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Veiga RN, de Azevedo ALK, de Oliveira JC, Gradia DF. Targeting EphA2: a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and drug resistance in cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:479-493. [PMID: 38393661 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02431-x] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) is a vital member of the Eph tyrosine kinase receptor family and has been associated with developmental processes. However, it is often overexpressed in tumors and correlates with cancer progression and worse prognosis due to the activation of its noncanonical signaling pathway. Throughout cancer treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells is relatively common. Since the early 2000s, researchers have focused on understanding the role of EphA2 in promoting drug resistance in different types of cancer, as well as finding efficient and secure EphA2 inhibitors. In this review, the current knowledge regarding induced resistance by EphA2 in cancer treatment is summarized, and the types of cancer that lead to the most cancer-related deaths are highlighted. Some EphA2 inhibitors were also investigated. Regardless of whether the cancer treatment has reached a drug-resistance stage in EphA2-overexpressing tumors, once EphA2 is involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, targeting EphA2 is a promising therapeutic strategy, especially in combination with other target-drugs for synergistic effect. For that reason, monoclonal antibodies against EphA2 and inhibitors of this receptor should be investigated for efficacy and drug toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Nasser Veiga
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Luiz Korte de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil.
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Nehal M, Khatoon J, Akhtar S, Khan MKA. Exploring the potential of EphA2 receptor signaling pathway: a comprehensive review in cancer treatment. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:337. [PMID: 38393520 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09298-8] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The protein encoded by the ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) gene is a member of the ephrin receptor subfamily of the receptor tyrosine kinase family (RTKs). Eph receptors play a significant role in various biological processes, particularly cancer progression, development, and pathogenesis. They have been observed to regulate cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, tumor development, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and metastasis. To target EphA2 activity, various molecular, genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological strategies have been extensively tested in laboratory cultures and animal models. Notably, drugs, such as dasatinib, initially designed to target the kinase family, have demonstrated an additional capability to target EphA2 activity. Additionally, a novel monoclonal antibody named EA5 has emerged as a promising option to counteract the effects of EphA2 overexpression and restore tamoxifen sensitivity in EphA2-transfected MCF-7 cells during in vitro experiments. This antibody mimicked the binding of Ephrin A to EphA2. These methods offer potential avenues for inhibiting EphA2 activity, which could significantly decelerate breast cancer progression and restore sensitivity to certain drugs. This review article comprehensively covers EphA2's involvement in multiple malignancies, including ovarian, colorectal, breast, lung, glioma, and melanoma. Furthermore, we discuss the structure of EphA2, the Eph-Ephrin signaling pathway, various EphA2 inhibitors, and the mechanisms of EphA2 degradation. This article provides an extensive overview of EphA2's vital role in different types of cancers and outlines potential therapeutic approaches to target EphA2, shedding light on the underlying molecular mechanisms that make it an attractive target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Nehal
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
| | - Jahanarah Khatoon
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
| | - Salman Akhtar
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
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Tröster A, Jores N, Mineev KS, Sreeramulu S, DiPrima M, Tosato G, Schwalbe H. Targeting EPHA2 with Kinase Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300420. [PMID: 37736700 PMCID: PMC10843416 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300420] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The ephrin type-A 2 receptor tyrosine kinase (EPHA2) is involved in the development and progression of various cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). There is also evidence that EPHA2 plays a key role in the development of resistance to the endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody Cetuximab used clinically in CRC. Despite the promising pharmacological potential of EPHA2, only a handful of specific inhibitors are currently available. In this concept paper, general strategies for EPHA2 inhibition with molecules of low molecular weight (small molecules) are described. Furthermore, available examples of inhibiting EPHA2 in CRC using small molecules are summarized, highlighting the potential of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Tröster
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Konstantin S Mineev
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael DiPrima
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Giovanna Tosato
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Tröster A, DiPrima M, Jores N, Kudlinzki D, Sreeramulu S, Gande SL, Linhard V, Ludig D, Schug A, Saxena K, Reinecke M, Heinzlmeir S, Leisegang MS, Wollenhaupt J, Lennartz F, Weiss MS, Kuster B, Tosato G, Schwalbe H. Optimization of the Lead Compound NVP-BHG712 as a Colorectal Cancer Inhibitor. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203967. [PMID: 36799129 PMCID: PMC10133194 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2) kinase belongs to the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases. There are several indications of an involvement of EPHA2 in the development of infectious diseases and cancer. Despite pharmacological potential, EPHA2 is an under-examined target protein. In this study, we synthesized a series of derivatives of the inhibitor NVP-BHG712 and triazine-based compounds. These compounds were evaluated to determine their potential as kinase inhibitors of EPHA2, including elucidation of their binding mode (X-ray crystallography), affinity (microscale thermophoresis), and selectivity (Kinobeads assay). Eight inhibitors showed affinities in the low-nanomolar regime (KD <10 nM). Testing in up to seven colon cancer cell lines that express EPHA2 reveals that several derivatives feature promising effects for the control of human colon carcinoma. Thus, we have developed a set of powerful tool compounds for fundamental new research on the interplay of EPH receptors in a cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Tröster
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Michael DiPrima
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus, Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Denis Kudlinzki
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Santosh L. Gande
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Verena Linhard
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Damian Ludig
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Alexander Schug
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Krishna Saxena
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Maria Reinecke
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Stephanie Heinzlmeir
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
| | - Matthias S. Leisegang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Frank Lennartz
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Manfred S. Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
| | - Giovanna Tosato
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus, Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
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Lau A, Le N, Nguyen C, Kandpal RP. Signals transduced by Eph receptors and ephrin ligands converge on MAP kinase and AKT pathways in human cancers. Cell Signal 2023; 104:110579. [PMID: 36572189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors, the largest known family of receptor tyrosine kinases, and ephrin ligands have been implicated in a variety of human cancers. The novel bidirectional signaling events initiated by binding of Eph receptors to their cognate ephrin ligands modulate many cellular processes such as proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, invasion, and apoptosis. The relationships between the abundance of a unique subset of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands with associated cellular processes indicate a key role of these molecules in tumorigenesis. The combinatorial expression of these molecules converges on MAP kinase and/or AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. The intracellular target proteins of the initial signal may, however, vary in some cancers. Furthermore, we have also described the commonality of up- and down-regulation of individual receptors and ligands in various cancers. The current state of research in Eph receptors illustrates MAP kinase and mTOR pathways as plausible targets for therapeutic interventions in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lau
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Nghia Le
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Claudia Nguyen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Raj P Kandpal
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America.
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Proteomics uncover EPHA2 as a potential novel therapeutic target in colorectal cancer cell lines with acquired cetuximab resistance. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:669-682. [PMID: 36401637 PMCID: PMC9931833 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04416-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), acquired resistance against anti-EGFR targeted monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab (CET), was shown to be frequently caused by activating alterations in the RAS genes KRAS or NRAS. To this day, no efficient follow-up treatment option has emerged to treat mCRC in such a setting of resistance. METHODS To uncover potential targets for second-line targeted therapies, we used mass-spectrometric proteomics to shed light on kinome reprogramming in an established cellular model of acquired, KRAS-associated CET resistance. RESULTS This CET resistance was reflected by significant changes in the kinome, most of them individual to each cell line. Interestingly, all investigated resistant cell lines displayed upregulation of the Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2), a well-known driver of traits of progression. Expectedly resistant cell lines displayed increased migration (p < 0.01) that was significantly reduced by targeting the EPHA2 signalling axis using RNA interference (RNAi) (p < 0.001), ephrin-A1 stimulation (p < 0.001), dasatinib (p < 0.01), or anti-EPHA2 antibody treatment (p < 0.001), identifying it as an actionable target in mCRC with acquired CET resistance. CONCLUSION These results highlight EPHA2 and its role in mCRC with KRAS-gene mutated acquired CET resistance and support its use as a potential actionable target for the development of future precision medicine therapies.
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The Importance of Tumor Stem Cells in Glioblastoma Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083863. [PMID: 33917954 PMCID: PMC8068366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is known to be the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor. Therapies against this neoplasia have a high percentage of failure, associated with the survival of self-renewing glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), which repopulate treated tumors. In addition, despite new radical surgery protocols and the introduction of new anticancer drugs, protocols for treatment, and technical advances in radiotherapy, no significant improvement in the survival rate for GBMs has been realized. Thus, novel antitarget therapies could be used in conjunction with standard radiochemotherapy approaches. Targeted therapy, indeed, may address specific targets that play an essential role in the proliferation, survival, and invasiveness of GBM cells, including numerous molecules involved in signal transduction pathways. Significant cellular heterogeneity and the hierarchy with GSCs showing a therapy-resistant phenotype could explain tumor recurrence and local invasiveness and, therefore, may be a target for new therapies. Therefore, the forced differentiation of GSCs may be a promising new approach in GBM treatment. This article provides an updated review of the current standard and experimental therapies for GBM, as well as an overview of the molecular characteristics of GSCs, the mechanisms that activate resistance to current treatments, and a new antitumor strategy for treating GSCs for use as therapy.
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Metabolic Reprogramming in Metastatic Melanoma with Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapies: Integrative Metabolomic and Proteomic Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051323. [PMID: 32455924 PMCID: PMC7280989 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments of metastatic melanoma underwent an impressive development over the past few years, with the emergence of small molecule inhibitors targeting mutated proteins, such as BRAF, NRAS, or cKIT. However, since a significant proportion of patients acquire resistance to these therapies, new strategies are currently being considered to overcome this issue. For this purpose, melanoma cell lines with mutant BRAF, NRAS, or cKIT and with acquired resistances to BRAF, MEK, or cKIT inhibitors, respectively, were investigated using both 1H-NMR-based metabonomic and protein microarrays. The 1H-NMR profiles highlighted a similar go and return pattern in the metabolism of the BRAF, NRAS, and cKIT mutated cell lines. Indeed, melanoma cells exposed to mutation-specific inhibitors underwent metabolic disruptions following acute exposure but partially recovered their basal metabolism in long-term exposure, most likely acquiring resistance skills. The protein microarrays inquired about the potential cellular mechanisms used by the resistant cells to escape drug treatment, by showing decreased levels of proteins linked to the drug efficacy, especially in the downstream part of the MAPK signaling pathway. Integrating metabonomic and proteomic findings revealed some metabolic pathways (i.e., glutaminolysis, choline metabolism, glutathione production, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation) and key proteins (i.e., EPHA2, DUSP4, and HIF-1A) as potential targets to discard drug resistance.
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