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Liu YN, Liu MK, Wen YC, Li CH, Yeh HL, Dung PVT, Jiang KC, Chen WH, Li HR, Huang J, Chen WY. Binding of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist to cholinergic receptor muscarinic 4 promotes immunosuppression and neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 598:217090. [PMID: 38945201 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) of prostate cancer (PCa) is characterized by high levels of immunosuppressive molecules, including cytokines and chemokines. This creates a hostile immune landscape that impedes effective immune responses. The interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist (IL1RN), a key anti-inflammatory molecule, plays a significant role in suppressing IL-1-related immune and inflammatory responses. Our research investigates the oncogenic role of IL1RN in PCa, particularly its interactions with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 4 (CHRM4), and its involvement in driving immunosuppressive pathways and M2-like macrophage polarization within the PCa TME. We demonstrate that following androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the IL1RN-CHRM4 interaction in PCa activates the MAPK/AKT signaling pathway. This activation upregulates the transcription factors E2F1 and MYCN, stimulating IL1RN production and creating a positive feedback loop that increases CHRM4 abundance in both PCa cells and M2-like macrophages. This ADT-driven IL1RN/CHRM4 axis significantly enhances immune checkpoint markers associated with neuroendocrine differentiation and treatment-resistant outcomes. Higher serum IL1RN levels are associated with increased disease aggressiveness and M2-like macrophage markers in advanced PCa patients. Additionally, elevated IL1RN levels correlate with better clinical outcomes following immunotherapy. Clinical correlations between IL1RN and CHRM4 expression in advanced PCa patients and neuroendocrine PCa organoid models highlight their potential as therapeutic targets. Our data suggest that targeting the IL1RN/CHRM4 signaling could be a promising strategy for managing PCa progression and enhancing treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Nien Liu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Kun Liu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ching Wen
- Department of Urology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiu Li
- Department of Urology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Lien Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Phan Vu Thuy Dung
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Ching Jiang
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hao Chen
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ru Li
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiaoti Huang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Mishra A, Mishra SK, Sharanappa V, Krishnani N, Kumari N, Agarwal G. Incidence and Prognostic Significance of Androgen Receptors (AR) in Indian Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Indian J Surg Oncol 2024; 15:250-257. [PMID: 38741650 PMCID: PMC11088609 DOI: 10.1007/s13193-024-01877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular sub-characterization of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has great therapeutic and possibly prognostic implications. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtype of TNBC and secondary aims were sub-categorization and clinico-pathologic correlation of LAR breast cancers. Retrospective study (January 2008 and 31st of December 2018) consisting of 157 TNBC patients. Androgen receptor (AR) expression was measured by immunohistochemical analysis. One percent cutoff was set as a positive expression. Sub-categorization was done on the basis of EGFR (> 15% of tumor cells) and Ki-67 expression (low- < 11%, intermediate- 11-20%, and high- > 21%). AR expression was correlated with various clinico-pathologic features and outcomes of the patients. The incidence of AR expression in TNBC was 24.8%. Considering different thresholds of > 5%, > 10%, and > 20% immunostaining, the incidence of AR positivity was 18.4, 15.2, and 11.5% respectively. The incidence of Ki-67 (p = 0.89) and EGFR (p = 0.643) expression did not differ significantly in AR-positive and -negative TNBC. Based on EGFR expression 19, 67 and 14% patients were categorized as low, intermediate, and high risk respectively. Low-risk (p ≤ 0.001) and low-grade (p = 0.014) tumors were more likely to have > 10% AR expression. Clinico-pathological profile, response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, disease-free survival (p = 0.458), and overall survival (p = 0.806) did not significantly differ between AR expressing and negative TNBC. On multivariate analysis, only tumor staging was a significant predictor of survival (p = 0.012) and AR expression of > 10% revealed a trend towards improved survival (p = 0.07). When considering only AR-positive TNBC, AR expression of > 10% (p = 0.038), distant metastases (p = 0.003), and EGFR status (p = 0.024) were significantly associated with survival. AR expression does not seem to very strongly correlate with prognosis in TNBC and further studies could focus more on its predictive role in deciding anti-androgen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Mishra
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014 India
| | - Shravan Kumar Mishra
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014 India
| | - Vikram Sharanappa
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014 India
| | - Narendra Krishnani
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014 India
| | - Niraj Kumari
- Department of Pathology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014 India
| | - Gaurav Agarwal
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, 226014 India
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3
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Joo EH, Kim S, Park D, Lee T, Park WY, Han KY, Lee JE. Migratory Tumor Cells Cooperate with Cancer Associated Fibroblasts in Hormone Receptor-Positive and HER2-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5876. [PMID: 38892065 PMCID: PMC11172245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115876] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer (HR+/HER2-BC) is the most common type with a favorable prognosis under endocrine therapy. However, it still demonstrates unpredictable progression and recurrences influenced by high tumoral diversity and microenvironmental status. To address these heterogeneous molecular characteristics of HR+/HER2-BC, we aimed to simultaneously characterize its transcriptomic landscape and genetic architecture at the same resolution. Using advanced single-cell RNA and DNA sequencing techniques together, we defined four distinct tumor subtypes. Notably, the migratory tumor subtype was closely linked to genomic alterations of EGFR, related to the tumor-promoting behavior of IL6-positive inflammatory tumor-associated fibroblast, and contributing to poor prognosis. Our study comprehensively utilizes integrated analysis to uncover the complex dynamics of this breast cancer subtype, highlighting the pivotal role of the migratory tumor subtype in influencing surrounding cells. This sheds light on potential therapeutic targets by offering enhanced insights for HR+/HER2-BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hye Joo
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; (E.H.J.); (W.-Y.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Kim
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyun Park
- Planit Healthcare Inc., Seoul 06235, Republic of Korea;
| | - Taeseob Lee
- Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Republic of Korea;
| | - Woong-Yang Park
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; (E.H.J.); (W.-Y.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Yeon Han
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; (E.H.J.); (W.-Y.P.)
| | - Jeong Eon Lee
- Department of Breast Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea
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4
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Ogunjinmi OD, Abdullahi T, Somji RA, Bevan CL, Barclay WS, Temperton N, Brooke GN, Giotis ES. The antiviral potential of the antiandrogen enzalutamide and the viral-androgen signaling interplay in seasonal coronaviruses. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29540. [PMID: 38529542 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29540] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The sex disparity in COVID-19 outcomes with males generally faring worse than females has been associated with the androgen-regulated expression of the protease TMPRSS2 and the cell receptor ACE2 in the lung and fueled interest in antiandrogens as potential antivirals. In this study, we explored enzalutamide, an antiandrogen used commonly to treat prostate cancer, as a potential antiviral against the human coronaviruses which cause seasonal respiratory infections (HCoV-NL63, -229E, and -OC43). Using lentivirus-pseudotyped and authentic HCoV, we report that enzalutamide reduced 229E and NL63 entry and infection in both TMPRSS2- and nonexpressing immortalized cells, suggesting a TMPRSS2-independent mechanism. However, no effect was observed against OC43. To decipher this distinction, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on 229E- and OC43-infected primary human airway cells. Our results show a significant induction of androgen-responsive genes by 229E compared to OC43 at 24 and 72 h postinfection. The virus-mediated effect on AR-signaling was further confirmed with a consensus androgen response element-driven luciferase assay in androgen-depleted MRC-5 cells. Specifically, 229E induced luciferase-reporter activity in the presence and absence of the synthetic androgen mibolerone, while OC43 inhibited induction. These findings highlight a complex interplay between viral infections and androgen-signaling, offering insights for disparities in viral outcomes and antiviral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tukur Abdullahi
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Riaz-Ali Somji
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Charlotte L Bevan
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Wendy S Barclay
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nigel Temperton
- Viral Pseudotype Unit, Medway School of Pharmacy, Universities of Kent and Greenwich, Chatham, UK
| | - Greg N Brooke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Efstathios S Giotis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
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5
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Hosseinzadeh L, Kikhtyak Z, Laven-Law G, Pederson SM, Puiu CG, D'Santos CS, Lim E, Carroll JS, Tilley WD, Dwyer AR, Hickey TE. The androgen receptor interacts with GATA3 to transcriptionally regulate a luminal epithelial cell phenotype in breast cancer. Genome Biol 2024; 25:44. [PMID: 38317241 PMCID: PMC10840202 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-03161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The androgen receptor (AR) is a tumor suppressor in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, a role sustained in some ER negative breast cancers. Key factors dictating AR genomic activity in a breast context are largely unknown. Herein, we employ an unbiased chromatin immunoprecipitation-based proteomic technique to identify endogenous AR interacting co-regulatory proteins in ER positive and negative models of breast cancer to gain new insight into mechanisms of AR signaling in this disease. RESULTS The DNA-binding factor GATA3 is identified and validated as a novel AR interacting protein in breast cancer cells irrespective of ER status. AR activation by the natural ligand 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases nuclear AR-GATA3 interactions, resulting in AR-dependent enrichment of GATA3 chromatin binding at a sub-set of genomic loci. Silencing GATA3 reduces but does not prevent AR DNA binding and transactivation of genes associated with AR/GATA3 co-occupied loci, indicating a co-regulatory role for GATA3 in AR signaling. DHT-induced AR/GATA3 binding coincides with upregulation of luminal differentiation genes, including EHF and KDM4B, established master regulators of a breast epithelial cell lineage. These findings are validated in a patient-derived xenograft model of breast cancer. Interaction between AR and GATA3 is also associated with AR-mediated growth inhibition in ER positive and ER negative breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS AR and GATA3 interact to transcriptionally regulate luminal epithelial cell differentiation in breast cancer regardless of ER status. This interaction facilitates the tumor suppressor function of AR and mechanistically explains why AR expression is associated with less proliferative, more differentiated breast tumors and better overall survival in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hosseinzadeh
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Zoya Kikhtyak
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Geraldine Laven-Law
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stephen M Pederson
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Caroline G Puiu
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Clive S D'Santos
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elgene Lim
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason S Carroll
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amy R Dwyer
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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6
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Rhanine Y, Bonnefoi H, Goncalves A, Debled M, Le Moulec S, Bonichon N, Macgrogan G, Arnedos M, Dubroca-Dehez B, Grellety T. Efficacy of antiandrogens in androgen receptor-positive triple-negative metastatic breast cancer: Real-life data. Breast 2024; 73:103667. [PMID: 38160476 PMCID: PMC10792951 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2023.103667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiandrogens (AA) have been tested in clinical trials in androgen receptor (AR) + triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We aim to assess the clinical benefit rate (CBR) of AA in real life. The primary end-point was CBR at 6 months. Twenty-four patients were assessable and received: abiraterone acetate (62 %), enzalutamide (8 %) and bicalutamide (30 %). CBR at 6 months was 29 % (7/24) with 2 CR, 3 PR and 2 SD. Four patients had a clinical benefit >12 months. Real-life efficacy of AA use in metastatic AR + TNBC are in line with data from published trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rhanine
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hervé Bonnefoi
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Bergonié and Université de Bordeaux, UFR Sciences Médicales, Bordeaux, France
| | - Anthony Goncalves
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Debled
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | - Monica Arnedos
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Thomas Grellety
- Medical Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier de la Côte Basque, Bayonne, France.
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7
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Asemota S, Effah W, Young KL, Holt J, Cripe L, Ponnusamy S, Thiyagarajan T, Hwang DJ, He Y, Mcnamara K, Johnson D, Wang Y, Grimes B, Khosrosereshki Y, Hollingsworth TJ, Fleming MD, Pritchard FE, Hendrix A, Khan F, Fan M, Makowski L, Yin Z, Sasano H, Hayes DN, Pfeffer LM, Miller DD, Narayanan R. Identification of a targetable JAK-STAT enriched androgen receptor and androgen receptor splice variant positive triple-negative breast cancer subtype. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113461. [PMID: 37979170 PMCID: PMC10872270 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with no targeted therapeutics. The luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtype constitutes 15% of TNBC and is enriched for androgen receptor (AR) and AR target genes. Here, we show that a cohort of TNBC not only expresses AR at a much higher rate (∼80%) but also expresses AR splice variants (AR-SVs) (∼20%), further subclassifying LAR-TNBC. Higher AR and AR-SV expression and corresponding aggressive phenotypes are observed predominantly in specimens obtained from African American women. LAR TNBC specimens are enriched for interferon, Janus kinase (JAK)-signal activator and transducer (STAT), and androgen signaling pathways, which are exclusive to AR-expressing epithelial cancer cells. AR- and AR-SV-expressing TNBC cell proliferation and xenograft and patient-tumor explant growth are inhibited by AR N-terminal domain-binding selective AR degrader or by a JAK inhibitor. Biochemical analysis suggests that STAT1 is an AR coactivator. Collectively, our work identifies pharmacologically targetable TNBC subtypes and identifies growth-promoting interaction between AR and JAK-STAT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Asemota
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Wendy Effah
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Kirsten L Young
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Jeremiah Holt
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Linnea Cripe
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Suriyan Ponnusamy
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Thirumagal Thiyagarajan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Dong-Jin Hwang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Yali He
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Keely Mcnamara
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Daniel Johnson
- Molecular Bioinformatics Core, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Yinan Wang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Brandy Grimes
- West Cancer Center and Research Institute, Memphis, TN 38138, USA
| | - Yekta Khosrosereshki
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - T J Hollingsworth
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Martin D Fleming
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Frances E Pritchard
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Ashley Hendrix
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Farhan Khan
- Department of Pathology, Methodist Hospital, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
| | - Meiyun Fan
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Liza Makowski
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; UTHSC Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Zheng Yin
- Biomedical and Informatics Services Core, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - D Neil Hayes
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; UTHSC Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Lawrence M Pfeffer
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; UTHSC Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; UTHSC Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
| | - Ramesh Narayanan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA; UTHSC Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA.
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8
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Bhat Y, Thrishna MR, Banerjee S. Molecular targets and therapeutic strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10535-10577. [PMID: 37924450 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known for its heterogeneous complexity and is often difficult to treat. TNBC lacks the expression of major hormonal receptors like estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 and is further subdivided into androgen receptor (AR) positive and AR negative. In contrast, AR negative is also known as quadruple-negative breast cancer (QNBC). Compared to AR-positive TNBC, QNBC has a great scarcity of prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. QNBC shows excessive cellular growth and proliferation of tumor cells due to increased expression of growth factors like EGF and various surface proteins. This study briefly reviews the limited data available as protein biomarkers that can be used as molecular targets in treating TNBC as well as QNBC. Targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently changed cancer treatment. Many studies in medicinal chemistry continue to focus on the synthesis of novel compounds to discover new antiproliferative medicines capable of treating TNBC despite the abundance of treatments currently on the market. Drug repurposing is one of the therapeutic methods for TNBC that has been examined. Moreover, some additional micronutrients, nutraceuticals, and functional foods may be able to lower cancer risk or slow the spread of malignant diseases that have already been diagnosed with cancer. Finally, nanomedicines, or applications of nanotechnology in medicine, introduce nanoparticles with variable chemistry and architecture for the treatment of cancer. This review emphasizes the most recent research on nutraceuticals, medication repositioning, and novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashasvi Bhat
- School of Bio Science and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - M R Thrishna
- School of Bio Science and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- School of Bio Science and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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9
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Sharifi MN, O'Regan RM, Wisinski KB. Is the Androgen Receptor a Viable Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 5 Years? Clin Breast Cancer 2023; 23:813-824. [PMID: 37419745 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high rates of disease recurrence after definitive therapy, and median survival of less than 18 months in the metastatic setting. Systemic therapy options for TNBC consist primarily of cytotoxic chemotherapy-containing regimens, and while recently FDA-approved chemo-immunotherapy combinations and antibody-drug conjugates such as Sacituzumab govitecan have improved clinical outcomes, there remains an unmet need for more effective and less toxic therapies. A subset of TNBC expresses the androgen receptor (AR), a nuclear hormone steroid receptor that activates an androgen-responsive transcriptional program, and gene expression profiling has revealed a TNBC molecular subtype with AR expression and luminal and androgen responsive features. Both preclinical and clinical data suggest biologic similarities between luminal AR (LAR) TNBC and ER+ luminal breast cancer, including lower proliferative activity, relative chemoresistance, and high rates of oncogenic activating mutations in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Preclinical LAR-TNBC models are sensitive to androgen signaling inhibitors (ASIs), and particularly given the availability of FDA-approved ASIs with robust efficacy in prostate cancer, there has been great interest in targeting this pathway in AR+ TNBC. Here, we review the underlying biology and completed and ongoing androgen-targeted therapy studies in early stage and metastatic AR+ TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina N Sharifi
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI.
| | - Ruth M O'Regan
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Kari B Wisinski
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI
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10
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Guo H, Tan YQ, Huang X, Zhang S, Basappa B, Zhu T, Pandey V, Lobie PE. Small molecule inhibition of TFF3 overcomes tamoxifen resistance and enhances taxane efficacy in ER+ mammary carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 579:216443. [PMID: 37858772 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Even though tamoxifen has significantly improved the survival of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) mammary carcinoma (MC) patients, the development of drug resistance with consequent disease recurrence has limited its therapeutic efficacy. Trefoil factor-3 (TFF3) has been previously reported to mediate anti-estrogen resistance in ER+MC. Herein, the efficacy of a small molecule inhibitor of TFF3 (AMPC) in enhancing sensitivity and mitigating acquired resistance to tamoxifen in ER+MC cells was investigated. AMPC induced apoptosis of tamoxifen-sensitive and resistant ER+MC cells and significantly reduced cell survival in 2D and 3D culture in vitro. In addition, AMPC reduced cancer stem cell (CSC)-like behavior in ER+MC cells in a BCL2-dependent manner. Synergistic effects of AMPC and tamoxifen were demonstrated in ER+MC cells and AMPC was observed to improve tamoxifen efficacy in tamoxifen-sensitive cells and to re-sensitize cells to tamoxifen in tamoxifen-resistant ER+MC in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, tamoxifen-resistant ER+MC cells were concomitantly resistant to anthracycline, platinum and fluoropyrimidine drugs, but not to Taxanes. Taxane treatment of tamoxifen-sensitive and resistant ER+MC cells increased TFF3 expression indicating a combination vulnerability for tamoxifen-resistant ER+MC cells. Taxanes increased CSC-like behavior of tamoxifen-sensitive and resistant ER+MC cells which was reduced by AMPC treatment. Taxanes synergized with AMPC to promote apoptosis and reduce CSC-like behavior in vitro and in vivo. Hence, AMPC restored the sensitivity of tamoxifen and enhanced the efficacy of Taxanes in tamoxifen-resistant ER+MC. In conclusion, pharmacological inhibition of TFF3 may serve as an effective combinatorial therapeutic strategy for the treatment of tamoxifen-resistant ER+MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Guo
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and the Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yan Qin Tan
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and the Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaoming Huang
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and the Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Shuwei Zhang
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and the Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Basappa Basappa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Studies in Organic Chemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, 570006, India
| | - Tao Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Vijay Pandey
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and the Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Peter E Lobie
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute and the Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China; Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Tsai CC, Yang YCSH, Chen YF, Huang LY, Yang YN, Lee SY, Wang WL, Lee HL, Whang-Peng J, Lin HY, Wang K. Integrins and Actions of Androgen in Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2126. [PMID: 37681860 PMCID: PMC10486718 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen has been shown to regulate male physiological activities and cancer proliferation. It is used to antagonize estrogen-induced proliferative effects in breast cancer cells. However, evidence indicates that androgen can stimulate cancer cell growth in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cells via different types of receptors and different mechanisms. Androgen-induced cancer growth and metastasis link with different types of integrins. Integrin αvβ3 is predominantly expressed and activated in cancer cells and rapidly dividing endothelial cells. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) also plays a vital role in cancer growth. The part of integrins in action with androgen in cancer cells is not fully mechanically understood. To clarify the interactions between androgen and integrin αvβ3, we carried out molecular modeling to explain the potential interactions of androgen with integrin αvβ3. The androgen-regulated mechanisms on PD-L1 and its effects were also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Che Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (Y.-F.C.)
- Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Medical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen S. H. Yang
- Joint Biobank, Office of Human Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Fong Chen
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (Y.-F.C.)
| | - Lin-Yi Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; (L.-Y.H.); (Y.-N.Y.)
| | - Yung-Ning Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; (L.-Y.H.); (Y.-N.Y.)
- School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yang Lee
- Dentistry, Wan-Fang Medical Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Long Wang
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | | | - Hung-Yun Lin
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (Y.-F.C.)
- Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center of Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Kuan Wang
- Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Medical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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12
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Chamandi G, El-Hajjar L, El Kurdi A, Le Bras M, Nasr R, Lehmann-Che J. ER Negative Breast Cancer and miRNA: There Is More to Decipher Than What the Pathologist Can See! Biomedicines 2023; 11:2300. [PMID: 37626796 PMCID: PMC10452617 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), the most prevalent cancer in women, is a heterogenous disease. Despite advancements in BC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics, survival rates have drastically decreased in the metastatic setting. Therefore, BC still remains a medical challenge. The evolution of high-throughput technology has highlighted gaps in the classification system of BCs. Of particular interest is the notorious triple negative BC, which was recounted as being heterogenous itself and it overlaps with distinct subtypes, namely molecular apocrine (MA) and luminal androgen (LAR) BCs. These subtypes are, even today, still misdiagnosed and poorly treated. As such, researchers and clinicians have been looking for ways through which to refine BC classification in order to properly understand the initiation, development, progression, and the responses to the treatment of BCs. One tool is biomarkers and, specifically, microRNA (miRNA), which are highly reported as associated with BC carcinogenesis. In this review, the diverse roles of miRNA in estrogen receptor negative (ER-) and androgen receptor positive (AR+) BC are depicted. While highlighting their oncogenic and tumor suppressor functions in tumor progression, we will discuss their diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarker potentials, as well as their drug sensitivity/resistance activity. The association of several miRNAs in the KEGG-reported pathways that are related to ER-BC carcinogenesis is presented. The identification and verification of accurate miRNA panels is a cornerstone for tackling BC classification setbacks, as is also the deciphering of the carcinogenesis regulators of ER - AR + BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Chamandi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (G.C.); (L.E.-H.)
- Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Team, INSERM U976, Immunologie Humaine, Pathophysiologie, Immunothérapie (HIPI), Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France;
| | - Layal El-Hajjar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (G.C.); (L.E.-H.)
- Office of Basic/Translational Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdallah El Kurdi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon;
| | - Morgane Le Bras
- Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Team, INSERM U976, Immunologie Humaine, Pathophysiologie, Immunothérapie (HIPI), Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France;
| | - Rihab Nasr
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon; (G.C.); (L.E.-H.)
| | - Jacqueline Lehmann-Che
- Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer Team, INSERM U976, Immunologie Humaine, Pathophysiologie, Immunothérapie (HIPI), Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France;
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13
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Bou Antoun N, Chioni AM. Dysregulated Signalling Pathways Driving Anticancer Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12222. [PMID: 37569598 PMCID: PMC10418675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the leading causes of death worldwide, in both men and women, is cancer. Despite the significant development in therapeutic strategies, the inevitable emergence of drug resistance limits the success and impedes the curative outcome. Intrinsic and acquired resistance are common mechanisms responsible for cancer relapse. Several factors crucially regulate tumourigenesis and resistance, including physical barriers, tumour microenvironment (TME), heterogeneity, genetic and epigenetic alterations, the immune system, tumour burden, growth kinetics and undruggable targets. Moreover, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), wingless-related integration site (Wnt/β-catenin), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) and RAS/RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways are some of the key players that have a pivotal role in drug resistance mechanisms. To guide future cancer treatments and improve results, a deeper comprehension of drug resistance pathways is necessary. This review covers both intrinsic and acquired resistance and gives a comprehensive overview of recent research on mechanisms that enable cancer cells to bypass barriers put up by treatments, and, like "satellite navigation", find alternative routes by which to carry on their "journey" to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Athina-Myrto Chioni
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences Department, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK;
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14
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Greco S, Fabbri N, Spaggiari R, De Giorgi A, Fabbian F, Giovine A. Update on Classic and Novel Approaches in Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1772. [PMID: 37371867 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for almost 15% of all diagnosed breast cancers and often presents high rates of relapses and metastases, with generally poor prognosis despite multiple lines of treatment. Immunotherapy has radically changed the approach of clinicians towards TNBC in the last two to three years, even if targeted and specific therapeutic options are still missing; this unmet need is further justified by the extreme molecular and clinical heterogeneity of this subtype of breast cancer and by the weak response to both single-agent and combined therapies. In March 2023, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the main association of cancer centers in the United States, released the last clinical practice guidelines, with an update on classic and novel approaches in the field of breast cancer. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to summarize the latest findings in the setting of metastatic TNBC treatment, focusing on each category of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and included in the NCCN guidelines. We also introduce part of the latest published studies, which have reported new and promising molecules able to specifically target some of the biomarkers involved in TNBC pathogenesis. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases for free full texts reported in the literature of the last 5 years, using the words "triple-negative breast cancer" or "TNBC" or "basal-like". The articles were analyzed by the authors independently and double-blindly, and a total of 114 articles were included in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Greco
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Delta Hospital, Via Valle Oppio 2, 44023 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicolò Fabbri
- Department of General Surgery, Delta Hospital, Via Valle Oppio 2, 44023 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Spaggiari
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alfredo De Giorgi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Fabbian
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Delta Hospital, Via Valle Oppio 2, 44023 Ferrara, Italy
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15
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Leo J, Dondossola E, Basham KJ, Wilson NR, Alhalabi O, Gao J, Kurnit KC, White MG, McQuade JL, Westin SN, Wellberg EA, Frigo DE. Stranger Things: New Roles and Opportunities for Androgen Receptor in Oncology Beyond Prostate Cancer. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad071. [PMID: 37154098 PMCID: PMC10413436 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is one of the oldest therapeutic targets in oncology and continues to dominate the treatment landscape for advanced prostate cancer, where nearly all treatment regimens include some form of AR modulation. In this regard, AR remains the central driver of prostate cancer cell biology. Emerging preclinical and clinical data implicate key roles for AR in additional cancer types, thereby expanding the importance of this drug target beyond prostate cancer. In this mini-review, new roles for AR in other cancer types are discussed as well as their potential for treatment with AR-targeted agents. Our understanding of these additional functions for AR in oncology expand this receptor's potential as a therapeutic target and will help guide the development of new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Leo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eleonora Dondossola
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Wilson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Omar Alhalabi
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine C Kurnit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael G White
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer L McQuade
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shannon N Westin
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, and Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Daniel E Frigo
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and the David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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16
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Chen WY, Thuy Dung PV, Yeh HL, Chen WH, Jiang KC, Li HR, Chen ZQ, Hsiao M, Huang J, Wen YC, Liu YN. Targeting PKLR/MYCN/ROMO1 signaling suppresses neuroendocrine differentiation of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102686. [PMID: 36963289 PMCID: PMC10060381 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) uses androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) to inhibit androgen receptor (AR) signaling-driven tumor progression. ADT-induced PCa recurrence may progress to an AR-negative phenotype with neuroendocrine (NE) histologic features, which are associated with metabolic disturbances and poor prognoses. However, the metabolic pathways that regulate NE differentiation (NED) in PCa remain unclear. Herein, we show a regulatory mechanism in NED-associated metabolism dysfunction induced by ADT, whereby overexpression of pyruvate kinase L/R (PKLR) mediates oxidative stress through upregulation of reactive oxygen species modulator 1 (ROMO1), thereby promoting NED and aggressiveness. ADT mediates the nuclear translocation of PKLR, which binds to the MYCN/MAX complex to upregulate ROMO1 and NE-related genes, leading to altered mitochondrial function and NED of PCa. Targeting nuclear PKLR/MYCN using bromodomain and extra-terminal motif (BET) inhibitors has the potential to reduce PKLR/MYCN-driven NED. Abundant ROMO1 in serum samples may provide prognostic information in patients with ADT. Our results suggest that ADT resistance leads to upregulation of PKLR/MYCN/ROMO1 signaling, which may drive metabolic reprogramming and NED in PCa. We further show that increased abundance of serum ROMO1 may be associated with the development of NE-like PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Phan Vu Thuy Dung
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Lien Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hao Chen
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Ching Jiang
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ru Li
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zi-Qing Chen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiaoti Huang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yu-Ching Wen
- Department of Urology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Nien Liu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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17
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Chatterji S, Krzoska E, Thoroughgood CW, Saganty J, Liu P, Elsberger B, Abu-Eid R, Speirs V. Defining genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, epigenetic, and phenotypic biomarkers with prognostic capability in male breast cancer: a systematic review. Lancet Oncol 2023; 24:e74-e85. [PMID: 36725152 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(22)00633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Although similar phenotypically, there is evidence that male and female breast cancer differ in their molecular landscapes. In this systematic review, we consolidated all existing prognostic biomarker data in male breast cancer spanning genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenetics, and phenotypic features of prognostic value from articles published over a 29-year period (March 16, 1992, to May 1, 2021). We identified knowledge gaps in the existing literature, discussed limitations of the included studies, and outlined potential approaches for translational biomarker discovery and validation in male breast cancer. We also recognised STC2, DDX3, and DACH1 as underexploited markers of male-specific prognostic value in breast cancer. Finally, beyond describing the cumulative knowledge on the extensively researched markers oestrogen receptor-α, progesterone receptor, HER2, androgen receptor, and BRCA2, we highlighted ATM, CCND1, FGFR2, GATA3, HIF1-α, MDM2, TP53, and c-Myc as well studied predictors of poor survival that also aligned with several hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subarnarekha Chatterji
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Emma Krzoska
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - John Saganty
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Peng Liu
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Rasha Abu-Eid
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Institute of Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Valerie Speirs
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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18
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Lerner G, Tang H, Singh K, Golestani R, St Claire S, Humphrey PA, Lannin D, Janostiak R, Harigopal M. AMACR Expression is a Potential Diagnostic Marker in Apocrine Lesions of Breast, and is Associated with High Histologic Grade and Lymph Node Metastases in Some Invasive Apocrine Breast Cancers. Clin Breast Cancer 2023; 23:199-210. [PMID: 36577560 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2022.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carcinoma with apocrine differentiation (AC) is a subtype of breast carcinoma with apocrine features in >90% of the tumor. Molecular studies demonstrate AC has high expression of androgen receptor (AR) mRNA. Pure AC lack estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and express AR, with variable human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) status. Currently, in triple negative AC, no targetable therapies or specific diagnostic markers exist. MATERIALS AND METHODS α-Methylacyl CoA racemase (AMACR) expression was investigated as a marker of apocrine differentiation using a single-plex immunoperoxidase stain, and a novel AMACR/p63 dual stain in a subset of cases, across 1) benign apocrine lesions (apocrine metaplasia, adenosis) 2) apocrine DCIS (ADCIS), 3) AC/ invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) with apocrine features, 4) non-apocrine triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and 5) IDC, no special type. A sub-set of cases were evaluated by tissue microarray. RESULTS AMACR expression was increased in both AC and ADCIS, with minimal expression in benign breast tissue, TNBC and IDC, NST cases. In invasive cases, those with positive AMACR (>5% positivity) were significantly associated with higher histologic grade (P = .006), initial N stage (chi squared 0.044), and lack of ER or PR expression (both P < .001), with no correlation with overall survival. Analysis of TCGA breast cancer datasets revealed AMACR expression was significantly higher in molecularly defined apocrine carcinomas relative to basal and luminal subtypes. Moreover, high AMACR expression predicted worse relapse-free and distant-metastasis free survival, among both ER-/PR-/Her2- and ER-/PR-/Her2+ breast cancer cohorts (log-rank P = .081 and .00011, respectively). CONCLUSION AMACR represents a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker in apocrine breast lesions. Further study is needed to determine the biologic and clinical significance of this protein in AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Lerner
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Haiming Tang
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Kamaljeet Singh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Reza Golestani
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Samantha St Claire
- Yale Pathology Tissue Services, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Peter A Humphrey
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Donald Lannin
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Malini Harigopal
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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19
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[Triple-negative breast cancer : Classification, current concepts, and therapy-related factors]. PATHOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 44:32-38. [PMID: 36595080 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-022-01177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10% of all breast cancer cases and is defined by the lack of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and the lack of overexpression or amplification of HER2. It differs with regard to the younger age of the patients, an increased association with a mutation of BRCA1 and a mostly low differentiation from hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The spectrum of triple-negative breast cancer shows considerable heterogeneity both at the morphological and at the molecular level. It includes most commonly TNBC of no special type, with and without basal phenotype, triple-negative metaplastic breast carcinomas, triple-negative breast carcinomas with apocrine differentiation and rare triple-negative tumor types. At the gene-expression level, TNBC most commonly is associated with a basal phenotype, with rarer molecular variants of TNBC involving the Claudin-low, molecular apocrine types, and other rarer subtypes. Therefore, a critical use of the term TNBC, considering the histopathological tumor differentiation, is recommended.
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20
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Fernández NB, Sosa SM, Roberts JT, Recouvreux MS, Rocha-Viegas L, Christenson JL, Spoelstra NS, Couto FL, Raimondi AR, Richer JK, Rubinstein N. RUNX1 Is Regulated by Androgen Receptor to Promote Cancer Stem Markers and Chemotherapy Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030444. [PMID: 36766786 PMCID: PMC9913961 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype for which no effective targeted therapies are available. Growing evidence suggests that chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells with stem-like properties (CSC) may repopulate the tumor. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in up to 50% of TNBCs, and AR inhibition decreases CSC and tumor initiation. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) correlates with poor prognosis in TNBC and is regulated by the AR in prostate cancer. Our group has shown that RUNX1 promotes TNBC cell migration and regulates tumor gene expression. We hypothesized that RUNX1 is regulated by the AR and that both may work together in TNBC CSC to promote disease recurrence following chemotherapy. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments in MDA-MB-453 revealed AR binding to RUNX1 regulatory regions. RUNX1 expression is upregulated by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in MDA-MB-453 and in an AR+-TNBC HCI-009 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors (p < 0.05). RUNX1 is increased in a CSC-like experimental model in MDA-MB-453 and SUM-159PT cells (p < 0.05). Inhibition of RUNX1 transcriptional activity reduced the expression of CSC markers. Interestingly, RUNX1 inhibition reduced cell viability and enhanced paclitaxel and enzalutamide sensitivity. Targeting RUNX1 may be an attractive strategy to potentiate the anti-tumor effects of AR inhibition, specifically in the slow-growing CSC-like populations that resist chemotherapy which lead to metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia B. Fernández
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Sofía M. Sosa
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Justin T. Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - María S. Recouvreux
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luciana Rocha-Viegas
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Jessica L. Christenson
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nicole S. Spoelstra
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Facundo L. Couto
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Ana R. Raimondi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - Jennifer K. Richer
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Natalia Rubinstein
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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21
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Stella S, Martorana F, Massimino M, Vitale SR, Manzella L, Vigneri P. Potential Therapeutic Targets for Luminal Androgen Receptor Breast Cancer: What We Know so Far. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:235-247. [PMID: 37056632 PMCID: PMC10089148 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s379867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Luminal Androgen Receptor Breast Cancers (LAR BCs) are characterized by a triple negative phenotype and by the expression of Androgen Receptor (AR), coupled with luminal-like genomic features. This unique BC subtype, accounting for about 10% of all triple negative BC, has raised considerable interest given its ill-defined clinical behavior and the chance to exploit AR as a therapeutic target. The complexity of AR activity in BC cells, as revealed by decades of mechanistic studies, holds promise to offer additional therapeutic options beyond mere AR inhibition. Indeed, preclinical and translational evidence showed that several pathways and mediators, including PI3K/mToR, HER2, BRCA1, cell cycle and immune modulation, can be tackled in LAR BCs. Moving from bench to bedside, several clinical trials tested anti-androgen therapies in LAR BCs, but their results are inconsistent and often disappointing. More recently, studies exploring combinations of anti-androgen agents with other targeted therapies have been designed and are currently ongoing. While the results from these trials are awaited, a concerted effort will be needed to find the biological vulnerabilities of LAR BCs which may disclose new and effective therapeutic targets, eventually improving patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: Stefania Stella, University of Catania, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Via S. Sofia, 78, Edificio 8D/2, Catania, Italy, Tel +39 95 378 1946, Email ;
| | - Federica Martorana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rita Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico - San Marco”, Catania, Italy
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22
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Kolyvas EA, Caldas C, Kelly K, Ahmad SS. Androgen receptor function and targeted therapeutics across breast cancer subtypes. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:79. [PMID: 36376977 PMCID: PMC9664788 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in breast cancer (BC) therapy, it is globally the most commonly diagnosed cancer and leads to the death of over 650,000 women annually. Androgen receptor (AR) is emerging as a potential new therapeutic target in BC. While the role of AR is well established in prostate cancer (PCa), its function in BC remains incompletely understood. Emerging data show that AR's role in BC is dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, disease subtype, tumour microenvironment, and levels of circulating oestrogens and androgens. While targeting AR in PCa is becoming increasingly effective, these advances have yet to make any significant impact on the care of BC patients. However, this approach is increasingly being evaluated in BC and it is clear that improvements in our understanding of AR's role in BC will increase the likelihood of success for AR-targeted therapies. This review summarizes our current understanding of the function of AR across BC subtypes. We highlight limitations in our current knowledge and demonstrate the importance of categorizing BC subtypes effectively, in relation to determining AR activity. Further, we describe the current state of the art regarding AR-targeted approaches for BC as monotherapy or in combination with radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Kolyvas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Department of Oncology, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NIH-Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Department of Oncology, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Breast Cancer Programme, CRUK Cambridge Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Cambridge Breast Cancer Research Unit, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre and Cambridge Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kathleen Kelly
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Saif S Ahmad
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Department of Oncology, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
- Department of Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK.
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23
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Akbari ME, Ghelichi-Ghojogh M, Nikeghbalian Z, Karami M, Akbari A, Hashemi M, Nooraei S, Ghiasi M, Fararouei M, Moradian F. Neoadjuvant VS adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer; a retrospective cohort study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 84:104921. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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24
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Long M, You C, Song Q, Hu LXJ, Guo Z, Yao Q, Hou W, Sun W, Liang B, Zhou X, Liu Y, Hu T. AR Expression Correlates with Distinctive Clinicopathological and Genomic Features in Breast Cancer Regardless of ESR1 Expression Status. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911468. [PMID: 36232774 PMCID: PMC9570294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) expression is frequently observed in breast cancer, but its association with estrogen receptor (ER) expression in breast cancer remains unclear. This study analyzed the clinicopathological and molecular features associated with AR negativity in both ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer, trying to elucidate the molecular correlation between AR and ER. Our results showed that AR negativity was associated with different clinicopathological characteristics and molecular features in ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancer. Moreover, AR-positive breast cancer has better clinicopathological features than AR-negative breast cancer, especially in the ER-negative subtype. These results suggest that the role of AR in ER-negative breast cancer is distinctive from that in ER-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengping Long
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chong You
- Chongqing Research Institute of Big Data, Peking University, Chongqing 401121, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lina X. J. Hu
- Department of Pathology, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
| | - Zhaorong Guo
- Department of Breast Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Baosheng Liang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhou
- Chongqing Research Institute of Big Data, Peking University, Chongqing 401121, China
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yiqiang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (T.H.)
| | - Taobo Hu
- Chongqing Research Institute of Big Data, Peking University, Chongqing 401121, China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (T.H.)
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25
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Racial Disparity in Quadruple Negative Breast Cancer: Aggressive Biology and Potential Therapeutic Targeting and Prevention. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184484. [PMID: 36139643 PMCID: PMC9497140 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Quadruple negative breast cancer (QNBC), a subgroup of triple negative BC, has emerged as a highly aggressive BC subtype that disproportionately afflicts and impacts Black/African-American (AA) women. In this article, we review molecular distinctions in Black/AA and White/European-American (EA) QNBC biology as well as address potential non-genetic risk factors that could be underlying this racially disparate burden. We aim to provide deeper insight and provide a framework for novel discovery of actionable therapeutic targets and identify lifestyle changes to improve outcomes for Black/AA QNBC patients. Abstract Black/African-American (AA) women, relative to their White/European-American (EA) counterparts, experience disproportionately high breast cancer mortality. Central to this survival disparity, Black/AA women have an unequal burden of aggressive breast cancer subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer (ER/PR-, HER2-wild type; TNBC). While TNBC has been well characterized, recent studies have identified a highly aggressive androgen receptor (AR)-negative subtype of TNBC, quadruple-negative breast cancer (ER/PR-, HER2-wildtype, AR-; QNBC). Similar to TNBC, QNBC disproportionately impacts Black/AA women and likely plays an important role in the breast cancer survival disparities experienced by Black/AA women. Here, we discuss the racial disparities of QNBC and molecular signaling pathways that may contribute to the aggressive biology of QNBC in Black/AA women. Our immediate goal is to spotlight potential prevention and therapeutic targets for Black/AA QNBC; ultimately our goal is to provide greater insight into reducing the breast cancer survival burden experienced by Black/AA women.
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26
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Mahmoud R, Ordóñez-Morán P, Allegrucci C. Challenges for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment: Defeating Heterogeneity and Cancer Stemness. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174280. [PMID: 36077812 PMCID: PMC9454775 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) subtype is known to have a more aggressive clinical course compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Targeted therapies for this type of breast cancer are limited and patients are mostly treated with conventional chemo- and radio-therapies which are not specific and do not target resistant cells. Therefore, one of the major clinical challenges is to find compounds that target the drug-resistant cell populations which are responsible for reforming secondary tumours. The molecular profiling of the different TNBC subtypes holds a promise for better defining these resistant cells specific to each tumour. To this end, a better understanding of TNBC heterogeneity and cancer stemness is required, and extensive genomic analysis can help to understand the disease complexity and distinguish new molecular drivers that can be targeted in the clinics. The use of persister cancer cell-targeting therapies combined with other therapies may provide a big advance to improve TNBC patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinad Mahmoud
- Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Translational Medical Sciences Unit, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Paloma Ordóñez-Morán
- Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Translational Medical Sciences Unit, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Correspondence: (P.O.-M.); (C.A.)
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- SVMS, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
- Correspondence: (P.O.-M.); (C.A.)
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27
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Jinna N, Rida P, Smart M, LaBarge M, Jovanovic-Talisman T, Natarajan R, Seewaldt V. Adaptation to Hypoxia May Promote Therapeutic Resistance to Androgen Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168844. [PMID: 36012111 PMCID: PMC9408190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) surpasses other BC subtypes as the most challenging to treat due to its lack of traditional BC biomarkers. Nearly 30% of TNBC patients express the androgen receptor (AR), and the blockade of androgen production and AR signaling have been the cornerstones of therapies for AR-positive TNBC. However, the majority of women are resistant to AR-targeted therapy, which is a major impediment to improving outcomes for the AR-positive TNBC subpopulation. The hypoxia signaling cascade is frequently activated in the tumor microenvironment in response to low oxygen levels; activation of the hypoxia signaling cascade allows tumors to survive despite hypoxia-mediated interference with cellular metabolism. The activation of hypoxia signaling networks in TNBC promotes resistance to most anticancer drugs including AR inhibitors. The activation of hypoxia network signaling occurs more frequently in TNBC compared to other BC subtypes. Herein, we examine the (1) interplay between hypoxia signaling networks and AR and (2) whether hypoxia and hypoxic stress adaptive pathways promote the emergence of resistance to therapies that target AR. We also pose the well-supported question, “Can the efficacy of androgen-/AR-targeted treatments be enhanced by co-targeting hypoxia?” By critically examining the evidence and the complex entwinement of these two oncogenic pathways, we argue that the simultaneous targeting of androgen biosynthesis/AR signaling and hypoxia may enhance the sensitivity of AR-positive TNBCs to AR-targeted treatments, derail the emergence of therapy resistance, and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Jinna
- Department of Population Science, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Max Smart
- Rowland Hall, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
| | - Mark LaBarge
- Department of Population Science, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Victoria Seewaldt
- Department of Population Science, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
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28
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LIU J, LEUNG CT, LIANG L, WANG Y, CHEN J, LAI KP, TSE WKF. Deubiquitinases in Cancers: Aspects of Proliferation, Metastasis, and Apoptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143547. [PMID: 35884607 PMCID: PMC9323628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review summarizes the current DUBs findings that correlate with the most common cancers in the world (liver, breast, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers). The DUBs were further classified by their biological functions in terms of proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. The work provides an updated of the current findings, and could be used as a quick guide for researchers to identify target DUBs in cancers. Abstract Deubiquitinases (DUBs) deconjugate ubiquitin (UBQ) from ubiquitylated substrates to regulate its activity and stability. They are involved in several cellular functions. In addition to the general biological regulation of normal cells, studies have demonstrated their critical roles in various cancers. In this review, we evaluated and grouped the biological roles of DUBs, including proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis, in the most common cancers in the world (liver, breast, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers). The current findings in these cancers are summarized, and the relevant mechanisms and relationship between DUBs and cancers are discussed. In addition to highlighting the importance of DUBs in cancer biology, this study also provides updated information on the roles of DUBs in different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi LIU
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (L.L.); (Y.W.); (K.P.L.)
| | - Chi Tim LEUNG
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Luyun LIANG
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (L.L.); (Y.W.); (K.P.L.)
| | - Yuqin WANG
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (L.L.); (Y.W.); (K.P.L.)
| | - Jian CHEN
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (W.K.F.T.); Tel.: +86-773-5895860 (J.C.); +81-92-802-4767 (W.K.F.T.)
| | - Keng Po LAI
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China; (J.L.); (L.L.); (Y.W.); (K.P.L.)
| | - William Ka Fai TSE
- Laboratory of Developmental Disorders and Toxicology, Center for Promotion of International Education and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (W.K.F.T.); Tel.: +86-773-5895860 (J.C.); +81-92-802-4767 (W.K.F.T.)
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29
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Li K, Zong D, Sun J, Chen D, Ma M, Jia L. Rewiring of the Endocrine Network in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830894. [PMID: 35847875 PMCID: PMC9280148 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunohistochemical definition of estrogen/progesterone receptors dictates endocrine feasibility in the treatment course of breast cancer. Characterized by the deficiency of estrogen receptor α, ERα-negative breast cancers are dissociated from any endocrine regimens in the routine clinical setting, triple-negative breast cancer in particular. However, the stereotype was challenged by triple-negative breast cancers’ retained sensitivity and vulnerability to endocrine agents. The interplay of hormone action and the carcinogenic signaling program previously underscored was gradually recognized along with the increasing investigation. In parallel, the overlooked endocrine-responsiveness in ERα-negative breast cancers attracted attention and supplied fresh insight into the therapeutic strategy in an ERα-independent manner. This review elaborates on the genomic and non-genomic steroid hormone actions and endocrine-related signals in triple-negative breast cancers attached to the hormone insensitivity label. We also shed light on the non-canonical mechanism detected in common hormone agents to showcase their pleiotropic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianrong Sun
- School of Clinical Medicine. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Danxiang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minkai Ma
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The Fourth Central Hospital, Baoding, China
| | - Liqun Jia
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liqun Jia,
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Dong S, Yousefi H, Savage IV, Okpechi SC, Wright MK, Matossian MD, Collins-Burow BM, Burow ME, Alahari SK. Ceritinib is a novel triple negative breast cancer therapeutic agent. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:138. [PMID: 35768871 PMCID: PMC9241294 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are clinically aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. TNBC is difficult to treat with targeted agents due to the lack of commonly targeted therapies within this subtype. Androgen receptor (AR) has been detected in 12–55% of TNBCs. AR stimulates breast tumor growth in the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), and it has become an emerging molecular target in TNBC treatment. Methods Ceritinib is a small molecule inhibitor of tyrosine kinase and it is used in the therapy of non-small lung cancer patients. Enzalutamide is a small molecule compound targeting the androgen receptor and it is used to treat prostate cancer. Combination therapy of these drugs were investigated using AR positive breast cancer mouse xenograft models. Also, combination treatment of ceritinib and paclitaxel investigated using AR− and AR low mouse xenograft and patient derived xenograft models. Results We screened 133 FDA approved drugs that have a therapeutic effect of AR+ TNBC cells. From the screen, we identified two drugs, ceritinib and crizotinib. Since ceritinib has a well- defined role in androgen independent AR signaling pathways, we further investigated the effect of ceritinib. Ceritinib treatment inhibited RTK/ACK/AR pathway and other downstream pathways in AR+ TNBC cells. The combination of ceritinib and enzalutamide showed a robust inhibitory effect on cell growth of AR+ TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly Ceritinib inhibits FAK-YB-1 signaling pathway that leads to paclitaxel resistance in all types of TNBC cells. The combination of paclitaxel and ceritinib showed drastic inhibition of tumor growth compared to a single drug alone. Conclusions To improve the response of AR antagonist in AR positive TNBC, we designed a novel combinational strategy comprised of enzalutamide and ceritinib to treat AR+ TNBC tumors through the dual blockade of androgen-dependent and androgen-independent AR signaling pathways. Furthermore, we introduced a novel therapeutic combination of ceritinib and paclitaxel for AR negative or AR-low TNBCs and this combination inhibited tumor growth to a great extent. All agents used in our study are FDA-approved, and thus the proposed combination therapy will likely be useful in the clinic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01601-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Dong
- TYK Medicines, Inc, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China, 313100.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | | | - Samuel C Okpechi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Maryl K Wright
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew E Burow
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118, USA
| | - Suresh K Alahari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA. .,Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Transcriptome profiling and proteomic validation reveals targets of the androgen receptor signaling in the BT-474 breast cancer cell line. Clin Proteomics 2022; 19:14. [PMID: 35568821 PMCID: PMC9107748 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-022-09352-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that the androgen receptor (AR) and its endogenous ligands influence disease progression in breast cancer (BCa). However, AR-mediated changes in BCa differ among the various BCa subtypes according to their hormone receptor profile [i.e., presence/absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, (HER2)]. Thus, we explored the androgen-regulated transcriptomic changes in the ER+PR+HER2+ BCa cell line, BT-474, and compared them with PR-mediated changes. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing analysis in treated BT-474 cells with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and progesterone. Validation of the top ten differentially androgen-regulated genes and a number of other genes found in enriched signaling pathways was performed by qRT-PCR in BT-474 and other BCa cell lines. In addition, a parallel reaction monitoring targeted proteomic approach was developed to verify selected transcripts at the protein level. RESULTS In total 19,450 transcripts were detected, of which 224 were differentially regulated after DHT treatment. The increased expression of two well-known androgen-regulated genes, KLK2 (p < 0.05) and KLK3 (p < 0.001), confirmed the successful androgen stimulation in BT-474 cells. The transcription factor, ZBTB16, was the most highly upregulated gene, with ~ 1000-fold change (p < 0.001). Pathway enrichment analysis revealed downregulation of the DNA replication processes (p < 0.05) and upregulation of the androgen signaling and fatty acid metabolism pathways (p < 0.05). Changes related to progesterone treatment showed opposite effects in gene expression than DHT treatment. Similar expression profiles were observed among other BCa cell lines expressing high levels of AR (ZR75.1 and MBA-MB-453). The parallel reaction monitoring targeted proteomic analysis further confirmed that altered protein expression (KLK3, ALOX15B) in the supernatant and cell lysate of DHT-treated BT-474 cells, compared to control cells. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that AR modulates the metabolism of BT-474 cells by affecting the expression of a large number of genes and proteins. Based on further pathway analysis, we suggest that androgen receptor acts as a tumor suppressor in the BT-474 cells.
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Clinical-pathologic characteristics and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative low Ki-67 proliferation (TNLP) breast cancers. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:51. [PMID: 35444182 PMCID: PMC9021249 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) often have a high Ki-67 proliferation index and respond favorably to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with pathologic complete response (pCR) resulting in ~40% of cases. Nevertheless, morbidity/mortality remain high, mostly due to recurrence in patients with residual disease. In contrast, the incidence and clinical features of TNBC with low proliferation (TNLP), defined as TNBC with a Ki-67 index of ≤30% remains unknown. We report 70 cases of TNLP identified at our center from 2008 to 2018, including 18 treated with NACT. TNLP tumors represent <1% of all breast cancers, and ~5-10% of TNBCs. Ninety percent of carcinomas were grade I/II and 70% were either pure apocrine or showed apocrine differentiation. Fifty cases had available immunohistochemistry results; 80%, 84%, 22%, and 20% were positive for AR, INPP4B, nestin, and SOX10, respectively. With a median follow-up of 72 months, 14% experienced recurrence, and 11% died of breast cancer. The tumor stage was prognostic. Among 39 stage-I patients, 18 (46%) received chemotherapy, but this did not impact survival. There was a trend for improved recurrence-free survival with chemotherapy in stage-II patients. Of the 18 patients treated with NACT, 2 (11%) showed pCR; these were notable for either high stromal TILs or a high mitotic count despite a low Ki-67 index. TNLPs are enriched in low to intermediate-grade carcinomas with apocrine features. Due to overall good prognosis of stage-I TNLP and the lack of clear benefit of chemotherapy, de-escalation of chemotherapy may be considered in select patients with stage-I TNLP.
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Ferguson DC, Mata DA, Tay TKY, Traina TA, Gucalp A, Chandarlapaty S, D’Alfonso TM, Brogi E, Mullaney K, Ladanyi M, Arcila ME, Benayed R, Ross DS. Androgen receptor splice variant-7 in breast cancer: clinical and pathologic correlations. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:396-402. [PMID: 34593966 PMCID: PMC8863633 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-021-00924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor therapy is a developing treatment for AR-positive breast cancer (BC) with ongoing clinical trials. AR splice variant-7 (AR-V7) is a truncated variant of AR that leads to AR inhibitor therapy resistance in prostate cancer; recent studies have identified AR-V7 in BC and theorized that AR-V7 can have a similar impact. This study assessed the prevalence and clinicopathologic features associated with AR-V7 in a large BC cohort. BC samples were evaluated by MSK-Fusion targeted RNAseq for AR-V7 detection and MSK-IMPACT targeted DNAseq, including triple-negative tumors with no driver alteration and estrogen receptor-positive/ESR1 wildtype tumors progressing on therapy. Among 196 primary and metastatic/recurrent cases (196 RNAseq, 194DNAseq), 9.7% (19/196) were AR-V7 positive and 90.3% (177/196) AR-V7 negative. All AR-V7 positive BC were AR-positive by immunohistochemistry (19/19). The prevalence of AR-V7 by receptor subtype (N = 189) was: 18% (12/67) in ER-/PgR-/HER2-negative BC, 3.7% (4/109) in ER-positive/HER2-negative BC, and 15.4% (2/13) in HER2-positive BC; AR-V7 was detected in one ER-positive/HER2-unknown BC. Apocrine morphology was observed in 42.1% (8/19) of AR-V7 positive BC and 3.4% (6/177) AR-V7 negative BC (P < 0.00001). Notably, AR-V7 was detected in 2 primary BC and 7 metastatic/recurrent BC patients with no prior endocrine therapy. We conclude that positive AR IHC and apocrine morphology are pathologic features that may indicate testing for AR-V7 is warranted in both primary and metastatic BC in the appropriate clinical context. The study findings further encourage the assessment of AR-V7 as a predictive biomarker for AR antagonist benefit in ongoing clinical BC trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna C. Ferguson
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas A. Mata
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy KY. Tay
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Traina
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ayca Gucalp
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarat Chandarlapaty
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy M. D’Alfonso
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edi Brogi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kerry Mullaney
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria E. Arcila
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ryma Benayed
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dara S. Ross
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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Shen M, Yang L, Lei T, Zhang P, Xiao L, Cao S, Chen F, Li L, Ye F, Bu H. Correlation between CA12 and TFF3 and their prediction value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy response in breast cancer. J Clin Pharm Ther 2022; 47:609-618. [PMID: 35229335 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Compared with other molecular subtypes, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer often shows worse neoadjuvant chemotherapy efficacy. This study aims to explore the relationship between the oestrogen receptor (ER)-related genes carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12) and trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) and their predictive value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. METHODS We investigated the relationships between CA12, TFF3 and ER status and their predictive value of anthracycline-taxane neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 115 female breast cancer patients via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 4 GEO datasets: GSE41998, GSE25065, GSE20194 and GSE20271. Then, the effects of CA12 and TFF3 on the chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin and docetaxel were verified in vitro in the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and BT474. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The GEO datasets and RT-PCR results showed that the relative expression of both CA12 and TFF3 was higher in oestrogen receptor-positive samples compared with the other samples (p < 0.05). CA12 was significantly correlated with TFF3 (p < 0.05). In MCF-7 cells, inhibition of TFF3 induced downregulation of CA12 and ESR1 (p < 0.05) at both the mRNA and the protein levels, while inhibition of CA12 also downregulated TFF3 and ESR1 (p < 0.05). In BT474 cells, inhibition of TFF3 downregulated CA12 and ESR1 (p < 0.05) at both the mRNA and the protein levels, while inhibition of CA12 led to slight upregulation of TFF3 and ESR1 (p > 0.05). Moreover, GEO datasets and RT-PCR results showed that CA12 and TFF3 were more highly expressed in nonpathological complete response (non-pCR) samples than in pCR samples (p < 0.05). Cell viability assays of MCF-7 and BT474 cells showed that inhibiting CA12 and TFF3 could enhance sensitivity to doxorubicin and docetaxel (p < 0.05). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION CA12 and TFF3 were correlated with each other, and their high expression might explain the worse efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjia Shen
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Libo Yang
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Lei
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peichuan Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Ministry of Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiyu Cao
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Ye
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Ministry of Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Bu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Ministry of Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Bou Zerdan M, Ghorayeb T, Saliba F, Allam S, Bou Zerdan M, Yaghi M, Bilani N, Jaafar R, Nahleh Z. Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Updates on Classification and Treatment in 2021. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051253. [PMID: 35267561 PMCID: PMC8909187 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents 15 to 20% of all breast cancers in the United States. The main treatment option remains chemotherapy, despite limited efficacy. New biologic and targeted agents are increasingly emerging for the treatment of TNBC. Given the continuous advances in the field of TNBC, this review assesses the latest developments in basic characterization, subtyping, and treatment of TNBC, including novel drug developments with antibody-drug conjugates, immune checkpoint inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and androgen receptor targeted agents. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy affecting women. It is a highly heterogeneous disease broadly defined by the differential expression of cell surface receptors. In the United States, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents 15 to 20% of all BC. When compared with other subtypes of BC, TNBC tends to present in younger women, and has a higher mortality rate of 40% in advanced stages within the first 5 years after diagnosis. TNBC has historically had limited treatment options when compared to other types of BC. The mainstay of treatment for TNBC remains cytotoxic chemotherapy despite the emergence of new biologic and targeted agents. Defining the specific tumor molecular profile including PDL-1 and androgen receptor testing is expanding treatment options in the clinical setting. Identifying more targetable, novel biomarkers that may better define therapeutic targets or prognostic markers is currently underway. TNBC nomenclature is expected to be updated in favor of other nomenclature which would help direct therapy, and further redefine TNBC’s heterogeneity. Given the continuous advances in the field of TNBC, this review assesses the latest developments in basic characterization, subtyping, and treatment of TNBC, including novel drug developments with antibody-drug conjugates, immune checkpoint inhibitors, PARP inhibitors and androgen receptor targeted agents. Future trials are necessary in the face of these innovations to further support the use of new therapies in TNBC and the detection of the appropriate biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, USA; (M.B.Z.); (M.Y.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Tala Ghorayeb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Fares Saliba
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Sabine Allam
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Beirut 11 00 2807, Lebanon;
| | - Morgan Bou Zerdan
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Marita Yaghi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, USA; (M.B.Z.); (M.Y.)
| | - Nadeem Bilani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Rola Jaafar
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 11097 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Zeina Nahleh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, USA; (M.B.Z.); (M.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Wages F, Lentes P, Griebenow T, Herges R, Peifer C, Maser E. Reduction of photoswitched, nitrogen bridged N-acetyl diazocines limits inhibition of 17βHSD3 activity in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 354:109822. [PMID: 35074339 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone depletion is a common aim in the treatment of hormone-dependent prostate cancer, since the steroid boosts the tumor's proliferation. Therefore, inhibition of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17βHSD3), which catalyzes the carbonyl reduction of androstenedione to testosterone, represents an expedient therapeutic drug target. Among the compounds targeting 17βHSD3, tetrahydrodibenzazocines have been reported to be highly potent inhibitors. Thus, we hypothesized that structural analogs to the tetrahydrodibenzazocine scaffold, namely diazocines, which contain an azo group instead of the ethylene moiety, are also able to inhibit 17βHSD3. Diazocines consist of a photoresponsive core and can be isomerized from Z into E configuration by irradiation with a specific wavelength. In the present study, 17βHSD3 inhibition by diazocine photoisomers was examined in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-293) and isolated microsomes. For this purpose, cells or microsomes were treated with androstenedione and incubated for 2 or 24 h in the presence or absence of irradiated and non-irradiated diazocines. Testosterone formation was determined by uHPLC. We report a weak inhibition of 17βHSD3 activity by diazocines in HEK-293 cells and microsomes. Furthermore, we found no significant difference between samples treated with irradiated and non-irradiated diazocines in terms of inhibition. However, we detected a new compound by HPLC analysis, which only appeared in light-treated samples, indicating a chemical modification of the photoswitched diazocines, presumably rendering them ineffective. Further investigations revealed that this modification occurs in the presence of reducing agents like dithiothreitol and glutathione. A preliminary mass-spectrometric analysis suggests that the N-N double bond is reduced, resulting in a dianiline derivative. Nevertheless, optimized photoswitchable diazocine derivatives, which are stable in a cellular environment, might serve as potent 17βHSD3 inhibitors, effective only in irradiated tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Wages
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Str. 10, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - P Lentes
- Otto Diels Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Otto Hahn Platz 4, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - T Griebenow
- Otto Diels Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Otto Hahn Platz 4, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - R Herges
- Otto Diels Institute of Organic Chemistry, Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Otto Hahn Platz 4, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - C Peifer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Gutenbergstraße 76, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - E Maser
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Str. 10, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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A Transcriptional Link between HER2, JAM-A and FOXA1 in Breast Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040735. [PMID: 35203384 PMCID: PMC8870165 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is associated with aggressive disease in breast and certain other cancers. At a cellular level, the adhesion protein Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A (JAM-A) has been reported to regulate the expression of HER3 via a transcriptional pathway involving FOXA1. Since FOXA1 is also a suggested transcription factor for HER2, this study set out to determine if JAM-A regulates HER2 expression via a similar mechanism. An integrated tripartite approach was taken, involving cellular expression studies after targeted disruption of individual players in the putative pathway, in silico identification of relevant HER2 promoter regions and, finally, interrogation of cancer patient survival databases to deconstruct functionally important links between HER2, JAM-A and FOXA1 gene expression. The outcome of these investigations revealed a unidirectional pathway in which JAM-A expression transcriptionally regulates that of HER2 by influencing the binding of FOXA1 to a specific site in the HER2 gene promoter. Moreover, a correlation between JAM-A and HER2 gene expression was identified in 75% of a sample of 40 cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and coincident high mean mRNA expression of JAM-A, HER2 and FOXA1 was associated with poorer survival outcomes in HER2-positive (but not HER2-negative) patients with either breast or gastric tumors. These investigations provide the first evidence of a transcriptional pathway linking JAM-A, HER2 and FOXA1 in cancer settings, and support potential future pharmacological targeting of JAM-A as an upstream regulator of HER2.
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Hager E, Chen J, Zhao L. Minireview: Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:1873. [PMID: 35162895 PMCID: PMC8834979 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that environmental exposure to chemicals, such as endocrine-disruptive chemicals (EDCs), contributes to the development of breast cancer. Parabens are a group of EDCs commonly found in personal care products, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Systemic exposure to parabens has been confirmed by the ubiquitous detection of parabens in human blood and urine samples. Although evidence from in vivo and epidemiological studies linking parabens exposure to breast cancer is limited, the current evidence suggests that parabens may negatively interfere with some endocrine and intracrine targets relevant to breast carcinogenesis. So far, most studies have focused on a single paraben's effects and the direct modulating effects on estrogen receptors or the androgen receptor in vitro. Recent studies have revealed that parabens can modulate local estrogen-converting enzymes, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 and increase local estrogen levels. Also, parabens can crosstalk with the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway and work with ER signaling to increase pro-oncogenic c-Myc expression in ER+/HER2+ breast cancer cells. Future studies investigating paraben mixtures and their crosstalk with other EDCs or signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo in the context of breast cancer development are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hager
- Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Jiangang Chen
- Department of Public Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
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Qattan A, Al-Tweigeri T, Suleman K. Translational Implications of Dysregulated Pathways and MicroRNA Regulation in Quadruple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020366. [PMID: 35203574 PMCID: PMC8962346 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (HER2−, ER−, PR−) continue to present a unique treatment challenge and carry unfavorable prognoses. The elucidation of novel therapeutic targets has necessitated the re-evaluation of stratification approaches to best predict prognosis, treatment response and theranostic and prognostic markers. Androgen receptor expression and function have important implications on proliferation, tumor progression, immunity and molecular signaling in breast cancer. Accordingly, there has been increasing support for classification of androgen receptor-negative triple-negative breast cancer or quadruple-negative breast cancer (QNBC). QNBC has unique molecular, signaling and expression regulation profiles, particularly those affected by microRNA regulatory networks. MicroRNAs are now known to regulate AR-related targets and pathways that are dysregulated in QNBC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), SKP2, EN1, ACSL4 and EGFR. In this review, we explore and define the QNBC tumor subtype, its molecular and clinical distinctions from other subtypes, miRNA dysregulation and function in QNBC, and knowledge gaps in the field. Potential insights into clinical and translational implications of these dysregulated networks in QNBC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Qattan
- Translational Cancer Research Section, Department of Molecular Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Taher Al-Tweigeri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia; (T.A.-T.); (K.S.)
| | - Kausar Suleman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Centre, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia; (T.A.-T.); (K.S.)
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Cao J, Hacking S, Chavarria-Bernal HD, Bhuiya TA, Khutti S. Androgen Receptor Immunohistochemical Expression in Undifferentiated/Dedifferentiated Endometrial Carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2022; 41:28-34. [PMID: 33399351 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Uterine undifferentiated (UC)/dedifferentiated (DEAC) carcinomas are rare malignant neoplasms. They tend to pursue an aggressive clinical course with an advanced stage at presentation. It has been found that androgen receptor (AR) might play a role as a prognostic and therapeutic marker in endometrial carcinoma. However, its expression in UC/DEAC has not been investigated. Herein, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AR along with estrogen receptor (ER), progestin receptor (PR), and HER2 in UC/DEAC and also in other subtypes of high-grade endometrial carcinomas. Review of our pathology database over the period of 2011 to 2019 identified 16 UC/DEAC cases (N=16). We also randomly selected other high-grade endometrial carcinomas including FIGO 3 endometrioid carcinoma (N=9), serous carcinoma (N=8), clear cell carcinoma (N=12) and carcinosarcoma (N=10) for comparison. Immunohistochemical stains for AR, ER, PR, and HER2 were performed on all 55 cases. The protein expression was evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. In DEAC cases both the undifferentiated component and the well-differentiated component were recorded separately. Overall, variable degrees of AR reactivity (by Allred scoring method) was present in 63% of UC/DEACs(10/16), 67% of FIGO 3 endometrioid carcinomas (6/9), 88% of serous carcinomas (7/8), 80% of carcinosarcomas (8/10), and 9% of clear cell carcinoma (1/12). AR expression was most often seen with PR (70%) or ER (60%) staining in UC/DEACs. Thirteen cases of UC/DEACs were positive for at least 1 hormone receptor. HER2 was negative in all UC/DEACs. Almost all other high-grade carcinoma cases were negative for HER2 except 20% of carcinosarcoma (2/10) and 13% of serous carcinoma (1/8) which showed 3+ HER2. Loss of AR appears to be associated with worse clinicopathologic parameters in UC/DEAC. AR is highly expressed in UC/DEAC, and in the majority of FIGO 3 endometrioid carcinomas, serous carcinomas, and carcinosarcoma. These findings suggest a potential role for androgen inhibitors in the management of patients with these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Cao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell School of Medicine, Hempstead, New York
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An Update on the Molecular and Clinical Characteristics of Apocrine Carcinoma of the Breast. Clin Breast Cancer 2021; 22:e576-e585. [PMID: 35027319 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Apocrine carcinoma of the breast is a rare malignancy. According to 2019 WHO classification, apocrine cellular features and a characteristic steroid receptor profile (Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative and androgen receptor (AR)-positive) define apocrine carcinoma. Her-2/neu protein expression is reported in ∼30-50% of apocrine carcinomas, while NGS analysis showed frequent PIK3CA/PTEN/AKT and TP53 mutations Followed by deregulation in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway components (mutations of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF). A recent miRNA study indicates various miRNAs (downregulated hsa-miR-145-5p and upregulated 14 miRNAs such as hsa-miR-182-5p, hsa-miR-3135b, and hsa-miR-4417) may target the commonly altered pathways in apocrine carcinomas such as ERBB2/HER2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Although AR expression is a hallmark of apocrine carcinoma, little is known regarding the efficacy/resistance to antiandrogens. Success of bicalutamide, a non-steroidal anti-androgen, was reported in a case of Her2-negative apocrine carcinoma. Two recent studies, however, described presence of anti-androgen resistance biomarkers (a splice variant ARv7 and AR/NCOA2 co-amplification) in a subset of AR+ apocrine carcinomas, cautioning the use of anti-androgens in AR+ triple-negative breast carcinomas. Apocrine carcinomas rarely show biomarkers predictive of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-L1 expression, MSI-H status, and TMB-high). Therefore, a comprehensive cancer profiling of apocrine carcinomas is necessary to identify potential therapeutic targets for a truly individualized treatment approach.
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Zong Y, Pegram M. Research advances and new challenges in overcoming triple-negative breast cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:517-542. [PMID: 34888495 PMCID: PMC8654168 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2021.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a pathological term used to identify invasive breast cancers that lack expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and do not have pathologic overexpression of the HER2 receptor or harbor ERBB2 gene amplification. TNBC includes a collection of multiple distinct disease entities based upon genomic, transcriptomic and phenotypic characterization. Despite improved clinical outcomes with the development of novel therapeutics, TNBC still yields the worst prognosis among all clinical subtypes of breast cancer. We will systematically review evidence of the genomic evolution of TNBC, as well as potential mechanisms of disease progression and treatment resistance, defined in part by advances in next-generation DNA sequencing technology (including single cell sequencing), providing a new perspective on treatment strategies, and promise to reveal new potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, we review novel therapies aimed at homologous recombination deficiency, PI3 kinase/AKT/PTEN pathway activation, androgen receptor blockade, immune checkpoint inhibition, as well as antibody-drug conjugates engaging novel cell surface targets, including recent progress in pre-clinical and clinical studies which further validate the role of targeted therapies in TNBC. Despite major advances in treatment for TNBC, including FDA approval of 2 PARP inhibitors for metastatic TNBC, the crossing of the superiority boundary in a phase 3, placebo-controlled study of adjuvant olaparib in early-stage patients with germline BRCA-mutated high-risk HER2-negative early breast cancer, the FDA approval of 2 PD-(L)1 checkpoint antibodies for metastatic TNBC, and the FDA approval of the first antibody drug conjugate for TNBC, significant challenges remain. For example, despite the dawn of immunotherapy in metastatic TNBC, durable responses are limited to a small subset of patients, definitive biomarkers for patient selection are lacking, and the Oncology Drug Advisory Committee to the FDA has recently voted against approval of an anti-PD-1 checkpoint antibody high risk early-stage TNBC in the neoadjuvant setting. Also, despite early positive randomized phase 2 studies of AKT inhibition in metastatic TNBC, a recent phase 3 registration trial failed to validate earlier phase 2 data. Finally, we note that level one evidence for clinical efficacy of androgen receptor blockade in TNBC is still lacking. To meet these and other challenges, we will catalogue the ongoing exponential increase in interest in basic, translational, and clinical research to develop new treatment paradigms for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zong
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mark Pegram
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Hsieh TH, Hsu CY, Yang PJ, Chiu CC, Liang SS, Ou-Yang F, Kan JY, Hou MF, Wang TN, Tsai EM. DEHP mediates drug resistance by directly targeting AhR in human breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112400. [PMID: 34801851 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapy and hormonal therapy is a major clinical problem in breast cancer medicine, especially for cancer metastasis and recurrence. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) affects drug resistance by an unknown mechanism of action. Here we analyzed breast cancer patients (N = 457) and found that Σ4MEHP (the sum of MEHP, MEHHP, MECPP and MEOHP concentrations) in urine was significantly higher (P = 0.018) in the recurrent breast cancer group compared with non-recurrent patients. Σ4MEHP-High was positively and significantly correlated with tumor stage (P = 0.005), lymph node status (P = 0.001), estrogen receptor status (P = 0.010), Her2/Neu status (P = 0.004), recurrence (P = 0.000) and tumor size (P = 0.002), as well as an independent prognostic marker (OR = 1.868; 95% CI = 1.424-2.451; P < 0.000) associated with poor survival rates based on a positive Her2/Neu status (P = 0.035). In addition, we found that DEHP inhibited paclitaxel and doxorubicin effects in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 and in zebrafish and mouse tumor initiation models. DEHP induced trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) expression through the vinculin/aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/ERK signaling pathway and induced CYP2D6, CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 expression through the AhR genomic pathway to increase the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and doxorubicin metabolism, respectably. DEHP mediated AhR-related alterations in estrogen receptor expression through the ubiquitination system, which decreased tamoxifen effects in AhR knockout mice. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic avenue by targeting AhR in drug-resistant and recurrent breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Hua Hsieh
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital/E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jing Yang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chih Chiu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Shin Liang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu Ou-Yang
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Yu Kan
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsu-Nai Wang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Hanamura T, Christenson JL, O'Neill KI, Rosas E, Spoelstra NS, Williams MM, Richer JK. Secreted indicators of androgen receptor activity in breast cancer pre-clinical models. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:102. [PMID: 34736512 PMCID: PMC8567567 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Accumulating evidence has attracted attention to the androgen receptor (AR) as a biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer. We hypothesized that AR activity within the tumor has clinical implications and investigated whether androgen responsive serum factors might serve as a minimally invasive indicator of tumor AR activity. METHODS Based on a comprehensive gene expression analysis of an AR-positive, triple negative breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, 163 dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-responsive genes were defined as an androgen responsive gene set. Among them, we focused on genes that were DHT-responsive that encode secreted proteins, namely KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP, that encode the secreted factors prostate specific antigen (PSA), zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and prolactin induced protein (PIP), respectively. Using AR-positive breast cancer cell lines representing all breast cancer subtypes, expression of candidate factors was assessed in response to agonist DHT and antagonist enzalutamide. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on publically available gene expression datasets from breast cancer patients to analyze the relationship between genes encoding the secreted factors and other androgen responsive gene sets in each breast cancer subtype. RESULTS Anti-androgen treatment decreased proliferation in all cell lines tested representing various tumor subtypes. Expression of the secreted factors was regulated by AR activation in the majority of breast cancer cell lines. In GSEA, the candidate genes were positively correlated with an androgen responsive gene set across breast cancer subtypes. CONCLUSION KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP are AR regulated and reflect tumor AR activity. Further investigations are needed to examine the potential efficacy of these factors as serum biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Hanamura
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jessica L Christenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kathleen I O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Emmanuel Rosas
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Nicole S Spoelstra
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Michelle M Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jennifer K Richer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Nelson AT, Wang Y, Nelson ER. TLX, an Orphan Nuclear Receptor With Emerging Roles in Physiology and Disease. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6360449. [PMID: 34463725 PMCID: PMC8462384 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
TLX (NR2E1), an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a transcription factor that has been described to be generally repressive in nature. It has been implicated in several aspects of physiology and disease. TLX is best known for its ability to regulate the proliferation of neural stem cells and retinal progenitor cells. Dysregulation, overexpression, or loss of TLX expression has been characterized in numerous studies focused on a diverse range of pathological conditions, including abnormal brain development, psychiatric disorders, retinopathies, metabolic disease, and malignant neoplasm. Despite the lack of an identified endogenous ligand, several studies have described putative synthetic and natural TLX ligands, suggesting that this receptor may serve as a therapeutic target. Therefore, this article aims to briefly review what is known about TLX structure and function in normal physiology, and provide an overview of TLX in regard to pathological conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on TLX and cancer, and the potential utility of this receptor as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Nelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Erik R Nelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Anticancer Discovery from Pets to People Theme, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Correspondence: Erik R. Nelson, PhD, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 407 S Goodwin Ave (MC-114), Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
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Yardley DA, Young RR, Adelson KB, Silber AL, Najera JE, Daniel DB, Peacock N, Finney L, Hoekstra SJ, Shastry M, Hainsworth JD, Burris HA. A Phase II Study Evaluating Orteronel, an Inhibitor of Androgen Biosynthesis, in Patients With Androgen Receptor (AR)-Expressing Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). Clin Breast Cancer 2021; 22:269-278. [PMID: 34824002 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AR is a targetable pathway with AR modulation inhibiting estrogen- and androgen-mediated cell proliferation. Orteronel is an oral, selective, nonsteroidal inhibitor of 17, 20-lyase, a key enzyme in androgen biosynthesis. This study evaluated single-agent orteronel in AR+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC). METHODS Male/female patients with AR+ MBC were grouped in Cohort 1: AR+ TNBC with l-3 prior chemotherapy regimens or Cohort 2: AR+ HR+ (estrogen [ER+]/ progesterone receptor [PR+] positive) HER2+/- with 1 to 3 prior hormonal and at least 1 prior chemotherapy regimen. Patients with HER2+ MBC must have received at least 2 lines of HER2-targeted therapy. Orteronel was administered at 300 mg BID; response rate was the primary endpoint. RESULTS Seventy patients were enrolled (Cohort 1, n = 26 and Cohort 2, n = 44). Median treatment duration was 7.1 weeks. Seven patients were on treatment for ≥6 months. One of the 21 evaluated patients in Cohort 1 (4.8%) had an objective response. In Cohort 2, none of the first 23 patients to be evaluated had a response and accrual was stopped. Median progression-free and overall survival were 1.8 and 8.3 months, respectively. Toxicities were predominantly Grade 1 or 2 nausea/vomiting (36%) and fatigue (31%). Grade 3 or 4 events in ≥5% of patients included increased amylase/lipase (10%) and hypertension (6%). CONCLUSIONS Orteronel demonstrated limited clinical activity in heavily pre-treated AR+ MBC. Further development of orteronel in MBC is not recommended. Further efforts to validate the AR as a therapeutic target should focus on identifying new markers predictive of sensitivity to AR-targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise A Yardley
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN; Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN.
| | - Robyn R Young
- The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Fort Worth, TX
| | | | | | | | - Davey B Daniel
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN; Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Chattanooga, TN
| | - Nancy Peacock
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN; Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN
| | | | | | | | - John D Hainsworth
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN; Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN
| | - Howard A Burris
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN; Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN
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Bhattarai S, Sugita BM, Bortoletto SM, Fonseca AS, Cavalli LR, Aneja R. QNBC Is Associated with High Genomic Instability Characterized by Copy Number Alterations and miRNA Deregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11548. [PMID: 34768979 PMCID: PMC8584247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) can be further classified into androgen receptor (AR)-positive TNBC and AR-negative TNBC or quadruple-negative breast cancer (QNBC). Here, we investigated genomic instability in 53 clinical cases by array-CGH and miRNA expression profiling. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 64% of TNBC samples lacked AR expression. This group of tumors exhibited a higher level of copy number alterations (CNAs) and a higher frequency of cases affected by CNAs than TNBCs. CNAs in genes of the chromosome instability 25 (CIN25) and centrosome amplification (CA) signatures were more frequent in the QNBCs and were similar between the groups, respectively. However, expression levels of CIN25 and CA20 genes were higher in QNBCs. miRNA profiling revealed 184 differentially expressed miRNAs between the groups. Fifteen of these miRNAs were mapped at cytobands with CNAs, of which eight (miR-1204, miR-1265, miR-1267, miR-23c, miR-548ai, miR-567, miR-613, and miR-943), and presented concordance of expression and copy number levels. Pathway enrichment analysis of these miRNAs/mRNAs pairings showed association with genomic instability, cell cycle, and DNA damage response. Furthermore, the combined expression of these eight miRNAs robustly discriminated TNBCs from QNBCs (AUC = 0.946). Altogether, our results suggest a significant loss of AR in TNBC and a profound impact in genomic instability characterized by CNAs and deregulation of miRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shristi Bhattarai
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA;
| | - Bruna M. Sugita
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil; (B.M.S.); (S.M.B.); (A.S.F.)
| | - Stefanne M. Bortoletto
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil; (B.M.S.); (S.M.B.); (A.S.F.)
| | - Aline S. Fonseca
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil; (B.M.S.); (S.M.B.); (A.S.F.)
| | - Luciane R. Cavalli
- Research Institute Pelé Pequeno Príncipe, Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Curitiba 80250-060, Brazil; (B.M.S.); (S.M.B.); (A.S.F.)
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Oncology Department, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA;
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Sanchez D, Ganfornina MD. The Lipocalin Apolipoprotein D Functional Portrait: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol 2021; 12:738991. [PMID: 34690812 PMCID: PMC8530192 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.738991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein D is a chordate gene early originated in the Lipocalin protein family. Among other features, regulation of its expression in a wide variety of disease conditions in humans, as apparently unrelated as neurodegeneration or breast cancer, have called for attention on this gene. Also, its presence in different tissues, from blood to brain, and different subcellular locations, from HDL lipoparticles to the interior of lysosomes or the surface of extracellular vesicles, poses an interesting challenge in deciphering its physiological function: Is ApoD a moonlighting protein, serving different roles in different cellular compartments, tissues, or organisms? Or does it have a unique biochemical mechanism of action that accounts for such apparently diverse roles in different physiological situations? To answer these questions, we have performed a systematic review of all primary publications where ApoD properties have been investigated in chordates. We conclude that ApoD ligand binding in the Lipocalin pocket, combined with an antioxidant activity performed at the rim of the pocket are properties sufficient to explain ApoD association with different lipid-based structures, where its physiological function is better described as lipid-management than by long-range lipid-transport. Controlling the redox state of these lipid structures in particular subcellular locations or extracellular structures, ApoD is able to modulate an enormous array of apparently diverse processes in the organism, both in health and disease. The new picture emerging from these data should help to put the physiological role of ApoD in new contexts and to inspire well-focused future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Sanchez
- Instituto de Biologia y Genetica Molecular, Unidad de Excelencia, Universidad de Valladolid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Maria D Ganfornina
- Instituto de Biologia y Genetica Molecular, Unidad de Excelencia, Universidad de Valladolid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Valladolid, Spain
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Seachrist DD, Anstine LJ, Keri RA. FOXA1: A Pioneer of Nuclear Receptor Action in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205205. [PMID: 34680352 PMCID: PMC8533709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The pioneering function of FOXA1 establishes estrogen-responsive transcriptomes in luminal breast cancer. Dysregulated FOXA1 chromatin occupancy through focal amplification, mutation, or cofactor recruitment modulates estrogen receptor (ER) transcriptional programs and drives endocrine-resistant disease. However, ER is not the sole nuclear receptor (NR) expressed in breast cancers, nor is it the only NR for which FOXA1 serves as a licensing factor. Receptors for androgens, glucocorticoids, and progesterone are also found in the majority of breast cancers, and their functions are also impacted by FOXA1. These NRs interface with ER transcriptional programs and, depending on their activation level, can reprogram FOXA1-ER cistromes. Thus, NR interplay contributes to endocrine therapy response and resistance and may provide a vulnerability for future therapeutic benefit in patients. Herein, we review what is known regarding FOXA1 regulation of NR function in breast cancer in the context of cell identity, endocrine resistance, and NR crosstalk in breast cancer progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcie D. Seachrist
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Lindsey J. Anstine
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ruth A. Keri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is pathologically defined by lack of expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 amplification and portends an aggressive clinical course with worse outcomes compared with other breast cancers. Until recently, standard treatment options consisted of sequential cytotoxic chemotherapies for both early and metastatic disease. Advances in sequencing technology have led to the identification of 4 main subtypes of TNBC based on recurrent genetic alterations, transcriptional patterns, and molecular features: basal-like 1 (BL1), basal-like 2 (BL2), mesenchymal (M), and luminal androgen receptor (LAR). Frequent alterations found in DNA damage response pathways, germline and somatic BRCA1/2 genes, PI3K signaling pathways, and the presence of androgen receptors and infiltrating immune cells could serve as actionable targets to optimize treatments and improve outcomes for patients with TNBC. Recent approvals for immune checkpoint inhibitors and the antibody-drug conjugate, sacituzumab govitecan-hziy, for advanced TNBC illustrate the advances in treatment that can result from these molecular discoveries. This review will explore the molecular subtypes of TNBC and their distinct characteristics, as well as highlight the molecular features and potential "drivers" that have been identified as promising targets for new treatment strategies.
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