1
|
Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang J, Yang J, Xiao X, Shan L, Mao W. Recent discovery and development of AXL inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116475. [PMID: 38714043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116475] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions. It is primarily involved in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, angiogenesis, apoptosis, immune regulation, and chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. Therefore, targeting AXL is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. AXL inhibitors that have entered clinical trials, such as BGB324(1), have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted drugs, such as AXL degraders, offer a potential solution to overcome the limitations of traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors targeting single pathways. We provide an overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL, discusses its correlation with various cancers, and critically analyzes the structure-activity relationship of AXL small-molecule inhibitors in cellular contexts. Additionally, we summarize multiple research and development strategies, offering insights for the future development of innovative AXL inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Breitenecker K, Heiden D, Demmer T, Weber G, Primorac AM, Hedrich V, Ortmayr G, Gruenberger T, Starlinger P, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Barozzi I, Mikulits W. Tumor-Extrinsic Axl Expression Shapes an Inflammatory Microenvironment Independent of Tumor Cell Promoting Axl Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4202. [PMID: 38673795 PMCID: PMC11050718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084202] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl by Gas6 is a major driver of tumorigenesis. Despite recent insights, tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic Axl functions are poorly understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we analyzed the cell-specific aspects of Axl in liver cancer cells and in the tumor microenvironment. We show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression decreased the survival of mice and elevated the number of pulmonary metastases in a model of resection-based tumor recurrence. Axl expression increased the invasion of hepatospheres by the activation of Akt signaling and a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the liver tumor burden of Axl+/+ mice induced by diethylnitrosamine plus carbon tetrachloride was reduced compared to systemic Axl-/- mice. Tumors of Axl+/+ mice were highly infiltrated with cytotoxic cells, suggesting a key immune-modulatory role of Axl. Interestingly, hepatocyte-specific Axl deficiency did not alter T cell infiltration, indicating that these changes are independent of tumor cell-intrinsic Axl. In this context, we observed an upregulation of multiple chemokines in Axl+/+ compared to Axl-/- tumors, correlating with HCC patient data. In line with this, Axl is associated with a cytotoxic immune signature in HCC patients. Together these data show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression fosters progression, while tumor-extrinsic Axl expression shapes an inflammatory microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Breitenecker
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Denise Heiden
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Tobias Demmer
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gerhard Weber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Ana-Maria Primorac
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Viola Hedrich
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gregor Ortmayr
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Thomas Gruenberger
- Department of Surgery, HPB Center, Viennese Health Network, Clinic Favoriten and Sigmund Freud Private University, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Starlinger
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Herndler-Brandstetter
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Miao YR, Rankin EB, Giaccia AJ. Therapeutic targeting of the functionally elusive TAM receptor family. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:201-217. [PMID: 38092952 PMCID: PMC11335090 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00846-8] [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] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The TAM receptor family of TYRO3, AXL and MERTK regulates tissue and immune homeostasis. Aberrant TAM receptor signalling has been linked to a range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and viral infections. Specifically, the dysregulation of TAM receptors can enhance tumour growth and metastasis due to their involvement in multiple oncogenic pathways. For example, TAM receptors have been implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, maintaining the stem cell phenotype, immune modulation, proliferation, angiogenesis and resistance to conventional and targeted therapies. Therapeutically, multiple TAM receptor inhibitors are in preclinical and clinical development for cancers and other indications, with those targeting AXL being the most clinically advanced. Although there has been notable clinical advancement in recent years, challenges persist. This Review aims to provide both biological and clinical insights into the current therapeutic landscape of TAM receptor inhibitors, and evaluates their potential for the treatment of cancer and non-malignant diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Rebecca Miao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erinn B Rankin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhuo L, Guo M, Zhang S, Wu J, Wang M, Shen Y, Peng X, Wang Z, Jiang W, Huang W. Structure-activity relationship study of 1,6-naphthyridinone derivatives as selective type II AXL inhibitors with potent antitumor efficacy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116090. [PMID: 38169272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The role of AXL in various oncogenic processes has made it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Currently, kinase selectivity profiles, especially circumventing MET inhibition, remain a scientific issue of great interest in the discovery of selective type II AXL inhibitors. Starting from a dual MET/AXL-targeted lead structure from our previous work, we optimized a 1,6-naphthyridinone series using molecular modeling-assisted compound design to improve AXL potency and selectivity over MET, resulting in the potent and selective type II AXL-targeted compound 25c. This showed excellent AXL inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.1 nM) and 343-fold selectivity over the highly homologous kinase MET in biochemical assays. Moreover, compound 25c significantly inhibited AXL-driven cell proliferation, dose-dependently suppressed 4T1 cell migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis. Compound 25c also showed noticeable antitumor efficacy in a BaF3/TEL-AXL xenograft model at well-tolerated doses. Overall, this study presented a potent and selective type II AXL-targeted lead compound for further drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linsheng Zhuo
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Mengqin Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Siyi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Junbo Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Hengyang Central Hospital, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Mingshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Postdoctoral Station for Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xue Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Weifan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pesticide & Chemical Biology of Ministry of Education, International Joint Research Center for Intelligent Biosensor Technology and Health, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xie Y, Wu H, He Y, Liu L, Huang IB, Zhou L, Lin CY, Leung RWH, Loh JJ, Lee TKW, Ding J, Man K, Ma S, Tong M. Targeting AXL induces tumor-intrinsic immunogenic response in tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant liver cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:110. [PMID: 38310091 PMCID: PMC10838288 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06493-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy without effective therapeutic approaches. Here, we evaluate the tumor-intrinsic mechanisms that attenuate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that is observed in patients with advanced HCC who progress on first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Upregulation of AXL observed in sorafenib- and lenvatinib-resistant HCCs is correlated with poor response towards TKI and ICI treatments. AXL upregulation protects sorafenib-resistant HCC cells from oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and accompanying immunogenic cell death through suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and STING-type I interferon pathways. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL abrogates the protective effect and re-sensitizes TKI-resistant HCC tumors to anti-PD-1 treatment. We suggest that targeting AXL in combination with anti-PD-1 may provide an alternative treatment scheme for HCC patients who progress on TKI treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Xie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haofeng Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yimiao He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linglin Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ianto Bosheng Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Precision Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheuk-Yin Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rainbow Wing-Hei Leung
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terence Kin-Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Hong Kong University-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tutusaus A, Morales A, García de Frutos P, Marí M. GAS6/TAM Axis as Therapeutic Target in Liver Diseases. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:99-114. [PMID: 38395061 PMCID: PMC11027478 DOI: 10.1055/a-2275-0408] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
TAM (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) protein tyrosine kinase membrane receptors and their vitamin K-dependent ligands GAS6 and protein S (PROS) are well-known players in tumor biology and autoimmune diseases. In contrast, TAM regulation of fibrogenesis and the inflammation mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver cancer has recently been revealed. GAS6 and PROS binding to phosphatidylserine exposed in outer membranes of apoptotic cells links TAMs, particularly MERTK, with hepatocellular damage. In addition, AXL and MERTK regulate the development of liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic liver diseases. Acute hepatic injury is also mediated by the TAM system, as recent data regarding acetaminophen toxicity and acute-on-chronic liver failure have uncovered. Soluble TAM-related proteins, mainly released from activated macrophages and hepatic stellate cells after hepatic deterioration, are proposed as early serum markers for disease progression. In conclusion, the TAM system is becoming an interesting pharmacological target in liver pathology and a focus of future biomedical research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Barcelona, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Apostolo D, Ferreira LL, Vincenzi F, Vercellino N, Minisini R, Latini F, Ferrari B, Burlone ME, Pirisi M, Bellan M. From MASH to HCC: the role of Gas6/TAM receptors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332818. [PMID: 38298195 PMCID: PMC10827955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the replacement term for what used to be called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is characterized by inflammation and injury of the liver in the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and may eventually result in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer. Several pathogenic mechanisms are involved in the transition from MASH to HCC, encompassing metabolic injury, inflammation, immune dysregulation and fibrosis. In this context, Gas6 (Growth Arrest-Specific 6) and TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) receptors may play important roles. The Gas6/TAM family is involved in the modulation of inflammation, lipid metabolism, fibrosis, tumor progression and metastasis, processes which play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic liver diseases. In this review, we discuss MASH-associated HCC and the potential involvement of the Gas6/TAM system in disease development and progression. In addition, since therapeutic strategies for MASH and HCC are limited, we also speculate regarding possible future treatments involving the targeting of Gas6 or TAM receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria Apostolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Luciana L Ferreira
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicole Vercellino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federico Latini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Barbara Ferrari
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela E Burlone
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hayashi M, Abe K, Sugaya T, Takahata Y, Fujita M, Takahashi A, Ohira H. Influence of serum Gas6 levels on prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024; 54:62-69. [PMID: 37801445 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prediction of prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is important for switching treatment. The association between circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients is unknown. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the association between serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels and clinical findings in 132 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Amongst 132 patients, the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage was classified as 0, A, B, C and D in 19, 48, 41, 18 and 6 patients, respectively. Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma patients were higher than those in healthy controls (28.4 ng/mL vs. 19.6 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and growth arrest-specific 6 levels were positively correlated with soluble Axl levels. In the entire cohort, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a shorter survival period (hazard ratio: 1.78 per 20 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.16, P = 0.045). In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 59), we determined a cut-off value of 36.4 ng/mL based on the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict death within 3 years, and high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high cumulative incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis (Gray's test: P = 0.010) and shorter overall survival (log-rank: P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Serum growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. In early and intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, high growth arrest-specific 6 levels were associated with a high incidence of portal vein tumour thrombosis. Circulating growth arrest-specific 6 levels may be a useful prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Sugaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takahata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Malvankar C, Kumar D. AXL kinase inhibitors- A prospective model for medicinal chemistry strategies in anticancer drug discovery. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188786. [PMID: 36058379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Deviant expressions of the tyrosine kinase AXL receptor are strongly correlated with a plethora of malignancies. Henceforth, the topic of targeting AXL is beginning to gain prominence due to mounting evidence of the protein's substantial connection to poor prognosis and treatment resistance. This year marked a milestone in clinical testing for AXL as an anti-carcinogenic target, with the start of the first AXL-branded inhibitor study. It is critical to emphasize that AXL is a primary and secondary target in various kinase inhibitors that have been approved or are on the verge of being approved while interpreting the present benefits and future potential effects of AXL suppression in the clinical setting. Several research arenas across the globe resolutely affirm the crucial significance of AXL receptors in the case study of several pathophysiologies including AML, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. This review endeavors to delve deeply into the biological, chemical, and structural features of AXL kinase; primary AXL inhibitors that target the enzyme (either purposefully or unintentionally); and the prospects and barriers for turning AXL inhibitors into a feasible treatment alternative. Furthermore, we analyse the co-crystal structure of AXL, which remains extensively unexplored, as well as the mutations of AXL that may be valuable in the development of novel inhibitors in the upcoming future and take a comprehensive look at the medicinal chemistry of AXL inhibitors of recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Malvankar
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India; Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA; UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu L, Liu Z, Gao J, Liu X, Weng S, Guo C, Hu B, Wang Z, Zhang J, Shi J, Guo W, Zhang S. CD8+ T cell trajectory subtypes decode tumor heterogeneity and provide treatment recommendations for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:964190. [PMID: 35967384 PMCID: PMC9363578 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.964190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mounting evidence has revealed that the interactions and dynamic alterations among immune cells are critical in shaping the tumor microenvironment and ultimately map onto heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Currently, the underlying clinical significance of immune cell evolutions remains largely unexplored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A total of 3,817 immune cells and 1,750 HCC patients of 15 independent public datasets were retrieved. The Seurat and Monocle algorithms were used to depict T cell evolution, and nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) was further applied to identify the molecular classification. Subsequently, the prognosis, biological characteristics, genomic variations, and immune landscape among distinct clusters were decoded. The clinical efficacy of multiple treatment approaches was further investigated. Results According to trajectory gene expression, three heterogeneous clusters with different clinical outcomes were identified. C2, with a more advanced pathological stage, presented the most dismal prognosis relative to C1 and C3. Eight independent external cohorts validated the robustness and reproducibility of the three clusters. Further explorations elucidated C1 to be characterized as lipid metabolic HCC, and C2 was referred to as cell-proliferative HCC, whereas C3 was defined as immune inflammatory HCC. Moreover, C2 also displayed the most conspicuous genomic instability, and C3 was deemed as “immune-hot”, having abundant immune cells and an elevated expression of immune checkpoints. The assessments of therapeutic intervention suggested that patients in C1 were suitable for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment, and patients in C2 were sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, while patients in C3 were more responsive to immunotherapy. We also identified numerous underlying therapeutic agents, which might be conducive to clinical transformation in the future. Conclusions Our study developed three clusters with distinct characteristics based on immune cell evolutions. For specifically stratified patients, we proposed individualized treatment strategies to improve the clinical outcomes and facilitate the clinical management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xudong Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Weng
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunguang Guo
- Department of Endovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bowen Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiakai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jihua Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Research Centre for Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Diagnosis and Treatment League for Hepatopathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering and Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgical Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuijun Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
WNK1 collaborates with TGF-β in endothelial cell junction turnover and angiogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203743119. [PMID: 35867836 PMCID: PMC9335306 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203743119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is essential for growth of new blood vessels, remodeling existing vessels, and repair of damaged vessels, and these require reorganization of endothelial cell-cell junctions through a partial endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Homozygous disruption of the gene encoding the protein kinase WNK1 results in lethality in mice near embryonic day (E) 12 due to impaired angiogenesis. This angiogenesis defect can be rescued by endothelial-specific expression of an activated form of the WNK1 substrate kinase OSR1. We show that inhibition of WNK1 kinase activity not only prevents sprouting of endothelial cells from aortic slices but also vessel extension in inhibitor-treated embryos ex vivo. Mutations affecting TGF-β signaling also result in abnormal vascular development beginning by E10 and, ultimately, embryonic lethality. Previously, we demonstrated cross-talk of WNK1 with TGF-β-regulated SMAD signaling, and OSR1 was identified as a component of the TGF-β interactome. However, molecular events jointly regulated by TGF-β and WNK1/OSR1 have not been delineated. Here, we show that inhibition of WNK1 promotes TGF-β-dependent degradation of the tyrosine kinase receptor AXL, which is involved in TGF-β-mediated cell migration and angiogenesis. We also show that interaction between OSR1 and occludin, a protein associated with endothelial tight junctions, is an essential step to enable tight junction turnover. Furthermore, we show that these phenomena are WNK1 dependent, and sensitive to TGF-β. These findings demonstrate intimate connections between WNK1/OSR1 and multiple TGF-β-sensitive molecules controlling angiogenesis and suggest that WNK1 may modulate many TGF-β-regulated functions.
Collapse
|
12
|
Jung JU, Jaykumar AB, Cobb MH. WNK1 in Malignant Behaviors: A Potential Target for Cancer? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935318. [PMID: 35813203 PMCID: PMC9257110 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in cancer patients. Analyses of mouse models and patient data have implicated the protein kinase WNK1 as one of a handful of genes uniquely linked to a subset of invasive cancers. WNK1 signaling pathways are widely implicated in the regulation of ion co-transporters and in controlling cell responses to osmotic stress. In this review we will discuss its actions in tumor malignancy in human cancers and present evidence for its function in invasion, migration, angiogenesis and mesenchymal transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hsu CH, Huang YH, Lin SM, Hsu C. AXL and MET in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review. Liver Cancer 2022; 11:94-112. [PMID: 35634427 PMCID: PMC9109073 DOI: 10.1159/000520501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been shown to improve survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared with placebo. Distinct from other MKIs, cabozantinib has inhibitory activity for both AXL and MET. This review considers the literature elucidating the role of AXL and MET in HCC progression, treatment resistance, and immunomodulation. A systematic search of the PubMed database was conducted on November 16, 2020, and identified a total of 174 search results. A further 36 potentially relevant articles were identified based on the authors' knowledge. After initial screening by title/abstract, 159 underwent full-text screening and we identified 69 original research articles reporting empirical data from in vitro or in vivo models of HCC evaluating the effects of manipulating AXL or MET signaling on tumorigenic behavior. SUMMARY AXL expression is highly correlated with HCC progression and outcomes and has been reported to be involved in transforming growth factor-β and the regulation of PI3K/AKT, ERK/MAPK, and CCN proteins. MET protein expression is increased in HCC with the highest histological grade and has been reported to be involved in the regulation of PI3K/AKT, PLCγ/DAG/PKC, and MAPK/ERK signaling. Both AXL and MET are key regulators of sorafenib resistance in HCC. In terms of immunomodulation, there are data to indicate that AXL and MET interact with the immune components of the tumor microenvironment and promote tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. In addition, AXL was found to play a potential role in the development of a protumorigenic neutrophil phenotype in HCC. Combined inhibition of MET and programmed cell death protein resulted in additive reduction of HCC cell growth. KEY MESSAGES AXL and MET play key roles in HCC progression, treatment resistance, and immunomodulation. Continued development of drugs that target these receptor tyrosine kinases appears likely to represent a useful strategy to improve outcomes for patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,**Chiun Hsu,
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Ming Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan,*Shi-Ming Lin, lsmpaicyto @ gmail.com
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase as a Promising Therapeutic Target Directing Multiple Aspects of Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030466. [PMID: 35158733 PMCID: PMC8833413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis is a complex process that requires the acquisition of certain traits by cancer cells as well as the cooperation of several non-neoplastic cells that populate the stroma. Cancer-related deaths are predominantly associated with complications arising from metastases. Limiting metastasis therefore represents an important clinical challenge. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is required at many steps of the metastatic cascade and contributes to tumor microenvironment deregulation. In this review, we describe how AXL contributes to metastatic progression by governing various biological processes in cancer cells and in stromal cells, highlighting the potential of its inhibition. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is emerging as a key player in tumor progression and metastasis and its expression correlates with poor survival in a plethora of cancers. While studies have shown the benefits of AXL inhibition for the treatment of metastatic cancers, additional roles for AXL in cancer progression are still being explored. This review discusses recent advances in understanding AXL’s functions in different tumor compartments including cancer, vascular, and immune cells. AXL is required at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade where its activation in cancer cells leads to EMT, invasion, survival, proliferation and therapy resistance. AXL activation in cancer cells and various stromal cells also results in tumor microenvironment deregulation, leading to modulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune response and hypoxia. A better understanding of AXL’s role in these processes could lead to new therapeutic approaches that would benefit patients suffering from metastatic diseases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Synn CB, Kim SE, Lee HK, Kim MH, Kim JH, Lee JM, Jo HN, Lee W, Kim DK, Byeon Y, Kim YS, Yun MR, Park CW, Yun J, Lim S, Heo SG, Yang SD, Lee EJ, Lee S, Choi H, Lee YW, Cho JS, Kim DH, Park S, Kim JH, Choi Y, Lee SS, Ahn BC, Kim CG, Lim SM, Hong MH, Kim HR, Pyo KH, Cho BC. SKI-G-801, an AXL kinase inhibitor, blocks metastasis through inducing anti-tumor immune responses and potentiates anti-PD-1 therapy in mouse cancer models. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1364. [PMID: 35003748 PMCID: PMC8716998 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives AXL‐mediated activation of aberrant tyrosine kinase drives various oncogenic processes and facilitates an immunosuppressive microenvironment. We evaluated the anti‐tumor and anti‐metastatic activities of SKI‐G‐801, a small‐molecule inhibitor of AXL, alone and in combination with anti‐PD‐1 therapy. Methods In vitro pAXL inhibition by SKI‐G‐801 was performed in both human and mouse cancer cell lines. Immunocompetent mouse models of tumor were established to measure anti‐metastatic potential of SKI‐G‐801. Furthermore, SKI‐G‐801, anti‐PD‐1 or their combination was administered as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant in the 4T1 tumor model to assess their potential for clinical application. Results SKI‐G‐801 robustly inhibited pAXL expression in various cell lines. SKI‐G‐801 alone or in combination with anti‐PD‐1 potently inhibited metastasis in B16F10 melanoma, CT26 colon and 4T1 breast models. SKI‐G‐801 inhibited the growth of B16F10 and 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice but not immune‐deficient mice. An antibody depletion assay revealed that CD8+ T cells significantly contributed to SKI‐G‐801‐mediated survival. Anti‐PD‐1 and combination group were observed the increased CD8+Ki67+ and effector T cells and M1 macrophage and decreased M2 macrophage, and granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (G‐MDSC) compared to the control group. The neoadjuvant combination of SKI‐G‐801 and anti‐PD‐1 therapy achieved superior survival benefits by inducing more profound T‐cell responses in the 4T1 syngeneic mouse model. Conclusion SKI‐G‐801 significantly suppressed tumor metastasis and growth by enhancing anti‐tumor immune responses. Our results suggest that SKI‐G‐801 has the potential to overcome anti‐PD‐1 therapy resistance and allow more patients to benefit from anti‐PD‐1 therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Bong Synn
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | | | - Min-Hwan Kim
- Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Ji Min Lee
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Ha Ni Jo
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Wongeun Lee
- JEUK Institute for Cancer Research Gumi Korea
| | - Dong Kwon Kim
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Youngseon Byeon
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Young Seob Kim
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Mi Ran Yun
- JEUK Institute for Cancer Research Gumi Korea
| | - Chae-Won Park
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Jiyeon Yun
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Sangbin Lim
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Seong Gu Heo
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - San-Duk Yang
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Seul Lee
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Hunmi Choi
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - You Won Lee
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Jae Seok Cho
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea
| | - Do Hee Kim
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | | | | | | | - Sung Sook Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital Busan Korea
| | - Beung-Chul Ahn
- Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Chang Gon Kim
- Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Sun Min Lim
- Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Hye Ryun Kim
- Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Department of Medical Science College of Medicine Yonsei University Seoul Korea.,Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Yonsei Cancer Center Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jiang XL, Deng B, Deng SH, Cai M, Ding WJ, Tan ZB, Chen RX, Xu YC, Xu HL, Zhang SW, Zhang SQ, Liu B, Zhang JZ. Dihydrotanshinone I inhibits the growth of hepatoma cells by direct inhibition of Src. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:153705. [PMID: 34538671 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHI) was shown to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer. However, research related to hepatoma treatment using DHI is limited. PURPOSE Here, we explored the inhibitory effect of DHI on the growth of hepatoma cells, and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The proliferation of Hep3B, SMCC-7721 and SK-Hep1 hepatoma cells was evaluated using the MTS and Edu staining assay. Hepatoma cell death was analyzed with a LIVE/DEAD Cell Imaging Kit. The relative expression and phosphorylation of proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (Src) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) proteins in hepatoma cells, as well as the expression of other protein components, were measured by western blotting. The structural interaction of DHI with Src proteins was evaluated by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, surface plasmon resonance imaging and Src kinase inhibition assay. Src overexpression was achieved by infection with an adenovirus vector encoding human Src. Subsequently, the effects of DHI on tumor growth inhibition were further validated using mouse xenograft models of hepatoma. RESULTS In vitro studies showed that treatment with DHI inhibited the proliferation and promoted cell death of Hep3B, SMCC-7721 and SK-Hep1 hepatoma cells. We further identified and verified Src as a direct target of DHI by using molecular stimulation, surface plasmon resonance image and Src kinase inhibition assay. Treatment with DHI reduced the in vitro phosphorylation levels of Src and STAT3, a transcription factor regulated by Src. In the xenograft mouse models, DHI dose-dependently suppressed tumor growth and Src and STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, Src overexpression partly abrogated the inhibitory effects of DHI on the proliferation and cell death in hepatoma cells. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that DHI inhibits the growth of hepatoma cells by direct inhibition of Src.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Jiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Sui-Hui Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Min Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Wen-Jun Ding
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Zhang-Bin Tan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Rui-Xue Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - You-Cai Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hong-Lin Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shuang-Wei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Shi-Qing Zhang
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China.
| | - Jing-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
AXL Knock-Out in SNU475 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Provides Evidence for Lethal Effect Associated with G2 Arrest and Polyploidization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413247. [PMID: 34948046 PMCID: PMC8708332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AXL, a member of the TAM family, is a promising therapeutic target due to its elevated expression in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly in association with acquired drug resistance. Previously, RNA interference was used to study its role in cancer, and several phenotypic changes, including attenuated cell proliferation and decreased migration and invasion, have been reported. The mechanism of action of AXL in HCC is elusive. We first studied the AXL expression in HCC cell lines by real-time PCR and western blot and showed its stringent association with a mesenchymal phenotype. We then explored the role of AXL in mesenchymal SNU475 cells by CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene knock-out. AXL-depleted HCC cells displayed drastic phenotypic changes, including increased DNA damage response, prolongation of doubling time, G2 arrest, and polyploidization in vitro and loss of tumorigenicity in vivo. Pharmacological inhibition of AXL by R428 recapitulated G2 arrest and polyploidy phenotype. These observations strongly suggest that acute loss of AXL in some mesenchymal HCC cells is lethal and points out that its inhibition may represent a druggable vulnerability in AXL-high HCC patients.
Collapse
|
18
|
Yan D, Earp HS, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. Targeting MERTK and AXL in EGFR Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5639. [PMID: 34830794 PMCID: PMC8616094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MERTK and AXL are members of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases and are abnormally expressed in 69% and 93% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), respectively. Expression of MERTK and/or AXL provides a survival advantage for NSCLC cells and correlates with lymph node metastasis, drug resistance, and disease progression in patients with NSCLC. The TAM receptors on host tumor infiltrating cells also play important roles in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, MERTK and AXL are attractive biologic targets for NSCLC treatment. Here, we will review physiologic and oncologic roles for MERTK and AXL with an emphasis on the potential to target these kinases in NSCLCs with activating EGFR mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Control of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by TAM Receptors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215448. [PMID: 34771611 PMCID: PMC8582520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215448] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK are receptor tyrosine kinases of the TAM family, which are activated by their ligands Gas6 and Protein S. TAM receptors have large physiological implications, including the removal of dead cells, activation of immune cells, and prevention of bleeding. In the last decade, TAM receptors have been suggested to play a relevant role in liver fibrogenesis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The understanding of TAM receptor functions in tumor cells and their cellular microenvironment is of utmost importance to advances in novel therapeutic strategies that conquer chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major subtype of liver cancer, showing high mortality of patients due to limited therapeutic options at advanced stages of disease. The receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl and MerTK—belonging to the TAM family—exert a large impact on various aspects of cancer biology. Binding of the ligands Gas6 or Protein S activates TAM receptors causing homophilic dimerization and heterophilic interactions with other receptors to modulate effector functions. In this context, TAM receptors are major regulators of anti-inflammatory responses and vessel integrity, including platelet aggregation as well as resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the relevance of TAM receptors in the intrinsic control of HCC progression by modulating epithelial cell plasticity and by promoting metastatic traits of neoplastic hepatocytes. Depending on different etiologies of HCC, we further describe the overt role of TAM receptors in the extrinsic control of HCC progression by focusing on immune cell infiltration and fibrogenesis. Additionally, we assess TAM receptor functions in the chemoresistance against clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in HCC progression. We finally address the question of whether inhibition of TAM receptors can be envisaged for novel therapeutic strategies in HCC.
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang D, Bi L, Ran J, Zhang L, Xiao N, Li X. Gas6/Axl signaling pathway promotes proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibits apoptosis in A549 cells. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1321. [PMID: 34630675 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10756] [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: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) and Axl are highly expressed in various tumor tissues, such as renal cell and esophageal carcinoma. However, the effect of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway on lung adenocarcinoma is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway on lung adenocarcinoma cells and its mechanism of action, which may provide a novel target for the clinical treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. Human lung adenocarcinoma tissues were used to examine the activation of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway. In addition, the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 was employed to study the effects of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Recombinant human Gas6 protein and inhibitor TP-0903 were used to activate and inhibit the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway, respectively. The results revealed that Gas6 and Axl expression level was increased in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues. After inhibition of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway with TP-0903, p21, p53, caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9 exhibited higher expression level in A549 cells. The opposite effect was observed when the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway was activated. In addition, the migratory and invasive ability of A549 cells was determined via wound-healing and Transwell invasion assays. The results indicated that the migratory and invasive ability of A549 cells was significantly increased when the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway was activated and inhibition of Gas6/Axl signaling pathway caused the opposite results. Activity of Gas6/Axl signaling pathway was shown to be positively associated with cell proliferation by Cell Counting Kit 8 and clone formation assays. In conclusion, the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway was revealed to promote the proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibit the apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells, which serve important roles in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Lixin Bi
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Jingping Ran
- Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Na Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ghafouri-Fard S, Khoshbakht T, Taheri M, Mokhtari M. A review on the role of GAS6 and GAS6-AS1 in the carcinogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 226:153596. [PMID: 34481213 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Growth arrest specific 6 (GAS6) encodes a protein that serves as a ligand for AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and stimulates cell proliferation. Notably, an antisense RNA, namely GAS6-AS1 is transcribed from chromosome 13q34, near GAS6 gene. In vitro functional experiments have demonstrated that GAS6-AS1 can promote proliferation, migration and invasive properties of transformed cells through enhancing entry into S-phase. Notably, mechanistic investigations have shown that GAS6-AS1 can regulate expression of GAS6 at the transcriptional or translational stages through constructing a RNA-RNA duplex, thus enhancing expression of AXL and inducing AXL signaling. Both GAS6 and its antisense transcript contribute in the pathogenesis of human malignancies. In the current review, we provide a summary of studies that appraised the role of these genes in the carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Khoshbakht
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Mokhtari
- Skull Base Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Osaka T, Yamaguchi N, Hara T. [Pharmacological properties and clinical outcomes of the anti-cancer drug, cabozantinib (CABOMETYX ®)]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2021; 156:303-311. [PMID: 34470936 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.21045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cabozantinib (CAB) is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against MET, VEGFR2, and AXL, among others. This drug is considered to exert excellent antitumor effects by inhibiting these targets simultaneously. Significant improvement in the primary endpoint (overall survival or PFS) were observed in patients on CAB in comparison with controls in a phase-III study in patients with renal cell carcinoma, progressed after treatment with anti-angiogenic agents, and in another phase-III study in patients with previously treated, advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. These results led to the approval of CAB in Japan in 2020 as a therapeutic agent for unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma and unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma progressed after cancer chemotherapy, under the trade name of CABOMETYX® (20 mg, and 60 mg tablets). It has been suggested that CAB may modulate the immune system in favor of antitumor immunity and combined use with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors may exert a synergistic effect. In a phase-III study that examined the efficacy of combination therapy with CAB and nivolumab in treatment-naive patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, progression-free survival was significantly increased in patients on combination therapy over patients on sunitinib monotherapy. Three global phase-III clinical studies of combination therapy with atezolizumab and CAB in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, castration-resistant prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma, are in progress to confirm the efficacy of CAB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Osaka
- Department of Japan Medical Affairs, Japan Oncology Business Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Naoya Yamaguchi
- Department of Japan Medical Affairs, Japan Oncology Business Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| | - Takahito Hara
- Strategy Planning Office, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Geng K. Post-translational modifications of the ligands: Requirement for TAM receptor activation. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 357:35-55. [PMID: 33234244 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) receptors are three homologous Type I Receptor Tyrosine Kinases that have important homeostatic functions in multicellular organisms by regulating the clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis). Pathologically, TAM receptors are overexpressed in a wide array of human cancers, and often associated with aggressive tumor grade and poor overall survival. In addition to their expression on tumor cells, TAMs are also expressed on infiltrating myeloid-derived cells in the tumor microenvironment, where they appear to act akin to negative immune checkpoints that impair host anti-tumor immunity. The ligands for TAMs are two endogenous proteins, Growth Arrest-Specific 6 (Gas6) and Protein S (Pros1), that function as bridging molecules between externalized phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) on apoptotic cells and the TAM ectodomains. One interesting feature of TAMs biology is that their ligand proteins require specific post-translational modifications to acquire activities. This chapter summarized these important modifications and explained the molecular mechanisms behind such phenomenon. Current evidences suggest that these modifications help Gas6/Pros1 to achieve optimal PtdSer-binding capacities. In addition, this chapter included recent discovery of regulating machineries of PtdSer dynamic across the plasma membrane, as well as their potential impacts in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, this review highlights the importance of the upstream PtdSer and Gas6 in regulating TAMs' function and hope to provide researchers with new perspectives to inspire future studies of TAM receptors in human disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Geng
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jaykumar AB, Jung JU, Parida PK, Dang TT, Wichaidit C, Kannangara AR, Earnest S, Goldsmith EJ, Pearson GW, Malladi S, Cobb MH. WNK1 Enhances Migration and Invasion in Breast Cancer Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1800-1808. [PMID: 34253593 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Many signaling pathways have been linked to cancer invasiveness, but blockade of few protein components has succeeded in reducing metastasis. Thus, identification of proteins contributing to invasion that are manipulable by small molecules may be valuable in inhibiting spread of the disease. The protein kinase with no lysine (K) 1 (WNK1) has been suggested to induce migration of cells representing a range of cancer types. Analyses of mouse models and patient data have implicated WNK1 as one of a handful of genes uniquely linked to invasive breast cancer. Here, we present evidence that inhibition of WNK1 slows breast cancer metastasis. We show that depletion or inhibition of WNK1 reduces migration of several breast cancer cell lines in wound healing assays and decreases invasion in collagen matrices. Furthermore, WNK1 depletion suppresses expression of AXL, a tyrosine kinase implicated in metastasis. Finally, we demonstrate that WNK inhibition in mice attenuates tumor progression and metastatic burden. These data showing reduced migration, invasion, and metastasis upon WNK1 depletion in multiple breast cancer models suggest that WNK1 contributes to the metastatic phenotype, and that WNK1 inhibition may offer a therapeutic avenue for attenuating progression of invasive breast cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita B Jaykumar
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ji-Ung Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Tuyen T Dang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Svetlana Earnest
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Gray W Pearson
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Srinivas Malladi
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chai ZT, Zhang XP, Ao JY, Zhu XD, Wu MC, Lau WY, Sun HC, Cheng SQ. AXL Overexpression in Tumor-Derived Endothelial Cells Promotes Vessel Metastasis in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:650963. [PMID: 34123800 PMCID: PMC8191462 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.650963] [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: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is one of the most serious forms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vessel metastasis and has a poor survival rate. However, the molecular mechanism of PVTT has not yet been elucidated. In this study, the molecular mechanism of AXL expressed in tumor-derived endothelial cells (TECs) in vessel metastasis was investigated. High AXL expression was observed in TECs, but not in the tumor cells of HCC patients with PVTT and this was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). AXL overexpression was positively associated with CD 31 expression both in vitro and in vivo. AXL promoted the cell proliferation, tube formation, and migration of both TECs and normal endothelial cells (NECs). High expression of AXL in TECs promoted the cell migration, but not the proliferation of HCC cells. Further studies demonstrated that AXL promoted cell migration and tube formation through activation of the PI3K/AKT/SOX2/DKK-1 axis. AXL overexpression in HUVECs promoted tumor growth and liver or vessel metastasis of HCC in xenograft nude mice, which could be counteracted by treatment with R428, an AXL inhibitor. R428 reduced tumor growth and CD 31 expression in HCC in PDX xenograft nude mice. Therefore, AXL over-expression in TECs promotes vessel metastasis of HCC, which indicates that AXL in TECs could be a potential therapeutic target in HCC patients with PVTT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zong-Tao Chai
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Yang Ao
- Department of Biliary Surgery I, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Chao Wu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan Yee Lau
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Qun Cheng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery VI, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wium M, Ajayi-Smith AF, Paccez JD, Zerbini LF. The Role of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl in Carcinogenesis and Development of Therapeutic Resistance: An Overview of Molecular Mechanisms and Future Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1521. [PMID: 33806258 PMCID: PMC8037968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents by cancer cells has remained a major obstacle in the successful treatment of various cancers. Numerous factors such as DNA damage repair, cell death inhibition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and evasion of apoptosis have all been implicated in the promotion of chemoresistance. The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl, a member of the TAM family (which includes TYRO3 and MER), plays an important role in the regulation of cellular processes such as proliferation, motility, survival, and immunologic response. The overexpression of Axl is reported in several solid and hematological malignancies, including non-small cell lung, prostate, breast, liver and gastric cancers, and acute myeloid leukaemia. The overexpression of Axl is associated with poor prognosis and the development of resistance to therapy. Reports show that Axl overexpression confers drug resistance in lung cancer and advances the emergence of tolerant cells. Axl is, therefore, an important candidate as a prognostic biomarker and target for anticancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the consequence of Axl upregulation in cancers, provide evidence for its role in cancer progression and the development of drug resistance. We will also discuss the therapeutic potential of Axl in the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Wium
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
| | - Aderonke F. Ajayi-Smith
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
| | - Juliano D. Paccez
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz F. Zerbini
- Cancer Genomics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.W.); (A.F.A.-S.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors in anti-cancer drug resistance. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:281-292. [PMID: 33768509 PMCID: PMC8009775 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01321-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The complex orchestration of gene expression that mediates the transition of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells is implicated in cancer development and metastasis. As the primary regulator of the process, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-regulating transcription factors (EMT-TFs) play key roles in metastasis. They are also highlighted in recent preclinical studies on resistance to cancer therapy. This review describes the role of three main EMT-TFs, including Snail, Twist1, and zinc-finger E homeobox-binding 1 (ZEB1), relating to drug resistance and current possible approaches for future challenges targeting EMT-TFs.
Collapse
|
28
|
Role of the Gas6/TAM System as a Disease Marker and Potential Drug Target. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:2854925. [PMID: 33532004 PMCID: PMC7834835 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2854925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
29
|
AXL Receptor in Breast Cancer: Molecular Involvement and Therapeutic Limitations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228419. [PMID: 33182542 PMCID: PMC7696061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer was one of the first malignancies to benefit from targeted therapy, i.e., treatments directed against specific markers. Inhibitors against HER2 are a significant example and they improved the life expectancy of a large cohort of patients. Research on new biomarkers, therefore, is always current and important. AXL, a member of the TYRO-3, AXL and MER (TAM) subfamily, is, today, considered a predictive and prognostic biomarker in many tumor contexts, primarily breast cancer. Its oncogenic implications make it an ideal target for the development of new pharmacological agents; moreover, its recent role as immune-modulator makes AXL particularly attractive to researchers involved in the study of interactions between cancer and the tumor microenvironment (TME). All these peculiarities characterize AXL as compared to other members of the TAM family. In this review, we will illustrate the biological role played by AXL in breast tumor cells, highlighting its molecular and biological features, its involvement in tumor progression and its implication as a target in ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang KH, Ding DC. Dual targeting of TAM receptors Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK: Role in tumors and the tumor immune microenvironment. Tzu Chi Med J 2020; 33:250-256. [PMID: 34386362 PMCID: PMC8323642 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_129_20] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In both normal and tumor tissues, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) may be pleiotropically expressed. The RTKs not only regulate ordinary cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration, but also have a critical role in the development of many types of cancer. The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) family of RTKs (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) plays a pleiotropic role in phagocytosis, inflammation, and normal cellular processes. In this article, we highlight the cellular activities of TAM receptors and discuss their roles in cancer and immune cells. We also discuss cancer therapies that target TAM receptors. Further research is needed to elucidate the function of TAM receptors in immune cells toward the development of new targeted immunotherapies for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
von Itzstein MS, Burke MC, Brekken RA, Aguilera TA, Zeh HJ, Beg MS. Targeting TAM to Tame Pancreatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2020; 15:579-588. [PMID: 32996059 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-020-00751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death within the next few years. Current therapeutic strategies have limited effectiveness and therefore there is an urgency to develop novel effective therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of the metastatic, chemoresistant, and immunosuppressive phenotype in pancreatic cancer. TAM inhibitors are promising investigational therapies for pancreatic cancer due to their potential to target multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. Specifically, recent mechanistic investigations and therapeutic combinations in the preclinical setting suggest that TAM inhibition with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy should be evaluated clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S von Itzstein
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Burke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Todd A Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Shaalan Beg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA.
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bae CA, Ham IH, Oh HJ, Lee D, Woo J, Son SY, Yoon JH, Lorens JB, Brekken RA, Kim TM, Han SU, Park WS, Hur H. Inhibiting the GAS6/AXL axis suppresses tumor progression by blocking the interaction between cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells in gastric carcinoma. Gastric Cancer 2020; 23:824-836. [PMID: 32239298 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-020-01066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) on the progression of gastric carcinoma (GC) has recently been demonstrated. However, agents targeting the interaction between CAF and GC cells have not been applied in a clinical setting. Here, we examined if inhibition for Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) can suppress CAF-induced aggressive phenotype in GC. METHODS We investigated the function of CAF-derived growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6), a major ligand of AXL, on the migration and proliferation of GC cells. The effect of the AXL inhibitor, BGB324, on the CAF-induced aggressive phenotype of GC cells was also investigated. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of phosphorylated AXL protein in 175 GC tissues and evaluated its correlation with the prognosis. RESULTS The qPCR and western blot analysis showed that GAS6 expression was higher in CAF relative to other cells. We found that co-culture with CAF increased the phosphorylation of AXL (P-AXL), differentiation into a mesenchymal-like phenotype, and cell survival in GC cell lines. When the expression of AXL was genetically inhibited in GC cells, the effect of CAF was reduced. BGB324, a small molecule inhibitor of AXL, suppressed the effects of CAF on GC cell lines. In GC tissues, high levels of P-AXL were significantly associated with poor overall survival (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that CAF are a major source of GAS6 and that GAS6 promotes an aggressiveness through AXL activation in GC. We suggested that an AXL inhibitor may be a novel agent for GC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheong A Bae
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduated School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hye Ham
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jeong Oh
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Dagyeong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduated School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsu Woo
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduated School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yong Son
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Yoon
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Functional RNomics Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - James B Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Haman Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, US
| | - Tae-Min Kim
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Uk Han
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sang Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Functional RNomics Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Hur
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, 164 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyunggi-do, 16499, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduated School of Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Golkowski M, Lau HT, Chan M, Kenerson H, Vidadala VN, Shoemaker A, Maly DJ, Yeung RS, Gujral TS, Ong SE. Pharmacoproteomics Identifies Kinase Pathways that Drive the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Syst 2020; 11:196-207.e7. [PMID: 32755597 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and deadly disease lacking druggable genetic mutations. The limited efficacy of systemic treatments for advanced HCC implies that predictive biomarkers and drug targets are urgently needed. Most HCC drugs target protein kinases, indicating that kinase-dependent signaling networks drive HCC progression. To identify HCC signaling networks that determine responses to kinase inhibitors (KIs), we apply a pharmacoproteomics approach integrating kinome activity in 17 HCC cell lines with their responses to 299 KIs, resulting in a comprehensive dataset of pathway-based drug response signatures. By profiling patient HCC samples, we identify signatures of clinical HCC drug responses in individual tumors. Our analyses reveal kinase networks promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance, including a FZD2-AXL-NUAK1/2 signaling module, whose inhibition reverses the EMT and sensitizes HCC cells to drugs. Our approach identifies cancer drug targets and molecular signatures of drug response for personalized oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marina Chan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Heidi Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Anna Shoemaker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dustin J Maly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Taranjit S Gujral
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rocha-Brito KJP, Fonseca EMB, Oliveira BGDF, Fátima ÂD, Ferreira-Halder CV. Calix[6]arene diminishes receptor tyrosine kinase lifespan in pancreatic cancer cells and inhibits their migration and invasion efficiency. Bioorg Chem 2020; 100:103881. [PMID: 32388429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a challenging malignancy, mainly due to aggressive regional involvement, early systemic dissemination, high recurrence rate, and subsequent low patient survival. Scientific advances have contributed in particular by identification of molecular targets as well as the definition of the mechanism of action of the drug candidate in the cellular microenvironment. Previously, we have reported the identification of the molecular mechanisms by which calix[6]arene (CLX6) reduces the viability and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Now, we show the biochemical mechanisms by which CLX6 decreases the aggressiveness of Panc-1 cells, focusing specifically on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). The results show that clathrin-mediated endocytosis is involved in CLX6-induced AXL receptor tyrosine kinase degradation in Panc-1 cells. This response may be related to the interaction of CLX6 with the tyrosine kinase receptor binding site (such as AXL). As a result, RTK is internalized and degraded by endocytosis, a condition that negatively impacts events dependent on its signaling. Additionally, CLX6 inhibits migration and invasion of Panc-1 cells by downregulating FAK (downstream mediator of AXL) activity and reducing expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9, directly related to the metastatic profile of these cells. It is noteworthy that according to the mechanism proposed here, CLX6 appears as a candidate to be used in therapeutic protocols of patients that display high expression of AXL and consequently, poor diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Juliane Pelizzaro Rocha-Brito
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, University Center of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Emanuella Maria Barreto Fonseca
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Biology Institute, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of São Paulo, São Roque, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ângelo de Fátima
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
He L, Lei Y, Hou J, Wu J, Lv G. Implications of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl in Gastric Cancer Progression. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5901-5911. [PMID: 32606800 PMCID: PMC7319943 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s257606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is an aggressive malignancy with high lethality. Systematic chemotherapy is the main therapeutic strategy for advanced GC patients. The overexpression of Axl is associated with poor prognosis and regulates tumor growth and metastasis in many types of cancer. However, the role of Axl in GC progression remains elusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR assay (RT-PCR) assays were used to detect the expression of Gas6, Axl, ZEB1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers in GC cells. Cell proliferation was determined by EdU cell proliferation assay and CCK-8 assay. Transwell invasion assay was performed to explore the effect of Axl and ZEB1 on cell invasion. Tumor xenografts and lung metastasis models were conducted to examine the effect of Axl on the growth and lung metastasis of GC cells. RESULTS In our study, we found that high levels of Gas6 and Axl expression were associated with reduced overall survival (OS) in GC patients and the expression of Gas6 and Axl was upregulated in GC cell lines. Ectopic expression of Axl induced EMT and promoted GC cell invasion and proliferation. The knockdown of Axl inhibited EMT and suppressed the proliferation and invasion of GC cell. In vivo study showed that inhibition of Axl impaired tumor growth and lung metastasis of GC cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Axl promoted EMT, invasion, and proliferation via upregulating ZEB1 expression in GC cells. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that the Gas6/Axl/ZEB1 signaling pathway regulated EMT, invasion, and proliferation in GC cells and might represent a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lirui He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunpeng Lei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianlong Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Lv
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong518000, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Agioutantis PC, Loutrari H, Kolisis FN. Computational Analysis of Transcriptomic and Proteomic Data for Deciphering Molecular Heterogeneity and Drug Responsiveness in Model Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E623. [PMID: 32517019 PMCID: PMC7349788 DOI: 10.3390/genes11060623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with high mortality due to its inherent heterogeneity, aggressiveness, and limited therapeutic regimes. Herein, we analyzed 21 human HCC cell lines (HCC lines) to explore intertumor molecular diversity and pertinent drug sensitivity. We used an integrative computational approach based on exploratory and single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis of transcriptome and proteome data from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, followed by correlation analysis of drug-screening data from the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal with curated gene-set enrichment scores. Acquired results classified HCC lines into two groups, a poorly and a well-differentiated group, displaying lower/higher enrichment scores in a "Specifically Upregulated in Liver" gene-set, respectively. Hierarchical clustering based on a published epithelial-mesenchymal transition gene expression signature further supported this stratification. Between-group comparisons of gene and protein expression unveiled distinctive patterns, whereas downstream functional analysis significantly associated differentially expressed genes with crucial cancer-related biological processes/pathways and revealed concrete driver-gene signatures. Finally, correlation analysis highlighted a diverse effectiveness of specific drugs against poorly compared to well-differentiated HCC lines, possibly applicable in clinical research with patients with analogous characteristics. Overall, this study expanded the knowledge on the molecular profiles, differentiation status, and drug responsiveness of HCC lines, and proposes a cost-effective computational approach to precision anti-HCC therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis C. Agioutantis
- Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zografou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece;
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., 10675 Athens, Greece
| | - Heleni Loutrari
- G.P. Livanos and M. Simou Laboratories, 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 3 Ploutarchou Str., 10675 Athens, Greece
| | - Fragiskos N. Kolisis
- Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 5 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zografou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece;
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kong L, Lu X, Chen X, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Shi H, Li J. Qigesan inhibits esophageal cancer cell invasion and migration by inhibiting Gas6/Axl-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:9714-9725. [PMID: 32432570 PMCID: PMC7288918 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Qigesan (QGS) has been used to effectively treat esophageal cancer (EC) for decades in China, but the mechanism by which it suppresses EC metastasis remains unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of QGS on EC cell mobility. Using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, expression of Gas6 and Axl, which promote tumor cell migration and invasion, was examined in carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues from EC patients. Levels of Gas6, Axl, and the Gas6/Axl complex were also examined in ECA109 and TE13 EC cells treated with QGS. In addition, immunofluorescent staining and quantitative protein analysis were used to examine E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Snail levels in ECA109 and TE13 EC cells after QSG administration, and cell mobility was assessed. The results demonstrated that levels of Gas6 and Axl expression are higher in EC tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, QGS decreased Gas6/Axl levels, increased E-cadherin expression, decreased Snail and N-cadherin expression, and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in EC cells. QGS thus suppresses EMT in EC by inhibiting Gas6/Axl binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Kong
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tangshan Maternal and Children Hospital, Tangshan 063000, Hebei, China
| | - Xuanyu Chen
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Yunyan Wu
- Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Yushuang Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tumor Hospital of Hebei Province, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tumor Hospital of Hebei Province, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tumor Hospital of Hebei Province, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ibrahim AM, Gray Z, Gomes AM, Myers L, Behbod F, Machado HL. Gas6 expression is reduced in advanced breast cancers. NPJ Precis Oncol 2020; 4:9. [PMID: 32352034 PMCID: PMC7181799 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-020-0116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is a cytokine that binds to receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl, and Mer. Numerous studies have suggested that macrophage-derived Gas6 interacts with Axl to promote cancer progression, and Axl has been associated with poor clinical outcome. However, the expression and relevance of Gas6 in human breast cancer patients has not been studied. Analysis of tissue microarrays showed that Gas6 was highly expressed in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) but markedly decreased in invasive breast cancer. Gas6 and Axl were weakly correlated, suggesting that their functions may not exclusively rely on each other. Analyses of publicly available databases showed significantly improved overall and relapse-free survival in patients with high Gas6 mRNA, particularly in luminal A breast cancers. These findings indicate that tumor-derived Gas6 is not overexpressed in invasive breast cancer, and may not be a negative prognostic factor in human breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayman M. Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Zane Gray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Angelica M. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Leann Myers
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Fariba Behbod
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Heather L. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kurata A, Tachibana Y, Takahashi T, Horiba N. Novel AXL-specific inhibitor ameliorates kidney dysfunction through the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232055. [PMID: 32324796 PMCID: PMC7179907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney diseases affect more than 800 million people globally and remain a high unmet need. Various therapeutic targets are currently under evaluation in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Because the growth arrest specific gene 6 (Gas6)/AXL pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases, we generated a novel selective and potent AXL inhibitor, CH5451098, and we evaluated its efficacy and elucidated its mechanism in an NEP25 mouse model that follows the clinical course of glomerular nephritis. In this model, CH5451098 significantly ameliorated the excretion of urinary albumin and elevation of serum creatinine. Additionally, it also inhibited tubulointerstitial fibrosis and tubular damage. To elucidate the mechanism behind these changes, we analyzed the effect of CH5451098 against transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and Gas6, which is a ligand of AXL receptor, in NRK-52E renal tubular epithelial cells. CH5451098 inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) caused by the synergistic effects of TGFβ1 and Gas6 in NRK-52E cells. This inhibition was also observed in NEP25 mice. Taken together, these results suggest that CH5451098 could ameliorate kidney dysfunction in glomerular nephritis by inhibiting EMT in tubular cells. These results reveal that AXL strongly contributes to the disease progression of glomerular nephritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsuo Kurata
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yukako Tachibana
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tadakatsu Takahashi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Naoshi Horiba
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Gotemba, Shizuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Al Kafri N, Hafizi S. Tumour-Secreted Protein S (ProS1) Activates a Tyro3-Erk Signalling Axis and Protects Cancer Cells from Apoptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121843. [PMID: 31766614 PMCID: PMC6966665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The TAM subfamily (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) of receptor tyrosine kinases are implicated in several cancers, where they have been shown to support primary tumorigenesis as well as secondary resistance to cancer therapies. Relatively little is known about the oncogenic role of Tyro3, including its ligand selectivity and signalling in cancer cells. Tyro3 showed widespread protein and mRNA expression in a variety of human cancer cell lines. In SCC-25 head and neck cancer cells expressing both Tyro3 and Axl, Western blotting showed that both natural TAM ligands ProS1 and Gas6 rapidly stimulated Tyro3 and Erk kinase phosphorylation, with ProS1 eliciting a greater effect. In contrast, Gas6 was the sole stimulator of Axl and Akt kinase phosphorylation. In MGH-U3 bladder cancer cells, which express Tyro3 alone, ProS1 was again the stronger stimulator of Tyro3 and Erk stimulation but additionally stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Conditioned medium from ProS1-secreting 786-0 kidney cancer cells replicated the kinase activation effects of recombinant ProS1 in SCC-25 cells, with specificity confirmed by ProS1 ligand traps and warfarin. In addition, ProS1 protected cancer cells from acute apoptosis induced by staurosporine, as well as additionally, long-term serum starvation-induced apoptosis in MGH-U3 cells (Tyro3 only), which reflects its additional coupling to Akt signalling in these cells. In conclusion, we have shown that ProS1 is a tumour-derived functional ligand for Tyro3 that supports cancer cell survival. Furthermore, the ProS1-Tyro3 interaction is primarily coupled to Erk signalling although it displays signalling diversity dependent upon its representative expression as a TAM receptor in tumour cells.
Collapse
|
41
|
Horst AK, Tiegs G, Diehl L. Contribution of Macrophage Efferocytosis to Liver Homeostasis and Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2670. [PMID: 31798592 PMCID: PMC6868070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The clearance of apoptotic cells is pivotal for both maintaining tissue homeostasis and returning to homeostasis after tissue injury as part of the regenerative resolution response. The liver is known for its capacity to remove aged and damaged cells from the circulation and can serve as a graveyard for effector T cells. In particular Kupffer cells are active phagocytic cells, but during hepatic inflammatory responses incoming neutrophils and monocytes may contribute to pro-inflammatory damage. To stimulate resolution of such inflammation, myeloid cell function can change, via sensing of environmental changes in the inflammatory milieu. Also, the removal of apoptotic cells via efferocytosis and the signaling pathways that are activated in macrophages/phagocytes upon their engulfment of apoptotic cells are important for a return to tissue homeostasis. Here, we will discuss, how efferocytosis mechanisms in hepatic macrophages/phagocytes may regulate tissue homeostasis and be involved in tissue regeneration in liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kristina Horst
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gisa Tiegs
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Linda Diehl
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a promising anti-cancer approach: functions, molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:153. [PMID: 31684958 PMCID: PMC6827209 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy for cancer has been a research hotspot for decades. AXL is a member of the TAM family with the high-affinity ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6). The Gas6/AXL signalling pathway is associated with tumour cell growth, metastasis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, drug resistance, immune regulation and stem cell maintenance. Different therapeutic agents targeting AXL have been developed, typically including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nucleotide aptamers, soluble receptors, and several natural compounds. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive discussion of the structure, function, regulation, and signalling pathways of AXL. Then, we highlight recent strategies for targeting AXL in the treatment of cancer.AXL-targeted drugs, either as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or other small molecule inhibitors, are likely to improve the survival of many patients. However, future investigations into AXL molecular signalling networks and robust predictive biomarkers are warranted to select patients who could receive clinical benefit and to avoid potential toxicities.
Collapse
|
43
|
Arner EN, Du W, Brekken RA. Behind the Wheel of Epithelial Plasticity in KRAS-Driven Cancers. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1049. [PMID: 31681587 PMCID: PMC6798880 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity, a feature associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributes to tumor cell survival, migration, invasion, and therapy resistance. Phenotypic plasticity of the epithelium is a critical feature in multiple phases of human cancer in an oncogene- and tissue-specific context. Many factors can drive epithelial plasticity, including activating mutations in KRAS, which are found in an estimated 30% of all cancers. In this review, we will introduce cellular plasticity and its effect on cancer progression and therapy resistance and then summarize the drivers of EMT with an emphasis on KRAS effector signaling. Lastly, we will discuss the contribution of cellular plasticity to metastasis and its potential clinical implications. Understanding oncogenic KRAS cellular reprogramming has the potential to reveal novel strategies to control metastasis in KRAS-driven cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Arner
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Wenting Du
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Orlova A, Neubauer HA, Moriggl R. The stromal microenvironment provides an escape route from FLT3 inhibitors through the GAS6-AXL-STAT5 axis. Haematologica 2019; 104:1907-1909. [PMID: 31575669 PMCID: PMC6886418 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.225862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Orlova
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine
| | - Heidi A. Neubauer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine
- Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gas6/TAM Signaling Components as Novel Biomarkers of Liver Fibrosis. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:2304931. [PMID: 31583026 PMCID: PMC6754881 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2304931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis consists in the accumulation of extracellular matrix components mainly derived from activated hepatic stellate cells. This is commonly the result of chronic liver injury repair and represents an important health concern. As liver biopsy is burdened with many drawbacks, not surprisingly there is great interest to find new reliable noninvasive methods. Among the many are new potential fibrosis biomarkers under study, some of the most promising represented by the growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) serum protein and its family of tyrosine kinase receptors, namely, Tyro3, Axl, and MERTK (TAM). Gas6/TAM system (mainly, Axl and MERTK) has in fact recently emerged as an important player in the progression of liver fibrosis. This review is aimed at giving an overall perspective of the roles played by these molecules in major chronic liver diseases. The most promising findings up to date acknowledge that both Gas6 and its receptor serum levels (such as sAxl and, probably, sMERTK) have been shown to potentially allow for easy and accurate measurement of hepatic fibrosis progression, also providing indicative parameters of hepatic dysfunction. Although most of the current scientific evidence is still preliminary and there are no in vivo validation studies on large patient series, it still looks very promising to imagine a possible future prognostic role for these biomarkers in the multidimensional assessment of a liver patient. One may also speculate on a potential role for this system targeting (e.g., with small molecule inhibitors against Axl) as a therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis management, always bearing in mind that any such therapeutic approach might face toxicity.
Collapse
|
46
|
Jung J, Lee YJ, Choi YH, Park EM, Kim HS, Kang JL. Gas6 Prevents Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Alveolar Epithelial Cells via Production of PGE 2, PGD 2 and Their Receptors. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070643. [PMID: 31247991 PMCID: PMC6678614 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in organ fibrosis. We hypothesized that growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) and its underlying mechanisms play roles in the prevention of EMT in alveolar epithelial cells (ECs). In this study, to determine whether Gas6 prevents TGF-β1-induced EMT in LA-4 and primary alveolar type II ECs, real-time PCR and immunoblotting in cell lysates and ELISA in culture supernatants were performed. Migration and invasion assays were performed using Transwell chambers. Pretreatment of ECs with Gas6 inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT based on cell morphology, changes in EMT marker expression, and induction of EMT-activating transcription factors. Gas6 enhanced the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGD2 as well as of their receptors. COX-2 inhibitors and antagonists of PGE2 and PGD2 receptors reversed the inhibition of TGF-β1-induced EMT, migration, and invasion by Gas6. Moreover, knockdown of Axl or Mer reversed the enhancement of PGE2 and PGD2 and suppression of EMT, migration and invasion by Gas6. Our data suggest Gas6-Axl or -Mer signalling events may reprogram ECs to resist EMT via the production of PGE2, PGD2, and their receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Jung
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Ye-Ji Lee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Youn-Hee Choi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Eun-Mi Park
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Hee-Sun Kim
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| | - Jihee L Kang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
- Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
ssExpression level of GAS6-mRNA influences the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190389. [PMID: 31028135 PMCID: PMC6527924 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As high expression level of growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) had an adverse effect on prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, it is interesting to reveal the relationship between GAS6-mRNA level and the survival condition of AML patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We screened The Cancer Genome Atlas database and found 71 AML patients with GAS6-mRNA expression and received allo-HSCT treatments. We divided them into two groups based on the median expression of GAS6-mRNA. Patients with GAS6-mRNAhigh (n=36) seemed to have lower bone marrow (BM) blast (P=0.022), lower percentage of type M5 (P=0.034), lower percentage of inv(16)/CBFβ-MYH11 karyotype (P=0.020), and lower rate of good risk classification (P=0.005) than the group GAS6-mRNAlow (n= 35). Higher expression level of GAS6-mRNA also brought higher RUNX1 mutations (P=0.003), MLL-PTD mutations (P=0.042), TP53 mutations (P=0.042), and lower NRAS/KRAS mutations (P=0.042). Univariate analyses showed that GAS6-mRNA was unfavorable for overall survival (OS) (P=0.044), as RUNX1 and WT1 also gave negative influences. Multivariate analyses confirmed that GAS6-mRNA cut down the event-free servival (EFS) and OS of AML patients with HSCT (P=0.029, P=0.025). Our study indicated that higher expression of GAS6-mRNA related with adverse effects in AML patients with HSCT treatment.
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhang H, Xiong F, Qian K, Liu Y, Liang B, Xiong B, Yang F, Zheng C. Transcatheter arterial embolization combined with hypoxia-replicative oncolytic adenovirus perfusion enhances the therapeutic effect of hepatic carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:981-996. [PMID: 30774426 PMCID: PMC6350642 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s189208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Transcatheter arterial embolization or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization has become a critical therapy for unresectable hepatocarcinoma. Although hypoxia caused by embolization can induce apoptosis and necrosis of the majority of tumor cells, a small proportion of cells can survive with hypoxia and chemotherapy resistance. HIF-1α induced by hypoxia is the key factor rendering surviving tumor cells invasive and metastatic properties. Thus, we generated a synthetic hypoxia-replicative oncolytic adenovirus (HYAD) expecting to further eliminate the surviving tumor cells, which expressed HIF-1α. Materials and methods In our study, we detected protein expression, proliferation, apoptosis, and necrosis of hepatic tumor cell line when infected with HYAD under hypoxia and normoxia. And we constructed VX2 hepatic cancer rabbit models to explore the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial embolization combined with HYAD perfusion under digital subtraction angiography. Inhibition of tumor growth and invasion was detected by histopathological examination and contrast-enhanced CT scan. Results Experiments in vitro verified that HYAD expressed and replicated along with HIF-1α expression or hypoxia. Compared with wild adenovirus type 5 (WT), HYAD expressed much more under hypoxia, which was the main principle of HYAD killing surviving tumor cells posttransarterial embolization. In vivo experiment of VX2 models, HYAD perfusion combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) embolization achieved the highest expression quantity and the longest expression duration compared with simple HYAD perfusion, WT perfusion combined with PVA embolization, and simple WT perfusion. Because adenovirus expression protein E1A had the properties of promoting apoptosis, inhibiting invasion, and inhibiting metastasis, HYAD perfusion combined with PVA embolization group efficiently repressed tumor growth and intrahepatic metastases compared to other processing groups. Conclusion HYAD can overcome the hypoxic tumor microenvironment postembolization and target the surviving tumor cells with specificity. In turn, HYAD perfusion combined with PVA embolization can bring out the best effect in each other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongsen Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| | - Fu Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| | - Kun Qian
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| | - Yiming Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| | - Bin Liang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| | - Bin Xiong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China, ;
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Integrated analysis of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases identifies Axl as a therapeutic target and mediator of resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:512-521. [PMID: 30765873 PMCID: PMC6461770 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0373-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant activation of Axl is implicated in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We explored the biologic significance and preclinical efficacy of Axl inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in sorafenib-naive and resistant HCC. METHODS We evaluated Axl expression in sorafenib-naive and resistant (SR) clones of epithelial (HuH7) and mesenchymal origin (SKHep-1) using antibody arrays and confirmed tissue expression. We tested the effect of Axl inhibition with RNA-interference and pharmacologically with R428 on a number of phenotypic assays. RESULTS Axl mRNA overexpression in cell lines (n = 28) and RNA-seq tissue datasets (n = 373) correlated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Axl was overexpressed in HCC compared to cirrhosis and normal liver. We confirmed sorafenib resistance to be associated with EMT and enhanced motility in both HuH7-SR and SKHep-1-SR cells documenting a 4-fold increase in Axl phosphorylation as an adaptive feature of chronic sorafenib treatment in SKHep-1-SR cells. Axl inhibition reduced motility and enhanced sensitivity to sorafenib in SKHep-1SR cells. In patients treated with sorafenib (n = 40), circulating Axl levels correlated with shorter survival. CONCLUSIONS Suppression of Axl-dependent signalling influences the transformed phenotype in HCC cells and contributes to adaptive resistance to sorafenib, providing a pre-clinical rationale for the development of Axl inhibitors as a measure to overcome sorafenib resistance.
Collapse
|
50
|
Niu ZS, Niu XJ, Wang WH. Role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical relevance. Future Oncol 2019; 15:653-662. [PMID: 30648886 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2018-0528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its ligand Gas6 regulate fundamental biological processes, including cell proliferation, survival and motility, through multiple downstream signaling pathways. Evidence to date suggests that aberrant Axl expression frequently occurs in many malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma, and that this is critical for promoting cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Moreover, deregulated Axl expression or activation is reportedly associated with resistance to cancer drugs and targeted cancer therapies. Thus, Axl inhibitors may represent a novel therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. This Review summarizes the latest advances concerning the biological role of Axl in hepatocellular carcinoma and its potential clinical relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Shan Niu
- Laboratory of Micromorphology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jun Niu
- Oncology Specialty, Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Wen-Hong Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|