density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine M Lees
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Louise E Reynolds
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ana Rita Pedrosa
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Marina Roy-Luzarraga
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kairbaan M Hodivala-Dilke
- Adhesion and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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Gilardi M, Bersini S, Valtorta S, Proietto M, Crippa M, Boussommier-Calleja A, Labelle M, Moresco RM, Vanoni M, Kamm RD, Moretti M. The driving role of the Cdk5/Tln1/FAK S732 axis in cancer cell extravasation dissected by human vascularized microfluidic models. Biomaterials 2021; 276:120975. [PMID: 34333365 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the molecular mechanisms of metastatic dissemination, the leading cause of death in cancer patients, is required to develop novel, effective therapies. Extravasation, an essential rate-limiting process in the metastatic cascade, includes three tightly coordinated steps: cancer cell adhesion to the endothelium, trans-endothelial migration, and early invasion into the secondary site. Focal adhesion proteins, including Tln1 and FAK, regulate the cytoskeleton dynamics: dysregulation of these proteins is often associated with metastatic progression and poor prognosis. METHODS Here, we studied the previously unexplored role of these targets in each extravasation step using engineered 3D in vitro models, which recapitulate the physiological vascular niche experienced by cancer cells during hematogenous metastasis. RESULTS Human breast cancer and fibrosarcoma cell lines respond to Cdk5/Tln1/FAK axis perturbation, impairing their metastatic potential. Vascular breaching requires actin polymerization-dependent invadopodia formation. Invadopodia generation requires the structural function of FAK and Tln1 rather than their activation through phosphorylation. Our data support that the inhibition of FAKS732 phosphorylation delocalizes ERK from the nucleus, decreasing ERK phosphorylated form. These findings indicate the critical role of these proteins in driving trans-endothelial migration. In fact, both knock-down experiments and chemical inhibition of FAK dramatically reduces lung colonization in vivo and TEM in microfluidic setting. Altogether, these data indicate that engineered 3D in vitro models coupled to in vivo models, genetic, biochemical, and imaging tools represent a powerful weapon to increase our understanding of metastatic progression. CONCLUSIONS These findings point to the need for further analyses of previously overlooked phosphorylation sites of FAK, such as the serine 732, and foster the development of new effective antimetastatic treatments targeting late events of the metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Gilardi
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Simone Bersini
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Silvia Valtorta
- Università Degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, Monza, Italy; Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology of National Researches Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.
| | - Marco Proietto
- Department of Biology-University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Martina Crippa
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Laboratory of Biological Structures Mechanics, Chemistry, Material and Chemical Engineering Department "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alexandra Boussommier-Calleja
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Myriam Labelle
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Università Degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, Monza, Italy; Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology of National Researches Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.
| | - Marco Vanoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy; ISBE.IT/ Centre of Systems Biology, Milano, Italy.
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, 02139, MA, USA.
| | - Matteo Moretti
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy; Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Euler Institute, Biomedical Sciences Faculty, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
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Han C, Shen K, Wang S, Wang Z, Su F, Wu X, Hu X, Li M, Han J, Wu L. Discovery of Novel 2,4-Dianilinopyrimidine Derivatives Containing 4-(Morpholinomethyl)phenyl and N-Substituted Benzamides as Potential FAK Inhibitors and Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144187. [PMID: 34299462 PMCID: PMC8304610 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is responsible for the development and progression of various malignancies. With the aim to explore novel FAK inhibitors as anticancer agents, a series of 2,4-dianilinopyrimidine derivatives 8a–8i and 9a–9g containing 4-(morpholinomethyl)phenyl and N-substituted benzamides have been designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 8a displayed potent anti-FAK activity (IC50 = 0.047 ± 0.006 μM) and selective antiproliferative effects against H1975 (IC50 = 0.044 ± 0.011 μM) and A431 cells (IC50 = 0.119 ± 0.036 μM). Furthermore, compound 8a also induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, arresting the cells in S/G2 phase and inhibiting the migration of H1975 cells, all of which were superior to those of TAE226. The docking analysis of compound 8a was performed to elucidate its possible binding modes with FAK. These results established 8a as our lead compound to be further investigated as a potential FAK inhibitor and anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Han
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Kemin Shen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046011, China;
| | - Shijun Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Feng Su
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Xi Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Xiaoqin Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Mengyao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Jing Han
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-516-8340-3166 (J.H.); +86-355-217-8113 (L.W.)
| | - Lintao Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Changzhi University, Changzhi 046011, China; (C.H.); (S.W.); (Z.W.); (F.S.); (X.W.); (X.H.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.); (L.W.); Tel.: +86-516-8340-3166 (J.H.); +86-355-217-8113 (L.W.)
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Liu X, Fang J, Huang S, Wu X, Xie X, Wang J, Liu F, Zhang M, Peng Z, Hu N. Tumor-on-a-chip: from bioinspired design to biomedical application. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:50. [PMID: 34567763 PMCID: PMC8433302 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00277-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of human death, despite enormous efforts to explore cancer biology and develop anticancer therapies. The main challenges in cancer research are establishing an efficient tumor microenvironment in vitro and exploring efficient means for screening anticancer drugs to reveal the nature of cancer and develop treatments. The tumor microenvironment possesses human-specific biophysical and biochemical factors that are difficult to recapitulate in conventional in vitro planar cell models and in vivo animal models. Therefore, model limitations have hindered the translation of basic research findings to clinical applications. In this review, we introduce the recent progress in tumor-on-a-chip devices for cancer biology research, medicine assessment, and biomedical applications in detail. The emerging tumor-on-a-chip platforms integrating 3D cell culture, microfluidic technology, and tissue engineering have successfully mimicked the pivotal structural and functional characteristics of the in vivo tumor microenvironment. The recent advances in tumor-on-a-chip platforms for cancer biology studies and biomedical applications are detailed and analyzed in this review. This review should be valuable for further understanding the mechanisms of the tumor evolution process, screening anticancer drugs, and developing cancer therapies, and it addresses the challenges and potential opportunities in predicting drug screening and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaru Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxue Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ji Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Fanmao Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200050 Shanghai, China
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Murphy JM, Jeong K, Cioffi DL, Campbell PM, Jo H, Ahn EYE, Lim STS. Focal Adhesion Kinase Activity and Localization is Critical for TNF-α-Induced Nuclear Factor-κB Activation. Inflammation 2021; 44:1130-1144. [PMID: 33527321 PMCID: PMC8326009 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-020-01408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
While sustained nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation is critical for proinflammatory molecule expression, regulators of NF-κB activity during chronic inflammation are not known. We investigated the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on sustained NF-κB activation in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated endothelial cells (ECs) both in vitro and in vivo. We found that FAK inhibition abolished TNF-α-mediated sustained NF-κB activity in ECs by disrupting formation of TNF-α receptor complex-I (TNFRC-I). Additionally, FAK inhibition diminished recruitment of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) complex to TNFRC-I, resulting in elevated stability of IκBα protein. In mice given TNF-α, pharmacological and genetic FAK inhibition blocked TNF-α-induced IKK-NF-κB activation in aortic ECs. Mechanistically, TNF-α activated and redistributed FAK from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, causing elevated IKK-NF-κB activation. On the other hand, FAK inhibition trapped FAK in the nucleus of ECs even upon TNF-α stimulation, leading to reduced IKK-NF-κB activity. Together, these findings support a potential use for FAK inhibitors in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, 5851 N. USA Drive, Room 2366, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Kyuho Jeong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, 5851 N. USA Drive, Room 2366, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Donna L Cioffi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, 5851 N. USA Drive, Room 2366, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA
| | - Pamela Moore Campbell
- Department of Pathology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL, 36617, USA
| | - Hanjoong Jo
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Bioengineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Eun-Young Erin Ahn
- Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ssang-Taek Steve Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, 5851 N. USA Drive, Room 2366, Mobile, AL, 36688, USA.
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Hou Y, Xu Y, Wu D. ADAMTS12 acts as a tumor microenvironment related cancer promoter in gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10996. [PMID: 34040054 PMCID: PMC8154915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The infiltration degree of immune and stromal cells has been shown clinically significant in tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the utility of stromal and immune components in Gastric cancer (GC) has not been investigated in detail. In the present study, ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were applied to calculate the immune/stromal scores and the proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIC) in GC cohort, including 415 cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Then ADAMTS12 was regarded as one of the most predictive factors. Further analysis showed that ADAMTS12 expression was significantly higher in tumor samples and correlated with poor prognosis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that in high ADAMTS12 expression group gene sets were mainly enriched in cancer and immune-related activities. In the low ADAMTS12 expression group, the genes were enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. CIBERSORT analysis for the proportion of TICs revealed that ADAMTS12 expression was positively correlated with Macrophages M0/M1/M2 and negatively correlated with T cells follicular helper. Therefore, ADAMTS12 might be a tumor promoter and responsible for TME status and tumor energy metabolic conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangming Hou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, 150086, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yingjuan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, No. 126 Xiantai Avenue, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Dequan Wu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 246 Xuefu Avenue, Harbin, 150086, Heilongjiang, China.
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Ni Y, Zhou X, Yang J, Shi H, Li H, Zhao X, Ma X. The Role of Tumor-Stroma Interactions in Drug Resistance Within Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:637675. [PMID: 34095111 PMCID: PMC8173135 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.637675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells resistance to various therapies remains to be a key challenge nowadays. For a long time, scientists focused on tumor cells themselves for the mechanisms of acquired drug resistance. However, recent evidence showed that tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential for regulating immune escape, drug resistance, progression and metastasis of malignant cells. Reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and non-malignant cells within this milieu often reshape the TME and promote drug resistance. Therefore, advanced knowledge about these sophisticated interactions is significant for the design of effective therapeutic approaches. In this review, we highlight cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T-regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs), and tumor endothelial cells (TECs) existing in TME, as well as their multiple cross-talk with tumor cells, which eventually endows tumor cells with therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghong Ni
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Houhui Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyi Li
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Neurofibromin Deficiency and Extracellular Matrix Cooperate to Increase Transforming Potential through FAK-Dependent Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102329. [PMID: 34066061 PMCID: PMC8150846 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a genetic disease that predisposes to tumors of the nervous system, primarily the neurofibroma. Plexiform neurofibromas (Pnfs) are of the greatest concern because of location, size, and frequent progression to malignancy. Although research is making great progress, the lack of in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving neoplastic progression results in the absence of prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets. We document that cell–cell cooperativity and the dynamics of the extracellular matrix play important roles in the growth and transformation of Pnf cells, directly through the cooperation of RAS and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. In turn, we found that treatment of Pnf cells with both MEK and FAK inhibitors is effective in abolishing the transforming ability of these cells. Abstract Plexiform neurofibromas (Pnfs) are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors that are major features of the human genetic syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Pnfs are derived from Schwann cells (SCs) undergoing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the NF1 locus in an NF1+/− milieu and thus are variably lacking in the key Ras-controlling protein, neurofibromin (Nfn). As these SCs are embedded in a dense desmoplastic milieu of stromal cells and abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM), cell–cell cooperativity (CCC) and the molecular microenvironment play essential roles in Pnf progression towards a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The complexity of Pnf biology makes treatment challenging. The only approved drug, the MEK inhibitor Selumetinib, displays a variable and partial therapeutic response. Here, we explored ECM contributions to the growth of cells lacking Nfn. In a 3D in vitro culture, NF1 loss sensitizes cells to signals from a Pnf-mimicking ECM through focal adhesion kinase (FAK) hyperactivation. This hyperactivation correlated with phosphorylation of the downstream effectors, Src, ERK, and AKT, and with colony formation. Expression of the GAP-related domain of Nfn only partially decreased activation of this signaling pathway and only slowed down 3D colony growth of cells lacking Nfn. However, combinatorial treatment with both the FAK inhibitor Defactinib (VS-6063) and Selumetinib (AZD6244) fully suppressed colony growth. These observations pave the way for a new combined therapeutic strategy simultaneously interfering with both intracellular signals and the interplay between the various tumor cells and the ECM.
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Dawson JC, Serrels A, Stupack DG, Schlaepfer DD, Frame MC. Targeting FAK in anticancer combination therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:313-324. [PMID: 33731845 PMCID: PMC8276817 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is both a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein that primarily regulates adhesion signalling and cell migration, but FAK can also promote cell survival in response to stress. FAK is commonly overexpressed in cancer and is considered a high-value druggable target, with multiple FAK inhibitors currently in development. Evidence suggests that in the clinical setting, FAK targeting will be most effective in combination with other agents so as to reverse failure of chemotherapies or targeted therapies and enhance efficacy of immune-based treatments of solid tumours. Here, we discuss the recent preclinical evidence that implicates FAK in anticancer therapeutic resistance, leading to the view that FAK inhibitors will have their greatest utility as combination therapies in selected patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Alan Serrels
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Hou Y, Wang X, Wang J, Sun X, Liu X, Hu H, Fan W, Zhang X, Wu D. Cyclin B1 acts as a tumor microenvironment-related cancer promoter and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211016265. [PMID: 34044639 PMCID: PMC8168034 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211016265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to develop a gene signature based on the ESTIMATE algorithm in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and explore possible cancer promoters. METHODS The ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms were applied to calculate the immune/stromal scores and the proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in a cohort of HCC patients. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Cyclin B1 (CCNB1) function was verified using experiments. RESULTS The stromal and immune scores were associated with clinicopathological factors and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in HCC patients. In total, 546 DEGs were up-regulated in low score groups, 127 of which were associated with RFS. CCNB1 was regarded as the most predictive factor closely related to prognosis of HCC and could be a cancer promoter. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and CIBERSORT analyses indicated that CCNB1 levels influenced HCC tumor microenvironment (TME) immune activity. CONCLUSIONS The ESTIMATE signature can be used as a prognosis tool in HCC. CCNB1 is a tumor promoter and contributes to TME status conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangming Hou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Junwei Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xuemei Sun
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinbo Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Han Hu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenzhe Fan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinchen Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dequan Wu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Crippa M, Bersini S, Gilardi M, Arrigoni C, Gamba S, Falanga A, Candrian C, Dubini G, Vanoni M, Moretti M. A microphysiological early metastatic niche on a chip reveals how heterotypic cell interactions and inhibition of integrin subunit β 3 impact breast cancer cell extravasation. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1061-1072. [PMID: 33522559 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc01011a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During metastatic progression multiple players establish competitive mechanisms, whereby cancer cells (CCs) are exposed to both pro- and anti-metastatic stimuli. The early metastatic niche (EMN) is a transient microenvironment which forms in the circulation during CC dissemination. EMN is characterized by the crosstalk among CCs, platelets, leukocytes and endothelial cells (ECs), increasing CC ability to extravasate and colonize secondary tissues. To better understand this complex crosstalk, we designed a human "EMN-on-a-chip" which involves the presence of blood cells as compared to standard metastases-on-chip models, hence providing a microenvironment more similar to the in vivo situation. We showed that CC transendothelial migration (TEM) was significantly increased in the presence of neutrophils and platelets in the EMN-on-a-chip compared to CC alone. Moreover, exploiting the EMN-on-chip in combination with multi-culture experiments, we showed that platelets increased the expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in CCs and that the addition of a clinically approved antiplatelet drug (eptifibatide, inhibiting integrin β3) impaired platelet aggregation and decreased CC expression of EMT markers. Inhibition of integrin β3 in the co-culture system modulated the activation of the Src-FAK-VE-cadherin signaling axis and partially restored the architecture of inter-endothelial junctions by limiting VE-cadherinY658 phosphorylation and its nuclear localization. These observations correlate with the decreased CC TEM observed in the presence of integrin β3 inhibitor. Our EMN-on-a-chip can be easily implemented for drug repurposing studies and to investigate new candidate molecules counteracting CC extravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Crippa
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via Tesserete 46, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland.
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The Multifaceted Roles of EGFL7 in Cancer and Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051014. [PMID: 33804387 PMCID: PMC7957479 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer growth and metastasis require interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is home to many biomolecules that support the formation of new vessels and cancer growth. One of these biomolecules is epidermal growth factor-like protein-7 (EGFL7). EGFL7 alters cellular adhesion to the ECM and migratory behavior of tumor and immune cells contributing to tumor metastasis. EGFL7 is engaged in the formation of new vessels and changes in ECM stiffness. One of its binding partners on the endothelial and cancer cell surface is beta 3 integrin. Beta 3 integrin pathways are under intense investigation in search of new therapies to kill cancer cells. All these properties enable EGFL7 to contribute to drug resistance. In this review, we give insight into recent studies on EGFL7 and its engagement with beta3 integrin, a marker predicting cancer stem cells and drug resistance. Abstract Invasion of cancer cells into surrounding tissue and the vasculature is an important step for tumor progression and the establishment of distant metastasis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is home to many biomolecules that support new vessel formation and cancer growth. Endothelial cells release growth factors such as epidermal growth factor-like protein-7 (EGFL7), which contributes to the formation of the tumor vasculature. The signaling axis formed by EGFL7 and one of its receptors, beta 3 integrin, has emerged as a key mediator in the regulation of tumor metastasis and drug resistance. Here we summarize recent studies on the role of the ECM-linked angiocrine factor EGFL7 in primary tumor growth, neoangiogenesis, tumor metastasis by enhancing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, alterations in ECM rigidity, and drug resistance. We discuss its role in cellular adhesion and migration, vascular leakiness, and the anti-cancer response and provide background on its transcriptional regulation. Finally, we discuss its potential as a drug target as an anti-cancer strategy.
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Rigiracciolo DC, Cirillo F, Talia M, Muglia L, Gutkind JS, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Focal Adhesion Kinase Fine Tunes Multifaced Signals toward Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:645. [PMID: 33562737 PMCID: PMC7915897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents the most common diagnosed malignancy and the main leading cause of tumor-related death among women worldwide. Therefore, several efforts have been made in order to identify valuable molecular biomarkers for the prognosis and prediction of therapeutic responses in breast tumor patients. In this context, emerging discoveries have indicated that focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, might represent a promising target involved in breast tumorigenesis. Of note, high FAK expression and activity have been tightly correlated with a poor clinical outcome and metastatic features in several tumors, including breast cancer. Recently, a role for the integrin-FAK signaling in mechanotransduction has been suggested and the function of FAK within the breast tumor microenvironment has been ascertained toward tumor angiogenesis and vascular permeability. FAK has been also involved in cancer stem cells (CSCs)-mediated initiation, maintenance and therapeutic responses of breast tumors. In addition, the potential of FAK to elicit breast tumor-promoting effects has been even associated with the capability to modulate immune responses. On the basis of these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. Here, we recapitulate the multifaceted action exerted by FAK and its prognostic significance in breast cancer. Moreover, we highlight the recent clinical evidence regarding the usefulness of FAK inhibitors in the treatment of breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Jorge Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
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Hooglugt A, van der Stoel MM, Boon RA, Huveneers S. Endothelial YAP/TAZ Signaling in Angiogenesis and Tumor Vasculature. Front Oncol 2021; 10:612802. [PMID: 33614496 PMCID: PMC7890025 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.612802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are dependent on vascularization for their growth. The hypoxic, stiff, and pro-angiogenic tumor microenvironment induces angiogenesis, giving rise to an immature, proliferative, and permeable vasculature. The tumor vessels promote tumor metastasis and complicate delivery of anti-cancer therapies. In many types of tumors, YAP/TAZ activation is correlated with increased levels of angiogenesis. In addition, endothelial YAP/TAZ activation is important for the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels during development. Oncogenic activation of YAP/TAZ in tumor cell growth and invasion has been studied in great detail, however the role of YAP/TAZ within the tumor endothelium remains insufficiently understood, which complicates therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting YAP/TAZ in cancer. Here, we overview the upstream signals from the tumor microenvironment that control endothelial YAP/TAZ activation and explore the role of their downstream targets in driving tumor angiogenesis. We further discuss the potential for anti-cancer treatments and vascular normalization strategies to improve tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aukie Hooglugt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Miesje M. van der Stoel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Reinier A. Boon
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Huveneers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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