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Xue Y, Ruan Y, Wang Y, Xiao P, Xu J. Signaling pathways in liver cancer: pathogenesis and targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:20. [PMID: 38816668 PMCID: PMC11139849 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00184-0] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates. Due to its subtle onset, liver cancer is commonly diagnosed at a late stage when surgical interventions are no longer feasible. This situation highlights the critical role of systemic treatments, including targeted therapies, in bettering patient outcomes. Despite numerous studies on the mechanisms underlying liver cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the only widely used clinical inhibitors, represented by sorafenib, whose clinical application is greatly limited by the phenomenon of drug resistance. Here we show an in-depth discussion of the signaling pathways frequently implicated in liver cancer pathogenesis and the inhibitors targeting these pathways under investigation or already in use in the management of advanced liver cancer. We elucidate the oncogenic roles of these pathways in liver cancer especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as the current state of research on inhibitors respectively. Given that TKIs represent the sole class of targeted therapeutics for liver cancer employed in clinical practice, we have particularly focused on TKIs and the mechanisms of the commonly encountered phenomena of its resistance during HCC treatment. This necessitates the imperative development of innovative targeted strategies and the urgency of overcoming the existing limitations. This review endeavors to shed light on the utilization of targeted therapy in advanced liver cancer, with a vision to improve the unsatisfactory prognostic outlook for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangtao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yeling Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Peng Xiao
- Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Laparoscopic Technology of Zhejiang Province, Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang Minimal Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research Center of Severe Hepatobiliary Disease, Zhejiang Research and Development Engineering Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Technology and Equipment, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
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Duan Y, Yin X, Lai X, Liu C, Nie W, Li D, Xie Z, Li Z, Meng F. Upregulation of DAB2IP Inhibits Ras Activity and Tumorigenesis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033819895494. [PMID: 32336215 PMCID: PMC7225836 DOI: 10.1177/1533033819895494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutation-induced Ras activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, but the role of wild-type Ras and Ras GTPase-activating proteins remains unclear. The present study was designed to determine the expression spectra of Ras GTPase-activating proteins genes in pancreatic cancer cells, and the role of DAB2IP, a Ras GTPase-activating proteins gene, in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Following the analyses of the expression profiles of 16 Ras GTPase-activating proteins in 6 pancreatic cancer cell lines including Bxpc-3 (with wild-type KRAS), Capan-2, Sw1990, Aspc-1, CFPAC-1, and Panc-1 (with mutant KRAS) and 1 normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line, H6C7, the expression of DAB2IP messenger RNA was further analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The role of DAB2IP in pancreatic cancer was further investigated in vitro and in vivo by upregulating DAB2IP in Bxpc-3 cells through transfection of DAB2IP into Bxpc-3 cells with recombinant lentivirus. The DAB2IP expression in pancreatic cancer cells and tissues with wild-type KRAS was significantly lower than that in cells and tissues with mutant KRAS (P < .05). In Bxpc-3 cells with wild-type KRAS, overexpression of DAB2IP decreased the expression of P-AKT and P-ERK and the Ras activity; increased the expression of P-JNK and caspase 3; inhibited cell proliferation, invasiveness, and migration; and increased the cell sensitivity to cetuximab. Overexpression of DAB2IP inhibited tumor progression in a mouse model. In conclusion, DAB2IP downregulates Ras activity in wild-type pancreatic cancer cells. Overexpression of DAB2IP decreases the Ras activity, inhibits cell proliferation, and increases sensitivity to cetuximab in wild-type pancreatic cancer cells. In conclusion, DAB2IP may serve as a potential molecular therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Duan
- Department of Huiqiao Building, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Lai
- Department of Oncology Medicine, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Nie
- The Third People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dongfeng Li
- Research Center of Medical Sciences, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijun Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zijun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Institute of Geriatrics, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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Ward AB, Keeton AB, Chen X, Mattox TE, Coley AB, Maxuitenko YY, Buchsbaum DJ, Randall TD, Zhou G, Piazza GA. Enhancing anticancer activity of checkpoint immunotherapy by targeting RAS. MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:121-128. [PMID: 33073260 PMCID: PMC7567124 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30% of human cancers harbor a gain‐in‐function mutation in the RAS gene, resulting in constitutive activation of the RAS protein to stimulate downstream signaling, including the RAS‐mitogen activated protein kinase pathway that drives cancer cells to proliferate and metastasize. RAS‐driven oncogenesis also promotes immune evasion by increasing the expression of programmed cell death ligand‐1, reducing the expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules that present antigens to T‐lymphocytes and altering the expression of cytokines that promote the differentiation and accumulation of immune suppressive cell types such as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, regulatory T‐cells, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts. Together, these changes lead to an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment that impedes T‐cell activation and infiltration and promotes the outgrowth and metastasis of tumor cells. As a result, despite the growing success of checkpoint immunotherapy, many patients with RAS‐driven tumors experience resistance to therapy and poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, RAS inhibitors in development have the potential to weaken cancer cell immune evasion and enhance the antitumor immune response to improve survival of patients with RAS‐driven cancers. This review highlights the potential of RAS inhibitors to enhance or broaden the anticancer activity of currently available checkpoint immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio B Ward
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
| | - Adam B Keeton
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
| | - Xi Chen
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
| | - Tyler E Mattox
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
| | - Alex B Coley
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
| | - Yulia Y Maxuitenko
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
| | - Donald J Buchsbaum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Troy D Randall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gang Zhou
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Gary A Piazza
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
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Lin YL, Chen CH, Liu YK, Huang TH, Tsai NM, Tzou SC, Liao KW. Lipo-PEG-PEI complex as an intracellular transporter for protein therapeutics. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:1119-1130. [PMID: 30863049 PMCID: PMC6391157 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s188970] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protein or peptide drugs are emerging therapeutics for treating human diseases. However, current protein drugs are typically limited to acting on extracellular/cell membrane components associated with the diseases, while intracellular delivery of recombinant proteins replaces or replenishes faulty/missing proteins and remains inadequate. In this study, we developed a convenient and efficient intracellular protein delivery vehicle. Materials and methods A cationic liposomal polyethylenimine and polyethylene glycol complex (LPPC) was developed to noncovalently capture proteins for protein transfer into cells via endocytosis. β-glucuronidase (βG) was used in vitro and in vivo as a model enzyme to demonstrate the enzymatic activity of the intracellular transport of a protein. Results The endocytosed protein/LPPC complexes escaped from lysosomes, and the bound protein dissociated from LPPC in the cytosol. The enzymatic activity of βG was well preserved after intracellular delivery in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion Using LPPC as an intracellular protein transporter for protein therapeutics, we illustrated that LPPC may be an effective and convenient tool for studying diseases and developing therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Lin
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, ;
| | - Yen-Ku Liu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, ;
| | - Tse-Hung Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.,Graduate Institute of Health Industry Technology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.,School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Nu-Man Tsai
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University.,Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shey-Cherng Tzou
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, ; .,Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, ;
| | - Kuang-Wen Liao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, ; .,Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, ; .,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC, .,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC,
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5
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Choi KM, Cho E, Kim E, Shin JH, Kang M, Kim B, Han EH, Chung YH, Kim JY. Prolonged MEK inhibition leads to acquired resistance and increased invasiveness in KRAS mutant gastric cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 507:311-318. [PMID: 30466782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-associated death. However, traditional therapeutic strategies have failed to significantly improve the survival of patient with advanced GC. While KRAS mutations have been found in some patients with gastric cancer, an effective therapy to treat KRAS-driven gastric cancer has not been established yet. To provide a rationale for clinical application of kinase inhibitors targeting RAS pathways, we first determined the sensitivity of GC cell lines harboring KRAS mutations or amplification to RAS pathway inhibitors. We found that MAPK pathway inhibitors (MEKi and ERKi) were more effective than AKT inhibitor, suggesting that KRAS-driven gastric cancer cells are dependent on MAPK pathway for survival. Further, we established a KRAS mutant GC cell line with acquired resistance to MEK inhibitors in order to mimic clinical situation of kinase inhibitor resistance. A comprehensive analysis of tyrosine phosphorylation in receptor tyrosine kinases in combination with small molecule chemical library screening revealed upregulated c-MET phosphorylation in this resistance cell line with elevated sensitivity to c-MET TKI (crizotinib) and PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor (BEZ235). We also showed that migration and invasion of resistant cells were promoted, and crizotinib and BEZ235 could inhibit this malignant phenotype. Overall, our results indicate that prolonged MAPK pathway inhibition could result in acquired resistance which is associated with increased malignant phenotype in KRAS mutant GC and pharmacological targeting c-MET and PI3K/mTOR could overcome this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Min Choi
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Cho
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jong Hwan Shin
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Minju Kang
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Kim
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hee Han
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Cheongju, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ho Chung
- Division of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Cheongju, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Zhou H, Yuan M, Yu Q, Zhou X, Min W, Gao D. Autophagy regulation and its role in gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. Cancer Biomark 2017; 17:1-10. [PMID: 27314289 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy is associated with the occurrence, development, cellular adaptation, progression, treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The effect of autophagy in these two cancers has attracted our attention. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the functional and regulatory mechanisms associated with autophagy in GC and CRC. METHODS We reviewed recent publications describing the role of autophagy in GC and CRC, including the functional characteristics, clinical significance and regulatory mechanisms. RESULTS Autophagy plays context-dependent dual roles in the development and progression of GC and CRC. It can either promote tumor growth and cell survival or can contribute to tumor suppression and promote cell death. Both of these effects employ complex regulatory networks, such as those mediated by p53, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Ras and microRNA. Among the cellular process associated with these pathways, autophagy is a potential target for anti-tumor therapy. CONCLUSION Autophagy is associated with both tumorigenic and protective effects in cancer. However, the role of autophagy in GC and CRC remains unclear. Although the translation of the basic science of autophagy into clinical practice is a long process, the modulation of autophagy as a potential therapeutic approach in GC and CRC merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangyan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Immunotherapy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Min Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiongfang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Weiping Min
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Immunotherapy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dian Gao
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Institute of Immunotherapy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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7
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Zhong J. RAS and downstream RAF-MEK and PI3K-AKT signaling in neuronal development, function and dysfunction. Biol Chem 2016; 397:215-22. [PMID: 26760308 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2015-0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In postmitotic neurons, the activation of RAS family small GTPases regulates survival, growth and differentiation. Dysregulation of RAS or its major effector pathway, the cascade of RAF-, mitogen-activated and extracellular-signal regulated kinase kinases (MEK), and extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERK) causes the RASopathies, a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose pathogenic mechanisms are the subject of intense research. I here summarize the functions of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling in neurons in vivo, and discuss perspectives for harnessing this pathway to enable novel treatments for nervous system injury, the RASopathies, and possibly other neurological conditions.
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Prognostic and Predictive Value of RAS Gene Mutations in Colorectal Cancer: Moving Beyond KRAS Exon 2. Drugs 2016; 75:1739-56. [PMID: 26347132 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0459-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The advent of anti-EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) therapy resulted in significant progress in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. However, many patients do not respond to this therapy or develop acquired resistance within a few months after the start of treatment. Since 2008, anti-EGFR therapy is restricted to KRAS wild-type patients as it has been shown that KRAS exon 2-mutated patients do not respond to this therapy. Still, up to 60 % of KRAS exon 2 wild-type patients show primary resistance to this treatment. Recently, several studies investigating the predictive and prognostic role of RAS mutations other than in KRAS exon 2 demonstrated that patients with these mutations are not responding to therapy. However, the role of these mutations has long been questioned as The National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines in Oncology and the European Medicines Agency indications had already been changed in order to restrict anti-EGFR therapy to all RAS wild-type colorectal cancer patients, while the Food and Drug Administration guidelines remained unchanged. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines have also been changed, which implies the importance of RAS mutations beyond KRAS exon 2 in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the most important studies regarding the predictive and prognostic role of RAS mutations other than in KRAS exon 2 in order to demonstrate the importance of these RAS mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with anti-EGFR therapy.
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Wiersma VR, de Bruyn M, Wei Y, van Ginkel RJ, Hirashima M, Niki T, Nishi N, Zhou J, Pouwels SD, Samplonius DF, Nijman HW, Eggleton P, Helfrich W, Bremer E. The epithelial polarity regulator LGALS9/galectin-9 induces fatal frustrated autophagy in KRAS mutant colon carcinoma that depends on elevated basal autophagic flux. Autophagy 2016; 11:1373-88. [PMID: 26086204 PMCID: PMC4590647 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2015.1063767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutation of KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) in colorectal cancer (CRC) confers resistance to both chemotherapy and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-targeted therapy. We uncovered that KRAS mutant (KRASmut) CRC is uniquely sensitive to treatment with recombinant LGALS9/Galectin-9 (rLGALS9), a recently established regulator of epithelial polarity. Upon treatment of CRC cells, rLGALS9 rapidly internalizes via early- and late-endosomes and accumulates in the lysosomal compartment. Treatment with rLGALS9 is accompanied by induction of frustrated autophagy in KRASmut CRC, but not in CRC with BRAF (B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase) mutations (BRAFmut). In KRASmut CRC, rLGALS9 acts as a lysosomal inhibitor that inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, leading to autophagosome accumulation, excessive lysosomal swelling and cell death. This antitumor activity of rLGALS9 directly correlates with elevated basal autophagic flux in KRASmut cancer cells. Thus, rLGALS9 has potent antitumor activity toward refractory KRASmut CRC cells that may be exploitable for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie R Wiersma
- a University of Groningen; University Medical Center Groningen; Department of Surgery; Translational Surgical Oncology ; Groningen , The Netherlands
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10
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Delire B, Stärkel P. The Ras/MAPK pathway and hepatocarcinoma: pathogenesis and therapeutic implications. Eur J Clin Invest 2015; 45:609-23. [PMID: 25832714 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major health problem, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is to date the sole approved systemic therapy. Several signalling pathways are implicated in tumour development and progression. Among these pathways, the Ras/MAPK pathway is activated in 50-100% of human HCCs and is correlated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this work was to review the main intracellular mechanisms leading to aberrant Ras pathway activation in HCC and the potential therapeutic implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review is based on the material found on PubMed up to December 2014. 'Ras signaling, Ras dysregulation, Ras inhibition, MAPK pathway, cancer, hepatocarcinoma and liver cancer' alone or in combination were the main terms used for online research. RESULTS Multiple mechanisms lead to the deregulation of the Ras pathway in liver cancer. Ras and Raf gene mutations are rare events in human hepatocarcinogenesis in contrast to experimental models in rodents. Downregulation of several Ras/MAPK pathway inhibitors such as GAPs, RASSF proteins, DUSP1, Sprouty and Spred proteins is largely implicated in the aberrant activation of this pathway in the context of wild-type Ras and Raf genes. Epigenetic or post-transcriptional mechanisms lead to the downregulation of these tumour suppressor genes. CONCLUSION Ras/MAPK pathway effectors may be considered as potential therapeutic targets in the field of HCC. In particular after the arrival of sorafenib, more Ras/MAPK inhibitors have emerged and are still in preclinical or clinical investigation for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Delire
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology, Saint-Luc Academic Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Herbrink M, Nuijen B, Schellens JHM, Beijnen JH. Variability in bioavailability of small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cancer Treat Rev 2015; 41:412-22. [PMID: 25818541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors (smTKIs) are in the centre of the very quickly expanding area of personalized chemotherapy and oral applicability thereof. The number of drugs in this class is rapidly growing, with twenty current approvals by both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drugs are, however, generally characterized by a poor oral, and thus variable, bioavailability. This results in significant variation in plasma levels and exposure. The cause is a complex interplay of factors, including poor aqueous solubility, issued permeability, membrane transport and enzymatic metabolism. Additionally, food and drug-drug interactions can play a significant role. The issues related with an impaired bioavailability generally receive little attention. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first to provide an overview of the factors that determine the bioavailability of the smTKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maikel Herbrink
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Louwesweg 6, 1006 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bastiaan Nuijen
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Louwesweg 6, 1006 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan H M Schellens
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Louwesweg 6, 1006 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos H Beijnen
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Louwesweg 6, 1006 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Electrochemical biosensor based on functional composite nanofibers for detection of K-ras gene via multiple signal amplification strategy. Anal Biochem 2014; 466:51-8. [PMID: 25173509 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An electrochemical biosensor based on functional composite nanofibers for hybridization detection of specific K-ras gene that is highly associated with colorectal cancer via multiple signal amplification strategy has been developed. The carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) doped nylon 6 (PA6) composite nanofibers (MWCNTs-PA6) was prepared using electrospinning, which served as the nanosized backbone for thionine (TH) electropolymerization. The functional composite nanofibers [MWCNTs-PA6-PTH, where PTH is poly(thionine)] used as supporting scaffolds for single-stranded DNA1 (ssDNA1) immobilization can dramatically increase the amount of DNA attachment and the hybridization sensitivity. Through the hybridization reaction, a sandwich format of ssDNA1/K-ras gene/gold nanoparticle-labeled ssDNA2 (AuNPs-ssDNA2) was fabricated, and the AuNPs offered excellent electrochemical signal transduction. The signal amplification was further implemented by forming network-like thiocyanuric acid/gold nanoparticles (TA/AuNPs). A significant sensitivity enhancement was obtained; the detection limit was down to 30fM, and the discriminations were up to 54.3 and 51.9% between the K-ras gene and the one-base mismatched sequences including G/C and A/T mismatched bases, respectively. The amenability of this method to the analyses of K-ras gene from the SW480 colorectal cancer cell lysates was demonstrated. The results are basically consistent with those of the K-ras Kit (HRM: high-resolution melt). The method holds promise for the diagnosis and management of cancer.
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