1
|
Stanland LJ, Ang HX, Hoj JP, Chu Y, Tan P, Wood KC, Luftig MA. CBF-Beta Mitigates PI3K-Alpha-Specific Inhibitor Killing through PIM1 in PIK3CA-Mutant Gastric Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1148-1162. [PMID: 37493631 PMCID: PMC10811747 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PIK3CA is the second most mutated gene in cancer leading to aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and increased translation, proliferation, and survival. Some 4%-25% of gastric cancers display activating PIK3CA mutations, including 80% of Epstein-Barr virus-associated GCs. Small molecules, including pan-PI3K and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, have shown moderate success clinically, due to broad on-target/off-tissue effects. Thus, isoform-specific and mutant selective inhibitors have been of significant interest. However, drug resistance is a problem and has affected success of new drugs. There has been a concerted effort to define mechanisms of resistance and identify potent combinations in many tumor types, though gastric cancer is comparatively understudied. In this study, we identified modulators of the response to the PI3Kα-specific inhibitor, BYL719, in PIK3CA-mutant GCs. We found that loss of NEDD9 or inhibition of BCL-XL conferred hypersensitivity to BYL719, through increased cell-cycle arrest and cell death, respectively. In addition, we discovered that loss of CBFB conferred resistance to BYL719. CBFB loss led to upregulation of the protein kinase PIM1, which can phosphorylate and activate several overlapping downstream substrates as AKT thereby maintaining pathway activity in the presence of PI3Kα inhibition. The addition of a pan-PIM inhibitor re-sensitized resistant cells to BYL719. Our data provide clear mechanistic insights into PI3Kα inhibitor response in PIK3CA-mutant gastric tumors and can inform future work as mutant-selective inhibitors are in development for diverse tumor types. IMPLICATIONS Loss of either NEDD9 or BCL-XL confers hypersensitivity to PI3K-alpha inhibition whereas loss of CBFB confers resistance through a CBFB/PIM1 signaling axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyla J. Stanland
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hazel X. Ang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jacob P. Hoj
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Patrick Tan
- Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore; Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore
| | - Kris C. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Micah A. Luftig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen CC, Wang S, Yang JM, Huang CH. Targeting Ras signaling excitability in cancer cells through combined inhibition of FAK and PI3K. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.12.544386. [PMID: 37398082 PMCID: PMC10312644 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The Ras/PI3K/ERK signaling network is frequently mutated in various human cancers including cervical cancer and pancreatic cancer. Previous studies showed that the Ras/PI3K/ERK signaling network displays features of excitable systems including propagation of activity waves, all-or-none responses, and refractoriness. Oncogenic mutations lead to enhanced excitability of the network. A positive feedback loop between Ras, PI3K, the cytoskeleton, and FAK was identified as a driver of excitability. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of targeting signaling excitability by inhibiting both FAK and PI3K in cervical and pancreatic cancer cells. We found that the combination of FAK and PI3K inhibitors synergistically suppressed the growth of select cervical and pancreatic cancer cell lines through increased apoptosis and decreased mitosis. In particular, FAK inhibition caused downregulation of PI3K and ERK signaling in cervical cancer but not pancreatic cancer cells. Interestingly, PI3K inhibitors activated multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including insulin receptor and IGF-1R in cervical cancer cells, as well as EGFR, Her2, Her3, Axl, and EphA2 in pancreatic cancer cells. Our results highlight the potential of combining FAK and PI3K inhibition for treating cervical and pancreatic cancer, although appropriate biomarkers for drug sensitivity are needed, and concurrent targeting of RTKs may be required for resistant cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Cheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Suyang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Jr-Ming Yang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Chuan-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
- Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alves LB, Moura AC, Amorim Dos Santos J, Borges GA, Guerra ENS. Pharmacological PI3K inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 88:105558. [PMID: 36681288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105558] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Considering the role of PI3K and its downstream effectors in cell proliferation, invasion, and survival, it is reasonable to expect that treatment with PI3K inhibitors could control HNSCC onset and progression. Thus, the research question for our review was whether pharmacological inhibition of PI3K affects HNSCC progression. METHODS In vitro and in vivo studies were selected from six databases. We collected data regarding cell viability, apoptosis, and the regulation of protein expression levels from in vitro studies. For the in vivo studies, we analyzed the reduction in tumor size or gene and protein expression. RESULTS The included studies showed reduced cell proliferation and apoptosis after treatment with PI3K inhibitors. PI3K inhibitors in combination with other drugs had an enhanced anticancer effects compared to those of single-drug treatments. CONCLUSIONS The results support the potential of PI3K inhibitors as candidates for clinical trials in HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L B Alves
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - A C Moura
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - J Amorim Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - G A Borges
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - E N S Guerra
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ye Y, Huang Z, Zhang M, Li J, Zhang Y, Lou C. Synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in cancers (excluding breast cancer): Preclinical and clinical evidences. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114183. [PMID: 36641927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114183] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is well-known for its important role in cancer growth, proliferation and migration. The activation of PI3K pathway is always connected with endocrine resistance and poor prognosis in cancers. Alpelisib, a selective inhibitor of PI3K, has been demonstrated to be effective in combination with endocrine therapy in HR+ PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer in preclinical and clinical trials. Recently, the synergistic effects of alpelisib combined with targeted agents have been widely reported in PIK3CA-mutated cancer cells, such as breast, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), cervical, liver, pancreatic and lung cancer. However, previous reviews mainly focused on the pharmacological activities of alpelisib in breast cancer. The synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in other cancers has not yet been well reviewed. In this review, an extensive study of related literatures (published until December 20, 2022) regarding the anti-cancer functions and synergistic effects of alpelisib was carried out through the databases. Useful information was extracted. We summarized the preclinical and clinical studies of alpelisib in combination with targeted anti-cancer agents in cancer treatment (excluding breast cancer). The combinations of alpelisib and other targeted agents significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy both in preclinical and clinical studies. Unfortunately, synergistic therapies still could not effectively avoid the possible toxicities and adverse events during treatment. Finally, some prospects for the combination studies in cancer treatment were provided in the paper. Taken together, this review provided valuable information for alpelisib in preclinical and clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Maoqing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Jiayue Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Chenghua Lou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Q, Tie Y, Alu A, Ma X, Shi H. Targeted therapy for head and neck cancer: signaling pathways and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:31. [PMID: 36646686 PMCID: PMC9842704 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is malignant, genetically complex and difficult to treat and is the sixth most frequent cancer, with tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus being major risk factors. Based on epigenetic data, HNC is remarkably heterogeneous, and treatment remains challenging. There is a lack of significant improvement in survival and quality of life in patients with HNC. Over half of HNC patients experience locoregional recurrence or distal metastasis despite the current multiple traditional therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted therapies is common. Therefore, it is urgent to explore more effective and tolerable targeted therapies to improve the clinical outcomes of HNC patients. Recent targeted therapy studies have focused on identifying promising biomarkers and developing more effective targeted therapies. A well understanding of the pathogenesis of HNC contributes to learning more about its inner association, which provides novel insight into the development of small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarized the vital signaling pathways and discussed the current potential therapeutic targets against critical molecules in HNC, as well as presenting preclinical animal models and ongoing or completed clinical studies about targeted therapy, which may contribute to a more favorable prognosis of HNC. Targeted therapy in combination with other therapies and its limitations were also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aqu Alu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gandullo-Sánchez L, Ocaña A, Pandiella A. HER3 in cancer: from the bench to the bedside. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:310. [PMID: 36271429 PMCID: PMC9585794 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02515-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The HER3 protein, that belongs to the ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, is expressed in several types of tumors. That fact, together with the role of HER3 in promoting cell proliferation, implicate that targeting HER3 may have therapeutic relevance. Furthermore, expression and activation of HER3 has been linked to resistance to drugs that target other HER receptors such as agents that act on EGFR or HER2. In addition, HER3 has been associated to resistance to some chemotherapeutic drugs. Because of those circumstances, efforts to develop and test agents targeting HER3 have been carried out. Two types of agents targeting HER3 have been developed. The most abundant are antibodies or engineered antibody derivatives that specifically recognize the extracellular region of HER3. In addition, the use of aptamers specifically interacting with HER3, vaccines or HER3-targeting siRNAs have also been developed. Here we discuss the state of the art of the preclinical and clinical development of drugs aimed at targeting HER3 with therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Gandullo-Sánchez
- grid.428472.f0000 0004 1794 2467Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- grid.411068.a0000 0001 0671 5785Hospital Clínico San Carlos and CIBERONC, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- grid.428472.f0000 0004 1794 2467Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC, IBSAL and CIBERONC, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang Z, Liao J, Schumaker L, Carter-Cooper B, Lapidus RG, Fan X, Gaykalova DA, Mehra R, Cullen KJ, Dan H. Simultaneously targeting ErbB family kinases and PI3K in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2022; 131:105939. [PMID: 35667295 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the most effective PI3K and EGFR inhibitors in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and investigate the efficacy of a combination of an ErbB family kinase inhibitor and a PI3K inhibitor to inhibit cell proliferation of HPV-positive HNSCC. MATERIALS AND METHOD HPV-positive HNSCC cell lines were treated with the FDA approved ErbB kinase inhibitor, Afatinib or FDA-approved PI3K inhibitor, Copanlisib, alone or in combination, and phosphorylation and total protein levels of cells were assessed by Western blot analysis.Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined by MTS assay, flow cytometry, and Western blots, respectively. RESULTS Copanlisib more effectively inhibited cell proliferation in comparison to other PI3K inhibitors tested. HPV-positive HNSCC cells differentially responded to cisplatin, Afatinib, or Copanlisib. The combination of Afatinib and Copanlisib more effectively suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis compared to either treatment alone. Mechanistically, the combination of Afatinib and Copanlisib completely blocked phosphorylation of EGFR, HER2, HER3, and Akt as well as significantly decreased the HPV E7 expression compared to either treatment alone. CONCLUSION Afatinib and Copanlisib more effectively suppress cell proliferation and survival of HPV-positive HNSCC in comparison to either treatment alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zejia Yang
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jipei Liao
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Schumaker
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brandon Carter-Cooper
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoxuan Fan
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daria A Gaykalova
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ranee Mehra
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin J Cullen
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Hancai Dan
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu M, Zhan J, Xie J, Zhu L, Chen L, Luo X, Sheng X, Liu T, Zhang S, Lu Z. MiR-125a-5p inhibits cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration while promoting apoptosis in head and neck cancers by targeting ERBB3. Auris Nasus Larynx 2021; 48:477-486. [PMID: 33077307 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Head and neck cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide. MicroRNAs play a vital regulatory role in the occurrence and development of cancer. The objective of this study is to explore the mechanism of miR-125a-5p in the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of head and neck cancer cells and define its target genes. METHODS The effects of miR-125a-5p on head and neck cancer cells proliferation, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and migration were evaluated by colony formation, BrdU assay, flow cytometry and transwell assays. The potential target gene of miR-125a-5p was determined by luciferase activity assay and western blot analysis. RESULTS In this study, overexpression of miR-125a-5p significantly inhibited the proliferation of head and neck cancer cells, whereas inhibition of miR-125a-5p enhanced their proliferation. BrdU assay and flow cytometry revealed that miR-125a-5p might inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by causing cell cycle arrest. Cell apoptosis assay and Transwell assay indicated that miR-125a-5p induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell migration of cancer cells. Other experiments confirmed that miR-125a-5p could significantly downregulate its expression by binding to ERBB3 to inhibit proliferation and ERBB3 could at least partially mediate the inhibition of miR-125a-5p on the proliferation of head and neck cancer cells. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggested that the miR-125a-5p/ERBB3 axis might play a role in the proliferation, regulation of cell cycle, migration and apoptosis of head and neck cancer cells, potentially offering a new target for treatments of head and neck cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University
| | - Jiandong Zhan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Jiaxuan Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijun Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Liangsi Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xiaoning Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xiaoli Sheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University.
| | - Zhongming Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Badarni M, Prasad M, Golden A, Bhattacharya B, Levin L, Yegodayev KM, Dimitstein O, Joshua BZ, Cohen L, Khrameeva E, Kong D, Porgador A, Braiman A, Grandis JR, Rotblat B, Elkabets M. IGF2 Mediates Resistance to Isoform-Selective-Inhibitors of the PI3K in HPV Positive Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092250. [PMID: 34067117 PMCID: PMC8125641 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the current study, we delineate the molecular mechanisms of acquisition of resistance to two isoform-selective inhibitors of PI3K (isiPI3K), alpelisib and taselisib, in human papillomavirus positive head and neck cell lines. By comparing RNA sequencing of isiPI3K-sensitive tumor cells and their corresponding isiPI3K-acquired-resistant tumor cells, we found that overexpression of insulin growth factor 2 (IGF2) is associated with the resistance phenotype. We further demonstrated by gain and loss of function studies that IGF2 plays a causative role in limiting the sensitivity of human papillomavirus-positive head and neck cell lines. Moreover, we show that blocking IGF2 stimulation activity, using an inhibitor of the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), enhances isiPI3K efficacy and displays a synergistic anti-tumor effect in vitro and superior anti-tumor activity ex vivo and in vivo. Abstract Over 50% of human papilloma positive head-and-neck cancer (HNCHPV+) patients harbor genomic-alterations in PIK3CA, leading to hyperactivation of the phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Nevertheless, despite PI3K pathway activation in HNCHPV+ tumors, the anti-tumor activities of PI3K pathway inhibitors are moderate, mostly due to the emergence of resistance. Thus, for potent and long-term tumor management, drugs blocking resistance mechanisms should be combined with PI3K inhibitors. Here, we delineate the molecular mechanisms of the acquisition of resistance to two isoform-selective inhibitors of PI3K (isiPI3K), alpelisib (BYL719) and taselisib (GDC0032), in HNCHPV+ cell lines. By comparing the transcriptional landscape of isiPI3K-sensitive tumor cells with that of their corresponding isiPI3K-acquired-resistant tumor cells, we found upregulation of insulin growth factor 2 (IGF2) in the resistant cells. Mechanistically, we show that upon isiPI3K treatment, isiPI3K-sensitive tumor cells upregulate the expression of IGF2 to induce cell proliferation via the activation of the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R). Stimulating tumor cells with recombinant IGF2 limited isiPI3K efficacy and released treated cells from S phase arrest. Knocking-down IGF2 with siRNA, or blocking IGF1R with AEW541, resulted in superior anti-tumor activity of isiPI3K in vitro and ex vivo. In vivo, the combination of isiPI3K and IGF1R inhibitor induced stable disease in mice bearing either tumors generated by the HNCHPV+ UM-SCC47 cell line or HPV+ patient-derived xenografts. These findings indicate that IGF2 and the IGF2/IGF1R pathway may constitute new targets for combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of PI3K inhibitors for the treatment of HNCHPV+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Badarni
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
| | - Manu Prasad
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
| | - Artemiy Golden
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (E.K.)
| | - Baisali Bhattacharya
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
| | - Liron Levin
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel;
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ksenia M. Yegodayev
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
| | - Orr Dimitstein
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ben-Zion Joshua
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Barzilay Medical Center, Ashkelon 7830604, Israel
| | - Limor Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
| | - Ekaterina Khrameeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia; (A.G.); (E.K.)
| | - Dexin Kong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China;
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
| | - Alex Braiman
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Barak Rotblat
- The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- Correspondence: (B.R.); (M.E.); Tel.: +972-(0)8-6428806 (B.R.); +972-86428846 (M.E.)
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (M.B.); (M.P.); (B.B.); (K.M.Y.); (L.C.); (A.P.); (A.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel; (O.D.); (B.-Z.J.)
- Correspondence: (B.R.); (M.E.); Tel.: +972-(0)8-6428806 (B.R.); +972-86428846 (M.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
L. Michmerhuizen N, Wang J, Brenner J. Integrated Molecular Profiling as an Approach to Identify PI3K Inhibitor Resistance Mechanisms. Mol Pharmacol 2020. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.92875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of drug resistance pathways and approaches to target these pathways remains a significant and important challenge in cancer biology. Here, we address this challenge in the context of ongoing efforts to advance phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors for the treatment of PI3K-aberrant cancers. While PI3K inhibitors have had tremendous success in some diseases, such as breast cancer, early clinical trials in other malignancies, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), have not had the same level of success. Since HNSCC and other cancers display relatively high PI3K pathway alteration rates (>45%), these underwhelming results suggest that additional or unexpected factors may contribute to the lower response rates. Here, we highlight some of the emerging functional genomic and sequencing approaches being used to identify predictive biomarkers of PI3K inhibitor response using both cancer cell lines and clinical trial specimens. Importantly, these approaches have uncovered both innate genetic and adaptive mechanisms driving PI3K inhibitor resistance. In this chapter, we describe recent technological advances that have revolutionized our understanding of PI3K inhibitor resistance pathways in HNSCC and highlight how these and other approaches lay the groundwork to make significant strides in our understanding of molecular pharmacology in the cancer field.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ruicci KM, Meens J, Plantinga P, Stecho W, Pinto N, Yoo J, Fung K, MacNeil D, Mymryk JS, Barrett JW, Howlett CJ, Boutros PC, Ailles L, Nichols AC. TAM family receptors in conjunction with MAPK signalling are involved in acquired resistance to PI3Kα inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:217. [PMID: 33059733 PMCID: PMC7559997 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is common in many malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite pre-clinical and clinical studies, outcomes from targeting the PI3K pathway have been underwhelming and the development of drug resistance poses a significant barrier to patient treatment. In the present study, we examined mechanisms of acquired resistance to the PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib (formerly BYL719) in HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Methods Five unique PDX mouse models and three HNSCC cell lines were used. All cell lines and xenografts underwent genomic characterization prior to study. Serial drug treatment was conducted in vitro and in vivo to develop multiple, clinically-significant models of resistance to alpelisib. We then used reverse phase protein arrays (RPPAs) to profile the expression of proteins in parental and drug-resistant models. Top hits were validated by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometric analysis and RNA interference studies were then used to interrogate the molecular mechanisms underlying acquired drug resistance. Results Prolonged treatment with alpelisib led to upregulation of TAM family receptor tyrosine kinases TYRO3 and AXL. Importantly, a significant shift in expression of both TYRO3 and AXL to the cell surface was detected in drug-resistant cells. Targeted knockdown of TYRO3 and AXL effectively re-sensitized resistant cells to PI3Kα inhibition. In vivo, resistance to alpelisib emerged following 20–35 days of treatment in all five PDX models. Elevated TYRO3 expression was detected in drug-resistant PDX tissues. Downstream of TYRO3 and AXL, we identified activation of intracellular MAPK signalling. Inhibition of MAPK signalling also re-sensitized drug-resistant cells to alpelisib. Conclusions We have identified TYRO3 and AXL receptors to be key mediators of resistance to alpelisib, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that pan-TAM inhibition is a promising avenue for combinatorial or second-line therapy alongside PI3Kα inhibition. These findings advance our understanding of the role TAM receptors play in modulating the response of HNSCC to PI3Kα inhibition and suggest a means to prevent, or at least delay, resistance to PI3Kα inhibition in order to improve outcomes for HNSCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara M Ruicci
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jalna Meens
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Plantinga
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - William Stecho
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Pinto
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - John Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Fung
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Danielle MacNeil
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John W Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Christopher J Howlett
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Institute for Precision Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laurie Ailles
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Room B3-431A, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada. .,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada. .,Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
CDK 4/6 Inhibition Overcomes Acquired and Inherent Resistance to PI3Kα Inhibition in Pre-Clinical Models of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103214. [PMID: 33036331 PMCID: PMC7601167 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating alterations in PIK3CA, the gene coding for the catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), are prevalent in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and thought to be one of the main drivers of these tumors. However, early clinical trials on PI3K inhibitors (PI3Ki) have been disappointing due to the limited durability of the activity of these drugs. To investigate the resistance mechanisms to PI3Ki and attempt to overcome them, we conducted a molecular-based study using both HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). We sought to simulate and dissect the molecular pathways that come into play in PIK3CA-altered HNSCC treated with isoform-specific PI3Ki (BYL719, GDC0032). In vitro assays of cell viability and protein expression indicate that activation of the mTOR and cyclin D1 pathways is associated with resistance to PI3Ki. Specifically, in BYL719-resistant cells, BYL719 treatment did not induce pS6 and pRB inhibition as detected in BYL719-sensitive cells. By combining PI3Ki with either mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) or cyclin D1 kinase (CDK) 4/6 specific inhibitors (RAD001 and abemaciclib, respectively), we were able to overcome the acquired resistance. Furthermore, we found that PI3Ki and CDK 4/6 inhibitors have a synergistic anti-tumor effect when combined in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative/PIK3CA-WT tumors. These findings provide a rationale for combining PI3Ki and CDK 4/6 inhibitors to enhance anti-tumor efficacy in HNSCC patients.
Collapse
|
13
|
Tsuchihashi H, Naruse T, Yanamoto S, Okuyama K, Furukawa K, Omori K, Umeda M. Selective inhibition of PI3K110α as a novel therapeutic strategy for cetuximab‑resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:863-872. [PMID: 32705230 PMCID: PMC7388413 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High expression of the 110 kDa catalytic subunit of the class IA PI3K (PI3Kp110α) may play an important role in cetuximab resistance exhibited by both colorectal cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the association between the expression of proteins in the PI3Kp110α pathway and cetuximab resistance, and the antitumor effects of alpelisib (PI3K inhibitor) and cetuximab in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. The association between PI3Kp110α protein expression levels and the tumor response to cetuximab was determined using immunohistochemistry. OSCC cells were treated with alpelisib, cetuximab, or in combination, and the effects were examined in vitro and in vivo. PI3Kp110α protein expression was significantly associated with the tumor response to cetuximab (P<0.05) and 1-year progression-free survival and overall survival (P<0.05). Combined treatment of alpelisib and cetuximab resulted in enhanced antitumor effects in vitro compared with either agent administered alone. In particular, the expression level of N-cadherin, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related protein, was decreased, suggesting that the invasion potential of cetuximab-resistant cells decreased. Furthermore, the expression of proteins in the PI3K pathway were decreased in tumors from mice with OSCC xenografts treated with alpelisib and cetuximab in combination. These results indicate that novel regimens of systemic therapy (such as chemotherapy), with combinations of cetuximab and alpelisib, may be beneficial for patients with cetuximab-resistant OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tsuchihashi
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Naruse
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Kohei Okuyama
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Kohei Furukawa
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Keisuke Omori
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| | - Masahiro Umeda
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852‑8588, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ganci F, Pulito C, Valsoni S, Sacconi A, Turco C, Vahabi M, Manciocco V, Mazza EMC, Meens J, Karamboulas C, Nichols AC, Covello R, Pellini R, Spriano G, Sanguineti G, Muti P, Bicciato S, Ailles L, Strano S, Fontemaggi G, Blandino G. PI3K Inhibitors Curtail MYC-Dependent Mutant p53 Gain-of-Function in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2956-2971. [PMID: 31969334 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mutation of TP53 gene is a hallmark of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) not yet exploited therapeutically. TP53 mutation frequently leads to the synthesis of mutant p53 proteins with gain-of-function activity, associated with radioresistance and high incidence of local recurrences in HNSCC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Mutant p53-associated functions were investigated through gene set enrichment analysis in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort of HNSCC and in a panel of 22 HNSCC cell lines. Mutant p53-dependent transcripts were analyzed in HNSCC cell line Cal27, carrying mutant p53H193L; FaDu, carrying p53R248L; and Detroit 562, carrying p53R175H. Drugs impinging on mutant p53-MYC-dependent signature were identified interrogating Connectivity Map (https://clue.io) derived from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) database (http://lincs.hms.harvard.edu/) and analyzed in HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models. RESULTS We identified a signature of transcripts directly controlled by gain-of-function mutant p53 protein and prognostic in HNSCC, which is highly enriched of MYC targets. Specifically, both in PDX and cell lines of HNSCC treated with the PI3Kα-selective inhibitor BYL719 (alpelisib) the downregulation of mutant p53/MYC-dependent signature correlates with response to this compound. Mechanistically, mutant p53 favors the binding of MYC to its target promoters and enhances MYC protein stability. Treatment with BYL719 disrupts the interaction of MYC, mutant p53, and YAP proteins with MYC target promoters. Of note, depletion of MYC, mutant p53, or YAP potentiates the effectiveness of BYL719 treatment. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the blocking of this transcriptional network is an important determinant for the response to BYL719 in HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Ganci
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pulito
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Valsoni
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Turco
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mahrou Vahabi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Manciocco
- Otolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Maria Cristina Mazza
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jalna Meens
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Karamboulas
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Renato Covello
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Raul Pellini
- Otolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spriano
- Otolaryngology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sanguineti
- Radiation Oncology Department, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Muti
- Department of Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Center-McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan La Statale, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Genome Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laurie Ailles
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabrina Strano
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fontemaggi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|