1
|
Agbana S, McIlroy M. Extra-nuclear and cytoplasmic steroid receptor signalling in hormone dependent cancers. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106559. [PMID: 38823459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Steroid hormone receptors are key mediators in the execution of hormone action through a combination of genomic and non-genomic action. Since their isolation and characterisation in the early 20th Century much of our understanding of the biological actions of steroid hormones are underpinned by their activated receptor activity. Over the past two decades there has been an acceleration of more omics-based research which has resulted in a major uptick in our comprehension of genomic steroid action. However, it is well understood that steroid hormones can induce very rapid signalling events in tandem with their genomic actions wherein they exert their influence through alterations in gene expression. Thus the totality of genomic and non-genomic steroid action occurs in a simultaneous and reciprocal manner and a greater appreciation of whole cell action is required to fully evaluate steroid hormone activity in vivo. In this mini-review we outline the most recent developments in non-genomic steroid action and cytoplasmic steroid hormone receptor biology in endocrine-related cancers with a focus on the 3-keto steroid receptors, in particular the androgen receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Agbana
- Androgens in Health and Disease research group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland
| | - Marie McIlroy
- Androgens in Health and Disease research group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shukla N, Shah K, Rathore D, Soni K, Shah J, Vora H, Dave H. Androgen receptor: Structure, signaling, function and potential drug discovery biomarker in different breast cancer subtypes. Life Sci 2024; 348:122697. [PMID: 38710280 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122697] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The Androgen Receptor (AR) is emerging as an important factor in the pathogenesis of breast cancer (BC), which is the most common malignancy worldwide. >70 % of AR expression in primary and metastatic breast tumors has been observed which suggests that AR may be a new marker and a potential therapeutic target among AR-positive BC patients. Biological insight into AR-positive breast cancer reveals that AR may cross-talk with several vital signaling pathways, including key molecules and receptors. Downstream signaling of AR might also affect many clinically important pathways that are emerging as clinical targets in BC. AR exhibits different behaviors depending on the breast cancer molecular subtype. Preliminary clinical research using AR-targeted drugs, which have already been FDA-approved for prostate cancer (PC), has given promising results for AR-positive breast cancer patients. However, since AR positivity's prognostic and predictive value remains uncertain, it is difficult to identify and stratify patients who would benefit from AR-targeted therapies alone. Thus, the need of the hour is to target the androgen receptor as a monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies which has proven to be an effective clinical strategy for the treatment of prostate cancer patients, and these therapeutic strategies are increasingly being investigated in breast cancer. Therefore, in this manuscript, we review the role of AR in various cellular processes that promote tumorigenesis and aggressiveness, in different subtypes of breast cancer, as well as discuss ongoing efforts to target AR for the more effective treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Shukla
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Kanisha Shah
- Division of Biological & Life Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Central Campus, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009, India
| | - Deepshikha Rathore
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Kinal Soni
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Jigna Shah
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India
| | - Hemangini Vora
- The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016, India
| | - Heena Dave
- Institute of Science, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xiao M, Ha S, Zhu J, Tao W, Fu Z, Wei H, Hou Q, Luo G, Xiang H. Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Studies of Novel Monovalent AR/AR-V7 Dual Degraders with Potent Efficacy against Advanced Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5567-5590. [PMID: 38512060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) has been extensively established as a potential therapeutic target for nearly all stages of prostate cancer (PCa). However, acquired resistance to AR-targeted drugs inevitably develops and severely limits their clinical efficacy. Particularly, there currently exists no efficient treatment for patients expressing the constitutively active AR splice variants, such as AR-V7. Herein, we report the structure-activity relationship studies of 55 N-heterocycle-substituted hydantoins, which identified the structural motifs required for AR/AR-V7 degradation. Among them, the most potent compound 27c exhibited selective AR/AR-V7 degradation over other hormone receptors and excellent antiproliferative activities in LNCaP and 22RV1 cells. RNA sequence analysis confirmed that 27c effectively suppressed transcriptional activity of the AR signaling pathway. Importantly, 27c demonstrated potent antitumor efficacy in an enzalutamide-resistant 22RV1 xenograft model. These results highlight the potential of 27c as a promising dual AR/AR-V7 degrader for overcoming drug resistance in advanced PCa expressing AR splice variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maoxu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Si Ha
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiacheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenxiang Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Zixuan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hanlin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qiangqiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
De Velasco MA, Kura Y, Fujita K, Uemura H. Moving toward improved immune checkpoint immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer. Int J Urol 2024; 31:307-324. [PMID: 38167824 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15378] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Human prostate cancer is a heterogenous malignancy that responds poorly to immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that is typical of human prostate cancer has been the main obstacle to these treatments. The effectiveness of these therapies is also hindered by acquired resistance, leading to slow progress in prostate cancer immunotherapy. Results from the highly anticipated late-stage clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced prostate cancer have highlighted some of the obstacles to immunotherapy. Despite the setbacks, there is much that has been learned about the mechanisms that drive resistance, and new strategies are being developed and tested. Here, we review the status of immune checkpoint blockade and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and discuss factors contributing to innate and adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint blockade within the context of prostate cancer. We then examine current strategies aiming to overcome these challenges as well as prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco A De Velasco
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Yurie Kura
- Department of Genome Biology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Fujita
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Uemura
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Harnish MT, Lopez D, Morrison CT, Narayanan R, Fernandez EJ, Shen T. Novel Covalent Modifier-Induced Local Conformational Changes within the Intrinsically Disordered Region of the Androgen Receptor. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1442. [PMID: 37998041 PMCID: PMC10669190 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of transcription factors play an important biological role in liquid condensate formation and gene regulation. It is thus desirable to investigate the druggability of IDRs and how small-molecule binders can alter their conformational stability. For the androgen receptor (AR), certain covalent ligands induce important changes, such as the neutralization of the condensate. To understand the specificity of ligand-IDR interaction and potential implications for the mechanism of neutralizing liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), we modeled and performed computer simulations of ligand-bound peptide segments obtained from the human AR. We analyzed how different covalent ligands affect local secondary structure, protein contact map, and protein-ligand contacts for these protein systems. We find that effective neutralizers make specific interactions (such as those between cyanopyrazole and tryptophan) that alter the helical propensity of the peptide segments. These findings on the mechanism of action can be useful for designing molecules that influence IDR structure and condensate of the AR in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Harnish
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (M.T.H.); (D.L.); (C.T.M.); (E.J.F.)
| | - Daniel Lopez
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (M.T.H.); (D.L.); (C.T.M.); (E.J.F.)
| | - Corbin T. Morrison
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (M.T.H.); (D.L.); (C.T.M.); (E.J.F.)
| | - Ramesh Narayanan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA;
| | - Elias J. Fernandez
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (M.T.H.); (D.L.); (C.T.M.); (E.J.F.)
| | - Tongye Shen
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (M.T.H.); (D.L.); (C.T.M.); (E.J.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Currie C, Bjerknes C, Myklebust TÅ, Framroze B. Assessing the Potential of Small Peptides for Altering Expression Levels of the Iron-Regulatory Genes FTH1 and TFRC and Enhancing Androgen Receptor Inhibitor Activity in In Vitro Prostate Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15231. [PMID: 37894914 PMCID: PMC10607736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015231] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research highlights the key role of iron dyshomeostasis in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). PCa cells are heavily dependent on bioavailable iron, which frequently results in the reprogramming of iron uptake and storage pathways. Although advanced-stage PCa is currently incurable, bioactive peptides capable of modulating key iron-regulatory genes may constitute a means of exploiting a metabolic adaptation necessary for tumor growth. Recent annual increases in PCa incidence have been reported, highlighting the urgent need for novel treatments. We examined the ability of LNCaP, PC3, VCaP, and VCaP-EnzR cells to form colonies in the presence of androgen receptor inhibitors (ARI) and a series of iron-gene modulating oligopeptides (FT-001-FT-008). The viability of colonies following treatment was determined with clonogenic assays, and the expression levels of FTH1 (ferritin heavy chain 1) and TFRC (transferrin receptor) were determined with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Peptides and ARIs combined significantly reduced PCa cell growth across all phenotypes, of which two peptides were the most effective. Colony growth suppression generally correlated with the magnitude of concurrent increases in FTH1 and decreases in TFRC expression for all cells. The results of this study provide preliminary insight into a novel approach at targeting iron dysmetabolism and sensitizing PCa cells to established cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Crawford Currie
- HBC Immunology Inc., 1455 Adams Drive, Suite, Menlo Park, CA 2043, USA;
- Hofseth Biocare, Keiser Wilhelmsgate 24, 6003 Ålesund, Norway;
| | - Christian Bjerknes
- Hofseth Biocare, Keiser Wilhelmsgate 24, 6003 Ålesund, Norway;
- Department for Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 6025 Ålesund, Norway
| | - Tor Åge Myklebust
- Department of Registration, Cancer Registry of Norway, 0379 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Research and Innovation, Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust, 6026 Ålesund, Norway
| | - Bomi Framroze
- HBC Immunology Inc., 1455 Adams Drive, Suite, Menlo Park, CA 2043, USA;
- GPH Biotech LLC, 1455 Adams Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
The human genome is organized into multiple structural layers, ranging from chromosome territories to progressively smaller substructures, such as topologically associating domains (TADs) and chromatin loops. These substructures, collectively referred to as long-range chromatin interactions (LRIs), have a significant role in regulating gene expression. TADs are regions of the genome that harbour groups of genes and regulatory elements that frequently interact with each other and are insulated from other regions, thereby preventing widespread uncontrolled DNA contacts. Chromatin loops formed within TADs through enhancer and promoter interactions are elastic, allowing transcriptional heterogeneity and stochasticity. Over the past decade, it has become evident that the 3D genome structure, also referred to as the chromatin architecture, is central to many transcriptional cellular decisions. In this Review, we delve into the intricate relationship between steroid receptors and LRIs, discussing how steroid receptors interact with and modulate these chromatin interactions. Genetic alterations in the many processes involved in organizing the nuclear architecture are often associated with the development of hormone-dependent cancers. A better understanding of the interplay between architectural proteins and hormone regulatory networks can ultimately be exploited to develop improved approaches for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theophilus T Tettey
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lorenzo Rinaldi
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gordon L Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fettke H, Dai C, Kwan EM, Zheng T, Du P, Ng N, Bukczynska P, Docanto M, Kostos L, Foroughi S, Brown S, Graham LJK, Mahon K, Horvath LG, Jia S, Kohli M, Azad AA. BRCA-deficient metastatic prostate cancer has an adverse prognosis and distinct genomic phenotype. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104738. [PMID: 37549632 PMCID: PMC10412463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104738] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic alterations in DNA damage response (DDR) genes are common in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Understanding how these genomic events impact prognosis and/or treatment response is vital for optimising clinical outcomes. METHODS Targeted sequencing was performed on 407 plasma samples from 375 men with mCRPC. Using the CLIA-certified PredicineCARE™ cell-free DNA (cfDNA) assay, pathogenic alterations in 152 key genes (including 27 DDR-related genes) were assessed, as was the presence and mechanisms of biallelic loss in BRCA2. FINDINGS At least one DDR alteration was present in 34.5% (129/375) of patients (including monoallelic alterations). The most frequently altered DDR genes were BRCA2 (19%), ATM (13%), FANCA (5%), CHEK2 (5%) and BRCA1 (3%). Patients with BRCA alterations, especially BRCA2, had significantly worse progression-free survival (PFS) (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.3 [95% CI 1.9-6.0]; Cox regression p < 0.001), overall survival (HR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1-4.5]; Cox regression p = 0.02) and PSA response rates to androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors (32% vs 60%, chi-square p = 0.02). BRCA-deficient tumours were also enriched for alterations within multiple genes including in the AR and PI3K pathways. Zygosity of BRCA2 alterations had no discernible impact on clinical outcomes, with similarly poor PFS for monoallelic vs biallelic loss (median 3.9 months vs 3.4 months vs copy neutral 9.8 months). INTERPRETATION These data emphasise that the BRCA genes, in particular BRCA2, are key prognostic biomarkers in mCRPC. The clinical utility of BRCA2 as a marker of poor outcomes may, at least in cfDNA assays, be independent of the zygosity state detected. Enrichment of actionable genomic alterations in cfDNA from BRCA-deficient mCRPC may support rational co-targeting strategies in future clinical trials. FUNDING Several funding sources have supported this study. A full list is provided in the Acknowledgments. No funding was received from Predicine, Inc. during the conduct of the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Fettke
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Chao Dai
- Predicine Inc., Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Edmond M Kwan
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Pan Du
- Predicine Inc., Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Ng
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Maria Docanto
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louise Kostos
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Siavash Foroughi
- Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Personalized Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Brown
- Medical Oncology, Ballarat Base Hospital, Ballarat, Australia
| | | | - Kate Mahon
- Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Lisa G Horvath
- Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | | | - Manish Kohli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Arun A Azad
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yu Y, Papukashvili D, Ren R, Rcheulishvili N, Feng S, Bai W, Zhang H, Xi Y, Lu X, Xing N. siRNA-based approaches for castration-resistant prostate cancer therapy targeting the androgen receptor signaling pathway. Future Oncol 2023; 19:2055-2073. [PMID: 37823367 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0227] [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: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy is a common treatment method for metastatic prostate cancer through lowering androgen levels; however, this therapy frequently leads to the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This is attributed to the activation of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. Current treatments targeting AR are often ineffective mostly due to AR gene overexpression and mutations, as well as the presence of splice variants that accelerate CRPC progression. Thus there is a critical need for more specific medication to treat CRPC. Small interfering RNAs have shown great potential as a targeted therapy. This review discusses prostate cancer progression and the role of AR signaling in CRPC, and proposes siRNA-based targeted therapy as a promising strategy for CRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Yu
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | | | - Ruimin Ren
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Department of Urology, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | | | - Shunping Feng
- Southern University of Science & Technology, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Wenqi Bai
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Huanhu Zhang
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Yanfeng Xi
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lu
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Nianzeng Xing
- Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Van-Duyne G, Blair IA, Sprenger C, Moiseenkova-Bell V, Plymate S, Penning TM. The androgen receptor. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:439-481. [PMID: 37717994 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The Androgen Receptor (AR) is a ligand (androgen) activated transcription factor and a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily. It is required for male sex hormone function. AR-FL (full-length) has the domain structure of NRs, an N-terminal domain (NTD) required for transactivation, a DNA-binding domain (DBD), a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and a ligand-binding domain (LBD). Paradoxes exist in that endogenous ligands testosterone (T) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) have differential effects on male sexual development while binding to the same receptor and transcriptional specificity is achieved even though the androgen response elements (AREs) are identical to those seen for the progesterone, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors. A high resolution 3-dimensional structure of AR-FL by either cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography has remained elusive largely due to the intrinsic disorder of the NTD. AR function is regulated by post-translational modification leading to a large number of proteoforms. The interaction of these proteoforms in multiprotein complexes with co-activators and co-repressors driven by interdomain coupling mediates the AR transcriptional output. The AR is a drug target for selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS) that either have anabolic or androgenic effects. Protstate cancer is treated with androgen deprivation therapy or by the use of AR antagonists that bind to the LBD. Drug resistance occurs due to adaptive AR upregulation and the appearance of splice variants that lack the LBD and become constitutively active. Bipolar T treatment and NTD-antagonists could surmount these resistance mechanisms, respectively. These recent advances in AR signaling are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Van-Duyne
- Department of Biophysics & Biochemistry, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ian A Blair
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cynthia Sprenger
- Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington and GRECC, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Vera Moiseenkova-Bell
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Stephen Plymate
- Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington and GRECC, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Trevor M Penning
- Department of Systems Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Masud N. Symphony in the crowd: Key genetic alterations in prostate cancer. CANCER INNOVATION 2023; 2:203-209. [PMID: 38089408 PMCID: PMC10686121 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling have been frequently targeted for treating prostate cancer (PCa). Even though primarily patients receive a good therapeutic outcome by targeting AR signaling axis, eventually it emerges resistance by altering the genetic makeup of prostate cells. However, to develop an effective therapeutic regime, it is essential to recognize key genetic alterations in PCa. The most common genetic alterations that give rise to distinct androgen different differentiation states are gene fusion of TMPRSS2 with ETS family genes, deletion, or mutation of tumor suppressor PTEN and TP53 gene, amplification or splicing of AR, altered DNA repair genes. In this review, we describe key genes and genetic changes that have been recognized to contribute to altered prostate environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neshat Masud
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cai M, Song XL, Li XA, Chen M, Guo J, Yang DH, Chen Z, Zhao SC. Current therapy and drug resistance in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100962. [PMID: 37068396 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), especially metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies and main cause of cancer-related death among men in the world. In addition, it is very difficult for clinical treatment because of the natural or acquired drug resistance of CRPC. Mechanisms of drug resistance are extremely complicated and how to overcome it remains an urgent clinical problem to be solved. Thus, a comprehensive and thorough understanding for mechanisms of drug resistance in mCRPC is indispensable to develop novel and better therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aim to review new insight of the treatment of mCRPC and elucidate mechanisms governing resistance to new drugs: taxanes, androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi). Most importantly, in order to improve efficacy of these drugs, strategies of overcoming drug resistance are also discussed based on their mechanisms respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maoping Cai
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China; The Third Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China; Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524045, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xian-Lu Song
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xin-An Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Mingkun Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China; The Third Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jiading Guo
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China; The Third Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mineola 11501, NY, USA.
| | - Zhanghui Chen
- Zhanjiang Institute of Clinical Medicine, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524045, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Shan-Chao Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China; The Third Clinical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wüstmann N, Seitzer K, Humberg V, Vieler J, Grundmann N, Steinestel J, Tiedje D, Duensing S, Krabbe LM, Bögemann M, Schrader AJ, Bernemann C, Schlack K. Co-expression and clinical utility of AR-FL and AR splice variants AR-V3, AR-V7 and AR-V9 in prostate cancer. Biomark Res 2023; 11:37. [PMID: 37016463 PMCID: PMC10074820 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00481-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen receptor (AR) splice variants (AR-Vs) have been discussed as a biomarker in prostate cancer (PC). However, some reports question the predictive property of AR-Vs. From a mechanistic perspective, the connection between AR full length (AR-FL) and AR-Vs is not fully understood. Here, we aimed to investigate the dependence of AR-FL and AR-V expression levels on AR gene activity. Additionally, we intended to comprehensively analyze presence of AR-FL and three clinically relevant AR-Vs (AR-V3, AR-V7 and AR-V9) in different stages of disease, especially with respect to clinical utility in PC patients undergoing AR targeted agent (ARTA) treatment. METHODS AR-FL and AR-V levels were analyzed in PC and non-PC cell lines upon artificial increase of AR pre-mRNA using either drug treatment or AR gene activation. Furthermore, expression of AR-FL and AR-Vs was determined in PC specimen at distinct stages of disease (primary (n = 10) and metastatic tissues (n = 20), liquid biopsy samples (n = 422), mCRPC liquid biopsy samples of n = 96 patients starting novel treatment). Finally, baseline AR-FL and AR-V status was correlated with clinical outcome in a defined cohort of n = 65 mCRPC patients undergoing ARTA treatment. RESULTS We revealed rising levels of AR-FL accompanied with appearance and increase of AR-Vs in dependence of elevated AR pre-mRNA levels. We also noticed increase in AR-FL and AR-V levels throughout disease progression. AR-V expression was always associated with high AR-FL levels without any sample being solely AR-V positive. In patients undergoing ARTA treatment, AR-FL did show prognostic, yet not predictive validity. Additionally, we observed a substantial clinical response to ARTA treatment even in AR-V positive patients. Accordingly, multivariate analysis did not demonstrate independent significance of AR-Vs in neither predictive nor prognostic clinical utility. CONCLUSION We demonstrate a correlation between AR-FL and AR-V expression during PC progression; with AR-V expression being a side-effect of elevated AR pre-mRNA levels. Clinically, AR-V positivity relies on high levels of AR-FL, making cells still vulnerable to ARTA treatment, as demonstrated by AR-FL and AR-V positive patients responding to ARTA treatment. Thus, AR-FL and AR-V might be considered as a prognostic, yet not predictive biomarker in mCRPC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neele Wüstmann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Konstantin Seitzer
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Verena Humberg
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Vieler
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Norbert Grundmann
- Institute for Bioinformatics, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julie Steinestel
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Tiedje
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Stefan Duensing
- Molecular Urooncology, Department of Urology, University of Heidelberg School of Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura-Maria Krabbe
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Martin Bögemann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Andres Jan Schrader
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Christof Bernemann
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
| | - Katrin Schlack
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1 A1, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Isebia KT, Lolkema MP, Jenster G, de Wit R, Martens JWM, van Riet J. A Compendium of AR Splice Variants in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24066009. [PMID: 36983083 PMCID: PMC10053078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24066009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment-induced AR alterations, including AR alternative splice variants (AR-Vs), have been extensively linked to harboring roles in primary and acquired resistance to conventional and next-generation hormonal therapies in prostate cancer and therefore have gained momentum. Our aim was to uniformly determine recurrent AR-Vs in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) using whole transcriptome sequencing in order to assess which AR-Vs might hold potential diagnostic or prognostic relevance in future research. This study reports that in addition to the promising AR-V7 as a biomarker, AR45 and AR-V3 were also seen as recurrent AR-Vs and that the presence of any AR-V could be associated with higher AR expression. With future research, these AR-Vs may therefore harbor similar or complementary roles to AR-V7 as predictive and prognostic biomarkers in mCRPC or as proxies for abundant AR expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khrystany T Isebia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn P Lolkema
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guido Jenster
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald de Wit
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Job van Riet
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of AI in Oncology, German Cancer Research Centre DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hung CL, Liu HH, Fu CW, Yeh HH, Hu TL, Kuo ZK, Lin YC, Jhang MR, Hwang CS, Hsu HC, Kung HJ, Wang LY. Targeting androgen receptor and the variants by an orally bioavailable Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras compound in castration resistant prostate cancer. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104500. [PMID: 36893587 PMCID: PMC10011747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advent of improved therapeutic options for advanced prostate cancer, the durability of clinical benefits is limited due to inevitable development of resistance. By constitutively sustaining androgen receptor (AR) signaling, expression of ligand-binding domain truncated AR variants (AR-V(ΔLBD)) accounts for the major mechanism underlying the resistance to anti-androgen drugs. Strategies to target AR and its LBD truncated variants are needed to prevent the emergence or overcome drug resistance. METHODS We utilize Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTAC) technology to achieve induced degradation of both full-length AR (AR-FL) and AR-V(ΔLBD) proteins. In the ITRI-PROTAC design, an AR N-terminal domain (NTD) binding moiety is appended to von-Hippel-Lindau (VHL) or Cereblon (CRBN) E3 ligase binding ligand with linker. FINDINGS In vitro studies demonstrate that ITRI-PROTAC compounds mechanistically degrade AR-FL and AR-V(ΔLBD) proteins via ubiquitin-proteasome system, leading to impaired AR transactivation on target gene expression, and inhibited cell proliferation accompanied by apoptosis activation. The compounds also significantly inhibit enzalutamide-resistant growth of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells. In castration-, enzalutamide-resistant CWR22Rv1 xenograft model without hormone ablation, ITRI-90 displays a pharmacokinetic profile with decent oral bioavailability and strong antitumor efficacy. INTERPRETATION AR NTD that governs the transcriptional activities of all active variants has been considered attractive therapeutic target to block AR signaling in prostate cancer cells. We demonstrated that utilizing PROTAC for induced AR protein degradation via NTD represents an efficient alternative therapeutic strategy for CRPC to overcome anti-androgen resistance. FUNDING The funding detail can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiu-Lien Hung
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Hsuan Liu
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Fu
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Hsun-Hao Yeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Tsan-Lin Hu
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Zong-Keng Kuo
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chin Lin
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ru Jhang
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Chrong-Shiong Hwang
- Department of Preclinical Drug Discovery Technology, Biomedical Technology and Devices Research Labs, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 31040, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Hsu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan; Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhao S, Liao J, Zhang S, Shen M, Li X, Zhou L. The positive relationship between androgen receptor splice variant-7 expression and the risk of castration-resistant prostate cancer: A cumulative analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1053111. [PMID: 36865799 PMCID: PMC9972874 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1053111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background At present, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is still the standard regimen for patients with metastatic and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The level of androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has been reported to be elevated compared with that in patients diagnosed with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC). Aim Herein, we performed a systematic review and cumulative analysis to evaluate whether the expression of AR-V7 was significantly higher in patients with CRPC than in HSPC patients. Methods The commonly used databases were searched to identify the potential studies reporting the level of AR-V7 in CRPC and HSPC patients. The association between CRPC and the positive expression of AR-V7 was pooled by using the relative risk (RR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) under a random-effects model. For detecting the potential bias and the heterogeneity of the included studies, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Publication bias was assessed Egger's and Begg's tests. This study was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022297014). Results This cumulative analysis included 672 participants from seven clinical trials. The study group contained 354 CRPC patients, while the other group contained 318 HSPC patients. Pooled results from the seven eligible studies showed that the expression of positive AR-V7 was significantly higher in men with CRPC compared to those with HSPC (RR = 7.55, 95% CI: 4.61-12.35, p < 0.001). In the sensitivity analysis, the combined RRs did not change substantially, ranging from 6.85 (95% CI: 4.16-11.27, p < 0.001) to 9.84 (95% CI: 5.13-18.87, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, a stronger association was detected in RNA in situ hybridization (RISH) measurement in American patients, and those studies were published before 2011 (all p < 0.001). There was no significant publication bias identified in our study. Conclusion Evidence from the seven eligible studies demonstrated that patients with CRPC had a significantly elevated positive expression of AR-V7. More investigations are still warranted to clarify the association between CRPC and AR-V7 testing. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022297014.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shankun Zhao
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shilong Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Maolei Shen
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Libo Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China,*Correspondence: Libo Zhou,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ji Y, Zhang R, Han X, Zhou J. Targeting the N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor: The effective approach in therapy of CRPC. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115077. [PMID: 36587421 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is dominant in prostate cancer (PCa) pathology. Current therapeutic agents for advanced PCa include androgen synthesis inhibitors and AR antagonists that bind to the hormone binding pocket (HBP) at the ligand binding domain (LBD). However, AR amplification, AR splice variants (AR-Vs) expression, and intra-tumoral de novo synthesis of androgens result in the reactivation of AR signalling. The AR N-terminal domain (NTD) plays an essential role in AR transcriptional activity. The AR inhibitor targeting NTD could potentially block the activation of both full-length AR and AR-Vs, thus overcoming major resistance mechanisms to current treatments. This review discusses the progress of research in various NTD inhibitors and provides new insight into the development of AR-NTD inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ji
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Rongyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Han
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China; Drug Development and Innovation Center, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, 688 Yingbin Road, Jinhua, 321004, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Matias-Barrios VM, Dong X. The Implication of Topoisomerase II Inhibitors in Synthetic Lethality for Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:94. [PMID: 36678591 PMCID: PMC9866718 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA topoisomerase II (Top2) is essential for all eukaryotic cells in the regulation of DNA topology through the generation of temporary double-strand breaks. Cancer cells acquire enhanced Top2 functions to cope with the stress generated by transcription and DNA replication during rapid cell division since cancer driver genes such as Myc and EZH2 hijack Top2 in order to realize their oncogenic transcriptomes for cell growth and tumor progression. Inhibitors of Top2 are therefore designed to target Top2 to trap it on DNA, subsequently causing protein-linked DNA breaks, a halt to the cell cycle, and ultimately cell death. Despite the effectiveness of these inhibitors, cancer cells can develop resistance to them, thereby limiting their therapeutic utility. To maximize the therapeutic potential of Top2 inhibitors, combination therapies to co-target Top2 with DNA damage repair (DDR) machinery and oncogenic pathways have been proposed to induce synthetic lethality for more thorough tumor suppression. In this review, we will discuss the mode of action of Top2 inhibitors and their potential applications in cancer treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor M. Matias-Barrios
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Avenida Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
| | - Xuesen Dong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Van Hemelryk A, Tomljanovic I, de Ridder CMA, Stuurman DC, Teubel WJ, Erkens-Schulze S, Verhoef EI, Remmers S, Mahes AJ, van Leenders GJLH, van Royen ME, van de Werken HJG, Grudniewska M, Jenster GW, van Weerden WM. Patient-Derived Xenografts and Organoids Recapitulate Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer with Sustained Androgen Receptor Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223632. [PMID: 36429059 PMCID: PMC9688335 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223632] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains an incurable and lethal malignancy. The development of new CRPC treatment strategies is strongly impeded by the scarcity of representative, scalable and transferable preclinical models of advanced, androgen receptor (AR)-driven CRPC. Here, we present contemporary patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and matching PDX-derived organoids (PDXOs) from CRPC patients who had undergone multiple lines of treatment. These models were comprehensively profiled at the morphologic, genomic (n = 8) and transcriptomic levels (n = 81). All are high-grade adenocarcinomas that exhibit copy number alterations and transcriptomic features representative of CRPC patient cohorts. We identified losses of PTEN and RB1, MYC amplifications, as well as genomic alterations in TP53 and in members of clinically actionable pathways such as AR, PI3K and DNA repair pathways. Importantly, the clinically observed continued reliance of CRPC tumors on AR signaling is preserved across the entire set of models, with AR amplification identified in four PDXs. We demonstrate that PDXs and PDXOs faithfully reflect donor tumors and mimic matching patient drug responses. In particular, our models predicted patient responses to subsequent treatments and captured sensitivities to previously received therapies. Collectively, these PDX-PDXO pairs constitute a reliable new resource for in-depth studies of treatment-induced, AR-driven resistance mechanisms. Moreover, PDXOs can be leveraged for large-scale tumor-specific drug response profiling critical for accelerating therapeutic advances in CRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Van Hemelryk
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Tomljanovic
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- GenomeScan B.V., Plesmanlaan 1/D, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Corrina M. A. de Ridder
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Debra C. Stuurman
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilma J. Teubel
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sigrun Erkens-Schulze
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther I. Verhoef
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Remmers
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amrish J. Mahes
- GenomeScan B.V., Plesmanlaan 1/D, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Geert J. L. H. van Leenders
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin E. van Royen
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harmen J. G. van de Werken
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Computational Biology Center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Guido W. Jenster
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wytske M. van Weerden
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-107-043-674
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tolkach Y, Kremer A, Lotz G, Schmid M, Mayr T, Förster S, Garbe S, Hosni S, Cronauer MV, Kocsmár I, Kocsmár É, Riesz P, Alajati A, Ritter M, Ellinger J, Ohlmann CH, Kristiansen G. Androgen Receptor Splice Variants Contribute to the Upregulation of DNA Repair in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4441. [PMID: 36139600 PMCID: PMC9496991 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canonical androgen receptor (AR) signaling regulates a network of DNA repair genes in prostate cancer (PCA). Experimental and clinical evidence indicates that androgen deprivation not only suppresses DNA repair activity but is often synthetically lethal in combination with PARP inhibition. The present study aimed to elucidate the impact of AR splice variants (AR-Vs), occurring in advanced or late-stage PCA, on DNA repair machinery. METHODS Two hundred and seventy-three tissue samples were analyzed, including primary hormone-naïve PCA, primary metastases, hormone-sensitive PCA on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and castration refractory PCA (CRPC group). The transcript levels of the target genes were profiled using the nCounter platform. Experimental support for the findings was gained in AR/AR-V7-expressing LNCaP cells subjected to ionizing radiation. RESULTS AR-Vs were present in half of hormone-sensitive PCAs on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and two-thirds of CRPC samples. The presence of AR-Vs is highly correlated with increased activity in the AR pathway and DNA repair gene expression. In AR-V-expressing CRPC, the DNA repair score increased by 2.5-fold as compared to AR-V-negative samples. Enhanced DNA repair and the deregulation of DNA repair genes by AR-V7 supported the clinical data in a cell line model. CONCLUSIONS The expression of AR splice variants such as AR-V7 in PCA patients following ADT might be a reason for reduced or absent therapy effects in patients on additional PARP inhibition due to the modulation of DNA repair gene expression. Consequently, AR-Vs should be further studied as predictive biomarkers for therapy response in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Tolkach
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Anika Kremer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gábor Lotz
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Matthias Schmid
- Department of Medical Biometry, Informatics, and Epidemiology (IMBIE), University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Mayr
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Förster
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephan Garbe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sana Hosni
- Clinic of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Ildikó Kocsmár
- Department of Urology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Kocsmár
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Riesz
- Department of Urology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Abdullah Alajati
- Clinic of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Clinic of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg Ellinger
- Clinic of Urology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Li H, Zhang Y, Xu H. Reply to Adam G. Sowalsky, Stephen R. Plymate, Michael C. Haffner, Johann S. de Bono, and Adam Sharp's Letter to the Editor re: Heng Li, Yucong Zhang, Dong Li, et al. Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 Predicts Shorter Response in Patients with Metastatic Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy. Eur Urol 2021;79:879-86: AR-V7 is Rare in Hormone-sensitive Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol 2022; 82:e137-e138. [PMID: 36088181 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Institute of Urology of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yucong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Wuhan, China; Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Advances in the Current Understanding of the Mechanisms Governing the Acquisition of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153744. [PMID: 35954408 PMCID: PMC9367587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite aggressive treatment and androgen-deprivation therapy, most prostate cancer patients ultimately develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is associated with high mortality rates. However, the mechanisms governing the development of CRPC are poorly understood, and androgen receptor (AR) signaling has been shown to be important in CRPC through AR gene mutations, gene overexpression, co-regulatory factors, AR shear variants, and androgen resynthesis. A growing number of non-AR pathways have also been shown to influence the CRPC progression, including the Wnt and Hh pathways. Moreover, non-coding RNAs have been identified as important regulators of the CRPC pathogenesis. The present review provides an overview of the relevant literature pertaining to the mechanisms governing the molecular acquisition of castration resistance in prostate cancer, providing a foundation for future, targeted therapeutic efforts.
Collapse
|
23
|
Luthold C, Hallal T, Labbé DP, Bordeleau F. The Extracellular Matrix Stiffening: A Trigger of Prostate Cancer Progression and Castration Resistance? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122887. [PMID: 35740556 PMCID: PMC9221142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements made in diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer remains the second most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide in 2020, and the first in North America and Europe. Patients with localized disease usually respond well to first-line treatments, however, up to 30% develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is often metastatic, making this stage of the disease incurable and ultimately fatal. Over the last years, interest has grown into the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening as an important mediator of diseases, including cancers. While this process is increasingly well-characterized in breast cancer, a similar in-depth look at ECM stiffening remains lacking for prostate cancer. In this review, we scrutinize the current state of literature regarding ECM stiffening in prostate cancer and its potential association with disease progression and castration resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Luthold
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada;
- Division of Oncology, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Tarek Hallal
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - David P. Labbé
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: (D.P.L.); (F.B.)
| | - François Bordeleau
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada;
- Division of Oncology, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire, Biochimie Médicale et Pathologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: (D.P.L.); (F.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
The promising role of new molecular biomarkers in prostate cancer: from coding and non-coding genes to artificial intelligence approaches. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2022; 25:431-443. [PMID: 35422101 PMCID: PMC9385485 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-022-00537-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Risk stratification or progression in prostate cancer is performed with the support of clinical-pathological data such as the sum of the Gleason score and serum levels PSA. For several decades, methods aimed at the early detection of prostate cancer have included the determination of PSA serum levels. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview about recent advances in the discovery of new molecular biomarkers through transcriptomics, genomics and artificial intelligence that are expected to improve clinical management of the prostate cancer patient. Methods An exhaustive search was conducted by Pubmed, Google Scholar and Connected Papers using keywords relating to the genetics, genomics and artificial intelligence in prostate cancer, it includes “biomarkers”, “non-coding RNAs”, “lncRNAs”, “microRNAs”, “repetitive sequence”, “prognosis”, “prediction”, “whole-genome sequencing”, “RNA-Seq”, “transcriptome”, “machine learning”, and “deep learning”. Results New advances, including the search for changes in novel biomarkers such as mRNAs, microRNAs, lncRNAs, and repetitive sequences, are expected to contribute to an earlier and accurate diagnosis for each patient in the context of precision medicine, thus improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients. We analyze several aspects that are relevant for prostate cancer including its new molecular markers associated with diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction to therapy and how bioinformatic approaches such as machine learning and deep learning can contribute to clinic. Furthermore, we also include current techniques that will allow an earlier diagnosis, such as Spatial Transcriptomics, Exome Sequencing, and Whole-Genome Sequencing. Conclusion Transcriptomic and genomic analysis have contributed to generate knowledge in the field of prostate carcinogenesis, new information about coding and non-coding genes as biomarkers has emerged. Synergies created by the implementation of artificial intelligence to analyze and understand sequencing data have allowed the development of clinical strategies that facilitate decision-making and improve personalized management in prostate cancer.
Collapse
|
25
|
Huang J, Lin B, Li B. Anti-Androgen Receptor Therapies in Prostate Cancer: A Brief Update and Perspective. Front Oncol 2022; 12:865350. [PMID: 35372068 PMCID: PMC8965587 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.865350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a major health issue in western countries and is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Prostate cancer depends on the androgen receptor (AR), a transcriptional factor critical for prostate cancer growth and progression. Castration by surgery or medical treatment reduces androgen levels, resulting in prostatic atrophy and prostate cancer regression. Thus, metastatic prostate cancers are initially managed with androgen deprivation therapy. Unfortunately, prostate cancers rapidly relapse after castration therapy and progress to a disease stage called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Currently, clinical treatment for CRPCs is focused on suppressing AR activity with antagonists like Enzalutamide or by reducing androgen production with Abiraterone. In clinical practice, these treatments fail to yield a curative benefit in CRPC patients in part due to AR gene mutations or splicing variations, resulting in AR reactivation. It is conceivable that eliminating the AR protein in prostate cancer cells is a promising solution to provide a potential curative outcome. Multiple strategies have emerged, and several potent agents that reduce AR protein levels were reported to eliminate xenograft tumor growth in preclinical models via distinct mechanisms, including proteasome-mediated degradation, heat-shock protein inhibition, AR splicing suppression, blockage of AR nuclear localization, AR N-terminal suppression. A few small chemical compounds are undergoing clinical trials combined with existing AR antagonists. AR protein elimination by enhanced protein or mRNA degradation is a realistic solution for avoiding AR reactivation during androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Pathological Diagnosis and Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Biyun Lin
- Pathological Diagnosis and Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Benyi Li
- Department of Urology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pre-Exposure to Stress-Inducing Agents Increase the Anticancer Efficacy of Focused Ultrasound against Aggressive Prostate Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020341. [PMID: 35204223 PMCID: PMC8868501 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the initial success in treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa) using surgery, radiation or hormonal therapy, recurrence of aggressive tumors dictates morbidity and mortality. Focused ultrasound (FUS) is being tested as a targeted, noninvasive approach to eliminate the localized PCa foci, and strategies to enhance the anticancer potential of FUS have a high translational value. Since aggressive cancer cells utilize oxidative stress (Ox-stress) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress) pathways for their survival and recurrence, we hypothesized that pre-treatment with drugs that disrupt stress-signaling pathways in tumor cells may increase FUS efficacy. Using four different PCa cell lines, i.e., LNCaP, C4-2B, 22Rv1 and DU145, we tested the in vitro effects of FUS, alone and in combination with two clinically tested drugs that increase Ox-stress (i.e., CDDO-me) or ER-stress (i.e., nelfinavir). As compared to standalone FUS, significant (p < 0.05) suppressions in both survival and recurrence of PCa cells were observed following pre-sensitization with low-dose CDDO-me (100 nM) and/or nelfinavir (2 µM). In drug pre-sensitized cells, significant anticancer effects were evident at a FUS intensity of as low as 0.7 kW/cm2. This combined mechanochemical disruption (MCD) approach decreased cell proliferation, migration and clonogenic ability and increased apoptosis/necrosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, although activated in cells that survived standalone FUS, pre-sensitization with CDDO-me and/or nelfinavir suppressed both total and activated (phosphorylated) NF-κB and Akt protein levels. Thus, a combined MCD therapy may be a safe and effective approach towards the targeted elimination of aggressive PCa cells.
Collapse
|
27
|
AR Structural Variants and Prostate Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1390:195-211. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11836-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
28
|
Slabáková E, Kahounová Z, Procházková J, Souček K. Regulation of Neuroendocrine-like Differentiation in Prostate Cancer by Non-Coding RNAs. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:ncrna7040075. [PMID: 34940756 PMCID: PMC8704250 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) represents a variant of prostate cancer that occurs in response to treatment resistance or, to a much lesser extent, de novo. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms behind transdifferentiation of cancer cells to neuroendocrine-like cancer cells is essential for development of new treatment opportunities. This review focuses on summarizing the role of small molecules, predominantly microRNAs, in this phenomenon. A published literature search was performed to identify microRNAs, which are reported and experimentally validated to modulate neuroendocrine markers and/or regulators and to affect the complex neuroendocrine phenotype. Next, available patients’ expression datasets were surveyed to identify deregulated microRNAs, and their effect on NEPC and prostate cancer progression is summarized. Finally, possibilities of miRNA detection and quantification in body fluids of prostate cancer patients and their possible use as liquid biopsy in prostate cancer monitoring are discussed. All the addressed clinical and experimental contexts point to an association of NEPC with upregulation of miR-375 and downregulation of miR-34a and miR-19b-3p. Together, this review provides an overview of different roles of non-coding RNAs in the emergence of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang Y, Wang Z, Gang X, Wang G. Liquid biopsy in prostate cancer: current status and future challenges of clinical application. Aging Male 2021; 24:58-71. [PMID: 34850655 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2021.1944085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Liquid biopsy refers to the detection and analysis of the components from biological fluids non-invasively, including circulating tumor cells, nucleic acids, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). It is necessary to review the clinical value of liquid biopsy assays in PC and explore its potential application. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically reviewed of PubMed was performed to identify relevant literature on potential clinical applications of circulating tumor cells, circulating nucleic acids, and EVs in prostate cancer (PC). RESULTS Liquid biopsy has emerged as a powerful tool to elucidate dynamic genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic tumor profiling in real-time. Here, the potential clinical applications of liquid biopsy include early detection, prognosis of survival, assessment of treatment response, and mechanisms of drug resistance in PC. CONCLUSIONS Liquid biopsy provides great value in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response in PC. Characterization of liquid biopsy components provides benefits both to unravel underlying resistance mechanisms and to exploit novel clinically actionable targets in PC. In addition, we suggest that analysis of multiparametric liquid biopsies should be analyzed comprehensively, assisting in monitoring tumor characteristics in real-time, guiding therapeutic selection, and early therapeutic switching during disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Zili Wang
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Xiaokun Gang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Guixia Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kuznik NC, Solozobova V, Jung N, Gräßle S, Lei Q, Lewandowski EM, Munuganti R, Zoubeidi A, Chen Y, Bräse S, Cato ACB. Development of a Benzothiazole Scaffold-Based Androgen Receptor N-Terminal Inhibitor for Treating Androgen-Responsive Prostate Cancer. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2103-2108. [PMID: 34506104 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
All current clinically approved androgen deprivation therapies for prostate cancer target the C-terminal ligand-binding domain of the androgen receptor (AR). However, the main transactivation function of the receptor is localized at the AR N-terminal domain (NTD). Targeting the AR NTD directly is a challenge because of its intrinsically disordered structure and the lack of pockets for drugs to bind. Here, we have taken an alternative approach using the cochaperone BAG1L, which interacts with the NTD, to develop a novel AR inhibitor. We describe the identification of 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-benzothiazole (A4B17), a small molecule that inhibits BAG1L-AR NTD interaction, attenuates BAG1L-mediated AR NTD activity, downregulates AR target gene expression, and inhibits proliferation of AR-positive prostate cancer cells. This compound represents a prototype of AR antagonists that could be key in the development of future prostate cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nane C. Kuznik
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Valeria Solozobova
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Nicole Jung
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Simone Gräßle
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Qing Lei
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Eric M. Lewandowski
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612-4799, United States
| | - Ravi Munuganti
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612-4799, United States
| | - Stefan Bräse
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Andrew C. B. Cato
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pernigoni N, Zagato E, Calcinotto A, Troiani M, Mestre RP, Calì B, Attanasio G, Troisi J, Minini M, Mosole S, Revandkar A, Pasquini E, Elia AR, Bossi D, Rinaldi A, Rescigno P, Flohr P, Hunt J, Neeb A, Buroni L, Guo C, Welti J, Ferrari M, Grioni M, Gauthier J, Gharaibeh RZ, Palmisano A, Lucchini GM, D'Antonio E, Merler S, Bolis M, Grassi F, Esposito A, Bellone M, Briganti A, Rescigno M, Theurillat JP, Jobin C, Gillessen S, de Bono J, Alimonti A. Commensal bacteria promote endocrine resistance in prostate cancer through androgen biosynthesis. Science 2021; 374:216-224. [PMID: 34618582 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf8403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Pernigoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Elena Zagato
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Arianna Calcinotto
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Martina Troiani
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ricardo Pereira Mestre
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Bianca Calì
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Attanasio
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Theoreo Srl, Montecorvino Pugliano, 84090 Salerno, Italy
| | - Mirko Minini
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Simone Mosole
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Ajinkya Revandkar
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Emiliano Pasquini
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Angela Rita Elia
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Bossi
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Penny Flohr
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joanne Hunt
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Antje Neeb
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lorenzo Buroni
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Christina Guo
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Welti
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Matteo Ferrari
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Grioni
- Cellular Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Josée Gauthier
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Raad Z Gharaibeh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Anna Palmisano
- Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20100 Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Eugenia D'Antonio
- Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Sara Merler
- Department of Medicine, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Bolis
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland.,Computational Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" IRCCS, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Grassi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Experimental Imaging Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20100 Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bellone
- Cellular Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Briganti
- Division of Oncology, Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rescigno
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Jean-Philippe Theurillat
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Christian Jobin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Silke Gillessen
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland.,Medical Oncology Unit, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Johann de Bono
- Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrea Alimonti
- Institute of Oncology Research, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CH-1011 Lugano, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine, Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hałubiec P, Łazarczyk A, Szafrański O, Bohn T, Dulińska-Litewka J. Synthetic Retinoids as Potential Therapeutics in Prostate Cancer-An Update of the Last Decade of Research: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10537. [PMID: 34638876 PMCID: PMC8508817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common tumor in males. The search for appropriate therapeutic options against advanced PC has been in process for several decades. Especially after cessation of the effectiveness of hormonal therapy (i.e., emergence of castration-resistant PC), PC management options have become scarce and the prognosis is poor. To overcome this stage of disease, an array of natural and synthetic substances underwent investigation. An interesting and promising class of compounds constitutes the derivatives of natural retinoids. Synthesized on the basis of the structure of retinoic acid, they present unique and remarkable properties that warrant their investigation as antitumor drugs. However, there is no up-to-date compilation that consecutively summarizes the current state of knowledge about synthetic retinoids with regard to PC. Therefore, in this review, we present the results of the experimental studies on synthetic retinoids conducted within the last decade. Our primary aim is to highlight the molecular targets of these compounds and to identify their potential promise in the treatment of PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Hałubiec
- Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Łazarczyk
- Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.)
| | - Oskar Szafrański
- Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.)
| | - Torsten Bohn
- Nutrition and Health Research Group 1 A-B, Department of Population Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 1 A-B, rue Thomas Edison, L-23 1445 Strassen, Luxembourg;
| | - Joanna Dulińska-Litewka
- Medical Biochemistry Medical College, Jagiellonian University, 31-034 Cracow, Poland; (P.H.); (A.Ł.); (O.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Giunta EF, Annaratone L, Bollito E, Porpiglia F, Cereda M, Banna GL, Mosca A, Marchiò C, Rescigno P. Molecular Characterization of Prostate Cancers in the Precision Medicine Era. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4771. [PMID: 34638258 PMCID: PMC8507555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194771] [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: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) therapy has been recently revolutionized by the approval of new therapeutic agents in the metastatic setting. However, the optimal therapeutic strategy in such patients should be individualized in the light of prognostic and predictive molecular factors, which have been recently studied: androgen receptor (AR) alterations, PTEN-PI3K-AKT pathway deregulation, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd), and tumor microenvironment (TME) modifications. In this review, we highlighted the clinical impact of prognostic and predictive molecular factors in PCa patients' outcomes, identifying biologically distinct subtypes. We further analyzed the relevant methods to detect these factors, both on tissue, i.e., immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular tests, and blood, i.e., analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Moreover, we discussed the main pros and cons of such techniques, depicting their present and future roles in PCa management, throughout the precision medicine era.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Francesco Giunta
- Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Laura Annaratone
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.A.); (C.M.)
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Bollito
- Department of Pathology, University of Turin, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy;
| | - Francesco Porpiglia
- Department of Urology, University of Turin, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy;
| | - Matteo Cereda
- Cancer Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit, IIGM-Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCCS Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy;
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO—IRCCS, Str. Prov.le 142, km 3.95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Luigi Banna
- Department of Oncology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth PO2 8QD, UK;
| | - Alessandra Mosca
- Multidisciplinary Outpatient Oncology Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy;
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (L.A.); (C.M.)
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy
| | - Pasquale Rescigno
- Interdisciplinary Group for Translational Research and Clinical Trials, Urological Cancers (GIRT-Uro), Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10060 Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Škara L, Huđek Turković A, Pezelj I, Vrtarić A, Sinčić N, Krušlin B, Ulamec M. Prostate Cancer-Focus on Cholesterol. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4696. [PMID: 34572923 PMCID: PMC8469848 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common malignancy in men. Common characteristic involved in PC pathogenesis are disturbed lipid metabolism and abnormal cholesterol accumulation. Cholesterol can be further utilized for membrane or hormone synthesis while cholesterol biosynthesis intermediates are important for oncogene membrane anchoring, nucleotide synthesis and mitochondrial electron transport. Since cholesterol and its biosynthesis intermediates influence numerous cellular processes, in this review we have described cholesterol homeostasis in a normal cell. Additionally, we have illustrated how commonly deregulated signaling pathways in PC (PI3K/AKT/MTOR, MAPK, AR and p53) are linked with cholesterol homeostasis regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Škara
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ana Huđek Turković
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ivan Pezelj
- Department of Urology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Alen Vrtarić
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Nino Sinčić
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Božo Krušlin
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (Epimark), School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tietz KT, Dehm SM. Androgen receptor variants: RNA-based mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:R19-R26. [PMID: 32412639 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of male cancer death in the United States. The androgen receptor (AR) transcription factor is a master regulator of normal glandular homeostasis in the prostate, as well as growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, AR-targeted therapies are effective for improving overall survival of patients with advanced prostate cancer that is incurable by surgery or radiation. However, prostate cancer will inevitably progress on AR-targeted therapies to a castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) phenotype that accounts for virtually all prostate cancer-specific death. mRNA transcript variants of the AR gene are expressed in CRPC cells and can be translated to produce AR variant (AR-V) proteins that function as ligand-independent, constitutively active transcription factors. AR-Vs are able to support growth of CRPC cells by promoting expression of AR target genes that are normally suppressed by AR-targeted therapies. Knowledge of mechanisms that govern expression of AR-Vs is incomplete. Studies have shown genomic rearrangements of the AR gene underlie expression of diverse AR-Vs in certain CRPC tumors, but post-transcriptional processes represent a broader regulatory mechanism for expression of AR-Vs in CRPC. This review focuses on alternative splicing, 3' end processing, miRNA-mediated mRNA repression, of AR and AR-V expression and the potential these mechanisms hold as therapeutic targets for CRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiel T Tietz
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Scott M Dehm
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kalogirou C, Linxweiler J, Schmucker P, Snaebjornsson MT, Schmitz W, Wach S, Krebs M, Hartmann E, Puhr M, Müller A, Spahn M, Seitz AK, Frank T, Marouf H, Büchel G, Eckstein M, Kübler H, Eilers M, Saar M, Junker K, Röhrig F, Kneitz B, Rosenfeldt MT, Schulze A. MiR-205-driven downregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis through SQLE-inhibition identifies therapeutic vulnerability in aggressive prostate cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5066. [PMID: 34417456 PMCID: PMC8379214 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) shows strong dependence on the androgen receptor (AR) pathway. Here, we show that squalene epoxidase (SQLE), an enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, is overexpressed in advanced PCa and its expression correlates with poor survival. SQLE expression is controlled by micro-RNA 205 (miR-205), which is significantly downregulated in advanced PCa. Restoration of miR-205 expression or competitive inhibition of SQLE led to inhibition of de novo cholesterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, SQLE was essential for proliferation of AR-positive PCa cell lines, including abiraterone or enzalutamide resistant derivatives, and blocked transactivation of the AR pathway. Inhibition of SQLE with the FDA approved antifungal drug terbinafine also efficiently blocked orthotopic tumour growth in mice. Finally, terbinafine reduced levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in three out of four late-stage PCa patients. These results highlight SQLE as a therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Kalogirou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J Linxweiler
- Department of Urology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - P Schmucker
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M T Snaebjornsson
- German Cancer Research Center, Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - W Schmitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - S Wach
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Krebs
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - E Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Julius Maximilians University and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Puhr
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - A Müller
- Clinic for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - M Spahn
- Center for Urology, Hirslanden Private Hospital Group, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - A K Seitz
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - T Frank
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - H Marouf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - G Büchel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - H Kübler
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Saar
- Department of Urology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - K Junker
- Department of Urology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - F Röhrig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - B Kneitz
- Department of Urology and Paediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M T Rosenfeldt
- Institute of Pathology, Julius Maximilians University and Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A Schulze
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center, Division of Tumor Metabolism and Microenvironment, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Naiki-Ito A, Naiki T, Kato H, Iida K, Etani T, Nagayasu Y, Suzuki S, Yamashita Y, Inaguma S, Onishi M, Tanaka Y, Yasui T, Takahashi S. Recruitment of miR-8080 by luteolin inhibits androgen receptor splice variant 7 expression in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Carcinogenesis 2021; 41:1145-1157. [PMID: 31805186 PMCID: PMC7422625 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgz193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A need exists for seeking effective treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in response to its emergence following androgen deprivation therapy as a major clinical problem. In the present study, we investigated the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential of luteolin, a flavonoid with antioxidative properties, on prostate cancer, including CRPC. Luteolin inhibited the progression of rat prostate carcinogenesis by induction of apoptosis in a transgenic rat for adenocarcinoma of prostate (TRAP) model. Luteolin decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner and induced apoptosis with the activation of caspases 3 and 7 in both rat (PCai1, established from a TRAP prostate tumor) and human (22Rv1) CRPC cells. Dietary luteolin also suppressed tumor growth via an increase in apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis in PCai1 and 22Rv1 xenografts implanted in castrated nude mice. We also focused on androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7), which contributes to cell proliferation and therapeutic resistance in CRPC. Luteolin dramatically suppressed AR-V7 protein expression in 22Rv1 cells in vitro and ex vivo. Microarray analysis identified MiR-8080, which contains a possible target sequence for AR-V7 3′-UTR, as a gene upregulated by luteolin. MiR-8080 transfection decreased the AR-V7 expression level and the induction of apoptosis in 22Rv1 cells. Furthermore, miR-8080 knockdown canceled luteolin decreasing AR-V7 and the cell growth of 22Rv1. MiR-8080 induced by luteolin intake enhanced the therapeutic effect of enzalutamide on 22Rv1 xenografts under castration conditions. These results indicate luteolin inhibits CRPC by AR-V7 suppression through miR-8080, highlighting luteolin and miR-8080 as promising therapeutic agents for this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Naiki-Ito
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Pathology Division, Nagoya City East Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taku Naiki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kato
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Keitaro Iida
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toshiki Etani
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuko Nagayasu
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shugo Suzuki
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoriko Yamashita
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shingo Inaguma
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Pathology Division, Nagoya City East Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masaya Onishi
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yasui
- Department of Nephro-urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology and Tumor Biology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Del Re M, Conteduca V, Crucitta S, Gurioli G, Casadei C, Restante G, Schepisi G, Lolli C, Cucchiara F, Danesi R, De Giorgi U. Androgen receptor gain in circulating free DNA and splicing variant 7 in exosomes predict clinical outcome in CRPC patients treated with abiraterone and enzalutamide. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2021; 24:524-531. [PMID: 33500577 PMCID: PMC8134038 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-020-00309-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen receptor (AR) signaling inhibitors represent the standard treatment in metastatic castration resistance prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. However, some patients display a primary resistance, and several studies investigated the role of the AR as a predictive biomarker of response to treatment. This study is aimed to evaluate the role of AR in liquid biopsy to predict clinical outcome to AR signaling inhibitors in mCRPC patients. METHODS Six milliliters of plasma samples were collected before first-line treatment with abiraterone or enzalutamide. Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) and exosome-RNA were isolated for analysis of AR gain and AR splice variant 7 (AR-V7), respectively, by digital droplet PCR. RESULTS Eighty-four mCRPC patients received abiraterone (n = 40) or enzalutamide (n = 44) as first-line therapy. Twelve patients (14.3%) presented AR gain and 30 (35.7%) AR-V7+ at baseline. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in AR-V7- vs AR-V7+ patients (24.3 vs 5.4 months, p < 0.0001; not reached vs 16.2 months, p = 0.0001, respectively). Patients carrying the AR gain had a median PFS of 4.8 vs 24.3 months for AR normal patients (p < 0.0001). Median OS was significantly longer in AR normal vs patients with AR gain (not reached vs 8.17 months, p < 0.0001). A significant correlation between AR-V7 and AR gain was observed (r = 0.28; p = 0.01). The AR gain/AR-V7 combined analysis confirmed a strong predictive effect for biomarkers combination vs patients without any AR aberration (PFS 3.8 vs 28 month, respectively; OS 6.1 vs not reached, respectively; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that cfDNA and exosome-RNA are both a reliable source of AR variants and their combined detection in liquid biopsy predicts resistance to AR signaling inhibitors.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alternative Splicing
- Androstenes/therapeutic use
- Benzamides/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Exosomes/genetics
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Nitriles/therapeutic use
- Phenylthiohydantoin/therapeutic use
- Prognosis
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/blood
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/drug therapy
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology
- Receptors, Androgen/blood
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Retrospective Studies
- Survival Rate
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Del Re
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - V Conteduca
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - S Crucitta
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Gurioli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - C Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - G Restante
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Schepisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - C Lolli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - F Cucchiara
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Danesi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - U De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fontana F, Limonta P. Dissecting the Hormonal Signaling Landscape in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1133. [PMID: 34067217 PMCID: PMC8151003 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer (PCa) progression towards its most aggressive, castration-resistant (CRPC) stage is urgently needed to improve the therapeutic options for this almost incurable pathology. Interestingly, CRPC is known to be characterized by a peculiar hormonal landscape. It is now well established that the androgen/androgen receptor (AR) axis is still active in CRPC cells. The persistent activity of this axis in PCa progression has been shown to be related to different mechanisms, such as intratumoral androgen synthesis, AR amplification and mutations, AR mRNA alternative splicing, increased expression/activity of AR-related transcription factors and coregulators. The hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), by binding to its specific receptors (GnRH-Rs) at the pituitary level, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of the reproductive functions. GnRH and GnRH-R are also expressed in different types of tumors, including PCa. Specifically, it has been demonstrated that, in CRPC cells, the activation of GnRH-Rs is associated with a significant antiproliferative/proapoptotic, antimetastatic and antiangiogenic activity. This antitumor activity is mainly mediated by the GnRH-R-associated Gαi/cAMP signaling pathway. In this review, we dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of the androgen/AR and GnRH/GnRH-R axes in CRPC progression and the possible therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ma T, Bai S, Qi Y, Zhan Y, Ungerleider N, Zhang DY, Neklesa T, Corey E, Dehm SM, Zhang K, Flemington EK, Dong Y. Increased transcription and high translation efficiency lead to accumulation of androgen receptor splice variant after androgen deprivation therapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 504:37-48. [PMID: 33556543 PMCID: PMC7940584 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Upregulation of androgen receptor splice variants (AR-Vs), especially AR-V7, is associated with castration resistance of prostate cancer. At the RNA level, AR-V7 upregulation is generally coupled with increased full-length AR (AR-FL); consequently, AR-V7 and AR-Vs collectively constitute a minority of the AR population. However, Western blotting showed that the relative abundance of AR-V proteins is much higher in many castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs). To address the mechanism underlying this discrepancy, we analyzed RNA-seq data from ~350 CRPC samples and found a positive correlation between all canonical and alternative AR splicing. This indicates that increased alternative splicing is not at the expense of canonical splicing. Instead, androgen deprivation releases AR-FL from repressing the transcription of the AR gene to induce coordinated increase of AR-FL and AR-V mRNAs. At the protein level, however, androgen deprivation induces AR-FL, but not AR-V, degradation. Moreover, AR-V7 is translated much faster than AR-FL. Thus, androgen-deprivation-induced AR-gene transcription and AR-FL protein decay, together with efficient AR-V7 translation, explain the discrepancy between the relative AR-V mRNA and protein abundances in many CRPCs, highlighting the inevitability of AR-V induction after endocrine therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianfang Ma
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Shanshan Bai
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Yanfeng Qi
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Yang Zhan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nathan Ungerleider
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | | | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Scott M Dehm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, Bioinformatics Facility of Xavier RCMI Center of Cancer Research, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erik K Flemington
- Department of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ouyang W, Zhang Y, Long G, Sun G, Liu M, Li F, Yang C, Zeng X, Yang J, Yu X, Wang Z, Liu Z, Guan W, Hu Z, Wang S, Liu X, Li H, Xu H, Ye Z. Androgen receptor splice variant 7 detected by immunohistochemical is an independent poor prognostic marker in men receiving adjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy after radical prostatectomy. Biomark Res 2021; 9:23. [PMID: 33789757 PMCID: PMC8011087 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00276-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the predictive value of AR-V7 expression detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) in the prognosis of prostate cancer patients receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy (AHT) following radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods We retrospectively collected data of 110 patients with prostate cancer receiving RP, followed by AHT, from Tongji hospital. IHC analysis of AR-V7 expression was performed in a retrospective cohort. Results In total, 110 patients were enrolled, of whom 21 patients (19.1%) were AR-V7-positive and 89 patients (80.9%) were AR-V7-negative. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the two groups. AR-V7-positive patients had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 4.26; 95% CI, 1.55 to 11.68; P = 0.003), shorter cancer-special survival (CSS) (HR: 22.47; 95% CI, 2.912 to 173.4; P = 0.003) and shorter overall survival (OS) (HR: 6.61; 95% CI, 1.40 to 31.20; P = 0.017) compared to AR-V7-negative patients. In multivariate analysis, AR-V7 is an independent risk factor for shorter PFS (HR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.63 to 8.70; P = 0.002), shorter CSS (HR: 9.17; 95% CI, 1.48 to 55.56; P = 0.017) and shorter OS (HR: 4.81; 95% CI, 1.28 to 17.86; P = 0.020). Conclusion The presence of AR-V7 in prostate cancer tissue is independently associated with an unfavorable prognosis for PFS, OS and CSS in patients who received AHT. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40364-021-00276-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ouyang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yucong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gongwei Long
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoliang Sun
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunguang Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing Zeng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiquan Hu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhangqun Ye
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Hubei Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mondal D, Narwani D, Notta S, Ghaffar D, Mardhekar N, Quadri SSA. Oxidative stress and redox signaling in CRPC progression: therapeutic potential of clinically-tested Nrf2-activators. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:96-124. [PMID: 35582006 PMCID: PMC9019181 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay regimen in patients with androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa). However, the selection of androgen-independent cancer cells leads to castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The aggressive phenotype of CRPC cells underscores the need to elucidate mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to suppress CRPC outgrowth. Despite ADT, the activation of androgen receptor (AR) transcription factor continues via crosstalk with parallel signaling pathways. Understanding of how these signaling cascades are initiated and amplified post-ADT is lacking. Hormone deprivation can increase oxidative stress and the resultant reactive oxygen species (ROS) may activate both AR and non-AR signaling. Moreover, ROS-induced inflammatory cytokines may further amplify these redox signaling pathways to augment AR function. However, clinical trials using ROS quenching small molecule antioxidants have not suppressed CRPC progression, suggesting that more potent and persistent suppression of redox signaling in CRPC cells will be needed. The transcription factor Nrf2 increases the expression of numerous antioxidant enzymes and downregulates the function of inflammatory transcription factors, e.g., nuclear factor kappa B. We documented that Nrf2 overexpression can suppress AR-mediated transcription in CRPC cell lines. Furthermore, two Nrf2 activating agents, sulforaphane (a phytochemical) and bardoxolone-methyl (a drug in clinical trial) suppress AR levels and sensitize CRPC cells to anti-androgens. These observations implicate the benefits of potent Nrf2-activators to suppress the lethal signaling cascades that lead to CRPC outgrowth. This review article will address the redox signaling networks that augment AR signaling during PCa progression to CRPC, and the possible utility of Nrf2-activating agents as an adjunct to ADT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debasis Mondal
- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
| | - Devin Narwani
- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
| | - Shahnawaz Notta
- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
| | - Dawood Ghaffar
- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
| | - Nikhil Mardhekar
- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
| | - Syed S A Quadri
- Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37932, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhang C, Yang Q, Li W, Kang Y, Zhou F, Chang D. Roles of circRNAs in prostate cancer: Expression, mechanism, application and potential. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 134:105968. [PMID: 33731309 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.105968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) is a member of the non-coding RNA family that is formed by trans-splicing. Because of its unique structure and characteristics, it has extraordinary value for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of diseases, particularly for tumors. Study of the role of circRNAs in the occurrence and development of prostate cancer has made considerable progress, but many areas remain that require further exploration and improvement. This article describes research into sequencing expression profiles, expression regulation, potential value as biomarkers, mechanism in the occurrence and development, therapy resistance, relationship with clinicopathological features, and prognostic value of circRNAs in prostate cancer from the past few years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Yindong Kang
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Fenghai Zhou
- Department of Urology, Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Dehui Chang
- Department of Urology, The 940 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA, Lanzhou, 730050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Schvartsman G, Bell D, Rubin ML, Tetzlaff M, Hanna E, Lee JKJ, Weber R, Phan J, Glisson BS, Ferrarotto R. The tumor immune contexture of salivary duct carcinoma. Head Neck 2021; 43:1213-1219. [PMID: 33576119 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26587] [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: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Recently, biomarker studies found promising targetable alterations. In this study, we provide a descriptive analysis of tumor and immune biomarkers and survival associations. METHODS We extracted clinical data and performed immunohistochemistry for AR, AR-V7, HER-2, PD-L1, LAG-3, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. RESULTS We included 17 patients. Age ranged from 42 to 85 years old; HER-2 was overexpressed or amplified in 65%. AR was positive in 88% of patients, while AR-V7 was positive in 13% by IHC. We found low scores of immune infiltration and a PD-L1 expression in 53%. We found no clinically significant association between biomarkers and survival outcomes. CONCLUSION In this small series of SDC, biomarkers do not seem to correlate with disease biology, although they provide additional treatment options. SDC may harbor a different immune profile compared to other subtypes, with an indication of T-cell dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Schvartsman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diana Bell
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Laura Rubin
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Tetzlaff
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ehab Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jiun-Kae Jack Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Randal Weber
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jack Phan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bonnie S Glisson
- Department of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Department of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Maitland NJ. Resistance to Antiandrogens in Prostate Cancer: Is It Inevitable, Intrinsic or Induced? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:327. [PMID: 33477370 PMCID: PMC7829888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasingly sophisticated therapies for chemical castration dominate first-line treatments for locally advanced prostate cancer. However, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) offers little prospect of a cure, as resistant tumors emerge rather rapidly, normally within 30 months. Cells have multiple mechanisms of resistance to even the most sophisticated drug regimes, and both tumor cell heterogeneity in prostate cancer and the multiple salvage pathways result in castration-resistant disease related genetically to the original hormone-naive cancer. The timing and mechanisms of cell death after ADT for prostate cancer are not well understood, and off-target effects after long-term ADT due to functional extra-prostatic expression of the androgen receptor protein are now increasingly being recorded. Our knowledge of how these widely used treatments fail at a biological level in patients is deficient. In this review, I will discuss whether there are pre-existing drug-resistant cells in a tumor mass, or whether resistance is induced/selected by the ADT. Equally, what is the cell of origin of this resistance, and does it differ from the treatment-naïve tumor cells by differentiation or dedifferentiation? Conflicting evidence also emerges from studies in the range of biological systems and species employed to answer this key question. It is only by improving our understanding of this aspect of treatment and not simply devising another new means of androgen inhibition that we can improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norman J Maitland
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hu H, Zhou H, Xu D. A review of the effects and molecular mechanisms of dimethylcurcumin (ASC-J9) on androgen receptor-related diseases. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 97:821-835. [PMID: 33277796 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dimethylcurcumin (ASC-J9) is a curcumin analogue capable of inhibiting prostate cancer cell proliferation. The mechanism is associated with the unique role of ASC-J9 in enhancing androgen receptor (AR) degradation. So far, ASC-J9 has been investigated in typical AR-associated diseases such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder cancer, renal diseases, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cutaneous wound, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, ovarian cancer and melanoma, exhibiting great potentials in disease control. In this review, the effects and molecular mechanisms of ASC-J9 on various AR-associated diseases are summarized. Importantly, the effects of ASC-J9 and AR antagonists enzalutamide/bicalutamide on prostate cancer are compared in detail and crucial differences are highlighted. At last, the pharmacological effects of ASC-J9 are summarized and the future applications of ASC-J9 in AR-associated disease control are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Hu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-efficiency Refining and High-quality Utilization of Biomass, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Center for Health Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Defeng Xu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-efficiency Refining and High-quality Utilization of Biomass, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Life Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Metabolic regulation of prostate cancer heterogeneity and plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 82:94-119. [PMID: 33290846 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is one of the main hallmarks of cancer cells. It refers to the metabolic adaptations of tumor cells in response to nutrient deficiency, microenvironmental insults, and anti-cancer therapies. Metabolic transformation during tumor development plays a critical role in the continued tumor growth and progression and is driven by a complex interplay between the tumor mutational landscape, epigenetic modifications, and microenvironmental influences. Understanding the tumor metabolic vulnerabilities might open novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with the potential to improve the efficacy of current tumor treatments. Prostate cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease harboring different mutations and tumor cell phenotypes. While the increase of intra-tumor genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity is associated with tumor progression, less is known about metabolic regulation of prostate cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity. This review summarizes the central metabolic adaptations in prostate tumors, state-of-the-art technologies for metabolic analysis, and the perspectives for metabolic targeting and diagnostic implications.
Collapse
|
48
|
The Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer: Effect of Structure, Ligands and Spliced Variants on Therapy. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100422. [PMID: 33076388 PMCID: PMC7602609 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) plays a predominant role in prostate cancer (PCa) pathology. It consists of an N-terminal domain (NTD), a DNA-binding domain (DBD), a hinge region (HR), and a ligand-binding domain (LBD) that binds androgens, including testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Ligand binding at the LBD promotes AR dimerization and translocation to the nucleus where the DBD binds target DNA. In PCa, AR signaling is perturbed by excessive androgen synthesis, AR amplification, mutation, or the formation of AR alternatively spliced variants (AR-V) that lack the LBD. Current therapies for advanced PCa include androgen synthesis inhibitors that suppress T and/or DHT synthesis, and AR inhibitors that prevent ligand binding at the LBD. However, AR mutations and AR-Vs render LBD-specific therapeutics ineffective. The DBD and NTD are novel targets for inhibition as both perform necessary roles in AR transcriptional activity and are less susceptible to AR alternative splicing compared to the LBD. DBD and NTD inhibition can potentially extend patient survival, improve quality of life, and overcome predominant mechanisms of resistance to current therapies. This review discusses various small molecule and other inhibitors developed against the DBD and NTD—and the current state of the available compounds in clinical development.
Collapse
|
49
|
Melnyk JE, Steri V, Nguyen HG, Hann B, Feng FY, Shokat KM. The splicing modulator sulfonamide indisulam reduces AR-V7 in prostate cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115712. [PMID: 33069070 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing of the androgen receptor (AR) is frequently observed in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). One AR isoform, the AR-V7 splice variant, is a constitutively active transcription factor which lacks a ligand binding domain and is therefore undruggable. AR-V7 expression correlates with resistance to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSi) and poor clinical prognoses. The occurrence of the AR-V7 splice variant is driven by alternative splicing of AR pre-mRNA by the spliceosome, however the mechanistic details are poorly understood. We demonstrate that the splicing factor RBM39 is critical for alternative splicing of the AR-V7 splice variant mRNA transcripts from AR pre-mRNA, and that the anti-cancer drug, indisulam, reduces AR-V7 mRNA levels by degrading RBM39. We report that indisulam effectively reduces AR-V7 in in vitro and in vivo models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James E Melnyk
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Preclinical Therapeutics Core, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Hao G Nguyen
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Byron Hann
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Preclinical Therapeutics Core, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Felix Y Feng
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Stuopelyte K, Sabaliauskaite R, Bakavicius A, Haflidadóttir BS, Visakorpi T, Väänänen RM, Patel C, Danila DC, Lilja H, Lazutka JR, Ulys A, Jankevicius F, Jarmalaite S. Analysis of AR-FL and AR-V1 in Whole Blood of Patients with Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer as a Tool for Predicting Response to Abiraterone Acetate. J Urol 2020; 204:71-78. [PMID: 32068491 PMCID: PMC7301408 DOI: 10.1097/ju.0000000000000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Reliable molecular diagnostic tools are still unavailable for making informed treatment decisions and monitoring the response in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer. We evaluated the significance of whole blood circulating androgen receptor transcripts of full length (AR-FL) and splice variants (AR-V1, AR-V3 and AR-V7) as biomarkers of abiraterone acetate treatment resistance in patients with castration resistant prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS After retrospective analysis in 112 prostate specimens AR-FL, AR-V1, AR-V3 and AR-V7 were evaluated in 185 serial blood samples, prospectively collected from 102 patients with castration resistant prostate cancer before and during abiraterone acetate therapy via reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS AR-FL was present in all samples while AR-V1, AR-V3, AR-V7 and at least 1 of them was detected in 17%, 55%, 65% and 81% of castration resistant prostate cancer blood samples, respectively. The highest amount of AR-V1 was found in blood of patients whose response time was short and medium in comparison to extended. Patients with a higher level of AR-FL and/or AR-V1 had the shortest progression-free survival and overall survival (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Blood circulating AR-FL or AR-V1 can serve as blood based biomarkers for identification of the primary resistance to abiraterone acetate and the tool to monitor de novo resistance development during abiraterone acetate treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Stuopelyte
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio Ave. 7, Vilnius 10257, Lithuania
- National Cancer Institute, Santariskiu 1, Vilnius 08406, Lithuania
| | | | - Arnas Bakavicius
- National Cancer Institute, Santariskiu 1, Vilnius 08406, Lithuania
- Urology Centre, Vilnius University, Santariskiu 2, Vilnius 08410, Lithuania
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio 21, Vilnius 03101, Lithuania
| | - Benedikta S. Haflidadóttir
- Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere 33520, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Arvo Ylpön katu 4, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Tapio Visakorpi
- Prostate Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, Tampere 33520, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Arvo Ylpön katu 4, Tampere 33520, Finland
| | - Riina-Minna Väänänen
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Turku, Tykistökatu 6 A, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Chintan Patel
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Daniel C. Danila
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York 10065, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 407 E 61st St, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Hans Lilja
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York 10065, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery (Urology Service), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York 10065, NY, USA
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York 10065, NY, USA
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, J Waldenströms gata 35, Malmö 20502, Sweden
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Juozas R. Lazutka
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio Ave. 7, Vilnius 10257, Lithuania
| | - Albertas Ulys
- National Cancer Institute, Santariskiu 1, Vilnius 08406, Lithuania
| | - Feliksas Jankevicius
- National Cancer Institute, Santariskiu 1, Vilnius 08406, Lithuania
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio 21, Vilnius 03101, Lithuania
| | - Sonata Jarmalaite
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio Ave. 7, Vilnius 10257, Lithuania
- National Cancer Institute, Santariskiu 1, Vilnius 08406, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|