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Sinevici N, Edmonds CE, Dontchos BN, Wang G, Lehman CD, Isakoff S, Mahmood U. A prospective study of HER3 expression pre and post neoadjuvant therapy of different breast cancer subtypes: implications for HER3 imaging therapy guidance. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:107. [PMID: 38951909 PMCID: PMC11218108 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE HER3, a member of the EGFR receptor family, plays a central role in driving oncogenic cell proliferation in breast cancer. Novel HER3 therapeutics are showing promising results while recently developed HER3 PET imaging modalities aid in predicting and assessing early treatment response. However, baseline HER3 expression, as well as changes in expression while on neoadjuvant therapy, have not been well-characterized. We conducted a prospective clinical study, pre- and post-neoadjuvant/systemic therapy, in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer to determine HER3 expression, and to identify possible resistance mechanisms maintained through the HER3 receptor. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The study was conducted between May 25, 2018 and October 12, 2019. Thirty-four patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer of any subtype (ER ± , PR ± , HER2 ±) were enrolled in the study. Two core biopsy specimens were obtained from each patient at the time of diagnosis. Four patients underwent a second research biopsy following initiation of neoadjuvant/systemic therapy or systemic therapy which we define as neoadjuvant therapy. Molecular characterization of HER3 and downstream signaling nodes of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways pre- and post-initiation of therapy was performed. Transcriptional validation of finings was performed in an external dataset (GSE122630). RESULTS Variable baseline HER3 expression was found in newly diagnosed breast cancer and correlated positively with pAKT across subtypes (r = 0.45). In patients receiving neoadjuvant/systemic therapy, changes in HER3 expression were variable. In a hormone receptor-positive (ER +/PR +/HER2-) patient, there was a statistically significant increase in HER3 expression post neoadjuvant therapy, while there was no significant change in HER3 expression in a ER +/PR +/HER2+ patient. However, both of these patients showed increased downstream signaling in the PI3K/AKT pathway. One subject with ER +/PR -/HER2- breast cancer and another subject with ER +/PR +/HER2 + breast cancer showed decreased HER3 expression. Transcriptomic findings, revealed an immune suppressive environment in patients with decreased HER3 expression post therapy. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates variable HER3 expression across breast cancer subtypes. HER3 expression can be assessed early, post-neoadjuvant therapy, providing valuable insight into cancer biology and potentially serving as a prognostic biomarker. Clinical translation of neoadjuvant therapy assessment can be achieved using HER3 PET imaging, offering real-time information on tumor biology and guiding personalized treatment for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Sinevici
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine E Edmonds
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian N Dontchos
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gary Wang
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Constance D Lehman
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven Isakoff
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, USA.
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Papa F, Grinda T, Rassy E, Cheickh-Hussin R, Ribeiro J, Antonuzzo L, Pistilli B. Long road towards effective HER3 targeting in breast cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102786. [PMID: 38885540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing multiple different subtypes. Thanks to the increasing knowledge of the diverse biological features of each subtype, most patients receive personalized treatment based on known biomarkers. However, the role of some biomarkers in breast cancer evolution is still unknown, and their potential use as a therapeutic target is still underexplored. HER3 is a member of the human epidermal growth factors receptor family, overexpressed in 50%-70% of breast cancers. HER3 plays a key role in cancer progression, metastasis development, and drug resistance across all the breast cancer subtypes. Owing to its critical role in cancer progression, many HER3-targeting therapies have been developed over the past decade with conflicting findings. Next-generation antibody-drug conjugates have recently shown promising results in solid tumors expressing HER3, including breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the HER3 role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and its relevance across all subtypes. We also explore the new anti-HER3 treatment strategies, calling into question the significance of HER3 detection as crucial information in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Papa
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Florence University, Italy
| | - Thomas Grinda
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Elie Rassy
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Joana Ribeiro
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Barbara Pistilli
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; INSERM U1279, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
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3
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Zhou YT, Chu JH, Zhao SH, Li GL, Fu ZY, Zhang SJ, Gao XH, Ma W, Shen K, Gao Y, Li W, Yin YM, Zhao C. Quantitative systems pharmacology modeling of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer for translational efficacy evaluation and combination assessment across therapeutic modalities. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1287-1304. [PMID: 38360930 PMCID: PMC11130324 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01232-9] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
HER2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is highly aggressive and a major threat to human health. Despite the significant improvement in patients' prognosis given the drug development efforts during the past several decades, many clinical questions still remain to be addressed such as efficacy when combining different therapeutic modalities, best treatment sequences, interindividual variability as well as resistance and potential coping strategies. To better answer these questions, we developed a mechanistic quantitative systems pharmacology model of the pathophysiology of HER2+ mBC that was extensively calibrated and validated against multiscale data to quantitatively predict and characterize the signal transduction and preclinical tumor growth kinetics under different therapeutic interventions. Focusing on the second-line treatment for HER2+ mBC, e.g., antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), small molecule inhibitors/TKI and chemotherapy, the model accurately predicted the efficacy of various drug combinations and dosing regimens at the in vitro and in vivo levels. Sensitivity analyses and subsequent heterogeneous phenotype simulations revealed important insights into the design of new drug combinations to effectively overcome various resistance scenarios in HER2+ mBC treatments. In addition, the model predicted a better efficacy of the new TKI plus ADC combination which can potentially reduce drug dosage and toxicity, while it also shed light on the optimal treatment ordering of ADC versus TKI plus capecitabine regimens, and these findings were validated by new in vivo experiments. Our model is the first that mechanistically integrates multiple key drug modalities in HER2+ mBC research and it can serve as a high-throughput computational platform to guide future model-informed drug development and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jia-Hui Chu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Shu-Han Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ge-Li Li
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215000, China
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zi-Yi Fu
- Department of Breast Disease Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Su-Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xue-Hu Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200245, China
| | - Wen Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Kai Shen
- Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai, 200245, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- QSPMed Technologies, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yong-Mei Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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4
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Liu H, Ruan S, Larsen ME, Tan C, Liu B, Lyu H. Trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells-derived tumor xenograft models exhibit distinct sensitivity to lapatinib treatment in vivo. Biol Proced Online 2023; 25:19. [PMID: 37370010 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-023-00212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to HER2-targeted therapies, including the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib, frequently occurs and currently represents a significant clinical challenge in the management of HER2-positive breast cancer. We previously showed that the trastuzumab-resistant SKBR3-pool2 and BT474-HR20 sublines were refractory to lapatinib in vitro as compared to the parental SKBR3 and BT474 cells, respectively. The in vivo efficacy of lapatinib against trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer remained unclear. RESULTS In tumor xenograft models, both SKBR3-pool2- and BT474-HR20-derived tumors retained their resistance phenotype to trastuzumab; however, those tumors responded differently to the treatment with lapatinib. While lapatinib markedly suppressed growth of SKBR3-pool2-derived tumors, it slightly attenuated BT474-HR20 tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that lapatinib neither affected the expression of HER3, nor altered the levels of phosphorylated HER3 and FOXO3a in vivo. Interestingly, lapatinib treatment significantly increased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and upregulated the expression of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) in the tumors-derived from BT474-HR20, but not SKBR3-pool2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated that SKBR3-pool2-derived tumors were highly sensitive to lapatinib treatment, whereas BT474-HR20 tumors exhibited resistance to lapatinib. It seemed that the inefficacy of lapatinib against BT474-HR20 tumors in vivo was attributed to lapatinib-induced upregulation of IRS1 and activation of Akt. Thus, the tumor xenograft models-derived from SKBR3-pool2 and BT474-HR20 cells serve as an excellent in vivo system to test the efficacy of other HER2-targeted therapies and novel agents to overcome trastuzumab resistance against HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital & Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sanbao Ruan
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Margaret E Larsen
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Congcong Tan
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Bolin Liu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Hui Lyu
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Oncology and Genetics, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center, 1700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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Lengyel CG, Habeeb BS, Altuna SC, Trapani D, Khan SZ, Hussain S. The Global Landscape on the Access to Cancer Medicines for Breast Cancer: The ONCOLLEGE Experience. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 188:353-368. [PMID: 38175353 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-33602-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing global debate over barriers affecting the timely access to innovative anticancer therapies. Access to medicines is often traced back to the issue of costs: however, more commonly, the distance between valuable innovative treatments and the actual treatment of patients is far beyond the mere problem of financial barriers. A comprehensive approach to understand, assess to medicines should be pursued, to dissect the determinants and formulate solutions for all patients. In this chapter, we discuss drivers of access to innovation for patients with breast cancer, based on a case study of access to HER2-diagnositcs and therapeutics yielding a global landscape analysis, based on the efforts and expertise of the global collaborative group "ONCOLLEGE".
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Baker Shalal Habeeb
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaqlawa Teaching Hospital, Shaqlawa, Erbil, 44005, Iraq
| | | | - Dario Trapani
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Shah Zeb Khan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Bannu Institute of Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy (BINOR), Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sadaqat Hussain
- Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK
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Cao JY, Qi S, Wu H, Wang AL, Liu QW, Li XX, Wang BL, Ge J, Zou FM, Chen C, Wang JJ, Hu C, Liu J, Wang WC, Liu QS. CHMFL-26 is a highly potent irreversible HER2 inhibitor for use in the treatment of HER2-positive and HER2-mutant cancers. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2678-2686. [PMID: 35228653 PMCID: PMC9525608 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00882-x] [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: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogene HER2 is amplified in 20%-25% of human breast cancers and 6.1%-23.0% of gastric cancers, and HER2-directed therapy significantly improves the outcome for patients with HER2-positive cancers. However, drug resistance is still a clinical challenge due to primary or acquired mutations and drug-induced negative regulatory feedback. In this study, we discovered a potent irreversible HER2 kinase inhibitor, CHMFL-26, which covalently targeted cysteine 805 of HER2 and effectively overcame the drug resistance caused by HER2 V777L, HER2 L755S, HER2 exon 20 insertions, and p95-HER2 truncation mutations. CHMFL-26 displayed potent antiproliferation efficacy against HER2-amplified and mutant cells through constant HER2-mediated signaling pathway inhibition and apoptosis induction. In addition, CHMFL-26 suppressed tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner in xenograft mouse models. Together, these results suggest that CHMFL-26 may be a potential novel anti-HER2 agent for overcoming drug resistance in HER2-positive cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Yan Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Shuang Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Ao-Li Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Qing-Wang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Xi-Xiang Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Bei-Lei Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Juan Ge
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Feng-Ming Zou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Chen Hu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Wen-Chao Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Qing-Song Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- Precision Medicine Research Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230088, China.
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The HER family as therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 174:103681. [PMID: 35462030 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER, ErbB) family has four members, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, HER3, and HER4. Although distinct in ligands and functions, all of the HER family members are receptor tyrosine kinases playing important roles in the pathogenesis of cancers. In the era of precision medicine, the HER family is one of the most important and successful cancer therapeutic targets, hallmarked by the approval of anti-EGFR therapies for the treatment of colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer, and anti-HER2 therapies for the treatment of breast cancer and gastric cancer. This review briefly discusses how HER family members were discovered, their functions and roles in cancer, and most importantly, the developmental history and recent updates of therapies targeting HER family members, with colorectal cancer as a focus. We also discussed the patient selection and drug resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Wehrenberg-Klee E, Sinevici N, Nesti S, Kalomeris T, Austin E, Larimer B, Mahmood U. HER3 PET Imaging Identifies Dynamic Changes in HER3 in Response to HER2 Inhibition with Lapatinib. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 23:930-940. [PMID: 34101105 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01619-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Standard therapy for HER2+ breast cancers includes HER2 inhibition. While HER2 inhibitors have significantly improved therapeutic outcomes, many patients remain resistant to therapy. An important intrinsic resistance mechanism to HER2 inhibition in some breast cancers is dynamic upregulation of HER3. Increase in HER3 expression that occurs in response to HER2 inhibition allows for continued growth signaling through HER2/HER3 heterodimers, promoting tumor escape. We hypothesized that a non-invasive method to image changes in HER3 expression would be valuable to identify those breast cancers that dynamically upregulate HER3 in response to HER2 inhibition. We further hypothesized that this imaging method could identify those tumors that would benefit by additional HER3 knockdown. PROCEDURES In a panel of HER2+ breast cancer cell lines treated with the HER2 inhibitor lapatinib, we evaluate changes in HER3 expression and viability. Mouse HER2+ breast cancer models treated with lapatinib were imaged with a peptide-based HER3-specific PET imaging agent [68Ga]HER3P1 to assess for dynamic changes in tumoral HER3 expression and uptake confirmed by biodistribution. Subsequently, HER2+ cell lines were treated with the HER2 inhibitor lapatinib as well HER3-specific siRNA to assess for changes in viability and correlate with HER3 expression upregulation. For all statistical comparisons, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Lapatinib treatment of a panel of HER2+ breast cancer cell lines increased HER3 expression in the lapatinib-resistant cell line MDA-MB 453 but not the lapatinib-resistant cell-line HCC-1569. Evaluation of [68Ga]HER3P1 uptake in mice implanted with the HER2+ breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB453 or HCC-1569 prior to and after treatment with lapatinib demonstrated a significant increase in MDA-MB453 tumors only, consistent with in vitro findings. The additional knockdown of HER3 increased therapeutic efficacy of lapatinib only in MDA-MB453 cells, but not in HCC-1569 cells. CONCLUSION HER3 PET imaging can be used to visualize dynamic changes in HER3 expression that occur in HER2+ breast cancers with HER2 inhibitor treatment and identify those likely to benefit by the addition of combination HER3 and HER2 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wehrenberg-Klee
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Suite 5.407, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Nicoleta Sinevici
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Suite 5.407, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Sarah Nesti
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Suite 5.407, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Taylor Kalomeris
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Suite 5.407, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Emily Austin
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Suite 5.407, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Benjamin Larimer
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Suite 5.407, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Suite 5.407, Boston, MA, 02129, USA.
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9
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Majumder A, Sandhu M, Banerji D, Steri V, Olshen A, Moasser MM. The role of HER2 and HER3 in HER2-amplified cancers beyond breast cancers. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9091. [PMID: 33907275 PMCID: PMC8079373 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88683-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
HER2 and HER3 play key driving functions in the pathophysiology of HER2-amplified breast cancers, but this function is less well characterized in other cancers driven by HER2 amplification. This study aimed to explore the role of HER2 and HER3 signaling in other types of HER2-amplified cancer. The expression and signaling activity of HER2, HER3, and downstream pathway proteins were studied in cell panels representing HER2-amplified cancers of the breast, bladder, colon and rectal, stomach, esophagus, lung, tongue, and endometrium along with controls lacking HER2 amplification. We report that HER2-amplified cancers are addicted to HER2 across different cancer types and the depth of addiction is best linked with the expression level of HER2, but not with HER3 expression. We report that the expression and constitutive phosphorylation of HER3 are ubiquitous in HER2-amplified breast cancer cell lines, but much more variable in HER2-amplified cancer cells from other tissues. We observed the lapatinib-induced compensatory upregulation of HER3 signaling in many types of HER2-amplified cancers, although with much variability. We find that HER3 expression is essential for in vivo tumorigenic growth in some HER2-amplified tumors but not others. Importantly HER3 expression level does not correlate well with its functional importance. More biomarkers will be needed to guide the optimal use of HER3 inhibitors in HER2-amplified cancers from non-breast origin. Unlike oncogenes activated through mutational events, the activation of HER2 through overexpression represents a gradient of activities and depth of addiction and the response to inhibitors follows a similar gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 3111, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Manbir Sandhu
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-3678, USA
| | - Debarko Banerji
- Genentech, Inc, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080-4990, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Adam Olshen
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Box 3111, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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10
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Sinevici N, Ataeinia B, Zehnder V, Lin K, Grove L, Heidari P, Mahmood U. HER3 Differentiates Basal From Claudin Type Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Contributes to Drug and Microenvironmental Induced Resistance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:554704. [PMID: 33330026 PMCID: PMC7715030 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.554704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of Breast Cancer (BC). Numerous kinase inhibitors (KI) targeting different pathway nodes have shown limited benefit in the clinical setting. In this study, we aim to characterize the extent of HER3 reliance and to define the effect of Neuregulin (NRG) isoforms in TNBCs. Basal and Claudin type TNBC cell lines were treated with a range of small molecule inhibitors, in the presence or absence of the HER3 ligand NRG. Single agent and combination therapy was also evaluated in human cancer cell lines through viability and biochemical assessment of the AKT/MAPK signaling pathway. We show that Basal (BT20, HCC-70, and MDA-MB-468) and Claudin type (MDA-MB-231, BT-549) TNBC cell lines displayed differential reliance on the HER family of receptors. Expression and dynamic HER3 upregulation was predominant in the Basal TNBC subtype. Furthermore, the presence of the natural ligand NRG showed potent signaling through the HER3-AKT pathway, significantly diminishing the efficacy of the AKT and PI3K inhibitors tested. We report that NRG augments the HER3 feedback mechanism for continued cell survival in TNBC. We demonstrate that combination strategies to effectively block the EGFR-HER3-AKT pathway are necessary to overcome compensatory mechanisms to NRG dependent and independent resistance mechanisms. Our findings suggests that the EGFR-HER3 heterodimer forms a major signaling hub and is a key player in tumorigenesis in Basal but not Claudin type TNBC tested. Thus, HER3 could potentially serve as a biomarker for identifying patients in which targeted therapy against the EGFR-HER3-AKT axis would be most valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Sinevici
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bahar Ataeinia
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Veronica Zehnder
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Lin
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren Grove
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pedram Heidari
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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11
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Kumar R, George B, Campbell MR, Verma N, Paul AM, Melo-Alvim C, Ribeiro L, Pillai MR, da Costa LM, Moasser MM. HER family in cancer progression: From discovery to 2020 and beyond. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 147:109-160. [PMID: 32593399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are among the first layer of molecules that receive, interpret, and transduce signals leading to distinct cancer cell phenotypes. Since the discovery of the tooth-lid factor-later characterized as the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-and its high-affinity binding EGF receptor, HER kinases have emerged as one of the commonly upregulated or hyperactivated or mutated kinases in epithelial tumors, thus allowing HER1-3 family members to regulate several hallmarks of cancer development and progression. Each member of the HER family exhibits shared and unique structural features to engage multiple receptor activation modes, leading to a range of overlapping and distinct phenotypes. EGFR, the founding HER family member, provided the roadmap for the development of the cell surface RTK-directed targeted cancer therapy by serving as a prototype/precursor for the currently used HER-directed cancer drugs. We herein provide a brief account of the discoveries, defining moments, and historical context of the HER family and guidepost advances in basic, translational, and clinical research that solidified a prominent position of the HER family in cancer research and treatment. We also discuss the significance of HER3 pseudokinase in cancer biology; its unique structural features that drive transregulation among HER1-3, leading to a superior proximal signaling response; and potential role of HER3 as a shared effector of acquired therapeutic resistance against diverse oncology drugs. Finally, we also narrate some of the current drawbacks of HER-directed therapies and provide insights into postulated advances in HER biology with extensive implications of these therapies in cancer research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States; Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Bijesh George
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Marcia R Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nandini Verma
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Mumbai, India
| | - Aswathy Mary Paul
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Cecília Melo-Alvim
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leonor Ribeiro
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M Radhakrishna Pillai
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Luis Marques da Costa
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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12
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Ahammad I, Sarker MRI, Khan AM, Islam S, Hossain M. Virtual Screening to Identify Novel Inhibitors of Pan ERBB Family of Proteins from Natural Products with Known Anti-tumorigenic Properties. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09992-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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13
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Chung YW, Kim S, Hong JH, Lee JK, Lee NW, Lee YS, Song JY. Overexpression of HER2/HER3 and clinical feature of ovarian cancer. J Gynecol Oncol 2019; 30:e75. [PMID: 31328457 PMCID: PMC6658608 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2019.30.e75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) and 3 (HER3) belong to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases. In this study, we assessed HER2/HER3 expression levels in specimens of epithelial ovarian cancer and determined their correlation with clinical features of ovarian cancer. METHODS Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were prepared from paraffin blocks of 105 ovarian tumour samples. HER2, HER3, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, S6, and p-S6 expression levels were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). HER2 and HER3 amplifications were determined using in situ hybridization (ISH). The correlation between HER2/3 expression and disease outcome of the patients including surgical outcome, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was analysed. RESULTS HER2 positivity was 3.8% by IHC and 5.7% by ISH, whereas that of HER3 was 12.4% and 8.6%, respectively. HER2 status by either IHC or ISH was not related to PFS (p=0.128, 0.168, respectively) and OS (p=0.245, 0.164, respectively). However, the HER3 status determined using fluorescence ISH was associated with poor PFS (p=0.035 on log rank test), which was a significant risk factor even after adjusting other possible risk factors in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio=2.377 [1.18-7.49], p=0.021). Expressions of Akt, p-mTOR, and S6 were also related with poor progression (p=0.008, 0.049, 0.014, respectively). CONCLUSION HER3 is possibly an independent marker for poor prognosis in individuals with ovarian cancer, as the HER3 signalling pathway is distinct from that of HER2. The possibility of targeted therapy for patients with HER3 alteration in ovarian cancer should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Won Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seongmin Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Hwa Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Kwan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nak Woo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Seok Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yun Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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14
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Black LE, Longo JF, Carroll SL. Mechanisms of Receptor Tyrosine-Protein Kinase ErbB-3 (ERBB3) Action in Human Neoplasia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1898-1912. [PMID: 31351986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (ERBB2)/human EGF receptor 2 (HER2), and, to a lesser extent, ERBB4/HER4, promote the pathogenesis of many types of human cancers. In contrast, the role that ERBB3/HER3, the fourth member of the ERBB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, plays in these diseases is poorly understood and, until recently, underappreciated. In large part, this was because early structural and functional studies suggested that ERBB3 had little, if any, intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and, thus, was unlikely to be an important therapeutic target. Since then, however, numerous publications have demonstrated an important role for ERBB3 in carcinogenesis, metastasis, and acquired drug resistance. Furthermore, somatic ERBB3 mutations are frequently encountered in many types of human cancers. Dysregulation of ERBB3 trafficking as well as cooperation with other receptor tyrosine kinases further enhance ERBB3's role in tumorigenesis and drug resistance. As a result of these advances in our understanding of the structure and biochemistry of ERBB3, and a growing focus on the development of precision and combinatorial therapeutic regimens, ERBB3 is increasingly considered to be an important therapeutic target in human cancers. In this review, we discuss the unique structural and functional features of ERBB3 and how this information is being used to develop effective new therapeutic agents that target ERBB3 in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel E Black
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jody F Longo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Steven L Carroll
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
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15
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Comparison of Antibodies for Immunohistochemistry-based Detection of HER3 in Breast Cancer. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2019; 26:212-219. [PMID: 27389555 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth factor receptor HER3 (ErbB3) lacks standardized immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based methods for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. We compared 4 different anti-HER3 antibodies to explain the differences found in the staining results reported in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four commercial HER3 antibodies were tested on FFPE samples including mouse monoclonal antibody clones, DAK-H3-IC and RTJ1, rabbit monoclonal antibody clone SP71, and rabbit polyclonal antibody (SAB4500793). Membranous and cytoplasmic staining patterns were analyzed and scored as 0, 1+, or 2+ according to the intensity of the staining and completeness of membranous and cytoplasmic staining. A large collection of HER2-amplified breast cancers (n=177) was stained with the best performing HER3 antibody. The breast cancer cell line, MDA-453, and human prostate tissue were used as positive controls. IHC results were confirmed by analysis of flow cytometry performed on breast cancer cell lines. Staining results of FFPE samples were compared with samples fixed with an epitope-sensitive fixative (PAXgene). RESULTS Clear circumferential cell membrane staining was found only with the HER3 antibody clone DAK-H3-IC. Other antibodies (RTJ1, SP71, and polyclonal) yielded uncertain and nonreproducible staining results. In addition to cell membrane staining, DAK-H3-IC was also localized to the cytoplasm, but no nuclear staining was observed. In HER2-amplified breast cancers, 80% of samples were classified as 1+ or 2+ according to the HER3 staining on the cell membrane. The results from FFPE cell line samples were comparable to those obtained from unfixed cells in flow cytometry. IHC conducted on FFPE samples and on PAXgene-fixed samples showed equivalent results. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that IHC with the monoclonal antibody, DAK-H3-IC, on FFPE samples is a reliable staining method for use in translational research. Assessment of membranous HER3 expression may be clinically relevant in selecting patients who may most benefit from pertuzumab or other novel anti-HER3 therapies.
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16
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Luhtala S, Staff S, Kallioniemi A, Tanner M, Isola J. Clinicopathological and prognostic correlations of HER3 expression and its degradation regulators, NEDD4-1 and NRDP1, in primary breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1045. [PMID: 30367623 PMCID: PMC6204010 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4917-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human epidermal growth factor receptor HER3 (ErbB3), especially in association with its relative HER2 (ErbB2), is known as a key oncogene in breast tumour biology. Nonetheless, the prognostic relevance of HER3 remains controversial. NEDD4–1 and NRDP1 are signalling molecules closely related to the degradation of HER3 via ubiquitination. NEDD4–1 and NRDP1 have been reported to contribute to HER3-mediated signalling by regulating its localization and cell membrane retention. We studied correlations between HER3, NEDD4–1, and NRDP1 protein expression and their association with tumour histopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes. Methods The prevalence of immunohistochemically detectable expression profiles of HER3 (n = 177), NEDD4–1 (n = 145), and NRDP1 (n = 145) proteins was studied in primary breast carcinomas on archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Clinicopathological correlations were determined statistically using Pearson’s Chi-Square test. The Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test (Mantel-Cox), and Cox regression analysis were utilized for survival analysis. Results HER3 protein was expressed in breast carcinomas without association with HER2 gene amplification status. Absence or low HER3 expression correlated with clinically aggressive features, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) phenotype, basal cell origin (cytokeratin 5/14 expression combined with ER negativity), large tumour size, and positive lymph node status. Low total HER3 expression was prognostic for shorter recurrence-free survival time in HER2-amplified breast cancer (p = 0.004, p = 0.020 in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively). The majority (82.8%) of breast cancers demonstrated NEDD4–1 protein expression - while only a minor proportion (8.3%) of carcinomas expressed NRDP1. NEDD4–1 and NRDP1 expression were not associated with clinical outcomes in HER2-amplified breast cancer, irrespective of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy. Conclusions Low HER3 expression is suggested to be a valuable prognostic biomarker to predict recurrence in HER2-amplified breast cancer. Neither NEDD4–1 nor NRDP1 demonstrated relevance in prognostics or in the subclassification of HER2-amplified breast carcinomas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4917-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Luhtala
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Synnöve Staff
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anne Kallioniemi
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Minna Tanner
- Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jorma Isola
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
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17
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Gu S, Ngamcherdtrakul W, Reda M, Hu Z, Gray JW, Yantasee W. Lack of acquired resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer cells after long-term HER2 siRNA nanoparticle treatment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198141. [PMID: 29879129 PMCID: PMC5991725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic and acquired resistance to current HER2 targeted therapies remains a challenge in clinics. We have developed a therapeutic HER2 siRNA delivered using mesoporous silica nanoparticles modified with polymers and conjugated with HER2 targeting antibodies. Our previous studies have shown that our HER2 siRNA nanoparticles could overcome intrinsic and acquired resistance to trastuzumab and lapatinib in HER2-positive breast cancers. In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term (7 months) treatment using our therapeutic HER2 siRNA. Even after the removal of HER2 siRNA, the long-term treated cells grew much slower (67% increase in doubling time) than cells that have not received any treatment. The treated cells did not undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition or showed enrichment of tumor initiating cells. Unlike trastuzumab and lapatinib, which induced resistance in BT474 cells after 6 months of treatment, HER2 siRNA did not induce resistance to HER2 siRNA, trastuzumab, or lapatinib. HER2 ablation with HER2 siRNA prevented reactivation of HER2 signaling that was observed in cells resistant to lapatinib. Altogether, our results indicate that a HER2 siRNA based therapeutic provides a more durable inhibition of HER2 signaling in vitro and can potentially be more effective than the existing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenda Gu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Worapol Ngamcherdtrakul
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Moataz Reda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Zhi Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Joe W. Gray
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Wassana Yantasee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Kodack DP, Askoxylakis V, Ferraro GB, Sheng Q, Badeaux M, Goel S, Qi X, Shankaraiah R, Cao ZA, Ramjiawan RR, Bezwada D, Patel B, Song Y, Costa C, Naxerova K, Wong CSF, Kloepper J, Das R, Tam A, Tanboon J, Duda DG, Miller CR, Siegel MB, Anders CK, Sanders M, Estrada MV, Schlegel R, Arteaga CL, Brachtel E, Huang A, Fukumura D, Engelman JA, Jain RK. The brain microenvironment mediates resistance in luminal breast cancer to PI3K inhibition through HER3 activation. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/391/eaal4682. [PMID: 28539475 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal4682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although targeted therapies are often effective systemically, they fail to adequately control brain metastases. In preclinical models of breast cancer that faithfully recapitulate the disparate clinical responses in these microenvironments, we observed that brain metastases evade phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition despite drug accumulation in the brain lesions. In comparison to extracranial disease, we observed increased HER3 expression and phosphorylation in brain lesions. HER3 blockade overcame the resistance of HER2-amplified and/or PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer brain metastases to PI3K inhibitors, resulting in marked tumor growth delay and improvement in mouse survival. These data provide a mechanistic basis for therapeutic resistance in the brain microenvironment and identify translatable treatment strategies for HER2-amplified and/or PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Kodack
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vasileios Askoxylakis
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Gino B Ferraro
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Qing Sheng
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mark Badeaux
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shom Goel
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ram Shankaraiah
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Z Alexander Cao
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rakesh R Ramjiawan
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Divya Bezwada
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bhushankumar Patel
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yongchul Song
- Department of Medicine, MGH Cancer Center and HMS, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Carlotta Costa
- Department of Medicine, MGH Cancer Center and HMS, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kamila Naxerova
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christina S F Wong
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonas Kloepper
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rita Das
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Angela Tam
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Dan G Duda
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - C Ryan Miller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Marni B Siegel
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Carey K Anders
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Melinda Sanders
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Monica V Estrada
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Robert Schlegel
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Carlos L Arteaga
- Departments of Medicine and Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Elena Brachtel
- Department of Pathology, MGH and HMS, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alan Huang
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Engelman
- Department of Medicine, MGH Cancer Center and HMS, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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19
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Shi Y, Chen X, Xi B, Yu X, Ouyang J, Han C, Qin Y, Wu D, Shen H. SNP rs3202538 in 3'UTR region of ErbB3 regulated by miR-204 and miR-211 promote gastric cancer development in Chinese population. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:81. [PMID: 28924391 PMCID: PMC5599891 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0449-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims ErbB3 is an oncogene which has proliferation and metastasis promotion effects by several signaling pathways. However, the individual expression difference regulated by miRNA was almost still unknown. We focused on the miRNAs associated SNPs in the 3′-UTR of ErbB3 to investigate the further relationship of the SNPs with miRNAs among Chinese gastric cancer (GC) patients. Methods We performed case–control study including 851 GC patients and 799 cancer-free controls. Genotyping, real-time PCR assay, cell transfection, the dual luciferase reporter assay, western-blot, cell proliferation and trans-well based cell invasion assay were used to investigate the effects of the SNP on ErbB3 expression. Moreover, a 5-years-overall survival and relapse free survival were investigated between different genotypes. Results We found that patients suffering from Helicobacter pylori (Hp.) infection indicated to be the susceptible population by comparing with controls. Besides, SNP rs3202538 (G/T) in ErbB3 3′-UTR was involved in the occurrence of GC by acting as tumor risk factors. SNP rs3202538 (G/T) could be regulated by both miR-204 and miR-211 which caused an upregulation of ErbB3 in patients. Furthermore, the carriers of T genotype was related to the significantly high expression of ErbB3, and to big tumor size, poor differentiation as well as the high probability of metastasis. Both miR-211 and miR-204 can significantly decrease cell proliferation, metastasis as well as downstream AKT activation through G but not T allele of ErbB3 3′UTR. Moreover, the SNP of G/T was associated with shorter survival of post-surgery GC patients with 5 years of follow up study. Conclusion In conclusion, our findings have shown that the SNP rs3202538 (G/T) in ErbB3 3′-UTR acted as promotion factors in the GC development through disrupting the regulatory role of miR-204 and miR-211 in ErbB3 expression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12935-017-0449-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxiang Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang Affiliated Hosptial of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang Affiliated Hosptial of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Biao Xi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang Affiliated Hosptial of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaowen Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang Affiliated Hosptial of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jun Ouyang
- College of Jingjiang, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Chunxia Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang Affiliated Hosptial of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yucheng Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang Affiliated Hosptial of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Defeng Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang Affiliated Hosptial of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of TCM, Nanjing, China
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Hayes DA, Kunde DA, Taylor RL, Pyecroft SB, Sohal SS, Snow ET. ERBB3: A potential serum biomarker for early detection and therapeutic target for devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177919. [PMID: 28591206 PMCID: PMC5462353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Devil Facial Tumour 1 (DFT1) is one of two transmissible neoplasms of Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) predominantly affecting their facial regions. DFT1's cellular origin is that of Schwann cell lineage where lesions are evident macroscopically late in the disease. Conversely, the pre-clinical timeframe from cellular transmission to appearance of DFT1 remains uncertain demonstrating the importance of an effective pre-clinical biomarker. We show that ERBB3, a marker expressed normally by the developing neural crest and Schwann cells, is immunohistohemically expressed by DFT1, therefore the potential of ERBB3 as a biomarker was explored. Under the hypothesis that serum ERBB3 levels may increase as DFT1 invades local and distant tissues our pilot study determined serum ERBB3 levels in normal Tasmanian devils and Tasmanian devils with DFT1. Compared to the baseline serum ERBB3 levels in unaffected Tasmanian devils, Tasmanian devils with DFT1 showed significant elevation of serum ERBB3 levels. Interestingly Tasmanian devils with cutaneous lymphoma (CL) also showed elevation of serum ERBB3 levels when compared to the baseline serum levels of Tasmanian devils without DFT1. Thus, elevated serum ERBB3 levels in otherwise healthy looking devils could predict possible DFT1 or CL in captive or wild devil populations and would have implications on the management, welfare and survival of Tasmanian devils. ERBB3 is also a therapeutic target and therefore the potential exists to consider modes of administration that may eradicate DFT1 from the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dane A. Hayes
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks Water and Environment, Animal Health Laboratory, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dale A. Kunde
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Robyn L. Taylor
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks Water and Environment, Resource Management and Conservation, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Stephen B. Pyecroft
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Elizabeth T. Snow
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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21
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78495111110.3390/cancers9050052" />
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is commonly upregulated in cancers such as in non-small-cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. Various mechanisms mediate the upregulation of EGFR activity, including common mutations and truncations to its extracellular domain, such as in the EGFRvIII truncations, as well as to its kinase domain, such as the L858R and T790M mutations, or the exon 19 truncation. These EGFR aberrations over-activate downstream pro-oncogenic signaling pathways, including the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK MAPK and AKT-PI3K-mTOR pathways. These pathways then activate many biological outputs that are beneficial to cancer cell proliferation, including their chronic initiation and progression through the cell cycle. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms that regulate EGFR signal transduction, including the EGFR structure and its mutations, ligand binding and EGFR dimerization, as well as the signaling pathways that lead to G1 cell cycle progression. We focus on the induction of CYCLIN D expression, CDK4/6 activation, and the repression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor proteins (CDKi) by EGFR signaling pathways. We also discuss the successes and challenges of EGFR-targeted therapies, and the potential for their use in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
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22
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Wee P, Wang Z. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Cell Proliferation Signaling Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9050052. [PMID: 28513565 PMCID: PMC5447962 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 999] [Impact Index Per Article: 142.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is commonly upregulated in cancers such as in non-small-cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. Various mechanisms mediate the upregulation of EGFR activity, including common mutations and truncations to its extracellular domain, such as in the EGFRvIII truncations, as well as to its kinase domain, such as the L858R and T790M mutations, or the exon 19 truncation. These EGFR aberrations over-activate downstream pro-oncogenic signaling pathways, including the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK MAPK and AKT-PI3K-mTOR pathways. These pathways then activate many biological outputs that are beneficial to cancer cell proliferation, including their chronic initiation and progression through the cell cycle. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms that regulate EGFR signal transduction, including the EGFR structure and its mutations, ligand binding and EGFR dimerization, as well as the signaling pathways that lead to G1 cell cycle progression. We focus on the induction of CYCLIN D expression, CDK4/6 activation, and the repression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor proteins (CDKi) by EGFR signaling pathways. We also discuss the successes and challenges of EGFR-targeted therapies, and the potential for their use in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wee
- Department of Medical Genetics and Signal Transduction Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Zhixiang Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Signal Transduction Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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23
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Karachaliou N, Lazzari C, Verlicchi A, Sosa AE, Rosell R. HER3 as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. BioDrugs 2017; 31:63-73. [PMID: 28000159 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-016-0205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeting members of the human epidermal growth factor receptor family, especially EGFR and HER2, has been an established strategy for the treatment of tumors with abnormally activated receptors due to overexpression, mutation, ligand-dependent receptor dimerization and ligand-independent activation. Less attention has been paid to the oncogenic activity of HER3, although there is growing evidence that it mediates resistance to EGFR and HER2 pathway directed therapies. The main caveat for the development of effective HER3 targeted therapies is the absence of a strong enzymatic activity to target, as well as the limited potential for single-agent activity. In this review, we highlight the role of HER3 in cancer and, more specifically, in lung cancer. The basis for HER3 involvement in HER2 resistance and EGFR inhibition is discussed, as well as current pharmacologic strategies to combat HER3 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Karachaliou
- Medical Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology Rosell (IOR), University Hospital Sagrat Cor, C/Viladomat 288, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Chiara Lazzari
- Departmemt of Oncology, Division of Experimental Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Aaron E Sosa
- Medical Oncology Department, Institute of Oncology Rosell (IOR), University Hospital Sagrat Cor, C/Viladomat 288, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Rosell
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Badalona, Spain.,Catalan Institute of Oncology, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Badalona, Spain
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24
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Lyu H, Yang XH, Edgerton SM, Thor AD, Wu X, He Z, Liu B. The erbB3- and IGF-1 receptor-initiated signaling pathways exhibit distinct effects on lapatinib sensitivity against trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:2921-35. [PMID: 26621843 PMCID: PMC4823081 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Both erbB3 and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) have been shown to play an important role in trastuzumab resistance. However, it remains unclear whether erbB3- and IGF-1R-initiated signaling pathways possess distinct effects on the sensitivity of lapatinib, a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor against both EGFR and erbB2, in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer. Here, we show that the trastuzumab-resistant SKBR3-pool2 and BT474-HR20 breast cancer sublines, as compared the parental SKBR3 and BT474 cells, respectively, exhibit refractoriness to lapatinib. Knockdown of erbB3 inhibited Akt in SKBR3-pool2 and BT474-HR20 cells, significantly increased lapatinib efficacy, and dramatically re-sensitized the cells to lapatinib-induced apoptosis. In contrast, specific knockdown of IGF-1R did not alter the cells' responsiveness to lapatinib. While the levels of phosphorylated Src (P-Src) were reduced upon IGF-1R downregulation, the P-Akt levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, a specific inhibitor of Akt, but not Src, significantly enhanced lapatinib-mediated anti-proliferative/anti-survival effects on SKBR3-pool2 and BT474-HR20 cells. These data indicate that erbB3 signaling is critical for both trastuzumab and lapatinib resistances mainly through the PI-3K/Akt pathway, whereas IGF-1R-initiated Src activation results in trastuzumab resistance without affecting lapatinib sensitivity. Our findings may facilitate the development of precision therapeutic regimens for erbB2-positive breast cancer patients who become resistant to erbB2-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lyu
- Cancer Research Institute and Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Xiao He Yang
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Susan M Edgerton
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ann D Thor
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhimin He
- Cancer Research Institute and Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bolin Liu
- Cancer Research Institute and Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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25
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Amin DN, Ruiz-Saenz A, Gulizia N, Moasser MM. Chemical probing of HER2-amplified cancer cells identifies TORC2 as a particularly effective secondary target for combination with lapatinib. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41123-33. [PMID: 26516700 PMCID: PMC4747394 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical impact of HER2 inhibitors in the treatment of HER2-amplified breast cancers has been largely confined to chemotherapy combination regimens, since HER2 inhibitors appear to have very modest efficacies by themselves. This is due to the resilient nature of the functionally relevant HER2-HER3 tumor driver, bidirectionally linked with downstream PI3K/Akt pathway signaling, which can break through the inhibitory effects of most current HER2 or HER3 targeting therapies. A vertical combination approach targeting HER2 and a downstream pathway is a highly rational strategy for much more effective targeted therapy of this disease. However the importance of these downstream pathways in many human tissues and cells significant limits their usefulness as secondary targets by narrowing the therapeutic index of such combination therapies. The secondary target that can afford the highest potential for clinical translation is the one with the highest synergy against tumor cells in combination with HER2-inhibition, allowing the widest therapeutic index for clinical translation. We conducted a comparative analysis of such secondary targets in combination with the HER2 inhibitor lapatinib and find that the inhibition of mTor affords the highest degree of synergy. In further dissecting the individual roles of TORC1 and TORC2 complexes using pharmacologic and genetic tools, we find that it is specifically the inactivation of TORC2 that most synergistically enhances the efficacy of lapatinib. Although inhibitors that selectively target TORC2 are not currently available, these data make a compelling case for their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhara N Amin
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz-Saenz
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nathaniel Gulizia
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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26
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Le Clorennec C, Lazrek Y, Dubreuil O, Larbouret C, Poul MA, Mondon P, Melino G, Pèlegrin A, Chardès T. The anti-HER3 (ErbB3) therapeutic antibody 9F7-F11 induces HER3 ubiquitination and degradation in tumors through JNK1/2- dependent ITCH/AIP4 activation. Oncotarget 2016; 7:37013-37029. [PMID: 27203743 PMCID: PMC5095055 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We characterized the mechanism of action of the neuregulin-non-competitive anti-HER3 therapeutic antibody 9F7-F11 that blocks the PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro and regression of pancreatic and breast cancer in vivo. We found that 9F7-F11 induces rapid HER3 down-regulation. Specifically, 9F7-F11-induced HER3 ubiquitination and degradation in pancreatic, breast and prostate cancer cell lines was driven mainly by the itchy E3 ubiquitin ligase (ITCH/AIP4). Overexpression of the ITCH/AIP4 inhibitor N4BP1 or small-interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of ITCH/AIP4 inhibited HER3 ubiquitination/degradation and PI3K/AKT signaling blockade induced by 9F7-F11. Moreover, 9F7-F11-mediated JNK1/2 phosphorylation led to ITCH/AIP4 activation and recruitment to HER3 for receptor ubiquitination and degradation. ITCH/AIP4 activity was activated by the deubiquitinases USP8 and USP9X, as demonstrated by RNA interference. Taken together, our results suggest that 9F7-F11-induced HER3 ubiquitination and degradation in cancer cells mainly occurs through JNK1/2-dependent ITCH/AIP4 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Le Clorennec
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- INSERM, U1194 Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- ICM, Institut Régional du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Yassamine Lazrek
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- INSERM, U1194 Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- ICM, Institut Régional du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- Millegen SA, Labège, F-31670, France
- Institut Pasteur de Guyane, BP 6010, 97306, Cayenne Cedex, France
| | - Olivier Dubreuil
- Millegen SA, Labège, F-31670, France
- GamaMabs Pharma SA, Centre Pierre Potier, ONCOPOLE, BP 50624, France
| | - Christel Larbouret
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- INSERM, U1194 Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- ICM, Institut Régional du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Marie-Alix Poul
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- INSERM, U1194 Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- ICM, Institut Régional du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Philippe Mondon
- Millegen SA, Labège, F-31670, France
- LFB Biotechnologies, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Gerry Melino
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Instituto Dermopatico Dell'Immacolata, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” 00133 Rome, Italy
- Toxicology Unit, Medical Research Council, Leicester University, Leicester LE1 9HN, United Kingdom
| | - André Pèlegrin
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- INSERM, U1194 Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- ICM, Institut Régional du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
| | - Thierry Chardès
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- INSERM, U1194 Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
- ICM, Institut Régional du Cancer Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France
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27
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Kirouac DC, Du J, Lahdenranta J, Onsum MD, Nielsen UB, Schoeberl B, McDonagh CF. HER2+ Cancer Cell Dependence on PI3K vs. MAPK Signaling Axes Is Determined by Expression of EGFR, ERBB3 and CDKN1B. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1004827. [PMID: 27035903 PMCID: PMC4818107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular pathways by which oncogenes drive cancerous cell growth, and how dependence on such pathways varies between tumors could be highly valuable for the design of anti-cancer treatment strategies. In this work we study how dependence upon the canonical PI3K and MAPK cascades varies across HER2+ cancers, and define biomarkers predictive of pathway dependencies. A panel of 18 HER2+ (ERBB2-amplified) cell lines representing a variety of indications was used to characterize the functional and molecular diversity within this oncogene-defined cancer. PI3K and MAPK-pathway dependencies were quantified by measuring in vitro cell growth responses to combinations of AKT (MK2206) and MEK (GSK1120212; trametinib) inhibitors, in the presence and absence of the ERBB3 ligand heregulin (NRG1). A combination of three protein measurements comprising the receptors EGFR, ERBB3 (HER3), and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 (CDKN1B) was found to accurately predict dependence on PI3K/AKT vs. MAPK/ERK signaling axes. Notably, this multivariate classifier outperformed the more intuitive and clinically employed metrics, such as expression of phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK, and PI3K pathway mutations (PIK3CA, PTEN, and PIK3R1). In both cell lines and primary patient samples, we observed consistent expression patterns of these biomarkers varies by cancer indication, such that ERBB3 and CDKN1B expression are relatively high in breast tumors while EGFR expression is relatively high in other indications. The predictability of the three protein biomarkers for differentiating PI3K/AKT vs. MAPK dependence in HER2+ cancers was confirmed using external datasets (Project Achilles and GDSC), again out-performing clinically used genetic markers. Measurement of this minimal set of three protein biomarkers could thus inform treatment, and predict mechanisms of drug resistance in HER2+ cancers. More generally, our results show a single oncogenic transformation can have differing effects on cell signaling and growth, contingent upon the molecular and cellular context. Biomarkers capable of accurately predicting patient responses to alternate therapies are critical to realizing the vision of precision medicine. Identifying such biomarkers is, however, challenging due to the inherent complexity of biological networks. Here we sought to identify molecular features that predict how a genetically defined subset of cancers (HER2+) differentially depend on two oncogenic signaling pathways, the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK cascades. We find that combined measurement of three non-intuitive proteins (EGFR, ERBB3, and CDKN1B) accurately predicts cellular dependence on these signaling pathways, and responsiveness to drugs targeting their constituents. Notably, this three-biomarker model outperformed both biological intuition (phosho-AKT and phospho-ERK) and current clinical practice (PIK3CA mutations). More broadly, this exemplifies how the functional consequences of a single oncogenic driver (HER2) can depend upon molecular and cellular context. Expression of these markers also varies by indication, such that breast cancers are biased toward PI3K-dependnece, while non-breast indications (lung, ovarian, and gastric) are particularly MAPK-dependent, and thus may respond differently to therapeutic strategies developed for breast cancer. Together, we believe that our results will aid the design of novel, stratified treatment strategies for HER2+ disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Kirouac
- Discovery, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jinyan Du
- Discovery, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Johanna Lahdenranta
- Discovery, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew D Onsum
- Discovery, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ulrik B Nielsen
- Discovery, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Birgit Schoeberl
- Discovery, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Charlotte F McDonagh
- Discovery, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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28
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Amin DN, Ahuja D, Yaswen P, Moasser MM. A TORC2-Akt Feed-Forward Topology Underlies HER3 Resiliency in HER2-Amplified Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:2805-17. [PMID: 26438156 PMCID: PMC4674361 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The requisite role of HER3 in HER2-amplified cancers is beyond what would be expected as a dimerization partner or effector substrate and it exhibits a substantial degree of resiliency that mitigates the effects of HER2-inhibitor therapies. To better understand the roots of this resiliency, we conducted an in-depth chemical-genetic interrogation of the signaling network downstream of HER3. A unique attribute of these tumors is the deregulation of TORC2. The upstream signals that ordinarily maintain TORC2 signaling are lost in these tumors, and instead TORC2 is driven by Akt. We find that in these cancers HER3 functions as a buffering arm of an Akt-TORC2 feed-forward loop that functions as a self-perpetuating module. This network topology alters the role of HER3 from a conditionally engaged ligand-driven upstream physiologic signaling input to an essential component of a concentric signaling throughput highly competent at preservation of homeostasis. The competence of this signaling topology is evident in its response to perturbation at any of its nodes. Thus, a critical pathophysiologic event in the evolution of HER2-amplified cancers is the loss of the input signals that normally drive TORC2 signaling, repositioning it under Akt dependency, and fundamentally altering the role of HER3. This reprogramming of the downstream network topology is a key aspect in the pathogenesis of HER2-amplified cancers and constitutes a formidable barrier in the targeted therapy of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhara N Amin
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Deepika Ahuja
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Paul Yaswen
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California.
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29
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Humtsoe JO, Pham E, Louie RJ, Chan DA, Kramer RH. ErbB3 upregulation by the HNSCC 3D microenvironment modulates cell survival and growth. Oncogene 2015; 35:1554-64. [PMID: 26073080 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous carcinomas (HNSCC) present as dense epithelioid three-dimensional (3D) tumor nests that can mediate signals via the human epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) tyrosine kinase family to promote intratumoral survival and growth. We examined the role of the tumor microenvironment on ErbB receptor family expression and found that the status of intercellular organization altered the receptor profile. We showed that HNSCC cells forced into tumor island-like 3D aggregates strongly upregulated ErbB3 at the level of transcription. Not only was the elevated ErbB3 responsive to HRG-β1-induced enhanced signaling mechanism, but also analysis by siRNA-knockdown and kinase inhibitor strategies revealed that the ErbB3/AKT signaling pathway was sufficient to enhance tumor cell survival and growth potential. Elevated ErbB3 expression in the high-density 3D culture system was strongly associated with hypoxia-induced HIF-1α. Hypoxia-regulated ErbB3 expression was mediated by the HIF-1α-binding consensus sequence in the ErbB3 proximal promoter. The findings show that the local 3D tumor microenvironment can trigger reprograming and switching of ErbB family members and thereby influence ErbB3-driven tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Humtsoe
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - E Pham
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - R J Louie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D A Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - R H Kramer
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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30
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Trono P, Di Modugno F, Circo R, Spada S, Di Benedetto A, Melchionna R, Palermo B, Matteoni S, Soddu S, Mottolese M, De Maria R, Nisticò P. hMENA(11a) contributes to HER3-mediated resistance to PI3K inhibitors in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2015; 35:887-96. [PMID: 25961924 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human Mena (hMENA), an actin regulatory protein of the ENA/VASP family, cooperates with ErbB receptor family signaling in breast cancer. It is overexpressed in high-risk preneoplastic lesions and in primary breast tumors where it correlates with HER2 overexpression and an activated status of AKT and MAPK. The concomitant overexpression of hMENA and HER2 in breast cancer patients is indicative of a worse prognosis. hMENA is expressed along with alternatively expressed isoforms, hMENA(11a) and hMENAΔv6 with opposite functions. A novel role for the epithelial-associated hMENA(11a) isoform in sustaining HER3 activation and pro-survival pathways in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells has been identified by reverse phase protein array and validated in vivo in a series of breast cancer tissues. As HER3 activation is crucial in mechanisms of cell resistance to PI3K inhibitors, we explored whether hMENA(11a) is involved in these resistance mechanisms. The specific hMENA(11a) depletion switched off the HER3-related pathway activated by PI3K inhibitors and impaired the nuclear accumulation of HER3 transcription factor FOXO3a induced by PI3K inhibitors, whereas PI3K inhibitors activated hMENA(11a) phosphorylation and affected its localization. At the functional level, we found that hMENA(11a) sustains cell proliferation and survival in response to PI3K inhibitor treatment, whereas hMENA(11a) silencing increases molecules involved in cancer cell apoptosis. As shown in three-dimensional cultures, hMENA(11a) contributes to resistance to PI3K inhibition because its depletion drastically reduced cell viability upon treatment with PI3K inhibitor BEZ235. Altogether, these results indicate that hMENA(11a) in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells sustains HER3/AKT axis activation and contributes to HER3-mediated resistance mechanisms to PI3K inhibitors. Thus, hMENA(11a) expression can be proposed as a marker of HER3 activation and resistance to PI3K inhibition therapies, to select patients who may benefit from these combined targeted treatments. hMENA(11a) activity could represent a new target for antiproliferative therapies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Trono
- Laboratory of Immunology, Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - F Di Modugno
- Laboratory of Immunology, Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - R Circo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - S Spada
- Laboratory of Immunology, Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Di Benedetto
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - R Melchionna
- Laboratory of Immunology, Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - B Palermo
- Laboratory of Immunology, Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Matteoni
- Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - S Soddu
- Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mottolese
- Department of Pathology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - R De Maria
- Scientific Direction, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - P Nisticò
- Laboratory of Immunology, Experimental Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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31
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Ruiz-Saenz A, Sandhu M, Carrasco Y, Maglathlin RL, Taunton J, Moasser MM. Targeting HER3 by interfering with its Sec61-mediated cotranslational insertion into the endoplasmic reticulum. Oncogene 2015; 34:5288-94. [PMID: 25619841 PMCID: PMC4515412 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence implicating HER3 in several types of cancer. But the development of targeted therapies to inactivate HER3 function has been a challenging endeavor. Its kinase domain functions in allostery not catalysis, and the classical ATP-analog class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors fail to inactivate it. Here we describe a novel approach that eliminates HER3 expression. The small-molecule cotransin CT8 binds the Sec61 translocon and prevents the signal peptide of the nascent HER3 protein from initiating its cotranslational translocation, resulting in the degradation of HER3 but not the other HER proteins. CT8 treatment suppresses the induction of HER3 that accompanies lapatinib treatment of HER2-amplified cancers and synergistically enhances the apoptotic effects of lapatinib. The target selectivities of cotransins are highly dependent on their structure and the signal sequence of targeted proteins and can be narrowed through structure-function studies. Targeting Sec61-dependent processing identifies a novel strategy to eliminate HER3 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruiz-Saenz
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Sandhu
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Y Carrasco
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - R L Maglathlin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J Taunton
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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32
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Miller MJ, Foy KC, Overholser JP, Nahta R, Kaumaya PT. HER-3 peptide vaccines/mimics: Combined therapy with IGF-1R, HER-2, and HER-1 peptides induces synergistic antitumor effects against breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e956012. [PMID: 25941588 DOI: 10.4161/21624011.2014.956012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER-3/ErbB3) is a unique member of the human epidermal growth factor family of receptors, because it lacks intrinsic kinase activity and ability to heterodimerize with other members. HER-3 is frequently upregulated in cancers with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER-1/ErbB1) or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2/ErBB2) overexpression, and targeting HER-3 may provide a route for overcoming resistance to agents that target EGFR or HER-2. We have previously developed vaccines and peptide mimics for HER-1, HER-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In this study, we extend our studies by identifying and evaluating novel HER-3 peptide epitopes encompassing residues 99-122, 140-162, 237-269 and 461-479 of the HER-3 extracellular domain as putative B-cell epitopes for active immunotherapy against HER-3 positive cancers. We show that the HER-3 vaccine antibodies and HER-3 peptide mimics induced antitumor responses: inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, inhibition of receptor phosphorylation, induction of apoptosis and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Two of the HER-3 epitopes 237-269 (domain II) and 461-479 (domain III) significantly inhibited growth of xenografts originating from both pancreatic (BxPC3) and breast (JIMT-1) cancers. Combined therapy of HER-3 (461-471) epitope with HER-2 (266-296), HER-2 (597-626), HER-1 (418-435) and insulin-like growth factor receptor type I (IGF-1R) (56-81) vaccine antibodies and peptide mimics show enhanced antitumor effects in breast and pancreatic cancer cells. This study establishes the hypothesis that combination immunotherapy targeting different signal transduction pathways can provide effective antitumor immunity and long-term control of HER-1 and HER-2 overexpressing cancers.
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Key Words
- ADCC, antibody dependent, cellular cytotoxicity
- Antibodies
- ECD, extracellular domain
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- FDA, Federal Drug Administration
- HER-1
- HER-1 (EGFR or ErbB1), human epidermal growth factor receptor
- HER-2
- HER-2 (ErbB2), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- HER-3 (ErbB3), human epidermal growth factor receptor 3
- HER-3 (erbb3)
- HER-4 (ErbB4), human epidermal growth factor receptor 4
- HPLC, high-pressure liquid chromatography
- IGF-1R
- Immunotherapy
- MALDI, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
- MVF, Measles virus fusion protein
- RTK, receptor tyrosine kinase
- TKIs, Tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- immunogenicity
- mAb, monocolonal antibody
- peptide vaccines
- peptidomimetics
- receptor tyrosine kinases
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Jo Miller
- Department of Microbiology; The Ohio State University , Columbus, OH USA
| | - Kevin C Foy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center ; Columbus, OH USA
| | - Jay P Overholser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center ; Columbus, OH USA
| | - Rita Nahta
- Department of Pharmacology; Emory University , Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Pravin Tp Kaumaya
- Department of Microbiology; The Ohio State University , Columbus, OH USA ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center ; Columbus, OH USA ; The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute; and the Comprehensive Cancer Center; The Ohio State University , Columbus, OH USA
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Thomas G, ChardèS T, Gaborit N, Mollevi C, Leconet W, Robert B, Radosevic-Robin N, Penault-Llorca F, Gongora C, Colombo PE, Lazrek Y, Bras-Goncalves R, Savina A, Azria D, Bazin H, PèLegrin A, Larbouret C. HER3 as biomarker and therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer: new insights in pertuzumab therapy in preclinical models. Oncotarget 2014; 5:7138-48. [PMID: 25216528 PMCID: PMC4196190 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-HER2 antibody pertuzumab inhibits HER2 dimerization and affects HER2/HER3 dimer formation and signaling. As HER3 and its ligand neuregulin are implicated in pancreatic tumorigenesis, we investigated whether HER3 expression could be a predictive biomarker of pertuzumab efficacy in HER2low-expressing pancreatic cancer. We correlated in vitro and in vivo HER3 expression and neuregulin dependency with the inhibitory effect of pertuzumab on cell viability and tumor progression. HER3 knockdown in BxPC-3 cells led to resistance to pertuzumab therapy. Pertuzumab treatment of HER3-expressing pancreatic cancer cells increased HER3 at the cell membrane, whereas the anti-HER3 monoclonal antibody 9F7-F11 down-regulated it. Both antibodies blocked HER3 and AKT phosphorylation and inhibited HER2/HER3 heterodimerization but affected differently HER2 and HER3 homodimers. The pertuzumab/9F7-F11 combination enhanced tumor inhibition and the median survival time in mice xenografted with HER3-expressing pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, HER2 and HER3 were co-expressed in 11% and HER3 alone in 27% of the 45 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas analyzed by immunohistochemistry. HER3 is essential for pertuzumab efficacy in HER2low-expressing pancreatic cancer and HER3 expression might be a predictive biomarker of pertuzumab efficacy in such cancers. Further studies in clinical samples are required to confirm these findings and the interest of combining anti-HER2 and anti-HER3 therapeutic antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- GaëLle Thomas
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
- Institut Roche de Recherche et Médecine Translationnelle, Boulogne Bilancourt, France
| | - Thierry ChardèS
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - NadèGe Gaborit
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Mollevi
- Unité de Biostatistiques, ICM Val d'Aurelle, Montpellier, France
| | - Wilhem Leconet
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Robert
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nina Radosevic-Robin
- Department of Biopathology, The Jean Perrin Comprehensive Cancer Center and ERTICa Research Group, University of Auvergne EA4677, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - FréDéRique Penault-Llorca
- Department of Biopathology, The Jean Perrin Comprehensive Cancer Center and ERTICa Research Group, University of Auvergne EA4677, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - CéLine Gongora
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Colombo
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Yassamine Lazrek
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
- Millegen SA, F-31681, Labège, France
| | - Rui Bras-Goncalves
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Ariel Savina
- Roche SAS Scientific Partnerships, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - David Azria
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - André PèLegrin
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
| | - Christel Larbouret
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34298, France; INSERM, Unit 896, Montpellier, F-34298, France; Université Montpellier1, Montpellier, F-34298, France; ICM, Montpellier, France
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34
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Claus J, Patel G, Ng T, Parker PJ. A role for the pseudokinase HER3 in the acquired resistance against EGFR- and HER2-directed targeted therapy. Biochem Soc Trans 2014; 42:831-6. [PMID: 25109965 DOI: 10.1042/bst20140043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Specific inhibition of members of the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) family, particularly EGFR and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), are an important therapeutic strategy in many human cancers. Compared with classical chemotherapy, these targeted therapeutics are very specific and initially effective, but acquired resistance against these targeted therapies is a recurring threat. A growing body of recent work has highlighted a pseudokinase in the EGFR family, HER3, and its ligand, NRG (neuregulin β1), to be of importance in models of resistant cancers, as well as in patients. In the present article, we describe some of the roles in which HER3 can mediate acquired resistance and discuss the current efforts to target HER3 itself in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Claus
- *Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, U.K
| | - Gargi Patel
- †Richard Dimbleby Department of Cancer Research, Randall Division and Division of Cancer Studies, Kings College London, Guy's Medical School Campus, London SE1 1UL, U.K
| | - Tony Ng
- †Richard Dimbleby Department of Cancer Research, Randall Division and Division of Cancer Studies, Kings College London, Guy's Medical School Campus, London SE1 1UL, U.K
| | - Peter J Parker
- *Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LY, U.K
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35
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Zhao Z, Li R, Sha S, Wang Q, Mao W, Liu T. Targeting HER3 with miR-450b-3p suppresses breast cancer cells proliferation. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:1404-12. [PMID: 25046105 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.29923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer cells, heterodimerization of HER2 and HER3 plays important and dominant roles in the functionality and transformation of HER-mediated pathways, in particular the PI3K/Akt survival pathway. HER3 was considered as a major signaling hub in HER2-amplified cancers. Inhibition of HER3 expression may therefore represent a rational therapeutic approach to breast cancers where HER2/HER3-mediated signaling plays a role in tumorigenesis and progression. miRNAs exerts important roles in regulating gene expressions by binding to and repressing target mRNAs. Here we reported that miRNA-450b-3p inhibits HER3 expression by directly targeting 3' UTR of HER3 mRNA and represses the downstream signal transductions of HER family. Overexpression of miRNA-450b-3p in SKBR3 cells inhibits cells clonogenic potential and enhances their sensitivity to trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the HER2 receptor, or doxorubicin through repressing proliferative signal pathways mediated by HER3/HER2/PI3K/AKT. Furthermore, we found that breast cancer patients with tumors that demonstrating upregulated HER3 (> 2-fold) and downregulated miR-450b-3p (> 2-fold) expressions compared with the paired adjacent non-tumorous tissues showed significantly poorer overall survival (P<0.05). Our study identified miRNA-450b-3p as a new tumor repressor and also provided some evidences suggesting that downregulation of miR-450b-3p expression with concurrent overexpression of HER3 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for poor overall survival in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhao
- Department of Oncology; The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College; Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hematology; the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province; Kunming, Yunnan, PR China
| | - Sha Sha
- Department of Oncology; The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College; Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Oncology; The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College; Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Weidong Mao
- Department of Oncology; The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College; Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Oncology; The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College; Wuxi, Jiangsu, PR China
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36
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Fabi A, Mottolese M, Segatto O. Therapeutic targeting of ERBB2 in breast cancer: understanding resistance in the laboratory and combating it in the clinic. J Mol Med (Berl) 2014; 92:681-95. [PMID: 24861025 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-014-1169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
ERBB2 gene amplification occurs in about one quarter of breast carcinomas (BCs) and identifies a distinct clinical subset of BC. The introduction in the clinic of Trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed to the ERBB2 extracellular domain, has had a great impact on the therapeutic management of ERBB2+ BC. Yet, not all patients respond to Trastuzumab and resistance develops also among patients that initially benefit from Trastuzumab-based regimens. Pre-clinical studies have discovered several mechanisms through which tumor cells may escape from Trastuzumab-mediated ERBB2 inhibition. These include rewiring of the ErbB signaling network, loss of ERBB2 expression, expression of ERBB2 isoforms refractory to Trastuzumab inhibition, vicarious signaling by non-ErbB tyrosine kinases and constitutive activation of downstream signaling routes, such as the PI3K pathway. While the relative contribution of each of these mechanisms to establishing Trastuzumab resistance in the clinical setting is not fully understood, much attention has been focused on abating resistance by achieving complete blockade of ERBB2-containing dimers. This approach, propelled by the development of novel anti-ERBB2 therapeutics, has led to the recent approval of Lapatinib, Pertuzumab and T-DM1 as additional anti-ERBB2 therapeutics in BC. However, full success is far from being achieved and resistance to ERBB2 targeting remains a relevant problem in the clinical management of BC. Herein, we provide an overview of biological and molecular bases underpinning resistance to ERBB2 therapeutics in BC, discuss outstanding issues in the field of ERBB2 therapeutic targeting and elaborate on future directions of translational research on ERBB2+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Fabi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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37
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Resistance to EGFR-TKI can be mediated through multiple signaling pathways converging upon cap-dependent translation in EGFR-wild type NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2014; 8:1142-7. [PMID: 23883783 DOI: 10.1097/jto.0b013e31829ce963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For the majority of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), response to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is suboptimal. In models of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI, activation of Akt phosphorylation is frequently observed. Because Akt activation results in downstream initiation of cap-dependent protein translation, we hypothesized that a strategy of targeting cap-dependent translation in combination with erlotinib might enhance therapy. METHODS NSCLC cells that are wild type for EGFR were assayed for sensitivity to erlotinib. Serum-starved NSCLC cells were assayed for EGFR signaling and downstream pathway activation by immunoblot after stimulation with epidermal growth factor. EGFR signaling and signaling mediators of cap-dependent translation were assayed by immunoblot under serum-replete conditions 24 hours after treatment with erlotinib. Finally, combination treatment with erlotinib and two different cap-dependent translation inhibitors were done to assess the effect on cell viability. RESULTS EGFR signaling is coupled to activation of cap-dependent translation in EGFR wild-type cells. Erlotinib inhibits EGFR phosphorylation in EGFR-TKI resistant cells, however, results in activation of downstream signaling molecules including Akt and extracellular regulated kinase, ERK 1/2, resulting in maintenance of eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) activation. eIF4F cap-complex formation is maintained in erlotinib-resistant cells, but not in erlotinib-sensitive cells. Finally, using an antisense oligonucleotide against eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E and a small-molecule inhibitor to disrupt eIF4F formation, we show that cap-dependent translation inhibition can enhance sensitivity to erlotinib. CONCLUSION The results of these studies support further clinical development of translation inhibitors for treatment of NSCLC in combination with erlotinib.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The targeting of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been a major area for breast cancer therapy, exemplified by the targeting of HER2-amplified breast cancer. RECENT FINDINGS We review the data on the activation of RTKs in HER2-negative breast cancer, and discuss the clinical translational challenge of identifying cancers that are reliant on a specific kinase for growth and survival. Substantial evidence suggests that subsets of breast cancer may be reliant on specific kinases, and that this could be exploited therapeutically. The heterogeneity of breast cancer, however, and the potential for adaptive switching between RTKs after inhibition of a single RTK, present challenges to targeting individual RTKs in the clinic SUMMARY Targeting of RTKs in HER2-negative breast cancer presents a major therapeutic opportunity in breast cancer, although robust selection strategies will be required to identify cancers with activation of specific RTKs if this potential is to be realized.
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Nilvebrant J, Åstrand M, Löfblom J, Hober S. Development and characterization of small bispecific albumin-binding domains with high affinity for ErbB3. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:3973-85. [PMID: 23728098 PMCID: PMC11113916 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1370-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Affinity proteins based on small scaffolds are currently emerging as alternatives to antibodies for therapy. Similarly to antibodies, they can be engineered to have high affinity for specific proteins. A potential problem with small proteins and peptides is their short in vivo circulation time, which might limit the therapeutic efficacy. To circumvent this issue, we have engineered bispecificity into an albumin-binding domain (ABD) derived from streptococcal Protein G. The inherent albumin binding was preserved while the opposite side of the molecule was randomized for selection of high-affinity binders. Here we present novel ABD variants with the ability to bind to the epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (ErbB3). Isolated candidates were shown to have an extraordinary thermal stability and affinity for ErbB3 in the nanomolar range. Importantly, they were also shown to retain their affinity to albumin, hence demonstrating that the intended strategy to engineer bispecific single-domain proteins against a tumor-associated receptor was successful. Moreover, competition assays revealed that the new binders could block the natural ligand Neuregulin-1 from binding to ErbB3, indicating a potential anti-proliferative effect. These new binders thus represent promising candidates for further development into ErbB3-signaling inhibitors, where the albumin interaction could result in prolonged in vivo half-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Nilvebrant
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Åstrand
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophia Hober
- Division of Protein Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, AlbaNova University Center, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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40
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Sollome JJ, Thavathiru E, Camenisch TD, Vaillancourt RR. HER2/HER3 regulates extracellular acidification and cell migration through MTK1 (MEKK4). Cell Signal 2013; 26:70-82. [PMID: 24036211 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human MAP3K4 (MTK1) functions upstream of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In this study we show MTK1 is required for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/3 (HER2/HER3)-heregulin beta1 (HRG) induced cell migration in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that HRG stimulation leads to association of MTK1 with activated HER3 in MCF-7 and T-47D breast cancer cells. Activated HER3 association with MTK1 is dependent on HER2 activation and is decreased by pre-treatment with the HER2 inhibitor, lapatinib. Moreover, we also identify the actin interacting region (AIR) on MTK1. Disruption of actin cytoskeletal polymerization with cytochalasin D inhibited HRG induced MTK1/HER3 association. Additionally, HRG stimulation leads to extracellular acidification that is independent of cellular proliferation. HRG induced extracellular acidification is significantly inhibited when MTK1 is knocked down in MCF-7 cells. Similarly, pre-treatment with lapatinib significantly decreased HRG induced extracellular acidification. Extracellular acidification is linked with cancer cell migration. We performed scratch assays that show HRG induced cell migration in MCF-7 cells. Knockdown of MTK1 significantly inhibited HRG induced cell migration. Furthermore, pre-treatment with lapatinib also significantly decreased cell migration. Cell migration is required for cancer cell metastasis, which is the major cause of cancer patient mortality. We identify MTK1 in the HER2/HER3-HRG mediated extracellular acidification and cell migration pathway in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Sollome
- The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Kirouac DC, Du JY, Lahdenranta J, Overland R, Yarar D, Paragas V, Pace E, McDonagh CF, Nielsen UB, Onsum MD. Computational modeling of ERBB2-amplified breast cancer identifies combined ErbB2/3 blockade as superior to the combination of MEK and AKT inhibitors. Sci Signal 2013; 6:ra68. [PMID: 23943608 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2004008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Crosstalk and compensatory circuits within cancer signaling networks limit the activity of most targeted therapies. For example, altered signaling in the networks activated by the ErbB family of receptors, particularly in ERBB2-amplified cancers, contributes to drug resistance. We developed a multiscale systems model of signaling networks in ERBB2-amplified breast cancer to quantitatively investigate relationships between biomarkers (markers of network activity) and combination drug efficacy. This model linked ErbB receptor family signaling to breast tumor growth through two kinase cascades: the PI3K/AKT survival pathway and the Ras/MEK/ERK growth and proliferation pathway. The model predicted molecular mechanisms of resistance to individual therapeutics. In particular, ERBB2-amplified breast cancer cells stimulated with the ErbB3 ligand heregulin were resistant to growth arrest induced by inhibitors of AKT and MEK or coapplication of two inhibitors of the receptor ErbB2 [Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Tykerb (lapatinib)]. We used model simulations to predict the response of ErbB2-positive breast cancer xenografts to combination therapies and verified these predictions in mice. Treatment with trastuzumab, lapatinib, and the ErbB3 inhibitor MM-111 was more effective in inhibiting tumor growth than the combination of AKT and MEK inhibitors and even induced tumor regression, indicating that targeting both ErbB3 and ErbB2 may be an improved therapeutic approach for ErbB2-positive breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Kirouac
- Merrimack Pharmaceuticals Inc., 1 Kendall Square, Suite B7201, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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