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Zhao R, Yin F, Fredimoses M, Zhao J, Fu X, Xu B, Liang M, Chen H, Liu K, Lei M, Laster KV, Li Z, Kundu JK, Dong Z, Lee MH. Targeting FGFR1 by β,β-dimethylacrylalkannin suppresses the proliferation of colorectal cancer in cellular and xenograft models. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155612. [PMID: 38669968 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a major global health challenge, ranking as a top cause of cancer-related mortality. Alarmingly, the five-year survival rate for CRC patients hovers around a mere 10-30 %. The disruption of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFRs) signaling pathways is significantly implicated in the onset and advancement of CRC, presenting a promising target for therapeutic intervention in CRC management. Further investigation is essential to comprehensively elucidate FGFR1's function in CRC and to create potent therapies that specifically target FGFR1. PURPOSE This study aims to demonstrate the oncogenic role of FGFR1 in colorectal cancer and to explore the potential of β,β-dimethylacrylalkannin (β,β-DMAA) as a therapeutic option to inhibit FGFR1. METHODS In this research, we employed a comprehensive suite of techniques including tissue array, kinase profiling, computational docking, knockdown assay to predict and explore the inhibitor of FGFR1. Furthermore, we utilized kinase assay, pull-down, cell proliferation tests, and Patient derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models to further investigate a novel FGFR1 inhibitor and its impact on the growth of CRC. RESULTS In our research, we discovered that FGFR1 protein is markedly upregulated in colorectal cancer tissues, suggesting a significant role in regulating cellular proliferation, particularly in patients with colorectal cancer. Furthermore, we conducted a computational docking, kinase profiling analysis, simulation and identified that β,β-DMAA could directly bind with FGFR1 within ATP binding pocket domain. Cell-based assays confirmed that β,β-DMAA effectively inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells and also triggered cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and altered FGFR1-mediated signaling pathways. Moreover, β,β-DMAA effectively attenuated the development of PDX tumors in mice that were FGFR1-positive, with no notable toxicity observed. In summary, our study highlights the pivotal role of FGFR1 in colorectal cancer, suggesting that inhibiting FGFR1 activity could be a promising strategy for therapeutic intervention. We present strong evidence that targeting FGFR1 with β,β-DMAA is a viable approach for the management of colorectal cancer. Given its low toxicity and high efficacy, β,β-DMAA, as an FGFR1 inhibitor, warrants further investigation in clinical settings for the treatment of FGFR1-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Fanxiang Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Translational Medical Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | | | - Jianhua Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xiaorong Fu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Beibei Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Mengrui Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Hanyong Chen
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN55912, USA
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Mingjuan Lei
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | | | - Zhi Li
- Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Joydeb Kumar Kundu
- Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Mee-Hyun Lee
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou 450000, China; The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou 450000, China; College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju 58245, Republic of Korea.
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Lin H, Fu H, Sun S, Yin H, Yuan J, Liao J. Patient tissue-derived FGFR4-variant and wild-type colorectal cancer organoid development and anticancer drug sensitivity testing. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30985. [PMID: 38826758 PMCID: PMC11141279 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30985] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives FGFR4-variant and wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids were developed to investigate the effects of FGFR4-targeted drugs, including FGFR4-IN and erdafitinib, on CRC and their possible molecular mechanism. Methods Clinical CRC tissues were collected, seven CRC organoids were developed, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. CRC organoids were cultured and organoid drug sensitivity studies were conducted. Finally, an FGFR4-variant (no wild-type) CRC patient-derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model was developed. Western blot measured ERK/AKT/STAT3 pathway-related protein levels. Results WES results revealed the presence of FGFR4-variants in 5 of the 7 CRC organoids. The structural organization and integrity of organoids were significantly altered under the influence of targeted drugs (FGFR4-IN-1 and erdafitinib). The effects of FGFR4 targeted drugs were not selective for FGFR4 genotypes. FGFR4-IN-1 and erdafitinib significantly reduced the growth, diameter, and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) activity of organoids. Furthermore, chemotherapeutic drugs, including 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin, inhibited FGFR4-variant and wild-type CRC organoid activity. Moreover, the tumor volume of mice was significantly reduced at week 6, and p-ERK1/2, p-AKT, and p-STAT3 levels were down-regulated following FGFR4-IN-1 and erdafitinib treatment. Conclusions FGFR4-targeted and chemotherapeutic drugs inhibited the activity of FGFR4-variant and wild-type CRC organoids, and targeted drugs were more effective than chemotherapeutic drugs at the same concentration. Additionally, FGFR4 inhibitors hindered tumorigenesis in FGFR4-variant CRC organoids through ERK1/2, AKT, and STAT3 pathways. However, no wild-type control was tested in this experiment, which need further confirmation in the next study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongbo Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Shishen Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Foshan Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Foshan Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Foshan Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Jilin Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
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Xu Z, Zhuang Y, Chen Q. Current scenario of pyrazole hybrids with in vivo therapeutic potential against cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115495. [PMID: 37209450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115495] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutics occupy a pivotal role in the medication of different types of cancers, but the prevalence and mortality rates of cancer remain high. The drug resistance and low specificity of current available chemotherapeutics are the main barriers for the effective cancer chemotherapy, evoking an immediate need for the development of novel anticancer agents. Pyrazole is a highly versatile five-membered heterocycle with two adjacent nitrogen atoms and possesses remarkable therapeutic effects and robust pharmacological potency. The pyrazole derivatives especially pyrazole hybrids have demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo efficacies against cancers through multiple mechanisms, inclusive of apoptosis induction, autophagy regulation, and cell cycle disruption. Moreover, several pyrazole hybrids such as crizotanib (pyrazole-pyridine hybrid), erdafitinib (pyrazole-quinoxaline hybrid) and ruxolitinib (pyrazole-pyrrolo [2,3-d]pyrimidine hybrid) have already been approved for the cancer therapy, revealing that pyrazole hybrids are useful scaffolds to develop novel anticancer agents. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current scenario of pyrazole hybrids with potential in vivo anticancer efficacy along with mechanisms of action, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics, covering papers published in recent 5 years (2018-present), to facilitate further rational exploitation of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xu
- Industry Innovation & Research and Development Institute of Zhumadian, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, China.
| | - Yafei Zhuang
- Industry Innovation & Research and Development Institute of Zhumadian, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, China
| | - Qingtai Chen
- College of Chemistry Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, China
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Yang C, Song D, Zhao F, Wu J, Zhang B, Ren H, Sun Q, Qin S. Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value and immune infiltration of FGFR family members in gastric cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:936952. [PMID: 36147913 PMCID: PMC9487308 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.936952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) modulate numerous cellular processes in tumor cells and tumor microenvironment. However, the effect of FGFRs on tumor prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer (GC) remains controversial. Methods The expression of four different types of FGFRs was analyzed via GEPIA, TCGA-STAD, and GTEX databases and our 27 pairs of GC tumor samples and the adjacent normal tissue. Furthermore, the Kaplan–Meier plot and the TCGA database were utilized to assess the association of FGFRs with clinical prognosis. The R software was used to evaluate FGFRs co-expression genes with GO/KEGG Pathway Enrichment Analysis. In vitro and in vivo functional analyses and immunoblotting were performed to verify FGFR4 overexpression consequence. Moreover, the correlation between FGFRs and cancer immune infiltrates was analyzed by TIMER and TCGA databases. And the efficacy of anti-PD-1 mAb treatment was examined in NOG mouse models with overexpressed FGFR1 or FGFR4. Results The expression of FGFRs was considerably elevated in STAD than in the normal gastric tissues and was significantly correlated with poor OS and PFS. ROC curve showed the accuracy of the FGFRs in tumor diagnosis, among which FGFR4 had the highest ROC value. Besides, univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that FGFR4 was an independent prognostic factor for GC patients. According to a GO/KEGG analysis, the FGFRs were implicated in the ERK/MAPK, PI3K-AKT and extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor signaling pathways. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed that overexpression of FGFR4 stimulated GC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. In addition, FGFR1 expression was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD8+ T-cells, CD4+ T-cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in STAD. In contrast, FGFR4 expression was negatively correlated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Interestingly, overexpression of FGFR1 in the NOG mouse model improved the immunotherapeutic impact of GC, while overexpression of FGFR4 impaired the effect. When combined with an FGFR4 inhibitor, the anti-tumor effect of anti-PD-1 treatment increased significantly in a GC xenograft mouse model with overexpressed FGFR4. Conclusions FGFRs has critical function in GC and associated with immune cell infiltration, which might be a potential prognosis biomarker and predictor of response to immunotherapy in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dingli Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fengyu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Boxiang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Sida Qin, ; Qi Sun,
| | - Sida Qin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Sida Qin, ; Qi Sun,
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Luo Y, Wu Y, Chang X, Huang B, Luo D, Zhang J, Zhang P, Shi H, Fan J, Nie X. Identification of a novel FGFR2-KIAA1217 fusion in esophageal gastrointestinal stromal tumours: A case report. Front Oncol 2022; 12:884814. [PMID: 35978808 PMCID: PMC9377458 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.884814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) rarely arise in the esophagus. The clinical course and treatment options for esophageal GISTs are poorly understood because of their rarity. In general, the mutation spectrum of esophageal GISTs resembles that of gastric GISTs. Wild-type (WT) GISTs lacking KIT and PDGFRA gene mutations occasionally occur in adults; primary esophageal GISTs are commonly WT. Case presentation Herein, we report the case of a 41-year-old female patient who presented with a 1-week history of anterior upper chest pain. Chest computed tomography revealed a 3.7 cm × 2.8 cm × 6.7 cm soft tissue mass in the right posterior mediastinum adjacent to the esophagus. The patient underwent thoracoscopic mediastinal tumor resection and was subsequently diagnosed with an esophageal GIST. Neither KIT nor PDGFRA mutations were detected by Sanger sequencing; however, next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified an FGFR2-KIAA1217 gene fusion in the tumor tissue. No relapse was observed in this patient during the 8-month treatment-free follow-up period. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe an FGFR2-KIAA1217 fusion in a patient with a quadruple WT esophageal GIST. When WT KIT/PDGFRA GISTS are suspected, intensive genetic analysis is recommended, and obtaining a better molecular characterization of these tumours might reveal novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehao Luo
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaona Chang
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Danju Luo
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heshui Shi
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Fan
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiu Nie, ; Jun Fan,
| | - Xiu Nie
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiu Nie, ; Jun Fan,
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Novel potential oncogenic and druggable mutations of FGFRs recur in the kinase domain across cancer types. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166313. [PMID: 34826586 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are recurrently altered by single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in many human cancers. The prevalence of SNVs in FGFRs depends on the cancer type. In some tumors, such as the urothelial carcinoma, mutations of FGFRs occur at very high frequency (up to 60%). Many characterized mutations occur in the extracellular or transmembrane domains, while fewer known mutations are found in the kinase domain. In this study, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify novel putative cancer driver or therapeutically actionable mutations of the kinase domain of FGFRs. To pinpoint those mutations that may be clinically relevant, we exploited the recurrence of alterations on analogous amino acid residues within the kinase domain (PK_Tyr_Ser-Thr) of different kinases as a predictor of functional impact. By exploiting MutationAligner and LowMACA bioinformatics resources, we highlighted novel uncharacterized mutations of FGFRs which recur in other protein kinases. By revealing unanticipated correspondence with known variants, we were able to infer their functional effects, as alterations clustering on similar residues in analogous proteins have a high probability to elicit similar effects. As FGFRs represent an important class of oncogenes and drug targets, our study opens the way for further studies to validate their driver and/or actionable nature and, in the long term, for a more efficacious application of precision oncology.
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Zhang DY, Su L, Wang YW. Malignant solitary fibrous tumor in the central nervous system treated with surgery, radiotherapy and anlotinib: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:631-642. [PMID: 35097089 PMCID: PMC8771389 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i2.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the central nervous system is rare. It is predominantly benign and rarely malignant. There is no established standardized treatment regimen for malignant intracranial SFTs.
CASE SUMMARY We present a rare case of SFT in a 9-year-old girl with a space-occupying effect in the frontal-parietal lobes. She underwent craniotomy, and the mass was resected. Immunohistochemistry examination of the specimen showed that Ki-67 proliferation index staining was highly positive in 80% of tumor cells. Whole exome sequencing of the surgical tissue showed 38 somatic gene mutations and 1 gene amplification such as fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 or TP53. At 1.5 mo after surgery, head magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the tumor had recurred. The patient received 60 Gy and 30 fractions of intensity modulated radiotherapy. The patient then received anlotinib 8 mg po qd for 1-14 d of a 21 d cycle. Following this regimen, the patient achieved stable disease for > 17 mo. Magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 year after surgery showed that the tumor had not progressed.
CONCLUSION This is the first reported case of SFT of the central nervous system treated with surgery, radiotherapy and anlotinib. This regimen may be an effective treatment option for malignant intracranial SFT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lan Su
- Department of Genetron Health, Genetron Health, Beijing 110024, China
| | - Yi-Wei Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, Liaoning Province, China
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Biological Significance and Targeting of the FGFR Axis in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225681. [PMID: 34830836 PMCID: PMC8616401 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary All cells within tissues and organ systems must communicate with each other to ensure they function in a coordinated manner. One form of communication is signalling mediated by small proteins (for example fibroblast growth factors; FGFs) that are secreted by one cell and bind to specialised receptors (for example FGF receptors) on nearby cells. These receptors propagate the signal to the nucleus of the receiving cell, which in turn dictates to the cell how it should react. FGFR signalling is versatile, tightly controlled and important for normal body homeostasis, facilitating growth, healing and replacing old cells. However, cancer cells can take command of this pathway and use it to their advantage. This review will first explain the biology of FGFR signalling and then describe how it can be corrupted, the implications in cancer, and how it can be targeted to improve cancer therapy. Abstract The pleiotropic effects of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), the widespread expression of all seven signalling FGF receptors (FGFRs) throughout the body, and the dramatic phenotypes shown by many FGF/R knockout mice, highlight the diversity, complexity and functional importance of FGFR signalling. The FGF/R axis is critical during normal tissue development, homeostasis and repair. Therefore, it is not surprising that substantial evidence also pinpoints the involvement of aberrant FGFR signalling in disease, including tumourigenesis. FGFR aberrations in cancer include mutations, gene fusions, and amplifications as well as corrupted autocrine/paracrine loops. Indeed, many clinical trials on cancer are focusing on targeting the FGF/FGFR axis, using selective FGFR inhibitors, nonselective FGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, ligand traps, and monoclonal antibodies and some have already been approved for the treatment of cancer patients. The heterogeneous tumour microenvironment and complexity of FGFR signalling may be some of the factors responsible for the resistance or poor response to therapy with FGFR axis-directed therapeutic agents. In the present review we will focus on the structure and function of FGF(R)s, their common irregularities in cancer and the therapeutic value of targeting their function in cancer.
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Liu Y, Wang C, Li J, Zhu J, Zhao C, Xu H. Novel Regulatory Factors and Small-Molecule Inhibitors of FGFR4 in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:633453. [PMID: 33981224 PMCID: PMC8107720 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.633453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is a member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family and is stimulated by highly regulated ligand binding. Excessive expression of the receptor and its ligand, especially FGF19, occurs in many types of cancer. Abnormal FGFR4 production explains these cancer formations, and therefore, this receptor has emerged as a potential target for inhibiting cancer development. This review discusses the diverse mechanisms of oncogenic activation of FGFR4 and highlights some currently available inhibitors targeting FGFR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Liu
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Canwei Wang
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jifa Li
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiandong Zhu
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chengguang Zhao
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huanhai Xu
- Affiliated Yueqing Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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De Luca A, Esposito Abate R, Rachiglio AM, Maiello MR, Esposito C, Schettino C, Izzo F, Nasti G, Normanno N. FGFR Fusions in Cancer: From Diagnostic Approaches to Therapeutic Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6856. [PMID: 32962091 PMCID: PMC7555921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are tyrosine kinase receptors involved in many biological processes. Deregulated FGFR signaling plays an important role in tumor development and progression in different cancer types. FGFR genomic alterations, including FGFR gene fusions that originate by chromosomal rearrangements, represent a promising therapeutic target. Next-generation-sequencing (NGS) approaches have significantly improved the discovery of FGFR gene fusions and their detection in clinical samples. A variety of FGFR inhibitors have been developed, and several studies are trying to evaluate the efficacy of these agents in molecularly selected patients carrying FGFR genomic alterations. In this review, we describe the most frequent FGFR aberrations in human cancer. We also discuss the different approaches employed for the detection of FGFR fusions and the potential role of these genomic alterations as prognostic/predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella De Luca
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (R.E.A.); (A.M.R.); (M.R.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Riziero Esposito Abate
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (R.E.A.); (A.M.R.); (M.R.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Anna Maria Rachiglio
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (R.E.A.); (A.M.R.); (M.R.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Monica Rosaria Maiello
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (R.E.A.); (A.M.R.); (M.R.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Claudia Esposito
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (R.E.A.); (A.M.R.); (M.R.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Clorinda Schettino
- Clinical Trials Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Hepatobiliary Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Guglielmo Nasti
- SSD Innovative Therapies for Abdominal Cancers, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Nicola Normanno
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (A.D.L.); (R.E.A.); (A.M.R.); (M.R.M.); (C.E.)
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Li Y, Liu Y, Yao J, Li R, Fan X. Downregulation of miR-484 is associated with poor prognosis and tumor progression of gastric cancer. Diagn Pathol 2020; 15:25. [PMID: 32192507 PMCID: PMC7082931 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-020-00946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers leading to high cancer mortality. MicroRNA-484 (miR-484) has been evaluated as a biomarker for various types of cancers. The subject of this study is to investigate the functional role of miR-484 in gastric cancer. Methods The expression of miR-484 in gastric cancer was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were employed to explore the prognostic significance of miR-484 in gastric cancer. The functional role of miR-484 in gastric cancer was determined by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Results The results showed that miR-484 was significantly downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. The downregulation of miR-484 was closely related to differentiation, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and poor prognosis. Cox regression analyses demonstrated that miR-484 was an independent prognosis indicator for gastric cancer patients. Additionally, the downregulation of miR-484 enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer cells. Conclusion These data demonstrated that miR-484 can serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer and it may be involved in the progression of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Oncology, Jining Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China
| | - Yusong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Jining Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Oncology, Jining Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Oncology, Jining Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China
| | - Xiaocheng Fan
- Department of Oncology, Jining Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jining, Shandong, 272000, China.
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