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Hossain A, Ahsan A, Hasan I, Sohel, Khan A, Somadder PD, Monjur S, Miah S, Kibria KMK, Ahmed K, Rahman H. Screening out molecular pathways and prognostic biomarkers of ultraviolet-mediated melanoma through computational techniques. Int J Biol Markers 2024; 39:118-129. [PMID: 38410032 DOI: 10.1177/03936155241230968] [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] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer, but the exact mechanism by which it occurs and the most effective methods of intervention to prevent it are yet unknown. For this purpose, our study will use bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to discover potential biomarkers of skin cancer for early diagnosis and prevention of disease with applicable clinical treatments. METHODS This study compared gene expression and protein levels in ultraviolet-mediated cultured keratinocytes and adjacent normal skin tissue using RNA sequencing data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information-Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO) database. Then, pathway analysis was employed with a selection of hub genes from the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the survival and expression profiles. Finally, potential clinical biomarkers were validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS We identified 32 shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by analyzing three different subsets of the GSE85443 dataset. Skin cancer development is related to the control of several DEGs through cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity, cell cycle regulation, and activation of the NIMA kinase pathways. The cytoHubba plugin in Cytoscape identified 12 hub genes from PPI; among these 3 DEGs, namely, AURKA, CDK4, and PLK1 were significantly associated with survival (P < 0.05) and highly expressed in skin cancer tissues. For validation purposes, ROC curve analysis indicated two biomarkers: AURKA (area under the curve (AUC) value = 0.8) and PLK1 (AUC value = 0.7), which were in an acceptable range. CONCLUSIONS Further translational research, including clinical experiments, teratogenicity tests, and in-vitro or in-vivo studies, will be performed to evaluate the expression of these identified biomarkers regarding the prognosis of skin cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arju Hossain
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Asif Ahsan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Imran Hasan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
| | - Sohel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Primeasia University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Arif Khan
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Pratul Dipta Somadder
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Sumaiya Monjur
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sipon Miah
- Department of Information and communication Technology, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
| | - K M Kaderi Kibria
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Kawsar Ahmed
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
- Group of Biophotomatiχ, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Habibur Rahman
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
- Center for Advanced Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence Research, Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
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Allam RM, El Kerdawy AM, Gouda AE, Ahmed KA, Abdel-Mohsen HT. Benzimidazole-oxindole hybrids as multi-kinase inhibitors targeting melanoma. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107243. [PMID: 38457953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107243] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
In the current study, a series of benzimidazole-oxindole conjugates 8a-t were designed and synthesized as type II multi-kinase inhibitors. They exhibited moderate to potent inhibitory activity against BRAFWT up to 99.61 % at 10 µM. Notably, compounds 8e, 8k, 8n and 8s demonstrated the most promising activity, with 99.44 to 99.61 % inhibition. Further evaluation revealed that 8e, 8k, 8n and 8s exhibit moderate to potent inhibitory effects on the kinases BRAFV600E, VEGFR-2, and FGFR-1. Additionally, compounds 8a-t were screened for their cytotoxicity by the NCI, and several compounds showed significant growth inhibition in diverse cancer cell lines. Compound 8e stood out with a GI50 range of 1.23 - 3.38 µM on melanoma cell lines. Encouraged by its efficacy, it was further investigated for its antitumor activity and mechanism of action, using sorafenib as a reference standard. The hybrid compound 8e exhibited potent cellular-level suppression of BRAFWT, VEGFR-2, and FGFR-1 in A375 cell line, surpassing the effects of sorafenib. In vivo studies demonstrate that 8e significantly inhibits the growth of B16F10 tumors in mice, leading to increased survival rates and histopathological tumor regression. Furthermore, 8e reduces angiogenesis markers, mRNA expression levels of VEGFR-2 and FGFR-1, and production of growth factors. It also downregulated Notch1 protein expression and decreased TGF-β1 production. Molecular docking simulations suggest that 8e binds as a promising type II kinase inhibitor in the target kinases interacting with the key regions in their kinase domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha M Allam
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical and Clinical Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, P.O. Box 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Kerdawy
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini Street, P.O. Box 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Gouda
- Pharmaceutical Research Department, Nawah Scientific, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kawkab A Ahmed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Heba T Abdel-Mohsen
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, El-Buhouth St., Dokki, P.O. Box 12622, Cairo, Egypt.
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Flower CT, Liu C, Chuang HY, Ye X, Cheng H, Heath JR, Wei W, White FM. Signaling and transcriptional dynamics underlying early adaptation to oncogenic BRAF inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.19.581004. [PMID: 39071317 PMCID: PMC11275845 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.19.581004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
A major contributor to poor sensitivity to anti-cancer kinase inhibitor therapy is drug-induced cellular adaptation, whereby remodeling of signaling and gene regulatory networks permits a drug-tolerant phenotype. Here, we resolve the scale and kinetics of critical subcellular events following oncogenic kinase inhibition and preceding cell cycle re-entry, using mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics and RNA sequencing to capture molecular snapshots within the first minutes, hours, and days of BRAF kinase inhibitor exposure in a human BRAF -mutant melanoma model of adaptive therapy resistance. By enriching specific phospho-motifs associated with mitogenic kinase activity, we monitored the dynamics of thousands of growth- and survival-related protein phosphorylation events under oncogenic BRAF inhibition and drug removal. We observed early and sustained inhibition of the BRAF-ERK axis, gradual downregulation of canonical cell cycle-dependent signals, and three distinct and reversible phase transitions toward quiescence. Statistical inference of kinetically-defined signaling and transcriptional modules revealed a concerted response to oncogenic BRAF inhibition and a dominant compensatory induction of SRC family kinase (SFK) signaling, which we found to be at least partially driven by accumulation of reactive oxygen species via impaired redox homeostasis. This induction sensitized cells to co-treatment with an SFK inhibitor across a panel of patient-derived melanoma cell lines and in an orthotopic mouse xenograft model, underscoring the translational potential for measuring the early temporal dynamics of signaling and transcriptional networks under therapeutic challenge.
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Wójcik M, Zmarzły N, Derkacz A, Kulpok-Bagiński T, Blek N, Grabarek BO. Gene expression profile of mitogen-activated kinases and microRNAs controlling their expression in HaCaT cell culture treated with lipopolysaccharide A and cyclosporine A. Cell Cycle 2024; 23:279-293. [PMID: 38445655 PMCID: PMC11057563 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2320508] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies indicate that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated and overexpressed in psoriatic lesions. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the expression pattern of genes encoding MAPKs and microRNA (miRNA) molecules potentially regulating their expression in human adult low-calcium high-temperature (HaCaT) keratinocytes exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide A (LPS) and cyclosporine A (CsA). HaCaT cells were treated with 1 µg/mL LPS for 8 h, followed by treatment with 100 ng/mL cyclosporine A for 2, 8, or 24 h. Untreated cells served as controls. The molecular analysis consists of microarray, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses. The statistical analysis of the obtained results was performed using Transcriptome Analysis Console and STATISTICA 13.5 PL with the statistical significance threshold of p < 0.05. Changes in the expression profile of six mRNAs: dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MAP2K2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MAP2K7), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 2 (MAP3K2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK9) in cell culture exposed to LPS or LPS and the drug compared to the control. We observed that under the LPS and cyclosporine treatment, the expression o/ miR-34a, miR-1275, miR-3188, and miR-382 changed significantly (p < 0.05). We demonstrated a potential relationship between DUSP1 and miR-34a; DUSP4 and miR-34a, miR-382, and miR-3188; MAPK9 and miR-1275, MAP2K7 and mir-200-5p; MAP3K2 and mir-200-5p, which may be the subject of further research in the context of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Wójcik
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
| | - Nikola Zmarzły
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
| | - Alicja Derkacz
- Collegium Medicum, WSB University, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
| | | | - Natasza Blek
- Faculty of Medicine, Uczelnia Medyczna im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie, Warszawa, Poland
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Ge G, Wen Y, Li P, Guo Z, Liu Z. Single-Cell Plasmonic Immunosandwich Assay Reveals the Modulation of Nucleocytoplasmic Localization Fluctuation of ABL1 on Cell Migration. Anal Chem 2023; 95:17502-17512. [PMID: 38050674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02593] [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: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is an essential process of cancer metastasis. The spatiotemporal dynamics of signaling molecules influences cellular phenotypic outcomes. It has been increasingly documented that the Abelson (ABL) family kinases play critical roles in solid tumors. However, ABL1's shuttling dynamics in cell migration still remains unexplored. This is mainly because tools permitting the investigation of translocation dynamics of proteins in single living cells are lacking. Herein, to bridge this gap, we developed a unique multifunctional integrated single-cell analysis method that enables long-term observation of cell migration behavior and monitoring of signaling proteins and complexes at the subcellular level. We found that the shuttling of ABL1's to the cytoplasm results in a higher migration speed, while its trafficking back to the nucleus leads to a lower one. Furthermore, our results indicated that fluctuant protein-protein interactions between 14-3-3 and ABL1 modulate ABL1's nucleocytoplasmic fluctuation and eventually affect the cell speed. Importantly, based on these new insights, we demonstrated that disturbing ABL1's nuclear export traffic and 14-3-3-ABL1 complexes formation can effectively suppress cell migration. Thus, our method opens up a new possibility for simultaneous tracking of internal molecular mechanisms and cell behavior, providing a promising tool for the in-depth study of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yanrong Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhanchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
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Liu N, Li C, Shang Q, Qi J, Li Q, Deng J, Dan H, Xie L, Chen Q. Angelicin inhibits cell growth and promotes apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma by negatively regulating DUSP6/cMYC signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2023; 432:113793. [PMID: 37741490 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113793] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Angelicin has been reported to have antitumor effects on many types of cancer. However, few studies on angelicin in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been performed. We performed cell cycle and apoptosis analyses to assess the effect of angelicin on OSCC cells. We conducted RNA-seq studies to reveal differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) and c-MYC were strongly down-regulated differential genes. Silencing RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown DUSP6. The mouse xenograft model was used to mimic OSCC. Angelicin inhibited OSCC in vitro. We found that DUSP6 interacted with c-MYC. DUSP6 knockdown group and DUSP6 knockdown + angelicin group had similar effects of OSCC cells. Angelicin could reduce tumor formation, DUSP6, and c-MYC expression in vivo. Compared with paclitaxel, the tumor inhibition effect of the two drugs was similar. However, angelicin did not cause weight loss and had lower toxicity. In sum, Angelicin has antitumor effects on OSCC in vitro and vivo by negatively regulating the DUSP6 mediated c-MYC signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Periodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou 510182, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianhui Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiajia Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qionghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongxia Dan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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Lyon A, Tripathi R, Meeks C, He D, Wu Y, Liu J, Wang C, Chen J, Zhu H, Mukherjee S, Ganguly S, Plattner R. ABL1/2 and DDR1 Drive MEKi Resistance in NRAS-Mutant Melanomas by Stabilizing RAF/MYC/ETS1 and Promoting RAF Homodimerization. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:954. [PMID: 36765910 PMCID: PMC9913232 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030954] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanomas harboring NRAS mutations are a particularly aggressive and deadly subtype. If patients cannot tolerate or the melanomas are insensitive to immune checkpoint blockade, there are no effective 2nd-line treatment options. Drugs targeting the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, which are used for BRAF-mutant melanomas, do little to increase progression-free survival (PFS). Here, using both loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches, we show that ABL1/2 and DDR1 are critical nodes during NRAS-mutant melanoma intrinsic and acquired MEK inhibitor (MEKi) resistance. In some acquired resistance cells, ABL1/2 and DDR1 cooperate to stabilize RAF proteins, activate ERK cytoplasmic and nuclear signaling, repress p27/KIP1 expression, and drive RAF homodimerization. In contrast, other acquired resistance cells depend solely on ABL1/2 for their survival, and are sensitive to highly specific allosteric ABL1/2 inhibitors, which prevent β-catenin nuclear localization and destabilize MYC and ETS1 in an ERK-independent manner. Significantly, targeting ABL1/2 and DDR1 with an FDA-approved anti-leukemic drug, reverses intrinsic MEKi resistance, delays acquisition of acquired resistance, and doubles the survival time in a NRAS-mutant mouse model. These data indicate that repurposing FDA-approved drugs targeting ABL1/2 and DDR1 may be a novel and effective strategy for treating patients with treatment-refractory NRAS-driven melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Lyon
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Rakshamani Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Christina Meeks
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Daheng He
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource Facility, College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Haining Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Sujata Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Saptadwipa Ganguly
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Rina Plattner
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Krawczyk A, Strzałka-Mrozik B, Juszczyk K, Kimsa-Dudek M, Wcisło-Dziadecka D, Gola J. The MAP2K2 Gene as Potential Diagnostic Marker in Monitoring Adalimumab Therapy of Psoriatic Arthritis. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2023; 24:330-340. [PMID: 35762548 DOI: 10.2174/1389201023666220628111644] [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: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MAP kinases are some of the cascades that are specialized in the cell's response to external stimuli. Their impaired functioning can be observed during the course of psoriatic arthritis. Currently, the best-known class of biological drugs is the inhibitors of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, including adalimumab. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess changes in the expression of MAP kinase genes in patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with adalimumab, as well as to determine which of the analyzed transcripts could be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic target. METHODS An analysis was performed on the total RNA extracted from PBMCs of patients with psoriatic arthritis before and after three months of adalimumab therapy as well as from a control group. Changes in the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase genes were assessed using the HG-U133A 2.0 oligonucleotide microarray method, while the obtained results were validated using the real-time RT-qPCR method. RESULTS Using the oligonucleotide microarray method, 14 genes coded for proteins from the MAPK group were identified with at least a two-fold change of expression in the control group and during adalimumab therapy. Validation of the results confirmed a statistically significant decrease in the transcriptional activity of the MAP2K2 gene in the group of patients three months after the administration of adalimumab relative to the control group. CONCLUSION Adalimumab therapy alters the expression of MAPK-coding genes. The assessment of the number of MAP2K2 mRNA molecules can potentially be used in diagnostic analyses or in monitoring adalimumab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Krawczyk
- Department of Nutrigenomics and Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Barbara Strzałka-Mrozik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Karol Juszczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kimsa-Dudek
- Department of Nutrigenomics and Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Dominika Wcisło-Dziadecka
- Department of Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Joanna Gola
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
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Chen P, Cai X, Mu G, Duan Y, Jing C, Yang Z, Yang C, Wang X. Supramolecular nanofibers co-loaded with dabrafenib and doxorubicin for targeted and synergistic therapy of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Theranostics 2023; 13:2140-2153. [PMID: 37153748 PMCID: PMC10157742 DOI: 10.7150/thno.82140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Although surgery, radioiodine therapy, and thyroid hormone therapy are the primary clinical treatments for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), effective therapy for locally advanced or progressive DTC remains challenging. BRAF V600E, the most common BRAF mutation subtype, is highly related to DTC. Previous studies prove that combination of kinase inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs may be a potential approach for DTC treatment. In this study, a supramolecular peptide nanofiber (SPNs) co-loaded with dabrafenib (Da) and doxorubicin (Dox) was constructed for targeted and synergistic therapy with BRAF V600E+ DTC. Methods: A self-assembling peptide nanofiber (Biotin-GDFDFDYGRGD, termed SPNs) bearing biotin at the N-terminus and a cancer-targeting ligand RGD at the C-terminus was used as a carrier for co-loading Da and Dox. D-phenylalanine and D-tyrosine (DFDFDY) are used to improve the stability of peptides in vivo. Under multiple non-covalent interactions, SPNs/Da/Dox assembled into longer and denser nanofibers. RGD ligand endows self-assembled nanofibers with targeting cancer cells and co-delivery, thereby improving cellular uptake of payloads. Results: Both Da and Dox indicated decreased IC50 values upon encapsulation in SPNs. Co-delivery of Da and Dox by SPNs exhibited the strongest therapeutic effect in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation in BRAF V600E mutant thyroid cancer cells. Moreover, SPNs enable efficient drug delivery and lower Dox dosage, thereby significantly reducing its side effects. Conclusion: This study proposes a promising paradigm for the synergistic treatment of DTC with Da and Dox using supramolecular self-assembled peptides as carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiaoyao Cai
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Ganen Mu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yuansheng Duan
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Chao Jing
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Zhimou Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, and National Institute of Functional Materials, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Cuihong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail addresses: Dr. Xudong Wang () and Dr. Cuihong Yang ()
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Maxillofacial and Otorhinolaryngological Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail addresses: Dr. Xudong Wang () and Dr. Cuihong Yang ()
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10
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Lehmann R, Rayner BS, Ziegler DS. Resistance mechanisms in BRAF V600E paediatric high-grade glioma and current therapeutic approaches. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1031378. [PMID: 36582791 PMCID: PMC9792688 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1031378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG) are aggressive central nervous system tumours with a poor prognosis. BRAFV600E mutant pHGGs can be treated with targeted BRAF inhibitors, which have shown both preclinical activity and potent clinical efficacy. Unfortunately, the development of drug resistance results in disease relapse or progression and is the primary cause of treatment failure. While there is a lot of data to explain mechanisms of resistance in other BRAFV600E tumours, comparatively little is known about the mechanisms of BRAF inhibitor resistance in BRAFV600E pHGG. Recent literature has identified aberrations in members of the RAS/RAF/ERK pathway, the PI3K/AKT/MTOR pathway and the cell cycle as major contributors to the resistance profile. A range of novel therapies have been suggested to overcome BRAF inhibitor drug resistance in BRAFV600E pHGG. This review will discuss the current literature available for BRAF inhibitor resistant BRAFV600E pHGGs and provide an overview of the currently available and proposed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lehmann
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B S Rayner
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - D S Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine & Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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11
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Witkowski J, Polak S, Rogulski Z, Pawelec D. In Vitro/In Vivo Translation of Synergistic Combination of MDM2 and MEK Inhibitors in Melanoma Using PBPK/PD Modelling: Part I. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12984. [PMID: 36361773 PMCID: PMC9656205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Translation of the synergy between the Siremadlin (MDM2 inhibitor) and Trametinib (MEK inhibitor) combination observed in vitro into in vivo synergistic efficacy in melanoma requires estimation of the interaction between these molecules at the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) levels. The cytotoxicity of the Siremadlin and Trametinib combination was evaluated in vitro in melanoma A375 cells with MTS and RealTime-Glo assays. Analysis of the drug combination matrix was performed using Synergy and Synergyfinder packages. Calculated drug interaction metrics showed high synergy between Siremadlin and Trametinib: 23.12%, or a 7.48% increase of combined drug efficacy (concentration-independent parameter β from Synergy package analysis and concentration-dependent δ parameter from Synergyfinder analysis, respectively). In order to select the optimal PD interaction parameter which may translate observed in vitro synergy metrics into the in vivo setting, further PK/PD studies on cancer xenograft animal models coupled with PBPK/PD modelling are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Witkowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Adamed Pharma S.A., Adamkiewicza 6a, 05-152 Czosnów, Poland
| | - Sebastian Polak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Simcyp Division, Certara UK Limited, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Zbigniew Rogulski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Daniels HG, Knicely BG, Miller AK, Thompson A, Plattner R, Goellner EM. Inhibition of ABL1 by tyrosine kinase inhibitors leads to a downregulation of MLH1 by Hsp70-mediated lysosomal protein degradation. Front Genet 2022; 13:940073. [PMID: 36338985 PMCID: PMC9631443 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.940073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway and its regulation are critical for genomic stability. Mismatch repair (MMR) follows replication and repairs misincorporated bases and small insertions or deletions that are not recognized and removed by the proofreading polymerase. Cells deficient in MMR exhibit an increased overall mutation rate and increased expansion and contraction of short repeat sequences in the genome termed microsatellite instability (MSI). MSI is often a clinical measure of genome stability in tumors and is used to determine the course of treatment. MMR is also critical for inducing apoptosis after alkylation damage from environmental agents or DNA-damaging chemotherapy. MLH1 is essential for MMR, and loss or mutation of MLH1 leads to defective MMR, increased mutation frequency, and MSI. In this study, we report that tyrosine kinase inhibitors, imatinib and nilotinib, lead to decreased MLH1 protein expression but not decreased MLH1 mRNA levels. Of the seven cellular targets of Imatinib and nilotinib, we show that silencing of ABL1 also reduces MLH1 protein expression. Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or silencing of ABL1 results in decreased apoptosis after treatment with alkylating agents, suggesting the level of MLH1 reduction is sufficient to disrupt MMR function. We also report MLH1 is tyrosine phosphorylated by ABL1. We demonstrate that MLH1 downregulation by ABL1 knockdown or inhibition requires chaperone protein Hsp70 and that MLH1 degradation can be abolished with the lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin. Taken together, we propose that ABL1 prevents MLH1 from being targeted for degradation by the chaperone Hsp70 and that in the absence of ABL1 activity at least a portion of MLH1 is degraded through the lysosome. This study represents an advance in understanding MMR pathway regulation and has important clinical implications as MMR status is used in the clinic to inform patient treatment, including the use of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G. Daniels
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Breanna G. Knicely
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Anna Kristin Miller
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ana Thompson
- Berea College, Berea, KY, United States,University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Rina Plattner
- University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States,University of Kentucky, College of Medicine Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Eva M. Goellner
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Lexington, KY, United States,University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States,*Correspondence: Eva M. Goellner,
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13
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The current state of the art and future trends in RAS-targeted cancer therapies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:637-655. [PMID: 36028717 PMCID: PMC9412785 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00671-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite being the most frequently altered oncogenic protein in solid tumours, KRAS has historically been considered ‘undruggable’ owing to a lack of pharmacologically targetable pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, improvements in drug design have culminated in the development of inhibitors that are selective for mutant KRAS in its active or inactive state. Some of these inhibitors have proven efficacy in patients with KRASG12C-mutant cancers and have become practice changing. The excitement associated with these advances has been tempered by drug resistance, which limits the depth and/or duration of responses to these agents. Improvements in our understanding of RAS signalling in cancer cells and in the tumour microenvironment suggest the potential for several novel combination therapies, which are now being explored in clinical trials. Herein, we provide an overview of the RAS pathway and review the development and current status of therapeutic strategies for targeting oncogenic RAS, as well as their potential to improve outcomes in patients with RAS-mutant malignancies. We then discuss challenges presented by resistance mechanisms and strategies by which they could potentially be overcome. The RAS oncogenes are among the most common drivers of tumour development and progression but have historically been considered undruggable. The development of direct KRAS inhibitors has changed this paradigm, although currently clinical use of these novel therapeutics is limited to a select subset of patients, and intrinsic or acquired resistance presents an inevitable challenge to cure. Herein, the authors provide an overview of the RAS pathway in cancer and review the ongoing efforts to develop effective therapeutic strategies for RAS-mutant cancers. They also discuss the current understanding of mechanisms of resistance to direct KRAS inhibitors and strategies by which they might be overcome. Owing to intrinsic and extrinsic factors, KRAS and other RAS isoforms have until recently been impervious to targeting with small-molecule inhibitors. Inhibitors of the KRASG12C variant constitute a potential breakthrough in the treatment of many cancer types, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer, for which such an agent has been approved by the FDA. Several forms of resistance to KRAS inhibitors have been defined, including primary, adaptive and acquired resistance; these resistance mechanisms are being targeted in studies that combine KRAS inhibitors with inhibitors of horizontal or vertical signalling pathways. Mutant KRAS has important effects on the tumour microenvironment, including the immunological milieu; these effects must be considered to fully understand resistance to KRAS inhibitors and when designing novel treatment strategies.
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14
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Olbryt M. Potential Biomarkers of Skin Melanoma Resistance to Targeted Therapy—Present State and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092315. [PMID: 35565444 PMCID: PMC9102921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Around 5–10% of advanced melanoma patients progress early on anti-BRAF targeted therapy and 20–30% respond only with the stabilization of the disease. Presumably, these patients could benefit more from first-line immunotherapy. Resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors is generated by genetic and non-genetic factors inherent to a tumor or acquired during therapy. Some of them are well documented as a cause of treatment failure. They are potential predictive markers that could improve patients’ selection for both standard and also alternative therapy as some of them have therapeutic potential. Here, a summary of the most promising predictive and therapeutic targets is presented. This up-to-date knowledge may be useful for further study on implementing more accurate genetic/molecular tests in melanoma treatment. Abstract Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, the number of which is increasing worldwide every year. It is completely curable in its early stage and fatal when spread to distant organs. In addition to new therapeutic strategies, biomarkers are an important element in the successful fight against this cancer. At present, biomarkers are mainly used in diagnostics. Some biological indicators also allow the estimation of the patient’s prognosis. Still, predictive markers are underrepresented in clinics. Currently, the only such indicator is the presence of the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene in cancer cells, which qualifies the patient for therapy with inhibitors of the MAPK pathway. The identification of response markers is particularly important given primary and acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Reliable predictive tests would enable the selection of patients who would have the best chance of benefiting from treatment. Here, up-to-date knowledge about the most promising genetic and non-genetic resistance-related factors is described. These are alterations in MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and RB signaling pathways, e.g., due to mutations in NRAS, RAC1, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, and NF1, but also other changes activating these pathways, such as the overexpression of HGF or EGFR. Most of them are also potential therapeutic targets and this issue is also addressed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Olbryt
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
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15
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Kohtamäki L, Arjama M, Mäkelä S, Ianevski P, Välimäki K, Juteau S, Ilmonen S, Ungureanu D, Kallioniemi O, Murumägi A, Hernberg M. High-throughput ex vivo drug testing identifies potential drugs and drug combinations for NRAS-positive malignant melanoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 15:101290. [PMID: 34837846 PMCID: PMC8633005 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy options for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) have considerably improved over the past decade. However, many patients still need effective therapy after unsuccessful immunotherapy, especially patients with BRAF-negative tumors who lack the option of targeted treatment second line. Therefore, the elucidation of efficient and personalized therapy options for these patients is required. In this study, three patient-derived cancer cells (PDCs) were established from NRAS Q61-positive MM patients. The response of PDCs and five established melanoma cell lines (two NRAS-positive, one wild type, and two BRAF V600-positive) was evaluated toward a panel of 527 oncology drugs using high-throughput drug sensitivity and resistance testing. The PDCs and cell lines displayed strong responses to MAPK inhibitors, as expected. Additionally, the PDCs and cell lines were responsive to PI3K/mTOR, mTOR, and PLK1 inhibitors among other effective drugs currently undergoing clinical trials. Combinations with a MEK inhibitor were tested with other targeted agents to identify effective synergies. MEK inhibitor showed synergy with multikinase inhibitor ponatinib, ABL inhibitor nilotinib, PI3K/mTOR inhibitor pictilisib, and pan-RAF inhibitor LY3009120. The application of the patients' cancer cells for functional drug testing ex vivo is one step further in the process of identifying potential agents and agent combinations to personalize treatment for patients with MM. Our preliminary study results suggest that this approach has the potential for larger-scale drug testing and personalized treatment applications in our expansion trial. Our results show that drug sensitivity and resistance testing may be implementable in the treatment planning of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kohtamäki
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mariliina Arjama
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Siru Mäkelä
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Philipp Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Välimäki
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Juteau
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Suvi Ilmonen
- Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Surgery, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniela Ungureanu
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland; Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Astrid Murumägi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Micaela Hernberg
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
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16
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BET protein inhibition evidently enhances sensitivity to PI3K/mTOR dual inhibition in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1020. [PMID: 34716294 PMCID: PMC8556340 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), the second most common primary liver cancer, is a fatal malignancy with a poor prognosis and only very limited therapeutic options. Although molecular targeted therapy is emerged as a promising treatment strategy, resistance to molecular-targeted therapy occurs inevitably, which represents a major clinical challenge. In this study, we confirmed that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is the most significantly affected pathways in ICC. As a novel phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR dual inhibitor, BEZ235, exerts antitumour activity by effectively and specifically blocking the dysfunctional activation of the PI3K/serine/threonine kinase (AKT)/mTOR pathway. We generate the orthotopic ICC mouse model through hydrodynamic transfection of AKT and yes-associated protein (YAP) plasmids into the mouse liver. Our study confirmed that BEZ235 can suppress the proliferation, invasion and colony conformation abilities of ICC cells in vitro but cannot effectively inhibit ICC progression in vivo. Inhibition of PI3K/mTOR allowed upregulation of c-Myc and YAP through suppressed the phosphorylation of LATS1. It would be a novel mechanism that mediated resistance to PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor. However, Bromo- and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibition by JQ1 downregulates c-Myc and YAP transcription, which could enhance the efficacy of PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. The efficacy results of combination therapy exhibited effective treatment on ICC in vitro and in vivo. Our data further confirmed that the combination of PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor and BET inhibition induces M1 polarization and suppresses M2 polarization in macrophages by regulating the expression of HIF-1α. Our study provides a novel and efficient therapeutic strategy in treating primary ICC. ![]()
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17
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Liu W, Xie A, Tu C, Liu W. REX-1 Represses RASSF1a and Activates the MEK/ERK Pathway to Promote Tumorigenesis in Prostate Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1666-1675. [PMID: 34183450 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics play an important role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer; it is urgent to investigate vital transcription factors in methylation regulation with the aim to develop novel treatment strategies targeting prostate cancer. As a member of the zinc finger protein family, REX-1 (reduced expression-1) is a transcription factor that has been reported to be closely linked to the development of several cancers. So far, the expression level and precise function of REX-1 in prostate cancer remain largely unknown. Here, we show that REX-1 was overexpressed in prostate cancer clinical tissues, and its expression level was closely correlated with patient prognosis. REX-1 affected prostate tumor growth in vivo by MEK/ERK phosphorylation. Mechanistic studies indicated that REX-1 recruited DNMT3b (DNA methyltransferase 3b), inhibited the transcription of RASSF1a (RAS association domain family 1a), and further modulated methylation of RASSF1a promoter. Intervention of the REX-1/DNMT3b/RASSF1a axis may shed light on the development of novel therapeutic approaches for prostate cancer treatment. IMPLICATIONS: REX1 overexpression recruits DNMT3b and downregulates RASSF1a by promoter methylation, suggesting that epigenetic intervention may contribute to prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hexian Memorial Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - An Xie
- Jiangxi Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chunhua Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Weipeng Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
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18
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Xiang Y, Zou X, Shi H, Xu X, Wu C, Zhong W, Wang J, Zhou W, Zeng X, He M, Wang Y, Huang L, Wang X. Elastic Net Models Based on DNA Copy Number Variations Predicts Clinical Features, Expression Signatures, and Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:668040. [PMID: 34135942 PMCID: PMC8202527 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.668040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the precision medicine of lung adenocarcinoma, the identification and prediction of tumor phenotypes for specific biomolecular events are still not studied in depth. Various earlier researches sheds light on the close correlation between genetic expression signatures and DNA copy number variations (CNVs), for which analysis of CNVs provides valuable information about molecular and phenotypic changes in tumorigenesis. In this study, we propose a comprehensive analysis combining genome-wide association analysis and an Elastic Net Regression predictive model, focus on predicting the levels of many gene expression signatures in lung adenocarcinoma, based upon DNA copy number features alone. Additionally, we predicted many other key phenotypes, including clinical features (pathological stage), gene mutations, and protein expressions. These Elastic Net prediction methods can also be applied to other gene sets, thereby facilitating their use as biomarkers in monitoring therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaohuan Zou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Huaqiu Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xueming Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Caixia Wu
- First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jinfeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wenting Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Miao He
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- First Clinical Medical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xiangcai Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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19
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Luttman JH, Colemon A, Mayro B, Pendergast AM. Role of the ABL tyrosine kinases in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the metastatic cascade. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:59. [PMID: 34022881 PMCID: PMC8140471 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00739-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ABL kinases, ABL1 and ABL2, promote tumor progression and metastasis in various solid tumors. Recent reports have shown that ABL kinases have increased expression and/or activity in solid tumors and that ABL inactivation impairs metastasis. The therapeutic effects of ABL inactivation are due in part to ABL-dependent regulation of diverse cellular processes related to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition and subsequent steps in the metastatic cascade. ABL kinases target multiple signaling pathways required for promoting one or more steps in the metastatic cascade. These findings highlight the potential utility of specific ABL kinase inhibitors as a novel treatment paradigm for patients with advanced metastatic disease. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Hattaway Luttman
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, 308 Research Drive, C-233A LSRC Bldg., P.O. Box 3813, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Ashley Colemon
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, 308 Research Drive, C-233A LSRC Bldg., P.O. Box 3813, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Benjamin Mayro
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, 308 Research Drive, C-233A LSRC Bldg., P.O. Box 3813, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Ann Marie Pendergast
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, 308 Research Drive, C-233A LSRC Bldg., P.O. Box 3813, Durham, NC 27710 USA
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20
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Many Distinct Ways Lead to Drug Resistance in BRAF- and NRAS-Mutated Melanomas. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050424. [PMID: 34063141 PMCID: PMC8148104 DOI: 10.3390/life11050424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma is a relentless tumor with a high metastatic potential. The combat of melanoma by using the targeted therapy is impeded because several major driver mutations fuel its growth (predominantly BRAF and NRAS). Both these mutated oncogenes strongly activate the MAPK (MEK/ERK) pathway. Therefore, specific inhibitors of these oncoproteins or MAPK pathway components or their combination have been used for tumor eradication. After a good initial response, resistant cells develop almost universally and need the drug for further expansion. Multiple mechanisms, sometimes very distant from the MAPK pathway, are responsible for the development of resistance. Here, we review many of the mechanisms causing resistance and leading to the dismal final outcome of mutated BRAF and NRAS therapy. Very heterogeneous events lead to drug resistance. Due to this, each individual mechanism would be in fact needed to be determined for a personalized therapy to treat patients more efficiently and causally according to molecular findings. This procedure is practically impossible in the clinic. Other approaches are therefore needed, such as combined treatment with more drugs simultaneously from the beginning of the therapy. This could eradicate tumor cells more rapidly and greatly diminish the possibility of emerging mechanisms that allow the evolution of drug resistance.
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