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Yu S, Chen C, Chen M, Liang J, Jiang K, Lou B, Lu J, Zhu X, Zhou D. MAGOH promotes gastric cancer progression via hnRNPA1 expression inhibition-mediated RONΔ160/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:32. [PMID: 38268030 PMCID: PMC10809607 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is associated with high mortality and heterogeneity and poses a great threat to humans. Gene therapies for the receptor tyrosine kinase RON and its spliceosomes are attracting increasing amounts of attention due to their unique characteristics. However, little is known about the mechanism involved in the formation of the RON mRNA alternative spliceosome RONΔ160. METHODS Fourteen human GC tissue samples and six normal gastric tissue samples were subjected to label-free relative quantitative proteomics analysis, and MAGOH was identified as a candidate protein for subsequent studies. The expression of MAGOH in clinical specimens was verified by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. We then determined the biological function of MAGOH in GC through in vitro and in vivo experiments. RNA pulldown, RNA sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were subsequently conducted to uncover the underlying mechanism by which MAGOH regulated the formation of RONΔ160. RESULTS Proteomic analysis revealed that MAGOH, which is located at key nodes and participates in RNA processing and mRNA splicing, was upregulated in GC tissue and GC cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis. Functional analysis showed that MAGOH promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MAGOH inhibited the expression of hnRNPA1 and reduced the binding of hnRNPA1 to RON mRNA, thereby promoting the formation of RONΔ160 to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and consequently facilitating GC progression. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that MAGOH could promote the formation of RONΔ160 and activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through the inhibition of hnRNPA1 expression. We elucidate a novel mechanism and potential therapeutic targets for the growth and metastasis of GC based on the MAGOH-RONΔ160 axis, and these findings have important guiding significance and clinical value for the future development of effective therapeutic strategies for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinxiao Liang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kecheng Jiang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Lou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Donghui Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Wu Q, Zheng Z, Zhang J, Piao Z, Xin M, Xiang X, Wu A, Zhao T, Huang S, Qiao Y, Zhou J, Xu S, Cheng H, Wu L, Ouyang K. Chordin-Like 1 Regulates Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis via the MAPK Signaling Pathway in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:862751. [PMID: 35494000 PMCID: PMC9046701 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.862751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAccumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of Chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1) is associated with malignant biological behaviors in multiple cancers. However, the exact function and molecular mechanism of CHRDL1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear.MethodsThe expression levels of CHRDL1 in OSCC tissues and CAL27 cells were determined by RT-qPCR. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect CHRDL1 protein expression in sample tissues from OSCC patients. Gain of function and knockdown by lentivirus were further used to examine the effects of CHRDL1 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion in OSCC. Tail vein injection of CAL27 cells with dysregulated CHRDL1 expression was further used to examine the effect of CHRDL1 on lung colonization. RNA sequencing was performed to explore the molecular mechanisms of CHRDL1 that underlie the progression of OSCC.ResultsCHRDL1 was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissues and CAL27 cells compared to controls. CHRDL1 knockdown enhanced migration, invasion, adhesion, and EMT, but not proliferation, in CAL27 cells. Overexpression of CHRDL1 had the opposite effects. Moreover, CHRDL1 was proven to inhibit tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, MAPK signaling pathway components, including ERK1/2, p38, and JNK, were found to regulate the malignant biological behaviors of CAL27 cells.ConclusionsOur results suggest that CHRDL1 has an inhibitory effect on OSCC metastasis via the MAPK signaling pathway, which provides a new possible potential therapeutic target against OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Zhichao Zheng
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengguo Piao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyu Xin
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Xiang
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Antong Wu
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songkai Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaofen Xu
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoyu Cheng
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihong Wu
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kexiong Ouyang, ; Lihong Wu,
| | - Kexiong Ouyang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kexiong Ouyang, ; Lihong Wu,
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Weng T, Yan D, Shi D, Zhu M, Liu Y, Wu Z, Tang T, Zhu L, Zhang H, Yao H, Li L. The MSP-RON pathway regulates liver fibrosis through transforming growth factor beta-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Liver Int 2021; 41:1956-1968. [PMID: 33786995 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is pathologically important in the liver cirrhosis progression. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for organ fibrosis. Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) and its receptor tyrosine kinase, RON, promote cellular EMT. However, their role in liver fibrosis is unclear. Here, we clarify the biological profile, potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of the MSP-RON pathway in liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Macrophage-stimulating protein expression and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of cirrhosis were evaluated in 57 clinical cases and a control group. The effect of MSP-RON pathway in liver fibrosis was determined in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effects of MSP or RON inhibition on liver fibrosis were evaluated in a mouse liver fibrosis model. RESULTS Macrophage-stimulating protein is upregulated in liver cirrhosis, which was associated with poor patient prognosis. The MSP-RON pathway promoted hepatocytes EMT. MSP-RON-induced EMT depends on the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway and is regulated by TGF-β inhibitors. In animal models, an MSP blocking antibody and a small molecule inhibitor of RON, BMS-777607, both inhibited liver fibrosis progression. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that MSP is an important biomarker in liver cirrhosis progression and can be used to prognose patients. The MSP-RON pathway promotes the EMT of hepatocytes and the progress of fibrosis via a TGF-β related pathway. Consequently, we identified a new treatment strategy for liver cirrhosis through targeted inhibition of MSP/RON. This research increases the understanding of EMT-modulated liver fibrosis and provides new insights into biomarkers and therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Weng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dong Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danrong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miaojin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Taoming Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linwei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Chen SL, Wang GP, Shi DR, Yao SH, Chen KD, Yao HP. RON in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers: Pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2507-2520. [PMID: 34092972 PMCID: PMC8160627 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i20.2507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor protein tyrosine kinase RON belongs to the c-MET proto-oncogene family. Research has shown that RON has a role in cancer pathogenesis, which places RON on the frontline of the development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies. Hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) cancers have a poor prognosis, being reported as having higher rates of cancer-related death. Therefore, to combat these malignant diseases, the mechanism underlying the aberrant expression and signaling of RON in HBP cancer pathogenesis, and the development of RON as a drug target for therapeutic intervention should be investigated. Abnormal RON expression and signaling have been identified in HBP cancers, and also act as tumorigenic determinants for HBP cancer malignant behaviors. In addition, RON is emerging as an important mediator of the clinical prognosis of HBP cancers. Thus, not only is RON significant in HBP cancers, but also RON-targeted therapeutics could be developed to treat these cancers, for example, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors. Among them, antibody-drug conjugates have become increasingly popular in current research and their potential as novel anti-cancer biotherapeutics will be determined in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Long Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guo-Ping Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dan-Rong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shu-Hao Yao
- Department of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University Renji College, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ke-Da Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hang-Ping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Yu Q, Wang J, Li T, Guo X, Ding S, Che X, Zhu L, Peng Y, Xu X, Zou G, Zhang X. Recepteur d'origine nantais contributes to the development of endometriosis via promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition of a endometrial epithelial cells. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1601-1612. [PMID: 33410267 PMCID: PMC7875913 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a benign, chronic inflammatory disease that commonly occurs in reproductive‐aged women. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of endometrial epithelial cells plays an important role in the development of endometriosis. Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), a receptor tyrosine kinase, has been reported to promote EMT and progression in tumours. However, whether and how RON mediates the EMT and endometriosis development is not known. Here, we found that RON activation could improve the migratory and invasive capabilities, change cellular morphologies, and decrease expression of E‐cadherin and increase expression of N‐cadherin in endometrial epithelial cells. Inhibition or knockdown of RON expression suppressed the migration and invasion of endometrial epithelial cells. Our studies also indicated that RON played its part in endometrial epithelial cells through protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Treatment with a RON inhibitor could decrease the number of ectopic lesions in a mouse model of endometriosis and mediate expression of EMT markers in endometriotic lesions. These data suggest that RON contributed to endometriosis development by promoting EMT of endometrial epithelial cells. Therefore, RON may be a new therapeutic target for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianzhang Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Guo
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaojie Ding
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Che
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Jiaxing University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Libo Zhu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yangying Peng
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Xu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gen Zou
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinmei Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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6
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RON signalling promotes therapeutic resistance in ESR1 mutant breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:191-206. [PMID: 33257837 PMCID: PMC7782501 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oestrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations are frequently acquired in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients who were treated with aromatase inhibitors (AI) in the metastatic setting. Acquired ESR1 mutations are associated with poor prognosis and there is a lack of effective therapies that selectively target these cancers. Methods We performed a proteomic kinome analysis in ESR1 Y537S mutant cells to identify hyperactivated kinases in ESR1 mutant cells. We validated Recepteur d’Origine Nantais (RON) and PI3K hyperactivity through phospho-immunoblot analysis, organoid growth assays, and in an in vivo patient-derived xenograft (PDX) metastatic model. Results We demonstrated that RON was hyperactivated in ESR1 mutant models, and in acquired palbociclib-resistant (PalbR) models. RON and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) interacted as shown through pharmacological and genetic inhibition and were regulated by the mutant ER as demonstrated by reduced phospho-protein expression with endocrine therapies (ET). We show that ET in combination with a RON inhibitor (RONi) decreased ex vivo organoid growth of ESR1 mutant models, and as a monotherapy in PalbR models, demonstrating its therapeutic efficacy. Significantly, ET in combination with the RONi reduced metastasis of an ESR1 Y537S mutant PDX model. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that RON/PI3K pathway inhibition may be an effective treatment strategy in ESR1 mutant and PalbR MBC patients. Clinically our data predict that ET resistance mechanisms can also contribute to CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. ![]()
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Antibody-drug conjugates targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase as a novel strategy for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1160-1173. [PMID: 32479905 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenge to oncologists. Currently, the lack of effective therapy has fostered a major effort to discover new targets and therapeutics to combat this disease. The recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) receptor has been implicated in the pathogenesis of TNBC. Clinical studies have revealed that aberrant RON expression is crucial in regulating TNBC malignant phenotypes. Increased RON expression also has prognostic value for breast cancer progress. These features provide the rationale to target RON for TNBC treatment. In this review, we discuss the importance of RON in TNBC tumorigenesis and the development of anti-RON antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for clinical application. The findings from preclinical studies lay the foundation for clinical trials of this novel biotherapeutic for TNBC therapy.
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RON receptor tyrosine kinase in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Pathogenic mechanism in malignancy and pharmaceutical target for therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188360. [PMID: 32234337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers with poor prognosis and high mortality. Molecular aberrations associated with PDAC pathogenesis and progression have been extensively investigated. Nevertheless, these findings have not been translated into clinical practice. Lack of therapeutics for PDAC treatment is another challenge. Recent application of molecularly targeted and immunoregulatory therapies appears to be disappointing. Thus, discovery of new targets and therapeutics is urgently needed to combat this malignant disease. The RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a tumorigenic determinant in PDAC malignancy, which provides the rationale to target RON for PDAC treatment. In this review, we summarize the latest evidence of RON in PDAC pathogenesis and the development of anti-RON antibody-drug conjugates for potential PDAC therapy. The finding that anti-RON antibody-drug conjugates show efficacy in preclinical animal models highlights the potential of this novel class of anti-cancer biotherapeutics in future clinical trials.
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Tong XM, Feng L, Suthe SR, Weng TH, Hu CY, Liu YZ, Wu ZG, Wang MH, Yao HP. Therapeutic efficacy of a novel humanized antibody-drug conjugate recognizing plexin-semaphorin-integrin domain in the RON receptor for targeted cancer therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:250. [PMID: 31519211 PMCID: PMC6743155 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting the RON receptor, a tumorigenic factor contributing to cancer malignancy, has been considered as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. Here we describe a humanized antibody recognizing the RON plexin-semaphorin-integrin (PSI) domain with increased drug delivery capability for potential clinical application. Method Monoclonal antibody PCM5B14 specific to the human and monkey RON PSI domain was generated and characterized by various immunological methods. Humanized antibody H5B14 was created by grafting PCM5B14 complementarity-determining regions into human IgG1/κ acceptor frameworks and conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E and duocarmycin to form two H5B14-based ADCs. Stability of H5B14-based ADCs in human plasma was measured using hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Various biochemical and biological assays were used to determine ADC- regulated RON internalization, cell viability, spheroid formation, and death of cancer stem-like cells. Efficacies of H5B14-based ADCs in vivo were validated using tumor xenograft models. Maximal tolerated doses of H5B14-based ADCs were established in mice. Results H5B14 was highly specific to the human RON PSI domain and superior over other anti-RON ADCs in induction of RON internalization in various cancer cell lines tested. H5B14-based ADCS had a drug to antibody ratio of ~ 3.70:1 and were stable in human plasma with a minimal dissociation within a 10-day period. Functionally, H5B14-mediated drug delivery decreased cell viability at early stages with an average IC50 at ~ 20 nM in multiple cancer cell lines examined. H5B14-based ADCs also inhibited spheroid formation and caused death of cancer stem-like cells with RON+/CD44+/ESA+ phenotypes. In vivo, H5B14-based ADCs in a single injection inhibited tumor xenograft growth mediated by multiple cancer cell lines. Tumoristatic concentrations calculated from xenograft tumor models were in the range of 0.63 to 2.0 mg/kg bodyweight. Significantly, H5B14-based ADCs were capable of eradicating tumors at variable levels across multiple xenograft models regardless their malignant statuses. Toxicologically, H5B14-based ADCs were well tolerated in mice up to 60 mg/kg. Conclusion H5B14-based ADCs targeting the RON PSI domain are superior in inducing RON internalization, leading to robust drug delivery and overall inhibition and eradication of tumors in multiple xenograft models. These findings warrant H5B14-based ADCs for clinical trials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Min Tong
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Feng
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Sreedhar Reddy Suthe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Tian-Hao Weng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Zhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Hai Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China. .,Cancer Biology Research Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA. .,State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Hang-Ping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Kim SA, Lee KH, Lee DH, Lee JK, Lim SC, Joo YE, Chung IJ, Noh MG, Yoon TM. Receptor tyrosine kinase, RON, promotes tumor progression by regulating EMT and the MAPK signaling pathway in human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:513-526. [PMID: 31268163 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase, recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), is known to be associated with the progression, metastasis, and prognosis of various types of cancers. Nevertheless, the role of RON in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unclear. This study evaluated whether RON affects oncogenic behavior, oncogenic signaling pathways, and clinical outcomes, including survival, in human OSCC. Reverse transcription‑PCR, quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining were used to determine mRNA and protein expression levels of RON. Cell invasion, migration and apoptosis assays were used to assess the functional effects of small interfering RNA‑mediated knockdown of RON or snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SLUG). RON knockdown suppressed tumor cell invasion and migration and enhanced apoptosis in human OSCC cells. RON knockdown also decreased the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling proteins, such as ERK1/2, JNK and p38. In addition, RON knockdown suppressed the expression of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)‑related transcription factor, SLUG. SLUG knockdown blocked the enhancement of cell invasion and migration induced by macrophage‑stimulation protein (MSP)‑mediated RON activation in OSCC cells. The cell morphology was changed to spindle‑like shape under MSP‑mediated RON activation in OSCC cells. RON was overexpressed in both fresh and paraffin‑embedded human OSCC tissues. Taken together, these results indicate that RON contributed to tumor progression by regulating the EMT‑related factor, SLUG, and the MAPK pathway in OSCC. This study may provide a theoretical basis for the application of RON‑targeting agents, currently being studied in various cancer fields, for the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Ae Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Lee
- Department of Pathology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Kyoo Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Eun Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Ik-Joo Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Giun Noh
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Mi Yoon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Chonnam 58128, Republic of Korea
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11
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Yao HP, Feng L, Suthe SR, Chen LH, Weng TH, Hu CY, Jun ES, Wu ZG, Wang WL, Kim SC, Tong XM, Wang MH. Therapeutic efficacy, pharmacokinetic profiles, and toxicological activities of humanized antibody-drug conjugate Zt/g4-MMAE targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase for cancer therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:75. [PMID: 30871619 PMCID: PMC6419354 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0525-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a pathogenic feature and a validated drug target in various types of cancers. Currently, therapeutic antibodies targeting RON for cancer therapy are under intensive evaluation. Here we report the development and validation of a novel humanized anti-RON antibody-drug conjugate for cancer therapy. METHODS Antibody humanization was achieved by grafting sequences of complementarity-determining regions from mouse monoclonal antibody Zt/g4 into human IgG1/κ acceptor frameworks. The selected humanized Zt/g4 subclone H1L3 was conjugated with monomethyl auristatin E using a dipeptide linker to form H-Zt/g4-MMAE. Pharmacokinetic analysis of H-Zt/g4-MMAE was determined using hydrophobic interaction chromatography and a MMAE ADC ELISA kit. Biochemical and biological assays were used for measuring RON expression, internalization, cell viability and death. Therapeutic efficacies of H-Zt/g4-MMAE were validated in vivo using three pancreatic cancer xenograft models. Toxicological activities of H-Zt/g4-MMAE were determined in mouse and cynomolgus monkey. RESULTS H-Zt/g4-MMAE had a drug to antibody ratio of 3.77:1 and was highly stable in human plasma with a dissociation rate less than 5% within a 20 day period. H-Zt/g4-MMAE displayed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in both mouse and cynomolgus monkey. In vitro, H-Zt/g4-MMAE induced RON internalization, which results in killing of pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 values at 10-20 nM. In vivo, H-Zt/g4-MMAE inhibited pancreatic cancer xenograft growth with tumoristatic concentrations at 1~3 mg/kg bodyweight. Significantly, H-Zt/g4-MMAE eradicated tumors across multiple xenograft models regardless their chemoresistant and metastatic statuses. Moreover, H-Zt/g4-MMAE inhibited and eradicated xenografts mediated by pancreatic cancer stem-like cells and by primary cells from patient-derived tumors. Toxicologically, H-Zt/g4-MMAE is well tolerated in mice up to 60 mg/kg. In cynomolgus monkey, H-Zt/g4-MMAE up to 30 mg/kg had a manageable and reversible toxicity profile. CONCLUSIONS H-Zt/g4-MMAE is superior in eradication of pancreatic cancer xenografts with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and manageable toxicological activities. These findings warrant the transition of H-Zt/g4-MMAE into clinical trials in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Ping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Feng
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Sreedhar Reddy Suthe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Ling-Hui Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis & Treatment of Hepatic & Pancreatic Oncology, Zhejiang Province, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Hao Weng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Eun Sung Jun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Zhi-Gang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis & Treatment of Hepatic & Pancreatic Oncology, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei-Lin Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis & Treatment of Hepatic & Pancreatic Oncology, Zhejiang Province, China. .,Division of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Song Cheol Kim
- Biliary and Pancreatic Cancer Center at Department of Surgery, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Xiang-Min Tong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ming-Hai Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA. .,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis & Treatment of Hepatic & Pancreatic Oncology, Zhejiang Province, China.
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12
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Faham N, Zhao L, Welm AL. mTORC1 is a key mediator of RON-dependent breast cancer metastasis with therapeutic potential. NPJ Breast Cancer 2018; 4:36. [PMID: 30456298 PMCID: PMC6226524 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-018-0091-5] [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: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the biggest challenge in treating breast cancer, and it kills >40,000 breast cancer patients annually in the US. Aberrant expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase in breast tumors correlates with poor prognosis and has been shown to promote metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern how RON promotes metastasis, and how to block it, are still largely unknown. We sought to determine critical effectors of RON using a combination of mutational and pharmacologic strategies. High-throughput proteomic analysis of breast cancer cells upon activation of RON showed robust phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6. Further analysis revealed that RON strongly signals through mTORC1/p70S6K, which is mediated predominantly by the PI3K pathway. A targeted mutation approach to modulate RON signaling validated the importance of PI3K/mTORC1 pathway for spontaneous metastasis in vivo. Finally, inhibition of mTORC1 with an FDA-approved drug, everolimus, resulted in transient shrinkage of established RON-dependent metastases, and combined blockade of mTORC1 and RON delayed progression. These studies have identified a key downstream mediator of RON-dependent metastasis in breast cancer cells and revealed that inhibition of mTORC1, or combined inhibition of mTORC1 and RON, may be effective for treatment of metastatic breast cancers with elevated expression of RON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najme Faham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
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13
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Braun S, Enculescu M, Setty ST, Cortés-López M, de Almeida BP, Sutandy FXR, Schulz L, Busch A, Seiler M, Ebersberger S, Barbosa-Morais NL, Legewie S, König J, Zarnack K. Decoding a cancer-relevant splicing decision in the RON proto-oncogene using high-throughput mutagenesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3315. [PMID: 30120239 PMCID: PMC6098099 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations causing aberrant splicing are frequently implicated in human diseases including cancer. Here, we establish a high-throughput screen of randomly mutated minigenes to decode the cis-regulatory landscape that determines alternative splicing of exon 11 in the proto-oncogene MST1R (RON). Mathematical modelling of splicing kinetics enables us to identify more than 1000 mutations affecting RON exon 11 skipping, which corresponds to the pathological isoform RON∆165. Importantly, the effects correlate with RON alternative splicing in cancer patients bearing the same mutations. Moreover, we highlight heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H (HNRNPH) as a key regulator of RON splicing in healthy tissues and cancer. Using iCLIP and synergy analysis, we pinpoint the functionally most relevant HNRNPH binding sites and demonstrate how cooperative HNRNPH binding facilitates a splicing switch of RON exon 11. Our results thereby offer insights into splicing regulation and the impact of mutations on alternative splicing in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Braun
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mihaela Enculescu
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Samarth T Setty
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Bernardo P de Almeida
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.,Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve, Campus Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | | | - Laura Schulz
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anke Busch
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Seiler
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Nuno L Barbosa-Morais
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Stefan Legewie
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Julian König
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Ackermannweg 4, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany.
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14
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RON as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer. Meta Gene 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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15
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Yin B, Liu Z, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu W, Yu P, Duan X, Liu C, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Pan X, Yao H, Liao Z, Tao Z. RON and c-Met facilitate metastasis through the ERK signaling pathway in prostate cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:3209-3218. [PMID: 28440432 PMCID: PMC5442400 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a metastatic malignant cancer driven by complex pathological mechanisms and characterized by poor long-term prognosis. Metastasis is the main cause of death of PCa patients, yet the molecular mechanisms of this process are poorly understood. In the present study, positive co-expression of RON and c-Met was observed in human clinical PCa tissues (biopsy material), as detected by immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time PCR. We investigated this further in PCa cells, demonstrating that the inhibition of RON and c-Met with foretinib (GSK1363089) suppressed metastasis and promoted the reversal of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PCa cells. Furthermore, the invasion and migration of PCa cells were enhanced by the exogenous activation of RON with MSP and c-Met with HGF, whereas silencing of RON and c-Met attenuated the invasion and metastasis of the PCa cells. Our data also demonstrated that HGF/c-Met, but not the MSP-RON signaling pathway may be the dominant mechanism for PCa EMT. We further revealed that RON and c-Met facilitate metastasis via ERK1/2 signaling. These findings indicate that RON and c-Met facilitate metastasis through ERK1/2 signaling and that targeting RON and c-Met with foretinib may be an attractive therapeutic option for suppressing PCa metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Yin
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhenping Liu
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xuchu Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Pan Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiuzhi Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Chunhua Liu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yuhua Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yurong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Hangping Yao
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoping Liao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Tao
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, College of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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16
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Faham N, Welm AL. RON Signaling Is a Key Mediator of Tumor Progression in Many Human Cancers. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2017; 81:177-188. [PMID: 28057847 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2016.81.031377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing body of literature covering RON receptor tyrosine kinase function in different types of human cancers, it is becoming clear that RON has prominent roles in both cancer cells and in the tumor-associated microenvironment. RON not only activates several oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer cells, leading to more aggressive behavior, but also promotes an immunosuppressive, alternatively activated phenotype in macrophages and limits the antitumor immune response. These two unique functions of this oncogene, the strong correlation between RON expression and poor outcomes in cancer, and the high tolerability of a new RON inhibitor make it an exciting therapeutic target, the blocking of which offers an advantage toward improving the survival of cancer patients. Here, we discuss recent findings on the role of RON signaling in cancer progression and its potential in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najme Faham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
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17
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Greenbaum A, Rajput A, Wan G. RON kinase isoforms demonstrate variable cell motility in normal cells. Heliyon 2016; 2:e00153. [PMID: 27656686 PMCID: PMC5021793 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2016.e00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aberrant RON (Recepteur d'Origine Nantais) tyrosine kinase activation causes the epithelial cell to evade normal growth pathways, resulting in unregulated cell proliferation, increased cell motility and decreased apoptosis. Wildtype (wt) RON has been shown to play a role in metastasis of epithelial malignancies. It presents an important potential therapeutic target for colorectal, breast, gastric and pancreatic cancer. Little is known about functional differences amongst RON isoforms RON155, RON160 and RON165. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various RON kinase isoforms on cell motility. METHODS Cell lines with stable expression of wtRON were generated by inserting the coding region of RON in pTagRFP (tagged red fluorescence protein plasmid). The expression constructs of RON variants (RON155, RON160 and RON165) were generated by creating a mutagenesis-based wtRON-pTag RFP plasmid and stably transfected into HEK 293 cells. The wound closure scratch assay was used to investigate the effect on cell migratory capacity of wild type RON and its variants. RESULTS RON transfected cells demonstrated increased cell motility compared to HEK293 control cells. RON165 cell motility was significantly increased compared to RON160 (mean percentage of wound covered 37.37% vs. 32.40%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS RON tyrosine kinase isoforms have variable cell motility. This may reflect a difference in the behavior of malignant epithelial cells and their capacity for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Greenbaum
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, MSC 10 5610, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Ashwani Rajput
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, MSC 07 4025, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Guanghua Wan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, MSC 07 4025, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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18
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Chang HY, Chang TC, Huang WY, Lee CT, Yen CJ, Tsai YS, Tzai TS, Chen SH, Chow NH. RON Nuclear Translocation under Hypoxia Potentiates Chemoresistance to DNA Double-Strand Break-Inducing Anticancer Drugs. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:276-86. [PMID: 26772202 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia is associated with radioresistance, chemoresistance, and metastasis, which eventually lead to cancer progression and a poor patient prognosis. RON [also known as macrophage-stimulating protein receptor (MST1R)] belongs to the c-MET [also known as hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR)] receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) superfamily. To identify the interaction partners of RON nuclear translocation in response to hypoxia, the nuclear extract of TSGH8301 bladder cancer cells was immunoprecipitated for tandem mass profiling analysis. Nuclear RON interacted with adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent DNA helicase 2 (Ku70) and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) to activate nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair. The interaction was time dependent, extending 3 to 24 hours posthypoxia or until the components had been exposed to the chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin and epirubicin. Stable knockdown experiments in vitro suggest the importance of RON for the chemoresistance of cancer cells under hypoxia. In addition, the tyrosine kinase domain of nuclear RON is crucial for interaction with Ku70 under hypoxia. J82 cells transfected with RON showed a survival advantage in the presence of epirubicin and hypoxia. This suggests that nuclear RON activates NHEJ repair by interacting with Ku70/DNA-PKcs and inhibiting RON activity to increase cancer cell chemosensitivity. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(2); 276-86. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Chang
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chia Chang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ya Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ta Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Shyan Tsai
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Shin Tzai
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Haw Chow
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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19
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Batth IS, Yun H, Kumar AP. Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), more than a kinase: Role in castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Mol Carcinog 2015; 54:937-46. [PMID: 26152593 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCA) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. It is natural for a hormone-driven malignancy such as prostate cancer that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) would be the preferred treatment for clinical disease management. However, after initial treatment response a vast majority of patients develop metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is fatal. While great headway has been made to understand the possible mechanisms that drive castrate-resistant disease, a bonafide cure remains elusive. Reactivation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling partly contributes to the emergence of CRPC. Here we briefly examine some of the known mechanisms of AR reactivation including intratumoral synthesis of androgens, modulation of AR coregulators, and AR variants with constitutive activity as well as activation of receptor tyrosine kinases. We primarily focus on the emerging dual function of the receptor tyrosine kinase (recepteur d'origine nantais; RON) as a traditional tyrosine kinase and transcription factor. We further discuss activation of RON as an alternate mechanism in the development of CRPC and available therapeutic approaches for clinical management of CRPC by combined inhibition of RON and AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izhar Singh Batth
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Huiyoung Yun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Addankl P Kumar
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
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20
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Wang X, Yennawar N, Hankey PA. Autoinhibition of the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase by the juxtamembrane domain. Cell Commun Signal 2014; 12:28. [PMID: 24739671 PMCID: PMC4021555 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-12-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) has been implicated in the progression of a number of carcinomas, thus understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing its activity is of potential therapeutic significance. A critical role for the juxtamembrane domain in regulating RTK activity is emerging, however the mechanism by which this regulation occurs varies considerably from receptor to receptor. Results Unlike other RTKs described to date, tyrosines in the juxtamembrane domain of Ron are inconsequential for receptor activation. Rather, we have identified an acidic region in the juxtamembrane domain of Ron that plays a central role in promoting receptor autoinhibition. Furthermore, our studies demonstrate that phosphorylation of Y1198 in the kinase domain promotes Ron activation, likely by relieving the inhibitory constraints imposed by the juxtamembrane domain. Conclusions Taken together, our experimental data and molecular modeling provide a better understanding of the mechanisms governing Ron activation, which will lay the groundwork for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for targeting Ron in human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pamela A Hankey
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Wang MH, Zhang R, Zhou YQ, Yao HP. Pathogenesis of RON receptor tyrosine kinase in cancer cells: activation mechanism, functional crosstalk, and signaling addiction. J Biomed Res 2013; 27:345-56. [PMID: 24086167 PMCID: PMC3783819 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.27.20130038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The RON receptor tyrosine kinase, a member of the MET proto-oncogene family, is a pathogenic factor implicated in tumor malignancy. Specifically, aberrations in RON signaling result in increased cancer cell growth, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Biochemical events such as ligand binding, receptor overexpression, generation of structure-defected variants, and point mutations in the kinase domain contribute to RON signaling activation. Recently, functional crosstalk between RON and signaling proteins such as MET and EFGR has emerged as an additional mechanism for RON activation, which is critical for tumorigenic development. The RON signaling crosstalk acts either as a regulatory feedback loop that strengthens or enhances tumorigenic phenotype of cancer cells or serves as a signaling compensatory pathway providing a growth/survival advantage for cancer cells to escape targeted therapy. Moreover, viral oncoproteins derived from Friend leukemia or Epstein-Barr viruses interact with RON to drive viral oncogenesis. In cancer cells, RON signaling is integrated into cellular signaling network essential for cancer cell growth and survival. These activities provide the molecular basis of targeting RON for cancer treatment. In this review, we will discuss recent data that uncover the mechanisms of RON activation in cancer cells, review evidence of RON signaling crosstalk relevant to cancer malignancy, and emphasize the significance of the RON signaling addiction by cancer cells for tumor therapy. Understanding aberrant RON signaling will not only provide insight into the mechanisms of tumor pathogenesis, but also lead to the development of novel strategies for molecularly targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hai Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, and
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Abstract
Since the discovery of MSP (macrophage-stimulating protein; also known as MST1 and hepatocyte growth factor-like (HGFL)) as the ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase RON (also known as MST1R) in the early 1990s, the roles of this signalling axis in cancer pathogenesis has been extensively studied in various model systems. Both in vitro and in vivo evidence has revealed that MSP-RON signalling is important for the invasive growth of different types of cancers. Currently, small-molecule inhibitors and antibodies blocking RON signalling are under investigation. Substantial responses have been achieved in human tumour xenograft models, laying the foundation for clinical validation. In this Review, we discuss recent advances that demonstrate the importance of MSP-RON signalling in cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Ping Yao
- Viral Oncogenesis Section in State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P. R. China
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Sharma S, Zeng JY, Zhuang CM, Zhou YQ, Yao HP, Hu X, Zhang R, Wang MH. Small-molecule inhibitor BMS-777607 induces breast cancer cell polyploidy with increased resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:725-36. [PMID: 23468529 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Here, we report therapeutic effect and phenotypic change of breast cancer cells in response to BMS-777607, a RON tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Treatment of breast cancer cells with BMS-777607 at therapeutic doses inhibited cancerous clonogenic growth but had only minimal effect on cell apoptosis. Significantly, BMS-777607 induced extensive polyploidy with multiple sets of chromosomes in cancer cells. This effect is independent of RON expression. Knockdown of RON in T-47D and ZR-75-1 cells by specific siRNA did not prevent polyploid formation. Immunofluorescent analysis of α-tubulin and γ-tubulin expression in polyploid cells revealed that BMS-777607 disrupts bipolar spindle formation and causes multipolar-like microtubule assembly. Also, both metaphase equatorial alignment and chromosomal segregation were absent in polyploid cells. These results suggest that cellular mitosis arrests at prophase/pro-metaphase and fails to undergo cytokinesis. By analyzing kinase-inhibitory profiles, aurora kinase B was identified as the target molecule inhibited by BMS-777607. In BMS-777607-treated cells, aurora kinase B was inhibited followed by protein degradation. Moreover, BMS-777607 inhibited Ser10 phosphorylation of histone H3, a substrate of aurora kinase B. Chemosensitivity analysis indicated the resistance of polyploid cells toward chemotherapeutics. Treatment with doxorubicin, bleomycin, methotrexate, and paclitaxel significantly increased cellular IC50 values. These findings highlight the theory that BMS-777607 acts as a multikinase inhibitor at therapeutic doses and is capable of inducing polyploidy by inhibiting aurora kinase B. Increased resistance of polyploid cells to cytotoxic chemotherapeutics could have a negative impact on targeted cancer therapy using BMS-777607.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharad Sharma
- Cancer Biology Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
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Ito M, Urano T, Hiroi H, Momoeda M, Saito M, Hosokawa Y, Tsutsumi R, Zenri F, Koizumi M, Nakae H, Horie-Inoue K, Fujii T, Yano T, Kozuma S, Inoue S, Taketani Y. The progesterone-responsive gene 14-3-3τ enhances the transcriptional activity of progesterone receptor in uterine cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2012; 49:193-202. [PMID: 22967481 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Members of the 14-3-3 family are intracellular dimeric phosphoserine-binding proteins that can associate with and modulate the activities of many proteins. In our efforts to isolate the genes regulated by progesterone (P(4)) using suppressive subtractive hybridization, we previously found that 14-3-3τ is one of the genes upregulated by P(4). In this study, we demonstrated by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot analyses, and immunohistochemistry that 14-3-3τ mRNA and protein levels were increased in the rat uterus after P(4) treatment. Furthermore, qRT-PCR indicated that P(4) increased 14-3-3τ mRNA levels in human endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that in vitro decidualization using cAMP and medroxyprogesterone 17-acetate increased levels of 14-3-3τ mRNA and protein in ESCs. We have shown by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses that P(4) increased the mRNA and protein levels of 14-3-3τ in Ishikawa cells that stably express P(4) receptor-B (PR-B). Immunocytochemistry revealed that 14-3-3τ colocalizes with PR and translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in response to P(4). Moreover, by luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that 14-3-3τ enhances the transcriptional activity of PR-B. Taken together, we propose that 14-3-3τ is a P(4)-responsive gene in uterine cells that modulates P(4) signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Ito
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Hegde GV, de la Cruz C, Eastham-Anderson J, Zheng Y, Sweet-Cordero EA, Jackson EL. Residual tumor cells that drive disease relapse after chemotherapy do not have enhanced tumor initiating capacity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45647. [PMID: 23115623 PMCID: PMC3480356 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although chemotherapy is used to treat most advanced solid tumors, recurrent disease is still the major cause of cancer-related mortality. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been the focus of intense research in recent years because they provide a possible explanation for disease relapse. However, the precise role of CSCs in recurrent disease remains poorly understood and surprisingly little attention has been focused on studying the cells responsible for re-initiating tumor growth within the original host after chemotherapy treatment. We utilized both xenograft and genetically engineered mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to characterize the residual tumor cells that survive chemotherapy treatment and go on to cause tumor regrowth, which we refer to as tumor re-initiating cells (TRICs). We set out to determine whether TRICs display characteristics of CSCs, and whether assays used to define CSCs also provide an accurate readout of a cell's ability to cause tumor recurrence. We did not find consistent enrichment of CSC marker positive cells or enhanced tumor initiating potential in TRICs. However, TRICs from all models do appear to be in EMT, a state that has been linked to chemoresistance in numerous types of cancer. Thus, the standard CSC assays may not accurately reflect a cell's ability to drive disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganapati V. Hegde
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Cecile de la Cruz
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Eastham-Anderson
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Cancer Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - E. Alejandro Sweet-Cordero
- Cancer Biology Program, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Erica L. Jackson
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Macrophage stimulating protein promotes liver metastases of small cell lung cancer cells by affecting the organ microenvironment. Clin Exp Metastasis 2012; 30:333-44. [PMID: 23011677 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-012-9540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The organ microenvironment significantly affects the processes of cancer metastasis. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of interaction between tumor cells and the organ microenvironment is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies to eradicate cancer metastases. Macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), an activator of macrophages, regulates a pleiotropic array of effects, including proliferation, cellular motility, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and resistance to anoikis. However, the role of MSP in cancer metastasis is still largely unknown. In this study, the action of MSP on the production of metastases was determined in a multiple-organ metastasis model. The murine MSP gene was transfected into two human SCLC cell lines, SBC-5 and H1048, to establish transfectants secreting biologically active MSP. MSP gene transduction did not affect cell proliferation and motility in vitro. Intravenously inoculated MSP transfectants produced significantly larger numbers of liver metastases than parental cells or vector control clones, while there were no significant differences in bone or lung metastases among them. Immunohistochemical analyses of liver metastases revealed that tumor-associated microvessel density and tumor-infiltrating macrophages were significantly increased in lesions produced by MSP transfectants. MSP could stimulate the migration of murine macrophages and endothelial cells in vitro. Consequently, MSP may be one of the major determinants that affects the properties of tumor stroma and that produces a permissive microenvironment to promote cancer metastasis.
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Chou YC, Chen CL, Yeh TH, Lin SJ, Chen MR, Doong SL, Lu J, Tsai CH. Involvement of recepteur d'origine nantais receptor tyrosine kinase in Epstein-Barr virus-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its metastasis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 181:1773-81. [PMID: 22974584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characteristic for its strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and high metastatic rate. Recently, overexpressed recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) (MST1R), receptor tyrosine kinase has been reported in human cancers and tumor metastasis. Therefore, the role of RON in EBV-associated NPC and its metastasis was investigated. Here we show that RON was found in NPC but not in control tissues. A significant correlation of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and RON expression was found in NPC (Pearson's χ(2) test; P = 0.0023). At the molecular level, LMP1 stimulates nuclear factor-κB binding to the RON promoter through its carboxyl-terminal activation region 1 to induce expression of RON. Knockdown of RON in cells expressing LMP1 significantly reverses LMP1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and suppresses LMP1-induced cell migration and invasion. These results suggest an important role of RON in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of NPC and RON may be a novel therapeutic target for EBV-associated NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ching Chou
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Wang D, Lao WF, Kuang YY, Geng SM, Mo LJ, He C. A novel variant of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase derived from colorectal carcinoma cells which lacks tyrosine phosphorylation but induces cell migration. Exp Cell Res 2012; 318:2548-58. [PMID: 22975341 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Generation of splice variants in the RON receptor tyrosine kinase facilitates the invasive phenotype of colorectal cancers. Here, we report a new splice variant of RON in the human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. This variant is encoded by a transcript differing from the full-length RON mRNA by an in-frame deletion of 106 amino acids in the extracellular domain of RON β-chain. The deleted transcript originates by an alternative deletion of exon 2 and exon 3. The molecular weight of this variant is 160 kDa. Thus, we named this variant RONΔ160(E2E3). This variant is a single-chain protein and expressed in the intracellular compartment. We found that RONΔ160(E2E3) had no tyrosine phosphorylation ability, but it has constitutively activated Akt activity in transfected HEK293 epithelial cells. The expression of this variant in HEK293 cells resulted in an increased migratory activity in vitro mediated through the PI-3K/Akt pathway. Our data describes a new splice variant of RON and suggests a novel role for the RON receptor in the progression of metastasis in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine/SRRSH, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
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Iwayama H, Sakamoto T, Nawa A, Ueda N. Crosstalk between Smad and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases for the Regulation of Apoptosis in Cyclosporine A- Induced Renal Tubular Injury. NEPHRON EXTRA 2011; 1:178-89. [PMID: 22470391 PMCID: PMC3290860 DOI: 10.1159/000333014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims It remains elusive whether there is a crosstalk between Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and whether it regulates cyclosporine A (CyA)-induced apoptosis in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs). Methods The effect of CyA on nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and MAPKs (measured by Western blotting or immunofluorescence) and apoptosis (determined by Hoechst 33258 staining) was examined in HK-2 cells. Results CyA induced apoptosis at 24 h and nuclear translocation of phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3 at 3 h, which was continued till 24 h. CyA enhanced the expression of p-ERK at 1 h, which was continued till 24 h, and of p-p38MAPK at 1–6 h, which returned to control level at 12 h. CyA did not affect JNK. An inhibitor of ERK, PD98059, prevented CyA-induced nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 and apoptosis. An inhibitor of p38MAPK, SB202190, deteriorated CyA-induced nuclear translocation of p-Smad2/3. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activated ERK and p38MAPK but not JNK. EGF-induced activation of MAPKs ameliorated CyA-induced nuclear translocation of p-Smad2/3 and apoptosis. Inhibition of p38MAPK but not of ERK abolished the protective effect of EGF on CyA-induced nuclear translocation of p-Smad2/3 and apoptosis. Conclusion Crosstalk between R-Smad and p38MAPK/ERK, but not JNK differentially regulates apoptosis in CyA-induced RPTC injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Iwayama
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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30
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Ron receptor overexpression in the murine prostate induces prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. Cancer Lett 2011; 314:92-101. [PMID: 22004727 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the Ron receptor is overexpressed in prostate cancer and Ron expression increases with disease severity in humans and the mouse TRAMP model. Here, the causal role of Ron overexpression in the murine prostate was examined in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Transgenic mouse strains were generated which selectively overexpressed Ron in the prostate epithelium and prostate histopathology was evaluated and compared to wild type controls. Ron overexpression led to the development of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (mPIN) with local invasion and was associated with increases in prostate cell proliferation and decreases in cell death.
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Yao HP, Zhou YQ, Ma Q, Guin S, Padhye SS, Zhang RW, Wang MH. The monoclonal antibody Zt/f2 targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase as potential therapeutics against tumor growth-mediated by colon cancer cells. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:82. [PMID: 21749705 PMCID: PMC3142532 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overexpression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase contributes to epithelial cell transformation, malignant progression, and acquired drug resistance. RON also has been considered as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. This study determines biochemical features and inhibitory activity of a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) Zt/f2 in experimental cancer therapy. Results Zt/f2 is a mouse IgG2a mAb that is highly specific and sensitive to human RON and its oncogenic variants such as RON160 (ED50 = 2.3 nmol/L). Receptor binding studies revealed that Zt/f2 interacts with an epitope(s) located in a 49 amino acid sequence coded by exon 11 in the RON β-chain extracellular sequences. This sequence is critical in regulating RON maturation and phosphorylation. Zt/f2 did not compete with ligand macrophage-stimulating protein for binding to RON; however, its engagement effectively induced RON internalization, which diminishes RON expression and impairs downstream signaling activation. These biochemical features provide the cellular basis for the use of Zt/f2 to inhibit tumor growth in animal model. Repeated administration of Zt/f2 as a single agent into Balb/c mice results in partial inhibition of tumor growth caused by transformed NIH-3T3 cells expressing oncogenic RON160. Colon cancer HT-29 cell-mediated tumor growth in athymic nude mice also was attenuated following Zt/f2 treatment. In both cases, ~50% inhibition of tumor growth as measured by tumor volume was achieved. Moreover, Zt/f2 in combination with 5-fluorouracil showed an enhanced inhibition effect of ~80% on HT-29 cell-mediated tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions Zt/f2 is a potential therapeutic mAb capable of inhibiting RON-mediated oncogenesis by colon cancer cells in animal models. The inhibitory effect of Zt/f2 in vivo in combination with chemoagent 5-fluorouracil could represent a novel strategy for future colon cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Ping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, PR China
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Xiangming X, Yun Q, Guoliang Z, Jianjiang L, Lisong T. Mechanisms of RON-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MDCK cells through the MAPK pathway. Braz J Med Biol Res 2011; 44:634-41. [PMID: 21655705 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in neoplastic metastasis, and the RON protein may be involved. In the present study, we determined the role and the mechanisms of action of RON in EMT in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by Western blot and cell migration analysis. Activation of RON by macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) results in cell migration and initiates changes in the morphology of RON-cDNA-transfected MDCK cells. The absence of E-cadherin, the presence of vimentin and an increase in Snail were observed in RE7 cells, which were derived from MDCK cells transfected with wt-RON, compared with MDCK cells. Stimulation of RE7 cells with MSP resulted in increased migration (about 69% of the wounded areas were covered) as well as increased activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β; the percent of the activation ratio was 143.6/599.8% and 512.4%, respectively), which could be inhibited with an individual chemical inhibitor PD98059 (50 μM) specific to MAPK/ERK kinase (the percent inhibition was 98.9 and 81.2%, respectively). Thus, the results indicated that RON protein could mediate EMT in MDCK cells via the Erk1/2 pathway. Furthermore, GSK-3β regulates the function of Snail in controlling EMT by this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Xiangming
- Colorectal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Ma Q, Guin S, Padhye SS, Zhou YQ, Zhang RW, Wang MH. Ribosomal protein S6 kinase (RSK)-2 as a central effector molecule in RON receptor tyrosine kinase mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition induced by macrophage-stimulating protein. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:66. [PMID: 21619683 PMCID: PMC3117816 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs during cancer cell invasion and malignant metastasis. Features of EMT include spindle-like cell morphology, loss of epithelial cellular markers and gain of mesenchymal phenotype. Activation of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase by macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) has been implicated in cellular EMT program; however, the major signaling determinant(s) responsible for MSP-induced EMT is unknown. RESULTS The study presented here demonstrates that RSK2, a downstream signaling protein of the Ras-Erk1/2 pathway, is the principal molecule that links MSP-activated RON signaling to complete EMT. Using MDCK cells expressing RON as a model, a spindle-shape based screen was conducted, which identifies RSK2 among various intracellular proteins as a potential signaling molecule responsible for MSP-induced EMT. MSP stimulation dissociated RSK2 with Erk1/2 and promoted RSK2 nuclear translocation. MSP strongly induced RSK2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. These effects relied on RON and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, which is significantly potentiated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, an EMT-inducing cytokine. Specific RSK inhibitor SL0101 completely prevented MSP-induced RSK phosphorylation, which results in inhibition of MSP-induced spindle-like morphology and suppression of cell migration associated with EMT. In HT-29 cancer cells that barely express RSK2, forced RSK2 expression results in EMT-like phenotype upon MSP stimulation. Moreover, specific siRNA-mediated silencing of RSK2 but not RSK1 in L3.6pl pancreatic cancer cells significantly inhibited MSP-induced EMT-like phenotype and cell migration. CONCLUSIONS MSP-induced RSK2 activation is a critical determinant linking RON signaling to cellular EMT program. Inhibition of RSK2 activity may provide a therapeutic opportunity for blocking RON-mediated cancer cell migration and subsequent invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Ma
- Division of Cancer Biology at State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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David CJ, Manley JL. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing regulation in cancer: pathways and programs unhinged. Genes Dev 2011; 24:2343-64. [PMID: 21041405 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1973010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 621] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing of mRNA precursors is a nearly ubiquitous and extremely flexible point of gene control in humans. It provides cells with the opportunity to create protein isoforms of differing, even opposing, functions from a single gene. Cancer cells often take advantage of this flexibility to produce proteins that promote growth and survival. Many of the isoforms produced in this manner are developmentally regulated and are preferentially re-expressed in tumors. Emerging insights into this process indicate that pathways that are frequently deregulated in cancer often play important roles in promoting aberrant splicing, which in turn contributes to all aspects of tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J David
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA
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Isolation of Fully Human Antagonistic RON Antibodies Showing Efficient Block of Downstream Signaling and Cell Migration. Transl Oncol 2011; 4:38-46. [PMID: 21286376 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.10211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
RON belongs to the c-MET family of receptor tyrosine kinases. As its well-known family member MET, RON and its ligand macrophage-stimulating protein have been implicated in the progression and metastasis of tumors and have been shown to be overexpressed in cancer. We generated and tested a large number of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human RON. Our screening yielded three high-affinity antibodies that efficiently block ligand-dependent intracellular AKT and MAPK signaling. This effect correlates with the strong reduction of ligand-activated migration of T47D breast cancer cell line. By cross-competition experiments, we showed that the antagonistic antibodies fall into three distinct epitope regions of the RON extracellular Sema domain. Notably, no inhibition of tumor growth was observed in different epithelial tumor xenografts in nude mice with any of the antibodies. These results suggest that distinct properties beside ligand antagonism are required for anti-RON mAbs to exert antitumor effects in vivo.
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Ma Q, Zhang K, Guin S, Zhou YQ, Wang MH. Deletion or insertion in the first immunoglobulin-plexin-transcription (IPT) domain differentially regulates expression and tumorigenic activities of RON receptor Tyrosine Kinase. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:307. [PMID: 21114864 PMCID: PMC3001714 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activation of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase, a member of the c-MET family, regulates tumorigenic phenotypes. The RON extracellular domains are critical in regulating these activities. The objective of this study was to determine the role of the first IPT domain in regulating RON-mediated tumorigenic activities and the underlying mechanisms. Results Two RON variants, RON160 and RONE5/6in with deletion and insertion in the first IPT domain, respectively, were molecularly cloned. RON160 was a splicing variant generated by deletion of 109 amino acids encoded by exons 5 and 6. In contrast, RONE5/6in was derived from a transcript with an insertion of 20 amino acids between exons 5 and 6. Both RON160 and RONE5/6in were proteolytically matured into two-chain receptor and expressed on the cell surface. RON160 was constitutively active with tyrosine phosphorylation. However, activation of RONE5/6in required ligand stimulation. Deletion resulted in the resistance of RON160 to proteolytic digestion by cell associated trypsin-like enzymes. RON160 also resisted anti-RON antibody-induced receptor internalization. These features contributed to sustained intracellular signaling cascades. On the other hand, RONE5/6in was highly susceptible to protease digestion, which led to formation of a truncated variant known as RONp110. RONE5/6in also underwent rapid internalization upon anti-RON antibody treatment, which led to signaling attenuation. Although ligand-induced activation of RONE5/6in partially caused epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), it was RON160 that showed cell-transforming activities in cell focus formation and anchorage-independent growth. RON160-mediated EMT is also associated with increased motile/invasive activity. Conclusions Alterations in the first IPT domain in extracellular region differentially regulate RON mediated tumorigenic activities. Deletion of the first IPT results in formation of oncogenic variant RON160. Enhanced degradation and internalization with attenuated signaling cascades could be the mechanisms underlying non-tumorigenic features of RONE5/6in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Ma
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology in State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, P, R, China
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Wang MH, Padhye SS, Guin S, Ma Q, Zhou YQ. Potential therapeutics specific to c-MET/RON receptor tyrosine kinases for molecular targeting in cancer therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2010; 31:1181-8. [PMID: 20694025 PMCID: PMC4002297 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2010.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Products of proto-oncogenes c-MET and RON belong to a subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases that contribute significantly to tumorigenic progression. In primary tumors, altered c-MET/RON expression transduces signals regulating invasive growth that is characterized by cell migration and matrix invasion. These pathogenic features provide the basis for targeting c-MET/RON in cancer therapy. In the last decade, various approaches have been investigated to suppress c-MET/RON-transduced oncogenesis. Among the therapeutics developed, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) have emerged as promising candidates. The mechanism of these therapeutic candidates is the disruption of tumor dependency on c-MET/RON signals for survival. The mAbs specific to hepatocyte growth factor (AMG102) and c-MET (MetMAb) are both humanized and able to block c-MET signaling, leading to inhibition of tumor cell proliferation in vitro and inhibition of tumor growth in xenograft models. The mAb AMG102 neutralizes hepatocyte growth factor and enhances the cytotoxicity of various chemotherapeutics to tumors in vivo. AMG102 is currently in phase II clinical trials for patients with advanced solid tumors. IMC-41A40 and Zt/f2 are RON-specific mAbs that down-regulate RON expression and inhibit ligand-induced phosphorylation. Both mAbs inhibit tumor growth in mice mediated by colon and pancreatic cancer cells. SMIs specific to c-MET (ARQ107 and PF-02341066) are in various phases of clinical trials. Therapeutic efficacy has also been observed with dual inhibitors such as Compound I, which is specific to c-MET/RON. However, a potential issue is the emergence of acquired resistance to these inhibitors. Clearly, development of c-MET/RON therapeutics provides opportunities and challenges for combating cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hai Wang
- Center for Cancer Biology & Therapeutics and Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Snehal S Padhye
- Center for Cancer Biology & Therapeutics and Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Sunny Guin
- Center for Cancer Biology & Therapeutics and Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Qi Ma
- Center for Cancer Biology & Therapeutics and Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Yong-qing Zhou
- Division of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Transforming growth factor-β1 modulates metalloproteinase-2 and -9, nitric oxide, RhoA and α-smooth muscle actin expression in colon adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Biol Int 2010; 34:213-23. [DOI: 10.1042/cbi20090073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Kato K, Takao T, Kuboyama A, Tanaka Y, Ohgami T, Yamaguchi S, Adachi S, Yoneda T, Ueoka Y, Kato K, Hayashi S, Asanoma K, Wake N. Endometrial cancer side-population cells show prominent migration and have a potential to differentiate into the mesenchymal cell lineage. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 176:381-92. [PMID: 20008133 PMCID: PMC2797898 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cell subpopulations, referred to as "side-population" (SP) cells, have been identified in several tumors based on their ability to efflux the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33342. Although SP cells have been identified in the normal human endometrium and endometrial cancer, little is known about their characteristics. In this study, we isolated and characterized the SP cells in human endometrial cancer cells and in rat endometrial cells expressing oncogenic human K-Ras protein. These SP cells showed i) reduction in the expression levels of differentiation markers; ii) long-term proliferative capacity of the cell cultures; iii) self-renewal capacity in vitro; iv) enhancement of migration, lamellipodia, and uropodia formation; and v) enhanced tumorigenicity. In nude mice, SP cells formed large, invasive tumors, which were composed of both tumor cells and stromal-like cells with enriched extracellular matrix. The expression levels of vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and collagen III were enhanced in SP tumors compared with the levels in non-SP tumors. In addition, analysis of microdissected samples and fluorescence in situ hybridization of Hec1-SP-tumors showed that the stromal-like cells with enriched extracellular matrix contained human DNA, confirming that the stromal-like cells were derived from the inoculated cells. Moreober, in a Matrigel assay, SP cells differentiated into alpha-smooth muscle actin-expressing cells. These findings demonstrate that SP cells have cancer stem-like cell features, including the potential to differentiate into the mesenchymal cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Wang J, Rajput A, Kan JLC, Rose R, Liu XQ, Kuropatwinski K, Hauser J, Beko A, Dominquez I, Sharratt EA, Brattain L, Levea C, Sun FL, Keane DM, Gibson NW, Brattain MG. Knockdown of Ron kinase inhibits mutant phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and reduces metastasis in human colon carcinoma. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:10912-22. [PMID: 19224914 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m809551200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation and activation of receptor tyrosine kinase Ron (recepteur d'origine nantais) has been demonstrated in a variety of primary human cancers. We show that RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Ron kinase in a highly tumorigenic colon cancer cell line led to reduced proliferation as compared with the control cells. Decreased Ron expression sensitized HCT116 cells to growth factor deprivation stress-induced apoptosis as reflected by increased DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 activation. In addition, cell motility was decreased in Ron knockdown cells as measured by wound healing assays and transwell assays. HCT116 cells are heterozygous for gain of function mutant PIK3CA H1047R. Analysis of signaling proteins that are affected by Ron knockdown revealed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity of the mutant PI3K as well as AKT phosphorylation was substantially reduced in the Ron knockdown cells compared with the control cells. Moreover, we demonstrated in vivo that knockdown of Ron expression significantly reduced lung metastasis as compared with the control cells in the orthotopic models. In summary, our results demonstrate that Ron plays an essential role in maintaining malignant phenotypes of colon cancer cells through regulating mutant PI3K activity. Therefore, targeting Ron kinase could be a potential strategy for colon cancer treatment, especially in patients bearing gain of function mutant PI3K activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA.
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Rampino T, Gregorini M, Dal Canton A. Scatter Factors in renal disease: Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde? Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2009; 20:77-85. [PMID: 19201250 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The Scatter Factors are two homologous proteins, named Scatter Factor/Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Macrophage Stimulating Protein. Their receptors are the products of two oncogenes, Met and Ron, respectively. The Scatter Factors induce movement, stimulate proliferation, regulate apoptosis and are morphogenic, i.e. operate an integrated program that seems tailored to drive organ development and to regenerate injured tissues. On the other hand, Scatter Factors may be responsible for pathologic tissue remodeling, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and tumor growth and diffusion. The review describes the involvement of Scatter Factors in renal disease, including acute renal failure, glomerulonephritis, chronic fibrosing nephropathies, dialysis, renal transplantation and renal tumors, and discusses the double-faced role of Scatter Factors, that play either a protective or a pathogenic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Rampino
- Foundation IRCCS San Matteo Hospital and University of Pavia, Italy
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Abstract
The cause of metastasis remains elusive despite vast information on cancer cells. We posit that cancer cell fusion with macrophages or other migratory bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) provides an explanation. BMDCs fused with tumor cells were present in animal tumor xenografts where they were associated with metastases. In myeloma patients, transcriptionally active myeloma nuclei were incorporated into osteoclasts through fusion. In patients with renal cell carcinoma arising poststem cell transplant, donor genes were incorporated in recipient cancer cell nuclei, most likely through fusion, and showed tumor distribution patterns characteristic of cancer stem cells. Melanoma-macrophage hybrids generated in vitro contained chromosomes from both parental partners, showed increased ploidy, and transcribed and translated genes from both parents. They exhibited chemotactic migration in vitro toward fibronectin and exhibited high frequencies of metastasis when implanted in mice. They produced macromolecules that are characteristic of macrophages and known indicators of metastasis (c-Met, SPARC, MCR1, GnT-V, and the integrin subunits alpha(3), alpha(5), alpha(6), alpha(v), beta(1), beta(3)). They also produced high levels of beta1,6-branched oligosaccharides-predictors of poor survival in patients with melanoma or carcinomas of the breast, lung, and colon. We thus hypothesize that such gene expression patterns in cancer are generated through fusion. Tumor hybrids also showed active autophagy, a characteristic of both metastatic cancers and macrophages. BMDC-tumor cell fusion explains epidermal-mesenchymal transition in cancer since BMDCs express mesodermal traits and epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulators (Twist, SPARC, and others). If BMDC-tumor cell fusion underlies invasion and metastasis in human cancer, new approaches for therapeutic intervention would be mandated.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Pawelek
- Department of Dermatology and the Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Lu Y, Yao HP, Wang MH. Significance of the entire C-terminus in biological activities mediated by the RON receptor tyrosine kinase and its oncogenic variant RON160. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2008; 27:55. [PMID: 18950514 PMCID: PMC2584002 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-27-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Accepted: 10/25/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The RON receptor tyrosine kinase regulates epithelial cell homeostasis and tumorigenesis by transducing multiple signals through its functional domains. The present study was to determine the significance of the entire C-terminus in RON or its variant RON160-mediated activities related to cell motility and tumorigenesis. Analysis of protein phosphorylation revealed that elimination of the entire C-terminus significantly impairs the ligand-dependent or independent RON or RON160 phosphorylation and dimerization. Phosphorylation of downstream signaling proteins such as Erk1/2, AKT, and p38 MAP kinase was also diminished in cells expressing the C-terminus-free RON or RON160. These dysfunctional activities were accompanied with the inability of truncated RON or RON160 to mediate cytoplasmic β-catenin accumulation. Functional analysis further demonstrated that truncation of the C-terminus significantly impairs RON or RON160-mediated cell proliferation, morphological changes, and cellular migration. Significantly, oncogenic RON160-mediated tumor growth in athymic nude mice was lost after the deletion of the C-terminus. Thus, the C-terminus is a critical component of the RON receptor. The entire C-terminus is required for RON or RON160-mediated intracellular signaling events leading to various cellular activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, PR China.
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Feres KJ, Ischenko I, Hayman MJ. The RON receptor tyrosine kinase promotes MSP-independent cell spreading and survival in breast epithelial cells. Oncogene 2008; 28:279-88. [PMID: 18836480 PMCID: PMC2628450 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2008.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The recepteur d’origne nantais (RON) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in the scatter factor family, which includes the c-Met receptor. RON exhibits increased expression in a significant number of human breast cancer tissues as well as in many established breast cancer cell lines. Recent studies have indicated that in addition to ligand-dependent signaling events, RON also promotes signals in the absence of its only known ligand, the macrophage stimulating protein, when expressed in epithelial cells. In the current study, we found that when expressed in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells, RON exhibits both MSP-dependent and MSP-independent signaling, which lead to distinct biological outcomes. In the absence of MSP, RON signaling promotes cell survival, increased cell spreading and enhanced migration in response to other growth factors. However, both RON-mediated proliferation and migration require the addition of MSP in MCF-10A cells. Both MSP-dependent and MSP-independent signaling by RON is mediated in part by Src-family kinases. These data suggest that RON has two alternative modes of signaling that can contribute to oncogenic behavior in normal breast epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Feres
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Wagh PK, Peace BE, Waltz SE. Met-related receptor tyrosine kinase Ron in tumor growth and metastasis. Adv Cancer Res 2008; 100:1-33. [PMID: 18620091 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-230x(08)00001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Ron receptor is a member of the Met family of cell surface receptor tyrosine kinases and is primarily expressed on epithelial cells and macrophages. The biological response of Ron is mediated by binding of its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor-like protein/macrophage stimulating-protein (HGFL). HGFL is primarily synthesized and secreted from hepatocytes as an inactive precursor and is activated at the cell surface. Binding of HGFL to Ron activates Ron and leads to the induction of a variety of intracellular signaling cascades that leads to cellular growth, motility and invasion. Recent studies have documented Ron overexpression in a variety of human cancers including breast, colon, liver, pancreas, and bladder. Moreover, clinical studies have also shown that Ron overexpression is associated with both worse patient outcomes as well as metastasis. Forced overexpression of Ron in transgenic mice leads to tumorigenesis in both the lung and the mammary gland and is associated with metastatic dissemination. While Ron overexpression appears to be a hallmark of many human cancers, the mechanisms by which Ron induces tumorigenesis and metastasis are still unclear. Several strategies are currently being undertaken to inhibit Ron as a potential therapeutic target; current strategies include the use of Ron blocking proteins, small interfering RNA (siRNA), monoclonal antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors. In total, these data suggest that Ron is a critical factor in tumorigenesis and that inhibition of this protein, alone or in combination with current therapies, may prove beneficial in the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purnima K Wagh
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558, USA
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Zhao S, Ammanamanchi S, Brattain M, Cao L, Thangasamy A, Wang J, Freeman JW. Smad4-dependent TGF-beta signaling suppresses RON receptor tyrosine kinase-dependent motility and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:11293-301. [PMID: 18310076 PMCID: PMC2431051 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m800154200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factorbeta (TGF-beta) signals through Smad-dependent and Smad-independent pathways. However, Smad signaling is altered by allelic deletion or intragenic mutation of the Smad4 gene in more than half of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. We show here that loss of Smad4-dependent signaling leads to aberrant expression of RON, a phosphotyrosine kinase receptor, and that signaling by RON cooperates with Smad4-independent TGF-beta signaling to promote cell motility and invasion. Restoring Smad4 expression in a pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line that is deficient in Smad4 repressed RON expression. Conversely, small interference RNA knock down of Smad4 or blocking TGF-beta signaling with a TGF-beta type I receptor kinase inhibitor in Smad4-intact cell lines induced RON expression. TGF-beta-induced motility and invasion were inhibited in cells that express Smad4 and that have low levels of RON compared with isogenically matched cells that were deficient in Smad4. Furthermore, knocking down RON expression in Smad4-deficient cells suppressed TGF-beta-mediated motility and invasion. We further determined that Smad4-dependent signaling regulated RON expression at the transcriptional level by real-time reverse transcription PCR and RON promoter luciferase reporter assays. Functional inactivation by site-directed mutations of two Smad binding sites on the RON promoter inhibited TGF-beta-mediated repression of RON promoter activity. These studies indicate that loss of Smad4 contributes to aberrant RON expression and that cross-talk of Smad4-independent TGF-beta signaling and the RON pathway promotes an invasive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78229-3900, USA
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Lu Y, Yao HP, Wang MH. Multiple variants of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase: Biochemical properties, tumorigenic activities, and potential drug targets. Cancer Lett 2007; 257:157-64. [PMID: 17889431 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2007.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Revised: 08/06/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the RON (Recepteur d'Origine Nantais) receptor tyrosine kinase, accompanied by generation of multiple splicing or truncated variants, contributes to pathogenesis of epithelial cancers. Currently, six variants including RONDelta170, Delta165, Delta160, Delta155, Delta110, and Delta55 with various deletions or truncations in the extracellular or intracellular regions have been identified. The extracellular sequences contain functional structures such as sema domain, PSI motif, and IPT units. The deletion or truncation results in constitutive phosphorylation and increased kinase activities. Oncogenic RONDelta160, generated by exclusion of the first IPT unit, is a typical example. In contrast, the deletion adjacent to the conserved MET(1254) in the kinase domain converts RON into a dominant negative agent. Among three mechanisms underlying isoform production, the switch from constitutive to alternative pre-mRNA splicing is the major event in producing RON variants in cancer cells. Most of the RON variants have the ability to activate multiple signaling cascades with a different substrate specificity and phosphorylation profile. They regulate cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, which contribute to the invasive phenotype and promote the malignant progression. Thus, determining the pathogenesis of RON variants is critical in understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and progression. Targeting oncogenic signals elicited by RON or its variants by special antibody or small interfering RNA could provide a novel strategy for the treatment of malignant epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Institute of Infectious Diseases at First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, People's Republic of China
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Ahmed S, Nawshad A. Complexity in interpretation of embryonic epithelial-mesenchymal transition in response to transforming growth factor-beta signaling. Cells Tissues Organs 2007; 185:131-45. [PMID: 17587819 PMCID: PMC2043381 DOI: 10.1159/000101314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved and fundamental process that governs morphogenesis in development and may also contribute to cancer metastasis. Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) is a potent inducer of EMT in various developmental and tumor systems. The analysis of TGF-beta signal transduction pathways is now considered a critically important area of biology, since many defects occur in these pathways in embryonic development. The complexity of TGF-beta signal transduction networks is overwhelming due to the large numbers of interacting constituents, complicated feedforward, feedback and crosstalk circuitry mechanisms that they involve in addition to the cellular kinetics and enzymatics that contribute to cell signaling. As a result of this complexity, apparently simple but highly important questions remain unanswered, that is, how do epithelial cells respond to such TGF-beta signals? System biology and cellular kinetics play a crucial role in cellular function; omissions of such a critical contributor may lead to inaccurate understanding of embryonic EMT. In this review, we identify and explain why certain conditions need to be considered for a true representation of TGF-beta signaling in vivo to better understand the controlled, yet delicate mechanism of embryonic EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen Ahmed
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebr. 68583, USA
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Côté M, Miller AD, Liu SL. Human RON receptor tyrosine kinase induces complete epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition but causes cellular senescence. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 360:219-25. [PMID: 17588532 PMCID: PMC4296733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2007] [Accepted: 06/07/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a member of the MET proto-oncogene family and is important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and cancer development. Here, we created a series of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cell clones that express different levels of RON, and have investigated their biological properties. While low levels of RON correlated with little morphological change in MDCK cells, high levels of RON expression constitutively led to morphological scattering or complete and stabilized epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Unexpectedly, MDCK clones expressing higher levels of RON exhibited retarded proliferation and senescence, despite increased motility and invasiveness. RON was constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated in MDCK cells expressing high levels of RON and undergoing EMT, and the MAPK signaling pathway was activated. This study reveals for the first time that RON alone is sufficient to induce complete and stabilized EMT in MDCK cells, and overexpression of RON does not cause cell transformation but rather induces cell cycle arrest and senescence, leading to impaired cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marceline Côté
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - A. Dusty Miller
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Shan-Lu Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Corresponding author: Dr. Shan-Lu Liu, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada,
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