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Vonniessen B, Tabariès S, Siegel PM. Antibody-mediated targeting of Claudins in cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1320766. [PMID: 38371623 PMCID: PMC10869466 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1320766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) are large intercellular adhesion complexes that maintain cell polarity in normal epithelia and endothelia. Claudins are critical components of TJs, forming homo- and heteromeric interaction between adjacent cells, which have emerged as key functional modulators of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Numerous epithelial-derived cancers display altered claudin expression patterns, and these aberrantly expressed claudins have been shown to regulate cancer cell proliferation/growth, metabolism, metastasis and cell stemness. Certain claudins can now be used as biomarkers to predict patient prognosis in a variety of solid cancers. Our understanding of the distinct roles played by claudins during the cancer progression has progressed significantly over the last decade and claudins are now being investigated as possible diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in the use of antibody-based or related strategies for targeting claudins in cancer treatment. We first describe pre-clinical studies that have facilitated the development of neutralizing antibodies and antibody-drug-conjugates targeting Claudins (Claudins-1, -3, -4, -6 and 18.2). Next, we summarize clinical trials assessing the efficacy of antibodies targeting Claudin-6 or Claudin-18.2. Finally, emerging strategies for targeting Claudins, including Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy and Bi-specific T cell engagers (BiTEs), are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Vonniessen
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Tabariès
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter M. Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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2
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Stamp MEM, Halwes M, Nisbet D, Collins DJ. Breaking barriers: exploring mechanisms behind opening the blood-brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:87. [PMID: 38017530 PMCID: PMC10683235 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00489-2] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selectively permeable membrane that separates the bloodstream from the brain. While useful for protecting neural tissue from harmful substances, brain-related diseases are difficult to treat due to this barrier, as it also limits the efficacy of drug delivery. To address this, promising new approaches for enhancing drug delivery are based on disrupting the BBB using physical means, including optical/photothermal therapy, electrical stimulation, and acoustic/mechanical stimulation. These physical mechanisms can temporarily and locally open the BBB, allowing drugs and other substances to enter. Focused ultrasound is particularly promising, with the ability to focus energies to targeted, deep-brain regions. In this review, we examine recent advances in physical approaches for temporary BBB disruption, describing their underlying mechanisms as well as evaluating the utility of these physical approaches with regard to their potential risks and limitations. While these methods have demonstrated efficacy in disrupting the BBB, their safety, comparative efficacy, and practicality for clinical use remain an ongoing topic of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie E M Stamp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Michael Halwes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Nisbet
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Waldow A, Beier LS, Arndt J, Schallenberg S, Vollbrecht C, Bischoff P, Farrera-Sal M, Loch FN, Bojarski C, Schumann M, Winkler L, Kamphues C, Ehlen L, Piontek J. cCPE Fusion Proteins as Molecular Probes to Detect Claudins and Tight Junction Dysregulation in Gastrointestinal Cell Lines, Tissue Explants and Patient-Derived Organoids. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1980. [PMID: 37514167 PMCID: PMC10385049 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudins regulate paracellular permeability, contribute to epithelial polarization and are dysregulated during inflammation and carcinogenesis. Variants of the claudin-binding domain of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (cCPE) are highly sensitive protein ligands for generic detection of a broad spectrum of claudins. Here, we investigated the preferential binding of YFP- or GST-cCPE fusion proteins to non-junctional claudin molecules. Plate reader assays, flow cytometry and microscopy were used to assess the binding of YFP- or GST-cCPE to non-junctional claudins in multiple in vitro and ex vivo models of human and rat gastrointestinal epithelia and to monitor formation of a tight junction barrier. Furthermore, YFP-cCPE was used to probe expression, polar localization and dysregulation of claudins in patient-derived organoids generated from gastric dysplasia and gastric cancer. Live-cell imaging and immunocytochemistry revealed cell polarity and presence of tight junctions in glandular organoids (originating from intestinal-type gastric cancer and gastric dysplasia) and, in contrast, a disrupted diffusion barrier for granular organoids (originating from discohesive tumor areas). In sum, we report the use of cCPE fusion proteins as molecular probes to specifically and efficiently detect claudin expression, localization and tight junction dysregulation in cell lines, tissue explants and patient-derived organoids of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayk Waldow
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura-Sophie Beier
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Mucosal Barrier Pathobiology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Janine Arndt
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Schallenberg
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Vollbrecht
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Bischoff
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10178 Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martí Farrera-Sal
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian N Loch
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Bojarski
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schumann
- Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Winkler
- Experimental Pharmacology & Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Kamphues
- Park-Klinik Weißensee, Department of General-Visceral and Minimally-Invasive Surgery, 13086 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Ehlen
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Piontek
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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4
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Hu P, Lei L, Wang Y, Tian X, Wei X, Jiang N, Liu L. CLDN4 as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker and Its Association with Immune Infiltrates in Ovarian Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:1075265. [PMID: 37057131 PMCID: PMC10089777 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1075265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the seventh most prevalent type of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Because of the high rates of relapse, there is an immediate and pressing need for the discovery of innovative sensitive biomarkers for OC patients. Using TCGA and GSE26712 datasets, we were able to identify 17 survival-related DEGs in OC that had differential expression. CLDN4 was the gene that caught our attention the most out of the 17 important genes since its expression was much higher in OC samples than in nontumor samples. The findings of the ROC assays then confirmed the diagnostic utility of the test in screening OC specimens to differentiate them from nontumor specimens. Patients with high CLDN4 expression predicted a shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) than those with low CLDN4 expression, according to clinical research. Patients with low CLDN4 expression predicted longer OS and DSS. Analysis using both univariate and multivariate techniques revealed that CLDN4 expression was an independent factor associated with a poor prognosis for OS and DSS. Based on multivariate analysis, the
-indexes and calibration plots of the nomogram suggested an effective predictive performance for OC patients. After that, we investigated whether or not there was a link between the infiltration of immune cells and the expression of the CLDN4 gene. We found that the expression of CLDN4 was positively associated with Th17 cells, NK CD56bright cells, while negatively associated with Th2 cells, pDC, and T helper cells. In the end, we carried out RT-PCR on our cohort and confirmed that the level of CLDN4 expression was noticeably elevated in OC specimens in comparison to nontumor tissues. The diagnostic usefulness of CLDN4 expression for OC was also validated by the findings of ROC tests. Thus, our findings revealed that CLDN4 may serve as a predictive biomarker in OC to assess both the clinical outcome of OC patients and the level of immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Tian
- Department of Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Xiushan County, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Wei
- People’s Hospital of Kunming, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ni Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lubin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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5
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Fujiwara-Tani R, Mori S, Ogata R, Sasaki R, Ikemoto A, Kishi S, Kondoh M, Kuniyasu H. Claudin-4: A New Molecular Target for Epithelial Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5494. [PMID: 36982569 PMCID: PMC10051602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin-4 (CLDN4) is a key component of tight junctions (TJs) in epithelial cells. CLDN4 is overexpressed in many epithelial malignancies and correlates with cancer progression. Changes in CLDN4 expression have been associated with epigenetic factors (such as hypomethylation of promoter DNA), inflammation associated with infection and cytokines, and growth factor signaling. CLDN4 helps to maintain the tumor microenvironment by forming TJs and acts as a barrier to the entry of anticancer drugs into tumors. Decreased expression of CLDN4 is a potential marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and decreased epithelial differentiation due to reduced CLDN4 activity is involved in EMT induction. Non-TJ CLDN4 also activates integrin beta 1 and YAP to promote proliferation, EMT, and stemness. These roles in cancer have led to investigations of molecular therapies targeting CLDN4 using anti-CLDN4 extracellular domain antibodies, gene knockdown, clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), and C-terminus domain of CPE (C-CPE), which have demonstrated the experimental efficacy of this approach. CLDN4 is strongly involved in promoting malignant phenotypes in many epithelial cancers and is regarded as a promising molecular therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Fujiwara-Tani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Shiori Mori
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Ruiko Ogata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Rika Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Ayaka Ikemoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Shingo Kishi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Masuo Kondoh
- Drug Innovation Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 6-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Hiroki Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
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6
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Beier LS, Waldow A, Khomeijani Farahani S, Mannweiler R, Vidal-Y-Sy S, Brandner JM, Piontek J, Günzel D. Claudin targeting as an effective tool for directed barrier modulation of the viable epidermis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1517:251-265. [PMID: 35994210 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tight junction (TJ) formation is vital for epidermal barrier function. We aimed to specifically manipulate TJ barriers in the reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) by claudin-1 and -4 knockdown (KD) and by claudin-binding fusion proteins of glutathione S-transferase and modified C-terminal fragments of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (GST-cCPE). Impedance spectroscopy and tracer permeability imaging were employed for functional barrier assessment and investigation of claudin contribution. KD of claudin-1, but not claudin-4, impaired the paracellular barrier in vitro. Similarly, claudin-binding GST-cCPE variants weakened the paracellular but not the stratum corneum barrier. Combining both TJ targeting methods, we found that claudin-1 targeting by GST-cCPE after claudin-4 KD led to a marked decrease in paracellular barrier properties. Conversely, after claudin-1 KD, GST-cCPE did not further impair the barrier. Comparison of GST-cCPE variants with different claudin-1/claudin-4 affinities, NHS-fluorescein tracer detection, and immunostaining of RHE paraffin sections showed that GST-cCPE variants bind to extrajunctional claudin-1 and -4, which are differentially distributed along the stratum basale-stratum granulosum axis. GST-cCPE binding blocks these claudins, thereby specifically opening the paracellular barrier of RHE. The data indicate a critical role for claudin-1 in regulating paracellular permeability for ions and small molecules in the viable epidermis. Claudin targeting is presented as a proof-of-concept for precise barrier modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Sophie Beier
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Laboratory of Mucosal Barrier Pathobiology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayk Waldow
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saeed Khomeijani Farahani
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roman Mannweiler
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Vidal-Y-Sy
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Brandner
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Piontek
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorothee Günzel
- Clinical Physiology/Nutritional Medicine, Medical Department, Division of Gastroenterology, Infectiology, Rheumatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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7
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Ashour L. Roles of the ACE/Ang II/AT1R pathway, cytokine release, and alteration of tight junctions in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Tissue Barriers 2022; 11:2090792. [PMID: 35726726 PMCID: PMC10161962 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2022.2090792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper shows how SARS-CoV-2 alters tight junctions (TJs) in human organs. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the ACE/Ang II/AT1R pathway and immune cells culminates in the release of numerous pro-inflammatory mediators, leading to the presence of certain symptoms in COVID-19, such as acute lung injury (ALI), pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, the cytokines released alter different TJs components. The study shows how the irregular release of pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to claudin disruption in various tissues of the body, resulting in different symptoms, such as alveolar fibrosis, pulmonary edema, conjunctivitis, altered fertility in males, gastrointestinal symptoms, Covid toes, and others. SARS-CoV-2 also alters occludin expression in the endothelial and blood-testis barriers (BTB) resulting in edema and altered fertility. Viral disruption of JAM-A leads to activation of the RhoA GTPase, which leads to ALI. Taken together, these results define ACE/Ang II/AT1R pathway receptors and tight junctional components as potential therapeutic targets in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Ashour
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
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8
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Kong FE, Li GM, Tang YQ, Xi SY, Loong JHC, Li MM, Li HL, Cheng W, Zhu WJ, Mo JQ, Gong YF, Tang H, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Ma S, Guan XY, Ma NF, Xie MB, Liu M. Targeting tumor lineage plasticity in hepatocellular carcinoma using an anti-CLDN6 antibody-drug conjugate. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/579/eabb6282. [PMID: 33536280 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abb6282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor lineage plasticity is emerging as a critical mechanism of therapeutic resistance and tumor relapse. Highly plastic tumor cells can undergo phenotypic switching to a drug-tolerant state to avoid drug toxicity. Here, we investigate the transmembrane tight junction protein Claudin6 (CLDN6) as a therapeutic target related to lineage plasticity for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CLDN6 was highly expressed in embryonic stem cells but markedly decreased in normal tissues. Reactivation of CLDN6 was frequently observed in HCC tumor tissues as well as in premalignant lesions. Functional assays indicated that CLDN6 is not only a tumor-associated antigen but also conferred strong oncogenic effects in HCC. Overexpression of CLDN6 induced phenotypic shift of HCC cells from hepatic lineage to biliary lineage, which was more refractory to sorafenib treatment. The enhanced tumor lineage plasticity and cellular identity change were potentially induced by the CLDN6/TJP2 (tight junction protein 2)/YAP1 (Yes-associated protein 1) interacting axis and further activation of the Hippo signaling pathway. A de novo anti-CLDN6 monoclonal antibody conjugated with cytotoxic agent (Mertansine) DM1 (CLDN6-DM1) was developed. Preclinical data on both HCC cell lines and primary tumors showed the potent antitumor efficiency of CLDN6-DM1 as a single agent or in combination with sorafenib in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan-En Kong
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Guang-Meng Li
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yun-Qiang Tang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Shao-Yan Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jane Ho Chun Loong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong 852, Hong Kong
| | - Mei-Mei Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Hao-Long Li
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Wen-Jie Zhu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jia-Qiang Mo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yuan-Feng Gong
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne 50923, Germany
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong 852, Hong Kong
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong 852, Hong Kong
| | - Ning-Fang Ma
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China.,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Mao-Bin Xie
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan People's Hospital, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| | - Ming Liu
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510095, China. .,Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
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9
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Kage H, Flodby P, Zhou B, Borok Z. Dichotomous roles of claudins as tumor promoters or suppressors: lessons from knockout mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4663-4672. [PMID: 31332482 PMCID: PMC6858953 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Claudins are a family of integral tight junction proteins that regulate paracellular permeability in polarized epithelia. Overexpression or reduction of claudins can both promote and limit cancer progression, revealing complex dichotomous roles for claudins depending on cellular context. In contrast, recent studies demonstrating tumor formation in claudin knockout mouse models indicate a role for several claudin family members in suppressing tumor initiation. For example, intestine-specific claudin-7 knockout mice spontaneously develop atypical hyperplasia and intestinal adenomas, while claudin-18 knockout mice develop carcinomas in the lung and stomach. Claudin-4, -11, and -15 knockout mice show increased cell proliferation and/or hyperplasia in urothelium, Sertoli cells, and small intestinal crypts, respectively, possibly a precursor to cancer development. Pathways implicated in both cell proliferation and tumorigenesis include Yap/Taz and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/Akt pathways, among others. Consistent with the tumor suppressive role of claudins shown in mice, in humans, claudin-low breast cancer has been described as a distinct entity with a poor prognosis, and claudin-18-Rho GTPase activating protein 26 (CLDN18-ARHGAP26) fusion protein as a driver gene aberration in diffuse-type gastric cancer due to effects on RhoA. Paradoxically, claudins have also garnered interest as targets for therapy, as they are sometimes aberrantly expressed in cancer cells, which may or may not promote cancer progression. For example, a chimeric monoclonal antibody which targets cells expressing claudin-18.2 through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity has shown promise in multiple phase II studies. In this review, we focus on new findings supporting a tumor suppressive role for claudins during cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Kage
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Per Flodby
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA
| | - Beiyun Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA
| | - Zea Borok
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and Hastings Center for Pulmonary Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, IRD 620, M/C 9520, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9520, USA.
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Potential for Tight Junction Protein-Directed Drug Development Using Claudin Binders and Angubindin-1. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20164016. [PMID: 31426497 PMCID: PMC6719960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20164016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The tight junction (TJ) is an intercellular sealing component found in epithelial and endothelial tissues that regulates the passage of solutes across the paracellular space. Research examining the biology of TJs has revealed that they are complex biochemical structures constructed from a range of proteins including claudins, occludin, tricellulin, angulins and junctional adhesion molecules. The transient disruption of the barrier function of TJs to open the paracellular space is one means of enhancing mucosal and transdermal drug absorption and to deliver drugs across the blood–brain barrier. However, the disruption of TJs can also open the paracellular space to harmful xenobiotics and pathogens. To address this issue, the strategies targeting TJ proteins have been developed to loosen TJs in a size- or tissue-dependent manner rather than to disrupt them. As several TJ proteins are overexpressed in malignant tumors and in the inflamed intestinal tract, and are present in cells and epithelia conjoined with the mucosa-associated lymphoid immune tissue, these TJ-protein-targeted strategies may also provide platforms for the development of novel therapies and vaccines. Here, this paper reviews two TJ-protein-targeted technologies, claudin binders and an angulin binder, and their applications in drug development.
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