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Friedlaender A, Perol M, Banna GL, Parikh K, Addeo A. Oncogenic alterations in advanced NSCLC: a molecular super-highway. Biomark Res 2024; 12:24. [PMID: 38347643 PMCID: PMC10863183 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer ranks among the most common cancers world-wide and is the first cancer-related cause of death. The classification of lung cancer has evolved tremendously over the past two decades. Today, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly lung adenocarcinoma, comprises a multitude of molecular oncogenic subsets that change both the prognosis and management of disease.Since the first targeted oncogenic alteration identified in 2004, with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), there has been unprecedented progress in identifying and targeting new molecular alterations. Almost two decades of experience have allowed scientists to elucidate the biological function of oncogenic drivers and understand and often overcome the molecular basis of acquired resistance mechanisms. Today, targetable molecular alterations are identified in approximately 60% of lung adenocarcinoma patients in Western populations and 80% among Asian populations. Oncogenic drivers are largely enriched among non-smokers, east Asians, and younger patients, though each alteration has its own patient phenotype.The current landscape of druggable molecular targets includes EGFR, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF), ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), Kirstin rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2), c-MET proto-oncogene (MET), neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK), rearranged during transfection (RET), neuregulin 1 (NRG1). In addition to these known targets, others including Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) have garnered significant attention and are the subject of numerous ongoing trials.In this era of personalized, precision medicine, it is of paramount importance to identify known or potential oncogenic drivers in each patient. The development of targeted therapy is mirrored by diagnostic progress. Next generation sequencing offers high-throughput, speed and breadth to identify molecular alterations in entire genomes or targeted regions of DNA or RNA. It is the basis for the identification of the majority of current druggable alterations and offers a unique window into novel alterations, and de novo and acquired resistance mechanisms.In this review, we discuss the diagnostic approach in advanced NSCLC, focusing on current oncogenic driver alterations, through their pathophysiology, management, and future perspectives. We also explore the shortcomings and hurdles encountered in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Friedlaender
- Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland
- Oncology Department, University Hospital Geneva, Rue Gentil Perret 4. 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maurice Perol
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Giuseppe Luigi Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
- Faculty of Science and Health, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | - Alfredo Addeo
- Oncology Department, University Hospital Geneva, Rue Gentil Perret 4. 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
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2
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Shreenivas A, Janku F, Gouda MA, Chen HZ, George B, Kato S, Kurzrock R. ALK fusions in the pan-cancer setting: another tumor-agnostic target? NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:101. [PMID: 37773318 PMCID: PMC10542332 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) alterations (activating mutations, amplifications, and fusions/rearrangements) occur in ~3.3% of cancers. ALK fusions/rearrangements are discerned in >50% of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) and anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs), but only in ~0.2% of other cancers outside of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a rate that may be below the viability threshold of even large-scale treatment trials. Five ALK inhibitors -alectinib, brigatinib, ceritinb, crizotinib, and lorlatinib-are FDA approved for ALK-aberrant NSCLCs, and crizotinib is also approved for ALK-aberrant IMTs and ALCL, including in children. Herein, we review the pharmacologic tractability of ALK alterations, focusing beyond NSCLC. Importantly, the hallmark of approved indications is the presence of ALK fusions/rearrangements, and response rates of ~50-85%. Moreover, there are numerous reports of ALK inhibitor activity in multiple solid and hematologic tumors (e.g., histiocytosis, leiomyosarcoma, lymphoma, myeloma, and colorectal, neuroendocrine, ovarian, pancreatic, renal, and thyroid cancer) bearing ALK fusions/rearrangements. Many reports used crizotinib or alectinib, but each of the approved ALK inhibitors have shown activity. ALK inhibitor activity is also seen in neuroblastoma, which bear ALK mutations (rather than fusions/rearrangements), but response rates are lower (~10-20%). Current data suggests that ALK inhibitors have tissue-agnostic activity in neoplasms bearing ALK fusions/rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Shreenivas
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | | | - Mohamed A Gouda
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hui-Zi Chen
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ben George
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Cancer Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) for Personalized Cancer Therapy, Chevilly-Larue, France.
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Cipri S, Del Baldo G, Fabozzi F, Boccuto L, Carai A, Mastronuzzi A. Unlocking the power of precision medicine for pediatric low-grade gliomas: molecular characterization for targeted therapies with enhanced safety and efficacy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204829. [PMID: 37397394 PMCID: PMC10311254 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade significant advancements have been made in the discovery of targetable lesions in pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGGs). These tumors account for 30-50% of all pediatric brain tumors with generally a favorable prognosis. The latest 2021 WHO classification of pLGGs places a strong emphasis on molecular characterization for significant implications on prognosis, diagnosis, management, and the potential target treatment. With the technological advances and new applications in molecular diagnostics, the molecular characterization of pLGGs has revealed that tumors that appear similar under a microscope can have different genetic and molecular characteristics. Therefore, the new classification system divides pLGGs into several distinct subtypes based on these characteristics, enabling a more accurate strategy for diagnosis and personalized therapy based on the specific genetic and molecular abnormalities present in each tumor. This approach holds great promise for improving outcomes for patients with pLGGs, highlighting the importance of the recent breakthroughs in the discovery of targetable lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Cipri
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabozzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- Healthcare Genetics Program, School of Nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Andrea Carai
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell Therapy, Gene Therapies and Hemopoietic Transplant, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Wu J, Lin Z. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Targeted Therapy: Drugs and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315056. [PMID: 36499382 PMCID: PMC9738331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of precision medicine has brought light to the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), expanding the options for patients with advanced NSCLC by targeting therapy through genetic and epigenetic cues. Tumor driver genes in NSCLC patients have been uncovered one by one, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mesenchymal lymphoma kinase (ALK), and receptor tyrosine kinase ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) mutants. Antibodies and inhibitors that target the critical gene-mediated signaling pathways that regulate tumor growth and development are anticipated to increase patient survival and quality of life. Targeted drugs continue to emerge, with as many as two dozen approved by the FDA, and chemotherapy and targeted therapy have significantly improved patient prognosis. However, resistance due to cancer drivers' genetic alterations has given rise to significant challenges in treating patients with metastatic NSCLC. Here, we summarized the main targeted therapeutic sites of NSCLC drugs and discussed their resistance mechanisms, aiming to provide new ideas for follow-up research and clues for the improvement of targeted drugs.
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Mazzeschi M, Sgarzi M, Romaniello D, Gelfo V, Cavallo C, Ambrosi F, Morselli A, Miano C, Laprovitera N, Girone C, Ferracin M, Santi S, Rihawi K, Ardizzoni A, Fiorentino M, D’Uva G, Győrffy B, Palmer R, Lauriola M. The autocrine loop of ALK receptor and ALKAL2 ligand is an actionable target in consensus molecular subtype 1 colon cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:113. [PMID: 35351152 PMCID: PMC8962179 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02309-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last years, several efforts have been made to classify colorectal cancer (CRC) into well-defined molecular subgroups, representing the intrinsic inter-patient heterogeneity, known as Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMSs). Methods In this work, we performed a meta-analysis of CRC patients stratified into four CMSs. We identified a negative correlation between a high level of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression and relapse-free survival, exclusively in CMS1 subtype. Stemming from this observation, we tested cell lines, patient-derived organoids and mice with potent ALK inhibitors, already approved for clinical use. Results ALK interception strongly inhibits cell proliferation already at nanomolar doses, specifically in CMS1 cell lines, while no effect was found in CMS2/3/4 groups. Furthermore, in vivo imaging identified a role for ALK in the dynamic formation of 3D tumor spheroids. Consistently, ALK appeares constitutively phosphorylated in CMS1, and it signals mainly through the AKT axis. Mechanistically, we found that CMS1 cells display several copies of ALKAL2 ligand and ALK-mRNAs, suggesting an autocrine loop mediated by ALKAL2 in the activation of ALK pathway, responsible for the invasive phenotype. Consequently, disruption of ALK axis mediates the pro-apoptotic action of CMS1 cell lines, both in 2D and 3D and enhanced cell-cell adhesion and e-cadherin organization. In agreement with all these findings, the ALK signature encompassing 65 genes statistically associated with worse relapse-free survival in CMS1 subtype. Finally, as a proof of concept, the efficacy of ALK inhibition was demonstrated in both patient-derived organoids and in tumor xenografts in vivo. Conclusions Collectively, these findings suggest that ALK targeting may represent an attractive therapy for CRC, and CMS classification may provide a useful tool to identify patients who could benefit from this treatment. These findings offer rationale and pharmacological strategies for the treatment of CMS1 CRC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02309-1.
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Defining Pathological Activities of ALK in Neuroblastoma, a Neural Crest-Derived Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111718. [PMID: 34769149 PMCID: PMC8584162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a common extracranial solid tumour of childhood, responsible for 15% of cancer-related deaths in children. Prognoses vary from spontaneous remission to aggressive disease with extensive metastases, where treatment is challenging. Tumours are thought to arise from sympathoadrenal progenitor cells, which derive from an embryonic cell population called neural crest cells that give rise to diverse cell types, such as facial bone and cartilage, pigmented cells, and neurons. Tumours are found associated with mature derivatives of neural crest, such as the adrenal medulla or paraspinal ganglia. Sympathoadrenal progenitor cells express anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor that is the most frequently mutated gene in neuroblastoma. Activating mutations in the kinase domain are common in both sporadic and familial cases. The oncogenic role of ALK has been extensively studied, but little is known about its physiological role. Recent studies have implicated ALK in neural crest migration and sympathetic neurogenesis. However, very few downstream targets of ALK have been identified. Here, we describe pathological activation of ALK in the neural crest, which promotes proliferation and migration, while preventing differentiation, thus inducing the onset of neuroblastoma. Understanding the effects of ALK activity on neural crest cells will help find new targets for neuroblastoma treatment.
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Shawraba F, Hammoud H, Mrad Y, Saker Z, Fares Y, Harati H, Bahmad HF, Nabha S. Biomarkers in Neuroblastoma: An Insight into Their Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Utilities. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:102. [PMID: 34580780 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00898-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Neuroblastoma (NB) is a heterogeneous solid tumor of the pediatric population that originates from neural crest cells and affects the developing sympathetic nervous system. It is the most common neuroblastic tumor accounting for approximately 10% of all childhood cancers and 10-15% of pediatric tumor mortalities. The outcomes range from spontaneous tumor regression in low-risk groups to metastasis and death even after multimodal therapy in high-risk groups. Hence, the detection of NB at an early stage improves outcomes and provides a better prognosis for patients. Early detection and prognosis of NB depend on specific molecules termed biomarkers which can be tissue-specific or circulating. Certain biomarkers are employed in the classification of NB into different groups to improve the treatment and prognosis, and others can be used as therapeutic targets. Therefore, novel biomarker discovery is essential for the early detection of NB, predicting the course of the disease, and developing new targeted treatment strategies. In this review, we aim to summarize the literature pertinent to some important biomarkers of NB and discuss the prognostic role of these biomarkers as well as their potential role in targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Shawraba
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Hammoud
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yara Mrad
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Zahraa Saker
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA.
| | - Sanaa Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Overexpression Is Associated with Aggressive Phenotypic Characteristics of Ovarian High-Grade Serous Carcinoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1837-1850. [PMID: 34214505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Deregulated full-length anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) overexpression has been found in some primary solid tumors, but little is known about its role in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). Herein, we focused on the functional roles of ALK in HGSC. Cytoplasmic ALK immunoreactivity without chromosomal rearrangement and gene mutations was significantly higher in HGSC compared with non-HGSC type ovarian carcinomas, and was significantly associated with several unfavorable clinicopathologic factors and poor prognosis. HGSC cell lines stably overexpressing ALK exhibited increased cell proliferation, enhanced cancer stem cell features, and accelerated cell mobility, whereas these phenotypes were abrogated in ALK-knockdown cells. Expression of the nervous system-associated gene, ELAVL3, and the corresponding protein (commonly known as HuC) was significantly increased in cells overexpressing ALK. There was increased expression of Sox2 and Sox3 (genes associated with the neural progenitor population) in ALK-overexpressing but not ALK-knockdown cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Sox2 or Sox3 enhanced both ALK and ELAVL3 promoter activities, suggesting the existence of ALK/Sox/HuC signaling loops. Finally, ALK overexpression was due to increased expression of neuroendocrine markers, including synaptophysin, CD56, and BCL2, in HGSC tissues. These findings suggest that overexpression of full-length ALK may influence the biological behavior of HGSC through cooperation with ELAVL3 and Sox factors, leading to establishment and maintenance of the aggressive phenotypic characteristics of HGSC.
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Mlakar V, Morel E, Mlakar SJ, Ansari M, Gumy-Pause F. A review of the biological and clinical implications of RAS-MAPK pathway alterations in neuroblastoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:189. [PMID: 34103089 PMCID: PMC8188681 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01967-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in children, representing approximately 8% of all malignant childhood tumors and 15% of pediatric cancer-related deaths. Recent sequencing and transcriptomics studies have demonstrated the RAS-MAPK pathway’s contribution to the development and progression of neuroblastoma. This review compiles up-to-date evidence of this pathway’s involvement in neuroblastoma. We discuss the RAS-MAPK pathway’s general functioning, the clinical implications of its deregulation in neuroblastoma, and current promising therapeutics targeting proteins involved in signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vid Mlakar
- CANSEARCH Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Avenue de la Roseraie 64, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Edouard Morel
- CANSEARCH Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Avenue de la Roseraie 64, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simona Jurkovic Mlakar
- CANSEARCH Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Avenue de la Roseraie 64, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Ansari
- CANSEARCH Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Avenue de la Roseraie 64, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.,Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent, University Hospital of Geneva, Rue Willy-Donzé 6, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Gumy-Pause
- CANSEARCH Research Platform for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Avenue de la Roseraie 64, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Division of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent, University Hospital of Geneva, Rue Willy-Donzé 6, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Zafar A, Wang W, Liu G, Wang X, Xian W, McKeon F, Foster J, Zhou J, Zhang R. Molecular targeting therapies for neuroblastoma: Progress and challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:961-1021. [PMID: 33155698 PMCID: PMC7906923 DOI: 10.1002/med.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel therapies for childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, and accounts for ~15% of childhood cancer‐related mortality. Neuroblastomas exhibit genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the efficacy of existing treatment modalities. Gaining detailed knowledge of the molecular signatures and genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is necessary to develop safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease. Recent studies with advanced high‐throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genetic/genomic alterations and dysfunctional pathways that drive the onset, growth, progression, and resistance of neuroblastoma to therapy. A variety of molecular signatures are being evaluated to better understand the disease, with many of them being used as targets to develop new treatments for neuroblastoma patients. In this review, we have summarized the contemporary understanding of the molecular pathways and genetic aberrations, such as those in MYCN, BIRC5, PHOX2B, and LIN28B, involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, and provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigations, particularly those targeting ALK signaling, MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathways, as well as epigenetic regulators. We also give insights on the use of combination therapies involving novel agents that target various pathways. Further, we discuss the future directions that would help identify novel targets and therapeutics and improve the currently available therapies, enhancing the treatment outcomes and survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Section of Hematology-Oncology Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Zito Marino F, Botti G, Aquino G, Ferrero S, Gaudioso G, Palleschi A, Rocco D, Salvi R, Micheli MC, Micheli P, Morabito A, Rocco G, Giordano A, De Cecio R, Franco R. Unproductive Effects of ALK Gene Amplification and Copy Number Gain in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. ALK Gene Amplification and Copy Gain in NSCLC. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4927. [PMID: 32664698 PMCID: PMC7404032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene is known to be affected by several genetic alterations, such as rearrangement, amplification and point mutation. The main goal of this study was to comprehensively analyze ALK amplification (ALK-A) and ALK gene copy number gain (ALK-CNG) in a large cohort of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in order to evaluate the effects on mRNA and protein expression. Methods: ALK locus number status was evaluated in 578 NSCLC cases by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition, ALK immunohistochemistry and ALK mRNA in situ hybridization were performed. Results: Out of 578 cases, 17 cases showed ALK-A. In addition, 14 cases presented ALK-CNG and 72 cases presented chromosome 2 polyploidy. None of those carrying ALK-A and -CNG showed either ALK immunohistochemical expression or ALK mRNA expression through in situ hybridization. We observed a high frequency of extra copies of the ALK gene. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that ALK-A is not involved in mRNA production and consequently is not involved in protein production; these findings support the hypothesis that ALK-A might not play a role in the pathogenesis of NSCLC, underlining the absence of a specific clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Zito Marino
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.A.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Gabriella Aquino
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.A.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.G.)
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gaudioso
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.G.)
| | - Alessandro Palleschi
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Danilo Rocco
- Department of Pulmonary Oncology, AORN Dei Colli Monaldi, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Rosario Salvi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, AORN Dei Colli Monaldi, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | | | - Pietro Micheli
- Pathology Unit, AORN Dei Colli Monaldi, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.C.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Alessandro Morabito
- Thoracic Medical Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Gaetano Rocco
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Sbarro Health Research Organization, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Rossella De Cecio
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, IRCCS “Fondazione Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.B.); (G.A.); (R.D.C.)
| | - Renato Franco
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Ryall S, Tabori U, Hawkins C. Pediatric low-grade glioma in the era of molecular diagnostics. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:30. [PMID: 32164789 PMCID: PMC7066826 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00902-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Low grade gliomas are the most frequent brain tumors in children and encompass a spectrum of histologic entities which are currently assigned World Health Organisation grades I and II. They differ substantially from their adult counterparts in both their underlying genetic alterations and in the infrequency with which they transform to higher grade tumors. Nonetheless, children with low grade glioma are a therapeutic challenge due to the heterogeneity in their clinical behavior – in particular, those with incomplete surgical resection often suffer repeat progressions with resultant morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. The identification of up-regulation of the RAS–mitogen-activated protein kinase (RAS/MAPK) pathway as a near universal feature of these tumors has led to the development of targeted therapeutics aimed at improving responses while mitigating patient morbidity. Here, we review how molecular information can help to further define the entities which fall under the umbrella of pediatric-type low-grade glioma. In doing so we discuss the specific molecular drivers of pediatric low grade glioma and how to effectively test for them, review the newest therapeutic agents and their utility in treating this disease, and propose a risk-based stratification system that considers both clinical and molecular parameters to aid clinicians in making treatment decisions.
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13
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Criscuoli M, Ulivieri C, Filippi I, Monaci S, Guerrini G, Crifò B, De Tommaso D, Pelicci G, Baldari CT, Taylor CT, Carraro F, Naldini A. The Shc protein Rai enhances T-cell survival under hypoxia. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:8058-8070. [PMID: 31944299 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia occurs in physiological and pathological conditions. T cells experience hypoxia in pathological and physiological conditions as well as in lymphoid organs. Indeed, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) affects T cell survival and functions. Rai, an Shc family protein member, exerts pro-survival effects in hypoxic neuroblastoma cells. Since Rai is also expressed in T cells, we here investigated its role in hypoxic T cells. In this work, hypoxia differently affected cell survival, proapoptotic, and metabolic programs in T cells, depending upon Rai expression. By using Jurkat cells stably expressing Rai and splenocytes from Rai-/- mice, we demonstrated that Rai promotes T cell survival and affects cell metabolism under hypoxia. Upon exposure to hypoxia, Jurkat T cells expressing Rai show (a) higher HIF-1α protein levels; (b) a decreased cell death and increased Akt/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation; (c) a decreased expression of proapoptotic markers, including caspase activities and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage; (d) an increased glucose and lactate metabolism; (e) an increased activation of nuclear factor-kB pathway. The opposite effects were observed in hypoxic splenocytes from Rai-/- mice. Thus, Rai plays an important role in hypoxic signaling and may be relevant in the protection of T cells against hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Criscuoli
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Irene Filippi
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Istituto Toscano Tumori, Firenze, Italy
| | - Sara Monaci
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuditta Guerrini
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bianca Crifò
- Department of Systems Biology, UCD Conway Institute and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Giuliana Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, Piemonte Orientale University "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | | | - Cormac T Taylor
- Department of Systems Biology, UCD Conway Institute and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fabio Carraro
- Istituto Toscano Tumori, Firenze, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonella Naldini
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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14
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Javanmardi N, Fransson S, Djos A, Umapathy G, Östensson M, Milosevic J, Borenäs M, Hallberg B, Kogner P, Martinsson T, Palmer RH. Analysis of ALK, MYCN, and the ALK ligand ALKAL2 (FAM150B/AUGα) in neuroblastoma patient samples with chromosome arm 2p rearrangements. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 59:50-57. [PMID: 31340081 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain of chromosome arm 2p is a previously described entity in neuroblastoma (NB). This genomic address is home to two important oncogenes in NB-MYCN and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). MYCN amplification is a critical prognostic factor coupled with poor prognosis in NB. Mutation of the ALK receptor tyrosine kinase has been described in both somatic and familial NB. Here, ALK activation occurs in the context of the full-length receptor, exemplified by activating point mutations in NB. ALK overexpression and activation, in the absence of genetic mutation has also been described in NB. In addition, the recently identified ALK ligand ALKAL2 (previously described as FAM150B and AUGα) is also found on the distal portion of 2p, at 2p25. Here we analyze 356 NB tumor samples and discuss observations indicating that gain of 2p has implications for the development of NB. Finally, we put forward the hypothesis that the effect of 2p gain may result from a combination of MYCN, ALK, and the ALK ligand ALKAL2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Javanmardi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Djos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ganesh Umapathy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Östensson
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jelena Milosevic
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Borenäs
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Kogner
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tommy Martinsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ruth H Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Trigg RM, Shaw JA, Turner SD. Opportunities and challenges of circulating biomarkers in neuroblastoma. Open Biol 2019; 9:190056. [PMID: 31088252 PMCID: PMC6544987 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.190056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular analysis of nucleic acid and protein biomarkers is becoming increasingly common in paediatric oncology for diagnosis, risk stratification and molecularly targeted therapeutics. However, many current and emerging biomarkers are based on analysis of tumour tissue, which is obtained through invasive surgical procedures and in some cases may not be accessible. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the utility of circulating biomarkers such as cell-free nucleic acids, circulating tumour cells and extracellular vesicles as a so-called liquid biopsy of cancer. Here, we review the potential of emerging circulating biomarkers in the management of neuroblastoma and highlight challenges to their implementation in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky M. Trigg
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jacqui A. Shaw
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Suzanne D. Turner
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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16
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Emdal KB, Pedersen AK, Bekker-Jensen DB, Lundby A, Claeys S, De Preter K, Speleman F, Francavilla C, Olsen JV. Integrated proximal proteomics reveals IRS2 as a determinant of cell survival in ALK-driven neuroblastoma. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/557/eaap9752. [PMID: 30459283 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aap9752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is one of the few druggable targets in neuroblastoma, and therapy resistance to ALK-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) comprises an inevitable clinical challenge. Therefore, a better understanding of the oncogenic signaling network rewiring driven by ALK is necessary to improve and guide future therapies. Here, we performed quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics on neuroblastoma cells treated with one of three clinically relevant ALK TKIs (crizotinib, LDK378, or lorlatinib) or an experimentally used ALK TKI (TAE684) to unravel aberrant ALK signaling pathways. Our integrated proximal proteomics (IPP) strategy included multiple signaling layers, such as the ALK interactome, phosphotyrosine interactome, phosphoproteome, and proteome. We identified the signaling adaptor protein IRS2 (insulin receptor substrate 2) as a major ALK target and an ALK TKI-sensitive signaling node in neuroblastoma cells driven by oncogenic ALK. TKI treatment decreased the recruitment of IRS2 to ALK and reduced the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated depletion of ALK or IRS2 decreased the phosphorylation of the survival-promoting kinase Akt and of a downstream target, the transcription factor FoxO3, and reduced the viability of three ALK-driven neuroblastoma cell lines. Collectively, our IPP analysis provides insight into the proximal architecture of oncogenic ALK signaling by revealing IRS2 as an adaptor protein that links ALK to neuroblastoma cell survival through the Akt-FoxO3 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina B Emdal
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biological Engineering and David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anna-Kathrine Pedersen
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte B Bekker-Jensen
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alicia Lundby
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shana Claeys
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katleen De Preter
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Cancer Research Institute Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chiara Francavilla
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Division of Molecular and Cellular Functions, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jesper V Olsen
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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17
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Vieceli FM, Bronner ME. Leukocyte receptor tyrosine kinase interacts with secreted midkine to promote survival of migrating neural crest cells. Development 2018; 145:dev.164046. [PMID: 30228102 DOI: 10.1242/dev.164046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest cells migrate long distances throughout the embryo and rely on extracellular signals that attract, repel and/or stimulate survival to ensure proper contribution to target derivatives. Here, we show that leukocyte receptor tyrosine kinase (LTK), an ALK-type receptor tyrosine kinase, is expressed by neural crest cells during early migratory stages in chicken embryos. Loss of LTK in the cranial neural crest impairs migration and results in increased levels of apoptosis. Conversely, midkine, previously proposed as a ligand for ALK, is secreted by the non-neural ectoderm during early neural crest migratory stages and internalized by neural crest cells in vivo Similar to loss of LTK, loss of midkine reduces survival of the migratory neural crest. Moreover, we show by proximity ligation and co-immunoprecipitation assays that midkine binds to LTK. Taken together, these results suggest that LTK in neural crest cells interacts with midkine emanating from the non-neural ectoderm to promote cell survival, revealing a new signaling pathway that is essential for neural crest development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Monteleone Vieceli
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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18
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Miyazaki M, Otomo R, Matsushima-Hibiya Y, Suzuki H, Nakajima A, Abe N, Tomiyama A, Ichimura K, Matsuda K, Watanabe T, Ochiya T, Nakagama H, Sakai R, Enari M. The p53 activator overcomes resistance to ALK inhibitors by regulating p53-target selectivity in ALK-driven neuroblastomas. Cell Death Discov 2018; 4:56. [PMID: 29760954 PMCID: PMC5945735 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0059-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by gene amplification and mutation in neuroblastomas. ALK inhibitors can delay the progression of ALK-driven cancers, but are of limited use owing to ALK inhibitor resistance. Here, we show that resistance to ALK inhibitor in ALK-driven neuroblastomas can be attenuated by combination treatment with a p53 activator. Either ALK inhibition or p53 activator treatment induced cell cycle arrest, whereas combination treatment induced apoptosis, and prevented tumour relapse both in vitro and in vivo. This shift toward apoptosis, and away from cell-cycle arrest, in the presence of an ALK inhibitor and a p53 activator, is mediated by inhibition of the ALK-AKT-FOXO3a axis leading to a specific upregulation of SOX4. SOX4 cooperates with p53 to upregulate the pro-apoptotic protein PUMA. These data therefore suggest a novel combination therapy strategy for treating ALK-driven neuroblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Miyazaki
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,2Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Genome Sequencing, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan.,3Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Tumour Cell Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan.,4Division of Brain Tumour Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan
| | - Ryo Otomo
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,11Present Address: Division of Biomedical Information Analysis, Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Disaster Reconstruction Center, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate 028-3694 Japan
| | - Yuko Matsushima-Hibiya
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,4Division of Brain Tumour Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan
| | - Hidenobu Suzuki
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,4Division of Brain Tumour Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,5Department of NCC Cancer Science, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan
| | - Ayana Nakajima
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,4Division of Brain Tumour Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,6Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Graduate school of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Naomi Abe
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,4Division of Brain Tumour Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan
| | - Arata Tomiyama
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,4Division of Brain Tumour Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,7Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, 3-2, Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-8513 Japan
| | - Koichi Ichimura
- 4Division of Brain Tumour Translational Research, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan
| | - Koichi Matsuda
- 2Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Laboratory of Clinical Genome Sequencing, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Toshiki Watanabe
- 3Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Tumour Cell Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639 Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- 8Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nakagama
- 9Division of Cancer Development System, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan
| | - Ryuichi Sakai
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan.,10Division of Biochemistry, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0374 Japan
| | - Masato Enari
- 1Division of Refractory and Advanced Cancer, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan
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19
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ALK in Neuroblastoma: Biological and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10040113. [PMID: 29642598 PMCID: PMC5923368 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10040113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common and deadly solid tumour in children. Despite the development of new treatment options for high-risk NB, over half of patients relapse and five-year survival remains at 40-50%. Therefore, novel treatment strategies aimed at providing long-term disease remission are urgently sought. ALK, encoding the anaplastic lymphoma kinase receptor, is altered by gain-of-function point mutations in around 14% of high-risk NB and represents an ideal therapeutic target given its low or absent expression in healthy tissue postnatally. Small-molecule inhibitors of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) approved in ALK fusion-positive lung cancer are currently undergoing clinical assessment in patients with ALK-mutant NB. Parallel pre-clinical studies are demonstrating the efficacy of ALK inhibitors against common ALK variants in NB; however, a complex picture of therapeutic resistance is emerging. It is anticipated that long-term use of these compounds will require combinatorial targeting of pathways downstream of ALK, functionally-related 'bypass' mechanisms and concomitant oncogenic pathways.
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20
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Du X, Shao Y, Qin H, Tai Y, Gao H. ALK-rearrangement in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thorac Cancer 2018; 9:423-430. [PMID: 29488330 PMCID: PMC5879058 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The ALK gene encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. ALK is physiologically expressed in the nervous system during embryogenesis, but its expression decreases postnatally. ALK first emerged in the field of oncology in 1994 when it was identified to fuse to NPM1 in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Since then, ALK has been associated with other types of cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). More than 19 different ALK fusion partners have been discovered in NSCLC, including EML4, KIF5B, KLC1, and TPR. Most of these ALK fusions in NSCLC patients respond well to the ALK inhibitor, crizotinib. In this paper, we reviewed fusion partner genes with ALK, detection methods for ALK-rearrangement (ALK-R), and the ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, crizotinib, used in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Du
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center of People's Liberation Army of ChinaAffiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yun Shao
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center of People's Liberation Army of ChinaAffiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hai‐Feng Qin
- Department of Lung Cancer, Cancer Center of People's Liberation Army of ChinaAffiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yan‐Hong Tai
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center of People's Liberation Army of ChinaAffiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Hong‐Jun Gao
- Department of Lung Cancer, Cancer Center of People's Liberation Army of ChinaAffiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical SciencesBeijingChina
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21
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Janoueix-Lerosey I, Lopez-Delisle L, Delattre O, Rohrer H. The ALK receptor in sympathetic neuron development and neuroblastoma. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 372:325-337. [PMID: 29374774 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2784-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ALK gene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor characterized by an expression pattern mainly restricted to the developing central and peripheral nervous systems. In 2008, the discovery of ALK activating mutations in neuroblastoma, a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, represented a breakthrough in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this pediatric cancer and established mutated ALK as a tractable therapeutic target for precision medicine. Subsequent studies addressed the identity of ALK ligands, as well as its physiological function in the sympathoadrenal lineage, its role in neuroblastoma development and the signaling pathways triggered by mutated ALK. This review focuses on these different aspects of the ALK biology and summarizes the various therapeutic strategies relying on ALK inhibition in neuroblastoma, either as monotherapies or combinatory treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, F-75005, Paris, France. .,SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, F-75005, Paris, France.
| | - Lucille Lopez-Delisle
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, F-75005, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Developmental Genomics, EPFL SV ISREC UPDUB, SV 2843, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, F-75005, Paris, France.,SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Hermann Rohrer
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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22
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Yang B, Zhuang H, Guo H, Wei W, Li Y, Chen R, Li Y, Zhang N. Demethylation-Induced Overexpression of Shc3 Drives c-Raf-Independent Activation of MEK/ERK in HCC. Cancer Res 2018; 78:2219-2232. [PMID: 29330146 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Invasion and intrahepatic metastasis are major factors of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we show that increased Src homolog and collagen homolog 3 (Shc3) expression in malignant HCC cell lines associate with HCC invasion and metastasis. Shc3 (N-Shc) was significantly upregulated in tumors of 33 HCC patient samples as compared with adjacent normal tissues. Further analysis of 52 HCC patient samples showed that Shc3 expression correlated with microvascular invasion, cancer staging, and poor prognosis. Shc3 interacted with major vault protein, resulting in activation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 independently of Shc1 and c-Raf; this interaction consequently induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promoted HCC cell proliferation and metastasis. The observed increase in Shc3 levels was due to demethylation of its upstream promoter, which allowed c-Jun binding. In turn, Shc3 expression promoted c-Jun phosphorylation in a positive feedback loop. Analysis of metastasis using a tumor xenograft mouse model further confirmed the role of Shc3 in vivo Taken together, our results indicate the importance of Shc3 in HCC progression and identify Shc3 as a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target in HCC.Significance: Ectopic expression of Shc3 forms a complex with MVP/MEK/ERK to potentiate ERK activation and plays an important role in sorafinib resistance in HCC. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2219-32. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinran Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Baicai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Hepatic Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruibing Chen
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Research Center of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Ning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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23
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Couts KL, Bemis J, Turner JA, Bagby SM, Murphy D, Christiansen J, Hintzsche JD, Le A, Pitts TM, Wells K, Applegate A, Amato C, Multani P, Chow-Maneval E, Tentler JJ, Shellman YG, Rioth MJ, Tan AC, Gonzalez R, Medina T, Doebele RC, Robinson WA. ALK Inhibitor Response in Melanomas Expressing EML4-ALK Fusions and Alternate ALK Isoforms. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:222-231. [PMID: 29054983 PMCID: PMC5752582 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic ALK fusions occur in several types of cancer and can be effectively treated with ALK inhibitors; however, ALK fusions and treatment response have not been characterized in malignant melanomas. Recently, a novel isoform of ALK (ALKATI ) was reported in 11% of melanomas but the response of melanomas expressing ALKATI to ALK inhibition has not been well characterized. We analyzed 45 melanoma patient-derived xenograft models for ALK mRNA and protein expression. ALK expression was identified in 11 of 45 (24.4%) melanomas. Ten melanomas express wild-type (wt) ALK and/or ALKATI and one mucosal melanoma expresses multiple novel EML4-ALK fusion variants. Melanoma cells expressing different ALK variants were tested for response to ALK inhibitors. Whereas the melanoma expressing EML4-ALK were sensitive to ALK inhibitors in vitro and in vivo, the melanomas expressing wt ALK or ALKATI were not sensitive to ALK inhibitors. In addition, a patient with mucosal melanoma expressing ALKATI was treated with an ALK/ROS1/TRK inhibitor (entrectinib) on a phase I trial but did not respond. Our results demonstrate ALK fusions occur in malignant melanomas and respond to targeted therapy, whereas melanomas expressing ALKATI do not respond to ALK inhibitors. Targeting ALK fusions is an effective therapeutic option for a subset of melanoma patients, but additional clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy of targeted therapies in melanomas expressing wt ALK or ALKATIMol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 222-31. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey L Couts
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Judson Bemis
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jacqueline A Turner
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stacey M Bagby
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | | | - Jennifer D Hintzsche
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anh Le
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Todd M Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Keith Wells
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Allison Applegate
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Carol Amato
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | | | - John J Tentler
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Yiqun G Shellman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Matthew J Rioth
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Aik-Choon Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rene Gonzalez
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Theresa Medina
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robert C Doebele
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - William A Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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24
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Takita J. The role of anaplastic lymphoma kinase in pediatric cancers. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:1913-1920. [PMID: 28756644 PMCID: PMC5623752 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene was initially identified as a fusion partner of the nucleophosmin gene in anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with t(2;5)(p23;q35) translocation, and then described with different genetic abnormalities in a number of tumors. Although ALK is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma through activating mutations or gene amplification, its role in the pathogenesis of other pediatric cancers is still elusive. In addition to neuroblastoma, the high-grade amplification of ALK has been described in a subset of rhabdomyosarcoma cases. Normal ALK protein expression is restricted to the nervous systems of adult mammals, but the aberrant expression of ALK has been observed in a variety of pediatric cancers, including glioma and Ewing sarcoma. The discovery of oncogenic activation of ALK in neuroblastoma suggests that this cancer could be potentially treated with an ALK inhibitor, as could other cancers, such as non-small-cell lung cancer and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. However, cellular responses to mutant ALK are complex when compared to rearranged ALK, and treatment remains a challenge. This review focuses on the biology of ALK in pediatric cancers and possible therapeutic strategies for ALK-associated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Takita
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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25
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Lee JW, Park SH, Kang HJ, Park KD, Shin HY, Ahn HS. ALK Protein Expression Is Related to Neuroblastoma Aggressiveness But Is Not Independent Prognostic Factor. Cancer Res Treat 2017; 50:495-505. [PMID: 28546523 PMCID: PMC5912141 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2016.577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation and amplification, ALK protein expression, loss of the nuclear alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) protein, and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein expressionwere studied to investigate potential correlations between these molecular characteristics and clinical features or outcomes in neuroblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-two patients were enrolled in this study. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing were used for mutation analysis. ALK and MYCN amplifications were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Protein expressionwas evaluated by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. RESULTS ALK mutation was found in only two patients (4.1%); ALK amplification was not detected. ALK positivity, loss of nuclear ATRX protein, TERT positivity by IHC were detected in 40 (55.6%), nine (13.0%), and 42 (59.2%) patients, respectively. The incidence of ALK expression increased in accordance with increasing tumor stage (p=0.001) and risk group (p < 0.001). The relapse rate was significantly higher in ALK+ patients compared to that of other patients (47.5% vs. 11.3%, p=0.007). However, there was no significant difference in relapse rate when the survival analysis was confined to the high-risk patients. CONCLUSION Although ALK mutation was rare and no amplification was observed, ALK protein expression was found in a significant number of patients and was correlated with advanced stage and high-risk neuroblastoma. ALK protein expression could be considered as a marker related to the aggressive neuroblastoma, but it was not the independent prognostic factor for the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hye Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyoung Jin Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Duk Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Young Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Seop Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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26
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Palmirotta R, Quaresmini D, Lovero D, Silvestris F. ALK gene alterations in cancer: biological aspects and therapeutic implications. Pharmacogenomics 2017; 18:277-292. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ALK was first reported in 1994 as a translocation in anaplastic large cell lymphoma and then described with different abnormalities in a number of tumors. Recently, a shortly accumulated biomedical research clarified the numerous biological processes underlying its ability to support cancer development, growth and progression. Advent of precision medicine has finally provided unexpected advances, leading to the development of ALK-targeting inhibitors with superior efficacy as compared with standard chemotherapy regimens, as well as the identification of resistance mechanisms and the creation of ‘next-generation’ treatments. This review summarizes the current understanding of ALK-driven cancers from the oncogenesis and mutation frequency by The Cancer Genome Atlas database through the diagnostic approach, to an updated portrait of available tyrosine kinase inhibitors, considering their effectiveness in cancer treatment, the molecular reasons of therapeutic failure, and the actual and future ways to overcome resistances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Palmirotta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Quaresmini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenica Lovero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Franco Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
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27
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Holla VR, Elamin YY, Bailey AM, Johnson AM, Litzenburger BC, Khotskaya YB, Sanchez NS, Zeng J, Shufean MA, Shaw KR, Mendelsohn J, Mills GB, Meric-Bernstam F, Simon GR. ALK: a tyrosine kinase target for cancer therapy. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2017; 3:a001115. [PMID: 28050598 PMCID: PMC5171696 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a001115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene plays an important physiologic role in the development of the brain and can be oncogenically altered in several malignancies, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL). Most prevalent ALK alterations are chromosomal rearrangements resulting in fusion genes, as seen in ALCL and NSCLC. In other tumors, ALK copy-number gains and activating ALK mutations have been described. Dramatic and often prolonged responses are seen in patients with ALK alterations when treated with ALK inhibitors. Three of these—crizotinib, ceritinib, and alectinib—are now FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC positive for ALK fusions. However, the emergence of resistance is universal. Newer ALK inhibitors and other targeting strategies are being developed to counteract the newly emergent mechanism(s) of ALK inhibitor resistance. This review outlines the recent developments in our understanding and treatment of tumors with ALK alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaykumar R Holla
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yasir Y Elamin
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ann Marie Bailey
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Amber M Johnson
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Beate C Litzenburger
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yekaterina B Khotskaya
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Nora S Sanchez
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jia Zeng
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Md Abu Shufean
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Kenna R Shaw
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - John Mendelsohn
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - George R Simon
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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28
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Satoh S, Takatori A, Ogura A, Kohashi K, Souzaki R, Kinoshita Y, Taguchi T, Hossain MS, Ohira M, Nakamura Y, Nakagawara A. Neuronal leucine-rich repeat 1 negatively regulates anaplastic lymphoma kinase in neuroblastoma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32682. [PMID: 27604320 PMCID: PMC5015029 DOI: 10.1038/srep32682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In neuroblastoma (NB), one of the most common paediatric solid tumours, activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is often associated with poor outcomes. Although genetic studies have identified copy number alteration and nonsynonymous mutations of ALK, the regulatory mechanism of ALK signalling at protein levels is largely elusive. Neuronal leucine-rich repeat 1 (NLRR1) is a type 1 transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in unfavourable NB and potentially influences receptor tyrosine kinase signalling. Here, we showed that NLRR1 and ALK exhibited a mutually exclusive expression pattern in primary NB tissues by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, dorsal root ganglia of Nlrr1+/+ and Nlrr1−/− mice displayed the opposite expression patterns of Nlrr1 and Alk. Of interest, NLRR1 physically interacted with ALK in vitro through its extracellular region. Notably, the NLRR1 ectodomain impaired ALK phosphorylation and proliferation of ALK-mutated NB cells. A newly identified cleavage of the NLRR1 ectodomain also supported NLRR1-mediated ALK signal regulation in trans. Thus, we conclude that NLRR1 appears to be an extracellular negative regulator of ALK signalling in NB and neuronal development. Our findings may be beneficial to comprehend NB heterogeneity and to develop a novel therapy against unfavourable NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunpei Satoh
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takatori
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ogura
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kohashi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ryota Souzaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Kinoshita
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Taguchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Md Shamim Hossain
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Miki Ohira
- Division of Cancer Genomics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Yohko Nakamura
- Division of Biochemistry &Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan
| | - Akira Nakagawara
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Molecular Biology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.,Division of Biochemistry &Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba 260-8717, Japan.,Saga Medical Centre KOSEIKAN, 400 Nakabaru, Kase-machi, Saga 840-8571, Japan
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29
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Gonzales CB, De La Chapa JJ, Saikumar P, Singha PK, Dybdal-Hargreaves NF, Chavez J, Horning AM, Parra J, Kirma NB. Co-targeting ALK and EGFR parallel signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2016; 59:12-19. [PMID: 27424178 PMCID: PMC5460536 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) comprises 90% of all head and neck cancers and has a poor survival rate due to late-stage disease that is refractive to traditional therapies. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in greater than 80% of head and neck SCC (HNSCC). However, EGFR targeted therapies yielded little to no efficacy in clinical trials. This study investigated the efficacy of co-targeting EGFR and the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) whose promoter is hypomethylated in late-stage oral SCC (OSCC). We observed increased ALK activity in late-stage human OSCC tumors and invasive OSCC cell lines. We also found that while ALK inhibition alone had little effect on proliferation, co-targeting ALK and EGFR significantly reduced OSCC cell proliferation in vitro. Further analysis showed significant efficacy of combined treatment in HSC3-derived xenografts resulting in a 30% decrease in tumor volumes by 14days (p<0.001). Western blot analysis showed that co-targeting ALK and EGFR significantly reduced EGFR phosphorylation (Y1148) in HSC3 cells but not Cal27 cells. ALK and EGFR downstream signaling interactions are also demonstrated by Western blot analysis in which lone EGFR and ALK inhibitors attenuated AKT activity whereas co-targeting ALK and EGFR completely abolished AKT activation. No effects were observed on ERK1/2 activation. STAT3 activity was significantly induced by lone ALK inhibition in HSC3 cells and to a lower extent in Cal27 cells. Together, these data illustrate that ALK inhibitors enhance anti-tumor activity of EGFR inhibitors in susceptible tumors that display increased ALK expression, most likely through abolition of AKT activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara B Gonzales
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Comprehensive Dentistry, UTHSCSA Dental School, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Jeffery Chavez
- Biochemistry, UTHSCSA Medical School, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Aaron M Horning
- Molecular Medicine, UTHSCSA Medical School, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jamie Parra
- Pathology, UTHSCSA Medical School, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Nameer B Kirma
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Molecular Medicine, UTHSCSA Medical School, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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30
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Zito Marino F, Rocco G, Morabito A, Mignogna C, Intartaglia M, Liguori G, Botti G, Franco R. A new look at the ALK gene in cancer: copy number gain and amplification. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2016; 16:493-502. [PMID: 26943457 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.2016.1162098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To date, ALK-rearrangement is a molecular target in several cancers, i.e. NSCLC. The dramatic benefits of crizotinib have prompted research into identifying other possible patients carrying ALK gene alterations with possible clinical significance. The ALK gene is involved not only in several rearrangements but also in other alterations such as amplification. ALK-amplification (ALK-A) is a common genetic event in several cancers, generally associated with poor outcome and more aggressive behaviour. Here we review the role of ALK-A in cancer as a prognostic and predictive biomarker. Furthermore, several critical issues regarding ALK-A in relation to; methods of detection, acquired resistance and ALK second generation inhibitors are analyzed. We conclude that ALK-A could be an intriguing alteration in the context of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Zito Marino
- a Pathology Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Gaetano Rocco
- b Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Thoracic Surgical and Medical Oncology , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Alessandro Morabito
- c Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Thoracic Surgical and Medical Oncology , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Chiara Mignogna
- d Department of Heath Science, Pathology Unit , University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro , Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Martina Intartaglia
- a Pathology Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Giuseppina Liguori
- a Pathology Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- a Pathology Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- a Pathology Unit , Istituto Nazionale Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale'-IRCCS , Naples , Italy.,e Pathology Unit , Second University of Naples - SUN , Naples , Italy
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31
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Regairaz M, Munier F, Sartelet H, Castaing M, Marty V, Renauleaud C, Doux C, Delbé J, Courty J, Fabre M, Ohta S, Vielh P, Michiels S, Valteau-Couanet D, Vassal G. Mutation-Independent Activation of the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase in Neuroblastoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 186:435-45. [PMID: 26687816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutations of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) have been identified as important players in neuroblastoma development. Our goal was to evaluate the significance of overall ALK activation in neuroblastoma. Expression of phosphorylated ALK, ALK, and its putative ligands, pleiotrophin and midkine, was screened in 289 neuroblastomas and 56 paired normal tissues. ALK was expressed in 99% of tumors and phosphorylated in 48% of cases. Pleiotrophin and midkine were expressed in 58% and 79% of tumors, respectively. ALK activation was significantly higher in tumors than in paired normal tissues, together with ALK and midkine expression. ALK activation was largely independent of mutations and correlated with midkine expression in tumors. ALK activation in tumors was associated with favorable features, including a younger age at diagnosis, hyperdiploidy, and detection by mass screening. Antitumor activity of the ALK inhibitor TAE684 was evaluated in wild-type or mutated ALK neuroblastoma cell lines and xenografts. TAE684 was cytotoxic in vitro in all cell lines, especially those harboring an ALK mutation. TAE684 efficiently inhibited ALK phosphorylation in vivo in both F1174I and R1275Q xenografts but demonstrated antitumor activity only against the R1275Q xenograft. In conclusion, ALK activation occurs frequently during neuroblastoma oncogenesis, mainly through mutation-independent mechanisms. However, ALK activation is not associated with a poor outcome and is not always a driver of cell proliferation and/or survival in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Regairaz
- Laboratory for Vectorology and Anticancer Therapeutics, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 8203, Villejuif, France.
| | - Fabienne Munier
- Laboratory for Vectorology and Anticancer Therapeutics, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 8203, Villejuif, France
| | - Hervé Sartelet
- Laboratory for Vectorology and Anticancer Therapeutics, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 8203, Villejuif, France; Sainte Justine University Hospital Center, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Marine Castaing
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Virginie Marty
- Histocytopathology Unit, Laboratory of Translational Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Céline Renauleaud
- Laboratory for Vectorology and Anticancer Therapeutics, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 8203, Villejuif, France
| | - Camille Doux
- Laboratory for Vectorology and Anticancer Therapeutics, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 8203, Villejuif, France
| | - Jean Delbé
- Research on Cell Growth, Tissue Repair and Regeneration (CRRET), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - José Courty
- Research on Cell Growth, Tissue Repair and Regeneration (CRRET), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Monique Fabre
- Department of Pathology, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Shigeru Ohta
- Department of Pediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Philippe Vielh
- Histocytopathology Unit, Laboratory of Translational Research, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Department of Pathology and Biobank, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Stefan Michiels
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Gilles Vassal
- Laboratory for Vectorology and Anticancer Therapeutics, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 8203, Villejuif, France.
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Nicolai S, Pieraccioli M, Peschiaroli A, Melino G, Raschellà G. Neuroblastoma: oncogenic mechanisms and therapeutic exploitation of necroptosis. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e2010. [PMID: 26633716 PMCID: PMC4720889 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial childhood tumor classified in five stages (1, 2, 3, 4 and 4S), two of which (3 and 4) identify chemotherapy-resistant, highly aggressive disease. High-risk NB frequently displays MYCN amplification, mutations in ALK and ATRX, and genomic rearrangements in TERT genes. These NB subtypes are also characterized by reduced susceptibility to programmed cell death induced by chemotherapeutic drugs. The latter feature is a major cause of failure in the treatment of advanced NB patients. Thus, proper reactivation of apoptosis or of other types of programmed cell death pathways in response to treatment is relevant for the clinical management of aggressive forms of NB. In this short review, we will discuss the most relevant genomic rearrangements that define high-risk NB and the role that destabilization of p53 and p73 can have in NB aggressiveness. In addition, we will propose a strategy to stabilize p53 and p73 by using specific inhibitors of their ubiquitin-dependent degradation. Finally, we will introduce necroptosis as an alternative strategy to kill NB cells and increase tumor immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nicolai
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - M Pieraccioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - A Peschiaroli
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology (IBCN), CNR, Via E. Ramarini 32, Rome 00015, Italy
| | - G Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,Medical Research Council, Toxicology Unit, Hodgkin Building, Leicester University, Lancaster Road, PO Box 138, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - G Raschellà
- ENEA Research Center Casaccia, Laboratory of Biosafety and Risk Assessment, Via Anguillarese, 301, Rome 00123, Italy
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Megiorni F, McDowell HP, Camero S, Mannarino O, Ceccarelli S, Paiano M, Losty PD, Pizer B, Shukla R, Pizzuti A, Clerico A, Dominici C. Crizotinib-induced antitumour activity in human alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cells is not solely dependent on ALK and MET inhibition. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2015; 34:112. [PMID: 26445453 PMCID: PMC4596370 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0228-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most commonly diagnosed malignant soft tissue tumour in children and adolescents. Aberrant expression of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) and MET gene has been implicated in the malignant progression of RMS, especially in the alveolar subtype. This observation suggests that crizotinib (PF-02341066), a kinase inhibitor against ALK and MET, may have a therapeutic role in RMS, although its antitumour activity in this malignancy has not yet been studied. Methods RH4 and RH30 alveolar RMS (ARMS) cell lines were treated with crizotinib and then assessed by using proliferation, viability, migration and colony formation assays. Multiple approaches, including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, western blotting and siRNA-based knock-down, were used in order to investigate possible molecular mechanisms linked to crizotinib activity. Results In vitro treatment with crizotinib inhibited ALK and MET proteins, as well as Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R), with a concomitant robust dephosphorylation of AKT and ERK, two downstream kinases involved in RMS cell proliferation and survival. Exposure to crizotinib impaired cell growth, and accumulation at G2/M phase was attributed to an altered expression and activation of checkpoint regulators, such as Cyclin B1 and Cdc2. Crizotinib was able to induce apoptosis and autophagy in a dose-dependent manner, as shown by caspase-3 activation/PARP proteolytic cleavage down-regulation and by LC3 activation/p62 down-regulation, respectively. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) seemed to contribute to crizotinib effects in RH4 and RH30 cells. Moreover, crizotinib-treated RH4 and RH30 cells exhibited a decreased migratory/invasive capacity and clonogenic potential. Conclusions These results provide a further insight into the molecular mechanisms affected by crizotinib in ARMS cells inferring that it could be a useful therapeutic tool in ARMS cancer treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-015-0228-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Heather P McDowell
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, L12 2AP, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Simona Camero
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Olga Mannarino
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Milena Paiano
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paul D Losty
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust; Academic Paediatric Surgery Unit, University of Liverpool, Eaton Road, L12 2AP, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Barry Pizer
- Department of Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, L12 2AP, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Rajeev Shukla
- Department of Perinatal and Paediatric Pathology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, L12 2AP, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Antonio Pizzuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Clerico
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Dominici
- Department of Paediatrics and Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Hanna MG, Najfeld V, Irie HY, Tripodi J, Nayak A. Analysis of ALK gene in 133 patients with breast cancer revealed polysomy of chromosome 2 and no ALK amplification. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:439. [PMID: 26312204 PMCID: PMC4544610 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1235-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ALK has emerged as a novel tumorigenic factor in several epithelial human cancers. Crizotinib, an ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is currently approved to treat lung cancer patients exhibiting ALK gene rearrangements. Our goal was to determine the incidence of ALK aberrations in relation to different breast cancer types. Tissue micro-arrays were constructed of ER+/PR±/HER2− (n = 37), ER−/PR−/HER2+ (n = 15), ER−/PR−/HER2− (n = 61) and ER+/PR+/HER2+ (n = 20) breast cancers; including 13 inflammatory breast carcinomas. FISH was performed using ALK break-apart and chromosome 2 centromere enumeration probes (CEP2). Neither ALK rearrangements nor amplification were identified in the 133 breast cancer cases evaluated. However, copy number gains (CNG) of ALK were identified in 82 of 133 patients (62 %). The CEP2 analysis revealed polysomy of chromosome 2 in all HCNG and LCNG cases, indicating the CNG of ALK are due to polysomy of chromosome 2, rather than true amplification of ALK. To conclude, we observed CNG of ALK secondary to chromosome 2 polysomy in a significant percentage of breast cancer cases, a phenomenon similar to polysomy 17. This study is one of the largest studies to have investigated ALK aberrations in breast cancer and the only study to include all subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Hanna
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1194, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Vesna Najfeld
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1194, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Hanna Y Irie
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Joseph Tripodi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1194, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Anupma Nayak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1194, New York, NY 10029 USA
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Murray PB, Lax I, Reshetnyak A, Ligon GF, Lillquist JS, Natoli EJ, Shi X, Folta-Stogniew E, Gunel M, Alvarado D, Schlessinger J. Heparin is an activating ligand of the orphan receptor tyrosine kinase ALK. Sci Signal 2015; 8:ra6. [PMID: 25605972 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2005916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is one of the few remaining "orphan" receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in which the ligands are unknown. Ligand-mediated activation of RTKs is important throughout development. ALK is particularly relevant to the development of the nervous system. Increased activation of RTKs by mutation, genetic amplification, or signals from the stroma contributes to disease progression and acquired drug resistance in cancer. Aberrant activation of ALK occurs in subsets of lung adenocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, and other cancers. We found that heparin is a ligand that binds specifically to the ALK extracellular domain. Whereas heparins with short chain lengths bound to ALK in a monovalent manner and did not activate the receptor, longer heparin chains induced ALK dimerization and activation in cultured neuroblastoma cells. Heparin lacking N- and O-linked sulfate groups or other glycosaminoglycans with sulfation patterns different than heparin failed to activate ALK. Moreover, antibodies that bound to the extracellular domain of ALK interfered with heparin binding and prevented heparin-mediated activation of ALK. Thus, heparin and perhaps related glycosaminoglycans function as ligands for ALK, revealing a potential mechanism for the regulation of ALK activity in vivo and suggesting an approach for developing ALK-targeted therapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip B Murray
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Irit Lax
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Andrey Reshetnyak
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | | | | | - Xiarong Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ewa Folta-Stogniew
- Keck Foundation Biotechnology Resource Laboratory, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Murat Gunel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Joseph Schlessinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Cell density modulates SHC3 expression and survival of human glioblastoma cells through Fak activation. J Neurooncol 2014; 120:245-56. [PMID: 25062668 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-014-1551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Shc3 protein levels are high in human glioblastoma but they decrease in vitro. We found that SHC3 mRNA and protein increased when glioblastoma cells grew as multicellular tumor spheroid (MTS). Shc3 expression was also induced in adherent cultures by increasing cell density. Among the Shc family members, only Shc2 and Shc3 increased with cell density. Shc3 and focal adhesion kinase (Fak) interact as shown by co-immunoprecipitation. Inhibition of Fak activation reduced Shc3 increase and MTS formation and changed Shc3 phosphorylation pattern. Our results suggest that in gliomas cell density modulates Shc3 protein levels and its activity, at least in part, through Fak activation.
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3D-QSAR and molecular fragment replacement study on diaminopyrimidine and pyrrolotriazine ALK inhibitors. J Mol Struct 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2014.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Tomiyama A, Uekita T, Kamata R, Sasaki K, Takita J, Ohira M, Nakagawara A, Kitanaka C, Mori K, Yamaguchi H, Sakai R. Flotillin-1 regulates oncogenic signaling in neuroblastoma cells by regulating ALK membrane association. Cancer Res 2014; 74:3790-801. [PMID: 24830726 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastomas harbor mutations in the nonreceptor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in 8% to 9% of cases where they serve as oncogenic drivers. Strategies to reduce ALK activity offer clinical interest based on initial findings with ALK kinase inhibitors. In this study, we characterized phosphotyrosine-containing proteins associated with ALK to gain mechanistic insights in this setting. Flotillin-1 (FLOT1), a plasma membrane protein involved in endocytosis, was identified as a binding partner of ALK. RNAi-mediated attenuation of FLOT1 expression in neuroblastoma cells caused ALK dissociation from endosomes along with membrane accumulation of ALK, thereby triggering activation of ALK and downstream effector signals. These features enhanced the malignant properties of neuroblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, oncogenic ALK mutants showed less binding affinity to FLOT1 than wild-type ALK. Clinically, lower expression levels of FLOT1 were documented in highly malignant subgroups of human neuroblastoma specimens. Taken together, our findings suggest that attenuation of FLOT1-ALK binding drives malignant phenotypes of neuroblastoma by activating ALK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arata Tomiyama
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Metastasis and Invasion Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute; Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Saitama
| | - Takamasa Uekita
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Metastasis and Invasion Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute; Department of Applied Chemistry, National Defense Academy, Kanagawa
| | - Reiko Kamata
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Metastasis and Invasion Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Kazuki Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka
| | - Junko Takita
- Department of Cell Therapy and Transplantation Medicine, Graduate School of medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | | | - Akira Nakagawara
- Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba; and
| | - Chifumi Kitanaka
- Department of Molecular Cancer Science, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mori
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Defense Medical College, Saitama
| | - Hideki Yamaguchi
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Metastasis and Invasion Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Ryuichi Sakai
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Metastasis and Invasion Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute;
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Jia SW, Fu S, Wang F, Shao Q, Huang HB, Shao JY. ALK gene copy number gain and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:183-192. [PMID: 24415871 PMCID: PMC3886007 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To examine the status and clinical significance of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.
METHODS: A total of 213 cases of HCC were examined by fluorescent in situ hybridization using dual color break-apart ALK probes for the detection of chromosomal translocation and gene copy number gain. HCC tissue microarrays were constructed, and the correlation between the ALK status and clinicopathological variables was assessed by χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test. Survival analysis was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier approach with a Log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical variables were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.
RESULTS: ALK gene translocation was not observed in any of the HCC cases included in the present study. ALK gene copy number gain (ALK/CNG) (≥ 4 copies/cell) was detected in 28 (13.15%) of the 213 HCC patients. The 3-year progression-free-survival (PFS) rate for ALK/CNG-positive HCC patients was significantly poorer than ALK/CNG-negative patients (27.3% vs 42.5%, P = 0.048), especially for patients with advanced stage III/IV (0% vs 33.5%, P = 0.007), and patients with grade III disease (24.8% vs 49.9%, P = 0.023). ALK/CNG-positive HCC patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than ALK/CNG-negative patients in the subgroup that was negative for serum hepatitis B virus DNA, with significantly different 3-year overall survival rates (18.2% vs 63.6%, P = 0.021) and PFS rates (18.2% vs 46.9%, P = 0.019). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis suggested that ALK/CNG prevalence can predict death in HCC (HR = 1.596; 95%CI: 1.008-2.526, P = 0.046).
CONCLUSION: ALK/CNG, but not translocation of ALK, is present in HCC and may be an unfavorable prognostic predictor.
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40
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ALK: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Mol Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9781139046947.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Abstract
The burgeoning field of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in cancer encompasses many cancer types, from very rare cancers to the more prevalent non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The common activation of ALK has led to the use of the ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) crizotinib in a range of patient populations and to the rapid development of second-generation drugs targeting ALK. In this Review, we discuss our current understanding of ALK function in human cancer and the implications for tumour treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins/physiology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Crizotinib
- Drosophila Proteins/physiology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Enzyme Induction
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic/enzymology
- Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic/genetics
- Mice
- Models, Biological
- Models, Molecular
- Mutation
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/chemistry
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/enzymology
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/physiology
- Protein Conformation
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/physiology
- Pyrazoles/therapeutic use
- Pyridines/therapeutic use
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/biosynthesis
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/chemistry
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/physiology
- Signal Transduction
- Translocation, Genetic
- Zebrafish Proteins/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Building 6L, Umeå University, Umeå S-90187, Sweden
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous tumor of childhood, arising from precursor cells of the sympathetic nervous system. It is still a challenging cancer for pediatric oncology, as some tumors will spontaneously regress, while others will become refractory to all forms of therapy. The clinical course of this disease is greatly influenced by both patient age and the genetic abnormalities that occur within the tumors. MYCN (v-myc myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene, neuroblastoma derived (avian)) amplification and loss of chromosome 11q heterozygosity have been known to be indicative of poor prognosis. In this article, we review how mutations and structural alterations in specific genes contribute to inheritable predisposition to neuroblastoma and/or to aggressive disease pathogenesis, as well as implications for diagnosis and therapy. These genes include PHOX2B (paired-like homeobox 2b), ALK (anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase), and ATRX (alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked).
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Deuel TF. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase: "Ligand Independent Activation" mediated by the PTN/RPTPβ/ζ signaling pathway. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2013; 1834:2219-23. [PMID: 23777859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase is essential in early development, differentiation, and maintenance of cell survival; nevertheless, the mechanism to activate ALK has remained elusive. ALK has remained an "Orphan Receptor." The studies cited below describe a unique mechanism termed "Ligand Independent Activation." It is shown that activation of ALK results when the cytokine pleiotrophin (PTN) interacts with its receptor, the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase β/ζ (RPTPβ/ζ). Pleiotrophin inactivates the catalytic activity of RPTPβ/ζ, which, when not inactivated, dephosphorylates phosphotyrosine sites in the activation domain of ALK; as a consequence of the inactivation of RPTPβ/ζ by PTN, autophosphorylation and autoactivation of ALK rapidly follow. The PTN/RPTPβ/ζ signaling pathway thus regulates the catalytic activity of ALK and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of ALK downstream target proteins. Furthermore, since ALK is only one of the key ALK phosphoproteins targeted by the PTN/RPTPβ/ζ signaling pathway, the PTN/RPTPβ/ζ signaling pathway has the potential to coordinately regulate tyrosine phosphorylation of other different key proteins in multiple cellular compartments. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Emerging recognition and activation mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Deuel
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Takagi D, Tatsumi Y, Yokochi T, Takatori A, Ohira M, Kamijo T, Kondo S, Fujii Y, Nakagawara A. Novel adaptor protein Shf interacts with ALK receptor and negatively regulates its downstream signals in neuroblastoma. Cancer Sci 2013; 104:563-72. [PMID: 23360421 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Our neuroblastoma cDNA project previously identified Src homology 2 domain containing F (Shf) as one of the genes expressed at high levels in favorable neuroblastoma. Shf is an adaptor protein containing four putative tyrosine phosphorylation sites and an SH2 domain. In this study, we found that Shf interacted with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma. Real-time PCR analysis showed that Shf mRNA is highly expressed in non-metastatic neuroblastomas compared to metastatic tumor samples (P < 0.030, n = 106). Interestingly, patients showing high ALK and low Shf mRNA expressions showed poor prognosis, whereas low ALK and high Shf expressions were related to better prognosis (P < 0.023, n = 38). Overexpression of ALK and siRNA-mediated knockdown of Shf yielded similar results, such as an increase in cellular growth and phosphorylation of ALK, in addition to Erk1/2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that are downstream signals of the ALK-initiated phospho-transduction pathway. Knockdown of Shf also increased the cellular mobility and invasive capability of neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest that Shf interacts with ALK and negatively regulates the ALK-initiated signal transduction pathway in neuroblastoma. We thus propose that Shf inhibits phospho-transduction signals mediated by ALK, which is one of the major key players on neuroblastoma development, resulting in better prognosis of the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Takagi
- Division of Biochemistry and Innovative Cancer Therapeutics, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
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Abstract
Shc (Src homology and collagen homology) proteins are considered prototypical signalling adaptors in mammalian cells. Consisting of four unique members, ShcA, B, C and D, and multiple splice isoforms, the family is represented in nearly every cell type in the body, where it engages in an array of fundamental processes to transduce environmental stimuli. Two decades of investigation have begun to illuminate the mechanisms of the flagship ShcA protein, whereas much remains to be learned about the newest discovery, ShcD. It is clear, however, that the distinctive modular architecture of Shc proteins, their promiscuous phosphotyrosine-based interactions with a multitude of membrane receptors, involvement in central cascades including MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and Akt, and unconventional contributions to oxidative stress and apoptosis all require intricate regulation, and underlie diverse physiological function. From early cardiovascular development and neuronal differentiation to lifespan determination and tumorigenesis, Shc adaptors have proven to be more ubiquitous, versatile and dynamic than their structures alone suggest.
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Kruczynski A, Delsol G, Laurent C, Brousset P, Lamant L. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase as a therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:1127-38. [PMID: 22998583 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.719498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a tyrosine kinase receptor, has been initially identified through its involvement in chromosomal translocations associated with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, recent evidence that aberrant ALK activity is also involved in an expanding number of tumor types, such as other lymphomas, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, neuroblastomas and some carcinomas, including non-small cell lung carcinomas, is boosting research progress in ALK-targeted therapies. AREAS COVERED The first aim of this review is to describe current understandings about the ALK tyrosine kinase and its implication in the oncogenesis of human cancers as a fusion protein or through mutations. The second goal is to discuss its interest as a therapeutic target and to provide a review of the literature regarding ALK inhibitors. Mechanisms of acquired resistance are also reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Several ALK inhibitors have recently been developed, offering new treatment options in tumors driven by abnormal ALK signaling. However, as observed with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, resistance has emerged in patients treated with these agents. The complexity of mechanisms of acquired resistance recently described suggests that other therapeutic options, including combination of ALK and other kinases targeted drugs, will be required in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruczynski
- Centre de Recherche en Oncologie Expérimentale, Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre, Toulouse, Cedex 4, France
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Morales La Madrid A, Campbell N, Smith S, Cohn SL, Salgia R. Targeting ALK: a promising strategy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and neuroblastoma. Target Oncol 2012; 7:199-210. [PMID: 22968692 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-012-0227-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that affects a number of biological and biochemical functions through normal ligand-dependent signaling. It has oncogenic functions in a number of tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and neuroblastoma when altered by translocation or amplification or mutation. On August 2011, a small molecule inhibitor against ALK, crizotinib, was approved for therapy against NSCLC with ALK translocations. As we determine the molecular heterogeneity of tumors, the potential of ALK as a relevant therapeutic target in a number of malignancies has become apparent. This review will discuss some of the tumor types with oncogenic ALK alterations. The activity and unique toxicities of crizotinib are described, along with potential mechanisms of resistance and new therapies beyond crizotinib.
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Carpenter EL, Haglund EA, Mace EM, Deng D, Martinez D, Wood AC, Chow AK, Weiser DA, Belcastro LT, Winter C, Bresler SC, Vigny M, Mazot P, Asgharzadeh S, Seeger RC, Zhao H, Guo R, Christensen JG, Orange JS, Pawel BR, Lemmon MA, Mossé YP. Antibody targeting of anaplastic lymphoma kinase induces cytotoxicity of human neuroblastoma. Oncogene 2012; 31:4859-67. [PMID: 22266870 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase aberrantly expressed in neuroblastoma, a devastating pediatric cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Germline and somatically acquired ALK aberrations induce increased autophosphorylation, constitutive ALK activation and increased downstream signaling. Thus, ALK is a tractable therapeutic target in neuroblastoma, likely to be susceptible to both small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and therapeutic antibodies-as has been shown for other receptor tyrosine kinases in malignancies such as breast and lung cancer. Small-molecule inhibitors of ALK are currently being studied in the clinic, but common ALK mutations in neuroblastoma appear to show de novo insensitivity, arguing that complementary therapeutic approaches must be developed. We therefore hypothesized that antibody targeting of ALK may be a relevant strategy for the majority of neuroblastoma patients likely to have ALK-positive tumors. We show here that an antagonistic ALK antibody inhibits cell growth and induces in vitro antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of human neuroblastoma-derived cell lines. Cytotoxicity was induced in cell lines harboring either wild type or mutated forms of ALK. Treatment of neuroblastoma cells with the dual Met/ALK inhibitor crizotinib sensitized cells to antibody-induced growth inhibition by promoting cell surface accumulation of ALK and thus increasing the accessibility of antigen for antibody binding. These data support the concept of ALK-targeted immunotherapy as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for neuroblastomas with mutated or wild-type ALK.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Carpenter
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Activating ALK mutations found in neuroblastoma are inhibited by Crizotinib and NVP-TAE684. Biochem J 2012; 440:405-13. [PMID: 21838707 DOI: 10.1042/bj20101796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the kinase domain of ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) have recently been shown to be important for the progression of the childhood tumour neuroblastoma. In the present study we investigate six of the putative reported constitutively active ALK mutations, in positions G1128A, I1171N, F1174L, R1192P, F1245C and R1275Q. Our analyses were performed in cell-culture-based systems with both mouse and human ALK mutant variants and subsequently in a Drosophila melanogaster model system. Our investigation addressed the transforming potential of the putative gain-of-function ALK mutations as well as their signalling potential and the ability of two ATP-competitive inhibitors, Crizotinib (PF-02341066) and NVP-TAE684, to abrogate the activity of ALK. The results of the present study indicate that all mutations tested are of an activating nature and thus are implicated in tumour initiation or progression of neuroblastoma. Importantly for neuroblastoma patients, all ALK mutations used in the present study can be blocked by the inhibitors, although some mutants exhibited higher levels of drug sensitivity than others.
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Azarova AM, Gautam G, George RE. Emerging importance of ALK in neuroblastoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2011; 21:267-75. [PMID: 21945349 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2011.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Since the original descriptions of gain-of function mutations in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), interest in the role of this receptor tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma development and as a potential therapeutic target has escalated. As a group, the activating point mutations in full-length ALK, found in approximately 8% of all neuroblastoma tumors, are distributed evenly across different clinical stages. However, the most frequent somatic mutation, F1174L, is associated with amplification of the MYCN oncogene. This combination of features appears to confer a worse prognosis than MYCN amplification alone, suggesting a cooperative effect on neuroblastoma formation by these two proteins. Indeed, F1174L has shown more potent transforming activity in vivo than the second most common activating mutation, R1275Q, and is responsible for innate and acquired resistance to crizotinib, a clinically relevant ALK inhibitor that will soon be commercially available. These advances cast ALK as a bona fide oncoprotein in neuroblastoma and emphasize the need to understand ALK-mediated signaling in this tumor. This review addresses many of the current issues surrounding the role of ALK in normal development and neuroblastoma pathogenesis, and discusses the prospects for clinically effective targeted treatments based on ALK inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Azarova
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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