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Chen CC, Wang S, Yang JM, Huang CH. Targeting Ras signaling excitability in cancer cells through combined inhibition of FAK and PI3K. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.12.544386. [PMID: 37398082 PMCID: PMC10312644 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.544386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The Ras/PI3K/ERK signaling network is frequently mutated in various human cancers including cervical cancer and pancreatic cancer. Previous studies showed that the Ras/PI3K/ERK signaling network displays features of excitable systems including propagation of activity waves, all-or-none responses, and refractoriness. Oncogenic mutations lead to enhanced excitability of the network. A positive feedback loop between Ras, PI3K, the cytoskeleton, and FAK was identified as a driver of excitability. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of targeting signaling excitability by inhibiting both FAK and PI3K in cervical and pancreatic cancer cells. We found that the combination of FAK and PI3K inhibitors synergistically suppressed the growth of select cervical and pancreatic cancer cell lines through increased apoptosis and decreased mitosis. In particular, FAK inhibition caused downregulation of PI3K and ERK signaling in cervical cancer but not pancreatic cancer cells. Interestingly, PI3K inhibitors activated multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including insulin receptor and IGF-1R in cervical cancer cells, as well as EGFR, Her2, Her3, Axl, and EphA2 in pancreatic cancer cells. Our results highlight the potential of combining FAK and PI3K inhibition for treating cervical and pancreatic cancer, although appropriate biomarkers for drug sensitivity are needed, and concurrent targeting of RTKs may be required for resistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Cheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Suyang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Jr-Ming Yang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Chuan-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
- Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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2
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Bergado-Báez G, Gonzalez Suarez N, García LC, Pérez-Martínez D, Hernández-Fernández DR, Fundora-Barrios T, Rodríguez-Álvarez A, Díaz-Ordaz GD, Lindzen M, Yarden Y, Sánchez-Ramírez B. Polyclonal antibody-induced downregulation of HER1/EGFR and HER2 surpasses the effect of combinations of specific registered antibodies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:951267. [PMID: 36408164 PMCID: PMC9667895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.951267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antitumor therapies targeting HER1/EGFR and HER2, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have demonstrated a significant clinical benefit, but the emergence of resistance limits long-term efficacy. While secondary HER1 mutations confer tolerance to TKI, compensatory upregulation of HER2 drives resistance to anti-HER1 MAbs, which identifies MAb combinations targeting both receptors as an attractive therapeutic strategy. Nevertheless, toxicity hampers the clinical validation of this approach. Alternatively, cancer vaccines may induce antibodies directed against several antigens with less concern about induced toxicity. Methods Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) targeting HER1 and HER2 were induced in mice or rabbits through immunization. Recognition of different epitopes on targets by PAbs was validated by phage-display technology. Receptor downregulation was evaluated by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. MTT assays assessed cytotoxicity, while the antitumor effect of PAbs was assayed in nude mice. Results PAbs promoted degradation of HER1 and HER2 regarding clinical MAbs or their combinations. As a result, inhibition of cytotoxicity on tumor cell lines was improved, even in the presence of oncogenic mutations in HER1, as well as in cetuximab-insensitive cells. Accordingly, the antitumor effect of vaccination-induced PAbs was observed in lung tumor lines representative of sensitivity or resistance to HER1 targeting therapies. Conclusions Immunization against HER1 and HER2 receptors offers an alternative to passive administration of combinations of MAbs, since vaccination-induced PAbs promote the downregulation of both receptors and they have a higher impact on the survival of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Bergado-Báez
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Narjara Gonzalez Suarez
- Laboratoire d’Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lisset Chao García
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Dayana Pérez-Martínez
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Talia Fundora-Barrios
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | - Moshit Lindzen
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Belinda Sánchez-Ramírez
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
- *Correspondence: Belinda Sánchez-Ramírez,
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3
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NANOG confers resistance to complement-dependent cytotoxicity in immune-edited tumor cells through up-regulating CD59. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8652. [PMID: 35606403 PMCID: PMC9126891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12692-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunoediting drives the adaptation of tumor cells to host immune surveillance. Previously, we have demonstrated that immunoediting driven by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) enriches NANOG+ tumor cells with immune-refractory properties. Here, we found that CTL-mediated immune pressure triggered cross-resistance of tumor cells to the complement system, a part of the innate immune system. In this process, NANOG upregulated the membrane-bound complement regulatory protein (mCRP) CD59 through promoter occupancy, thereby contributing to the resistance of tumor cells against complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Notably, targeting of NANOG sensitized the immune-refractory tumor cells to trastuzumab-mediated CDC. Collectively, our results revealed a possible mechanism through which selection imposed by T-cell based immunotherapy triggered complement-resistant phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), by establishing a firm molecular link between NANOG and CD59 in immune-edited tumor cells. We believe these results hold important implications for the clinical application of CDC-mediated therapeutic antibody.
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Muthusami S, Sabanayagam R, Periyasamy L, Muruganantham B, Park WY. A review on the role of epidermal growth factor signaling in the development, progression and treatment of cervical cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 194:179-187. [PMID: 34848237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The sub-committee constituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the management of cervical cancer (CC) detailed in the consensus document (2016) reported CC as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. The incidence of an increase in CC and associated mortality in women is a major cause of cancer. To date, human papilloma viral (HPV) infection accounts for more than 99% of CC. However, there are individuals infected with HPV do not develop CC. There is a greater correlation between HPV infection and upregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling cascade during the initiation, sustenance, and progression of CC. Therefore, EGFR is often targeted to treat CC using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAB). The current review analyzed the existing clinical/pre-clinical studies and the significance of EGFR abundance using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival plot analysis for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). We performed a series of bioinformatics analyses to screen the crucial role of the EGFR gene in CC. Further, different transcription factors that are dysregulated due to EGFR abundance and their relevance were determined using computational tools in this review. Endogenous microRNAs (miRNA) that undergo changes due to alterations in EGFR during CC were identified using computational database and consolidated the information obtained with the published in the area of miRNA and EGFR with special reference to the initiation, sustenance and progression of CC. The current review aims to consolidate contemporary approaches for targeting CC using EGFR and highlight the current role of miRNA and genes that are differently regulated during CC involving EGFR mutations. Potential resistance to the available EGFR therapies such as TKIs and mABs and the need for better therapies are also extensively reviewed for the development of newer therapeutic molecules with better efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridhar Muthusami
- Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India; Karpagam Cancer Research Centre, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India.
| | | | - Loganayaki Periyasamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India
| | - Bharathi Muruganantham
- Karpagam Cancer Research Centre, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore 641021, India
| | - Woo Yoon Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
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5
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Sugumaran A, Mathialagan V. Colloidal Nanocarriers as Versatile Targeted Delivery Systems for Cervical Cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:5174-5187. [PMID: 32586249 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200625110950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The second most common malignant cancer of the uterus is cervical cancer, which is present worldwide, has a rising death rate and is predominant in developing countries. Different classes of anticancer agents are used to treat cervical carcinoma. The use of these agents results in severe untoward side-effects, toxicity, and multidrug resistance (MDR) with higher chances of recurrence and spread beyond the pelvic region. Moreover, the resulting clinical outcome remains very poor even after surgical procedures and treatment with conventional chemotherapy. Because of the nonspecificity of their use, the agents wipe out both cancerous and normal tissues. Colloidal nano dispersions have now been focusing on site-specific delivery for cervical cancer, and there has been much advancement. METHODS This review aims to highlight the problems in the current treatment of cervical cancer and explore the potential of colloidal nanocarriers for selective delivery of anticancer drugs using available literature. RESULTS In this study, we surveyed the role and potential of different colloidal nanocarriers in cervical cancer, such as nanoemulsion, nanodispersions, polymeric nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles and photothermal and photodynamic therapy. We found significant advancement in colloidal nanocarrier-based cervical cancer treatment. CONCLUSION Cervical cancer-targeted treatment with colloidal nanocarriers would hopefully result in minimal toxic side effects, reduced dosage frequency, and lower MDR incidence and enhance the patient survival rates. The future direction of the study should be focused more on the regulatory barrier of nanocarriers based on clinical outcomes for cervical cancer targeting with cost-effective analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abimanyu Sugumaran
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, India
| | - Vishali Mathialagan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, India
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Conlon NT, Kooijman JJ, van Gerwen SJC, Mulder WR, Zaman GJR, Diala I, Eli LD, Lalani AS, Crown J, Collins DM. Comparative analysis of drug response and gene profiling of HER2-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1249-1259. [PMID: 33473169 PMCID: PMC8007737 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01257-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) is frequently amplified/mutated in cancer. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) lapatinib, neratinib, and tucatinib are FDA-approved for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Direct comparisons of the preclinical efficacy of the TKIs have been limited to small-scale studies. Novel biomarkers are required to define beneficial patient populations. METHODS In this study, the anti-proliferative effects of the three TKIs were directly compared using a 115 cancer cell line panel. Novel TKI response/resistance markers were identified through cross-analysis of drug response profiles with mutation, gene copy number and expression data. RESULTS All three TKIs were effective against HER2-amplified breast cancer models; neratinib showing the most potent activity, followed by tucatinib then lapatinib. Neratinib displayed the greatest activity in HER2-mutant and EGFR-mutant cells. High expression of HER2, VTCN1, CDK12, and RAC1 correlated with response to all three TKIs. DNA damage repair genes were associated with TKI resistance. BRCA2 mutations were correlated with neratinib and tucatinib response, and high expression of ATM, BRCA2, and BRCA1 were associated with neratinib resistance. CONCLUSIONS Neratinib was the most effective HER2-targeted TKI against HER2-amplified, -mutant, and EGFR-mutant cell lines. This analysis revealed novel resistance mechanisms that may be exploited using combinatorial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil T Conlon
- National Institute of Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Jeffrey J Kooijman
- Netherlands Translational Research Center B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne J C van Gerwen
- Netherlands Translational Research Center B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - Winfried R Mulder
- Netherlands Translational Research Center B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - Guido J R Zaman
- Netherlands Translational Research Center B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - Irmina Diala
- Puma Biotechnology, Inc., 10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2150, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Lisa D Eli
- Puma Biotechnology, Inc., 10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2150, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - Alshad S Lalani
- Puma Biotechnology, Inc., 10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2150, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | - John Crown
- National Institute of Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Denis M Collins
- National Institute of Cellular Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
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Souza JL, Martins-Cardoso K, Guimarães IS, de Melo AC, Lopes AH, Monteiro RQ, Almeida VH. Interplay Between EGFR and the Platelet-Activating Factor/PAF Receptor Signaling Axis Mediates Aggressive Behavior of Cervical Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:557280. [PMID: 33392068 PMCID: PMC7773908 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.557280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase widely expressed in cervical tumors, being correlated with adverse clinical outcomes. EGFR may be activated by a diversity of mechanisms, including transactivation by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Studies have also shown that platelet-activating factor (PAF), a pro-inflammatory phospholipid mediator, plays an important role in the cancer progression either by modulating the cancer cells or the tumor microenvironment. Most of the PAF effects seem to be mediated by the interaction with its receptor (PAFR), a member of the GPCRs family. PAFR- and EGFR-evoked signaling pathways contribute to tumor biology; however, the interplay between them remains uninvestigated in cervical cancer. In this study, we employed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and cancer cell lines to evaluate possible cooperation between EGFR, PAFR, and lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases (LPCATs), enzymes involved in the PAF biosynthesis, in the context of cervical cancer. It was observed a strong positive correlation between the expression of EGFR × PAFR and EGFR × LPCAT2 in 306 cervical cancer samples. The increased expression of LPCAT2 was significantly correlated with poor overall survival. Activation of EGFR upregulated the expression of PAFR and LPCAT2 in a MAPK-dependent fashion. At the same time, PAF showed the ability to transactivate EGFR leading to ERK/MAPK activation, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induction, and cell migration. The positive crosstalk between the PAF-PAFR axis and EGFR demonstrates a relevant linkage between inflammatory and growth factor signaling in cervical cancer cells. Finally, combined PAFR and EGFR targeting treatment impaired clonogenic capacity and viability of aggressive cervical cancer cells more strongly than each treatment separately. Collectively, we proposed that EGFR, LPCAT2, and PAFR emerge as novel targets for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana L. Souza
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karina Martins-Cardoso
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabella S. Guimarães
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andréia C. de Melo
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Angela H. Lopes
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robson Q. Monteiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vitor H. Almeida
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Niesler N, Arndt J, Silberreis K, Fuchs H. Generation of a soluble and stable apoptin-EGF fusion protein, a targeted viral protein applicable for tumor therapy. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 175:105687. [PMID: 32681952 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A promising candidate for tumor targeted toxins is the chicken anemia-derived protein apoptin that induces tumor-specific apoptosis. It was aimed to design a novel apoptin-based targeted toxin by genetic fusion of apoptin with the tumor-directed ligand epidermal growth factor (EGF) using Escherichia coli as expression host. However, apoptin is highly hydrophobic and tends to form insoluble aggregates. Therefore, three different apoptin-EGF variants were generated. The fusion protein hexa-histidine (His)-apoptin-EGF (HAE) was expressed in E. coli and purified under denaturing conditions due to inclusion bodies. The protein solubility was improved by maltose-binding protein (MBP) or glutathione S-transferase. The protein MBP-apoptin-EGFHis (MAEH) was found favorable as a targeted toxin regarding final yield (4-6 mg/L) and stability. MBP was enzymatically removed using clotting factor Xa, which resulted in low yield and poor separation. MAEH was tested on target and non-target cell lines. The targeted tumor cell line A431 showed significant toxicity with an IC50 of 69.55 nM upon incubation with MAEH while fibroblasts and target receptor-free cells remained unaffected. Here we designed a novel EGF receptor targeting drug with high yield, purity and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Niesler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Arndt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kim Silberreis
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hendrik Fuchs
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Zhao Z, Li J, Li H, Yuan Wu NY, Ou-Yang P, Liu S, Cai J, Wang J. Integrative Bioinformatics Approaches to Screen Potential Prognostic Immune-Related Genes and Drugs in the Cervical Cancer Microenvironment. Front Genet 2020; 11:727. [PMID: 32733542 PMCID: PMC7359727 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing countries, cervical cancer is still the major cause of cancer-related death among women. To better understand the correlation between tumor microenvironment (TME) and prognosis of cervical cancer, we screened 1367 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of cervical cancer samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm-derived immune scores. Then, we extracted 401 tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)-related DEGs that related to patients' survival outcomes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and functional enrichment analysis revealed that the prognostic genes mainly participated in myeloid leukocyte activation, adaptive immune response regulation, and receptor signaling pathways. A total of 79 key prognostic DEGs were obtained through PPI network. A TF-lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed to explore the potential regulatory mechanism. 4 genes (CCR7, PD-1, ZAP70, and CD28) were validated in another independent cohort of cervical cancer from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Finally, potential drugs for key prognostics DEGs were predicted using DrugBank. In conclusion, we obtained a list of potential prognostic TIME-related genes and potential predicted drugs by integrative bioinformatics approaches. A comprehensive understanding of prognostic genes within the TIME may provide new strategies for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Zhao
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jigang Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - He Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na-Yi Yuan Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Peilin Ou-Yang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingting Cai
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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10
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Jiang Y, Fang Y, Ye Y, Xu X, Wang B, Gu J, Aschner M, Chen J, Lu R. Anti-Cancer Effects of 3, 3'-Diindolylmethane on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Is Enhanced by Calcium Ionophore: The Role of Cytosolic Ca 2+ and p38 MAPK. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1167. [PMID: 31649538 PMCID: PMC6795059 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), derived from indole-3-carbinol (I3C) in the Brassica species of cruciferous vegetables, has anticancer effects, but its exact underlying mechanism of action is unknown. We explored the roles of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and p38 MAPK in the anti-cancer effects of DIM in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods: Cell proliferation was measured with a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and the clonogenic formation assay. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometric analysis and Hoechst dye staining. Cleaved-caspase3, cleaved-PARP, Bax, total, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK were assayed by western blotting. [Ca2+]i was measured with Fluo-3/AM by fluorescence microscopy. A23187, a calcium ionophore, was used to increase [Ca2+]i levels. Results: DIM inhibited cell proliferation in both SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. DIM also enhanced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p-p38), which was attenuated by SB203580. The proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction by DIM were also blunted. In addition, DIM increased [Ca2+]i in HCC cells, and this effect was inhibited by the calcium chelator, BAPTA-AM, resulting in reduced p-p38 MAPK activation and apoptosis in DIM-treated cells, though the proliferation inhibition by DIM was unchanged. However, the DIM-induced cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis were significantly enhanced by A23187, a selective calcium ionophore, which was attributed to exaggerated p-p38 MAPK. Conclusions: The calcium ionophore enhanced DIM-induced anti-cancer effects in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, secondary to [Ca2+]i-dependent activation of p38 MAPK. Treatment with a combination of DIM and calcium ionophore may offer a new approach to enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyue Jiang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Pathology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Fang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Taicang City, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xinming Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Bingfang Wang
- Department of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Gu
- Institute of Life Science, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Rongzhu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Center for Experimental Research, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Suzhou, China
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11
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Hugo de Almeida V, Guimarães IDS, Almendra LR, Rondon AMR, Tilli TM, de Melo AC, Sternberg C, Monteiro RQ. Positive crosstalk between EGFR and the TF-PAR2 pathway mediates resistance to cisplatin and poor survival in cervical cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:30594-30609. [PMID: 30093972 PMCID: PMC6078136 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin-based chemoradiation is the standard treatment for cervical cancer, but chemosensitizing strategies are needed to improve patient survival. EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is an oncogene overexpressed in cervical cancer that is involved in chemoresistance. Recent studies showed that EGFR upregulates multiple elements of the coagulation cascade, including tissue factor (TF) and the protease-activated receptors (PAR) 1 and 2. Moreover, many G protein-coupled receptors, including PARs, have been implicated in EGFR transactivation. However, the role of coagulation proteins in the progression of cervical cancer has been poorly investigated. Herein we employed cervical cancer cell lines and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to evaluate the role of EGFR, TF and PAR2 in chemoresistance. The SLIGKL-NH2 peptide (PAR2-AP) and coagulation factor VIIa (FVIIa) were used as PAR2 agonists, while cetuximab was used to inhibit EGFR. The more aggressive cell line CASKI showed higher expression levels of EGFR, TF and PAR2 than that of C33A. PAR2 transactivated EGFR, which further upregulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) expression. PAR2-AP decreased cisplatin-induced apoptosis through an EGFR- and COX2-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, treatment of CASKI cells with EGF upregulated TF expression, while treatment with cetuximab decreased the TF protein levels. The RNA-seq data from 309 TCGA samples showed a strong positive correlation between EGFR and TF expression (P = 0.0003). In addition, the increased expression of EGFR, PAR2 or COX2 in cervical cancer patients was significantly correlated with poor overall survival. Taken together, our results suggest that EGFR and COX2 are effectors of the TF/FVIIa/PAR2 signaling pathway, promoting chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Hugo de Almeida
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas R Almendra
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Araci M R Rondon
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiana M Tilli
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andréia C de Melo
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cinthya Sternberg
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Present address: Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica (SBOC), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Robson Q Monteiro
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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12
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de Almeida VH, de Melo AC, Meira DD, Pires AC, Nogueira-Rodrigues A, Pimenta-Inada HK, Alves FG, Moralez G, Thiago LS, Ferreira CG, Sternberg C. Radiotherapy modulates expression of EGFR, ERCC1 and p53 in cervical cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 51:e6822. [PMID: 29160417 PMCID: PMC5685065 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20176822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a public health problem and the molecular mechanisms underlying radioresistance are still poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the modulation of key molecules involved in cell proliferation, cell cycle and DNA repair in cervical cancer cell lines (CASKI and C33A) and in malignant tissues biopsied from 10 patients before and after radiotherapy. The expression patterns of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and p53 were evaluated in cancer cell lines by quantitative PCR and western blotting, and in human malignant tissues by immunohistochemistry. The mutation status of TP53 gene was evaluated by direct sequencing. Among cell lines, absent or weak modulations of EGFR, ERCC1 and p53 were observed after exposure to 1.8 Gy. Conversely, increased expressions of p53 (5/10 patients; P=0.0239), ERCC1 (5/10 patients; P=0.0294) and EGFR (4/10 patients; P=0.1773) were observed in malignant tissues after radiotherapy with the same radiation dose. TP53 mutations were found only in one patient. Here we show that a single dose of radiotherapy induced EGFR, ERCC1 and p53 expression in malignant tissues from cervical cancer patients but not in cancer cell lines, highlighting the gap between in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Studies on larger patient cohorts are needed to allow an interpretation that an upregulation of p53, EGFR and ERCC1 may be part of a radioresistance mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- V H de Almeida
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - A C de Melo
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - D D Meira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brasil
| | - A C Pires
- Fonte Medicina Diagnóstica, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - A Nogueira-Rodrigues
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - H K Pimenta-Inada
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - F G Alves
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - G Moralez
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - L S Thiago
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - C G Ferreira
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - C Sternberg
- Divisão de Pesquisa Clínica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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13
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Gupta S, Gupta MK. Possible role of nanocarriers in drug delivery against cervical cancer. NANO REVIEWS & EXPERIMENTS 2017; 8:1335567. [PMID: 30410707 PMCID: PMC6167030 DOI: 10.1080/20022727.2017.1335567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and the largest cancer killer among women in most developing countries including India. Although, various drugs have been developed for cervical cancer, treatment with these drugs often results in a number of undesirable side effects, toxicity and multidrug resistance (MDR). Also, the outcomes for cervical cancer patients remain poor after surgery and chemo radiation. Methods: A literature search (for drugs and delivery systems against cervical cancer) was performed on PubMed and through Google. The present review discuss about various methods including its current conventional treatment with special reference to recent advances in delivery systems encapsulating various anticancer drugs and natural plant products for targeting towards cervical cancer. The role of photothermal therapy, gene therapy and radiation therapy against cervical cancer is also discussed. Results: Systemic/targeted drug delivery systems including liposomes, nanoparticles, hydrogels, dendrimers etc. and localized drug delivery systems like cervical patches, films, rings etc. are safer than the conventional chemotherapy which has further been proved by the several drug delivery systems undergoing clinical trials. Conclusion: Novel approaches for the aggressive treatment of cervical cancer will optimistically result in decreased side effects as well as toxicity, frequency of administration of existing drugs, to overcome MDR and to increase the survival rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Gupta
- B. S. Anangpuria Institute of Pharmacy, Pt B. D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Faridabad, India
| | - Manish K. Gupta
- TERI-Deakin Nano Biotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, Gurugram, India
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14
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Chang WT, Liu W, Chiu YH, Chen BH, Chuang SC, Chen YC, Hsu YT, Lu MJ, Chiou SJ, Chou CK, Chiu CC. A 4-Phenoxyphenol Derivative Exerts Inhibitory Effects on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells through Regulating Autophagy and Apoptosis Accompanied by Downregulating α-Tubulin Expression. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050854. [PMID: 28531143 PMCID: PMC6154338 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cancer worldwide. Advanced HCCs are usually resistant to anticancer drugs, causing unsatisfactory chemotherapy outcomes. In this study, we showed that a 4-phenoxyphenol derivative, 4-[4-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)phenoxy]phenol (4-HPPP), exerts an inhibitory activity against two HCC cell lines, Huh7 and Ha22T. We further investigated the anti-HCC activities of 4-HPPP, including anti-proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Our results showed that higher dosage of 4-HPPP downregulates the expression of α-tubulin and causes nuclear enlargement in both the Huh-7 and Ha22T cell lines. Interestingly, the colony formation results showed a discrepancy in the inhibitory effect of 4-HPPP on HCC and rat liver epithelial Clone 9 cells, suggesting the selective cytotoxicity of 4-HPPP toward HCC cells. Furthermore, the cell proliferation and apoptosis assay results illustrated the differences between the two HCC cell lines. The results of cellular proliferation assays, including trypan blue exclusion and colony formation, revealed that 4-HPPP inhibits the growth of Huh7 cells, but exerts less cytotoxicity in Ha22T cells. Furthermore, the annexin V assay performed for detecting the apoptosis showed similar results. Western blotting results showed 4-HPPP caused the increase of pro-apoptotic factors including cleaved caspase-3, Bid and Bax in HCC cells, especially in Huh-7. Furthermore, an increase of autophagy-associated protein microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3B (LC3B)-II and the decrease of Beclin-1 and p62/SQSTM1 were observed following 4-HPPP treatment. Additionally, the level of γH2A histone family, member X (γH2AX), an endogenous DNA damage biomarker, was dramatically increased in Huh7 cells after 4-HPPP treatment, suggesting the involvement of DNA damage pathway in 4-HPPP-induced apoptosis. On the contrary, the western blotting results showed that treatment up-regulates pro-survival proteins, including the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and the level of survivin on Ha22T cells, which may confer a resistance toward 4-HPPP. Notably, the blockade of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), but not Akt, enhanced the cytotoxicity of 4-HPPP against Ha22T cells, indicating the pro-survival role of ERK in 4-HPPP-induced anti-HCC effect. Our present work suggests that selective anti-HCC activity of 4-HPPP acts through induction of DNA damage. Accordingly, the combination of ERK inhibitor may significantly enhance the anti-cancer effect of 4-HPPP for those HCC cells which overexpress ERK in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tsan Chang
- Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Wangta Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Han Chiu
- Department of Nursing, St. Mary's Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Yi-Lan 266, Taiwan.
| | - Bing-Hung Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Chang Chuang
- Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Transplantation Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Chun Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Tzh Hsu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Jei Lu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Shean-Jaw Chiou
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chon-Kit Chou
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Chih Chiu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Translational Research Center, Cancer Center, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Environment Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan.
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15
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Cossar LH, Schache AG, Risk JM, Sacco JJ, Jones NJ, Lord R. Modulating the DNA Damage Response to Improve Treatment Response in Cervical Cancer. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2017; 29:626-634. [PMID: 28336131 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide and new therapeutic approaches are needed to improve clinical outcomes for this group of patients. Current treatment protocols for locally advanced and metastatic disease consist of ionising radiation and chemotherapy. Chemoradiation induces cytotoxic levels of DNA double-strand breaks, which activates programmed cell death via the DNA damage response (DDR). Cervical cancers are unique given an almost exclusive association with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection; a potent manipulator of the DDR, with the potential to alter tumour sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents and influence treatment response. This review highlights the wide range of therapeutic strategies in development that have the potential to modulate DDR and sensitise cervical tumours to DNA-damaging agents in the context of HPV oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Cossar
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral, UK.
| | - A G Schache
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J M Risk
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - J J Sacco
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral, UK
| | - N J Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Lord
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral, UK
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16
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Lin W, Feng M, Chen G, Zhou Z, Li J, Ye Y. Characterization of the microRNA profile in early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma by next-generation sequencing. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:1477-1486. [PMID: 28098890 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is histologically the most prominent type of cervical cancer. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important regulatory roles in the biological processes of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Deciphering the miRNA regulatory network in CSCC could deepen our understanding at the molecular level of CSCC initiation and progression. In the present study, we performed next‑generation sequencing (NGS) to profile miRNA expression in 3 pairs of early-stage CSCC samples. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify primary findings in another 20 pairs of CSCC samples. We identified 37 known miRNAs that exhibited significant alterations in expression (2-fold change or greater), among which 8 miRNAs were upregulated and 29 miRNAs were downregulated. Nine of these miRNAs were selected for further qRT-PCR validation. A novel miRNA candidate was also reported for the first time in the present study to be upregulated. The Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that its target genes were involved in MAPK, calcium and adherent junction signaling pathways. The present study systematically characterized the miRNA expression variation in early-stage CSCC and provides novel biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment as well as an opportunity for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and development of CSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wansong Lin
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Mei Feng
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Guilin Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Zhifeng Zhou
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Jieyu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
| | - Yunbin Ye
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital and Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350014, P.R. China
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17
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Lin H, Ma Y, Wei Y, Shang H. Genome-wide analysis of aberrant gene expression and methylation profiles reveals susceptibility genes and underlying mechanism of cervical cancer. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 207:147-152. [PMID: 27863272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of cervical cancer (CC) by integrated bioinformatic analyses of gene expression and methylation profiles. METHODS The gene expression and methylation microarrays in CC samples and normal controls were respectively downloaded from the GEO database. After screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with Limma package and the CC-related methylation sites with CpGassoc package in R language, DEGs with CC-related methylation sites were identified from the intersection of the above two groups of results with 50kb upstream and downstream of a gene as the gene region. Then GO enrichment was performed by GenCLIP2.0 software. Sequentially, analysis of metabolic sub-pathways with pathogenic risk was predicted by iSubpathwayMiner package in R language. RESULTS A total of 1357 DEGs including 721 up-regulated and 636 down-regulated, as well as 666 CC-related methylation sites were screened out. After being analyzed, 26 DEGs with 35 CC-related methylation sites were identified. EDN3 and EDNRB were significantly involved in a function cluster in GO terms of vein smooth muscle contraction, vascular smooth muscle contraction and phasic smooth muscle contraction. LHX2 and PAX6 were significantly involved in a function cluster in GO terms of telencephalon regionalization and forebrain regionalization. ACOX3, CYP39A1 and DPYS were significantly enriched in 25 sub-pathways of 6 major pathways. CONCLUSIONS EDN3 and EDNRB might play important roles in the molecular mechanism of CC, and LHX2, ACOX3, CYP39A1 and DPYS might be susceptibility genes and potential risk markers in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Lin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shandong University Affiliated Jinan Center Hospital, Jinan 250013, Shandong, China
| | - Yifei Ma
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shandong University Affiliated Jinan Center Hospital, Jinan 250013, Shandong, China.
| | - Yongqing Wei
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shandong University Affiliated Jinan Center Hospital, Jinan 250013, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Shang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shandong University Affiliated Jinan Center Hospital, Jinan 250013, Shandong, China
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18
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Veluchamy JP, Heeren AM, Spanholtz J, van Eendenburg JDH, Heideman DAM, Kenter GG, Verheul HM, van der Vliet HJ, Jordanova ES, de Gruijl TD. High-efficiency lysis of cervical cancer by allogeneic NK cells derived from umbilical cord progenitors is independent of HLA status. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 66:51-61. [PMID: 27783105 PMCID: PMC5222919 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1919-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Down-regulation of HLA in tumor cells, low numbers and dysfunctionality of NK cells are commonly observed in patients with end-stage cervical cancer. Adoptive transfer of high numbers of cytotoxic NK cells might be a promising treatment approach in this setting. Here, we explored the cytotoxic efficacy on ten cervical cancer cell lines of activated allogeneic NK cells from two sources, i.e., peripheral blood (PBNK) with and without cetuximab (CET), a tumor-specific monoclonal antibody directed against EGFR, or derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB-NK). Whereas CET monotherapy was ineffective against the panel of cervical cancer cell lines, irrespective of their EGFR expression levels and despite their RASwt status, it significantly enhanced the in vitro cytotoxic efficacy of activated PBNK (P = 0.002). Equally superior cytotoxicity over activated PBNK alone was achieved by UCB-NK (P < 0.001). Both PBNK- and UCB-NK-mediated cytotoxic activity was dependent on the NK-activating receptors natural killer group 2, member D receptor (NKG2D) and DNAX accessory molecule-1 (DNAM-1) (P < 0.05) and unrelated to expression levels of the inhibitory receptors HLA-E and/or HLA-G. Most strikingly, whereas the PBNK’s cytotoxic activity was inversely correlated with HLA-ABC levels (P = 0.036), PBNK + CET and UCB-NK cytotoxicity were entirely independent of HLA-ABC expression. In conclusion, this study provides a rationale to initiate a clinical trial for cervical cancer with adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells, employing either UCB-NK or PBNK + CET for EGFR-expressing tumors. Adoptive transfer of UCB-NK might serve as a generally applicable treatment for cervical cancer, enabled by HLA-, histology- and HPV-independent killing mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Veluchamy
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - A Marijne Heeren
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jaap D H van Eendenburg
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle A M Heideman
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gemma G Kenter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk M Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ekaterina S Jordanova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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19
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de Melo AC, Grazziotin-Reisner R, Erlich F, Fontes Dias MS, Moralez G, Carneiro M, Ingles Garces ÁH, Guerra Alves FV, Novaes Neto B, Fuchshuber-Moraes M, Morando J, Suarez-Kurtz G, Ferreira CG. A phase I study of mTOR inhibitor everolimus in association with cisplatin and radiotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced cervix cancer: PHOENIX I. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2016; 78:101-9. [PMID: 27206639 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervix cancer (CC) represents the fourth most common cancer in women. Treatment involving cisplatin and radiotherapy has been the standard for locally advanced disease. Everolimus inhibits the aberrant activity of mTOR that is part of carcinogenesis in CC. Further everolimus inactivates the HPV E7 oncoprotein and inhibits its proliferation. Preclinical models have suggested that everolimus sensitizes tumoral cells and vasculature to cisplatin and radiotherapy. METHODS In a 3 + 3 design, the trial aimed to treat three dose levels of at least three patients with daily doses of everolimus (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/day), cisplatin and radiotherapy delivered in a 9-week interval in CC patients, stage IIB, IIIA or IIIB. Patients received everolimus from day -7 up to the last day of brachytherapy. Primary objective was to evaluate safety, toxicity and the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of everolimus in association with cisplatin and radiotherapy. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters and response rates were analyzed as secondary objectives. RESULTS Thirteen patients were enrolled, 6 at 2.5 mg, 3 at 5 mg and 4 at 10 mg. Four patients did not complete the planned schedule, 1 at 2.5 mg presented grade 4 acute renal failure interpreted as dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and 3 at 10 mg: 1 with disease progression, and 2 with DLTs-1 grade 3 rash and 1 grade 4 neutropenia. PK results were characterized by dose-dependent increases in AUC and C max. CONCLUSIONS The MTD of everolimus in combination with cisplatin and radiotherapy has been defined as 5 mg/day. The data regarding safety and response rates support further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Felipe Erlich
- Brazilian National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Gil Ferreira
- Brazilian Clinical Cancer Research Network (RNPCC) - INCA/Decit/MS, D'or Institute of Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Wang Y, Gao Y, Cheng H, Yang G, Tan W. Stanniocalcin 2 promotes cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 466:362-8. [PMID: 26361149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common carcinomas in the female reproductive system. Treatment of cervical cancer involves surgical removal and chemotherapy. Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy drugs including cisplatin has increasingly become an important problem in the treatment of cervical cancer patients. We found in this study that stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) expression was upregulated in both cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. The levels of STC2 expression in cervical cancer cell lines were positively correlated with the rate of cell proliferation. Furthermore, in cisplatin resistant cervical cancer cells, the levels of STC2 expression were significantly elevated. Modulation of STC2 expression by siRNA or overexpression in cisplatin resistant cells resulted in altered cell survival, apoptosis, and cisplatin resistance. Finally, we found that there was significant difference in the activity of the MAPK signaling pathway between cisplatin sensitive and resistant cervical cancer cells, and that STC2 could regulate the activity of the MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxia Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Hairong Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Guichun Yang
- Department of Gynecology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Wenhua Tan
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150086, China.
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Kiesgen S, Liebers N, Cremer M, Arnold U, Weber T, Keller A, Herold-Mende C, Dyckhoff G, Jager D, Kontermann RE, Arndt MAE, Krauss J. A fusogenic dengue virus-derived peptide enhances antitumor efficacy of an antibody-ribonuclease fusion protein targeting the EGF receptor. Protein Eng Des Sel 2014; 27:331-7. [DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzu040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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22
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Cetuximab inhibits cisplatin-induced activation of EGFR signaling in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:1188-92. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Weinandy A, Piroth MD, Goswami A, Nolte K, Sellhaus B, Gerardo-Nava J, Eble M, Weinandy S, Cornelissen C, Clusmann H, Lüscher B, Weis J. Cetuximab induces eme1-mediated DNA repair: a novel mechanism for cetuximab resistance. Neoplasia 2014; 16:207-20, 220.e1-4. [PMID: 24731284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is observed in a large number of neoplasms. The monoclonal antibody cetuximab/Erbitux is frequently applied to treat EGFR-expressing tumors. However, the application of cetuximab alone or in combination with radio- and/or chemotherapy often yields only little benefit for patients. In the present study, we describe a mechanism that explains resistance of both tumor cell lines and cultured primary human glioma cells to cetuximab. Treatment of these cells with cetuximab promoted DNA synthesis in the absence of increased proliferation, suggesting that DNA repair pathways were activated. Indeed, we observed that cetuximab promoted the activation of the DNA damage response pathway and prevented the degradation of essential meiotic endonuclease 1 homolog 1 (Eme1), a heterodimeric endonuclease involved in DNA repair. The increased levels of Eme1 were necessary for enhanced DNA repair, and the knockdown of Eme1 was sufficient to prevent efficient DNA repair in response to ultraviolet-C light or megavoltage irradiation. These treatments reduced the survival of tumor cells, an effect that was reversed by cetuximab application. Again, this protection was dependent on Eme1. Taken together, these results suggest that cetuximab initiates pathways that result in the stabilization of Eme1, thereby resulting in enhanced DNA repair. Accordingly, cetuximab enhances DNA repair, reducing the effectiveness of DNA-damaging therapies. This aspect should be considered when using cetuximab as an antitumor agent and suggests that Eme1 is a negative predictive marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Weinandy
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN (Jülich Aachen Research Alliance Brain) Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Marc D Piroth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Anand Goswami
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN (Jülich Aachen Research Alliance Brain) Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kay Nolte
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN (Jülich Aachen Research Alliance Brain) Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernd Sellhaus
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN (Jülich Aachen Research Alliance Brain) Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jose Gerardo-Nava
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN (Jülich Aachen Research Alliance Brain) Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Eble
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Weinandy
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Textile Implants, Applied Medical Engineering-Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Cornelissen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans Clusmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Lüscher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joachim Weis
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University and JARA-BRAIN (Jülich Aachen Research Alliance Brain) Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
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24
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Nogueira-Rodrigues A, Moralez G, Grazziotin R, Carmo CC, Small IA, Alves FVG, Mamede M, Erlich F, Viegas C, Triginelli SA, Ferreira CG. Phase 2 trial of erlotinib combined with cisplatin and radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Cancer 2014; 120:1187-93. [PMID: 24615735 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin-based chemoradiation (CRT) is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently overexpressed in cervical cancer, and EGFR inhibition itself has antitumor effects and potentiates CRT. Results of a previous phase 1 trial of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib combined with cisplatin-based CRT (E + CRT) recommended a phase 2 erlotinib dose of 150 mg/day. METHODS Eligibility criteria included International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIB to IIIB epidermoid cervical cancer, no prior therapy, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2. Patients received erlotinib at a dose of 150 mg/day 1 week before and in combination with cisplatin (40 mg/m(2) administered weekly for 5 cycles) and radiotherapy (4500 centigrays in 25 fractions), followed by brachytherapy (4 fractions at a dose of 600 centigrays weekly). RESULTS A total of 36 patients completed treatment with E + CRT. The median duration of therapy was 77 days and the median follow-up period was 59.3 months. The therapy was well tolerated overall, and 34 patients (94.4%) achieved a complete response. The 2-year and 3-year cumulative overall and progression-free survival rates were 91.7% and 80.6% and 80% and 73.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with E + CRT appears to be safe and exerts significant activity against locally advanced cervical cancer. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to date to demonstrate that a target agent has promising activity against locally advanced cervical cancer.
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Ingargiola M, Runge R, Heldt JM, Freudenberg R, Steinbach J, Cordes N, Baumann M, Kotzerke J, Brockhoff G, Kunz-Schughart LA. Potential of a Cetuximab-based radioimmunotherapy combined with external irradiation manifests in a 3-D cell assay. Int J Cancer 2014; 135:968-80. [PMID: 24615356 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-overexpressing tumors with radiolabeled anti-EGFR antibodies is a promising strategy for combination with external radiotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the potential of external plus internal irradiation by [(90) Y]Y-CHX-A″-DTPA-C225 (Y-90-C225) in a 3-D environment using FaDu and SAS head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) spheroid models and clinically relevant endpoints such as spheroid control probability (SCP) and spheroid control dose 50% (SCD50 , external irradiation dose inducing 50% loss of spheroid regrowth). Spheroids were cultured using a standardized platform. Therapy response after treatment with C225, CHX-A"-DTPA-C225 (DTPA-C225), [(90) Y]Y-CHX-A"-DTPA (Y-90-DTPA) and Y-90-C225 alone or in combination with X-ray was evaluated by long-term monitoring (60 days) of spheroid integrity and volume growth. Penetration kinetics into spheroids and EGFR binding capacities on spheroid cells were identical for unconjugated C225 and Y-90-C225. Spheroid-associated radioactivity upon exposure to the antibody-free control conjugate Y-90-DTPA was negligible. Determination of the SCD50 demonstrated higher intrinsic radiosensitivity of FaDu as compared with SAS spheroids. Treatment with unconjugated C225 alone did not affect spheroid growth and cell viability. Also, C225 treatment after external irradiation showed no additive effect. However, the combination of external irradiation with Y-90-C225 (1 µg/ml, 24 hr) resulted in a considerable benefit as reflected by a pronounced reduction of the SCD50 from 16 Gy to 9 Gy for SAS spheroids and a complete loss of regrowth for FaDu spheroids due to the pronounced accumulation of internal dose caused by the continuous exposure to cell-bound radionuclide upon Y-90-C225-EGFR interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ingargiola
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Institute of Radiooncology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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Weyergang A, Selbo PK, Berg K. Sustained EKR inhibition by EGFR targeting therapies is a predictive factor for synergistic cytotoxicity with PDT as neoadjuvant therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1830:2659-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Zhu J, Li Y, Guan C, Chen Z. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of 3,3'-diindolylmethane in human cervical cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2012; 28:1063-8. [PMID: 22736073 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.1877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The antitumor effects of Indo-3-carbinol (I3C) have been proven in many human carcinoma cells. However, the roles of 3,3-diindolylmethane (DIM), an important polymer converted from I3C under pH 5.0-7.0, on the growth and proliferation of cervical cancer HeLa and SiHa cells still remain unrevealed. In the present study, we investigated the potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of DIM on HeLa and SiHa cells. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting kit-8 and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. In addition, morphological changes accompanying cell apoptosis were observed using an inverted microscope after Hoechst 33258 staining. In addition, expression changes of proteins involved in the MAPK and PI3K pathways were determined by western blotting. DIM treatment inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cells significantly in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SiHa cells were more sensitive to DIM treatment than HeLa cells (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of ERK, p38 and p-p38, which are involved in the MAPK pathway, was downregulated by DIM treatment. Another protein involved in the MAPK pathway, JNK, was upregulated. Furthermore, DIM treatment significantly suppressed the expression of Akt, p-Akt, PI3K p110α, PI3K p110β, PI3K class III, GSK3-β, p-PDK1 and p-c-Raf which are involved in the PI3K pathway. These results demonstrate that DIM exerts antitumor effects on HeLa and SiHa cells through its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic roles, especially for SiHa cells. The molecular mechanism for these effects may be related to its regulatory effects on MAPK and PI3K pathway and apoptosis proteins. DIM may be a preventive and therapeutic agent against cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyong Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuchang, Wuhan 430060, PR China.
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DNA hypermethylation biomarkers to predict response to cisplatin treatment, radiotherapy or chemoradiation: the present state of art. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2012; 35:231-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-012-0091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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In pancreatic carcinoma, dual EGFR/HER2 targeting with cetuximab/trastuzumab is more effective than treatment with trastuzumab/erlotinib or lapatinib alone: implication of receptors' down-regulation and dimers' disruption. Neoplasia 2012; 14:121-30. [PMID: 22431920 DOI: 10.1593/neo.111602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated the synergistic therapeutic effect of the cetuximab (anti-epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] monoclonal antibody, mAb)-trastuzumab (anti-HER2 mAb) combination (2mAbs therapy) in HER2(low) human pancreatic carcinoma xenografts. Here, we compared the 2mAbs therapy, the erlotinib (EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor [TKI])-trastuzumab combination and lapatinib alone (dual HER2/EGFR TKI) and explored their possible mechanisms of action. The effects on tumor growth and animal survival of the three therapies were assessed in nude mice xenografted with the human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines Capan-1 and BxPC-3. After therapy, EGFR and HER2 expression and AKT phosphorylation in tumor cells were analyzed by Western blot analysis. EGFR/HER2 heterodimerization was quantified in BxPC-3 cells by time-resolved FRET. In K-ras-mutated Capan-1 xenografts, the 2mAbs therapy gave significantly higher inhibition of tumor growth than the erlotinib/trastuzumab combination, whereas in BxPC-3 (wild-type K-ras) xenografts, the erlotinib/trastuzumab combination showed similar growth inhibition but fewer tumor-free mice. Lapatinib showed no antitumor effect in both types of xenografts. The efficacy of the 2mAbs therapy was partly Fc-independent because F(ab')(2) fragments of the two mAbs significantly inhibited BxPC-3 growth, although with a time-limited therapeutic effect. The 2mAbs therapy was associated with a reduction of EGFR and HER2 expression and AKT phosphorylation. BxPC-3 cells preincubated with the two mAbs showed 50% less EGFR/HER2 heterodimers than controls. In pancreatic carcinoma xenografts, the 2mAbs therapy is more effective than treatments involving dual EGFR/HER2 TKIs. The mechanism of action may involve decreased AKT phosphorylation and/or disruption of EGFR/HER2 heterodimerization.
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Gilbert J, Rudek MA, Higgins MJ, Zhao M, Bienvenu S, Tsottles N, Chaudhry MA, Wahl R, Forastiere A, Gillison M. A phase I trial of erlotinib and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for stage III and IV (M0) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:1735-42. [PMID: 22271880 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-2544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Erlotinib, an orally active selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, has synergistic activity with radiation and with cisplatin. The EGFR is overexpressed in the majority of head and neck cancers. The primary objective of this phase I study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of erlotinib in combination with low-dose daily cisplatin and radiotherapy. We also sought evidence of biologic activity of erlotinib alone using serial 18-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Oral erlotinib was taken daily starting with a 14-day run-in and continued until radiation therapy (RT) was completed. Low-dose daily cisplatin, 6 mg/m(2) i.v. was given concurrently with standard fractionation RT to a total dose of 66 to 70 Gy. Dose escalation followed a modified Fibonacci dose escalation design. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were enrolled and 18 patients received therapy on protocol. MTD of the combination of erlotinib, cisplatin, and RT was not reached. The recommended phase II dose of erlotinib is 150 mg per day in combination with cisplatin and RT, the highest dose of erlotinib evaluated in this study. 18F-FDG PET showed evidence for metabolic response to single-agent erlotinib. Per PERCIST criteria, the overall metabolic response rate at day 14 was 38.8% (95% CI: 17.3-64.3). On completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, overall response rate derived from tumor measurements based on imaging studies was 83% for all dose levels combined. CONCLUSIONS Erlotinib in combination with low-dose daily cisplatin and RT is well tolerated and shows evidence of clinical efficacy. The combination should be evaluated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Gilbert
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Bellati F, Napoletano C, Gasparri ML, Visconti V, Zizzari IG, Ruscito I, Caccetta J, Rughetti A, Benedetti-Panici P, Nuti M. Monoclonal antibodies in gynecological cancer: a critical point of view. Clin Dev Immunol 2011; 2011:890758. [PMID: 22235224 PMCID: PMC3253445 DOI: 10.1155/2011/890758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/03/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During the last decades, several improvements in treating gynecological malignancies have been achieved. In particular, target therapies, mostly monoclonal antibodies, have emerged as an attractive option for the treatment of these malignancies. In fact, various molecular-targeted agents have been developed for a variety of malignancies with the objective to interfere with a precise tumor associated receptor, essential for cancer cell survival or proliferation, blocking its function, of the cancer cells. Alternatively, monoclonal antibodies have been developed to block immune suppression or enhance functions of immune effector cells. So far, several monoclonal antibodies have been tested for clinical efficacy for the treatment of gynecological cancers. Antibodies against Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) have been used in different neoplasms such as ovarian and cervical cancer. Catumazumab, a bivalent antibody against CD3 and EpCAM, is effective in the treatment of neoplastic ascites. Other antibodies are peculiar for specific cancer-associated antigen such as Oregovomab against CA125 or Farletuzumab against the folate receptor. Here we describe the preclinical and clinical experience gained up to now with monoclonal antibodies in tumors of the female genital tract and trace future therapeutic and research venues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Bellati
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Napoletano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Visconti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ilary Ruscito
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | - Jlenia Caccetta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelia Rughetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Nuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy
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Efficient blockade of Akt signaling is a determinant factor to overcome resistance to matuzumab. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:151. [PMID: 22185378 PMCID: PMC3295690 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical studies have shown antineoplastic effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against EGFR for different indications. Several MAbs directed to EGFR were developed recently, such as matuzumab, but there is still lack of information on preclinical data on its combination with chemo-radiation. Thus, the present study intended to examine the molecular pathways triggered by matuzumab alone or associated to chemo-radiotherapy in gynecological cell lines and its impact on cell growth and signaling. RESULTS Combination of matuzumab with radiation and cisplatin did not enhance its cytostatic effects on A431, Caski and C33A cells (high, intermediate and low EGFR expression, respectively) in clonogenic assays, when compared to controls. The lack of effect was mediated by persistent signaling through EGFR due to its impaired degradation. In spite of the fact that matuzumab inhibited phosphorylation of EGFR, it had no effect upon cell viability. To analyze which downstream molecules would be involved in the EGFR signaling in the presence of matuzumab, we have tested it in combination with either PD98059 (MAPK inhibitor), or LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). Matuzumab exhibited a synergic effect with LY294002, leading to a reduction of Akt phosphorylation that was followed by a decrease in A431 and Caski cells survival. The combination of PD98059 and matuzumab did not show the same effect suggesting that PI3K is an important effector of EGFR signaling in matuzumab-treated cells. Nonetheless, matuzumab induced ADCC in Caski cells, but not in the C33A cell line, suggesting that its potential therapeutic effects in vitro are indeed dependent on EGFR expression. CONCLUSIONS Matuzumab combined with chemoradiation did not induce cytotoxic effects on gynecological cancer cell lines in vitro, most likely due to impaired EGFR degradation. However, a combination of matuzumab and PI3K inhibitor synergistically inhibited pAkt and cell survival, suggesting that the use of PI3K/Akt inhibitors could overcome intrinsic resistance to matuzumab in vitro. Altogether, data presented here can pave the way to a rational design of clinical strategies in patients with resistant profile to anti-EGFR inhibitors based on combination therapy.
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Abstract
The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has become a general approach for specifically targeting and treating human disease. In oncology, the therapeutic utility of mAbs is usually evaluated in the context of treatment with standard of care, as well as other small molecule targeted therapies. Many anti-cancer antibody modalities have achieved validation, including the targeting of growth factor and angiogenesis pathways, the induction of tumor cell killing or apoptosis, and the blocking of immune inhibitory mechanisms to stimulate anti-tumor responses. But, as with other targeted therapies, few antibodies are curative because of biological complexities that underlie tumor formation and redundancies in molecular pathways that enable tumors to adapt and show resistance to treatment. This review discusses the combinations of antibody therapeutics that are emerging to improve efficacy and durability within a specific biological mechanism (e.g., immunomodulation or the inhibition of angiogenesis) and across multiple biological pathways (e.g., inhibition of tumor growth and induction of tumor cell apoptosis).
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Soonthornthum T, Arias-Pulido H, Joste N, Lomo L, Muller C, Rutledge T, Verschraegen C. Epidermal growth factor receptor as a biomarker for cervical cancer. Ann Oncol 2011; 22:2166-78. [PMID: 21325449 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdq723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the different modes of expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). All methods used to assess EGFR expression are critically analyzed and insights into the use of inhibitors of EGFR for treatment of cervical cancer are discussed. Currently, expression of EGFR as a biomarker for prognosis or for treatment of cervical cancer is not defined for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Soonthornthum
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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Ngô C, Nicco C, Leconte M, Chéreau C, Arkwright S, Vacher-Lavenu MC, Weill B, Chapron C, Batteux F. Protein kinase inhibitors can control the progression of endometriosis in vitro and in vivo. J Pathol 2010; 222:148-57. [PMID: 20821752 DOI: 10.1002/path.2756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis affects 6-10% of women in their reproductive years, causing chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood and current treatments, based on hormonal therapy or surgery, are often insufficient. The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of the ERK pathway in the development of endometriosis and to test the effects of protein kinase inhibitors on the proliferation of endometriotic cells in vitro and in vivo. We studied ex vivo human endometrial and endometriotic cells in culture. Stromal and epithelial cells were extracted from endometrial and endometriotic biopsies from patients with endometriosis and from patients without endometriosis. The ERK pathway was explored by western blot on cell lysates and by ELISA on total crushed specimens of endometrium. Cells in culture were treated with A771726, PD98059, and U0126. Human endometriotic lesions were implanted in nude mice. Mice were treated with A771726, leflunomide, PD98059, U0126 or PBS during 2 weeks before sacrifice and extraction of the endometriotic implants for histological examination. We found that the ERK pathway was significantly activated in endometriotic cells and in endometrial cells from patients with endometriosis compared to endometrial cells of control patients, both by ELISA and by western blot. This phenomenon was associated with an increased proliferation of endometriotic cells compared to endometrial cells. Treating endometriotic cells with A771726, PD98059 or U0126 abrogated the phosphorylation of ERK and significantly decreased the cellular proliferation in vitro. In vivo, A771726, leflunomide, PD98059, and U0126 controlled the growth of endometriotic implants in the mouse model of endometriosis. Our study shows that protein kinase inhibitors could be new candidates to treat endometriosis. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their effects and tolerability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Ngô
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine, EA 1833 AP-HP Hôpital Cochin, 75679 Paris Cedex 14, France
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Kruszyna Ł, Lianeri M, Roszak A, Jagodziński PP. HER2 codon 655 polymorphism is associated with advanced uterine cervical carcinoma. Clin Biochem 2010; 43:545-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2009.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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