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Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang J, Yang J, Xiao X, Shan L, Mao W. Recent discovery and development of AXL inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116475. [PMID: 38714043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions. It is primarily involved in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, angiogenesis, apoptosis, immune regulation, and chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. Therefore, targeting AXL is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. AXL inhibitors that have entered clinical trials, such as BGB324(1), have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted drugs, such as AXL degraders, offer a potential solution to overcome the limitations of traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors targeting single pathways. We provide an overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL, discusses its correlation with various cancers, and critically analyzes the structure-activity relationship of AXL small-molecule inhibitors in cellular contexts. Additionally, we summarize multiple research and development strategies, offering insights for the future development of innovative AXL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Beigi YZ, Lanjanian H, Fayazi R, Salimi M, Hoseyni BHM, Noroozizadeh MH, Masoudi-Nejad A. Heterogeneity and molecular landscape of melanoma: implications for targeted therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:17. [PMID: 38724687 PMCID: PMC11082128 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00182-2] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal cancer (UM) offers a complex molecular landscape characterized by substantial heterogeneity, both on the genetic and epigenetic levels. This heterogeneity plays a critical position in shaping the behavior and response to therapy for this uncommon ocular malignancy. Targeted treatments with gene-specific therapeutic molecules may prove useful in overcoming radiation resistance, however, the diverse molecular makeups of UM call for a patient-specific approach in therapy procedures. We need to understand the intricate molecular landscape of UM to develop targeted treatments customized to each patient's specific genetic mutations. One of the promising approaches is using liquid biopsies, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), for detecting and monitoring the disease at the early stages. These non-invasive methods can help us identify the most effective treatment strategies for each patient. Single-cellular is a brand-new analysis platform that gives treasured insights into diagnosis, prognosis, and remedy. The incorporation of this data with known clinical and genomics information will give a better understanding of the complicated molecular mechanisms that UM diseases exploit. In this review, we focused on the heterogeneity and molecular panorama of UM, and to achieve this goal, the authors conducted an exhaustive literature evaluation spanning 1998 to 2023, using keywords like "uveal melanoma, "heterogeneity". "Targeted therapies"," "CTCs," and "single-cellular analysis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Zohrab Beigi
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Lanjanian
- Software Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Istanbul Topkapi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Reyhane Fayazi
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Salimi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Haji Molla Hoseyni
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Masoudi-Nejad
- Laboratory of System Biology and Bioinformatics (LBB), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Shao H, Teramae D, Wells A. Axl contributes to efficient migration and invasion of melanoma cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283749. [PMID: 36989239 PMCID: PMC10057740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Axl, a member of the TAM receptor family has been broadly suggested to play a key role in tumor metastasis. However, the function of Axl in the invasion and metastasis of melanoma, the most lethal skin cancer, remains largely unknown. In the present study, we found that melanoma cell lines present variable protein levels of Axl and Tyro3; interestingly, MerTK is not noted at detectable levels in any of tested MGP (metastatic growth phase) cell lines. Treatment with recombinant human Gas6 significantly activates Akt in the Axl-expressing WM852 and IgR3 lines but just slightly in WM1158. IgR3, WM852 and WM1158 demonstrate different autocrine signaling. Knockdown of Axl by siRNA or the treatment with Axl-specific inhibitor R428 dramatically inhibits the migration and invasion of both IgR3 and WM852 in vitro. These findings suggest that Axl enhances the invasion of melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanshuang Shao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pittsburgh VA Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Diana Teramae
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pittsburgh VA Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alan Wells
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Pittsburgh VA Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Glinkina K, Nemati F, Teunisse AFAS, Gelmi MC, Etienne V, Kuipers MJ, Alsafadi S, Jager MJ, Decaudin D, Jochemsen AG. Preclinical Evaluation of Trabectedin in Combination With Targeted Inhibitors for Treatment of Metastatic Uveal Melanoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:14. [PMID: 36515935 PMCID: PMC9756579 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.13.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is considered a rare disease; yet, it is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. Although the primary tumor may be efficiently managed, more than 50% of patients with UM develop distant metastases. The mortality at the first year after diagnosis of metastatic UM has been estimated at 81%, and the poor prognosis has not improved in the past years due to the lack of effective therapies. Methods In order to search for novel therapeutic possibilities for metastatic UM, we performed a small-scale screen of targeted drug combinations. We verified the targets of the tested compounds by western blotting and PCR and clarified the mechanism of action of the selected combinations by caspase 3 and 7 activity assay and flow cytometry. The best two combinations were tested in a mouse patient-derived xenograft (PDX) UM model as putative therapeutics for metastatic UM. Results Combinations of the multitarget drug trabectedin with either the CK2/CLK double-inhibitor CX-4945 (silmitasertib) or the c-MET/TAM (TYRO3, Axl, MERTK) receptor inhibitors foretinib and cabozantinib demonstrated synergistic effects and induced apoptosis (relative caspase 3 and 7 activity increased up to 20.5-fold in UM cell lines). In the case of the combination of foretinib and cabozantinib, inhibition of the TAM receptors, but not c-Met, was essential to inhibit the growth of UM cells. Monotreatment with trabectedin inhibited tumor growth by 42%, 49%, and 35% in the MM26, MM309, and MM339 PDX mouse models, respectively. Conclusions Trabectedin alone or in combination with cabozantinib inhibited tumor growth in PDX UM mouse models. Blocking of MERTK, rather than TYRO3, activity inhibited UM cell growth and synergized with trabectedin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniya Glinkina
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fariba Nemati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Amina F. A. S. Teunisse
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Chiara Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vesnie Etienne
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Muriel J. Kuipers
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Samar Alsafadi
- Uveal Melanoma Translational Group, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Martine J. Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France,Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Aart G. Jochemsen
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Liao CL, Hu N, Sun XY, Zhou Q, Tian M, Cao Y, Lyu HB. Identification and validation of tumor microenvironment-related lncRNA prognostic signature for uveal melanoma. Int J Ophthalmol 2021; 14:1151-1159. [PMID: 34414077 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2021.08.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the role of tumor microenvironment (TME)-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in uveal melanoma (UM), probable prognostic signature and potential small molecule drugs using bioinformatics analysis. METHODS UM expression profile data were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and bioinformatics methods were used to find prognostic lncRNAs related to UM immune cell infiltration. The gene expression profile data of 80 TCGA specimens were analyzed using the single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) method, and the immune cell infiltration of a single specimen was evaluated. Finally, the specimens were divided into high and low infiltration groups. The differential expression between the two groups was analyzed using the R package 'edgeR'. Univariate, multivariate and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses were performed to explore the prognostic value of TME-related lncRNAs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analyses were also performed. The Connectivity Map (CMap) data set was used to screen molecular drugs that may treat UM. RESULTS A total of 2393 differentially expressed genes were identified and met the criteria for the low and high immune cell infiltration groups. Univariate Cox analysis of lncRNA genes with differential expression identified 186 genes associated with prognosis. Eight prognostic markers of TME-included lncRNA genes were established as potentially independent prognostic elements. Among 269 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 69 were up-regulated and 200 were down-regulated. Univariate Cox regression analysis of the risk indicators and clinical characteristics of the 8 lncRNA gene constructs showed that age, TNM stage, tumor base diameter, and low and high risk indices had significant prognostic value. We screened the potential small-molecule drugs for UM, including W-13, AH-6809 and Imatinib. CONCLUSION The prognostic markers identified in this study are reliable biomarkers of UM. This study expands our current understanding of the role of TME-related lncRNAs in UM genesis, which may lay the foundations for future treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Lu Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xing-Yu Sun
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Min Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong-Bin Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
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Goto S, Setoguchi S, Nagata-Akaho N, Terada K, Watase D, Yamakawa H, Toki E, Koga M, Matsunaga K, Karube Y, Takata J. Ester derivatives of phyllohydroquinone effectively deliver the active form of vitamin K 1 topically, owing to their non-photosensitivity. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 155:105519. [PMID: 32822810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Topical application of phylloquinone (PK) is beneficial to the skin; however, its topical use is limited in Europe owing to its photosensitive properties such as photodegradation and phototoxicity. We evaluated the suitability of ester derivatives of phyllohydroquinone (PKH), the active form of PK, for topical application to overcome the abovementioned problems of PK. We used the PKH derivatives PKH-1,4-bis-N,N-dimethylglycinate hydrochloride (PKH-DMG) and PKH-1,4-bis-hemisuccinate (PKH-SUC) for our studies. Photostability was determined by measuring the residual concentration after irradiation with artificial sunlight and multi-wavelength light. Phototoxicity after ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation was assessed by measuring drug-induced singlet oxygen and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cell viability of a human epidermal keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Delivery of PKH into HaCaT cells was assessed by measuring PK epoxide (PKO) levels. The PKH derivatives showed higher photostability than PK. After UVA irradiation, PK induced high singlet oxygen levels and intracellular ROS generation, and reduced cell viability, whereas the PKH derivatives showed no effects. The PKH derivatives increased intracellular PKO levels. AUCPKO(0-72 h) values after PKH-DMG and PKH-SUC treatments were 0.741- and 22.9-fold higher than that after PK treatment, respectively. In conclusion, PKH derivatives act as PKH prodrugs and are suitable for topical application without the need for special protection from light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shotaro Goto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shuichi Setoguchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nami Nagata-Akaho
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Terada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Watase
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yamakawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Erina Toki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mitsuhisa Koga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Yoshiharu Karube
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jiro Takata
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Wang KH, Ding DC. Dual targeting of TAM receptors Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK: Role in tumors and the tumor immune microenvironment. Tzu Chi Med J 2020; 33:250-256. [PMID: 34386362 PMCID: PMC8323642 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_129_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In both normal and tumor tissues, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) may be pleiotropically expressed. The RTKs not only regulate ordinary cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration, but also have a critical role in the development of many types of cancer. The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) family of RTKs (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) plays a pleiotropic role in phagocytosis, inflammation, and normal cellular processes. In this article, we highlight the cellular activities of TAM receptors and discuss their roles in cancer and immune cells. We also discuss cancer therapies that target TAM receptors. Further research is needed to elucidate the function of TAM receptors in immune cells toward the development of new targeted immunotherapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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8
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Zhu X, Wang F, Wu X, Li Z, Wang Z, Ren X, Zhou Y, Song F, Liang Y, Zeng Z, Liao W, Ding Y, Liao W, Liang L. FBX8 promotes metastatic dormancy of colorectal cancer in liver. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:622. [PMID: 32796813 PMCID: PMC7427987 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02870-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) often develop malignant regrowth of metastatic dormant tumor cells in liver years after primary treatment. FBX8 is involved in suppressing tumor metastasis. Short-term chemotherapy experiments and liver metastasis mice model of orthotopic injection into the cecum were performed to construct the dormant models. GST-pull-down assay, Co-IP and immunofluorescence were used to confirm the bindings among FBX8 and its substrates. FBX8 upregulated the expression of epithelial and stemness markers, while downregulated the expression of mesenchymal and proliferative markers associated with tumor cell dormancy. FBX8 promoted the maintenance of metastatic dormancy of CRC cells. Mechanistically, FBX8 directly bound to HIF-1α, CDK4 and C-myc through its Sec7 domain and led to the ubiquitin degradation of these proteins, thereby inhibiting cell cycle progression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Clinically, FBX8 expression was negatively correlated with the HIF-1α, CDK4, and c-Myc in CRC tissues. Our study reveals a novel mechanism of FBX8 in regulating tumor metastatic dormancy in liver and provides new strategies for the treatment of CRC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehui Wu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou Li
- The First Clinical Medical Department, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Ren
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangshu Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuyao Song
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunshi Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Ding
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenting Liao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital and Basic Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Lechertier T, Reynolds LE, Kim H, Pedrosa AR, Gómez-Escudero J, Muñoz-Félix JM, Batista S, Dukinfield M, Demircioglu F, Wong PP, Matchett KP, Henderson NC, D'Amico G, Parsons M, Harwood C, Meier P, Hodivala-Dilke KM. Pericyte FAK negatively regulates Gas6/Axl signalling to suppress tumour angiogenesis and tumour growth. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2810. [PMID: 32499572 PMCID: PMC7272651 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of the protein tyrosine kinase, Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in endothelial cells has implicated its requirement in angiogenesis and tumour growth, but how pericyte FAK regulates tumour angiogenesis is unknown. We show that pericyte FAK regulates tumour growth and angiogenesis in multiple mouse models of melanoma, lung carcinoma and pancreatic B-cell insulinoma and provide evidence that loss of pericyte FAK enhances Gas6-stimulated phosphorylation of the receptor tyrosine kinase, Axl with an upregulation of Cyr61, driving enhanced tumour growth. We further show that pericyte derived Cyr61 instructs tumour cells to elevate expression of the proangiogenic/protumourigenic transmembrane receptor Tissue Factor. Finally, in human melanoma we show that when 50% or more tumour blood vessels are pericyte-FAK negative, melanoma patients are stratified into those with increased tumour size, enhanced blood vessel density and metastasis. Overall our data uncover a previously unknown mechanism of tumour growth by pericytes that is controlled by pericyte FAK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanguy Lechertier
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Louise E Reynolds
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Hyojin Kim
- Cell Death & Inflammation, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Ana Rita Pedrosa
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Jesús Gómez-Escudero
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - José M Muñoz-Félix
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Silvia Batista
- Systems Oncology Group, Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown Av. Brasília, Doca de Pedrouços, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Matthew Dukinfield
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Fevzi Demircioglu
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Ping Pui Wong
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kylie P Matchett
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gabriela D'Amico
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Maddy Parsons
- Nikon Imaging Centre@King's, Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Kings College London, Room 3.22B, New Hunts House Guys Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Catherine Harwood
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Pascal Meier
- Cell Death & Inflammation, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Kairbaan M Hodivala-Dilke
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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10
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Song X, Akasaka H, Wang H, Abbasgholizadeh R, Shin JH, Zang F, Chen J, Logsdon CD, Maitra A, Bean AJ, Wang H. Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 down-regulates the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase AXL in pancreatic cancer. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:2348-2358. [PMID: 31959629 PMCID: PMC7039544 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is overexpressed in cancer and plays an important role in carcinomas of multiple organs. However, the mechanisms of AXL overexpression in cancer remain unclear. In this study, using HEK293T, Panc-1, and Panc-28 cells and samples of human pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), along with several biochemical approaches and immunofluorescence microscopy analyses, we sought to investigate the mechanisms that regulate AXL over-expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We found that AXL interacts with hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) and demonstrate that HPK1 down-regulates AXL and decreases its half-life. The HPK1-mediated AXL degradation was inhibited by the endocytic pathway inhibitors leupeptin, bafilomycin A1, and monensin. HPK1 accelerated the movement of AXL from the plasma membrane to endosomes in pancreatic cancer cells treated with the AXL ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6). Moreover, HPK1 increased the binding of AXL to the Cbl proto-oncogene (c-Cbl); promoted AXL ubiquitination; decreased AXL-mediated signaling, including phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK signaling; and decreased the invasion capability of PDAC cells. Importantly, we show that AXL expression inversely correlates with HPK1 expression in human PanINs and that patients whose tumors have low HPK1 and high AXL expression levels have shorter survival than those with low AXL or high HPK1 expression (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that HPK1 is a tumor suppressor that targets AXL for degradation via the endocytic pathway. HPK1 loss of function may contribute to AXL overexpression and thereby enhance AXL-dependent downstream signaling and tumor invasion in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhou Song
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hironari Akasaka
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Reza Abbasgholizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ji-Hyun Shin
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Fenglin Zang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Craig D Logsdon
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Andrew J Bean
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030.
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11
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Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2016, 8.9 million people are estimated to have died from various forms of cancer. The current treatments, including surgery with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, are not effective enough to provide full protection from cancer, which highlights the need for developing novel therapy strategies. In this review, we summarize the molecular biology of a unique member of a subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinase, TYRO3 and discuss the new insights in TYRO3-targeted treatment for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ling Hsu
- 1 Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Jonathan Jou
- 2 College of Medicine, University of Illinois, IL 60612, USA
| | - Shaw-Jenq Tsai
- 1 Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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12
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Jo DH, Kim JH, Kim JH. Targeting tyrosine kinases for treatment of ocular tumors. Arch Pharm Res 2018; 42:305-318. [PMID: 30470974 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-1094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular primary malignant tumor in adults, and retinoblastoma is the one in children. Current mainstay treatment options include chemotherapy using conventional drugs and enucleation, the total removal of the eyeball. Targeted therapies based on profound understanding of molecular mechanisms of ocular tumors may increase the possibility of preserving the eyeball and the vision. Tyrosine kinases, which modulate signaling pathways regarding various cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, and attachment, are one of the attractive targets for targeted therapies against uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma. In this review, the roles of both types of tyrosine kinases, receptor tyrosine kinases and non-receptor tyrosine kinases, were summarized in relation with ocular tumors. Although the conventional treatment options for uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma are radiotherapy and chemotherapy, respectively, specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors will enhance our armamentarium against them by controlling cancer-associated signaling pathways related to tyrosine kinases. This review can be a stepping stone for widening treatment options and realizing targeted therapies against uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hyun Jo
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Tumor Microenvironment Research Center, Global Core Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyoung Kim
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Tumor Microenvironment Research Center, Global Core Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hun Kim
- Fight Against Angiogenesis-Related Blindness (FARB) Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea. .,Tumor Microenvironment Research Center, Global Core Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Naides SJ. The role of the laboratory in the expanding field of neuroimmunology: Autoantibodies to neural targets. J Immunol Methods 2018; 463:1-20. [PMID: 30300607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Accelerated identification of autoantibodies associated with previously idiopathic neurological disease has provided insights into disease mechanisms, enhanced understanding of neurological function, and opportunities for improved therapeutic interventions. The role of the laboratory in the expanding field of neuroimmunology is critical as specific autoantibody identification provides guidance to clinicians in diagnosis, prognosis, tumor search strategies, and therapeutic interventions. The number of specific autoantibodies identified continues to increase and newer testing strategies increase efficiencies in the laboratory and availability to clinicians. The need for broadly targeted efficient testing is underscored by the variability in clinical presentation and tumor associations attributable to a specific autoantibody, and conversely the various autoantibody specificities that can be the cause of a given clinical presentation. While many of the antineural antibodies were first recognized in the setting of neoplastic disease, idiopathic autoimmune neurological disease in the absence of underlying tumor is increasingly recognized. Appropriation of therapeutic modalities used to treat autoimmune disease to treat these autoantibody mediated neurological diseases has improved patient outcomes. Interaction between clinicians and laboratorians is critical to our understanding of these diseases and optimization of the clinical benefits of our increasing knowledge in neuroimmunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley J Naides
- Immunology R&D, Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, 33608 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA.
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14
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Shen Y, Chen X, He J, Liao D, Zu X. Axl inhibitors as novel cancer therapeutic agents. Life Sci 2018; 198:99-111. [PMID: 29496493 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression and activation of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase have been widely accepted to promote cell proliferation, chemotherapy resistance, invasion, and metastasis in several human cancers, such as lung, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) family, and its inhibitors can specifically break the kinase signaling nodes, allowing advanced patients to regain drug sensitivity with improved therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, the research on Axl is promising and it is worthy of further investigations. In this review, we present an update on the Axl inhibitors and provide new insights into their latent application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Shen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Xiguang Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Duanfang Liao
- Division of Stem Cell Regulation and Application, Key Laboratory for Quality Evaluation of Bulk Herbs of Hunan Province, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan, PR China
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China.
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15
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Wu G, Ma Z, Cheng Y, Hu W, Deng C, Jiang S, Li T, Chen F, Yang Y. Targeting Gas6/TAM in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:20. [PMID: 29386018 PMCID: PMC5793417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0769-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest-specific 6, also known as Gas6, is a human gene encoding the Gas6 protein, which was originally found to be upregulated in growth-arrested fibroblasts. Gas6 is a member of the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins expressed in many human tissues and regulates several biological processes in cells, including proliferation, survival and migration, by binding to its receptors Tyro3, Axl and Mer (TAM). In recent years, the roles of Gas6/TAM signalling in cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment have been studied, and some progress has made in targeted therapy, providing new potential directions for future investigations of cancer treatment. In this review, we introduce the Gas6 and TAM receptors and describe their involvement in different cancers and discuss the roles of Gas6 in cancer cells, the tumour microenvironment and metastasis. Finally, we introduce recent studies on Gas6/TAM targeting in cancer therapy, which will assist in the experimental design of future analyses and increase the potential use of Gas6 as a therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiling Wu
- 0000 0004 1761 5538grid.412262.1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi’an, 710069 China ,0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- 0000 0004 1791 6584grid.460007.5Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Yicheng Cheng
- 0000 0004 1765 1045grid.410745.3Department of Stomatology, Bayi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002 China
| | - Wei Hu
- 0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Chao Deng
- grid.452438.cDepartment of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061 China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- 0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
| | - Tian Li
- 0000 0004 1765 1045grid.410745.3Department of Stomatology, Bayi Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002 China
| | - Fulin Chen
- 0000 0004 1761 5538grid.412262.1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi’an, 710069 China
| | - Yang Yang
- 0000 0004 1761 5538grid.412262.1Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi’an, 710069 China ,0000 0004 1761 4404grid.233520.5Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi’an, 710032 China
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16
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Wei J, Yu G, Shao G, Sun A, Chen M, Yang W, Lin Q. CYR61 (CCN1) is a metastatic biomarker of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:31067-78. [PMID: 27105510 PMCID: PMC5058739 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) is the most aggressive subtype of gastric cancer with a high metastatic rate. In this report, we collected tumor tissue samples from 214 GCA cases and examined expression of CYR61, a target gene product of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway, in the GCA tumors by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining using the tissue microarray assay (TMA). The results have shown that CYR61 is overexpressed in 44% of the GCA tumor samples. Expression of CYR61 is inversely correlated with cumulative survival of GCA patients (p<0.001) and significantly associated only with metastatic pathological categories (with N category, p=0.052; with TNM stage, p=0.001). Furthermore, knockdown of CYR61 in gastric cancer AGS cells impairs the cancer cell migration and invasion, suggesting a driver role of CYR61 in metastasis. Thus, our studies have established CYR61 as a metastatic biomarker for prediction of poor prognosis of GCA and provided a potential molecular target for anti-metastatic therapy of GCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wei
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Genbao Shao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aiqin Sun
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miao Chen
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.,The Affiliated Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wannian Yang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiong Lin
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Wu G, Ma Z, Hu W, Wang D, Gong B, Fan C, Jiang S, Li T, Gao J, Yang Y. Molecular insights of Gas6/TAM in cancer development and therapy. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2700. [PMID: 28333143 PMCID: PMC5386520 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) was discovered in 1988, numerous studies have highlighted the role of the Gas6 protein and its receptors Tyro3, Axl and Mer (collectively referred to as TAM), in proliferation, apoptosis, efferocytosis, leukocyte migration, sequestration and platelet aggregation. Gas6 has a critical role in the development of multiple types of cancers, including pancreatic, prostate, oral, ovarian and renal cancers. Acute myelocytic leukaemia (AML) is a Gas6-dependent cancer, and Gas6 expression predicts poor prognosis in AML. Interestingly, Gas6 also has a role in establishing tumour dormancy in the bone marrow microenvironment and in suppressing intestinal tumorigenesis. Numerous studies regarding cancer therapy have targeted Gas6 and TAM receptors with good results. However, some findings have suggested that Gas6 is associated with the development of resistance to cancer therapies. Concerning these significant effects of Gas6 in numerous cancers, we discuss the roles of Gas6 in cancer development in this review. First, we introduce basic knowledge on Gas6 and TAM receptors. Next, we describe and discuss the involvement of Gas6 and TAM receptors in cancers from different organ systems. Finally, we highlight the progress in therapies targeting Gas6 and TAM receptors. This review presents the significant roles of Gas6 in cancers from different systems and may contribute to the continued promotion of Gas6 as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiling Wu
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Dongjin Wang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Bing Gong
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Chongxi Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jianyuan Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 127 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, China
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18
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Daud A, Kluger HM, Kurzrock R, Schimmoller F, Weitzman AL, Samuel TA, Moussa AH, Gordon MS, Shapiro GI. Phase II randomised discontinuation trial of the MET/VEGF receptor inhibitor cabozantinib in metastatic melanoma. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:432-440. [PMID: 28103611 PMCID: PMC5318966 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A phase II randomised discontinuation trial assessed cabozantinib (XL184), an orally bioavailable inhibitor of tyrosine kinases including VEGF receptors, MET, and AXL, in a cohort of patients with metastatic melanoma. METHODS Patients received cabozantinib 100 mg daily during a 12-week lead-in. Patients with stable disease (SD) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) at week 12 were randomised to cabozantinib or placebo. Primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) at week 12 and postrandomisation progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS Seventy-seven patients were enroled (62% cutaneous, 30% uveal, and 8% mucosal). At week 12, the ORR was 5%; 39% of patients had SD. During the lead-in phase, reduction in target lesions from baseline was seen in 55% of evaluable patients overall and in 59% of evaluable patients with uveal melanoma. Median PFS after randomisation was 4.1 months with cabozantinib and 2.8 months with placebo (hazard ratio of 0.59; P=0.284). Median PFS from study day 1 was 3.8 months, 6-month PFS was 33%, and median overall survival was 9.4 months. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were fatigue (14%), hypertension (10%), and abdominal pain (8%). One treatment-related death was reported from peritonitis due to diverticular perforation. CONCLUSIONS Cabozantinib has clinical activity in patients with metastatic melanoma, including uveal melanoma. Further clinical investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Daud
- University of California, San Francisco Medical Center at Parnassus, 1600 Divisadero Street, MZ Bldg A, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Harriet M Kluger
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208028, New Haven, CT 06520-8028, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, MC #0658, La Jolla, CA 92093-0658, USA
| | | | - Aaron L Weitzman
- Exelixis Inc., 210 E. Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Thomas A Samuel
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL 33331, USA
| | - Ali H Moussa
- Cancer Care Associates, 1810 E 15th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Michael S Gordon
- Pinnacle Oncology Hematology, 9055 E. Del Camino, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, USA
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Early Drug Development Center, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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19
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Peter SC, Mannu J, Mathur PP. In Silico Approach to Identify Potential Inhibitors for Axl-Gas6 Signaling. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1549:221-229. [PMID: 27975295 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6740-7_17] [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] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Axl-Gas6 signaling plays an important role in numerous cancers. Axl kinase, a member of receptor tyrosine kinase family is activated by different mechanisms with Gas6 as its major activator. Targeting the Axl with inhibitors may block the binding of Gas6 and further hinders the activation of Axl. This in turn inhibits the Axl-Gas6 signaling. Thus, inhibitors of the Axl kinase may serve as ideal drug candidates for treating many human cancers. In this study we carried out virtual screening of drug-like molecules from ZINC database to identify potential inhibitors for Axl kinase. Our virtual screening study showed that ZINC83758120, ZINC34079369, and ZINC83758121 are potential drug-like lead molecules to inhibit Axl kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathik Clarancia Peter
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
| | - Jayakanthan Mannu
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641 003, India
| | - Premendu P Mathur
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
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20
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The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase AXL in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8110103. [PMID: 27834845 PMCID: PMC5126763 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8110103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Recent studies have revealed a central role of AXL signaling in tumor proliferation, survival, stem cell phenotype, metastasis, and resistance to cancer therapy. Moreover, AXL is expressed within cellular components of the tumor microenvironment where AXL signaling contributes to the immunosuppressive and protumorigenic phenotypes. A variety of AXL inhibitors have been developed and are efficacious in preclinical studies. These agents offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in the prevention and treatment of advanced disease. Here we review the literature that has illuminated the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which AXL signaling promotes tumor progression and we will discuss the therapeutic potential of AXL inhibition for cancer therapy.
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21
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Jiang T, Liu G, Wang L, Liu H. Elevated Serum Gas6 Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26207647 PMCID: PMC4514879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explored the level and clinical significance of serum Gas6 in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods A total of 128 OSCC patients and 145 normal controls were selected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect Gas6 concentration in sera from the OSCC patients and controls. The correlations of serum Gas6 concentration and clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC patients were assessed, and the prognostic significance of serum Gas6 was evaluated with a Kaplan–Meier curve and log-rank test. Results The results showed that serum Gas6 concentration was significantly higher in OSCC patients than in controls (P < 0.05). OSCC patients with late TNM stage (III, IV) had a relatively high serum Gas6 concentration compared with those with early stage (I, II) (P < 0.01) and patients with poorly differentiated tumors had a higher level of serum Gas6 than those with well-differentiated tumors (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that high serum Gas6 was an independent risk factor for lymph nodal metastases in OSCC patients (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.72–4.48). For predicting OSCC development, ROC curve analysis showed a sensitivity of 0.63 with a specificity of 0.92 (AUC = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.74–0.85). Cox analysis revealed that high serum Gas6 was an independent biomarker for predicting poor overall survival in OSCC patients (HR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.79–3.62). In addition, we found that Gas6 expression was increased in OSCC tissues and it may significantly decrease E-cadherin expression, and increase P-cadherin and N-cadherin expression, in OSCC cells. Further, Gas6 could promote the migratory and invasive ability of OSCC cells in vitro. Conclusion Taken together, these results suggest that Gas6 increases the metastatic capacity of OSCC cells and serum Gas6 could be a candidate biomarker for diagnostic and prognostic use in OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Department of Stomatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of General Dentistry, Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoxia Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Jinan Stomatological Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongchen Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Wu X, Liu X, Koul S, Lee CY, Zhang Z, Halmos B. AXL kinase as a novel target for cancer therapy. Oncotarget 2015; 5:9546-63. [PMID: 25337673 PMCID: PMC4259419 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and its major ligand, GAS6 have been demonstrated to be overexpressed and activated in many human cancers (such as lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer) and have been correlated with poor prognosis, promotion of increased invasiveness/metastasis, the EMT phenotype and drug resistance. Targeting AXL in different model systems with specific small molecule kinase inhibitors or antibodies alone or in combination with other drugs can lead to inactivation of AXL-mediated signaling pathways and can lead to regained drug sensitivity and improved therapeutic efficacy, defining AXL as a promising novel target for cancer therapeutics. This review highlights the data supporting AXL as a novel treatment candidate in a variety of cancers as well as the current status of drug development targeting the AXL/GAS6 axis and future perspectives in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjay Koul
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chang Youl Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital Hallym University Medical Center, Chuncheon-si Gangwon-do 200-704 Republic of Korea
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Balazs Halmos
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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KIM NAMYI, LEE HWAYOUNG, LEE CHUHEE. Metformin targets Axl and Tyro3 receptor tyrosine kinases to inhibit cell proliferation and overcome chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:353-60. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Lee C. Overexpression of Tyro3 receptor tyrosine kinase leads to the acquisition of taxol resistance in ovarian cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:1485-92. [PMID: 25815442 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at the advanced stages (III/IV) and their 5-year-survival rate is relatively low. One of the major causes of the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer is the development of resistance to first-line chemotherapy, including platinum and taxol. Therefore, improvements in current understanding of chemoresistance is required for the successful treatment of ovarian cancer. In the present study, taxol-resistant ovarian cancer cells, SKOV3/TR, were established by exposing parental SKOV3 cells to increasing concentrations of taxol. . Briefly, cells were treated with 1.5 nM (for 4 weeks), 3 nM (for 4 weeks), 6 nM (for 5 weeks), 12 nM (for 5 weeks) and 24 nM taxol (for 8 weeks) over 6 months. The SKOV3/TR cells were found to be smaller in size and rounder in shape compared with their parental cells. Cell viability and colony formation assays demonstrated an increase in the population doubling time of the SKOV3/TR cells, indicating a reduction in the proliferative capacity of these cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis revealed that, among the TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the mRNA and protein expression levels of Tyro3 RTK were increased, while those of Axl and Mer RTK were decreased in the SKOV3/TR cells. In addition, restoration of the level of Tyro3 by transfecting Tyro3-specific small interfering RNA into the SKOV3/TR cells reduced the proliferative capacity of the cells, indicating that upregulation of the expression of Tyro3 in SKOV3/TR cells may promote survival in the presence of taxol, which eventually resulted in the acquisition of resistance upon taxol treatment. The present study subsequently found that, in the SKOV3/TR cells, the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was elevated, and antioxidant treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) exerted more profound antiproliferative effects compared with the parental cells. The western blot analysis demonstrated that treatment of the SKOV3/TR cells with NAC reduced the protein expression of Tyro3, and the inhibitory effect of NAC on the phosphorylation of Akt was increased, which may have had a positive effect on the proliferation of the SKOV3/TR cells. The levels of phosphorylation and protein expression of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) were not affected by NAC treatment, indicating that the phosphorylation of Akt, but not expression or phosphorylation of STAT3, was associated with the increased intracellular ROS level in the SKOV3/TR cells. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that the acquired taxol resistance of ovarian cancer cells was associated with ROS-dependent upregulation in the expression of Tyro3 RTK and the subsequent activation of Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuhee Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705‑717, Republic of Korea
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Knubel KH, Pernu BM, Sufit A, Nelson S, Pierce AM, Keating AK. MerTK inhibition is a novel therapeutic approach for glioblastoma multiforme. Oncotarget 2015; 5:1338-51. [PMID: 24658326 PMCID: PMC4012720 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive tumor that occurs in both adult and pediatric patients and is known for its invasive quality and high rate of recurrence. Current therapies for glioblastoma result in high morbidity and dismal outcomes. The TAM subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases includes Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK. Axl and MerTK exhibit little to no expression in normal brain but are highly expressed in glioblastoma and contribute to the critical malignant phenotypes of survival, chemosensitivity and migration. We have found that Foretinib, a RTK inhibitor currently in clinical trial, inhibited phosphorylation of TAM receptors, with highest efficacy against MerTK, and blocked downstream activation of Akt and Erk in adult and pediatric glioblastoma cell lines, findings that are previously unreported. Survival, proliferation, migration, and collagen invasion were hindered in vitro. Foretinib treatment in vivo abolished MerTK phosphorylation and reduced tumor growth 3-4 fold in a subcutaneous mouse model. MerTK targeted shRNA completely prevented intracranial and subcutaneous glioma growth further delineating the impact of MerTK inhibition on glioblastoma. Our findings provide additional target validation for MerTK inhibition in glioblastoma and demonstrate that robust MerTK inhibition can be achieved with the multi-kinase inhibitor Foretinib as an innovative and translational therapeutic approach to glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina H Knubel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Müller J, Krijgsman O, Tsoi J, Robert L, Hugo W, Song C, Kong X, Possik PA, Cornelissen-Steijger PDM, Geukes Foppen MH, Kemper K, Goding CR, McDermott U, Blank C, Haanen J, Graeber TG, Ribas A, Lo RS, Peeper DS. Low MITF/AXL ratio predicts early resistance to multiple targeted drugs in melanoma. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5712. [PMID: 25502142 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 443] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) contributes to melanoma progression and resistance to BRAF pathway inhibition. Here we show that the lack of MITF is associated with more severe resistance to a range of inhibitors, while its presence is required for robust drug responses. Both in primary and acquired resistance, MITF levels inversely correlate with the expression of several activated receptor tyrosine kinases, most frequently AXL. The MITF-low/AXL-high/drug-resistance phenotype is common among mutant BRAF and NRAS melanoma cell lines. The dichotomous behaviour of MITF in drug response is corroborated in vemurafenib-resistant biopsies, including MITF-high and -low clones in a relapsed patient. Furthermore, drug cocktails containing AXL inhibitor enhance melanoma cell elimination by BRAF or ERK inhibition. Our results demonstrate that a low MITF/AXL ratio predicts early resistance to multiple targeted drugs, and warrant clinical validation of AXL inhibitors to combat resistance of BRAF and NRAS mutant MITF-low melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Müller
- Division of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar Krijgsman
- Division of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Tsoi
- Division of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-1750, USA
| | - Lidia Robert
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-7227, USA
| | - Willy Hugo
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-7227, USA
| | - Chunying Song
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-7227, USA
| | - Xiangju Kong
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-7227, USA
| | - Patricia A Possik
- Division of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marnix H Geukes Foppen
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel Kemper
- Division of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ultan McDermott
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Christian Blank
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas G Graeber
- 1] Division of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-1750, USA [2] UCLA Metabolomics Center, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, California Nanosystems Institute, UCLA, 570 Westwood Plaza, Building 114, Los Angeles, California 90095-7227, USA [3] Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), 8-684 Factor Building, Los Angeles, California 90095-1781, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- 1] Division of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-1750, USA [2] Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-7227, USA [3] Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), 8-684 Factor Building, Los Angeles, California 90095-1781, USA
| | - Roger S Lo
- 1] Division of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-1750, USA [2] Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90095-7227, USA [3] Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), 8-684 Factor Building, Los Angeles, California 90095-1781, USA
| | - Daniel S Peeper
- Division of Molecular Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The control of cellular growth and proliferation is key to the maintenance of homeostasis. Survival, proliferation, and arrest are regulated, in part, by Growth Arrest Specific 6 (Gas6) through binding to members of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family. Activation of the TAM receptors leads to downstream signaling through common kinases, but the exact mechanism within each cellular context varies and remains to be completely elucidated. Deregulation of the TAM family, due to its central role in mediating cellular proliferation, has been implicated in multiple diseases. Axl was cloned as the first TAM receptor in a search for genes involved in the progression of chronic to acute-phase leukemia, and has since been established as playing a critical role in the progression of cancer. The oncogenic nature of Axl is demonstrated through its activation of signaling pathways involved in proliferation, migration, inhibition of apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance. Despite its recent discovery, significant progress has been made in the development of effective clinical therapeutics targeting Axl. In order to accurately define the role of Axl in normal and diseased processes, it must be analyzed in a cell type-specific context.
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28
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Messoussi A, Peyronnet L, Feneyrolles C, Chevé G, Bougrin K, Yasri A. Structural elucidation of the DFG-Asp in and DFG-Asp out states of TAM kinases and insight into the selectivity of their inhibitors. Molecules 2014; 19:16223-39. [PMID: 25310149 PMCID: PMC6271404 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191016223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Structural elucidation of the active (DFG-Asp in) and inactive (DFG-Asp out) states of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases is required for future development of TAM inhibitors as drugs. Herein we report a computational study on each of the three TAM members Tyro-3, Axl and Mer. DFG-Asp in and DFG-Asp out homology models of each one were built based on the X-ray structure of c-Met kinase, an enzyme with a closely related sequence. Structural validation and in silico screening enabled identification of critical amino acids for ligand binding within the active site of each DFG-Asp in and DFG-Asp out model. The position and nature of amino acids that differ among Tyro-3, Axl and Mer, and the potential role of these residues in the design of selective TAM ligands, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Messoussi
- OriBase Pharma, Parc Euromedecine, Cap Gamma, 1682, rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier, France.
| | - Lucile Peyronnet
- OriBase Pharma, Parc Euromedecine, Cap Gamma, 1682, rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier, France.
| | - Clémence Feneyrolles
- OriBase Pharma, Parc Euromedecine, Cap Gamma, 1682, rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier, France.
| | - Gwénaël Chevé
- OriBase Pharma, Parc Euromedecine, Cap Gamma, 1682, rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier, France.
| | - Khalid Bougrin
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Plantes et de Synthèse Organique et Bioorganique, URAC23, Université Mohammed V, Faculté des Sciences B.P., 1014 Rabat, Morocco.
| | - Aziz Yasri
- OriBase Pharma, Parc Euromedecine, Cap Gamma, 1682, rue de la Valsière, 34189 Montpellier, France.
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Waizenegger JS, Ben-Batalla I, Weinhold N, Meissner T, Wroblewski M, Janning M, Riecken K, Binder M, Atanackovic D, Taipaleenmaeki H, Schewe D, Sawall S, Gensch V, Cubas-Cordova M, Seckinger A, Fiedler W, Hesse E, Kröger N, Fehse B, Hose D, Klein B, Raab MS, Pantel K, Bokemeyer C, Loges S. Role of Growth arrest-specific gene 6-Mer axis in multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2014; 29:696-704. [PMID: 25102945 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2014.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a mostly incurable malignancy characterized by the expansion of a malignant plasma cell (PC) clone in the human bone marrow (BM). Myeloma cells closely interact with the BM stroma, which secretes soluble factors that foster myeloma progression and therapy resistance. Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is produced by BM-derived stroma cells and can promote malignancy. However, the role of Gas6 and its receptors Axl, Tyro3 and Mer (TAM receptors) in myeloma is unknown. We therefore investigated their expression in myeloma cell lines and in the BM of myeloma patients and healthy donors. Gas6 showed increased expression in sorted BMPCs of myeloma patients compared with healthy controls. The fraction of Mer(+) BMPCs was increased in myeloma patients in comparison with healthy controls whereas Axl and Tyro3 were not expressed by BMPCs in the majority of patients. Downregulation of Gas6 and Mer inhibited the proliferation of different myeloma cell lines, whereas knocking down Axl or Tyro3 had no effect. Inhibition of the Gas6 receptor Mer or therapeutic targeting of Gas6 by warfarin reduced myeloma burden and improved survival in a systemic model of myeloma. Thus, the Gas6-Mer axis represents a novel candidate for therapeutic intervention in this incurable malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Waizenegger
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I Ben-Batalla
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - N Weinhold
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - T Meissner
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M Wroblewski
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Janning
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Riecken
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Binder
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Atanackovic
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H Taipaleenmaeki
- Heisenberg-Group for Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Schewe
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - S Sawall
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - V Gensch
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Cubas-Cordova
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Seckinger
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - W Fiedler
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - E Hesse
- Heisenberg-Group for Molecular Skeletal Biology, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - N Kröger
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - B Fehse
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Hose
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B Klein
- Institute of Research in Biotherapy, University Hospital of Montpellier (CHU), Montpellier, France
| | - M S Raab
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - K Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Bokemeyer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Loges
- 1] Department of Hematology and Oncology, BMT with Section of Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany [2] Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Suleiman L, Négrier C, Boukerche H. Protein S: A multifunctional anticoagulant vitamin K-dependent protein at the crossroads of coagulation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2013; 88:637-54. [PMID: 23958677 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1970, protein S (PS) has emerged as a key vitamin K-dependent natural anticoagulant protein at the crossroads of multiple biological processes, including coagulation, apoptosis, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, and cancer progression. Following the binding to a unique family of protein tyrosine kinase receptors referred to as Tyro-3, Axl and Mer (TAM) receptors, PS can lead to regulation of coagulation, phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, cell survival, activation of innate immunity, vessel integrity and angiogenesis, and local invasion and metastasis. Because of these dynamics and multiple functions of PS, which are largely lost following invalidation of the mouse PROS1 gene, this molecule is currently intensively studied in biomedical research. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief chronicle of the discovery and current understanding of the mechanisms of PS signaling, and how PS and their signaling partners regulate various cellular functions, with a particular focus on TAM receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfi Suleiman
- University Claude Bernard, Lyon I, INSERM, Department of Onco-Haematology, EA 4174, France
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Paccez JD, Vogelsang M, Parker MI, Zerbini LF. The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in cancer: biological functions and therapeutic implications. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:1024-33. [PMID: 23649974 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl has been implicated in the malignancy of different types of cancer. Emerging evidence of Axl upregulation in numerous cancers, as well as reports demonstrating that its inhibition blocks tumor formation in animal models, highlight the importance of Axl as a new potential therapeutic target. Furthermore, recent data demonstrate that Axl plays a pivotal role in resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens. In this review we discuss the functions of Axl and its regulation and role in cancer development, resistance to therapy, and its importance as a potential drug target, focusing on acute myeloid leukemia, breast, prostate and non-small cell lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano D Paccez
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Taichman RS, Patel LR, Bedenis R, Wang J, Weidner S, Schumann T, Yumoto K, Berry JE, Shiozawa Y, Pienta KJ. GAS6 receptor status is associated with dormancy and bone metastatic tumor formation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61873. [PMID: 23637920 PMCID: PMC3634826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) are believed to lie dormant in the marrow before they can be activated to form metastases. How DTCs become dormant in the marrow and how dormant DTCs escape dormancy remains unclear. Recent work has shown that prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines express the growth-arrest specific 6 (GAS6) receptors Axl, Tyro3, and Mer, and become growth arrested in response to GAS6. We therefore hypothesized that GAS6 signaling regulates the proliferative activity of DTCs in the marrow. To explore this possibility, in vivo studies were performed where it was observed that when Tyro3 expression levels exceed Axl expression, the PCa cells exhibit rapid growth. When when Axl levels predominate, PCa cells remain largely quiescent. These findings suggest that a balance between the expression of Axl and Tyro3 is associated with a molecular switch between a dormant and a proliferative phenotype in PCa metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell S. Taichman
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RST); (KJP)
| | - Lalit R. Patel
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Urology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Rachel Bedenis
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Urology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jingcheng Wang
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Savannah Weidner
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Urology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Taibriana Schumann
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Urology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kenji Yumoto
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Janice E. Berry
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yusuke Shiozawa
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Urology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Departments of Urology, Oncology, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Brady Urological Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RST); (KJP)
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AXL induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and regulates the function of breast cancer stem cells. Oncogene 2013; 33:1316-24. [PMID: 23474758 PMCID: PMC3994701 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the treatment of breast cancer particularly through the use of targeted therapy, relapse and chemo-resistance remain a major hindrance to the fight to minimize the burden of the disease. It is becoming increasingly clear that a rare subpopulation of cells known as cancer stem cells (CSC), able to be generated through epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and capable of tumor initiation and self-renewal, contributes to treatment resistance and metastases. This means that a more effective therapy should target both the chemoresistant CSCs and the proliferating epithelial cells that give rise to them in order to reverse EMT and attenuate their conversion to CSCs. Here, we demonstrate a novel function of AXL in acting upstream to induce EMT in normal and immortalized human mammary epithelial cells in an apparent positive feedback loop mechanism and regulate breast CSC (BCSC) self-renewal and chemoresistance. Downregulation of AXL using MP470 (amuvatinib) reversed EMT in mesenchymal normal human mammary epithelial cells and murine BCSCs attenuating self-renewal and restored chemosensitivity of the BCSCs. AXL expression was also found to be associated with expression of stem cell genes, regulation of metastases genes, increased tumorigenicity, and was important for BCSC invasion and migration. Inactivation of AXL also led to downregulation of NFκB pathway and reduced tumor formation in vivo. Together, our data suggest that targeted therapy against AXL, in combination with systemic therapies, has the potential to improve response to anti-cancer therapies and to reduce breast cancer recurrence and metastases.
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Zhang Y, Tang YJ, Man Y, Pan F, Li ZH, Jia LS. Knockdown of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase in osteosarcoma cells leads to decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2013; 26:179-88. [PMID: 23527720 DOI: 10.1177/039463201302600117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) has been implicated in the development and progression of a variety of malignancies. Axl is known to activate strong anti-apoptotic signaling pathways that promote oncogenesis. However, the role of Axl plays in osteosarcoma (OS) remains elusive. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance and function of Axl in human OS. Forty cases of OS and corresponding adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) were collected. The expression of Axl was assessed using immunohistochemical assay through tissue microarray procedure. A loss-of-function experiment was performed to investigate the effects of small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of Axl on the expression of p-AKT, poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and Ki-67, the proliferative activities, indicated by MTT assay, and the apoptotic index in OS MG-63 cells. As a result, the expression of Axl was found in OS tissues with higher strong reactivity rate, compared with the ANCT (75.0 percent vs 20.0 percent, P=0.000), but it did not associate with the age, gender, tumor size, TNM staging and distant metastases (each Pgreater than0.05). Furthermore, knockdown of Axl inhibited the proliferative activities and induced apoptosis in MG-63 cells with decreased expression of p-AKT, and Ki-67 and increased expression of PARP. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Axl is highly expressed in most of the OS tissues compared with the ANCT, and knockdown of Axl inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of OS cells possibly through downregulation of the AKT pathway, suggesting that our findings may provide new insights into the potential therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhabei District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
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35
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Jung Y, Shiozawa Y, Wang J, McGregor N, Dai J, Park SI, Berry JE, Havens AM, Joseph J, Kim JK, Patel L, Carmeliet P, Daignault S, Keller ET, McCauley LK, Pienta KJ, Taichman RS. Prevalence of prostate cancer metastases after intravenous inoculation provides clues into the molecular basis of dormancy in the bone marrow microenvironment. Neoplasia 2012; 14:429-39. [PMID: 22745589 DOI: 10.1596/neo.111740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bone is the preferred metastasis site of advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Using an in vivo murine model of human PCa cell metastasis to bone, we noted that the majority of animals that develop skeletal metastasis have either spinal lesions or lesions in the bones of the hindlimb. Much less frequently, lesions develop in the bones of the forelimb. We therefore speculated whether the environment of the forelimb bones is not permissive for the growth of PCa. Consequently, data on tumor prevalence were normalized to account for the number of PCa cells arriving after intravascular injection, marrow cellularity, and number of hematopoietic stem cell niches. None of these factors were able to account for the observed differences in tumor prevalence. An analysis of differential gene and protein levels identified that growth arrest specific-6 (GAS6) levels were significantly greater in the forelimb versus hindlimb bone marrow. When murine RM1 cells were implanted into subcutaneous spaces in immune competent animals, tumor growth in the GAS6(-/-) animals was greater than in GAS6(+/+) wild-type animals. In an osseous environment, the human PC3 cell line grew significantly better in vertebral body transplants (vossicles) derived from GAS6(-/-) animals than in vossicles derived from GAS6(+/+) animals. Together, these data suggest that the differences in tumor prevalence after intravascular inoculation are a useful model to study the molecular basis of tumor dormancy. Importantly, these data suggest that therapeutic manipulation of GAS6 levels may prove useful as a therapy for metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younghun Jung
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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Hong J, Peng D, Chen Z, Sehdev V, Belkhiri A. ABL regulation by AXL promotes cisplatin resistance in esophageal cancer. Cancer Res 2012; 73:331-40. [PMID: 23117882 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-3151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is characterized by resistance to chemotherapy and poor outcome. Although cisplatin (CDDP) has been used as a first-line therapy in patients with EAC, resistance remains a major clinical problem. The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase, originally isolated as a transforming gene from leukemia, is overexpressed in several solid tumors. Herein, we assessed AXL protein expression in human EACs and examined its role in CDDP resistance in human EAC cells. AXL overexpression was detected in more than 50% of tumors examined. Elevating AXL in nonoverexpressing cells doubled the CDDP IC(50) and increased cell survival three-fold, while attenuating AXL in overexpressing cells reduced survival two-fold. The effects of AXL modulation on cell survival were associated with changes in cellular and molecular markers of apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that AXL blocked CDDP-induced activation of endogenous p73β (TP73), reducing its protein half-life, and inhibited CDDP-induced levels of p-c-ABL(Y412) and p-p73β(Y99). These changes were associated with a disruption of c-ABL/p73β protein interactions due to association with c-ABL in the cytoplasm, thereby blocking nuclear accumulation of c-ABL and phosphorylation of p73β in response to DNA damage. Together, our results establish that AXL promotes CDDP resistance in esophageal adenocarcinoma and argue that therapeutic targeting of AXL may sensitize these cancers to DNA-damaging drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hong
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Cui ZL, Han FF, Peng XH, Chen X, Luan CY, Han RC, Xu WG, Guo XJ. Yes-Associated Protein 1 Promotes Adenocarcinoma Growth and Metastasis through Activation of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2012; 25:989-1001. [PMID: 23298489 DOI: 10.1177/039463201202500416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a nuclear effector of the Hippo pathway, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression of multiple cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of YAP1 and receptor tyrosine kinase Axl expression in human lung adenocarcinomas (LAC). We further explored possible molecular mechanisms mediated by YAP1 in LAC and gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) cells. Forty-nine cases of human LAC and normal lung tissue (NLT) were collected. The expression of YAP1 and Axl was assessed by immunohistochemical assay through tissue microarray procedure and the clinicopathologic characteristics of all patients were analyzed. Using a loss of function approach, we investigated the effects of small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of YAP1 on the expression of Axl, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and the proliferative activities and invasive potential in LAC A549 and GAC SGC-7901 cell lines. As a result, the expression of YAP1 and Axl was found in LAC tissues with higher strong reactivity rate compared to the NLT (87.8% vs.60.8%, p=0.000;77.6% vs 0.0%, P=0.000), but they did not associate with the age, gender, tumor size, TNM staging or lymph node metastases of LAC patients (each p>0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between YAP1 and Axl expression. Furthermore, knockdown of YAP in vitro markedly down-regulated the expression of Axl, PCNA and MMP-9, and inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LAC and GAC cells. Taken together, YAP1 and Axl are highly expressed in LAC compared to the NLT, and knockdown of YAP1 may inhibit the proliferation and invasion of adenocarcinoma cells through downregulation of the Axl pathway, representing a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z-L. Cui
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - F-F. Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - X-H. Peng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - X. Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - C-Y. Luan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - R-C. Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - W-G. Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - X-J. Guo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, XinHua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Schmidt T, Ben-Batalla I, Schultze A, Loges S. Macrophage-tumor crosstalk: role of TAMR tyrosine kinase receptors and of their ligands. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:1391-414. [PMID: 22076650 PMCID: PMC11115155 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ample clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that macrophages interact with tumor cells as well as with virtually all populations of host cells present in the tumor microenvironment. This crosstalk can strongly promote malignancy, but also has in principle the potential to inhibit tumor growth. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to improve our understanding of the mechanisms driving the pro- and antimalignant behavior of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in order to develop better anticancer therapies. In this review, we discuss the biological consequences of reciprocal interactions between TAMs, cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and other leukocyte subfractions within tumors. It was recently elucidated that tumors specifically educate macrophages to secrete growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6), the common ligand of the Tyro3, Axl, Mer receptor (TAMR) family. In turn, Gas6 fosters tumor growth by promoting cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, the Gas6-TAMR axis might represent a novel target for disrupting tumor-macrophage crosstalk. We summarize here what is known about TAMR and their ligands in (human) cancer biology. In order to shed more light on the role of macrophages in human cancer, we additionally provide an overview of what is currently known about the prognostic impact of TAMs in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabel Ben-Batalla
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Sections BMT and Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Schultze
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Sections BMT and Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Loges
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Sections BMT and Pneumology, Hubertus Wald Tumorzentrum, University Comprehensive Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Wang S, Neekhra A, Albert DM, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. Suppression of thrombospondin-1 expression during uveal melanoma progression and its potential therapeutic utility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 130:336-41. [PMID: 22411663 DOI: 10.1001/archopthalmol.2011.1503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, is downregulated during progression of uveal melanoma and whether administration of TSP1 and/or its antiangiogenic peptides attenuate tumor growth. METHODS Tyrosinase-SV40 T-antigens (Tyr Tag) transgenic mice were used for evaluation of TSP1 expression during tumor progression using immunohistological methods. The therapeutic potential of TSP1 on tumor progression was evaluated either by crossing Tyr Tag mice with a line of transgenic mice overexpressing TSP1 in the eye or by administration of TSP1-mimetic peptide with known antiangiogenic, antitumor activity. Tumor areas were measured in histological sections using Optima software (Media Cybernetics, Inc). RESULTS The Tyr Tag tumors from 3-week-old mice showed significant TSP1 expression, which was dramatically downregulated in tumors from 12-week-old mice. Furthermore, the development and progression of tumor was significantly delayed in Tyr Tag TSP1 transgenic mice or Tyr Tag mice receiving TSP1-mimetic peptide (100 mg/kg/d). CONCLUSIONS Expression of TSP1 was decreased with the angiogenic switch during progression of uveal melanoma, and TSP1 and/or its antiangiogenic peptides were effective in attenuation of tumor growth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Modulation of TSP1 expression and/or activity may be beneficial in treating uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoujian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792-4673, USA
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40
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Laurance S, Lemarié CA, Blostein MD. Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (gas6) and vascular hemostasis. Adv Nutr 2012; 3:196-203. [PMID: 22516727 PMCID: PMC3648720 DOI: 10.3945/an.111.001826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas6 (growth arrest-specific 6) belongs structurally to the family of plasma vitamin K-dependent proteins. Gas6 has a high structural homology with the natural anticoagulant protein S, sharing the same modular composition. Interestingly, despite the presence of a γ-carboxyglutamic acid domain in its structure, no role in the coagulation cascade has been identified for gas6. Gas6 has been shown to be involved in vascular homeostasis and more precisely is involved in proliferation, apoptosis, efferocytosis, leukocyte migration, and sequestration and platelet aggregation. It is also involved in the activation of different cell types, from platelets to endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Thus, it has been shown to play a role in several pathophysiological processes such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and thrombosis. Interestingly, studies using gas6 null mice highlighted that gas6 may represent a novel potential target for anticoagulant therapy, because these animals are protected from lethal venous thromboembolism without excessive bleeding. However, the mechanism in thrombus occurrence remains to be further explored. In the present review, we will focus on the role of gas6 in innate immunity, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and cancer-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark D. Blostein
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, and,To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Sensi M, Catani M, Castellano G, Nicolini G, Alciato F, Tragni G, De Santis G, Bersani I, Avanzi G, Tomassetti A, Canevari S, Anichini A. Human cutaneous melanomas lacking MITF and melanocyte differentiation antigens express a functional Axl receptor kinase. J Invest Dermatol 2011; 131:2448-57. [PMID: 21796150 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2011.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, displays an increasingly important role in carcinogenesis. Analysis of 58 cutaneous melanoma lines indicated that Axl was expressed in 38% of them, with significant overrepresentation in NRAS- compared with BRAF-mutated tumors. Axl activation could be induced by autocrine production of its ligand, Gas6, in a significant fraction of Axl-positive tumors. Pearson's correlation analysis on expression data from five data sets of melanoma lines identified several transcripts correlating positively or negatively with Axl. By functionally grouping genes, those inversely correlated were involved in melanocyte development and pigmentation, whereas those positively correlated were involved in motility, invasion, and microenvironment interactions. Accordingly, Axl-positive melanomas did not express microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and melanocyte differentiation antigens (MDAs) such as MART-1 and gp100 and possessed a greater in vitro invasive potential compared with Axl-negative ones. Motility, invasivity, and ability to heal a wound or to migrate across an endothelial barrier were inhibited in vitro by Axl knockdown. Pharmacological inhibition of Axl using the selective inhibitor R428 had comparable effects in reducing migration and invasion. These results suggest that targeted inhibition of Axl signaling in the subset of melanomas lacking MITF and MDAs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Sensi
- Unit of Immunobiology of Human Tumors, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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Tworkoski K, Singhal G, Szpakowski S, Zito CI, Bacchiocchi A, Muthusamy V, Bosenberg M, Krauthammer M, Halaban R, Stern DF. Phosphoproteomic screen identifies potential therapeutic targets in melanoma. Mol Cancer Res 2011; 9:801-12. [PMID: 21521745 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-10-0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Therapies directed against receptor tyrosine kinases are effective in many cancer subtypes, including lung and breast cancer. We used a phosphoproteomic platform to identify active receptor tyrosine kinases that might represent therapeutic targets in a panel of 25 melanoma cell strains. We detected activated receptors including TYRO3, AXL, MERTK, EPHB2, MET, IGF1R, EGFR, KIT, HER3, and HER4. Statistical analysis of receptor tyrosine kinase activation as well as ligand and receptor expression indicates that some receptors, such as FGFR3, may be activated via autocrine circuits. Short hairpin RNA knockdown targeting three of the active kinases identified in the screen, AXL, HER3, and IGF1R, inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells and knockdown of active AXL also reduced melanoma cell migration. The changes in cellular phenotype observed on AXL knockdown seem to be modulated via the STAT3 signaling pathway, whereas the IGF1R-dependent alterations seem to be regulated by the AKT signaling pathway. Ultimately, this study identifies several novel targets for therapeutic intervention in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Tworkoski
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Song X, Wang H, Logsdon CD, Rashid A, Fleming JB, Abbruzzese JL, Gomez HF, Evans DB, Wang H. Overexpression of receptor tyrosine kinase Axl promotes tumor cell invasion and survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer 2011; 117:734-43. [PMID: 20922806 PMCID: PMC4403266 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl has been reported to be overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. Although previous studies have identified the role of Axl in the transformation, proliferation, survival, and invasion in cancers, the expression and functions of Axl in pancreatic cancer have not been studied in detail. METHODS The expression of Axl protein in 12 pancreatic cancer cell lines and 54 patient samples of stage II pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and their paired non-neoplastic pancreatic tissue samples were examined. Using univariate and multivariate analysis, Axl expression was correlated with survival and other clinicopathologic features. To examine Axl functions in PDA, the effects of Axl knockdown on the invasion ability and radiation-induced apoptosis in PDA cell lines were measured. RESULTS Axl was overexpressed in 38 of 54 (70%) stage II PDA samples and 9 of 12 (75%) PDA cell lines. Axl overexpression was associated with higher frequencies of distant metastasis and poor overall and recurrence-free survivals (P = .03 and P = .04, respectively) independent of tumor size and stage or lymph node status in patients with stage II PDA. Knockdown of Axl expression in PDA cells abolished Gas6-mediated Akt activation, decreased invasion, and increased radiation-induced PARP cleavage and the percentage of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that Gas6 and Axl are frequently overexpressed in PDA cells and are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with stage II PDA. Axl promotes the invasion and survival of PDA cells. Therefore, targeting the Axl signaling pathway may represent a new approach to the treatment of PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhou Song
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Craig D. Logsdon
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Asif Rashid
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason B. Fleming
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - James L. Abbruzzese
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Henry F. Gomez
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Douglas B. Evans
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas,Department of Surgery, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Mudduluru G, Ceppi P, Kumarswamy R, Scagliotti GV, Papotti M, Allgayer H. Regulation of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase expression by miR-34a and miR-199a/b in solid cancer. Oncogene 2011; 30:2888-99. [PMID: 21317930 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Axl is a receptor that induces proliferation, migration and invasion in cancer. In this study, we show that specific microRNAs (miRNAs) target the 3'-UTR of Axl. Luciferase-reporter assays with wild-type and deleted miR-34 and miR-199a/b seed sequences of Axl 3'-UTR confirmed the specificity of targeting. An inverse correlation between Axl protein and miR-34a expression in a panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC) and breast cancer (BRC) cell lines was observed, while miR-199a/b expression was completely suppressed. Pre-miR transfection inhibited in vitro migration and invasion and, in vivo, reduced the number of distant lung- or liver-metastases in a chorion-allantoic-membrane (CAM) assay. Moreover, methylation-specific PCR on bisulfite-converted DNA obtained from the cell lines showed that the miR-34a promoter methylation status was inversely correlated with its expression, and that miR-199a/b promoter regions were methylated in all cells tested. In a panel of NSCLC tissues (n=44), miR-34a and miR-199a/b were found to be downregulated and significantly co-expressed. A lower expression of all three miRs was significantly associated with squamous histotypes, and, in a preliminary series, NSCLC patients with miR-34a upregulation showed a positive association towards a longer survival. These results indicate that Axl receptor expression can be regulated by miR-34a and miR-199a/b, which are suppressed by promoter methylation in solid cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Mudduluru
- Department of Experimental Surgery and Molecular Oncology of Solid Tumors, University of Heidelberg, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany
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He L, Zhang J, Jiang L, Jin C, Zhao Y, Yang G, Jia L. Differential expression of Axl in hepatocellular carcinoma and correlation with tumor lymphatic metastasis. Mol Carcinog 2010; 49:882-91. [PMID: 20635370 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases play important roles in tumor development and progression. A variety of members of the signal transduction enzymes serve as targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. The dysregulation of Axl receptor and its ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several cancers. In this study, the differential expressions of Axl were investigated in mouse hepatocarcinoma cell lines Hca-F and Hca-P, which have high- and low-metastatic potential to lymph nodes. Experimental inhibition of Axl by siRNA assessed further the metastatic potential of Axl. The results showed that down-regulation of Axl expression attenuated Hca-F cells proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as inhibited metastasis to peripheral lymph nodes in vivo. Further analysis demonstrated that the addition of exogenous Gas6 mediated the migration and invasion of Hca-F cells both in vitro and in vivo through Axl. Furthermore, Gas6 stimulation of Axl in Hca-F cells resulted primarily in the down-regulation of Cyr61, a member of the CCN protein family involved in tumor progression. These data suggest that Axl acts as a tumor lymphatic metastasis-associated gene, and may function partly through the regulation of Cyr61.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling He
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Province, China
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Linger RM, Keating AK, Earp HS, Graham DK. Taking aim at Mer and Axl receptor tyrosine kinases as novel therapeutic targets in solid tumors. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2010; 14:1073-90. [PMID: 20809868 PMCID: PMC3342018 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2010.515980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Axl and/or Mer expression correlates with poor prognosis in several cancers. Until recently, the role of these receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in development and progression of cancer remained unexplained. Studies demonstrating that Axl and Mer contribute to cell survival, migration, invasion, metastasis and chemosensitivity justify further investigation of Axl and Mer as novel therapeutic targets in cancer. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Axl and Mer signaling pathways in cancer cells are summarized and evidence validating these RTKs as therapeutic targets in glioblastoma multiforme, NSCLC, and breast cancer is examined. A discussion of Axl and/or Mer inhibitors in development is provided. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Potential toxicities associated with Axl or Mer inhibition are addressed. We propose that the probable action of Mer and Axl inhibitors on cells within the tumor microenvironment will provide a therapeutic opportunity to target both tumor cells and the stromal components that facilitate disease progression. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Axl and Mer mediate multiple oncogenic phenotypes and activation of these RTKs constitutes a mechanism of chemoresistance in a variety of solid tumors. Targeted inhibition of these RTKs may be effective as anti-tumor and/or anti-metastatic therapy, particularly if combined with standard cytotoxic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M.A. Linger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8302, 12800 E. 19 Avenue, Room 4401A, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Amy K. Keating
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8302, 12800 E. 19 Avenue, Room 4405, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 450 West Drive, CB 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8302, 12800 E. 19 Avenue, Room 4408, Aurora, CO 80045, Phone: 303-724-4006, Fax: 303-724-4015
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GAS6/AXL axis regulates prostate cancer invasion, proliferation, and survival in the bone marrow niche. Neoplasia 2010; 12:116-27. [PMID: 20126470 DOI: 10.1593/neo.91384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2009] [Revised: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent studies have shown that annexin II, expressed on the cell surface of osteoblasts, plays an important role in the adhesion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the endosteal niche. Similarly, prostate cancer (PCa) cells express the annexin II receptor and seem to use the stem cell niche for homing to the bone marrow. The role of the niche is thought to be the induction and sustenance of HSC dormancy. If metastatic PCa cells occupy a similar or the same ecological niche as HSCs, then it is likely that the initial role of the HSC niche will be to induce dormancy in metastatic cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the binding of PCa to annexin II induces the expression of the growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) receptors AXL, Sky, and Mer, which, in the hematopoietic system, induce dormancy. In addition, GAS6 produced by osteoblasts prevents PCa proliferation and protects PCa from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that the activation of GAS6 receptors on PCa in the bone marrow environment may play a critical role as a molecular switch, establishing metastatic tumor cell dormancy.
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Mudduluru G, Vajkoczy P, Allgayer H. Myeloid zinc finger 1 induces migration, invasion, and in vivo metastasis through Axl gene expression in solid cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2010; 8:159-69. [PMID: 20145042 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-09-0326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1) is a member of the SCAN domain family transcription factors that form dimers through their highly conserved SCAN motifs. Silencing of MZF1 inhibits cell proliferation, and abnormal expression of MZF1 results in cancer development. However, a potential role of MZF1 in metastasis remains unclear. Axl is a receptor tyrosine kinase and was first identified as a transforming gene in chronic myeloid leukemia. Axl overexpression induces proliferation, migration, and invasion and is highly expressed in different human cancers. In this study, we show that overexpression of MZF1 induces migration and invasion in colorectal (Rko, SW480) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells. In addition, we show that MZF1 binds to the Axl promoter, transactivates promoter activity, and enhances Axl-mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. In vitro, sh-RNA knockdown of Axl reduced MZF1-induced migration and invasion in HeLa and Rko cells (P = 0.05). Additionally, Rko cells overexpressing MZF1 showed increased tumor formation and liver metastasis in the chicken-embryo-metastasis assay in vivo. Furthermore, the expression of MZF1 and Axl was significantly higher in resected colorectal tumors compared with corresponding normal tissues (P = 0.02; P = 0.05), and MZF1 expression was positively correlated with Axl gene expression in tumor tissues (P < 0.01). Taken together, this is the first study to show that MZF1 induces invasion and in vivo metastasis in colorectal and cervical cancer, at least in part by regulating Axl gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giridhar Mudduluru
- Department of Experimental Surgery/Molecular Oncology of Solid Tumors, DKFZ and University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Shiozawa Y, Pedersen EA, Taichman RS. GAS6/Mer axis regulates the homing and survival of the E2A/PBX1-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the bone marrow niche. Exp Hematol 2010; 38:132-40. [PMID: 19922767 PMCID: PMC2815170 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite improvements in current combinational chemotherapy regimens, the prognosis of the (1;19)(q23;p13) translocation (E2A/PBX1)-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is poor in pediatric leukemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we examined the roles of growth arrest-specific-6 (GAS6)/Mer axis in the interactions between E2A/PBX1-positive B-cell precursor ALL cells and the osteoblastic niche in the bone marrow. RESULTS Data show that primary human osteoblasts secrete GAS6 in response to the Mer-overexpressed E2A/PBX1-positive ALL cells through mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and that leukemia cells migrate toward GAS6 using pathways activated by Mer. Importantly, GAS6 supports survival and prevents apoptosis from chemotherapy of E2A/PBX1-positive ALL cells by inducing dormancy. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that GAS6/Mer axis regulates homing and survival of the E2A/PBX1-positive B-cell precursor ALL in the bone marrow niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Shiozawa
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Elisabeth A. Pedersen
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Russell S. Taichman
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI
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Malignant cells fuel tumor growth by educating infiltrating leukocytes to produce the mitogen Gas6. Blood 2009; 115:2264-73. [PMID: 19965679 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-06-228684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming and tumor growth-promoting properties of Axl, a member of the Tyro3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (TAMRs), are well recognized. In contrast, little is known about the role of the TAMR ligand growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) in tumor biology. By using Gas6-deficient (Gas6(-/-)) mice, we show that bone marrow-derived Gas6 promotes growth and metastasis in different experimental cancer models, including one resistant to vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Mechanistic studies reveal that circulating leukocytes produce minimal Gas6. However, once infiltrated in the tumor, leukocytes up-regulate Gas6, which is mitogenic for tumor cells. Consistent herewith, impaired tumor growth in Gas6(-/-) mice is rescued by transplantation of wild-type bone marrow and, conversely, mimicked by transplantation of Gas6(-/-) bone marrow into wild-type hosts. These findings highlight a novel role for Gas6 in a positive amplification loop, whereby tumors promote their growth by educating infiltrating leukocytes to up-regulate the production of the mitogen Gas6. Hence, inhibition of Gas6 might offer novel opportunities for the treatment of cancer.
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