1
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Rajendran D, Oon CE. Navigating therapeutic prospects by modulating autophagy in colorectal cancer. Life Sci 2024:123121. [PMID: 39389340 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123121] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 10/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of death globally despite the improvements in cancer treatment. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal-dependent degradation pathway that is critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. However, in cancer, autophagy may have conflicting functions in preventing early tumour formation versus the maintenance of advanced-stage tumours. Defective autophagy has a broad and dynamic effect not just on cancer cells, but also on the tumour microenvironment which influences tumour progression and response to treatment. To add to the layer of complexity, somatic mutations in CRC including tumour protein p53 (TP53), v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF), Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) can render chemoresistance by promoting a pro-survival advantage through autophagy. Recent studies have also reported autophagy-related cell deaths that are distinct from classical autophagy by employing parts of the autophagic machinery, which impacts strategies for autophagy regulation in cancer therapy. This review discusses the molecular processes of autophagy in the evolution of CRC and its role in the tumour microenvironment, as well as prospective therapeutic methods based on autophagy suppression or promotion. It also highlights clinical trials using autophagy modulators for treating CRC, underscoring the importance of autophagy regulation in CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Rajendran
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Chern Ein Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
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2
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Elshazly AM, Xu J, Melhem N, Abdulnaby A, Elzahed AA, Saleh T, Gewirtz DA. Is Autophagy Targeting a Valid Adjuvant Strategy in Conjunction with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2989. [PMID: 39272847 PMCID: PMC11394573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16172989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent a relatively large class of small-molecule inhibitors that compete with ATP for the catalytic binding site of tyrosine kinase proteins. While TKIs have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of multiple malignancies, including chronic myelogenous leukemia, gastrointestinal tumors, non-small cell lung cancers, and HER2-overexpressing breast cancers, as is almost always the case with anti-neoplastic agents, the development of resistance often imposes a limit on drug efficacy. One common survival response utilized by tumor cells to ensure their survival in response to different stressors, including anti-neoplastic drugs, is that of autophagy. The autophagic machinery in response to TKIs in multiple tumor models has largely been shown to be cytoprotective in nature, although there are a number of cases where autophagy has demonstrated a cytotoxic function. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature examining the role that autophagy plays in response to TKIs in different preclinical tumor model systems in an effort to determine whether autophagy suppression or modulation could be an effective adjuvant strategy to increase efficiency and/or overcome resistance to TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Jingwen Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Nebras Melhem
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Alsayed Abdulnaby
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Aya A Elzahed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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3
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Zahmatyar M, Kharaz L, Abiri Jahromi N, Jahanian A, Shokri P, Nejadghaderi SA. The safety and efficacy of binimetinib for lung cancer: a systematic review. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:379. [PMID: 39090580 PMCID: PMC11295668 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03178-4] [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: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer, accounting for a significant proportion of global cancer cases and deaths, poses a considerable health burden. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options due to late-stage diagnosis and drug resistance. Dysregulated of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is implicated in NSCLC pathogenesis, underscores the potential of MEK inhibitors such as binimetinib. Despite promising results in other cancers, comprehensive studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of binimetinib in lung cancer are lacking. This systematic review aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of binimetinib for lung cancer treatment. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar until September 2023. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy or safety of binimetinib for lung cancer treatment were included. Studies were excluded if they included individuals with conditions unrelated to lung cancer, investigated other treatments, or had different types of designs. The quality assessment was conducted utilizing the National Institutes of Health tool. RESULTS Seven studies with 228 participants overall were included. Four had good quality judgments, and three had fair quality judgments. The majority of patients experienced all-cause adverse events, with diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea being the most commonly reported adverse events of any grade. The objective response rate (ORR) was up to 75%, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was up to 9.3 months. The disease control rate after 24 weeks varied from 41% to 64%. Overall survival (OS) ranged between 3.0 and 18.8 months. Notably, treatment-related adverse events were observed in more than 50% of patients, including serious adverse events such as colitis, febrile neutropenia, and pulmonary infection. Some adverse events led to dose limitation and drug discontinuation in five studies. Additionally, five studies reported cases of death, mostly due to disease progression. The median duration of treatment ranged from 14.8 weeks to 8.4 months. The most common dosage of binimetinib was 30 mg or 45 mg twice daily, sometimes used in combination with other agents like encorafenib or hydroxychloroquine. CONCLUSIONS Only a few studies have shown binimetinib to be effective, in terms of improving OS, PFS, and ORR, while most of the studies found nonsignificant efficacy with increased toxicity for binimetinib compared with traditional chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Zahmatyar
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ladan Kharaz
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Jahanian
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pourya Shokri
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Aria Nejadghaderi
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Guo JY, White E. Role of Tumor Cell Intrinsic and Host Autophagy in Cancer. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041539. [PMID: 38253423 PMCID: PMC11216174 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Macroautophagy (autophagy hereafter) is an intracellular nutrient scavenging pathway induced by starvation and other stressors whereby cellular components such as organelles are captured in double-membrane vesicles (autophagosomes), whereupon their contents are degraded through fusion with lysosomes. Two main purposes of autophagy are to recycle the intracellular breakdown products to sustain metabolism and survival during starvation and to eliminate damaged or excess cellular components to suppress inflammation and maintain homeostasis. In contrast to most normal cells and tissues in the fed state, tumor cells up-regulate autophagy to promote their growth, survival, and malignancy. This tumor-cell-autonomous autophagy supports elevated metabolic demand and suppresses tumoricidal activation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Tumor-cell-nonautonomous (e.g., host) autophagy also supports tumor growth by maintaining essential tumor nutrients in the circulation and tumor microenvironment and by suppressing an antitumor immune response. In the setting of cancer therapy, autophagy is a resistance mechanism to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Thus, tumor and host autophagy are protumorigenic and autophagy inhibition is being examined as a novel therapeutic approach to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Yanxiang Guo
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, USA
- Department of Chemical Biology, Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
- Ludwig Princeton Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Eileen White
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, USA
- Ludwig Princeton Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08903, USA
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5
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Musaelyan AA, Anokhina EM, Turdubaeva AI, Mitiushkina NV, Ershova AN, Shestakova AD, Venina AR, Imyanitov EN, Orlov SV. Response to trametinib, hydroxychloroquine, and bevacizumab in a young woman with NRAS-mutated metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a case report. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:780-788. [PMID: 38966164 PMCID: PMC11220291 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic chemotherapy is the main treatment option for patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), however, its efficacy is limited. Herein, we report a young patient with NRAS-mutated chemoresistant metastatic iCCA, who received second-line therapy with a combination of trametinib (MEK1/2 inhibitor), hydroxychloroquine (autophagy inhibitor), and bevacizumab (angiogenesis inhibitor). A significant response was achieved during therapy, resulting in a 25% decrease in the size of tumor lesions after 2 months of treatment and an improvement in the patient's condition. The duration of this response was 4 months, but the patient died 10 months after the initiation of this triple therapy. This case report and the analysis of other available studies warrant further investigations on combined MEK and autophagy inhibition in RAS-mutated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aram A. Musaelyan
- Department of clinical oncology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M. Anokhina
- Department of Antitumor Drug Therapy, St. Luke Clinical Hospital, 194044 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alina I. Turdubaeva
- Department of Antitumor Drug Therapy, St. Luke Clinical Hospital, 194044 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia V. Mitiushkina
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Public Health of the Russian Federation, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasia N. Ershova
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Public Health of the Russian Federation, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna D. Shestakova
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Public Health of the Russian Federation, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Aigul R. Venina
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Public Health of the Russian Federation, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny N. Imyanitov
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Public Health of the Russian Federation, 197758 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, 194100 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Medical Primatology, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, 354376 Sochi, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Orlov
- Department of clinical oncology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Medical Primatology, National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, 354376 Sochi, Russia
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6
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Miao Y, Bai Y, Miao J, Murray AA, Lin J, Dong J, Qu Z, Zhang RY, Nguyen QD, Wang S, Yu J, Nguele Meke F, Zhang ZY. Off-target autophagy inhibition by SHP2 allosteric inhibitors contributes to their antitumor activity in RAS-driven cancers. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e177142. [PMID: 38842946 PMCID: PMC11291269 DOI: 10.1172/jci177142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of RAS/MAPK signaling is common in cancer, and efforts to inhibit pathway components have yielded drugs with promising clinical activities. Unfortunately, treatment-provoked adaptive resistance mechanisms inevitably develop, limiting their therapeutic potential. As a central node essential for receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated RAS activation, SHP2 has emerged as an attractive cancer target. Consequently, many SHP2 allosteric inhibitors are now in clinical testing. Here we discovered a previously unrecognized off-target effect associated with SHP2 allosteric inhibitors. We found that these inhibitors accumulate in the lysosome and block autophagic flux in an SHP2-independent manner. We showed that off-target autophagy inhibition by SHP2 allosteric inhibitors contributes to their antitumor activity. We also demonstrated that SHP2 allosteric inhibitors harboring this off-target activity not only suppress oncogenic RAS signaling but also overcome drug resistance such as MAPK rebound and protective autophagy in response to RAS/MAPK pathway blockage. Finally, we exemplified a therapeutic framework that harnesses both the on- and off-target activities of SHP2 allosteric inhibitors for improved treatment of mutant RAS-driven and drug-resistant malignancies such as pancreatic and colorectal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Miao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
| | - Yunpeng Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
| | - Jinmin Miao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
| | | | - Jianping Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
| | - Jiajun Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
| | - Zihan Qu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ruo-Yu Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
| | - Quyen D. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jingmei Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
| | | | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Institute for Cancer Research and
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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7
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Zhou H, Li G, Kan L, Yang M, Liu Y, Miu X, Shi L, Yang Z, Zheng X, Chen H, Ren C. Synergistic induction of autophagy in gastric cancer by targeting CDK4/6 and MEK through AMPK/mTOR pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30475. [PMID: 38726124 PMCID: PMC11079098 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a commonly mutated oncogene in human gastric cancer and is often associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis. Co-clinical trial of combined MEK-CDK4/6 inhibition in KRAS mutated cancers demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in patient-derived xenografts and safety in patients. Here, present research focuses on targeting CDK4/6 and MEK synergistically block the proliferation of KRAS-mutated gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and induced autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, autophagy inhibitor combined with targeting CDK4/6 and MEK therapy had significant antitumor effects on KRAS mutant gastric cancer cells. Clinical trials are needed to determine the mechanism behind this finding and its clinical utility. In conclusion, our results demonstrate autophagy inhibitor combined targeting MEK and CDK4/6 that concurrently block multiple metabolic processes may be an effective therapeutic approach for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Yangzhou University and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Guiling Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Yangzhou University and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Liuyue Kan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Yangzhou University and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Mingyu Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Yangzhou University and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Yangzhou University and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Xiaye Miu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Yangzhou University and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Zhanjun Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225002, China
| | - Xucai Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Clinical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
| | - Chuanli Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Yangzhou University and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical College of Xuzhou Medica University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225001, China
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8
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Zhang H, Read A, Cataisson C, Yang HH, Lee WC, Turk BE, Yuspa SH, Luo J. Protein phosphatase 6 activates NF-κB to confer sensitivity to MAPK pathway inhibitors in KRAS- and BRAF-mutant cancer cells. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadd5073. [PMID: 38743809 PMCID: PMC11238902 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.add5073] [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: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major target for cancer treatment. To better understand the genetic pathways that modulate cancer cell sensitivity to MAPK pathway inhibitors, we performed a CRISPR knockout screen with MAPK pathway inhibitors on a colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line carrying mutant KRAS. Genetic deletion of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 6 (PP6), encoded by PPP6C, rendered KRAS- and BRAF-mutant CRC and BRAF-mutant melanoma cells more resistant to these inhibitors. In the absence of MAPK pathway inhibition, PPP6C deletion in CRC cells decreased cell proliferation in two-dimensional (2D) adherent cultures but accelerated the growth of tumor spheroids in 3D culture and tumor xenografts in vivo. PPP6C deletion enhanced the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling in CRC and melanoma cells and circumvented the cell cycle arrest and decreased cyclin D1 abundance induced by MAPK pathway blockade in CRC cells. Inhibiting NF-κB activity by genetic and pharmacological means restored the sensitivity of PPP6C-deficient cells to MAPK pathway inhibition in CRC and melanoma cells in vitro and in CRC cells in vivo. Furthermore, a R264 point mutation in PPP6C conferred loss of function in CRC cells, phenocopying the enhanced NF-κB activation and resistance to MAPK pathway inhibition observed for PPP6C deletion. These findings demonstrate that PP6 constrains the growth of KRAS- and BRAF-mutant cancer cells, implicates the PP6-NF-κB axis as a modulator of MAPK pathway output, and presents a rationale for cotargeting the NF-κB pathway in PPP6C-mutant cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Abigail Read
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Current affiliation: Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Christophe Cataisson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Howard H. Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei-Chun Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stuart H. Yuspa
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ji Luo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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9
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Perurena N, Situ L, Cichowski K. Combinatorial strategies to target RAS-driven cancers. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:316-337. [PMID: 38627557 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Although RAS was formerly considered undruggable, various agents that inhibit RAS or specific RAS oncoproteins have now been developed. Indeed, the importance of directly targeting RAS has recently been illustrated by the clinical success of mutant-selective KRAS inhibitors. Nevertheless, responses to these agents are typically incomplete and restricted to a subset of patients, highlighting the need to develop more effective treatments, which will likely require a combinatorial approach. Vertical strategies that target multiple nodes within the RAS pathway to achieve deeper suppression are being investigated and have precedence in other contexts. However, alternative strategies that co-target RAS and other therapeutic vulnerabilities have been identified, which may mitigate the requirement for profound pathway suppression. Regardless, the efficacy of any given approach will likely be dictated by genetic, epigenetic and tumour-specific variables. Here we discuss various combinatorial strategies to treat KRAS-driven cancers, highlighting mechanistic concepts that may extend to tumours harbouring other RAS mutations. Although many promising combinations have been identified, clinical responses will ultimately depend on whether a therapeutic window can be achieved and our ability to prospectively select responsive patients. Therefore, we must continue to develop and understand biologically diverse strategies to maximize our likelihood of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Perurena
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Situ
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Cichowski
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Ludwig Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Cheng C, Hu J, Mannan R, Bhattacharyya R, Rossiter NJ, Magnuson B, Wisniewski JP, Zheng Y, Xiao L, Li C, Awad D, He T, Bao Y, Zhang Y, Cao X, Wang Z, Mehra R, Morlacchi P, Sahai V, di Magliano MP, Shah YM, Ding K, Qiao Y, Lyssiotis CA, Chinnaiyan AM. Targeting PIKfyve-driven lipid homeostasis as a metabolic vulnerability in pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585580. [PMID: 38562800 PMCID: PMC10983929 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subsists in a nutrient-deregulated microenvironment, making it particularly susceptible to treatments that interfere with cancer metabolism12. For example, PDAC utilizes and is dependent on high levels of autophagy and other lysosomal processes3-5. Although targeting these pathways has shown potential in preclinical studies, progress has been hampered by the challenge of identifying and characterizing favorable targets for drug development6. Here, we characterize PIKfyve, a lipid kinase integral to lysosomal functioning7, as a novel and targetable vulnerability in PDAC. In human patient and murine PDAC samples, we discovered that PIKFYVE is overexpressed in PDAC cells compared to adjacent normal cells. Employing a genetically engineered mouse model, we established the essential role of PIKfyve in PDAC progression. Further, through comprehensive metabolic analyses, we found that PIKfyve inhibition obligated PDAC to upregulate de novo lipid synthesis, a relationship previously undescribed. PIKfyve inhibition triggered a distinct lipogenic gene expression and metabolic program, creating a dependency on de novo lipid metabolism pathways, by upregulating genes such as FASN and ACACA. In PDAC, the KRAS-MAPK signaling pathway is a primary driver of de novo lipid synthesis, specifically enhancing FASN and ACACA levels. Accordingly, the simultaneous targeting of PIKfyve and KRAS-MAPK resulted in the elimination of tumor burden in a syngeneic orthotopic model and tumor regression in a xenograft model of PDAC. Taken together, these studies suggest that disrupting lipid metabolism through PIKfyve inhibition induces synthetic lethality in conjunction with KRAS-MAPK-directed therapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Cheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jing Hu
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PRC
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rupam Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas J Rossiter
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jasmine P Wisniewski
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yang Zheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lanbo Xiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chungen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PRC
| | - Dominik Awad
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tongchen He
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PRC
| | - Yi Bao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xuhong Cao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PRC
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Vaibhav Sahai
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ke Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PRC
| | - Yuanyuan Qiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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11
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Shi Y, Jiang B, Zhao J. Induction mechanisms of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115984. [PMID: 38070244 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (II/RI), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer (CRC) has been gradually increasing, posing significant threats to human health. Autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) play important roles in II/RI. Damage caused by ischemia and cellular stress can activate ERS, which in turn initiates autophagy to clear damaged organelles and abnormal proteins, thereby alleviating ERS and maintaining the intestinal environment. In IBD, chronic inflammation damages intestinal tissues and activates autophagy and ERS. Autophagy is initiated by upregulating ATG genes and downregulating factors that inhibit autophagy, thereby clearing abnormal proteins, damaged organelles, and bacteria. Simultaneously, persistent inflammatory stimulation can also trigger ERS, leading to protein imbalance and abnormal folding in the ER lumen. The activation of ERS can maintain cellular homeostasis by initiating the autophagy process, thereby reducing inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis in the intestine. In CRC, excessive cell proliferation and protein synthesis lead to increased ERS. The activation of ERS, regulated by signaling pathways such as IRE1α and PERK, can initiate autophagy to clear abnormal proteins and damaged organelles, thereby reducing the negative effects of ERS. It can be seen that autophagy and ERS play a crucial regulatory role in the development of intestinal diseases. Therefore, the progress in targeted therapy for intestinal diseases based on autophagy and ERS provides novel strategies for managing intestinal diseases. In this paper, we review the advances in regulation of autophagy and ERS in intestinal diseases, emphasizing the potential molecular mechanisms for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Department of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu, PR China
| | - Jingwen Zhao
- Department of Proctology, Baoji Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Baoji 721001, Shanxi, PR China.
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12
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Kazi A, Ranjan A, Kumar M.V. V, Agianian B, Garcia Chavez M, Vudatha V, Wang R, Vangipurapu R, Chen L, Kennedy P, Subramanian K, Quirke JC, Beato F, Underwood PW, Fleming JB, Trevino J, Hergenrother PJ, Gavathiotis E, Sebti SM. Discovery of KRB-456, a KRAS G12D Switch-I/II Allosteric Pocket Binder That Inhibits the Growth of Pancreatic Cancer Patient-derived Tumors. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2623-2639. [PMID: 38051103 PMCID: PMC10754035 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no clinically approved drugs that directly thwart mutant KRAS G12D, a major driver of human cancer. Here, we report on the discovery of a small molecule, KRB-456, that binds KRAS G12D and inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer patient-derived tumors. Protein nuclear magnetic resonance studies revealed that KRB-456 binds the GDP-bound and GCP-bound conformation of KRAS G12D by forming interactions with a dynamic allosteric binding pocket within the switch-I/II region. Isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrated that KRB-456 binds potently to KRAS G12D with 1.5-, 2-, and 6-fold higher affinity than to KRAS G12V, KRAS wild-type, and KRAS G12C, respectively. KRB-456 potently inhibits the binding of KRAS G12D to the RAS-binding domain (RBD) of RAF1 as demonstrated by GST-RBD pulldown and AlphaScreen assays. Treatment of KRAS G12D-harboring human pancreatic cancer cells with KRB-456 suppresses the cellular levels of KRAS bound to GTP and inhibits the binding of KRAS to RAF1. Importantly, KRB-456 inhibits P-MEK, P-AKT, and P-S6 levels in vivo and inhibits the growth of subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts derived from patients with pancreatic cancer whose tumors harbor KRAS G12D and KRAS G12V and who relapsed after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These results warrant further development of KRB-456 for pancreatic cancer. SIGNIFICANCE There are no clinically approved drugs directly abrogating mutant KRAS G12D. Here, we discovered a small molecule, KRB-456, that binds a dynamic allosteric binding pocket within the switch-I/II region of KRAS G12D. KRB-456 inhibits P-MEK, P-AKT, and P-S6 levels in vivo and inhibits the growth of subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts derived from patients with pancreatic cancer. This discovery warrants further advanced preclinical and clinical studies in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslamuzzaman Kazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Alok Ranjan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Vasantha Kumar M.V.
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Bogos Agianian
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Martin Garcia Chavez
- Department of Chemistry, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Vignesh Vudatha
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Liwei Chen
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Perry Kennedy
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Karthikeyan Subramanian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jonathan C.K. Quirke
- Department of Chemistry, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Francisca Beato
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Jason B. Fleming
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jose Trevino
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Paul J. Hergenrother
- Department of Chemistry, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Evripidis Gavathiotis
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Said M. Sebti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
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13
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Bahar ME, Kim HJ, Kim DR. Targeting the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway for cancer therapy: from mechanism to clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:455. [PMID: 38105263 PMCID: PMC10725898 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of solid tumors, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, underscores the urgent need for enhanced insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metastasis, chemoresistance, and the mechanistic backgrounds of individuals whose cancers are prone to migration. The most prevalent signaling cascade governed by multi-kinase inhibitors is the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, encompassing the RAS-RAF-MAPK kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. RAF kinase is a primary mediator of the MAPK pathway, responsible for the sequential activation of downstream targets, such as MEK and the transcription factor ERK, which control numerous cellular and physiological processes, including organism development, cell cycle control, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell survival, and death. Defects in this signaling cascade are associated with diseases such as cancer. RAF inhibitors (RAFi) combined with MEK blockers represent an FDA-approved therapeutic strategy for numerous RAF-mutant cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. However, the development of therapy resistance by cancer cells remains an important barrier. Autophagy, an intracellular lysosome-dependent catabolic recycling process, plays a critical role in the development of RAFi resistance in cancer. Thus, targeting RAF and autophagy could be novel treatment strategies for RAF-mutant cancers. In this review, we delve deeper into the mechanistic insights surrounding RAF kinase signaling in tumorigenesis and RAFi-resistance. Furthermore, we explore and discuss the ongoing development of next-generation RAF inhibitors with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Additionally, this review sheds light on the functional interplay between RAF-targeted therapies and autophagy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Entaz Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea.
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14
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Khozooei S, Veerappan S, Toulany M. YB-1 activating cascades as potential targets in KRAS-mutated tumors. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:1110-1127. [PMID: 37268766 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02092-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Y‑box binding protein‑1 (YB-1) is a multifunctional protein that is highly expressed in human solid tumors of various entities. Several cellular processes, e.g. cell cycle progression, cancer stemness and DNA damage signaling that are involved in the response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are tightly governed by YB‑1. KRAS gene with about 30% mutations in all cancers, is considered the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that oncogenic KRAS mediates CRT resistance. AKT and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase are downstream of KRAS and are the major kinases that stimulate YB‑1 phosphorylation. Thus, there is a close link between the KRAS mutation status and YB‑1 activity. In this review paper, we highlight the importance of the KRAS/YB‑1 cascade in the response of KRAS-mutated solid tumors to CRT. Likewise, the opportunities to interfere with this pathway to improve CRT outcome are discussed in light of the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Khozooei
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Soundaram Veerappan
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
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15
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Chen Z, Chen M, Fu Y, Zhang J. The KRAS signaling pathway's impact on the characteristics of pancreatic cancer cells. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154603. [PMID: 37356222 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is classified as a cancer with high metastasis so that its mortality rate is high and most of the patients could not survive longer than 5 years. RAS signaling participate in cellular processes, so it has a key role in PDAC.RAS activation is associated via three different signaling pathway including somatic oncogenic point mutations in KRAS, upstream signaling like EGFR, oncogenic activation of the downstream B-RAF molecule. Several targeted therapies have been developed against kinase effectors particularly those in the MAPK and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/mTOR signaling pathways and several inhibitors are undergoing clinical studies at the moment. However, because it is highly metastatic and frequently diagnosed at advanced disease stages, pancreatic cancer continues to be a challenging cancer to treat. This article will explore therapeutic approaches that focus on oncogenic KRAS signaling in pancreatic cancer and provide an updated synopsis of our knowledge of how mutant KRAS function in the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhangXing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Success Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China
| | - Meiyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Success Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China.
| | - Yuka Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Success Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Success Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China
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16
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Abstract
Maintenance of protein homeostasis and organelle integrity and function is critical for cellular homeostasis and cell viability. Autophagy is the principal mechanism that mediates the delivery of various cellular cargoes to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. A myriad of studies demonstrate important protective roles for autophagy against disease. However, in cancer, seemingly opposing roles of autophagy are observed in the prevention of early tumour development versus the maintenance and metabolic adaptation of established and metastasizing tumours. Recent studies have addressed not only the tumour cell intrinsic functions of autophagy, but also the roles of autophagy in the tumour microenvironment and associated immune cells. In addition, various autophagy-related pathways have been described, which are distinct from classical autophagy, that utilize parts of the autophagic machinery and can potentially contribute to malignant disease. Growing evidence on how autophagy and related processes affect cancer development and progression has helped guide efforts to design anticancer treatments based on inhibition or promotion of autophagy. In this Review, we discuss and dissect these different functions of autophagy and autophagy-related processes during tumour development, maintenance and progression. We outline recent findings regarding the role of these processes in both the tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment and describe advances in therapy aimed at autophagy processes in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanta Debnath
- Department of Pathology and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Noor Gammoh
- MRC Institute of Genetics & Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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17
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Ghosh S, Fan F, Powell RT, Roszik J, Park YS, Stephan C, Sebastian M, Tan L, Sorokin AV, Lorenzi PL, Kopetz S, Ellis LM, Bhattacharya R. Vincristine Enhances the Efficacy of MEK Inhibitors in Preclinical Models of KRAS-mutant Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:962-975. [PMID: 37310170 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in KRAS are found in more than 50% of tumors from patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, direct targeting of most KRAS mutations is difficult; even the recently developed KRASG12C inhibitors failed to show significant benefit in patients with mCRC. Single agents targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), a downstream mediator of RAS, have also been ineffective in colorectal cancer. To identify drugs that can enhance the efficacy of MEK inhibitors, we performed unbiased high-throughput screening using colorectal cancer spheroids. We used trametinib as the anchor drug and examined combinations of trametinib with the NCI-approved Oncology Library version 5. The initial screen, and following focused validation screens, identified vincristine as being strongly synergistic with trametinib. In vitro, the combination strongly inhibited cell growth, reduced clonogenic survival, and enhanced apoptosis compared with monotherapies in multiple KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer cell lines. Furthermore, this combination significantly inhibited tumor growth, reduced cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis in multiple KRAS-mutant patient-derived xenograft mouse models. In vivo studies using drug doses that reflect clinically achievable doses demonstrated that the combination was well tolerated by mice. We further determined that the mechanism underlying the synergistic effect of the combination was due to enhanced intracellular accumulation of vincristine associated with MEK inhibition. The combination also significantly decreased p-mTOR levels in vitro, indicating that it inhibits both RAS-RAF-MEK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR survival pathways. Our data thus provide strong evidence that the combination of trametinib and vincristine represents a novel therapeutic option to be studied in clinical trials for patients with KRAS-mutant mCRC. SIGNIFICANCE Our unbiased preclinical studies have identified vincristine as an effective combination partner for the MEK inhibitor trametinib and provide a novel therapeutic option to be studied in patients with KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Ghosh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Reid T Powell
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yong Sung Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Manu Sebastian
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lin Tan
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexey V Sorokin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Philip L Lorenzi
- Metabolomics Core Facility, Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lee M Ellis
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rajat Bhattacharya
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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18
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Dorard C, Madry C, Buhard O, Toifl S, Didusch S, Ratovomanana T, Letourneur Q, Dolznig H, Garnett MJ, Duval A, Baccarini M. RAF1 contributes to cell proliferation and STAT3 activation in colorectal cancer independently of microsatellite and KRAS status. Oncogene 2023; 42:1649-1660. [PMID: 37020037 PMCID: PMC10181936 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02683-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 30% of all human cancers are driven by RAS mutations and activating KRAS mutations are present in 40% of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the two main CRC subgroups, MSS (Microsatellite Stable) and MSI (Microsatellite Instable). Studies in RAS-driven tumors have shown essential roles of the RAS effectors RAF and specifically of RAF1, which can be dependent or independent of RAF's ability to activate the MEK/ERK module. In this study, we demonstrate that RAF1, but not its kinase activity, plays a crucial role in the proliferation of both MSI and MSS CRC cell line-derived spheroids and patient-derived organoids, and independently of KRAS mutation status. Moreover, we could define a RAF1 transcriptomic signature which includes genes that contribute to STAT3 activation, and could demonstrate that RAF1 ablation decreases STAT3 phosphorylation in all CRC spheroids tested. The genes involved in STAT3 activation as well as STAT3 targets promoting angiogenesis were also downregulated in human primary tumors expressing low levels of RAF1. These results indicate that RAF1 could be an attractive therapeutic target in both MSI and MSS CRC regardless of their KRAS status and support the development of selective RAF1 degraders rather than RAF1 inhibitors for clinical use in combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Dorard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Doktor-Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 938 and SIRIC CURAMUS, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Equipe Instabilité des Microsatellites et Cancer, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-75012, Paris, France.
| | - Claire Madry
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 938 and SIRIC CURAMUS, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Equipe Instabilité des Microsatellites et Cancer, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Buhard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 938 and SIRIC CURAMUS, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Equipe Instabilité des Microsatellites et Cancer, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Stefanie Toifl
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Doktor-Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Didusch
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Doktor-Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Toky Ratovomanana
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 938 and SIRIC CURAMUS, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Equipe Instabilité des Microsatellites et Cancer, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Letourneur
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 938 and SIRIC CURAMUS, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Equipe Instabilité des Microsatellites et Cancer, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 10, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Alex Duval
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 938 and SIRIC CURAMUS, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Equipe Instabilité des Microsatellites et Cancer, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Manuela Baccarini
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Center of Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Doktor-Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria
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19
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Assi M, Kimmelman AC. Impact of context-dependent autophagy states on tumor progression. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:596-607. [PMID: 37069394 PMCID: PMC10542907 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00546-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Macroautophagy is a cellular quality-control process that degrades proteins, protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Autophagy plays a fundamental role in cancer where, in the presence of stressors (for example, nutrient starvation, hypoxia, mechanical pressure), tumor cells activate it to degrade intracellular substrates and provide energy. Cell-autonomous autophagy in tumor cells and cell-nonautonomous autophagy in the tumor microenvironment and in the host converge on mechanisms that modulate metabolic fitness, DNA integrity and immune escape and, consequently, support tumor growth. In this Review, we will discuss insights into the tumor-modulating roles of autophagy in different contexts and reflect on how future studies using physiological culture systems may help to understand the complexity and open new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Assi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
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20
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Jain V, Singh MP, Amaravadi RK. Recent advances in targeting autophagy in cancer. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:290-302. [PMID: 36931971 PMCID: PMC10106406 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular homeostasis mechanism that fuels the proliferation and survival of advanced cancers by degrading and recycling organelles and proteins. Preclinical studies have identified that within an established tumor, tumor cell autophagy and host cell autophagy conspire to support tumor growth. A growing body of evidence suggests that autophagy inhibition can augment the efficacy of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to enhance tumor shrinkage. First-generation autophagy inhibition trials in cancer using the lysosomal inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have produced mixed results but have guided the way for the development of more potent and specific autophagy inhibitors in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss the role of autophagy in cancer, newly discovered molecular mechanisms of the autophagy pathway, the effects of autophagy modulation in cancer and host cells, and novel autophagy inhibitors that are entering clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Jain
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mahendra Pal Singh
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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21
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Aggarwal C, Maity AP, Bauml JM, Long Q, Aleman T, Ciunci C, D'Avella C, Volpe M, Anderson E, Jones LMC, Sun L, Singh AP, Marmarelis ME, Cohen RB, Langer CJ, Amaravadi R. A Phase II Open-Label Trial of Binimetinib and Hydroxychloroquine in Patients With Advanced KRAS-Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Oncologist 2023:7143566. [PMID: 37186063 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In RAS-mutant tumors, combined MEK and autophagy inhibition using chloroquine demonstrated synthetic lethality in preclinical studies. This phase II trial evaluated the safety and activity of the MEK inhibitor binimetinib combined with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in patients with advanced KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS Eligibility criteria included KRAS-mutant NSCLC, progression after first-line therapy, ECOG PS 0-1, and adequate end-organ function. Binimetinib 45 mg was administered orally (p.o.) bid with HCQ 400 mg p.o. bid. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). A Simon's 2-stage phase II clinical trial design was used, with an α error of 5% and a power β of 80%, anticipating an ORR of 30% to proceed to the 2-stage expansion. RESULTS Between April 2021 and January 2022, 9 patients were enrolled to stage I: median age 64 years, 44.4% females, 78% smokers. The best response was stable disease in one patient (11.1%). The median progression free survival (PFS) was 1.9 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 5.3 months. Overall, 5 patients (55.6%) developed a grade 3 adverse event (AE). The most common grade 3 toxicity was rash (33%). Pre-specified criteria for stopping the trial early due to lack of efficacy were met. CONCLUSION The combination of B + HCQ in second- or later-line treatment of patients with advanced KRAS-mutant NSCLC did not show significant antitumor activity. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04735068).
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Aggarwal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alisha P Maity
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, PA, USA
| | - Joshua M Bauml
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qi Long
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tomas Aleman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christine Ciunci
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher D'Avella
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Melissa Volpe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Evan Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Mc Cormick Jones
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lova Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aditi P Singh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Melina E Marmarelis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roger B Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Corey J Langer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ravi Amaravadi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Mishra S, Tripathy SK, Paul D, Laha P, Santra MK, Patra S. Asymmetrically Coordinated Heterodimetallic Ir-Ru System: Synthesis, Computational, and Anticancer Aspects. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:7003-7013. [PMID: 37097171 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.3c00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we present an unprecedented formation of a heterodinuclear complex [{(ppy)2IrIII}(μ-phpy){RuII(tpy)}](ClO4)2 {[1](ClO4)2} using terpyridyl/phenylpyridine as ancillary ligands and asymmetric phpy as a bridging ligand. The asymmetric binding mode (N∧N-∩-N∧N∧C-) of the phpy ligand in {[1](ClO4)2} is confirmed by 1H, 13C, 1H-1H correlated spectroscopy (COSY), high-resolution mass spectrum (HRMS), single-crystal X-ray crystallography techniques, and solution conductivity measurements. Theoretical investigation suggests that the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the least unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of [1]2+ are located on iridium/ppy and phpy, respectively. The complex displays a broad low energy charge transfer (CT) band within 450-575 nm. The time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) analysis suggests this as a mixture of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT), where both ruthenium, iridium, and ligands are involved. Complex {[1](ClO4)2} exhibits RuIIIrIII/RuIIIIrIII- and RuIIIIrIII/RuIIIIrIV-based oxidative couples at 0.83 and 1.39 V, respectively. The complex shows anticancer activity and selectivity toward human breast cancer cells (IC50; MCF-7: 9.3 ± 1.2 μM, and MDA-MB-231: 8.6 ± 1.2 μM) over normal breast cells (MCF 10A: IC50 ≈ 21 ± 1.3 μM). The Western blot analysis and fluorescence microscopy images suggest that combined apoptosis and autophagy are responsible for cancer cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumyaranjan Mishra
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Argul, Jatni 752050, Odisha, India
| | - Suman Kumar Tripathy
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Argul, Jatni 752050, Odisha, India
| | - Debasish Paul
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Pune University Campus Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Paltan Laha
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Argul, Jatni 752050, Odisha, India
| | - Manas Kumar Santra
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Pune University Campus Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, Maharashtra, India
| | - Srikanta Patra
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, Argul, Jatni 752050, Odisha, India
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23
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Műzes G, Sipos F. Autoimmunity and Carcinogenesis: Their Relationship under the Umbrella of Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041130. [PMID: 37189748 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system and autophagy share a functional relationship. Both innate and adaptive immune responses involve autophagy and, depending on the disease’s origin and pathophysiology, it may have a detrimental or positive role on autoimmune disorders. As a “double-edged sword” in tumors, autophagy can either facilitate or impede tumor growth. The autophagy regulatory network that influences tumor progression and treatment resistance is dependent on cell and tissue types and tumor stages. The connection between autoimmunity and carcinogenesis has not been sufficiently explored in past studies. As a crucial mechanism between the two phenomena, autophagy may play a substantial role, though the specifics remain unclear. Several autophagy modifiers have demonstrated beneficial effects in models of autoimmune disease, emphasizing their therapeutic potential as treatments for autoimmune disorders. The function of autophagy in the tumor microenvironment and immune cells is the subject of intensive study. The objective of this review is to investigate the role of autophagy in the simultaneous genesis of autoimmunity and malignancy, shedding light on both sides of the issue. We believe our work will assist in the organization of current understanding in the field and promote additional research on this urgent and crucial topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Györgyi Műzes
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Sipos
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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24
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MEK1 drives oncogenic signaling and interacts with PARP1 for genomic and metabolic homeostasis in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:55. [PMID: 36765038 PMCID: PMC9918536 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01307-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal malignancy etiologically caused by asbestos exposure, for which there are few effective treatment options. Although asbestos carcinogenesis is associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), the bona fide oncogenic signaling pathways that regulate ROS homeostasis and bypass ROS-evoked apoptosis in MPM are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK is hyperactive and a molecular driver of MPM, independent of histological subtypes and genetic heterogeneity. Suppression of MAPK signaling by clinically approved MEK inhibitors (MEKi) elicits PARP1 to protect MPM cells from the cytotoxic effects of MAPK pathway blockage. Mechanistically, MEKi induces impairment of homologous recombination (HR) repair proficiency and mitochondrial metabolic activity, which is counterbalanced by pleiotropic PARP1. Consequently, the combination of MEK with PARP inhibitors enhances apoptotic cell death in vitro and in vivo that occurs through coordinated upregulation of cytotoxic ROS in MPM cells, suggesting a mechanism-based, readily translatable strategy to treat this daunting disease. Collectively, our studies uncover a previously unrecognized scenario that hyperactivation of the MAPK pathway is an essential feature of MPM and provide unprecedented evidence that MAPK signaling cooperates with PARP1 to homeostatically maintain ROS levels and escape ROS-mediated apoptosis.
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25
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Unc-51-like Autophagy-Activating Kinase Targeting Autophagy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020953. [PMID: 36674464 PMCID: PMC9866249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged components of cells and recycles them as biochemical building blocks. Autophagy can also be induced to protect cells in response to intra- and extracellular stresses, including damage to cellular components, nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and pathogenic invasion. Dysregulation of autophagy has been attributed to various diseases. In particular, autophagy protects cancer cells by supporting tumor cell survival and the development of drug resistance. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of autophagy in cancer has stimulated the research on discovery and development of specific inhibitors targeting various stages of autophagy. In recent years, Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase (ULK) inhibitors have become an attractive strategy to treat cancer. This review summarizes recent discoveries and developments in small-molecule ULK inhibitors and their potential as anticancer agents. We focused on structural features, interactions with binding sites, and biological effects of these inhibitors. Overall, this review will provide guidance for using ULK inhibitors as chemical probes for autophagy in various cancers and developing improved ULK inhibitors that would enhance therapeutic benefits in the clinic.
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26
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Fan F, Ghosh S, Powell R, Roszik J, Park Y, Sobieski M, Sorokin A, Stephan C, Kopetz S, Ellis LM, Bhattacharya R. Combining MEK and SRC inhibitors for treatment of colorectal cancer demonstrate increased efficacy in vitro but not in vivo. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281063. [PMID: 36952536 PMCID: PMC10035898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. More than 50% of patients with mCRC harbor mutations of the oncogenic driver RAS (KRAS or NRAS). Because directly targeting most mutations of RAS is technically challenging, researchers have concentrated on targeting MEK, a downstream mediator of RAS. However, targeting MEK as single-agent therapy is ineffective in patients with mCRC. We hypothesize that combining a MEK inhibitor with other agents can enhance the efficacy of MEK targeting in mCRC. Unbiased high-throughput screening (HTS) was performed to identify drugs that enhance the efficacy of MEK inhibitors. HTS was performed with KRAS-mutated CRC cells using the MEK inhibitor trametinib as a "backbone" and two "clinically ready" compound libraries approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or in clinical trials. HTS demonstrated that the combination of the SRC inhibitor dasatinib and trametinib was synergistic in CRC cells in vitro (MTT and colony formation assays). Analysis of markers for cell proliferation and apoptosis using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, reverse-phase protein array, or Western blotting demonstrated decreased cell proliferation and increased cell death when targeting both SRC and MEK as compared to single agents in multiple CRC cell lines. However, combining dasatinib and trametinib in vivo at doses in mice equivalent to doses used in humans failed to significantly enhance the antitumor activity of trametinib when compared to that of trametinib alone. These results underscore the importance of performing careful preclinical in vivo validation studies using clinically relevant doses as a prerequisite for translating in vitro findings to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Fan
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Susmita Ghosh
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Reid Powell
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jason Roszik
- Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yongsun Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mary Sobieski
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexey Sorokin
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lee M Ellis
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rajat Bhattacharya
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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27
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Yang H, Zhou X, Fu D, Le C, Wang J, Zhou Q, Liu X, Yuan Y, Ding K, Xiao Q. Targeting RAS mutants in malignancies: successes, failures, and reasons for hope. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:42-74. [PMID: 36316602 PMCID: PMC9859734 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes and play critical roles in the development and progression of malignancies. The mutation, isoform (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS), position, and type of substitution vary depending on the tissue types. Despite decades of developing RAS-targeted therapies, only small subsets of these inhibitors are clinically effective, such as the allele-specific inhibitors against KRASG12C . Targeting the remaining RAS mutants would require further experimental elucidation of RAS signal transduction, RAS-altered metabolism, and the associated immune microenvironment. This study reviews the mechanisms and efficacy of novel targeted therapies for different RAS mutants, including KRAS allele-specific inhibitors, combination therapies, immunotherapies, and metabolism-associated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Dongliang Fu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Chenqin Le
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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28
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Singh G, Thakur N, Kumar U. RAS: Circuitry and therapeutic targeting. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110505. [PMID: 36341985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110505] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has affected the lives of millions worldwide and is truly regarded as a devastating disease process. Despite advanced understanding of the genomic underpinning of cancer development and progression, therapeutic challenges are still persistent. Among all the human cancers, around 33% are attributed to mutations in RAS oncogene, a crucial component of the signaling pathways. With time, our understanding of RAS circuitry has improved and now the fact that it activates several downstream effectors, depending on the type and grades of cancer has been established. The circuitry is controlled via post-transcriptional mechanisms and frequent distortions in these mechanisms lead to important metabolic as well as immunological states that favor cancer cells' growth, survival, plasticity and metastasis. Therefore, understanding RAS circuitry can help researchers/clinicians to develop novel and potent therapeutics that, in turn, can save the lives of patients suffering from RAS-mutant cancers. There are many challenges presented by resistance and the potential strategies with a particular focus on novel combinations for overcoming these, that could move beyond transitory responses in the direction of treatment. Here in this review, we will look at how understanding the circuitry of RAS can be put to use in making strategies for developing therapeutics against RAS- driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Neelam Thakur
- Department of Biosciences (UIBT), Chandigarh University, NH-05, Ludhiana - Chandigarh State Hwy, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 140413, India; Department of Zoology, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Government College Campus, Paddal, Kartarpur, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001, India.
| | - Umesh Kumar
- School of Biosciences, Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), Adhyatmik Nagar, NH09, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201015, India.
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29
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Rangel M, Kong J, Bhatt V, Khayati K, Guo JY. Autophagy and tumorigenesis. FEBS J 2022; 289:7177-7198. [PMID: 34270851 PMCID: PMC8761221 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process that captures cellular waste and degrades them in the lysosome. The main functions of autophagy are quality control of cytosolic proteins and organelles, and intracellular recycling of nutrients in order to maintain cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is upregulated in many cancers to promote cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Both cell-autonomous autophagy (also known as tumor autophagy) and non-cell-autonomous autophagy (also known as host autophagy) support tumorigenesis through different mechanisms, including inhibition of p53 activation, sustaining redox homeostasis, maintenance of essential amino acids levels in order to support energy production and biosynthesis, and inhibition of antitumor immune responses. Therefore, autophagy may serve as a tumor-specific vulnerability and targeting autophagy could be a novel strategy in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rangel
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Jerry Kong
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Vrushank Bhatt
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Khoosheh Khayati
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Jessie Yanxiang Guo
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA,Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA,Department of Chemical Biology, Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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30
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Dai M, Chen S, Teng X, Chen K, Cheng W. KRAS as a Key Oncogene in the Clinical Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. J Cancer 2022; 13:3209-3220. [PMID: 36118526 PMCID: PMC9475360 DOI: 10.7150/jca.76695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. At present, the comprehensive treatment based on surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has encountered a bottleneck, and targeted immunotherapy turns to be the direction of future development. About 90% of PDAC patients have KRAS mutations, and KRAS has been widely used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PDAC in recent years. With the development of liquid biopsy and gene testing, KRAS is expected to become a new biomarker to assist the stratification and prognosis of PDAC patients. An increasing number of small molecule inhibitors acting on the KRAS pathway are being developed and put into the clinic, providing more options for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manxiong Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Shaofeng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Xiong Teng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Xiangyue Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, National Clinical Center for Schistosomiasis Treatment, Yueyang 414000, Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
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31
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Targeting the Metabolic Rewiring in Pancreatic Cancer and Its Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184351. [PMID: 36139512 PMCID: PMC9497173 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with only a few effective therapeutic options. A characteristic feature of PDAC is its unique tumor microenvironment (TME), termed desmoplasia, which shows extensive fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition, generating highly hypoxic and nutrient-deprived conditions within the tumor. To thrive in this harsh TME, PDAC undergoes extensive metabolic rewiring that includes the altered use of glucose and glutamine, constitutive activation of autophagy-lysosomal pathways, and nutrient acquisition from host cells in the TME. Notably, these properties support PDAC metabolism and mediate therapeutic resistance, including immune suppression. A deeper understanding of the unique metabolic properties of PDAC and its TME may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies against this deadly disease.
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32
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Ravichandran M, Hu J, Cai C, Ward NP, Venida A, Foakes C, Kuljanin M, Yang A, Hennessey CJ, Yang Y, Desousa BR, Rademaker G, Staes AA, Cakir Z, Jain IH, Aguirre AJ, Mancias JD, Shen Y, DeNicola GM, Perera RM. Coordinated Transcriptional and Catabolic Programs Support Iron-Dependent Adaptation to RAS-MAPK Pathway Inhibition in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2198-2219. [PMID: 35771494 PMCID: PMC9444964 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying metabolic adaptation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells to pharmacologic inhibition of RAS-MAPK signaling are largely unknown. Using transcriptome and chromatin immunoprecipitation profiling of PDA cells treated with the MEK inhibitor (MEKi) trametinib, we identify transcriptional antagonism between c-MYC and the master transcription factors for lysosome gene expression, the MiT/TFE proteins. Under baseline conditions, c-MYC and MiT/TFE factors compete for binding to lysosome gene promoters to fine-tune gene expression. Treatment of PDA cells or patient organoids with MEKi leads to c-MYC downregulation and increased MiT/TFE-dependent lysosome biogenesis. Quantitative proteomics of immunopurified lysosomes uncovered reliance on ferritinophagy, the selective degradation of the iron storage complex ferritin, in MEKi-treated cells. Ferritinophagy promotes mitochondrial iron-sulfur cluster protein synthesis and enhanced mitochondrial respiration. Accordingly, suppressing iron utilization sensitizes PDA cells to MEKi, highlighting a critical and targetable reliance on lysosome-dependent iron supply during adaptation to KRAS-MAPK inhibition. SIGNIFICANCE Reduced c-MYC levels following MAPK pathway suppression facilitate the upregulation of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis. Increased autophagy-lysosome activity is required for increased ferritinophagy-mediated iron supply, which supports mitochondrial respiration under therapy stress. Disruption of ferritinophagy synergizes with KRAS-MAPK inhibition and blocks PDA growth, thus highlighting a key targetable metabolic dependency. See related commentary by Jain and Amaravadi, p. 2023. See related article by Santana-Codina et al., p. 2180. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirunalini Ravichandran
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jingjie Hu
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Charles Cai
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nathan P. Ward
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Anthony Venida
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Callum Foakes
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Miljan Kuljanin
- Division of Radiation and Genome Stability, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Annan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Connor J. Hennessey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Brandon R. Desousa
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Gilles Rademaker
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Annelot A.L. Staes
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Zeynep Cakir
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Isha H. Jain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Joseph D. Mancias
- Division of Radiation and Genome Stability, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yin Shen
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gina M. DeNicola
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Rushika M. Perera
- Department of Anatomy, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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33
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Jain V, Amaravadi RK. Pumping Iron: Ferritinophagy Promotes Survival and Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:2023-2025. [PMID: 36052501 PMCID: PMC10141509 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Autophagy is an adaptive response to metabolic and therapeutic stress, especially in treatment-refractory cancers such as pancreatic cancer. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, two groups establish ferritinophagy, a selective autophagy program that could become a drug target, as the mechanism that pumps iron into mitochondria via the lysosome, enabling survival and therapy resistance in pancreas cancer. See related article by Santana-Codina et al., p. 2180 (3). See related article by Ravichandran et al., p. 2198 (4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Jain
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Yamamoto K, Iwadate D, Kato H, Nakai Y, Tateishi K, Fujishiro M. Targeting autophagy as a therapeutic strategy against pancreatic cancer. J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:603-618. [PMID: 35727403 PMCID: PMC9392712 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is a catabolic process through which cytosolic components are captured in the autophagosome and degraded in the lysosome. Autophagy plays two major roles: nutrient recycling under starvation or stress conditions and maintenance of cellular homeostasis by removing the damaged organelles or protein aggregates. In established cancer cells, autophagy-mediated nutrient recycling promotes tumor progression, whereas in normal/premalignant cells, autophagy suppresses tumor initiation by eliminating the oncogenic/harmful molecules. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease that is refractory to most currently available treatment modalities, including immune checkpoint blockade and molecular-targeted therapy. One prominent feature of PDAC is its constitutively active and elevated autophagy-lysosome function, which enables PDAC to thrive in its nutrient-scarce tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolic support, autophagy promotes PDAC progression in a metabolism-independent manner by conferring resistance to therapeutic treatment or facilitating immune evasion. Besides to cell-autonomous autophagy in cancer cells, host autophagy (autophagy in non-cancer cells) supports PDAC progression, further highlighting autophagy as a promising therapeutic target in PDAC. Based on a growing list of compelling preclinical evidence, there are numerous ongoing clinical trials targeting the autophagy-lysosome pathway in PDAC. Given the multifaceted and context-dependent roles of autophagy in both cancer cells and normal host cells, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the tumor-promoting roles of autophagy as well as of the consequences of autophagy inhibition is necessary for the development of autophagy inhibition-based therapies against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Dosuke Iwadate
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yousuke Nakai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tateishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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35
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Ferreira A, Pereira F, Reis C, Oliveira MJ, Sousa MJ, Preto A. Crucial Role of Oncogenic KRAS Mutations in Apoptosis and Autophagy Regulation: Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142183. [PMID: 35883626 PMCID: PMC9319879 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS, one of the RAS protein family members, plays an important role in autophagy and apoptosis, through the regulation of several downstream effectors. In cancer cells, KRAS mutations confer the constitutive activation of this oncogene, stimulating cell proliferation, inducing autophagy, suppressing apoptosis, altering cell metabolism, changing cell motility and invasion and modulating the tumor microenvironment. In order to inhibit apoptosis, these oncogenic mutations were reported to upregulate anti-apoptotic proteins, including Bcl-xL and survivin, and to downregulate proteins related to apoptosis induction, including thymine-DNA glycosylase (TDG) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). In addition, KRAS mutations are known to induce autophagy in order to promote cell survival and tumor progression through MAPK and PI3K regulation. Thus, these mutations confer resistance to anti-cancer drug treatment and, consequently, result in poor prognosis. Several therapies have been developed in order to overcome KRAS-induced cell death resistance and the downstream signaling pathways blockade, especially by combining MAPK and PI3K inhibitors, which demonstrated promising results. Understanding the involvement of KRAS mutations in apoptosis and autophagy regulation, might bring new avenues to the discovery of therapeutic approaches for CRCs harboring KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabela Ferreira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Flávia Pereira
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.R.); (M.J.O.)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Celso Reis
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.R.); (M.J.O.)
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Oliveira
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.R.); (M.J.O.)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Sousa
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Preto
- Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), Department of Biology, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (A.F.); (F.P.); (M.J.S.)
- Institute of Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-253-601524
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36
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Tsang T, Gu X, Davis CI, Posimo JM, Miller ZA, Brady DC. BRAFV600E-Driven Lung Adenocarcinoma Requires Copper to Sustain Autophagic Signaling and Processing. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1096-1107. [PMID: 35320362 PMCID: PMC9262833 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The transition metal copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient required for development and proliferation, but the molecular mechanisms by which Cu contributes to these processes is not fully understood. Although traditionally studied as a static cofactor critical for the function of Cu-dependent enzymes, an expanding role for Cu is emerging to include its novel function as a dynamic mediator of signaling processes through the direct control of protein kinase activity. We now appreciate that Cu directly binds to and influences MEK1/2 and ULK1/2 kinase activity, and show here that reductions in MAPK and autophagic signaling are associated with dampened growth and survival of oncogenic BRAF-driven lung adenocarcinoma cells upon loss of Ctr1. Efficient autophagy, clonogenic survival, and tumorigenesis of BRAF-mutant cells required ULK1 Cu-binding. Although treatment with canonical MAPK inhibitors resulted in the upregulation of protective autophagy, mechanistically, the Cu chelator tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) was sufficient to target both autophagic and MAPK signaling as a means to blunt BRAF-driven tumorigenic properties. These findings support leveraging Cu chelation with TTM as an alternative therapeutic strategy to impair autophagy and MAPK signaling. As traditional MAPK monotherapies initiate autophagy signaling and promote cancer cell survival. IMPLICATIONS We establish that copper chelation therapy inhibits both autophagy and MAPK signaling in BRAFV600E-driven lung adenocarcinoma, thus overcoming the upregulation of protective autophagy elicited by canonical MAPK pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Tsang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xingxing Gu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Caroline I. Davis
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica M. Posimo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zoey A. Miller
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Pharmacology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Donita C. Brady
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Corresponding Author: Donita C. Brady, Perelman School of Medicine, 421 Curie Boulevard, 612 BRBII/II, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Phone: 215-573-9705; E-mail:
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37
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Rahman MA, Ahmed KR, Rahman MDH, Parvez MAK, Lee IS, Kim B. Therapeutic Aspects and Molecular Targets of Autophagy to Control Pancreatic Cancer Management. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1459. [PMID: 35740481 PMCID: PMC9220066 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) begins within the organ of the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes, and is one of the formidable cancers for which appropriate treatment strategies are urgently needed. Autophagy occurs in the many chambers of PC tissue, including cancer cells, cancer-related fibroblasts, and immune cells, and can be fine-tuned by various promotive and suppressive signals. Consequently, the impacts of autophagy on pancreatic carcinogenesis and progression depend greatly on its stage and conditions. Autophagy inhibits the progress of preneoplastic damage during the initial phase. However, autophagy encourages tumor formation during the development phase. Several studies have reported that both a tumor-promoting and a tumor-suppressing function of autophagy in cancer that is likely cell-type dependent. However, autophagy is dispensable for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) growth, and clinical trials with autophagy inhibitors, either alone or in combination with other therapies, have had limited success. Autophagy's dual mode of action makes it therapeutically challenging despite autophagy inhibitors providing increased longevity in medical studies, highlighting the need for a more rigorous review of current findings and more precise targeting strategies. Indeed, the role of autophagy in PC is complicated, and numerous factors must be considered when transitioning from bench to bedside. In this review, we summarize the evidence for the tumorigenic and protective role of autophagy in PC tumorigenesis and describe recent advances in the understanding of how autophagy may be regulated and controlled in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Ataur Rahman
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 02447, Korea; (K.R.A.); (M.H.R.)
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Global Biotechnology & Biomedical Research Network (GBBRN), Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Rejvee Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 02447, Korea; (K.R.A.); (M.H.R.)
| | - MD. Hasanur Rahman
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 02447, Korea; (K.R.A.); (M.H.R.)
| | | | - In-Seon Lee
- Acupuncture & Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 02447, Korea; (K.R.A.); (M.H.R.)
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
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38
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Russell RC, Guan KL. The multifaceted role of autophagy in cancer. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110031. [PMID: 35535466 PMCID: PMC9251852 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular degradative pathway that plays diverse roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Cellular stress caused by starvation, organelle damage, or proteotoxic aggregates can increase autophagy, which uses the degradative capacity of lysosomal enzymes to mitigate intracellular stresses. Early studies have shown a role for autophagy in the suppression of tumorigenesis. However, work in genetically engineered mouse models and in vitro cell studies have now shown that autophagy can be either cancer-promoting or inhibiting. Here, we summarize the effects of autophagy on cancer initiation, progression, immune infiltration, and metabolism. We also discuss the efforts to pharmacologically target autophagy in the clinic and highlight future areas for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Russell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Center for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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39
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Campiani G, Khan T, Ulivieri C, Staiano L, Papulino C, Magnano S, Nathwani S, Ramunno A, Lucena-Agell D, Relitti N, Federico S, Pozzetti L, Carullo G, Casagni A, Brogi S, Vanni F, Galatello P, Ghanim M, McCabe N, Lamponi S, Valoti M, Ibrahim O, O'Sullivan J, Turkington R, Kelly VP, VanWemmel R, Díaz JF, Gemma S, Zisterer D, Altucci L, De Matteis A, Butini S, Benedetti R. Design and synthesis of multifunctional microtubule targeting agents endowed with dual pro-apoptotic and anti-autophagic efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 235:114274. [PMID: 35344902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a lysosome dependent cell survival mechanism and is central to the maintenance of organismal homeostasis in both physiological and pathological situations. Targeting autophagy in cancer therapy attracted considerable attention in the past as stress-induced autophagy has been demonstrated to contribute to both drug resistance and malignant progression and recently interest in this area has re-emerged. Unlocking the therapeutic potential of autophagy modulation could be a valuable strategy for designing innovative tools for cancer treatment. Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are some of the most successful anti-cancer drugs used in the clinic to date. Scaling up our efforts to develop new anti-cancer agents, we rationally designed multifunctional agents 5a-l with improved potency and safety that combine tubulin depolymerising efficacy with autophagic flux inhibitory activity. Through a combination of computational, biological, biochemical, pharmacokinetic-safety, metabolic studies and SAR analyses we identified the hits 5i,k. These MTAs were characterised as potent pro-apoptotic agents and also demonstrated autophagy inhibition efficacy. To measure their efficacy at inhibiting autophagy, we investigated their effects on basal and starvation-mediated autophagic flux by quantifying the expression of LC3II/LC3I and p62 proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma and human leukaemia through western blotting and by immunofluorescence study of LC3 and LAMP1 in a cervical carcinoma cell line. Analogues 5i and 5k, endowed with pro-apoptotic activity on a range of hematological cancer cells (including ex-vivo chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells) and several solid tumor cell lines, also behaved as late-stage autophagy inhibitors by impairing autophagosome-lysosome fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Tuhina Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Ulivieri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Istituto Toscano Tumori, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Staiano
- Cell Biology and Disease Mechanisms, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy; Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054, Segrate, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Papulino
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Vico L, De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, IT, Italy
| | - Stefania Magnano
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Seema Nathwani
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Anna Ramunno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Daniel Lucena-Agell
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicola Relitti
- IRBM Science Park, Via Pontina km 30, 600, 00071, Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Federico
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Pozzetti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Alice Casagni
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Vanni
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Galatello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via G. Paolo II 132, 84084, Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Magda Ghanim
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Niamh McCabe
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Health Sciences Building, BT9 7BL, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Lamponi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Valoti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Ola Ibrahim
- School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jeffrey O'Sullivan
- School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Richard Turkington
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Health Sciences Building, BT9 7BL, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent P Kelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ruben VanWemmel
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Fernando Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Zisterer
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Vico L, De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, IT, Italy; Biogem Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Via Camporeale, 83031, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Antonella De Matteis
- Cell Biology and Disease Mechanisms, Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy; Istituto Toscano Tumori, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Vico L, De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, IT, Italy
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Stalnecker CA, Grover KR, Edwards AC, Coleman MF, Yang R, DeLiberty JM, Papke B, Goodwin CM, Pierobon M, Petricoin EF, Gautam P, Wennerberg K, Cox AD, Der CJ, Hursting SD, Bryant KL. Concurrent Inhibition of IGF1R and ERK Increases Pancreatic Cancer Sensitivity to Autophagy Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2022; 82:586-598. [PMID: 34921013 PMCID: PMC8886214 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The aggressive nature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) mandates the development of improved therapies. As KRAS mutations are found in 95% of PDAC and are critical for tumor maintenance, one promising strategy involves exploiting KRAS-dependent metabolic perturbations. The macrometabolic process of autophagy is upregulated in KRAS-mutant PDAC, and PDAC growth is reliant on autophagy. However, inhibition of autophagy as monotherapy using the lysosomal inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has shown limited clinical efficacy. To identify strategies that can improve PDAC sensitivity to HCQ, we applied a CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screen and found that a top sensitizer was the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R). Additionally, reverse phase protein array pathway activation mapping profiled the signaling pathways altered by chloroquine (CQ) treatment. Activating phosphorylation of RTKs, including IGF1R, was a common compensatory increase in response to CQ. Inhibition of IGF1R increased autophagic flux and sensitivity to CQ-mediated growth suppression both in vitro and in vivo. Cotargeting both IGF1R and pathways that antagonize autophagy, such as ERK-MAPK axis, was strongly synergistic. IGF1R and ERK inhibition converged on suppression of glycolysis, leading to enhanced dependence on autophagy. Accordingly, concurrent inhibition of IGF1R, ERK, and autophagy induced cytotoxicity in PDAC cell lines and decreased viability in human PDAC organoids. In conclusion, targeting IGF1R together with ERK enhances the effectiveness of autophagy inhibitors in PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE Compensatory upregulation of IGF1R and ERK-MAPK signaling limits the efficacy of autophagy inhibitors chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, and their concurrent inhibition synergistically increases autophagy dependence and chloroquine sensitivity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clint A. Stalnecker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kajal R. Grover
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - A. Cole Edwards
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael F. Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Runying Yang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan M. DeLiberty
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Björn Papke
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Craig M. Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Emanuel F. Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia
| | - Prson Gautam
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Channing J. Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Cell Biology and Physiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Stephen D. Hursting
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kirsten L. Bryant
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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41
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Redding A, Aplin AE, Grabocka E. RAS-mediated tumor stress adaptation and the targeting opportunities it presents. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049280. [PMID: 35147163 PMCID: PMC8844456 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular stress is known to function in synergistic cooperation with oncogenic mutations during tumorigenesis to drive cancer progression. Oncogenic RAS is a strong inducer of a variety of pro-tumorigenic cellular stresses, and also enhances the ability of cells to tolerate these stresses through multiple mechanisms. Many of these oncogenic, RAS-driven, stress-adaptive mechanisms have also been implicated in tolerance and resistance to chemotherapy and to therapies that target the RAS pathway. Understanding how oncogenic RAS shapes cellular stress adaptation and how this functions in drug resistance is of vital importance for identifying new therapeutic targets and therapeutic combinations to treat RAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elda Grabocka
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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42
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Tatli O, Dinler Doganay G. Recent Developments in Targeting RAS Downstream Effectors for RAS-Driven Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247561. [PMID: 34946644 PMCID: PMC8703923 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activity of oncogenic rat sarcoma virus (RAS) protein promotes tumor growth and progression. RAS-driven cancers comprise more than 30% of all human cancers and are refractory to frontline treatment strategies. Since direct targeting of RAS has proven challenging, efforts have been centered on the exploration of inhibitors for RAS downstream effector kinases. Two major RAS downstream signaling pathways, including the Raf/MEK/Erk cascade and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, have become compelling targets for RAS-driven cancer therapy. However, the main drawback in the blockade of a single RAS effector is the multiple levels of crosstalk and compensatory mechanisms between these two pathways that contribute to drug resistance against monotherapies. A growing body of evidence reveals that the sequential or synergistic inhibition of multiple RAS effectors is a more convenient route for the efficacy of cancer therapy. Herein, we revisit the recent developments and discuss the most promising modalities targeting canonical RAS downstream effectors for the treatment of RAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Tatli
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetics-Biotechnology, Graduate School, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul 34469, Turkey;
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul 34720, Turkey
| | - Gizem Dinler Doganay
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genetics-Biotechnology, Graduate School, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul 34469, Turkey;
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul 34469, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-2122-857-256
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43
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Andersen HB, Ialchina R, Pedersen SF, Czaplinska D. Metabolic reprogramming by driver mutation-tumor microenvironment interplay in pancreatic cancer: new therapeutic targets. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:1093-1114. [PMID: 34855109 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10004-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers globally with a mortality rate exceeding 95% and very limited therapeutic options. A hallmark of PDAC is its acidic tumor microenvironment, further characterized by excessive fibrosis and depletion of oxygen and nutrients due to poor vascularity. The combination of PDAC driver mutations and adaptation to this hostile environment drives extensive metabolic reprogramming of the cancer cells toward non-canonical metabolic pathways and increases reliance on scavenging mechanisms such as autophagy and macropinocytosis. In addition, the cancer cells benefit from metabolic crosstalk with nonmalignant cells within the tumor microenvironment, including pancreatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial and immune cells. Increasing evidence shows that this metabolic rewiring is closely related to chemo- and radioresistance and immunosuppression, causing extensive treatment failure. Indeed, stratification of human PDAC tumors into subtypes based on their metabolic profiles was shown to predict disease outcome. Accordingly, an increasing number of clinical trials target pro-tumorigenic metabolic pathways, either as stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with chemotherapy. In this review, we highlight key findings and potential future directions of pancreatic cancer metabolism research, specifically focusing on novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Berg Andersen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Renata Ialchina
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine Falsig Pedersen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Dominika Czaplinska
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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44
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Klomp JE, Lee YS, Goodwin CM, Papke B, Klomp JA, Waters AM, Stalnecker CA, DeLiberty JM, Drizyte-Miller K, Yang R, Diehl JN, Yin HH, Pierobon M, Baldelli E, Ryan MB, Li S, Peterson J, Smith AR, Neal JT, McCormick AK, Kuo CJ, Counter CM, Petricoin EF, Cox AD, Bryant KL, Der CJ. CHK1 protects oncogenic KRAS-expressing cells from DNA damage and is a target for pancreatic cancer treatment. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110060. [PMID: 34852220 PMCID: PMC8665414 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We apply genetic screens to delineate modulators of KRAS mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) sensitivity to ERK inhibitor treatment, and we identify components of the ATR-CHK1 DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway. Pharmacologic inhibition of CHK1 alone causes apoptotic growth suppression of both PDAC cell lines and organoids, which correlates with loss of MYC expression. CHK1 inhibition also activates ERK and AMPK and increases autophagy, providing a mechanistic basis for increased efficacy of concurrent CHK1 and ERK inhibition and/or autophagy inhibition with chloroquine. To assess how CHK1 inhibition-induced ERK activation promotes PDAC survival, we perform a CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screen targeting direct/indirect ERK substrates and identify RIF1. A key component of non-homologous end joining repair, RIF1 suppression sensitizes PDAC cells to CHK1 inhibition-mediated apoptotic growth suppression. Furthermore, ERK inhibition alone decreases RIF1 expression and phenocopies RIF1 depletion. We conclude that concurrent DDR suppression enhances the efficacy of ERK and/or autophagy inhibitors in KRAS mutant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Ye S Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Craig M Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Björn Papke
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jeff A Klomp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Clint A Stalnecker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jonathan M DeLiberty
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kristina Drizyte-Miller
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Runying Yang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hongwei H Yin
- Departments of Cancer and Cell Biology, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Elisa Baldelli
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Meagan B Ryan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Jackson Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Amber R Smith
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - James T Neal
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aaron K McCormick
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Christopher M Counter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kirsten L Bryant
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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45
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Targeting T-type channels in cancer: What is on and what is off? Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:743-758. [PMID: 34838727 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.021] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, various studies have demonstrated a pivotal role of T-type calcium channels (TTCCs) in tumor progression. Cytotoxic effects of TTCC pharmacological blockers have been reported in vitro and in preclinical models. However, their roles in cancer physiology are only beginning to be understood. In this review, we discuss evidence for the signaling pathways and cellular processes stemming from TTCC activity, mainly inferred by inverse reasoning from pharmacological blocks and, only in a few studies, by gene silencing or channel activation. A thorough analysis indicates that drug-induced cytotoxicity is partially an off-target effect. Dissection of on/off-target activity is paramount to elucidate the physiological roles of TTCCs, and to deliver efficacious therapies suited to different cancer types and stages.
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46
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Clinical Translation of Combined MAPK and Autophagy Inhibition in RAS Mutant Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212402. [PMID: 34830283 PMCID: PMC8623813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS (rat sarcoma virus) mutant cancers remain difficult to treat despite the advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Targeted therapies against the components of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including RAS, RAF, MEK, and ERK, have demonstrated activity in BRAF mutant and, in limited cases, RAS mutant cancer. RAS mutant cancers have been found to activate adaptive resistance mechanisms such as autophagy during MAPK inhibition. Here, we review the recent clinically relevant advances in the development of the MAPK pathway and autophagy inhibitors and focus on their application to RAS mutant cancers. We provide analysis of the preclinical rationale for combining the MAPK pathway and autophagy and highlight the most recent clinical trials that have been launched to capitalize on this potentially synthetic lethal approach to cancer therapy.
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47
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Han L, Huang Z, Liu Y, Ye L, Li D, Yao Z, Wang C, Zhang Y, Yang H, Tan Z, Tang J, Yang Z. MicroRNA-106a regulates autophagy-related cell death and EMT by targeting TP53INP1 in lung cancer with bone metastasis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1037. [PMID: 34718338 PMCID: PMC8557209 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone metastasis is one of the most serious complications in lung cancer patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in tumour development, progression and metastasis. A previous study showed that miR-106a is highly expressed in the tissues of lung adenocarcinoma with bone metastasis, but its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we showed that miR-106a expression is dramatically increased in lung cancer patients with bone metastasis (BM) by immunohistochemical analysis. MiR-106a promoted A549 and SPC-A1 cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. The results of bioluminescence imaging (BLI), micro-CT and X-ray demonstrated that miR-106a promoted bone metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-106a upregulation promoted metastasis by targeting tumour protein 53-induced nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1)-mediated metastatic progression, including cell migration, autophagy-dependent death and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, autophagy partially attenuated the effects of miR-106a on promoting bone metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma. These findings demonstrated that restoring the expression of TP53INP1 by silencing miR-106a may be a novel therapeutic strategy for bone metastatic in lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Han
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zeyong Huang
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Lijuan Ye
- Department of Pathology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Dongqi Li
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhihong Yao
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Cao Wang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hang Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zunxian Tan
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiadai Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zuozhang Yang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Research Center of Yunnan Province, Department of Orthopaedics, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Center, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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48
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Yan RL, Chen RH. Autophagy and cancer metabolism-The two-way interplay. IUBMB Life 2021; 74:281-295. [PMID: 34652063 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process that degrades cytoplasmic components for recycling in response to stressed conditions, such as nutrient deprivation. Dysregulation of autophagy is associated with various diseases, including cancer. Although autophagy plays dichotomous and context-dependent roles in cancer, evidence has emerged that cancer cells exploit autophagy for metabolic adaptation. Autophagy is upregulated in many cancer types through tumor cell-intrinsic proliferation demands and the hypoxic and nutrient-limited tumor microenvironment (TME). Autophagy-induced breakdown products then fuel into various metabolic pathways to supply tumor cells with energy and building blocks for biosynthesis and survival. This bidirectional regulation between autophagy and tumor constitutes a vicious cycle to potentiate tumor growth and therapy resistance. In addition, the pro-tumor functions of autophagy are expanded to host, including cells in TME and distant organs. Thus, inhibition of autophagy or autophagy-mediated metabolic reprogramming may be a promising strategy for anticancer therapy. Better understanding the metabolic rewiring mechanisms of autophagy for its pro-tumor effects will provide insights into patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reui-Liang Yan
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Hwa Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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49
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Ianniciello A, Zarou MM, Rattigan KM, Scott M, Dawson A, Dunn K, Brabcova Z, Kalkman ER, Nixon C, Michie AM, Copland M, Vetrie D, Ambler M, Saxty B, Helgason GV. ULK1 inhibition promotes oxidative stress-induced differentiation and sensitizes leukemic stem cells to targeted therapy. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabd5016. [PMID: 34586834 PMCID: PMC7612079 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abd5016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of autophagy has been proposed as a potential therapy for individuals with cancer. However, current lysosomotropic autophagy inhibitors have demonstrated limited efficacy in clinical trials. Therefore, validation of novel specific autophagy inhibitors using robust preclinical models is critical. In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), minimal residual disease is maintained by persistent leukemic stem cells (LSCs), which drive tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance and patient relapse. Here, we show that deletion of autophagy-inducing kinase ULK1 (unc-51–like autophagy activating kinase 1) reduces growth of cell line and patient-derived xenografted CML cells in mouse models. Using primitive cells, isolated from individuals with CML, we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of ULK1 selectively targets CML LSCs ex vivo and in vivo, when combined with TKI treatment. The enhanced TKI sensitivity after ULK1-mediated autophagy inhibition is driven by increased mitochondrial respiration and loss of quiescence and points to oxidative stress–induced differentiation of CML LSCs, proposing an alternative strategy for treating patients with CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ianniciello
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Martha M. Zarou
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Kevin M. Rattigan
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Mary Scott
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Amy Dawson
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Karen Dunn
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Zuzana Brabcova
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Eric R. Kalkman
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Alison M. Michie
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Mhairi Copland
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK
| | - David Vetrie
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Martin Ambler
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK
| | - Barbara Saxty
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK
| | - G. Vignir Helgason
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117 Facilitates Pancreatic Cancer Progression by Regulating the miR-96-5p/KRAS/MAPK Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:9213205. [PMID: 34512755 PMCID: PMC8433013 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9213205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play key roles in many malignant tumors, including pancreatic cancer (PC); however, whether circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117, a newly identified circRNA, has a role in PC has not been investigated. Here, in order to elucidate the role and potential molecular mechanisms of circRNAs, we utilized bioinformatic tolls to screen the differentially expressed circRNAs in PC. Subsequently, circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117 was identified as being highly expressed in PC tissues in a screen of two GEO datasets, which was further verified in PC cell lines and tissues. Then, its molecular characteristics were investigated using methods such as Sanger sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Functional experiments subsequently indicated that circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117 facilitated the malignant behaviors of PC cells, prompting that it plays an oncogenic role in PC. Moreover, we found that circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117 exerts its PC-promoting effects via activating the KRAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Through bioinformatics exploration and dual-luciferase reporter assays, miR-96-5p was identified as a downstream target of circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117. A series of assays confirmed that circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117 acted as a miR-96-5p sponge, thereby promoting the malignant features of PC in a miR-96-5p/KRAS axis-dependent manner. Taken together, our study indicated, for the first time, that the specifically highly expressed circular RNA hsa_circ_0006117 facilitates PC progression via the modulation of the miR-96-5p/KRAS/MAPK signaling pathway and might be a hopeful therapeutic target for PC.
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