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Papa F, Grinda T, Rassy E, Cheickh-Hussin R, Ribeiro J, Antonuzzo L, Pistilli B. Long road towards effective HER3 targeting in breast cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102786. [PMID: 38885540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102786] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing multiple different subtypes. Thanks to the increasing knowledge of the diverse biological features of each subtype, most patients receive personalized treatment based on known biomarkers. However, the role of some biomarkers in breast cancer evolution is still unknown, and their potential use as a therapeutic target is still underexplored. HER3 is a member of the human epidermal growth factors receptor family, overexpressed in 50%-70% of breast cancers. HER3 plays a key role in cancer progression, metastasis development, and drug resistance across all the breast cancer subtypes. Owing to its critical role in cancer progression, many HER3-targeting therapies have been developed over the past decade with conflicting findings. Next-generation antibody-drug conjugates have recently shown promising results in solid tumors expressing HER3, including breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the HER3 role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and its relevance across all subtypes. We also explore the new anti-HER3 treatment strategies, calling into question the significance of HER3 detection as crucial information in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Papa
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Florence University, Italy
| | - Thomas Grinda
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Elie Rassy
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Joana Ribeiro
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Barbara Pistilli
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1279, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
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2
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Chen Y, Lu A, Hu Z, Li J, Lu J. ERBB3 targeting: A promising approach to overcoming cancer therapeutic resistance. Cancer Lett 2024; 599:217146. [PMID: 39098760 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217146] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor-3 (ERBB3) is a member of the ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and is expressed in many malignancies. Along with other ERBB receptors, ERBB3 is associated with regulating normal cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and survival, and has received increased research attention for its involvement in cancer therapies. ERBB3 expression or co-expression levels have been investigated as predictive factors for cancer prognosis and drug sensitivity. Additionally, the association between the elevated expression of ERBB3 and treatment failure in cancer therapy further established ERBB3-targeting therapy as a crucial therapeutic approach. This review delves into the molecular mechanisms of ERBB3-driven resistance to targeted therapeutics against ERBB2 and EGFR and other signal transduction inhibitors, endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Using preclinical and clinical evidence, we synthesise and explicate how various aspects of aberrant ERBB3 activities-such as compensatory activation, signal crosstalk interactions, dysregulation in the endocytic pathway, mutations, ligand-independent activation, intrinsic kinase activity, and homodimerisation-can lead to resistance development and/or treatment failures. Several ERBB3-directed monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and the emerging antibody-drug conjugate demonstrate encouraging clinical outcomes for improving therapeutic efficacy and overcoming resistance, especially when combined with other anti-cancer approaches. More research efforts are needed to identify appropriate biomarkers tailored for ERBB3-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Chen
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand
| | - Anni Lu
- Pinehurst School, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Zhangli Hu
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinyao Li
- College of Life Sciences, Xijiang University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand; College of Food Engineering and Nutrition Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China; College of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi Province, China; Department of Food and Agriculture Technology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, Jiaxing, 314006, China.
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3
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Sinevici N, Edmonds CE, Dontchos BN, Wang G, Lehman CD, Isakoff S, Mahmood U. A prospective study of HER3 expression pre and post neoadjuvant therapy of different breast cancer subtypes: implications for HER3 imaging therapy guidance. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:107. [PMID: 38951909 PMCID: PMC11218108 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE HER3, a member of the EGFR receptor family, plays a central role in driving oncogenic cell proliferation in breast cancer. Novel HER3 therapeutics are showing promising results while recently developed HER3 PET imaging modalities aid in predicting and assessing early treatment response. However, baseline HER3 expression, as well as changes in expression while on neoadjuvant therapy, have not been well-characterized. We conducted a prospective clinical study, pre- and post-neoadjuvant/systemic therapy, in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer to determine HER3 expression, and to identify possible resistance mechanisms maintained through the HER3 receptor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The study was conducted between May 25, 2018 and October 12, 2019. Thirty-four patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer of any subtype (ER ± , PR ± , HER2 ±) were enrolled in the study. Two core biopsy specimens were obtained from each patient at the time of diagnosis. Four patients underwent a second research biopsy following initiation of neoadjuvant/systemic therapy or systemic therapy which we define as neoadjuvant therapy. Molecular characterization of HER3 and downstream signaling nodes of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways pre- and post-initiation of therapy was performed. Transcriptional validation of finings was performed in an external dataset (GSE122630). RESULTS Variable baseline HER3 expression was found in newly diagnosed breast cancer and correlated positively with pAKT across subtypes (r = 0.45). In patients receiving neoadjuvant/systemic therapy, changes in HER3 expression were variable. In a hormone receptor-positive (ER +/PR +/HER2-) patient, there was a statistically significant increase in HER3 expression post neoadjuvant therapy, while there was no significant change in HER3 expression in a ER +/PR +/HER2+ patient. However, both of these patients showed increased downstream signaling in the PI3K/AKT pathway. One subject with ER +/PR -/HER2- breast cancer and another subject with ER +/PR +/HER2 + breast cancer showed decreased HER3 expression. Transcriptomic findings, revealed an immune suppressive environment in patients with decreased HER3 expression post therapy. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates variable HER3 expression across breast cancer subtypes. HER3 expression can be assessed early, post-neoadjuvant therapy, providing valuable insight into cancer biology and potentially serving as a prognostic biomarker. Clinical translation of neoadjuvant therapy assessment can be achieved using HER3 PET imaging, offering real-time information on tumor biology and guiding personalized treatment for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Sinevici
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine E Edmonds
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian N Dontchos
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gary Wang
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Constance D Lehman
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven Isakoff
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Lusby R, Zhang Z, Mahesh A, Tiwari VK. Decoding gene regulatory circuitry underlying TNBC chemoresistance reveals biomarkers for therapy response and therapeutic targets. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:64. [PMID: 38472332 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype characterised by extensive intratumoral heterogeneity, high rates of metastasis and chemoresistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Despite progress, the mechanistic basis of chemotherapy resistance in TNBC patients remains poorly understood. Here, leveraging single-cell transcriptome datasets of matched longitudinal TNBC chemoresponsive and chemoresistant patient cohorts, we unravel distinct cell subpopulations intricately associated with chemoresistance and the signature genes defining these populations. Notably, using genome-wide mapping of the H3K27ac mark, we show that the expression of these chemoresistance genes is driven via a set of TNBC super-enhancers and associated transcription factor networks across TNBC subtypes. Furthermore, genetic screens reveal that a subset of these transcription factors is essential for the survival of TNBC cells, and their loss increases sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Overall, our study has revealed epigenetic and transcription factor networks underlying chemoresistance and suggests novel avenues to stratify and improve the treatment of patients with a high risk of developing resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Lusby
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Arun Mahesh
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Vijay K Tiwari
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark.
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), Odense M, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark.
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Hachey SJ, Hatch CJ, Gaebler D, Mocherla A, Nee K, Kessenbrock K, Hughes CCW. Targeting tumor-stromal interactions in triple-negative breast cancer using a human vascularized micro-tumor model. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:5. [PMID: 38183074 PMCID: PMC10768273 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with limited available treatments. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial in TNBC progression; however, understanding the molecular basis of stromal cell activation and tumor-stromal crosstalk in TNBC is limited. To investigate therapeutic targets in the TNBC stromal niche, we used an advanced human in vitro microphysiological system called the vascularized micro-tumor (VMT). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we revealed that normal breast tissue stromal cells activate neoplastic signaling pathways in the TNBC TME. By comparing interactions in VMTs with clinical data, we identified therapeutic targets at the tumor-stromal interface with potential clinical significance. Combining treatments targeting Tie2 signaling with paclitaxel resulted in vessel normalization and increased efficacy of paclitaxel in the TNBC VMT. Dual inhibition of HER3 and Akt also showed efficacy against TNBC. These data demonstrate the potential of inducing a favorable TME as a targeted therapeutic approach in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Hachey
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | | | - Daniela Gaebler
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aneela Mocherla
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Nee
- Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kai Kessenbrock
- Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Christopher C W Hughes
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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6
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Hassanzadeh Makoui M, Mobini M, Fekri S, Geranpayeh L, Moradi Tabriz H, Madjd Z, Kalantari E, Hosseini M, Hosseini M, Golsaz-Shirazi F, Jeddi-Tehrani M, Zarnani AH, Amiri MM, Shokri F. Clinico-Pathological and Prognostic Significance of a Combination of Tumor Biomarkers in Iranian Patients With Breast Cancer. Clin Breast Cancer 2024; 24:e9-e19.e9. [PMID: 37863762 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.09.013] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is a multifaceted malignancy with different histopathological and biological features. Molecular biomarkers play an essential role in accurate diagnosis, classification, prognosis, prediction of treatment response, and cancer surveillance. This study investigated the clinico-pathological and prognostic significance of HER3 and ROR1 in breast cancer samples. METHODS Tissue microarrays (TMA) were constructed using tissue blocks of 444 Iranian breast cancer patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed after 5 years follow-up. TMA slides were stained with monoclonal antibodies against ROR1, HER3, ER, PR, Ki67, P53, HER2 and CK5/6 using IHC and correlation between the investigated tumor markers and the clinico-pathological parameters of patients were analyzed. RESULTS Our results showed a significant correlation between ROR1 and ER, PR, HER3, and CK5/6 expression. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between HER3 and ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 expression. Ki67 was also correlated with HER2 and P53 expression. HER3 expression was significantly correlated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, perineural invasion, and multifocal tumors. Furthermore, ROR1 expression was significantly associated with tumor metastasis, lympho-vascular invasion, and perineural invasion. While HER2-HER3 coexpression was significantly associated with poor OS, HER3-ROR1 coexpression was associated with lymph node invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. CONCLUSION ROR1 and HER3 displayed significant association with different clinic-pathological features and in addition to the other tumor biomarkers could be considered as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Hassanzadeh Makoui
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mobini
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Fekri
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Lobat Geranpayeh
- Department of Surgery, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Kalantari
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Hosseini
- Department of Pathology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Hosseini
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Golsaz-Shirazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, The Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Amiri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fazel Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Atallah NM, Haque M, Quinn C, Toss MS, Makhlouf S, Ibrahim A, Green AR, Alsaleem M, Rutland CS, Allegrucci C, Mongan NP, Rakha E. Characterisation of luminal and triple-negative breast cancer with HER2 Low protein expression. Eur J Cancer 2023; 195:113371. [PMID: 37897865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) expressing low levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2 Low) is an emerging category that needs further refining. This study aims to provide a comprehensive clinico-pathological and molecular profile of HER2 Low BC including response to therapy and patient outcome in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. METHODS Two different independent and well-characterised BC cohorts were included. Nottingham cohort (A) (n = 5744) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) BC cohort (B) (n = 854). The clinical, molecular, biological and immunological profile of HER2 Low BC was investigated. Transcriptomic and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the TCGA BC cohort and validated through next-generation sequencing in a subset of Nottingham cases. RESULTS Ninety percent of HER2 Low tumours were hormone receptor (HR) positive (HR+), enriched with luminal intrinsic molecular subtype, lacking significant expression of HER2 oncogenic signalling genes and of favourable clinical behaviour compared to HER2 negative (HER2-) BC. In HR+ BC, no significant prognostic differences were detected between HER2 Low and HER2- tumours. However, in HR- BC, HER2 Low tumours were less aggressive with longer patient survival. Transcriptomic data showed that the majority of HR- /HER2 Low tumours were of luminal androgen receptor (LAR) intrinsic subtype, enriched with T-helper lymphocytes, activated dendritic cells and tumour associated neutrophils, while most HR-/HER2- tumours were basal-like, enriched with tumour associated macrophages. CONCLUSION HER2 Low BC is mainly driven by HR signalling in HR+ tumours. HR-/HER2 Low tumours tend to be enriched with LAR genes with a unique immune profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehal M Atallah
- Translational Medical Science, School of Medicine, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Maria Haque
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Cecily Quinn
- University College Dublin, School of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael S Toss
- Translational Medical Science, School of Medicine, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK; Histopathology Department, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Shorouk Makhlouf
- Translational Medical Science, School of Medicine, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Ibrahim
- Translational Medical Science, School of Medicine, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK; Department of Pathology, Suez Canal University, Egypt
| | - Andrew R Green
- Translational Medical Science, School of Medicine, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mansour Alsaleem
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK; Unit of Scientific Research, Applied College, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Catrin S Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK; Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Emad Rakha
- Translational Medical Science, School of Medicine, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt; Pathology Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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Carvalho FM. Triple-negative breast cancer: from none to multiple therapeutic targets in two decades. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1244781. [PMID: 38023167 PMCID: PMC10666917 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1244781] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are more likely to occur in younger patients and have a poor prognosis. They are highly heterogeneous tumors consisting of different molecular subtypes. The only common characteristic among them is the absence of targets for endocrine therapy and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) blockade. In the past two decades, there has been an increased understanding of these tumors from a molecular perspective, leading to their stratification according to new therapeutic strategies. TNBC has ushered breast carcinomas into the era of immunotherapy. The higher frequency of germline BRCA mutations in these tumors enables targeting this repair defect by drugs like PARP inhibitors, resulting in synthetic lethality in neoplastic cells. Additionally, we have the identification of new molecules to which this generation of smart drugs, such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), are directed. In this review, we will discuss the trajectory of this knowledge in a systematic manner, presenting the molecular bases, therapeutic possibilities, and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Marino Carvalho
- Department of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Majumder A. HER3: Toward the Prognostic Significance, Therapeutic Potential, Current Challenges, and Future Therapeutics in Different Types of Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2517. [PMID: 37947595 PMCID: PMC10648638 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is the only family member of the EGRF/HER family of receptor tyrosine kinases that lacks an active kinase domain (KD), which makes it an obligate binding partner with other receptors for its oncogenic role. When HER3 is activated in a ligand-dependent (NRG1/HRG) or independent manner, it can bind to other receptors (the most potent binding partner is HER2) to regulate many biological functions (growth, survival, nutrient sensing, metabolic regulation, etc.) through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. HER3 has been found to promote tumorigenesis, tumor growth, and drug resistance in different cancer types, especially breast and non-small cell lung cancer. Given its ubiquitous expression across different solid tumors and role in oncogenesis and drug resistance, there has been a long effort to target HER3. As HER3 cannot be targeted through its KD with small-molecule kinase inhibitors via the conventional method, pharmaceutical companies have used various other approaches, including blocking either the ligand-binding domain or extracellular domain for dimerization with other receptors. The development of treatment options with anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and different combination therapies showed limited clinical efficiency for various reasons. Recent reports showed that the extracellular domain of HER3 is not required for its binding with other receptors, which raises doubt about the efforts and applicability of the development of the HER3-antibodies for treatment. Whereas HER3-directed antibody-drug conjugates showed potentiality for treatment, these drugs are still under clinical trial. The currently understood model for dimerization-induced signaling remains incomplete due to the absence of the crystal structure of HER3 signaling complexes, and many lines of evidence suggest that HER family signaling involves more than the interaction of two members. This review article will significantly expand our knowledge of HER3 signaling and shed light on developing a new generation of drugs that have fewer side effects than the current treatment regimen for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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10
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Lyu H, Shen F, Ruan S, Tan C, Zhou J, Thor AD, Liu B. HER3 functions as an effective therapeutic target in triple negative breast cancer to potentiate the antitumor activity of gefitinib and paclitaxel. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:204. [PMID: 37716943 PMCID: PMC10504712 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03055-w] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a significant clinical challenge. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay for a large part of TNBC patients, whereas drug resistance and tumor recurrence frequently occur. It is in urgent need to identify novel molecular targets for TNBC and develop effective therapy against the aggressive disease. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of HER3 in TNBC samples. Western blots were used to assess protein expression and activation. Cell proliferation and viability were determined by cell growth (MTS) assays. TCGA databases were analyzed to correlate HER3 mRNA expression with the clinical outcomes of TNBC patients. Specific shRNA was used to knockdown HER3 expression. IncuCyte system was utilized to monitor cell growth and migration. LIVE/DEAD Cell Imaging was to detect live and dead cells. HER3 recognition by our anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4A7 was verified by ELISA, flow cytometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Orthotopic tumor models were established in nude mice to determine the capability of TNBC cells forming tumors and to test if our mAb 4A7 could potentiate the antitumor activity of paclitaxel in vivo. RESULTS Elevated expression of HER3 was observed in approximately half of the TNBC specimens and cell lines tested. Analyses of TCGA databases found that the TNBC patients with high HER3 mRNA expression in the tumors showed significantly worse overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) than those with low HER3 expression. Specific knockdown of HER3 markedly inhibited TNBC cell proliferation and mammosphere formation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Our mAb 4A7 abrogated heregulin (a ligand for HER3), but not SDF-1 (a ligand for CXCR4)-induced enhancement of TNBC cell migration. Combinations of 4A7 and the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) gefitinib dramatically decreased the levels of phosphorylated HER3, EGFR, Akt, and ERK1/2 in TNBC cells and potently induced growth inhibition and cell death. Moreover, 4A7 in combination with paclitaxel exerted significant antitumor activity against TNBC in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that increased HER3 is an effective therapeutic target for TNBC and our anti-HER3 mAb (4A7) may enhance the efficacy of gefitinib or paclitaxel in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lyu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Fei Shen
- Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sanbao Ruan
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Congcong Tan
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Jundong Zhou
- Suzhou Cancer Center Core Laboratory, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ann D Thor
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Bolin Liu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Gabryelska MM, Conn SJ. The RNA interactome in the Hallmarks of Cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1786. [PMID: 37042179 PMCID: PMC10909452 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1786] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules are indispensable for cellular homeostasis in healthy and malignant cells. However, the functions of RNA extend well beyond that of a protein-coding template. Rather, both coding and non-coding RNA molecules function through critical interactions with a plethora of cellular molecules, including other RNAs, DNA, and proteins. Deconvoluting this RNA interactome, including the interacting partners, the nature of the interaction, and dynamic changes of these interactions in malignancies has yielded fundamental advances in knowledge and are emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer. Here, we present an RNA-centric review of recent advances in the field of RNA-RNA, RNA-protein, and RNA-DNA interactomic network analysis and their impact across the Hallmarks of Cancer. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta M Gabryelska
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Simon J Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
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12
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Lyu H, Hou D, Liu H, Ruan S, Tan C, Wu J, Hicks C, Liu B. HER3 targeting augments the efficacy of panobinostat in claudin-low triple-negative breast cancer cells. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:72. [PMID: 37537339 PMCID: PMC10400567 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00422-8] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a poor prognosis and high relapse rate due to limited therapeutic options. This study was conducted to determine the mechanisms of action of panobinostat, a pan-inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and FDA-approved medication for multiple myeloma, in TNBC and to provide a rationale for effective drug combinations against this aggressive disease. RNA sequencing analyses of the claudin-low (CL) TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cells untreated or treated with panobinostat were performed to identify the differentially expressed genes. Adaptive alterations in gene expression were analyzed and validated in additional CL TNBC cells. Tumor xenograft models were used to test the in vivo antitumor activity of panobinostat alone or its combinations with gefitinib, an EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Panobinostat potently inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in all TNBC cells tested. However, in CL TNBC cells, this HDAC inhibitor markedly enhanced expression of HER3, which interacted with EGFR to activate both receptors and Akt signaling pathways. Combinations of panobinostat and gefitinib synergistically suppressed CL TNBC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of HER3 compromises the efficacy of panobinostat in CL TNBC. Inactivation of HER3 combined with panobinostat represents a practical approach to combat CL TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lyu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Departments of Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Defu Hou
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sanbao Ruan
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Congcong Tan
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jiande Wu
- Departments of Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Chindo Hicks
- Departments of Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Bolin Liu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Departments of Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Oliveira M, Falato C, Cejalvo JM, Vila MM, Tolosa P, Salvador-Bofill FJ, Cruz J, Arumi M, Luna AM, Guerra JA, Vidal M, Martínez-Sáez O, Paré L, González-Farré B, Sanfeliu E, Ciruelos E, Espinosa-Bravo M, Pernas S, Izarzugaza Y, Esker S, Fan PD, Parul P, Santhanagopal A, Sellami D, Villacampa G, Ferrero-Cafiero JM, Pascual T, Prat A. Patritumab Deruxtecan in Untreated Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Negative Early Breast Cancer: Final Results from Part A of the Window-of-Opportunity SOLTI TOT-HER3 Pre-Operative Study. Ann Oncol 2023:S0923-7534(23)00685-3. [PMID: 37211044 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd) is a HER3-directed antibody-drug conjugate composed of a fully human anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody (patritumab) covalently linked to a topoisomerase I inhibitor payload via a stable, tumor-selective, tetrapeptide-based cleavable linker. TOT-HER3 is a window-of-opportunity study designed to assess the biological activity, measured by CelTIL score [ = -.8 × tumor cellularity (in %) + 1.3 × TILs (in %)], and clinical activity of HER3-DXd during short-term (21 days) pre-operative treatment in patients with primary operable HER2-negative early breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with previously untreated hormone receptor (HR)-positive/HER2-negative tumors were allocated to one of four cohorts according to baseline ERBB3 mRNA expression. All patients received one dose of HER3-DXd 6.4 mg/kg. The primary objective was to evaluate change from baseline in CelTIL score. RESULTS Seventy-seven patients were evaluated for efficacy. A significant change in CelTIL score was observed, with a median increase from baseline of 3.5 (interquartile range, -3.8 to 12.7; P=.003). Among patients evaluable for clinical response (n=62), an overall response rate of 45% was observed (tumor measurement by caliper), with a trend toward an increase in CelTIL score among responders compared with non-responders (mean difference, +11.9 vs +1.9). Change in CelTIL score was independent of baseline ERBB3 mRNA and HER3 protein levels. Genomic changes occurred, including switching toward a less proliferative tumor phenotype based on PAM50 subtypes, suppression of cell proliferation genes, and induction of genes associated with immunity. Treatment-emergent adverse events were observed in 96% of patients (14% grade ≥3); most common were nausea, fatigue, alopecia, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and neutrophil count decrease. CONCLUSIONS A single dose of HER3-DXd was associated with clinical response, increased immune infiltration, suppression of proliferation in HR-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer, and a tolerable safety profile consistent with previously reported results. These findings support further study of HER3-DXd in early breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oliveira
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, and Breast Cancer Group, Vall D'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain;; SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Falato
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, August Pi Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain, and Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J M Cejalvo
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Margelí Vila
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, ICO - Institut Català d'Oncologia Badalona (Hospital Universitario Germans Trias i Pujol), Badalona, Spain
| | - P Tolosa
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - F J Salvador-Bofill
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Cruz
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - M Arumi
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A M Luna
- Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal HM (CIOCC), Madrid, Spain
| | - J A Guerra
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Spain
| | - M Vidal
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - O Martínez-Sáez
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Paré
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B González-Farré
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Pathology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Sanfeliu
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Pathology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Ciruelos
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal HM (CIOCC), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Espinosa-Bravo
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Breast Cancer Surgical Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Pernas
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology - ICO, Breast Cancer Group, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Y Izarzugaza
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Fundación Jimenez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - S Esker
- Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - P-D Fan
- Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - P Parul
- Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - A Santhanagopal
- Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - D Sellami
- Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - G Villacampa
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - T Pascual
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Prat
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain;.
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14
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Uliano J, Corvaja C, Curigliano G, Tarantino P. Targeting HER3 for cancer treatment: a new horizon for an old target. ESMO Open 2023; 8:100790. [PMID: 36764093 PMCID: PMC9929675 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.100790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is a member of the human epidermal growth factor receptors family, having as its main ligands neuregulins 1 and 2. Although its poor tyrosine kinase activity entails a weak oncogenic power on its own, HER3 can heterodimerize with HER2 and/or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), leading to a drastic enhancement of transphosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling pathways, ultimately promoting oncogenesis, metastatic dissemination, and drug resistance. Given its ubiquitous expression across solid tumors, multiple efforts have been done to therapeutically target HER3 by blocking either the ligand binding domain or its dimerization with other receptors. Treatment with anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies or bispecific antibodies, both as single agents and in combination with other compounds, unfortunately led to unsatisfactory results across several tumor types. The HER3-directed delivery of cytotoxic payloads through antibody-drug conjugates has recently demonstrated encouraging activity in several tumor types, however, suggesting a potential role for the therapeutic targeting of HER3 in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Uliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan. https://twitter.com/jacopo_uli
| | - C Corvaja
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan; Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. https://twitter.com/carlacorvaja
| | - G Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan. https://twitter.com/curijoey
| | - P Tarantino
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston; Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
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15
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Al Jarroudi O, El Bairi K, Curigliano G, Afqir S. Antibody-Drug Conjugates: A New Therapeutic Approach for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 188:1-27. [PMID: 38175340 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-33602-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subset associated with a worse prognosis and poor response to conventional chemotherapy. Despite recent advances in drug discovery, its management is still a challenge for clinicians, illuminating the unmet need to develop novel treatment approaches. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) are innovative oncology drugs that combine the specificity of monoclonal antibodies and the high efficacy of anticancer payloads, to deliver cytotoxic drugs selectively to cancer cells. Various ADCs were investigated for TNBC and have provided a promise for this aggressive women's cancer including the FDA-approved sacituzumab govitecan. In this chapter, we reviewed different ADCs studied for TNBC including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and tolerability. Moreover, we have also discussed their therapeutic potential based on combinatorial approaches with other targeted therapies in early and metastatic TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouissam Al Jarroudi
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed Ist University, Oujda, Morocco.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco.
| | - Khalid El Bairi
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed Ist University, Oujda, Morocco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Said Afqir
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed Ist University, Oujda, Morocco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Oujda, Morocco
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16
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Kilroy MK, Park S, Feroz W, Patel H, Mishra R, Alanazi S, Garrett JT. HER3 Alterations in Cancer and Potential Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246174. [PMID: 36551663 PMCID: PMC9776947 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the third member of the HER family, kinase impaired HER3, has become a target of interest in cancer as there is accumulating evidence that HER3 plays a role in tumor growth and progression. This review focuses on HER3 activation in bladder, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer disease progression. HER3 mutations occur at a rate up to ~10% of tumors dependent on the tumor type. With patient tumors routinely sequenced for gene alterations in recent years, we have focused on HER3 mutations in bladder, breast, colon, and lung cancers particularly in response to targeted therapies and the potential to become a resistance mechanism. There are currently several HER3 targeting drugs in the pipeline, possibly improving outcomes for cancer patients with tumors containing HER3 activation and/or alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kate Kilroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - SoYoung Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cancer Research Scholars Program, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Wasim Feroz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Hima Patel
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rosalin Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Samar Alanazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Joan T. Garrett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence:
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17
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Texture Analysis of Enhanced MRI and Pathological Slides Predicts EGFR Mutation Status in Breast Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1376659. [PMID: 35663041 PMCID: PMC9162871 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1376659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective Image texture information was extracted from enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological hematoxylin and eosin- (HE-) stained images of female breast cancer patients. We established models individually, and then, we combine the two kinds of data to establish model. Through this method, we verified whether sufficient information could be obtained from enhanced MRI and pathological slides to assist in the determination of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status in patients. Methods We obtained enhanced MRI data from patients with breast cancer before treatment and selected diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), T1 fast-spin echo (T1 FSE), and T2 fast-spin echo (T2 FSE) as the data sources for extracting texture information. Imaging physicians manually outlined the 3D regions of interest (ROIs) and extracted texture features according to the gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM) of the images. For the HE staining images of the patients, we adopted a specific normalization algorithm to simulate the images dyed with only hematoxylin or eosin and extracted textures. We extracted texture features to predict the expression of EGFR. After evaluating the predictive power of each model, the models from the two data sources were combined for remodeling. Results For enhanced MRI data, the modeling of texture information of T1 FSE had a good predictive effect for EGFR mutation status. For pathological images, eosin-stained images can achieve a better prediction effect. We selected these two classifiers as the weak classifiers of the final model and obtained good results (training group: AUC, 0.983; 95% CI, 0.95-1.00; accuracy, 0.962; specificity, 0.936; and sensitivity, 0.979; test group: AUC, 0.983; 95% CI, 0.94-1.00; accuracy, 0.943; specificity, 1.00; and sensitivity, 0.905). Conclusion The EGFR mutation status of patients with breast cancer can be well predicted based on enhanced MRI data and pathological data. This helps hospitals that do not test the EGFR mutation status of patients with breast cancer. The technology gives clinicians more information about breast cancer, which helps them make accurate diagnoses and select suitable treatments.
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Zardavas D. Clinical development of antibody-drug conjugates in triple negative breast cancer: Can we jump higher? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:633-644. [PMID: 35451891 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2070064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive BC subtype, associated with higher rates of relapse in the primary disease setting and shorter overall survival upon metastatic relapse. The advent of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), able to deliver selectively potent chemotherapeutic agents, has demonstrated promising clinical activity, with the first approval of an ADC, i.e. Sacituzumab Govitecan, in the metastatic setting. The main scope of this paper is to provide the most recent data indicating the promise of this novel class of drugs, as potential tools to improve clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with TNBC. AREAS COVERED In this article, upon review of the main characteristics of TNBC, and those of ADCs, an overview of the data from clinical trials assessing ADCs in TNBC will be provided, including those that led to the first approval of such a drug for patients with metastatic disease; furthermore, several other ADCs targeting different proteins (over)expressed by TNBC undergo clinical development. Combinations of ADCs with other targeted agents are discussed; the most pertinent considerations for improving the chances of successful clinical development of ADCs in TNBC are provided. EXPERT OPINION ADCs are a potent class of targeted anticancer assets, with demonstrated efficacy against metastatic TNBC. Such assets could further improve clinical outcomes of patients with TNBC, and successful development depends upon: i) successful triaging of patients with the right ADC, ii) technical optimization of ADCs to maximize the efficacy, while reducing toxicity, and iii) assess rationally chosen combinations with synergistic antitumor activity and acceptable safety profile.
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19
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Duan L, Calhoun S, Perez RE, Macias V, Mir F, Pergande MR, Gattuso P, Borgia JA, Maki CG. Prolyl Carboxypeptidase Maintains Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling and Is a Potential Therapeutic Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030739. [PMID: 35159006 PMCID: PMC8833515 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer type with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Our research has revealed that a protein called prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a potential therapy target for TNBC. We found that high levels of PRCP in tumors coincides with worse prognosis in TNBC patients. Inhibition of PRCP with a small molecule inhibitor blocked TNBC cell and tumor growth and inhibited the activity of several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), proteins that are located on the surface of cells and that are important for cancer development and progression. Our findings suggest that PRCP is a novel prognostic factor for TNBC and that specific inhibitors of PRCP could be developed for TNBC treatment. Abstract TNBC is an aggressive cancer sub-type with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. New therapeutic targets are needed to improve outcomes in TNBC patients. PRCP is a lysosomal serine protease that cleaves peptide substrates when the penultimate amino acid is proline. A role for PRCP in TNBC or other cancers, and its potential as a therapy target has not yet been tested. In the current study, we found high tumor expression of PRCP associates with worse outcome and earlier recurrence in TNBC patients. Knockdown of PRCP or treatment with a small molecule PRCP inhibitor blocked proliferation and survival in TNBC cell lines and inhibited growth of TNBC tumors in mice. Mechanistically, we found PRCP maintains signaling from multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), potentially by promoting crosstalk between RTKs and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Lastly, we found that the PRCP inhibitor caused synergistic killing of TNBC cells when combined with the EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitor lapatinib. Our results suggest that PRCP is potential prognostic marker for TNBC patient outcome and a novel therapeutic target for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Sarah Calhoun
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Ricardo E. Perez
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Virgilia Macias
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S. Wolcott St, Rm 6128, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Fatima Mir
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (F.M.); (P.G.)
| | - Melissa R. Pergande
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Paolo Gattuso
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (F.M.); (P.G.)
| | - Jeffrey A. Borgia
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Carl G. Maki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, 600 S. Paulina Ave, AcFac 507, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (L.D.); (S.C.); (R.E.P.); (M.R.P.); (J.A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +312-563-3380
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20
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Basu A, Albert GK, Awshah S, Datta J, Kodumudi KN, Gallen C, Beyer A, Smalley KS, Rodriguez PC, Duckett DR, Forsyth PA, Soyano A, Koski GK, Lima Barros Costa R, Han H, Soliman H, Lee MC, Kalinski P, Czerniecki BJ. Identification of Immunogenic MHC Class II Human HER3 Peptides that Mediate Anti-HER3 CD4 + Th1 Responses and Potential Use as a Cancer Vaccine. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:108-125. [PMID: 34785506 PMCID: PMC9414303 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The HER3/ERBB3 receptor is an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase that forms heterodimers with EGFR family members and is overexpressed in numerous cancers. HER3 overexpression associates with reduced survival and acquired resistance to targeted therapies, making it a potential therapeutic target in multiple cancer types. Here, we report on immunogenic, promiscuous MHC class II-binding HER3 peptides, which can generate HER3-specific CD4+ Th1 antitumor immune responses. Using an overlapping peptide screening methodology, we identified nine MHC class II-binding HER3 epitopes that elicited specific Th1 immune response in both healthy donors and breast cancer patients. Most of these peptides were not identified by current binding algorithms. Homology assessment of amino acid sequence BLAST showed >90% sequence similarity between human and murine HER3/ERBB3 peptide sequences. HER3 peptide-pulsed dendritic cell vaccination resulted in anti-HER3 CD4+ Th1 responses that prevented tumor development, significantly delayed tumor growth in prevention models, and caused regression in multiple therapeutic models of HER3-expressing murine tumors, including mammary carcinoma and melanoma. Tumors were robustly infiltrated with CD4+ T cells, suggesting their key role in tumor rejection. Our data demonstrate that class II HER3 promiscuous peptides are effective at inducing HER3-specific CD4+ Th1 responses and suggest their applicability in immunotherapies for human HER3-overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Basu
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Gabriella K. Albert
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Sabrina Awshah
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jashodeep Datta
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Krithika N. Kodumudi
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Corey Gallen
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Amber Beyer
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Keiran S.M. Smalley
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Paulo C. Rodriguez
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Derek R. Duckett
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Peter A. Forsyth
- Department of NeuroOncology and the NeuroOncology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Aixa Soyano
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Gary K. Koski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | | | - Heather Han
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hatem Soliman
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Marie Catherine Lee
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Pawel Kalinski
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Brian J. Czerniecki
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.,Corresponding Author: Brian J. Czerniecki, Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612. E-mail:
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21
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Zachariah NN, Basu A, Gautam N, Ramamoorthi G, Kodumudi KN, Kumar NB, Loftus L, Czerniecki BJ. Intercepting Premalignant, Preinvasive Breast Lesions Through Vaccination. Front Immunol 2021; 12:786286. [PMID: 34899753 PMCID: PMC8652247 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.786286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) prevention remains the ultimate cost-effective method to reduce the global burden of invasive breast cancer (IBC). To date, surgery and chemoprevention remain the main risk-reducing modalities for those with hereditary cancer syndromes, as well as high-risk non-hereditary breast lesions such as ADH, ALH, or LCIS. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a preinvasive malignant lesion of the breast that closely mirrors IBC and, if left untreated, develops into IBC in up to 50% of lesions. Certain high-risk patients with DCIS may have a 25% risk of developing recurrent DCIS or IBC, even after surgical resection. The development of breast cancer elicits a strong immune response, which brings to prominence the numerous advantages associated with immune-based cancer prevention over drug-based chemoprevention, supported by the success of dendritic cell vaccines targeting HER2-expressing BC. Vaccination against BC to prevent or interrupt the process of BC development remains elusive but is a viable option. Vaccination to intercept preinvasive or premalignant breast conditions may be possible by interrupting the expression pattern of various oncodrivers. Growth factors may also function as potential immune targets to prevent breast cancer progression. Furthermore, neoantigens also serve as effective targets for interception by virtue of strong immunogenicity. It is noteworthy that the immune response also needs to be strong enough to result in target lesion elimination to avoid immunoediting as it may occur in IBC arising from DCIS. Overall, if the issue of vaccine targets can be solved by interrupting premalignant lesions, there is a potential to prevent the development of IBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amrita Basu
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Namrata Gautam
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ganesan Ramamoorthi
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Krithika N Kodumudi
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Nagi B Kumar
- Clinical Science Division, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Loretta Loftus
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Brian J Czerniecki
- Department of Breast Surgery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
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22
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Rimal R, Desai P, Marquez AB, Sieg K, Marquardt Y, Singh S. 3-D vascularized breast cancer model to study the role of osteoblast in formation of a pre-metastatic niche. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21966. [PMID: 34754042 PMCID: PMC8578551 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer cells (BCCs) preferentially metastasize to bone. It is known that BCCs remotely primes the distant bone site prior to metastasis. However, the reciprocal influence of bone cells on the primary tumor is relatively overlooked. Here, to study the bone-tumor paracrine influence, a tri-cellular 3-D vascularized breast cancer tissue (VBCTs) model is engineered which comprised MDA-MB231, a triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC), fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. This is indirectly co-cultured with osteoblasts (OBs), thereby constituting a complex quad-cellular tumor progression model. VBCTs alone and in conjunction with OBs led to abnormal vasculature and reduced vessel density but enhanced VEGF production. A total of 1476 significantly upregulated and 775 downregulated genes are identified in the VBCTs exposed to OBs. HSP90N, CYCS, RPS27A, and EGFR are recognized as upregulated hub-genes. Kaplan Meier plot shows HSP90N to have a significant outcome in TNBC patient survivability. Furthermore, compared to cancer tissues without vessels, gene analysis recognized 1278 significantly upregulated and 566 downregulated genes in VBCTs. DKK1, CXCL13, C3 protein and BMP4 are identified to be downregulated hub genes in VBCTs. Together, a multi-cellular breast cancer model and culture protocols are established to study pre-metastatic events in the presence of OBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Rimal
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Prachi Desai
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andrea Bonnin Marquez
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karina Sieg
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Marquardt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Smriti Singh
- DWI-Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, Forkenbeckstrasse 50, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstrasse 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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PI3K and MAPK Pathways as Targets for Combination with the Pan-HER Irreversible Inhibitor Neratinib in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer and TNBC by Kinome RNAi Screening. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070740. [PMID: 34203351 PMCID: PMC8301343 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) 2 (HER2) is overexpressed/amplified in about 25% of all breast cancers, and EGFR is overexpressed in up to 76% and amplified in up to 24% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). Here, we aimed to identify inhibitors that may enhance the anti-tumor activity of neratinib for HER2+ breast cancer and TNBC. By conducting a non-biased high-throughput RNA interference screening, we identified PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK as two potential inhibitory synergistic canonical pathways. We confirmed that everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) and trametinib (MEK inhibitor) enhances combinatorial anti-proliferative effects with neratinib under anchorage-independent growth conditions (p < 0.05). Compared to single agent neratinib, the combination therapies significantly enhanced tumor growth inhibition in both SUM190 HER2+ breast cancer (neratinib plus everolimus, 77%; neratinib plus trametinib, 77%; p < 0.0001) and SUM149 TNBC (neratinib plus everolimus, 71%; neratinib plus trametinib, 81%; p < 0.0001) xenograft models. Compared to single-agent neratinib, everolimus, or trametinib, both everolimus plus neratinib and trametinib plus neratinib significantly suppressed proliferation marker Ki67 and enhanced antitumor efficacy by activating the apoptosis pathway shown by increased Bim and cleaved-PARP expression. Taken together, our data justify new neratinib-based combinations for both HER2+ breast cancer and TNBC.
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24
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Basu A, Ramamoorthi G, Albert G, Gallen C, Beyer A, Snyder C, Koski G, Disis ML, Czerniecki BJ, Kodumudi K. Differentiation and Regulation of T H Cells: A Balancing Act for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:669474. [PMID: 34012451 PMCID: PMC8126720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Current success of immunotherapy in cancer has drawn attention to the subsets of TH cells in the tumor which are critical for activation of anti-tumor response either directly by themselves or by stimulating cytotoxic T cell activity. However, presence of immunosuppressive pro-tumorigenic TH subsets in the tumor milieu further contributes to the complexity of regulation of TH cell-mediated immune response. In this review, we present an overview of the multifaceted positive and negative effects of TH cells, with an emphasis on regulation of different TH cell subtypes by various immune cells, and how a delicate balance of contradictory signals can influence overall success of cancer immunotherapy. We focus on the regulatory network that encompasses dendritic cell-induced activation of CD4+ TH1 cells and subsequent priming of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, along with intersecting anti-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic TH2 cell activity. We further discuss how other tumor infiltrating immune cells such as immunostimulatory TH9 and Tfh cells, immunosuppressive Treg cells, and the duality of TH17 function contribute to tip the balance of anti- vs pro-tumorigenic TH responses in the tumor. We highlight the developing knowledge of CD4+ TH1 immune response against neoantigens/oncodrivers, impact of current immunotherapy strategies on CD4+ TH1 immunity, and how opposing action of TH cell subtypes can be explored further to amplify immunotherapy success in patients. Understanding the nuances of CD4+ TH cells regulation and the molecular framework undergirding the balancing act between anti- vs pro-tumorigenic TH subtypes is critical for rational designing of immunotherapies that can bypass therapeutic escape to maximize the potential of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Basu
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Gabriella Albert
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Corey Gallen
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Amber Beyer
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Colin Snyder
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Gary Koski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Mary L Disis
- UW Medicine Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brian J Czerniecki
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Breast Cancer Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Krithika Kodumudi
- Clinical Science Division, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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25
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Tarantino P, Morganti S, Curigliano G. Targeting HER2 in breast cancer: new drugs and paradigms on the horizon. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:139-155. [PMID: 36046143 PMCID: PMC9400740 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00037] [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: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
About 15-20% of all breast cancers (BCs) are defined human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, based on the overexpression of HER2 protein and/or amplification of ERBB2 gene. Such alterations lead to a more aggressive behavior of the disease, but also predict response to treatments targeting HER2. Indeed, several anti-HER2 compounds have been developed and approved in the last two decades, significantly improving our ability to cure patients in the early setting, and greatly extending their survival in the advanced setting. However, recent evolutions in this field promise to improve outcomes even further, through advancements in established HER2-targeting strategies, as well as the exploration of novel strategies. In particular, the engineering of new antibody-drug conjugates, with higher drug-to-antibody ratios (DARs) and cleavable linkers, has already led to the development of a highly effective drug, namely trastuzumab deruxtecan, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of advanced HER2-positive (HER2+) BC, and currently in study in the early setting. Moreover, the novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor tucatinib was recently approved by FDA and EMA, showing to improve survival of HER2+ advanced BC patients, particularly in those with brain metastasis. Immunotherapy is also being investigated in the HER2+ subtype, through immune-checkpoint inhibition, cancer vaccines and adoptive-cell therapies. Overall, the enlarging arsenal of promising anti-HER2 compounds is expected to deliver significant improvements in the prognosis of both early and advanced HER2+ BC in the years to come. Moreover, some of such agents are showing encouraging activity in the much wider population of HER2-low advanced BC patients, challenging current BC classifications. If confirmed, this new paradigm would potentially expand the population deriving benefit from HER2-targeted treatments to up to 70% of all advanced BC patients, leading to a revolution in current treatment algorithms, and possibly to a redefinition of HER2 classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Tarantino
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Morganti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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26
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Pascual T, Oliveira M, Ciruelos E, Bellet Ezquerra M, Saura C, Gavilá J, Pernas S, Muñoz M, Vidal MJ, Margelí Vila M, Cejalvo JM, González-Farré B, Espinosa-Bravo M, Cruz J, Salvador-Bofill FJ, Guerra JA, Luna Barrera AM, Arumi de Dios M, Esker S, Fan PD, Martínez-Sáez O, Villacampa G, Paré L, Ferrero-Cafiero JM, Villagrasa P, Prat A. SOLTI-1805 TOT-HER3 Study Concept: A Window-of-Opportunity Trial of Patritumab Deruxtecan, a HER3 Directed Antibody Drug Conjugate, in Patients With Early Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:638482. [PMID: 33968735 PMCID: PMC8103897 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.638482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Preclinical data support a key role for the human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) pathway in hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. Recently, new HER3 directed antibody drug conjugates have shown activity in breast cancer. Given the need to better understand the molecular biology, tumor microenvironment, and mechanisms of drug resistance in breast cancer, we designed this window-of-opportunity study with the HER3 directed antibody drug conjugate patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd; U3-1402). Trial Design: Based on these data, a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, window-of-opportunity study was designed to evaluate the biological effect of patritumab deruxtecan in the treatment of naïve patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancer whose primary tumors are ≥1 cm by ultrasound evaluation. Patients will be enrolled in four cohorts according to the mRNA-based ERBB3 expression by central assessment. The primary endpoint is a CelTIL score after one single dose. A translational research plan is also included to provide biological information and to evaluate secondary and exploratory objectives of the study. Trial Registration Number: EudraCT 2019-004964-23; NCT number: NCT04610528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Pascual
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mafalda Oliveira
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Breast Cancer Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Ciruelos
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Meritxell Bellet Ezquerra
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Breast Cancer Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Saura
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Breast Cancer Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquin Gavilá
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, IVO-Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Pernas
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Institut Catala d' Oncologia (ICO), H. U. Bellvitge-Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Muñoz
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J Vidal
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Margelí Vila
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, ICO-Institut Català d' Oncologia Badalona, Hospital Universitario Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Juan M Cejalvo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Breast Cancer Biology Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Clínico de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | - Blanca González-Farré
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain.,Pathology Department, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Josefina Cruz
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Juan Antonio Guerra
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Miriam Arumi de Dios
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephen Esker
- Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Basking Ridge, NJ, United States
| | - Pang-Dian Fan
- Research and Development, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., Basking Ridge, NJ, United States
| | - Olga Martínez-Sáez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Villacampa
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Oncology Data Science, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Paré
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Aleix Prat
- SOLTI Innovative Cancer Research, Barcelona, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Genomics and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer), Barcelona, Spain.,Medicine Department, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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27
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Haikala HM, Jänne PA. Thirty Years of HER3: From Basic Biology to Therapeutic Interventions. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:3528-3539. [PMID: 33608318 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HER3 is a pseudokinase member of the EGFR family having a role in both tumor progression and drug resistance. Although HER3 was discovered more than 30 years ago, no therapeutic interventions have reached clinical approval to date. Because the evidence of the importance of HER3 is accumulating, increased amounts of preclinical and clinical trials with HER3-targeting agents are emerging. In this review article, we discuss the most recent HER3 biology in tumorigenic events and drug resistance and provide an overview of the current and emerging strategies to target HER3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Haikala
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pasi A Jänne
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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28
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Ma L, Liu Z, Fan Z. Potential Mechanisms of miR-143/Krupple Like Factor 5 Axis in Impeding the Proliferation of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevailing cancers in females, while the cancerous heterogeneity hinders its early diagnosis and subsequent therapy. miR-143-3p is a critical mediator in malignancy development and tumorigenesis as a tumor suppressor. Its role in various tumor entities
has been investigated, such as colon cancer and breast cancer. Using MCF-7 breast cancer cell model, we planned to explore the underlying mechanisms of miR-143/KLF-5 axis in retarding breast cancer cells growth. Bioinformatics analysis searched the target KLF5 of miR-143, and the miR-143-targeted
mimic and inhibitor were employed to detect the changes of KLF5. After transfection of mimic miR-143, the CCK-8 reagent assessed cell proliferation. Based on optimal stimulation time, miR-143 stimulation model was established, followed by determining expression of KLF5, EGFR and PCNA via western
blot and qPCR. Eventually, siRNA-KLF5 was applied to silencing KLF5 level to evaluate its role in MCF-7 cells. The transcription and translation levels of KLF5 were diminished in miR-143-mimic transfected MCF-7 cells, while enhanced in miR-143-inhibitor transfected MCF-7 cells. When MCF-7
cells were transfected with miR-143-mimic at different time points, 48 hours was found to be the optimal transfection time, with reduced transcription and translation levels of KLF5, EGFR and PCNA. The transcription and translation levels of PNCA and EGFR were declined after silencing KLF5
by siRNA. miR-143/KLF5 axis could retard the proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
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Sinevici N, Ataeinia B, Zehnder V, Lin K, Grove L, Heidari P, Mahmood U. HER3 Differentiates Basal From Claudin Type Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Contributes to Drug and Microenvironmental Induced Resistance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:554704. [PMID: 33330026 PMCID: PMC7715030 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.554704] [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: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of Breast Cancer (BC). Numerous kinase inhibitors (KI) targeting different pathway nodes have shown limited benefit in the clinical setting. In this study, we aim to characterize the extent of HER3 reliance and to define the effect of Neuregulin (NRG) isoforms in TNBCs. Basal and Claudin type TNBC cell lines were treated with a range of small molecule inhibitors, in the presence or absence of the HER3 ligand NRG. Single agent and combination therapy was also evaluated in human cancer cell lines through viability and biochemical assessment of the AKT/MAPK signaling pathway. We show that Basal (BT20, HCC-70, and MDA-MB-468) and Claudin type (MDA-MB-231, BT-549) TNBC cell lines displayed differential reliance on the HER family of receptors. Expression and dynamic HER3 upregulation was predominant in the Basal TNBC subtype. Furthermore, the presence of the natural ligand NRG showed potent signaling through the HER3-AKT pathway, significantly diminishing the efficacy of the AKT and PI3K inhibitors tested. We report that NRG augments the HER3 feedback mechanism for continued cell survival in TNBC. We demonstrate that combination strategies to effectively block the EGFR-HER3-AKT pathway are necessary to overcome compensatory mechanisms to NRG dependent and independent resistance mechanisms. Our findings suggests that the EGFR-HER3 heterodimer forms a major signaling hub and is a key player in tumorigenesis in Basal but not Claudin type TNBC tested. Thus, HER3 could potentially serve as a biomarker for identifying patients in which targeted therapy against the EGFR-HER3-AKT axis would be most valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Sinevici
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bahar Ataeinia
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Veronica Zehnder
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Lin
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren Grove
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pedram Heidari
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Li J, Ma M, Yang X, Zhang M, Luo J, Zhou H, Huang N, Xiao F, Lai B, Lv W, Zhang N. Circular HER2 RNA positive triple negative breast cancer is sensitive to Pertuzumab. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:142. [PMID: 32917240 PMCID: PMC7488427 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the most challenging breast cancer subtype so far. Specific therapeutic approaches have rarely achieved clinical improvements in treatment of TNBC patients and effective molecular biomarkers are largely unknown. Methods We used paired TNBC samples and high throughput RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed circRNAs. Sucrose gradient polysome fractionation assay, antibody and Mass spectra were used to validate active circRNA translation. The novel protein function was validated in vitro and in vivo by gain or loss of function assays. Mechanistic results were concluded by immunoprecipitation analyses and kinase activity assay. Results Circular HER2 RNA (circ-HER2) encoded a novel protein, HER2–103. Unexpectedly, while HER2 mRNA and protein were barely detected, circ-HER2/HER2–103 was expressed in ~ 30% TNBC clinical samples. Circ-HER2/HER2–103 positive TNBC patients harbored worse overall prognosis than circ-HER2/HER2–103 negative patients. Knockdown circ-HER2 inhibited TNBC cells proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the critical role of circ-HER2/HER2–103 in TNBC tumorigenicity. Mechanistically, HER2–103 promoted homo/hetero dimerization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/HER3, sustained AKT phosphorylation and downstream malignant phenotypes. Furthermore, HER2–103 shared most of the same amino acid sequences as HER2 CR1 domain which could be antagonized by Pertuzumab, a clinical used HER2 antibody. Pertuzumab markedly attenuated in vivo tumorigenicity of circ-HER2/HER2–103 expressing TNBC cells but showed no effects in circ-HER2/HER2–103 negative TNBC cells. Conclusion Our results not only demonstrated that certain TNBCs were not truly ‘HER2 negative’ but also highlighted the clinical implications of Pertuzumab in circ-HER2/HER2–103 expressing TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.,Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Maoguang Ma
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.,Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuesong Yang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Maolei Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No 58, Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingyan Luo
- Forevergen Biosciences Center, R&D Unit 602, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Huangkai Zhou
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No 58, Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Nunu Huang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No 58, Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Feizhe Xiao
- Department of Scientific Research Section, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Bingquan Lai
- Forevergen Biosciences Center, R&D Unit 602, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Weiming Lv
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Nu Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No 58, Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
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Targeting Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) Signaling and Its Crosstalk with β 1-integrin Emerges as a Key Factor for Breast Cancer Chemosensitization upon Collagen Type 1 Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144956. [PMID: 32668815 PMCID: PMC7404217 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagen type 1 (COL1) is a ubiquitously existing extracellular matrix protein whose high density in breast tissue favors metastasis and chemoresistance. COL1-binding of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells is mainly dependent on β1-integrins (ITGB1). Here, we elucidate the signaling of chemoresistance in both cell lines and their ITGB1-knockdown mutants and elucidated MAPK pathway to be strongly upregulated upon COL1 binding. Notably, Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) was identified as another important COL1-sensor, which is permanently active but takes over the role of COL1-receptor maintaining MAPK activation in ITGB1-knockdown cells. Consequently, inhibition of DDR1 and ERK1/2 act synergistically, and sensitize the cells for cytostatic treatments using mitoxantrone, or doxorubicin, which was associated with an impaired ABCG2 drug efflux transporter activity. These data favor DDR1 as a promising target for cancer cell sensitization, most likely in combination with MAPK pathway inhibitors to circumvent COL1 induced transporter resistance axis. Since ITGB1-knockdown also induces upregulation of pEGFR in MDA-MB-231 cells, inhibitory approaches including EGFR inhibitors, such as gefitinib appear promising for pharmacological interference. These findings provide evidence for the highly dynamic adaptation of breast cancer cells in maintaining matrix binding to circumvent cytotoxicity and highlight DDR1 signaling as a target for sensitization approaches.
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