1
|
Tang Y, Wang T, Li Q, Shi J. A cuproptosis score model and prognostic score model can evaluate clinical characteristics and immune microenvironment in NSCLC. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:68. [PMID: 38341588 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03267-8] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) are associated with lung adenocarcinoma. However, the links between CRGs and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not clear. In this study, we aimed to develop two cuproptosis models and investigate their correlation with NSCLC in terms of clinical features and tumor microenvironment. METHODS CRG expression profiles and clinical data from NSCLC and normal tissues was obtained from GEO (GSE42127) and TCGA datasets. Molecular clusters were classified into three patterns based on CRGs and cuproptosis cluster-related specific differentially expressed genes (CRDEGs). Then, two clinical models were established. First, a prognostic score model based on CRDEGs was established using univariate/multivariate Cox analysis. Then, through principal component analysis, a cuproptosis score model was established based on prognosis-related genes acquired via univariate analysis of CRDEGs. NSCLC patients were divided into high/low risk groups. RESULTS Eighteen CRGs were acquired, all upregulated in tumor tissues, 15 of which significantly (P < 0.05). Among the three CRG clusters, cluster B had the best prognosis. In the CRDEG clusters, cluster C had the best survival. In the prognostic score model, the high-risk group had worse prognosis, higher tumor mutation load, and lower immune infiltration while in the cuproptosis score model, a high score represented better survival, lower tumor mutation load, and high-level immune infiltration. CONCLUSIONS The cuproptosis score model and prognostic score model may be associated with NSCLC prognosis and immune microenvironment. These novel findings on the progression and immune landscape of NSCLC may facilitate the provision of more personalized immunotherapy interventions for NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Tang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qixuan Li
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahai Shi
- Nantong Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases and Research Institution of Translational Medicine in Cardiothoracic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Zhang C, Li K, Deng J, Liu H, Lai G, Xie B, Zhong X. Identification of Molecular Subtypes and Prognostic Characteristics of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Based on Unsupervised Clustering. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15465. [PMID: 37895143 PMCID: PMC10607826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015465] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis. Increasing evidence highlights the significant role of immune-related genes (IRGs) in ACC progression and immunotherapy, but the research is still limited. Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, immune-related molecular subtypes were identified by unsupervised consensus clustering. Univariate Cox analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression were employed to further establish immune-related gene signatures (IRGS). An evaluation of immune cell infiltration, biological function, tumor mutation burden (TMB), predicted immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity in ACC patients was conducted to elucidate the applicative efficacy of IRGS in precision therapy. ACC patients were divided into two molecular subtypes through consistent clustering. Furthermore, the 3-gene signature (including PRKCA, LTBP1, and BIRC5) based on two molecular subtypes demonstrated consistent prognostic efficacy across the TCGA and GEO datasets and emerged as an independent prognostic factor. The low-risk group exhibited heightened immune cell infiltration, TMB, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), associated with a favorable prognosis. Pathways associated with drug metabolism, hormone regulation, and metabolism were activated in the low-risk group. In conclusion, our findings suggest IRGS can be used as an independent prognostic biomarker, providing a foundation for shaping future ACC immunotherapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Biao Xie
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Yixue Road, Chongqing 400016, China; (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (K.L.); (J.D.); (H.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Xiaoni Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Yixue Road, Chongqing 400016, China; (Y.Z.); (C.Z.); (K.L.); (J.D.); (H.L.); (G.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guerra E, Trerotola M, Alberti S. Targeting Trop-2 as a Cancer Driver. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4688-4692. [PMID: 37549340 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Guerra
- Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Trerotola
- Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Saverio Alberti
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences-BIOMORF, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh RK, Kumar S, Kumar S, Shukla A, Kumar N, Patel AK, Yadav LK, Kaushalendra, Antiwal M, Acharya A. Potential implications of protein kinase Cα in pathophysiological conditions and therapeutic interventions. Life Sci 2023; 330:121999. [PMID: 37536614 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121999] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
PKCα is a molecule with many functions that play an important role in cell survival and death to maintain cellular homeostasis. Alteration in the normal functioning of PKCα is responsible for the complicated etiology of many pathologies, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney complications, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetics, and many others. Several studies have been carried out over the years on this kinase's function, and regulation in normal physiology and pathological conditions. A lot of data with antithetical results have therefore accumulated over time to create a complex framework of physiological implications connected to the PKCα function that needs comprehensive elucidation. In light of this information, we critically analyze the multiple roles played by PKCα in basic cellular processes and their molecular mechanism during various pathological conditions. This review further discusses the current approaches to manipulating PKCα signaling amplitude in the patient's favour and proposed PKCα as a therapeutic target to reverse pathological states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Kant Singh
- Lab of Hematopoiesis and Leukemia, KSBS, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India; Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Alok Shukla
- Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Anand Kumar Patel
- Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Yadav
- Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Kaushalendra
- Department of Zoology, Pachhunga University College Campus, Mizoram University, Aizawl 796001, India
| | - Meera Antiwal
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Arbind Acharya
- Cancer Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu Y, Ouyang L, Mao C, Chen Y, Liu N, Chen L, Shi Y, Xiao D, Liu S, Tao Y. Inhibition of RNF182 mediated by Bap promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1009508. [PMID: 36686776 PMCID: PMC9853554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1009508] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ubiquitylation that mediated by ubiquitin ligases plays multiple roles not only in proteasome-mediated protein degradation but also in various cellular process including DNA repair, signal transduction and endocytosis. RING finger (RNF) proteins form the majority of these ubiquitin ligases. Recent studies have demonstrated the important roles of RNF finger proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is one of the most common environmental carcinogens causing lung cancer. The molecular mechanism of Bap carcinogenesis remains elusive. Considering the critical roles of RNF proteins in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, we speculate on whether Bap regulates RNF proteins resulting in carcinogenesis. Methods We used GEO analysis to identify the potential RING finger protein family member that contributes to Bap-induced NSCLC. We next used RT-qPCR, Western blot and ChIP assay to investigate the potential mechanism of Bap inhibits RNF182. BGS analyses were used to analyze the methylation level of RNF182. Results Here we reported that the carcinogen Bap suppresses the expression of ring finger protein 182 (RNF182) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, which is mediated by abnormal hypermethylation in an AhR independent way and transcriptional regulation in an AhR dependent way. Furthermore, RNF182 exhibits low expression and hypermethylation in tumor tissues. RNF182 also significantly suppresses cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest in NSCLC cell lines. Conclusion These results demonstrated that Bap inhibits RNF182 expression to promote lung cancer tumorigenesis through activating AhR and promoting abnormal methylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Postdoctoral Research Station of Clinical Medicine & Department of Hematology and Critical Care Medicine, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lianlian Ouyang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Mao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanbing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research, Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Hunan, Changsha, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Yongguang Tao,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kawano T, Inokuchi J, Eto M, Murata M, Kang JH. Protein Kinase C (PKC) Isozymes as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5425. [PMID: 36358843 PMCID: PMC9658272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) is a large family of calcium- and phospholipid-dependent serine/threonine kinases that consists of at least 11 isozymes. Based on their structural characteristics and mode of activation, the PKC family is classified into three subfamilies: conventional or classic (cPKCs; α, βI, βII, and γ), novel or non-classic (nPKCs; δ, ε, η, and θ), and atypical (aPKCs; ζ, ι, and λ) (PKCλ is the mouse homolog of PKCι) PKC isozymes. PKC isozymes play important roles in proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and anticancer drug resistance in cancer cells. Several studies have shown a positive relationship between PKC isozymes and poor disease-free survival, poor survival following anticancer drug treatment, and increased recurrence. Furthermore, a higher level of PKC activation has been reported in cancer tissues compared to that in normal tissues. These data suggest that PKC isozymes represent potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge and discusses the potential of PKC isozymes as biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Kawano
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Junichi Inokuchi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Eto
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masaharu Murata
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Jeong-Hun Kang
- Division of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 6-1 Shinmachi, Kishibe, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tu E, McGlinchey K, Wang J, Martin P, Ching SL, Floc’h N, Kurasawa J, Starrett JH, Lazdun Y, Wetzel L, Nuttall B, Ng FS, Coffman KT, Smith PD, Politi K, Cooper ZA, Streicher K. Anti-PD-L1 and anti-CD73 combination therapy promotes T cell response to EGFR-mutated NSCLC. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e142843. [PMID: 35132961 PMCID: PMC8855814 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.142843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 therapies has shown durable clinical benefit in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients with NSCLC with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations do not respond as well to treatment as patients without an EGFR mutation. We show that EGFR-mutated NSCLC expressed higher levels of CD73 compared with EGFR WT tumors and that CD73 expression was regulated by EGFR signaling. EGFR-mutated cell lines were significantly more resistant to T cell killing compared with WT cell lines through suppression of T cell proliferation and function. In a xenograft mouse model of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, neither anti-PD-L1 nor anti-CD73 antibody alone inhibited tumor growth compared with the isotype control. In contrast, the combination of both antibodies significantly inhibited tumor growth, increased the number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, and enhanced IFN-γ and TNF-α production of these T cells. Consistently, there were increases in gene expression that corresponded to inflammation and T cell function in tumors treated with the combination of anti-PD-L1 and anti-CD73. Together, these results further support the combination of anti-CD73 and anti-PD-L1 therapies in treating EGFR-mutated NSCLC, while suggesting that increased T cell activity may play a role in response to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly McGlinchey
- Research Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Nicolas Floc’h
- Oncology R&D, Bioscience, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James Kurasawa
- Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Leslie Wetzel
- Research Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul D. Smith
- Oncology R&D, Bioscience, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Katerina Politi
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Singh RK, Verma PK, Kumar S, Shukla A, Kumar N, Kumar S, Acharya A. Evidence that PKCα inhibition in Dalton's Lymphoma cells augments cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. Leuk Res 2022; 113:106772. [PMID: 35016128 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2021.106772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase Cα (PKCα), belonging to ser/thr protein kinase, perform various biological functions. Overexpression of PKCα has been observed in multiple human malignancies including lymphoma. However, the molecular pathogenesis and involvement of PKCα in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are not clearly understood. Hence, deciphering the role of PKCα in NHL management may provide a better therapeutic option. In the present study, we used selective pharmacological inhibitors Gö6976 and Ro320432 that potentially inhibit PKCα-mediated signaling in DL cells, resulting in the inhibition of cell growth and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. PKCα inhibition by these inhibitors also displays cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and causes growth retardation of DL cells. Our results extended the mechanism of PKCα in NHL, and provided potential implications for its therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Kant Singh
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Verma
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Alok Shukla
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Naveen Kumar
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arbind Acharya
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Protein Kinase C as a Therapeutic Target in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115527. [PMID: 34073823 PMCID: PMC8197251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Driver-directed therapeutics have revolutionized cancer treatment, presenting similar or better efficacy compared to traditional chemotherapy and substantially improving quality of life. Despite significant advances, targeted therapy is greatly limited by resistance acquisition, which emerges in nearly all patients receiving treatment. As a result, identifying the molecular modulators of resistance is of great interest. Recent work has implicated protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes as mediators of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Importantly, previous findings on PKC have implicated this family of enzymes in both tumor-promotive and tumor-suppressive biology in various tissues. Here, we review the biological role of PKC isozymes in NSCLC through extensive analysis of cell-line-based studies to better understand the rationale for PKC inhibition. PKC isoforms α, ε, η, ι, ζ upregulation has been reported in lung cancer, and overexpression correlates with worse prognosis in NSCLC patients. Most importantly, PKC isozymes have been established as mediators of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in NSCLC. Unfortunately, however, PKC-directed therapeutics have yielded unsatisfactory results, likely due to a lack of specific evaluation for PKC. To achieve satisfactory results in clinical trials, predictive biomarkers of PKC activity must be established and screened for prior to patient enrollment. Furthermore, tandem inhibition of PKC and molecular drivers may be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the emergence of resistance in NSCLC.
Collapse
|
10
|
Black AR, Black JD. The complexities of PKCα signaling in cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 80:100769. [PMID: 33307285 PMCID: PMC8141086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinase C α (PKCα) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the PKC family of serine/threonine kinases with diverse functions in normal and neoplastic cells. Early studies identified anti-proliferative and differentiation-inducing functions for PKCα in some normal tissues (e.g., regenerating epithelia) and pro-proliferative effects in others (e.g., cells of the hematopoietic system, smooth muscle cells). Additional well documented roles of PKCα signaling in normal cells include regulation of the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and cell migration, and PKCα can function as a survival factor in many contexts. While a majority of tumors lose expression of PKCα, others display aberrant overexpression of the enzyme. Cancer-related mutations in PKCα are uncommon, but rare examples of driver mutations have been detected in certain cancer types (e. g., choroid gliomas). Here we review the role of PKCα in various cancers, describe mechanisms by which PKCα affects cancer-related cell functions, and discuss how the diverse functions of PKCα contribute to tumor suppressive and tumor promoting activities of the enzyme. We end the discussion by addressing mutations and expression of PKCα in tumors and the clinical relevance of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian R Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Jennifer D Black
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
PRKCA Overexpression Is Frequent in Young Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients and Is Associated with Poor Prognosis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092082. [PMID: 33923093 PMCID: PMC8123332 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (OTSCCs) have an increasing incidence in young patients, and many have an aggressive course of disease. The objective of this study was to identify candidate prognostic protein markers associated with early-onset OTSCC. We performed an exploratory screening for differential protein expression in younger (≤45 years) versus older (>45 years) OTSCC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 97). Expression of candidate markers was then validated in an independent Austrian OTSCC patient group (n = 34) by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were computed, and genomic and mRNA enrichment in silico analyses were performed. Overexpression of protein kinase C alpha (PRKCA) was significantly more frequent among young patients of both the TCGA (p = 0.0001) and the Austrian cohort (p = 0.02), associated with a negative anamnesis for alcohol consumption (p = 0.009) and tobacco smoking (p = 0.02) and poorer overall survival (univariate p = 0.02, multivariate p< 0.01). Within the young subgroup, both overall and disease-free survival were significantly decreased in patients with PRKCA overexpression (both p < 0.001). TCGA mRNA enrichment analysis revealed 332 mRNAs with significant differential expression in PRKCA-upregulated versus PRKCA-downregulated OTSCC (all FDR ≤ 0.01). Our findings suggest that PRKCA overexpression may be a hallmark of a novel molecular subtype of early-onset alcohol- and tobacco-negative high-risk OTSCC. Further analysis of the molecular PRKCA interactome may decipher the underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis and clinicopathological behavior of PRKCA-overexpressing OTSCC.
Collapse
|