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Effects of miR-107 on Breast Cancer Cell Growth and Death via Regulation of the PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:1244067. [PMID: 36816358 PMCID: PMC9931464 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1244067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective Investigate the influence of miR-107 on breast cancer cell growth and death through the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway. Method As study subjects, the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the normal breast cell line Hs 578Bst were chosen, and MCF-7 cells were, respectively, transfected with control miRNA and miR-107 inhibitor. CCK-8, flow cytometry, scratch assay, and Transwell assay were used to analyze the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion, and in order to identify the proteins associated with apoptosis in each of the three categories, we used western blot analysis. Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9 expression, as well as PTEN/AKT signaling pathway-associated protein expression, are correlated. Result The expression of miR-107 in MCF-7 cells was significantly greater than that in Hs 578Bst cells, with a P < 0.05 difference; compared to the blank and miRNA control groups, the miR-107 inhibitor group had a P < 0.05 difference. P < 0.05 showed a decrease in proliferation (42.52) but no difference in proliferation between the blank and miRNA control groups (P > 0.05); the miR-107 inhibitor group had higher apoptosis (38.96) with P < 0.05 than the blank group (4.85) and the miRNA control group (5.89); there was no difference in apoptosis between the blank and miRNA groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the blank group and the miRNA control group with P > 0.05; compared with the blank group, the miR-107 inhibitor group had a lower expression of Bcl-2 protein (0.18), in addition to the degraded paradigms (0.73) and caspase-9 protein concentrations (0.79), respectively. Conclusion The PTEN/AKT signaling pathway may be regulated by miR-107 to limit breast cancer cell growth and increase apoptosis, which suggests that miR-107 may be exploited as a tumor marker for therapeutic therapy.
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2
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Lefler JE, MarElia-Bennett CB, Thies KA, Hildreth BE, Sharma SM, Pitarresi JR, Han L, Everett C, Koivisto C, Cuitino MC, Timmers CD, O'Quinn E, Parrish M, Romeo MJ, Linke AJ, Hobbs GA, Leone G, Guttridge DC, Zimmers TA, Lesinski GB, Ostrowski MC. STAT3 in tumor fibroblasts promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:e202201460. [PMID: 35803738 PMCID: PMC9270499 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with an incredibly dense stroma, which contributes to its recalcitrance to therapy. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most abundant cell types within the PDAC stroma and have context-dependent regulation of tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, understanding tumor-promoting pathways in CAFs is essential for developing better stromal targeting therapies. Here, we show that disruption of the STAT3 signaling axis via genetic ablation of Stat3 in stromal fibroblasts in a Kras G12D PDAC mouse model not only slows tumor progression and increases survival, but re-shapes the characteristic immune-suppressive TME by decreasing M2 macrophages (F480+CD206+) and increasing CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, we show that loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN in pancreatic CAFs leads to an increase in STAT3 phosphorylation. In addition, increased STAT3 phosphorylation in pancreatic CAFs promotes secretion of CXCL1. Inhibition of CXCL1 signaling inhibits M2 polarization in vitro. The results provide a potential mechanism by which CAFs promote an immune-suppressive TME and promote tumor progression in a spontaneous model of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Lefler
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Catherine B MarElia-Bennett
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Katie A Thies
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Blake E Hildreth
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sudarshana M Sharma
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jason R Pitarresi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lu Han
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Caroline Everett
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Christopher Koivisto
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Maria C Cuitino
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Cynthia D Timmers
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth O'Quinn
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Melodie Parrish
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Martin J Romeo
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Amanda J Linke
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - G Aaron Hobbs
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Gustavo Leone
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Denis C Guttridge
- Department of Pediatrics and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Teresa A Zimmers
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- Hollings Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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3
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Jones CE, Sharick JT, Sizemore ST, Cukierman E, Strohecker AM, Leight JL. A miniaturized screening platform to identify novel regulators of extracellular matrix alignment. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1471-1486. [PMID: 36530465 PMCID: PMC9757767 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0157] [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] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix alignment contributes to metastasis in a number of cancers and is a known prognostic stromal factor; however, the mechanisms controlling matrix organization remain unclear. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a critical role in this process, particularly via matrix production and modulation of key signaling pathways controlling cell adhesion and contractility. Stroma normalization, as opposed to elimination, is a highly sought strategy, and screening for drugs that effectively alter extracellular matrix (ECM) alignment is a practical way to identify novel CAF-normalizing targets that modulate ECM organization. To meet this need, we developed a novel high-throughput screening platform in which fibroblast-derived matrices were produced in 384-well plates, imaged with automated confocal microscopy, and analyzed using a customized MATLAB script. This platform is a technical advance because it miniaturizes the assay, eliminates costly and time-consuming experimental steps, and streamlines data acquisition and analysis to enable high-throughput screening applications. As a proof of concept, this platform was used to screen a kinase inhibitor library to identify modulators of matrix alignment. A number of novel potential regulators were identified, including several receptor tyrosine kinases (c-MET, tropomyosin receptor kinase 1 (NTRK1), HER2/ERBB2) and the serine/threonine kinases protein kinase A, C, and G (PKA, PKC, and PKG). The expression of these regulators was analyzed in publicly available patient datasets to examine the association between stromal gene expression and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joe T. Sharick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Steven T. Sizemore
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics, The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anne Marie Strohecker
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer L. Leight
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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4
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Wu J, Liu X, Reeser JAW, Trimboli AJ, Pécot T, Sizemore GM, Naidu SK, Fernandez SA, Yu L, Hallett M, Park M, Leone GW, Hildreth BE, Ostrowski MC. Stromal p53 Regulates Breast Cancer Development, the Immune Landscape, and Survival in an Oncogene-Specific Manner. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1233-1246. [PMID: 35533313 PMCID: PMC9357052 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coevolution of tumor cells and adjacent stromal elements is a key feature during tumor progression; however, the precise regulatory mechanisms during this process remain unknown. Here, we show stromal p53 loss enhances oncogenic KrasG12D, but not ErbB2, driven tumorigenesis in murine mammary epithelia. Stroma-specific p53 deletion increases both epithelial and fibroblast proliferation in mammary glands bearing the KrasG12D oncogene in epithelia, while concurrently increasing DNA damage and/or DNA replication stress and decreasing apoptosis in the tumor cells proper. Normal epithelia was not affected by stromal p53 deletion. Tumors with p53-null stroma had a significant decrease in total, cytotoxic, and regulatory T cells; however, there was a significant increase in myeloid-derived suppressor cells, total macrophages, and M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages, with no impact on angiogenesis or connective tissue deposition. Stroma-specific p53 deletion reprogrammed gene expression in both fibroblasts and adjacent epithelium, with p53 targets and chemokine receptors/chemokine signaling pathways in fibroblasts and DNA replication, DNA damage repair, and apoptosis in epithelia being the most significantly impacted biological processes. A gene cluster in p53-deficient mouse fibroblasts was negatively associated with patient survival when compared with two independent datasets. In summary, stroma-specific p53 loss promotes mammary tumorigenesis in an oncogene-specific manner, influences the tumor immune landscape, and ultimately impacts patient survival. IMPLICATIONS Expression of the p53 tumor suppressor in breast cancer tumor stroma regulates tumorigenesis in an oncogene-specific manner, influences the tumor immune landscape, and ultimately impacts patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghai Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,Department of Radiation Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Julie A. Wallace Reeser
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Anthony J. Trimboli
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Thierry Pécot
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,Biosit – UMS CNRS 3480, Inserm 018, University of Rennes 1, France
| | - Gina M. Sizemore
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Shan K. Naidu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Soledad A. Fernandez
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Lianbo Yu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Michael Hallett
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC,Department of Biochemistry and Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC
| | - Morag Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC
| | - Gustavo W. Leone
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI,Co-Corresponding Authors: Michael C. Ostrowski, Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathon Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, , Phone: 843-792-5012; Blake E. Hildreth III, Shelby Biomedical Research Building, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, , Phone: 205-934-8697, Gustavo Leone, Clinical Cancer Center, Froedtert Hospital Campus, 8800 W. Doyne Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226, , Phone: 414-335-1000
| | - Blake E. Hildreth
- Department of Pathology and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL,Co-Corresponding Authors: Michael C. Ostrowski, Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathon Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, , Phone: 843-792-5012; Blake E. Hildreth III, Shelby Biomedical Research Building, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, , Phone: 205-934-8697, Gustavo Leone, Clinical Cancer Center, Froedtert Hospital Campus, 8800 W. Doyne Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226, , Phone: 414-335-1000
| | - Michael C. Ostrowski
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC,Co-Corresponding Authors: Michael C. Ostrowski, Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathon Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, , Phone: 843-792-5012; Blake E. Hildreth III, Shelby Biomedical Research Building, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233, , Phone: 205-934-8697, Gustavo Leone, Clinical Cancer Center, Froedtert Hospital Campus, 8800 W. Doyne Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226, , Phone: 414-335-1000
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5
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Abstract
Decades of research have concluded that disruptions to Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) have profound effects on cancer progression. However, as our understanding of the tumor stroma has evolved, we can appreciate that disruptions to tumor suppressors such as PTEN should not be studied solely in an epithelial context. Inactivation of PTEN in the stroma is associated with worse outcomes in human cancers, therefore, it is important to understand activities regulated downstream of PTEN in stromal compartments. Studies reviewed herein provide evidence for important mechanistic targets downstream of PTEN signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a major component of the tumor stroma. We also discuss the potential clinical implications for these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Lefler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Cara Seward
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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6
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Rujchanarong D, Lefler J, Saunders JE, Pippin S, Spruill L, Bethard JR, Ball LE, Mehta AS, Drake RR, Ostrowski MC, Angel PM. Defining the Tumor Microenvironment by Integration of Immunohistochemistry and Extracellular Matrix Targeted Imaging Mass Spectrometry. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4419. [PMID: 34503228 PMCID: PMC8430776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast stroma plays a significant role in breast cancer risk and progression yet remains poorly understood. In breast stroma, collagen is the most abundantly expressed protein and its increased deposition and alignment contributes to progression and poor prognosis. Collagen post-translation modifications such as hydroxylated-proline (HYP) control deposition and stromal organization. The clinical relevance of collagen HYP site modifications in cancer processes remains undefined due to technical issues accessing collagen from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. We previously developed a targeted approach for investigating collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins from FFPE tissue. Here, we hypothesized that immunohistochemistry staining for fibroblastic markers would not interfere with targeted detection of collagen stroma peptides and could reveal peptide regulation influenced by specific cell types. Our initial work demonstrated that stromal peptide peak intensities when using MALD-IMS following IHC staining (αSMA, FAP, P4HA3 and PTEN) were comparable to serial sections of nonstained tissue. Analysis of histology-directed IMS using PTEN on breast tissues and TMAs revealed heterogeneous PTEN staining patterns and suggestive roles in stromal protein regulation. This study sets the foundation for investigations of target cell types and their unique contribution to collagen regulation within extracellular matrix niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denys Rujchanarong
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
| | - Julia Lefler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (J.L.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Janet E. Saunders
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
| | - Sarah Pippin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
| | - Laura Spruill
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Jennifer R. Bethard
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
| | - Lauren E. Ball
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
| | - Anand S. Mehta
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
| | - Richard R. Drake
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
| | - Michael C. Ostrowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (J.L.); (M.C.O.)
| | - Peggi M. Angel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Bruker-MUSC Center of Excellence, Clinical Glycomics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (D.R.); (J.E.S.); (S.P.); (J.R.B.); (L.E.B.); (A.S.M.); (R.R.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (J.L.); (M.C.O.)
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7
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Thies KA, Cole MW, Schafer RE, Spehar JM, Richardson DS, Steck SA, Das M, Lian AW, Ray A, Shakya R, Knoblaugh SE, Timmers CD, Ostrowski MC, Chakravarti A, Sizemore GM, Sizemore ST. The small G-protein RalA promotes progression and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:65. [PMID: 34118960 PMCID: PMC8196523 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01438-3] [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: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women. In particular, triple-negative BC (TNBC) has the highest rate of mortality due in large part to the lack of targeted treatment options for this subtype. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify new molecular targets for TNBC treatment. RALA and RALB are small GTPases implicated in growth and metastasis of a variety of cancers, although little is known of their roles in BC. Methods The necessity of RALA and RALB for TNBC tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated in vivo using orthotopic and tail-vein models. In vitro, 2D and 3D cell culture methods were used to evaluate the contributions of RALA and RALB during TNBC cell migration, invasion, and viability. The association between TNBC patient outcome and RALA and RALB expression was examined using publicly available gene expression data and patient tissue microarrays. Finally, small molecule inhibition of RALA and RALB was evaluated as a potential treatment strategy for TNBC in cell line and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Results Knockout or depletion of RALA inhibited orthotopic primary tumor growth, spontaneous metastasis, and experimental metastasis of TNBC cells in vivo. Conversely, knockout of RALB increased TNBC growth and metastasis. In vitro, RALA and RALB had antagonistic effects on TNBC migration, invasion, and viability with RALA generally supporting and RALB opposing these processes. In BC patient populations, elevated RALA but not RALB expression is significantly associated with poor outcome across all BC subtypes and specifically within TNBC patient cohorts. Immunohistochemical staining for RALA in patient cohorts confirmed the prognostic significance of RALA within the general BC population and the TNBC population specifically. BQU57, a small molecule inhibitor of RALA and RALB, decreased TNBC cell line viability, sensitized cells to paclitaxel in vitro and decreased tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC cell line and PDX models in vivo. Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate important but paradoxical roles for RALA and RALB in the pathogenesis of TNBC and advocate further investigation of RALA as a target for the precise treatment of metastatic TNBC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-021-01438-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Thies
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Matthew W Cole
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Rachel E Schafer
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan M Spehar
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Dillon S Richardson
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sarah A Steck
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Manjusri Das
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Arthur W Lian
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Alo Ray
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Reena Shakya
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Target Validation Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sue E Knoblaugh
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Cynthia D Timmers
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Arnab Chakravarti
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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8
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Strell C, Folkvaljon D, Holmberg E, Schiza A, Thurfjell V, Karlsson P, Bergh J, Bremer T, Akslen LA, Wärnberg F, Östman A. High PDGFRb Expression Predicts Resistance to Radiotherapy in DCIS within the SweDCIS Randomized Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3469-3477. [PMID: 33952629 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study analyzes the potential of stromal platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRb) expression as biomarker for radiotherapy (RT) benefit on ipsilateral breast events (IBE) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Improved identification of DCIS patients refractory to adjuvant whole-breast RT is needed. Predictive biomarker studies in DCIS have focused on tumor cell features rather than the tumor-associated stroma, despite growing evidence of its influence on therapy efficiency. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Samples from the Swedish randomized radiotherapy DCIS trial (SweDCIS) were subjected to IHC analysis for stromal PDGFRb expression. IBE incidence at 10 years after breast-conserving surgery was the primary endpoint. Interactions between marker and treatment were analyzed. RESULTS PDGFRb score was predictive for RT benefit with regard to IBE (P interaction = 0.002 and P interaction = 0.008 adjusted multivariably). Patients of the PDGFRblow group had a strong benefit from RT regarding IBE risk [HR, 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.45; P < 0.001] with an absolute risk reduction of 21% (cumulative risk 7% vs. 28%) at 10 years. No significant risk reduction by RT was observed for patients of the PDGFRbhigh group (HR, 0.83; 0.51-1.34; P = 0.444; cumulative risk 22% vs. 25%). The RT response-predictive effect of stromal PDGFRb was equally strong in analyses for in situ and invasive IBE when analyzed separately (in situ IBE: P = 0.029; invasive IBE: P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest high stromal PDGFRb expression as a novel biomarker identifying DCIS patients who are refractory to standard whole-breast adjuvant RT. The data imply previously unrecognized fibroblast-mediated modulation of radiosensitivity of DCIS, which should be further explored from mechanistic and targeting perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Strell
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dick Folkvaljon
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Holmberg
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aglaia Schiza
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Viktoria Thurfjell
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Karlsson
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergh
- Karolinska Institutet and Breast Cancer Section, Cancer Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Department of Oncology and Pathology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Public Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lars A Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Fredrik Wärnberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Oncology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Arne Östman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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9
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Lichtenberger BM, Kasper M. Cellular heterogeneity and microenvironmental control of skin cancer. J Intern Med 2021; 289:614-628. [PMID: 32976658 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Healthy tissues harbour a surprisingly high number of cells that carry well-known cancer-causing mutations without impacting their physiological function. In recent years, strong evidence accumulated that the immediate environment of mutant cells profoundly impact their prospect of malignant progression. In this review, focusing on the skin, we investigate potential key mechanisms that ensure tissue homeostasis despite the presence of mutant cells, as well as critical factors that may nudge the balance from homeostasis to tumour formation. Functional in vivo studies and single-cell transcriptome analyses have revealed a tremendous cellular heterogeneity and plasticity within epidermal (stem) cells and their respective niches, revealing for example wild-type epithelial cells, fibroblasts or immune-cell subsets as critical in preventing cancer formation and malignant progression. It's the same cells, however, that can drive carcinogenesis. Therefore, understanding the abundance and molecular variation of cell types in health and disease, and how they interact and modulate the local signalling environment will thus be key for new therapeutic avenues in our battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Lichtenberger
- From the, Skin and Endothelium Research Division, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kasper
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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10
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Pesch AM, Pierce LJ, Speers CW. Modulating the Radiation Response for Improved Outcomes in Breast Cancer. JCO Precis Oncol 2021; 5:PO.20.00297. [PMID: 34250414 DOI: 10.1200/po.20.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Pesch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lori J Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Corey W Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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11
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Saji M, Kim CS, Wang C, Zhang X, Khanal T, Coombes K, La Perle K, Cheng SY, Tsichlis PN, Ringel MD. Akt isoform-specific effects on thyroid cancer development and progression in a murine thyroid cancer model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18316. [PMID: 33110146 PMCID: PMC7591514 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Akt family is comprised of three unique homologous proteins with isoform-specific effects, but isoform-specific in vivo data are limited in follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), a PI3 kinase-driven tumor. Prior studies demonstrated that PI3K/Akt signaling is important in thyroid hormone receptor βPV/PV knock-in (PV) mice that develop metastatic thyroid cancer that most closely resembles FTC. To determine the roles of Akt isoforms in this model we crossed Akt1-/-, Akt2-/-, and Akt3-/- mice with PV mice. Over 12 months, thyroid size was reduced for the Akt null crosses (p < 0.001). Thyroid cancer development and local invasion were delayed in only the PVPV-Akt1 knock out (KO) mice in association with increased apoptosis with no change in proliferation. Primary-cultured PVPV-Akt1KO thyrocytes uniquely displayed a reduced cell motility. In contrast, loss of any Akt isoform reduced lung metastasis while vascular invasion was reduced with Akt1 or 3 loss. Microarray of thyroid RNA displayed incomplete overlap between the Akt KO models. The most upregulated gene was the dendritic cell (DC) marker CD209a only in PVPV-Akt1KO thyroids. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in CD209a-expressing cells in the PVPV-Akt1KO thyroids. In summary, Akt isoforms exhibit common and differential functions that regulate local and metastatic progression in this model of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoyasu Saji
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 506 Biomedical Research Tower, 560 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Caroline S Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chaojie Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 506 Biomedical Research Tower, 560 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tilak Khanal
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 506 Biomedical Research Tower, 560 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kevin Coombes
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bionformatics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Krista La Perle
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sheue-Yann Cheng
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Philip N Tsichlis
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 506 Biomedical Research Tower, 560 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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12
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Rajan N, Khanal T, Ringel MD. Progression and dormancy in metastatic thyroid cancer: concepts and clinical implications. Endocrine 2020; 70:24-35. [PMID: 32779092 PMCID: PMC7530083 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Distant metastasis classically has been defined as a late-stage event in cancer progression. However, it has become clear that metastases also may occur early in the "lifetime" of a cancer and that they may remain stable at distant sites. This stability of metastatic cancer deposits has been termed "metastatic dormancy" or, as we term it, "metastatic progression dormancy" as the progression either may reflect growth of already existing metastases or new cancer spread. Biologically, dormancy is the presence of nongrowing, static metastatic cells that survive over time. Clinically, dormancy is defined by stability in tumor markers, imaging, and clinical course. Metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancer offers an excellent tumor type to understand these processes for several reasons: (1) primary therapy often includes removal of the entire gland with ablation of residual normal tissue thereby removing one source for new metastases; (2) the presence of a sensitive biochemical and radiographic monitoring tests enabling monitoring of metastasis throughout the progression process; and (3) its tendency toward prolonged clinical dormancy that can last for years or decades be followed by progression. This latter factor provides opportunities to define therapeutic targets and/or markers of progression. In this review, we will discuss concepts of metastatic progression dormancy and the factors that drive both long-term stability and loss of dormancy with a focus on thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neel Rajan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tilak Khanal
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Center, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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13
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Venniyoor A. PTEN: A Thrifty Gene That Causes Disease in Times of Plenty? Front Nutr 2020; 7:81. [PMID: 32582754 PMCID: PMC7290048 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The modern obesity epidemic with associated disorders of metabolism and cancer has been attributed to the presence of "thrifty genes". In the distant past, these genes helped the organism to improve energy efficiency and store excess energy safely as fat to survive periods of famine, but in the present day obesogenic environment, have turned detrimental. I propose PTEN as the likely gene as it has functions that span metabolism, cancer and reproduction, all of which are deranged in obesity and insulin resistance. The activity of PTEN can be calibrated in utero by availability of nutrients by the methylation arm of the epigenetic pathway. Deficiency of protein and choline has been shown to upregulate DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), especially 1 and 3a; these can then methylate promoter region of PTEN and suppress its expression. Thus, the gene is tuned like a metabolic rheostat proportional to the availability of specific nutrients, and the resultant "dose" of the protein, which sits astride and negatively regulates the insulin-PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, decides energy usage and proliferation. This "fixes" the metabolic capacity of the organism periconceptionally to a specific postnatal level of nutrition, but when faced with a discordant environment, leads to obesity related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Venniyoor
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Oncology Centre, The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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14
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Thies KA, Hammer AM, Hildreth BE, Steck SA, Spehar JM, Kladney RD, Geisler JA, Das M, Russell LO, Bey JF, Bolyard CM, Pilarski R, Trimboli AJ, Cuitiño MC, Koivisto CS, Stover DG, Schoenfield L, Otero J, Godbout JP, Chakravarti A, Ringel MD, Ramaswamy B, Li Z, Kaur B, Leone G, Ostrowski MC, Sizemore ST, Sizemore GM. Stromal Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-β Signaling Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis in the Brain. Cancer Res 2020; 81:606-618. [PMID: 32327406 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFRβ) is a receptor tyrosine kinase found in cells of mesenchymal origin such as fibroblasts and pericytes. Activation of this receptor is dependent on paracrine ligand induction, and its preferred ligand PDGFB is released by neighboring epithelial and endothelial cells. While expression of both PDGFRβ and PDGFB has been noted in patient breast tumors for decades, how PDGFB-to-PDGFRβ tumor-stroma signaling mediates breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis remains unclear. Here we demonstrate this paracrine signaling pathway that mediates both primary tumor growth and metastasis, specifically, metastasis to the brain. Elevated levels of PDGFB accelerated orthotopic tumor growth and intracranial growth of mammary tumor cells, while mesenchymal-specific expression of an activating mutant PDGFRβ (PDGFRβD849V) exerted proproliferative signals on adjacent mammary tumor cells. Stromal expression of PDGFRβD849V also promoted brain metastases of mammary tumor cells expressing high PDGFB when injected intravenously. In the brain, expression of PDGFRβD849V was observed within a subset of astrocytes, and aged mice expressing PDGFRβD849V exhibited reactive gliosis. Importantly, the PDGFR-specific inhibitor crenolanib significantly reduced intracranial growth of mammary tumor cells. In a tissue microarray comprised of 363 primary human breast tumors, high PDGFB protein expression was prognostic for brain metastases, but not metastases to other sites. Our results advocate the use of mice expressing PDGFRβD849V in their stromal cells as a preclinical model of breast cancer-associated brain metastases and support continued investigation into the clinical prognostic and therapeutic use of PDGFB-to-PDGFRβ signaling in women with breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: These studies reveal a previously unknown role for PDGFB-to-PDGFRβ paracrine signaling in the promotion of breast cancer brain metastases and support the prognostic and therapeutic clinical utility of this pathway for patients.See related article by Wyss and colleagues, p. 594.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Thies
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anisha M Hammer
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Blake E Hildreth
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sarah A Steck
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan M Spehar
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Raleigh D Kladney
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Oncology Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer A Geisler
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Manjusri Das
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Luke O Russell
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jerome F Bey
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Chelsea M Bolyard
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Robert Pilarski
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Human Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anthony J Trimboli
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Maria C Cuitiño
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Christopher S Koivisto
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Daniel G Stover
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lynn Schoenfield
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jose Otero
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jonathan P Godbout
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Arnab Chakravarti
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Zaibo Li
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Balveen Kaur
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Gustavo Leone
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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15
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Park D, Shakya R, Koivisto C, Pitarresi JR, Szabolcs M, Kladney R, Hadjis A, Mace TA, Ludwig T. Murine models for familial pancreatic cancer: Histopathology, latency and drug sensitivity among cancers of Palb2, Brca1 and Brca2 mutant mouse strains. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226714. [PMID: 31877165 PMCID: PMC6932818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations of the PALB2 tumor suppressor gene have been identified in familial breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer cases. PALB2 cooperates with BRCA1/2 proteins through physical interaction in initiation of homologous recombination, in maintenance of genome integrity following DNA double-strand breaks. To determine if the role of PALB2 as a linker between BRCA1 and BRCA2 is critical for BRCA1/2-mediated tumor suppression, we generated Palb2 mouse pancreatic cancer models and compared tumor latencies, phenotypes and drug responses with previously generated Brca1/2 pancreatic cancer models. For development of Palb2 pancreatic cancer, we crossed conditional Palb2 null mouse with mice carrying the KrasG12D; p53R270H; Pdx1-Cre (KPC) constructs, and these animals were observed for pancreatic tumor development. Individual deletion of Palb2, Brca1 or Brca2 genes in pancreas per se using Pdx1-Cre was insufficient to cause tumors, but it reduced pancreata size. Concurrent expression of mutant KrasG12D and p53R270H, with tumor suppressor inactivated strains in Palb2-KPC, Brca1-KPC or Brca2-KPC, accelerated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development. Moreover, most Brca1-KPC and some Palb2-KPC animals developed mucinous cystic neoplasms with PDAC, while Brca2-KPC and KPC animals did not. 26% of Palb2-KPC mice developed MCNs in pancreata, which resemble closely the Brca1 deficient tumors. However, the remaining 74% of Palb2-KPC animals developed PDACs without any cysts like Brca2 deficient tumors. In addition, the number of ADM lesions and immune cells infiltrations (CD3+ and F/480+) were significantly increased in Brca1-KPC tumors, but not in Brca2-KPC tumors. Interestingly, the level of ADM lesions and infiltration of CD3+ or F/480+ cells in Palb2-KPC tumors were intermediate between Brca1-KPC and Brca2-KPC tumors. As expected, disruption of Palb2 and Brca1/2 sensitized tumor cells to DNA damaging agents in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, Palb2-KPC PDAC exhibited features observed in both Brca1-KPC and Brca2-KPC tumors, which could be due to its role, as a linker between Brca1 and Brca2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongju Park
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Reena Shakya
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Christopher Koivisto
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jason R Pitarresi
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Matthias Szabolcs
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Raleigh Kladney
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ashley Hadjis
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Thomas A Mace
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Thomas Ludwig
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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16
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Thies KA, Lefler JE, Leone G, Ostrowski MC. PTEN in the Stroma. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a036111. [PMID: 31427286 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Although tremendous progress has been made in understanding the functions of Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in tumor cells, only recently have tumor cell-non-autonomous PTEN actions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) been appreciated. While it is accepted that the TME actively communicates with cancer cells to influence disease progression, our understanding of the genes and pathways responsible is still evolving. Given that inactivation of PTEN in the stroma is correlated with worse outcomes in human cancers, determining the unique functions and mechanisms of PTEN regulation in various TME cell compartments is essential. In this review, the evidence for PTEN function in different TME cell compartments, the mechanisms governing PTEN inactivation, and the downstream pathways regulated by PTEN that are critical for intracellular communication, are covered. The potential clinical implications of these findings as well as the future directions for the study of stromal PTEN are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Thies
- Department of Radiation Oncology and The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - Julia E Lefler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
| | - Gustavo Leone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
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17
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Li J, Ho WY, Tsang JYS, Ni YB, Chan SK, Tse GM. Expression of biomarkers in the AKT pathway correlates with malignancy and recurrence in phyllodes tumours of the breast. Histopathology 2019; 74:567-577. [PMID: 30383904 DOI: 10.1111/his.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Phyllodes tumours (PTs) of the breast are uncommon fibroepithelial neoplasms with the potential to recur and metastasise. Apart from histological grading, the expression of biological markers and its relationship with tumour behaviour have been topics of interest. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathway regulates diverse biological functions, and is one of the most frequently deregulated pathways in cancers. Little is known of PI3K-AKT pathway alteration in PT. We aim to investigate the alterations in different component of AKT pathway in PTs. METHODS AND RESULTS This study investigated the expression of four biological markers involved in this pathway (PTEN, INPP4B, PI3KCA and pAKT) in 134 PTs by the use of immunohistochemistry. According to an immunoscore incorporating staining intensity and proportion, low epithelial INPP4B expression (P = 0.045) was associated with recurrence. A trend of association was found for low epithelial PTEN expression with recurrence (P = 0.090). Interestingly, low epithelial INPP4B expression was also associated recurred tumours (P = 0.043). Stromal PI3KCA expression (P = 0.016) and pAKT expression (P = 0.006) were found to be correlated with increased histological grade, but an opposite trend was seen for stromal INPP4B expression (P = 0.018). In addition, epithelial and stromal PTEN expression, PI3KCA expression and pAKT expression showed strong correlations with each other (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that alterations in AKT pathway activation may correlate with malignant transformation and recurrence in PT. Low epithelial INPP4B/PTEN expression is associated with shorter recurrence-free survival. These observations suggest that the pathway may play a crucial role in the biological behaviour and progression of PT, and assessing the expression of this pathway may be of value in diagnosis, grading, prognostication, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Li
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Yee Ho
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Julia Y S Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yun-Bi Ni
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Siu-Ki Chan
- Department of Pathology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gary M Tse
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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