1
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Guidetti L, Castelli R, Zappia A, Ferrari FR, Giorgio C, Barocelli E, Pagliaro L, Vento F, Roti G, Scalvini L, Vacondio F, Rivara S, Mor M, Lodola A, Tognolini M. Discovery of a new 1-(phenylsulfonyl)-1H-indole derivative targeting the EphA2 receptor with antiproliferative activity on U251 glioblastoma cell line. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116681. [PMID: 39024966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116681] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
In our continuing effort devoted at developing agents targeting the EphA2 receptor by means of protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors, we report here the design and synthesis of a new class of l-β-homotryptophan conjugates of 3-β-hydroxy-Δ5-cholenic acid bearing a set of arylsulfonyl substituents at the indole nitrogen atom. An extensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis indicates that the presence of a bulky lipophilic moiety at the indole nitrogen is fundamental for improving potency on the EphA2 receptor, while abrogating activity on the EphB1-EphB3 receptor subtypes. A rational exploration, guided by the combined application of an experimental design on σp and π physicochemical descriptors and docking simulations, led to the discovery of UniPR1454, a 1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)sulfonyl derivative acting as potent and competitive EphA2 antagonist able to inhibit ephrin-A1 dependent signals and to reduce proliferation of glioblastoma (U251) cell line at micromolar concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Guidetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Riccardo Castelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alfonso Zappia
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Giorgio
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Barocelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy; Ematologia e CTMO, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy; Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics (THEC), Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Vento
- Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics (THEC), Università di Parma, Parma, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Università di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Roti
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy; Ematologia e CTMO, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy; Translational Hematology and Chemogenomics (THEC), Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy; Microbiome Research Hub, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Tognolini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy.
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2
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Mezquita B, Reyes-Farias M, Pons M. FDA-approved antivirals ledipasvir and daclatasvir downregulate the Src-EPHA2-Akt oncogenic pathway in colorectal and triple-negative breast cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117325. [PMID: 39226729 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117325] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals ledipasvir (LDV) and daclatasvir (DCV) are widely used as part of combination therapies to treat Hepatitis C infections. Here we show that these compounds inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and colony formation of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, SRC-transduced SW620 colon cancer cells and SRC- transduced NIH3T3 fibroblasts. DCV also inhibits the expression of PDL-1, which is responsible for resistance to immunotherapy in breast cancer cells. The demonstrated low toxicity in many Hepatitis C patients suggests LDV and DCV could be used in combination therapies for cancer patients. At the molecular level, these direct-acting antivirals inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt and the ephrin type A receptor 2 (EPHA2) by destabilizing a Src-EPHA2 complex, although they do not affect the general kinase activity of Src. Thus, LDV and DCV could be effective drugs for Src-associated cancers without the inherent toxicity of classical Src inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betlem Mezquita
- Departament de Ciències Bàsiques, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Josep Trueta s/n, Sant Cugat del Vallès, 08195, Spain
| | - Marjorie Reyes-Farias
- Biomolecular NMR laboratory. Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Baldiri Reixac, 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Miquel Pons
- Biomolecular NMR laboratory. Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry. Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Baldiri Reixac, 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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3
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Gerninghaus J, Zhubi R, Krämer A, Karim M, Tran DHN, Joerger AC, Schreiber C, Berger LM, Berger BT, Ehret TAL, Elson L, Lenz C, Saxena K, Müller S, Einav S, Knapp S, Hanke T. Back-Pocket Optimization of 2-Aminopyrimidine-Based Macrocycles Leads to Potent EPHA2/GAK Kinase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12534-12552. [PMID: 39028937 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00411] [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: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Macrocyclization of acyclic compounds is a powerful strategy for improving inhibitor potency and selectivity. Here we have optimized 2-aminopyrimidine-based macrocycles to use these compounds as chemical tools for the ephrin kinase family. Starting with a promiscuous macrocyclic inhibitor, 6, we performed a structure-guided activity relationship and selectivity study using a panel of over 100 kinases. The crystal structure of EPHA2 in complex with the developed macrocycle 23 provided a basis for further optimization by specifically targeting the back pocket, resulting in compound 55, a potent inhibitor of EPHA2/A4 and GAK. Subsequent front-pocket derivatization resulted in an interesting in cellulo selectivity profile, favoring EPHA4 over the other ephrin receptor kinase family members. The dual EPHA2/A4 and GAK inhibitor 55 prevented dengue virus infection of Huh7 liver cells. However, further investigations are needed to determine whether this was a compound-specific effect or target-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Gerninghaus
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Rezart Zhubi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Andreas Krämer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Marwah Karim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Do Hoang Nhu Tran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Andreas C Joerger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Christian Schreiber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Lena M Berger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Benedict-Tilman Berger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Theresa A L Ehret
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Lewis Elson
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Christopher Lenz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Krishna Saxena
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Susanne Müller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Shirit Einav
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, 499 Illinois St, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Thomas Hanke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
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Abdelazeem KN, Nguyen D, Corbo S, Darragh LB, Matsumoto MW, Court BV, Neupert B, Yu J, Olimpo NA, Osborne DG, Gadwa J, Ross RB, Nguyen A, Bhatia S, Kapoor M, Friedman RS, Jacobelli J, Saviola AJ, Knitz MW, Pasquale EB, Karam SD. Manipulating the EphB4-ephrinB2 axis to reduce metastasis in HNSCC. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.21.604518. [PMID: 39091728 PMCID: PMC11291065 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.21.604518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The EphB4-ephrinB2 signaling axis has been heavily implicated in metastasis across numerous cancer types. Our emerging understanding of the dichotomous roles that EphB4 and ephrinB2 play in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) poses a significant challenge to rational drug design. We find that EphB4 knockdown in cancer cells enhances metastasis in preclinical HNSCC models by augmenting immunosuppressive cells like T regulatory cells (Tregs) within the tumor microenvironment. EphB4 inhibition in cancer cells also amplifies their ability to metastasize through increased expression of genes associated with epithelial mesenchymal transition and hallmark pathways of metastasis. In contrast, vascular ephrinB2 knockout coupled with radiation therapy (RT) enhances anti-tumor immunity, reduces Treg accumulation into the tumor, and decreases metastasis. Notably, targeting the EphB4-ephrinB2 signaling axis with the engineered EphB4 ligands EFNB2-Fc-His and Fc-TNYL-RAW-GS reduces local tumor growth and distant metastasis in a preclinical model of HNSCC. Our data suggest that targeted inhibition of vascular ephrinB2 while avoiding inhibition of EphB4 in cancer cells could be a promising strategy to mitigate HNSCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid N.M. Abdelazeem
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Radiation Biology Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Diemmy Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sophia Corbo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Laurel B. Darragh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mike W. Matsumoto
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin Van Court
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brooke Neupert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Justin Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Olimpo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Douglas Grant Osborne
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jacob Gadwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard B. Ross
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alexander Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shilpa Bhatia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel S. Friedman
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Barbara Davis Research Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jordan Jacobelli
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Barbara Davis Research Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael W. Knitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sana D. Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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5
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Pralea IE, Moldovan RC, Țigu AB, Moldovan CS, Fischer-Fodor E, Iuga CA. Cellular Responses Induced by NCT-503 Treatment on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Lines: A Proteomics Approach. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1087. [PMID: 38791048 PMCID: PMC11117597 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) standing out for its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Metabolic reprogramming, one of cancer's hallmarks, underscores the importance of targeting metabolic vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention. This study aimed to investigate the impact of de novo serine biosynthetic pathway (SSP) inhibition, specifically targeting phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) with NCT-503, on three TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and Hs 578T. First, MS-based proteomics was used to confirm the distinct expression of PHGDH and other SSP enzymes using the intracellular proteome profiles of untreated cells. Furthermore, to characterize the response of the TNBC cell lines to the inhibitor, both in vitro assays and label-free, bottom-up proteomics were employed. NCT-503 exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on all three cell lines, with MDA-MB-468 being the most susceptible (IC50 20.2 ± 2.8 µM), while MDA-MB-231 and Hs 578T showed higher, comparable IC50s. Notably, differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) induced by NCT-503 treatment were mostly cell line-specific, both in terms of the intracellular and secreted proteins. Through overrepresentation and Reactome GSEA analysis, modifications of the intracellular proteins associated with cell cycle pathways were observed in the MDA-MBs following treatment. Distinctive dysregulation of signaling pathways were seen in all TNBC cell lines, while modifications of proteins associated with the extracellular matrix organization characterizing both MDA-MB-231 and Hs 578T cell lines were highlighted through the treatment-induced modifications of the secreted proteins. Lastly, an analysis was conducted on the DEPs that exhibited greater abundance in the NCT-503 treatment groups to evaluate the potential chemo-sensitizing properties of NCT-503 and the druggability of these promising targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana-Ecaterina Pralea
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Research Center for Advanced Medicine–MedFuture, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Street 4-6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.-E.P.); (R.-C.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Louis Pasteur Street 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu-Cristian Moldovan
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Research Center for Advanced Medicine–MedFuture, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Street 4-6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.-E.P.); (R.-C.M.)
| | - Adrian-Bogdan Țigu
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Medicine–MedFuture, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Street 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cristian-Silviu Moldovan
- Department of BioNanoPhysics, Research Center for Advanced Medicine–MedFuture, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Street 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Eva Fischer-Fodor
- Tumor Biology Department, Institute of Oncology “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță”, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cristina-Adela Iuga
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics, Research Center for Advanced Medicine–MedFuture, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Louis Pasteur Street 4-6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.-E.P.); (R.-C.M.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Louis Pasteur Street 6, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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6
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Yamaguchi H, Miyazaki M. Heterocellular Adhesion in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis: Interactions between Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1636. [PMID: 38730588 PMCID: PMC11082996 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer invasion is a requisite for the most malignant progression of cancer, that is, metastasis. The mechanisms of cancer invasion were originally studied using in vitro cell culture systems, in which cancer cells were cultured using artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs). However, conventional culture systems do not precisely recapitulate in vivo cancer invasion because the phenotypes of cancer cells in tumor tissues are strongly affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant cell type in the TME and accelerate cancer progression through invasion, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune suppression. Thus, the reciprocal interactions between CAFs and cancer cells have been extensively studied, leading to the identification of factors that mediate cellular interactions, such as growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles. In addition, the importance of direct heterocellular adhesion between cancer cells and CAFs in cancer progression has recently been elucidated. In particular, CAFs are directly associated with cancer cells, allowing them to invade the ECM and metastasize to distant organs. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the direct heterocellular interaction in CAF-led cancer invasion and metastasis, with an emphasis on gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Yamaguchi
- Department of Cancer Cell Research, Sasaki Institute, Sasaki Foundation, 2-2 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan;
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7
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Kiran N, Yashaswini C, Maheshwari R, Bhattacharya S, Prajapati BG. Advances in Precision Medicine Approaches for Colorectal Cancer: From Molecular Profiling to Targeted Therapies. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:967-990. [PMID: 38633600 PMCID: PMC11019743 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Precision medicine is transforming colorectal cancer treatment through the integration of advanced technologies and biomarkers, enhancing personalized and effective disease management. Identification of key driver mutations and molecular profiling have deepened our comprehension of the genetic alterations in colorectal cancer, facilitating targeted therapy and immunotherapy selection. Biomarkers such as microsatellite instability (MSI) and DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) guide treatment decisions, opening avenues for immunotherapy. Emerging technologies such as liquid biopsies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning promise to revolutionize early detection, monitoring, and treatment selection in precision medicine. Despite these advancements, ethical and regulatory challenges, including equitable access and data privacy, emphasize the importance of responsible implementation. The dynamic nature of colorectal cancer, with its tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution, underscores the necessity for adaptive and personalized treatment strategies. The future of precision medicine in colorectal cancer lies in its potential to enhance patient care, clinical outcomes, and our understanding of this intricate disease, marked by ongoing evolution in the field. The current reviews focus on providing in-depth knowledge on the various and diverse approaches utilized for precision medicine against colorectal cancer, at both molecular and biochemical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelakanta
Sarvashiva Kiran
- Department
of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Chandrashekar Yashaswini
- Department
of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India
| | - Rahul Maheshwari
- School
of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’s
Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-University, Green Industrial Park, TSIIC,, Jadcherla, Hyderabad 509301, India
| | - Sankha Bhattacharya
- School
of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’S
NMIMS Deemed-to-be University, Shirpur, Maharashtra 425405, India
| | - Bhupendra G. Prajapati
- Shree.
S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Kherva, Gujarat 384012, India
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8
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Scarini JF, Gonçalves MWA, de Lima-Souza RA, Lavareze L, de Carvalho Kimura T, Yang CC, Altemani A, Mariano FV, Soares HP, Fillmore GC, Egal ESA. Potential role of the Eph/ephrin system in colorectal cancer: emerging druggable molecular targets. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1275330. [PMID: 38651144 PMCID: PMC11033724 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1275330] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Eph/ephrin system regulates many developmental processes and adult tissue homeostasis. In colorectal cancer (CRC), it is involved in different processes including tumorigenesis, tumor angiogenesis, metastasis development, and cancer stem cell regeneration. However, conflicting data regarding Eph receptors in CRC, especially in its putative role as an oncogene or a suppressor gene, make the precise role of Eph-ephrin interaction confusing in CRC development. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature and highlight evidence that collaborates with these ambiguous roles of the Eph/ephrin system in CRC, as well as the molecular findings that represent promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Figueira Scarini
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Moisés Willian Aparecido Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Reydson Alcides de Lima-Souza
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luccas Lavareze
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita de Carvalho Kimura
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ching-Chu Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Albina Altemani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Viviane Mariano
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Prado Soares
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Gary Chris Fillmore
- Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Erika Said Abu Egal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Ebrahim T, Ebrahim AS, Kandouz M. Diversity of Intercellular Communication Modes: A Cancer Biology Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:495. [PMID: 38534339 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
From the moment a cell is on the path to malignant transformation, its interaction with other cells from the microenvironment becomes altered. The flow of molecular information is at the heart of the cellular and systemic fate in tumors, and various processes participate in conveying key molecular information from or to certain cancer cells. For instance, the loss of tight junction molecules is part of the signal sent to cancer cells so that they are no longer bound to the primary tumors and are thus free to travel and metastasize. Upon the targeting of a single cell by a therapeutic drug, gap junctions are able to communicate death information to by-standing cells. The discovery of the importance of novel modes of cell-cell communication such as different types of extracellular vesicles or tunneling nanotubes is changing the way scientists look at these processes. However, are they all actively involved in different contexts at the same time or are they recruited to fulfill specific tasks? What does the multiplicity of modes mean for the overall progression of the disease? Here, we extend an open invitation to think about the overall significance of these questions, rather than engage in an elusive attempt at a systematic repertory of the mechanisms at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanzeela Ebrahim
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Abdul Shukkur Ebrahim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Kandouz M. Cell Death, by Any Other Name…. Cells 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38391938 PMCID: PMC10886887 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040325] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies trying to understand cell death, this ultimate biological process, can be traced back to a century ago. Yet, unlike many other fashionable research interests, research on cell death is more alive than ever. New modes of cell death are discovered in specific contexts, as are new molecular pathways. But what is "cell death", really? This question has not found a definitive answer yet. Nevertheless, part of the answer is irreversibility, whereby cells can no longer recover from stress or injury. Here, we identify the most distinctive features of different modes of cell death, focusing on the executive final stages. In addition to the final stages, these modes can differ in their triggering stimulus, thus referring to the initial stages. Within this framework, we use a few illustrative examples to examine how intercellular communication factors in the demise of cells. First, we discuss the interplay between cell-cell communication and cell death during a few steps in the early development of multicellular organisms. Next, we will discuss this interplay in a fully developed and functional tissue, the gut, which is among the most rapidly renewing tissues in the body and, therefore, makes extensive use of cell death. Furthermore, we will discuss how the balance between cell death and communication is modified during a pathological condition, i.e., colon tumorigenesis, and how it could shed light on resistance to cancer therapy. Finally, we briefly review data on the role of cell-cell communication modes in the propagation of cell death signals and how this has been considered as a potential therapeutic approach. Far from vainly trying to provide a comprehensive review, we launch an invitation to ponder over the significance of cell death diversity and how it provides multiple opportunities for the contribution of various modes of intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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