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Vahabi M, Xu G, Avan A, Peters GJ, Giovannetti E. Pharmacological mechanisms underlying the interaction of the nucleoside analogue gemcitabine with the c-MET inhibitor tivantinib in pancreatic cancer. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38420938 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2024.2319215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative approaches. A promising target for new anticancer therapies across various tumor types is the receptor tyrosine kinase c-MET. Here, we examined the impact of the c-MET inhibitor tivantinib in combination with gemcitabine on both primary and immortalized PDAC cells, and we investigated the mechanism underlying this combined treatment's effects. Our findings demonstrate that tivantinib is synergistic with gemcitabine, which is not related to cytidine deaminase but to inhibition of the polymerization of tubulin. Moreover, these drugs affected the expression of microRNAs miR-21 and miR-34, which regulate key oncogenic pathways. These findings might have an impact on the selection of patients for future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahrou Vahabi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geng Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
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O'Rourke CJ, Salati M, Rae C, Carpino G, Leslie H, Pea A, Prete MG, Bonetti LR, Amato F, Montal R, Upstill-Goddard R, Nixon C, Sanchon-Sanchez P, Kunderfranco P, Sia D, Gaudio E, Overi D, Cascinu S, Hogdall D, Pugh S, Domingo E, Primrose JN, Bridgewater J, Spallanzani A, Gelsomino F, Llovet JM, Calvisi DF, Boulter L, Caputo F, Lleo A, Jamieson NB, Luppi G, Dominici M, Andersen JB, Braconi C. Molecular portraits of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who diverge as rapid progressors or long survivors on chemotherapy. Gut 2024; 73:496-508. [PMID: 37758326 PMCID: PMC10894814 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cytotoxic agents are the cornerstone of treatment for patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), despite heterogeneous benefit. We hypothesised that the pretreatment molecular profiles of diagnostic biopsies can predict patient benefit from chemotherapy and define molecular bases of innate chemoresistance. DESIGN We identified a cohort of advanced iCCA patients with comparable baseline characteristics who diverged as extreme outliers on chemotherapy (survival <6 m in rapid progressors, RP; survival >23 m in long survivors, LS). Diagnostic biopsies were characterised by digital pathology, then subjected to whole-transcriptome profiling of bulk and geospatially macrodissected tissue regions. Spatial transcriptomics of tumour-infiltrating myeloid cells was performed using targeted digital spatial profiling (GeoMx). Transcriptome signatures were evaluated in multiple cohorts of resected cancers. Signatures were also characterised using in vitro cell lines, in vivo mouse models and single cell RNA-sequencing data. RESULTS Pretreatment transcriptome profiles differentiated patients who would become RPs or LSs on chemotherapy. Biologically, this signature originated from altered tumour-myeloid dynamics, implicating tumour-induced immune tolerogenicity with poor response to chemotherapy. The central role of the liver microenviroment was confrmed by the association of the RPLS transcriptome signature with clinical outcome in iCCA but not extrahepatic CCA, and in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer, but not in the matched primary bowel tumours. CONCLUSIONS The RPLS signature could be a novel metric of chemotherapy outcome in iCCA. Further development and validation of this transcriptomic signature is warranted to develop precision chemotherapy strategies in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm J O'Rourke
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Massimiliano Salati
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Modena, Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Colin Rae
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Holly Leslie
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Antonio Pea
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria G Prete
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Luca R Bonetti
- Division of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Amato
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Robert Montal
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Cancer Research Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Daniela Sia
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, BCLC Group, Liver Unit and Pathology Department, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Diletta Overi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Cascinu
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Dan Hogdall
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Sian Pugh
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Enric Domingo
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Andrea Spallanzani
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Gelsomino
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg Faculty of Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
- Medical, Surgical, and Clinical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luke Boulter
- MRC HGU, The University of Edinburgh MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
- CRUK Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow-Edinburgh, UK
| | - Francesco Caputo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Nigel B Jamieson
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- CRUK Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow-Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gabriele Luppi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chiara Braconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- CRUK Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow-Edinburgh, UK
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK
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Bani N, Rahmani F, Shakour N, Amerizadeh F, Khalili-Tanha G, Khazaei M, Hassanian SM, Kerachian MA, Abbaszadegan MR, Mojarad M, Hadizadeh F, Ferns GA, Avan A. Wortmannin Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Suppressing the PI3K/AKT Pathway. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:916-927. [PMID: 38584531 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206296355240325113920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant contributor to mortality, often exacerbated by metastasis and chemoresistance. Novel therapeutic strategies are imperative to enhance current treatments. The dysregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is implicated in CRC progression. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Wortmannin, combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), to target the PI3K/Akt pathway in CRC. METHODS Anti-migratory and antiproliferative effects were assessed through wound healing and MTT assays. Apoptosis and cell cycle alterations were evaluated using Annexin V/Propidium Iodide Apoptosis Assay. Wortmannin's impact on the oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium was examined via ROS, SOD, CAT, MDA, and T-SH levels. Downstream target genes of the PI3K/AKT pathway were analyzed at mRNA and protein levels using RTPCR and western blot, respectively. RESULTS Wortmannin demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, modulating survivin, cyclinD1, PI3K, and p-Akt. The PI3K inhibitor attenuated migratory activity, inducing E-cadherin expression. Combined Wortmannin with 5-FU induced apoptosis, increasing cells in sub-G1 via elevated ROS levels. CONCLUSION This study underscores Wortmannin's potential in inhibiting CRC cell growth and migration through PI3K/Akt pathway modulation. It also highlights its candidacy for further investigation as a promising therapeutic option in colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Bani
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzad Rahmani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Neda Shakour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Forouzan Amerizadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Kerachian
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Mojarad
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzin Hadizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Amir Avan
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Lee TS, Kim JY, Lee MH, Cho IR, Paik WH, Ryu JK, Kim YT, Lee SH. Savolitinib: A Promising Targeting Agent for Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4708. [PMID: 37835402 PMCID: PMC10571651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Savolitinib is a highly selective small molecule inhibitor of the mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) tyrosine kinase, primarily developed for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET mutations. It is also being investigated as a treatment for breast, head and neck, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and other gastrointestinal cancers. In both preclinical and clinical studies, it has demonstrated efficacy in lung, kidney, and stomach cancers. Savolitinib is an oral anti-cancer medication taken as a 600 mg dose once daily. It can be used as a monotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with MET mutations and in combination with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for patients who have developed resistance to them. Furthermore, savolitinib has shown positive results in gastric cancer treatment, particularly in combination with docetaxel. As a result, this review aims to validate its efficacy in NSCLC and suggests its potential application in other gastrointestinal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, based on related research in gastric and renal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sang Hyub Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; (T.S.L.); (J.Y.K.); (M.H.L.); (I.R.C.); (W.H.P.); (J.K.R.); (Y.-T.K.)
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Alaei M, Nazari SE, Pourali G, Asadnia A, Moetamani-Ahmadi M, Fiuji H, Tanzadehpanah H, Asgharzadeh F, Babaei F, Khojasteh-Leylakoohi F, Saeed Gataa I, Ali Kiani M, Ferns GA, Lam AKY, Hassanian SM, Khazaei M, Giovannetti E, Avan A. Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Using Lopinavir/Ritonavir in Colorectal Cancer: A Study in Monolayers, Spheroids and In Vivo Models. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3939. [PMID: 37568755 PMCID: PMC10417395 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme has been shown to be expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its dysregulation is linked to tumor progression and a poor prognosis. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of targeting CYP450 using lopinavir/ritonavir in CRC. The integrative systems biology method and RNAseq were utilized to investigate the differential levels of genes associated with patients with colorectal cancer. The antiproliferative activity of lopinavir/ritonavir was evaluated in both monolayer and 3-dimensional (3D) models, followed by wound-healing assays. The effectiveness of targeting CYP450 was examined in a mouse model, followed by histopathological analysis, biochemical tests (MDA, SOD, thiol, and CAT), and RT-PCR. The data of dysregulation expressed genes (DEG) revealed 1268 upregulated and 1074 down-regulated genes in CRC. Among the top-score genes and dysregulated pathways, CYPs were detected and associated with poor prognosis of patients with CRC. Inhibition of CYP450 reduced cell proliferation via modulating survivin, Chop, CYP13a, and induction of cell death, as detected by AnnexinV/PI staining. This agent suppressed the migratory behaviors of cells by induction of E-cadherin. Moreover, lopinavir/ritonavir suppressed tumor growth and fibrosis, which correlated with a reduction in SOD/thiol levels and increased MDA levels. Our findings illustrated the therapeutic potential of targeting the CYP450 using lopinavir/ritonavir in colorectal cancer, supporting future investigations on this novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (M.A.); (S.M.H.)
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Seyedeh Elnaz Nazari
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Ghazaleh Pourali
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - AliReza Asadnia
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Mehrdad Moetamani-Ahmadi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Hamid Tanzadehpanah
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91779-49367, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Asgharzadeh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Fatemeh Babaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Fatemeh Khojasteh-Leylakoohi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Kiani
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK;
| | - Alfred King-yin Lam
- Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (M.A.); (S.M.H.)
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam U.M.C., VU. University Medical Center (VUMC), 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- College of Medicine, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala 56001, Iraq;
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
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Correlation between hypoxia and HGF/c-MET expression in the management of pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188869. [PMID: 36842767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is very deadly and difficult to treat. The presence of hypoxia has been shown to increase the probability of cancer developing and spreading. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC/PC) has traditionally viewed a highly lethal form of cancer due to its high occurrence of early metastases. Desmoplasia/stroma is often thick and collagenous, with pancreatic stellate cells as the primary source (PSCs). Cancer cells and other stromal cells interact with PSCs, promoting disease development. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET pathway have been proposed as a growth factor mechanism mediating this interaction. Human growth factor (HGF) is secreted by pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and its receptor, c-MET, is generated by pancreatic cancer cells and endothelial cells. Hypoxia is frequent in malignant tumors, particularly pancreatic (PC). Hypoxia results from limitless tumor development and promotes survival, progression, and invasion. Hypoxic is becoming a critical driver and therapeutic target of pancreatic cancer as its hypoxia microenvironment is defined. Recent breakthroughs in cancer biology show that hypoxia promotes tumor proliferation, aggressiveness, and therapeutic resistance. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) stabilize hypoxia signaling. Hypoxia cMet is a key component of pancreatic tumor microenvironments, which also have a fibrotic response, that hypoxia, promotes and modulates. c-Met is a tyrosine-protein kinase. As describe it simply, the MET gene in humans' codes for a protein called hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR). Most cancerous tumors and pancreatic cancer in particular, suffer from a lack of oxygen (PC). Due to unrestrained tumor development, hypoxia develops, actively contributing to tumor survival, progression, and invasion. As the processes by which hypoxia signaling promotes invasion and metastasis become clear, c-MET has emerged as an important determinant of pancreatic cancer malignancy and a potential pharmacological target. This manuscript provides the most current findings on the role of hypoxia and HGF/c-MET expression in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Gregori A, Bergonzini C, Capula M, Mantini G, Khojasteh-Leylakoohi F, Comandatore A, Khalili-Tanha G, Khooei A, Morelli L, Avan A, Danen EH, Schmidt T, Giovannetti E. Prognostic Significance of Integrin Subunit Alpha 2 (ITGA2) and Role of Mechanical Cues in Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030628. [PMID: 36765586 PMCID: PMC9913151 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION PDAC is an extremely aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and remarkable therapeutic resistance. The dense extracellular matrix (ECM) which characterizes PDAC progression is considered a fundamental determinant of chemoresistance, with major contributions from mechanical factors. This study combined biomechanical and pharmacological approaches to evaluate the role of the cell-adhesion molecule ITGA2, a key regulator of ECM, in PDAC resistance to gemcitabine. METHODS The prognostic value of ITGA2 was analysed in publicly available databases and tissue-microarrays of two cohorts of radically resected and metastatic patients treated with gemcitabine. PANC-1 and its gemcitabine-resistant clone (PANC-1R) were analysed by RNA-sequencing and label-free proteomics. The role of ITGA2 in migration, proliferation, and apoptosis was investigated using hydrogel-coated wells, siRNA-mediated knockdown and overexpression, while collagen-embedded spheroids assessed invasion and ECM remodeling. RESULTS High ITGA2 expression correlated with shorter progression-free and overall survival, supporting its impact on prognosis and the lack of efficacy of gemcitabine treatment. These findings were corroborated by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses showing that ITGA2 was upregulated in the PANC-1R clone. The aggressive behavior of these cells was significantly reduced by ITGA2 silencing both in vitro and in vivo, while PANC-1 cells growing under conditions resembling PDAC stiffness acquired resistance to gemcitabine, associated to increased ITGA2 expression. Collagen-embedded spheroids of PANC-1R showed a significant matrix remodeling and spreading potential via increased expression of CXCR4 and MMP2. Additionally, overexpression of ITGA2 in MiaPaCa-2 cells triggered gemcitabine resistance and increased proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo, associated to upregulation of phospho-AKT. CONCLUSIONS ITGA2 emerged as a new prognostic factor, highlighting the relevance of stroma mechanical properties as potential therapeutic targets to counteract gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gregori
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Bergonzini
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mjriam Capula
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute of Life Sciences, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Comandatore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Alireza Khooei
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Erik H. Danen
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano, Italy
- Correspondence:
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8
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Mortazavi M, Raufi E, Damghani T, Khoshneviszadeh M, Edraki N, Eskandari M, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ, Pirhadi S, Firuzi O. Discovery of anticancer agents with c-Met inhibitory potential by virtual and experimental screening of a chemical library. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 938:175395. [PMID: 36410418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase has recently emerged as an important target with therapeutic implications in pancreatic cancer. In this study, we carried out a docking virtual screening on an in-house library of 441 synthesized compounds and selected the compounds with the best interactions with the c-Met protein to be subjected to experimental tests. Ten compounds belonging to 3 different classes of chemical structures were selected for this purpose and their antiproliferative effects were studied against 4 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines including AsPC-1, Suit-2, Panc-1 and Mia-Paca-2 cells, primary PDAC cells and also c-Met amplified EBC-1 cell line by sulforhodamine-B assay. Apoptosis induction was examined by Hoechst 33258 staining and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide flow cytometric assay. The best compound was also assayed in three-dimensional cultures of AsPC-1 cells and its c-Met inhibitory potential was studied by immunoblotting and a homogenous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay. The compound with a phenanthrotriazine hydrazinyl scaffold bearing nitrophenyl pendant (PhTH) was the most active derivative, with IC50 values in the range of 5-8 μM. This compound exerted antiproliferative effect against AsPC-1 cells also in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). PhTH induced apoptosis, dose-dependently inhibited spheroid growth, inhibited c-Met activity in cell-free HTRF assay and also inhibited the phosphorylation of c-Met and its downstream effector ERK1/2 in AsPC-1 cells. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA analysis confirmed close interactions of PhTH with c-Met kinase domain. Some of the tested compounds in this study seem to be potential c-Met inhibitors with promising activities against PDAC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motahareh Mortazavi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elaheh Raufi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Damghani
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khoshneviszadeh
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Najmeh Edraki
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Eskandari
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Somayeh Pirhadi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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9
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Houweling M, Abdul UK, Brahm C, Lagerweij T, Heukelom S, Koken PW, Honeywell R, Wedekind LE, Peters GJ, Verheul H, Sminia P, Noske D, Wurdinger T, Westerman BA. Radio-sensitizing effect of MEK inhibition in glioblastoma in vitro and in vivo. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:297-305. [PMID: 36451044 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04483-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable cancer type. New therapeutic options are investigated, including targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway using MEK inhibitors as radio-sensitizers. In this study, we investigated whether MEK inhibition via PD0325901 leads to radio-sensitization in experimental in vitro and in vivo models of GBM. MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro, GBM8 multicellular spheroids were irradiated with 3 fractions of 2 Gy, during 5 consecutive days of incubation with either PD0325901 or MEK-162. In vivo, we combined PD0325901 with radiotherapy in the GBM8 orthotopic mouse model, tumor growth was measured weekly by bioluminescence imaging and overall survival and toxicity were assessed. RESULTS Regrowth and viability of spheroids monitored until day 18, showed that both MEK inhibitors had an in vitro radio-sensitizing effect. In vivo, PD0325901 concentrations were relatively constant throughout multiple brain areas and temporal PD0325901-related adverse events such as dermatitis were observed in 4 out of 14 mice (29%). Mice that were treated with radiation alone or combined with PD0325901 had significantly better survival compared to vehicle (both P < 0.005), however, no significant interaction between PD0325901 MEK inhibition and irradiation was observed. CONCLUSION The difference between the radiotherapy-enhancing effect of PD0325901 in vitro and in vivo urges further pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic investigation of PD0325901 and possibly other candidate MEK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Houweling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - U K Abdul
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Brahm
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Lagerweij
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Heukelom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P W Koken
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Honeywell
- Department Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L E Wedekind
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - H Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Sminia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D Noske
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Wurdinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B A Westerman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Role of drug catabolism, modulation of oncogenic signaling and tumor microenvironment in microbe-mediated pancreatic cancer chemoresistance. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100864. [PMID: 36115181 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the highest incidence/death ratios among all neoplasms due to its late diagnosis and dominant chemoresistance. Most PDAC patients present with an advanced disease characterized by a multifactorial, inherent and acquired resistance to current anticancer treatments. This remarkable chemoresistance has been ascribed to several PDAC features including the genetic landscape, metabolic alterations, and a heterogeneous tumor microenvironment that is characterized by dense fibrosis, and a cellular contexture including functionally distinct subclasses of cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune suppressive cells, but also a number of bacteria, shaping a specific tumor microbiome microenvironment. Thus, recent studies prompted the emergence of a new research avenue, by describing the role of the microbiome in gemcitabine resistance, while next-generation-sequencing analyses identified a specific microbiome in different tumors, including PDAC. Functionally, the contribution of these microbes to PDAC chemoresistance is only beginning to be explored. Here we provide an overview of the studies demonstrating that bacteria have the capacity to metabolically transform and hence inactivate anticancer drugs, as exemplified by the inhibition of the efficacy of 10 out of 30 chemotherapeutics by Escherichia coli. Moreover, a number of bacteria modulate specific oncogenic pathways, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, affecting autophagy and apoptosis induction by 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin. We hypothesize that improved understanding of how chemoresistance is driven by bacteria could enhance the efficacy of current treatments, and discuss the potential of microbiome modulation and targeted therapeutic approaches as well as the need for more reliable models and biomarkers to translate the findings of preclinical/translational research to the clinical setting, and ultimately overcome PDAC chemoresistance, hence improving clinical outcome.
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11
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Amerizadeh F, Rahmani F, Maftooh M, Nasiri SN, Hassanian SM, Giovannetti E, Moradi-Marjaneh R, Sabbaghzadeh R, Shahidsales S, Joudi-Mashhad M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Ferns GA, Khazaei M, Avan A. Inhibition of the Wnt/b-catenin pathway using PNU-74654 reduces tumor growth in in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal cancer. Tissue Cell 2022; 77:101853. [PMID: 35803035 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal-cancer (CRC) is amongst the most lethal-cancers, mainly due to its metastatic spread and drug chemoresistance. Hence there is a need for new approaches to either increase the efficacy of current therapy or introduce new therapies that have greater efficacy. There is increasing evidence that dysregulation of WNT-signaling-pathway plays an essential role in the development and prognosis of CRC. Here we have investigated the therapeutic potential of targeting the WNT/b-catenin pathway using a novel Wnt/b-catenin inhibitor, PNU-74654, in combination with 5-FU in CRC. METHODS The anti-proliferative-effect of PNU-74654 was evaluated in two-/three-dimensional cell models. The activity of agents on cell growth, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis was evaluated by MTT, wound healing assay, invasion, FACS, and annexin V staining, respectively. The oxidant/antioxidant levels were also assessed by determining the level of MDA, SOD, as well as using the DCFH-DA assay. We used a xenograft model of CRC to investigate PNU-74654 activity alone and in combination with 5-FU follow by histological staining and biochemical and gene expression analyses by RT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS PNU-74654 inhibited cell-growth and synergistically affected the anti-tumor properties of 5-FU via modulation of Cyclin D1 and survivin. This agent inhibited the migration/invasion of colorectal cancer cells via perturbation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, PNU-74654 inhibited the tumor growth, which was more pronounced using the PNU-74654 plus 5-FU combination via induction of reactive oxygen species, down-regulation of SOD and modulation of MCP-1, P53, TNF-α. CONCLUSIONS Our finding demonstrated that PNU-74654 can target Wnt-pathway, interfere with cell-proliferation, induced-cell death, reduced-migration and interact with 5-FU, supporting further investigations on this therapeutic-approach for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forouzan Amerizadeh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farzad Rahmani
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mina Maftooh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh-Najibeh Nasiri
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Reihaneh Sabbaghzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 96179-76487, Iran
| | | | - Mona Joudi-Mashhad
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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12
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Biodegradable Ultrasmall-in-Nano Architectures Loaded with Cisplatin Prodrug in Combination with Ionizing Radiation Induces DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14123034. [PMID: 35740699 PMCID: PMC9221262 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14123034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the dismal survival rate, novel therapeutic strategies are warranted to improve the outcome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Combining nanotechnology for delivery of chemotherapeutics-preferably radiosensitizing agents-is a promising approach to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of chemoradiation. We assessed the effect of biodegradable ultrasmall-in-nano architectures (NAs) containing gold ultra-small nanoparticles (USNPs) enclosed in silica shells loaded with cisplatin prodrug (NAs-cisPt) combined with ionizing radiation (IR). The cytotoxic effects and DNA damage induction were evaluated in PDAC cell lines (MIA PaCa2, SUIT2-028) and primary culture (PDAC3) in vitro and in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in ovo model. Unlike NAs, NAs-cisPt affected the cell viability in MIA PaCa2 and SUIT2-028 cells. Furthermore, NAs-cisPt showed increased γH2AX expression up to 24 h post-IR and reduced β-globin amplifications resulting in apoptosis induction at DNA and protein levels. Similarly, combined treatment of NAs-cisPt + IR in PDAC3 and SUIT2-028 CAM models showed enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis leading to tumor growth delay. Our results demonstrate an increased cytotoxic effect of NAs-cisPt, particularly through its release of the cisplatin prodrug. As cisplatin is a well-known radiosensitizer, administration of cisplatin prodrug in a controlled fashion through encapsulation is a promising new treatment approach which merits further investigation in combination with other radiosensitizing agents.
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13
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Bononi G, Di Stefano M, Poli G, Ortore G, Meier P, Masetto F, Caligiuri I, Rizzolio F, Macchia M, Chicca A, Avan A, Giovannetti E, Vagaggini C, Brai A, Dreassi E, Valoti M, Minutolo F, Granchi C, Gertsch J, Tuccinardi T. Reversible Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors: Discovery of a New Class of Benzylpiperidine Derivatives. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7118-7140. [PMID: 35522977 PMCID: PMC9150076 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Monoacylglycerol
lipase (MAGL) is the enzyme responsible for the
metabolism of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in the brain and the hydrolysis
of peripheral monoacylglycerols. Many studies demonstrated beneficial
effects deriving from MAGL inhibition for neurodegenerative diseases,
inflammatory pathologies, and cancer. MAGL expression is increased
in invasive tumors, furnishing free fatty acids as pro-tumorigenic
signals and for tumor cell growth. Here, a new class of benzylpiperidine-based
MAGL inhibitors was synthesized, leading to the identification of 13, which showed potent reversible and selective MAGL inhibition.
Associated with MAGL overexpression and the prognostic role in pancreatic
cancer, derivative 13 showed antiproliferative activity
and apoptosis induction, as well as the ability to reduce cell migration
in primary pancreatic cancer cultures, and displayed a synergistic
interaction with the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine. These results
suggest that the class of benzylpiperidine-based MAGL inhibitors have
potential as a new class of therapeutic agents and MAGL could play
a role in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bononi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Miriana Di Stefano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Ortore
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Philip Meier
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Masetto
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Isabella Caligiuri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy.,Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University, 30123 Venezia, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, via Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Annalaura Brai
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Massimo Valoti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Filippo Minutolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Granchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,Center for Instrument Sharing of the University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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14
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Anobile DP, Niso M, Puerta A, Fraga Rodrigues SM, Abatematteo FS, Avan A, Abate C, Riganti C, Giovannetti E. New Pharmacological Strategies against Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: The Multifunctional Thiosemicarbazone FA4. Molecules 2022; 27:1682. [PMID: 35268783 PMCID: PMC8911630 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A new sigma-2 (σ2) receptor ligand (FA4) was efficiently synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic, proapoptotic, and antimigratory activity on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) primary cell cultures, which restrained the aggressive and chemoresistant behavior of PDAC. This compound showed relevant antiproliferative activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.701 to 0.825 μM. The cytotoxic activity was associated with induction of apoptosis, resulting in apoptotic indexes higher than those observed after exposure to a clinically relevant concentration of the gemcitabine, the first-line drug used against PDAC. Interestingly, FA4 was also able to significantly inhibit the migration rate of both PDAC-1 and PDAC-2 cells in the scratch wound-healing assay. In conclusion, our results support further studies to improve the library of thiosemicarbazones targeting the σ-2 receptor for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the biological activity of these compounds and the development of more efficient anticancer compounds against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario P. Anobile
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5/bis, 10026 Torino, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Adrian Puerta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- BioLab, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica “Antonio González” (IUBO-AG), Universidad de La Laguna, c/Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Stephanie M. Fraga Rodrigues
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Francesca S. Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Amir Avan
- Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran;
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Italy
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15
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A New Oxadiazole-Based Topsentin Derivative Modulates Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 Expression and Exerts Cytotoxic Effects on Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010019. [PMID: 35011251 PMCID: PMC8746667 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal form of cancer characterized by drug resistance, urging new therapeutic strategies. In recent years, protein kinases have emerged as promising pharmacological targets for the treatment of several solid and hematological tumors. Interestingly, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is overexpressed in PDAC tissues and has been correlated to the aggressive nature of these tumors because of its key role in cell cycle progression and resistance to the induction of apoptosis. For these reasons, CDK1 is one of the main causes of chemoresistance, representing a promising pharmacological target. In this study, we report the synthesis of new 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds and evaluate their ability to inhibit the cell growth of PATU-T, Hs766T, and HPAF-II cell lines and a primary PDAC cell culture (PDAC3). Compound 6b was the most active compound, with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 10.7 µM. Molecular docking of 6b into the active site of CDK1 showed the ability of the compound to interact effectively with the adenosine triphosphate binding pocket. Therefore, we assessed its ability to induce apoptosis (which increased 1.5- and 2-fold in PATU-T and PDAC3 cells, respectively) and to inhibit CDK1 expression, which was reduced to 45% in Hs766T. Lastly, compound 6b passed the ADME prediction, showing good pharmacokinetic parameters. These data demonstrate that 6b displays cytotoxic activity, induces apoptosis, and targets CDK1, supporting further studies for the development of similar compounds against PDAC.
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16
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Varma DA, Tiwari M. Crizotinib-induced anti-cancer activity in human cervical carcinoma cells via ROS-dependent mitochondrial depolarization and induction of apoptotic pathway. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:3923-3930. [PMID: 34482598 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality among women population worldwide. In spite of recurrent screening, vaccination, and chemotherapeutic interventions, combating cervical cancer still remains a challenge. Crizotinib is a small molecule inhibitor that targets mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-MET) and has been successfully studied for its anti-cancer effects in non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic, gastric, renal, prostate, and breast carcinomas. Although c-MET is a well-known prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic target in cervical cancer, anti-cancer properties of its inhibitor crizotinib against cervical carcinoma, has not been explored yet. METHODS In the present study, the anti-cancer effects of crizotinib on cervical cancer cells were evaluated using various in vitro cell-based assays, such as labelling drug-treated cells with MTT, H2 DCFDA, Annexin V5-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) antibody, JC-1, PI, and analysis using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). RESULTS The molecule was found to effectively inhibit proliferation of cervical cancer cells HeLa and SiHa with an IC50 of 0.641 ± 0.0724 and 0.871 ± 0.104 μM, respectively, and induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Further investigations showed that crizotinib-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with increasing concentrations further resulted in mitochondrial membrane depolarization. However, the drug had no effect on cell cycle progression of HeLa and SiHa cells. CONCLUSION Thus, the study elucidates the cytotoxic effects of crizotinib in cervical cancer cells by activation of ROS-dependent apoptotic pathway via mitochondrial depolarization. These findings will further aid the evaluation of other molecular mechanisms of crizotinib and would pave the way for its implication as a chemotherapeutic option in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha A Varma
- Dr. B. R Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, North Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Manisha Tiwari
- Dr. B. R Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, North Campus, New Delhi, India
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17
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Supadmanaba IGP, Comandatore A, Morelli L, Giovannetti E, Lagerweij T. Organotypic-liver slide culture systems to explore the role of extracellular vesicles in pancreatic cancer metastatic behavior and guide new therapeutic approaches. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:937-946. [PMID: 33945374 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1925646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Recent studies suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a role both in the metastatic niche formation and in the progression of several tumors, including pancreatic cancer. In particular, the effects of EVs on metastasis should be studied in model systems that take into account both the tumor cells and the metastatic site/tumor microenvironment. Studies with labeled EVs or EV-secreting cells in ex vivo models will reflect the physiological and pathological functions of EVs. The organotypic-tissue slide culture systems can fulfill such a role.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of available organotypic-culture slide systems. We specifically focus on the assay system of liver culture-slides in combination with pancreatic tumors, which can be modulated to test the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches.Expert opinion: The intercellular exchange of EVs has emerged as a biologically relevant phenomenon to drive cancer metastasis. However, further models need to be developed to better elucidate the functional roles of EVs. The use of novel organotypic slide culture systems provides the opportunity to explore the role of EVs in the metastatic behavior of pancreatic cancer, decreasing the use of costly and cumbersome organoid or animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gede Putu Supadmanaba
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Annalisa Comandatore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tonny Lagerweij
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Edwards P, Kang BW, Chau I. Targeting the Stroma in the Management of Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:691185. [PMID: 34336679 PMCID: PMC8316993 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.691185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) presents extremely aggressive tumours and is associated with poor survival. This is attributed to the unique features of the tumour microenvironment (TME), which is known to create a dense stromal formation and poorly immunogenic condition. In particular, the TME of PC, including the stromal cells and extracellular matrix, plays an essential role in the progression and chemoresistance of PC. Consequently, several promising agents that target key components of the stroma have already been developed and are currently in multiple stages of clinical trials. Therefore, the authors review the latest available evidence on novel stroma-targeting approaches, highlighting the potential impact of the stroma as a key component of the TME in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Edwards
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Byung Woog Kang
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Le Large TYS, Bijlsma MF, El Hassouni B, Mantini G, Lagerweij T, Henneman AA, Funel N, Kok B, Pham TV, de Haas R, Morelli L, Knol JC, Piersma SR, Kazemier G, van Laarhoven HWM, Giovannetti E, Jimenez CR. Focal adhesion kinase inhibition synergizes with nab-paclitaxel to target pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:91. [PMID: 33750427 PMCID: PMC7941981 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01892-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very lethal disease, with minimal therapeutic options. Aberrant tyrosine kinase activity influences tumor growth and is regulated by phosphorylation. We investigated phosphorylated kinases as target in PDAC. Methods Mass spectrometry-based phosphotyrosine proteomic analysis on PDAC cell lines was used to evaluate active kinases. Pathway analysis and inferred kinase activity analysis was performed to identify novel targets. Subsequently, we investigated targeting of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in vitro with drug perturbations in combination with chemotherapeutics used against PDAC. Tyrosine phosphoproteomics upon treatment was performed to evaluate signaling. An orthotopic model of PDAC was used to evaluate the combination of defactinib with nab-paclitaxel. Results PDAC cell lines portrayed high activity of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases to various degree. The non-receptor kinase, FAK, was identified in all cell lines by our phosphotyrosine proteomic screen and pathway analysis. Targeting of this kinase with defactinib validated reduced phosphorylation profiles. Additionally, FAK inhibition had anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects. Combination with (nab-)paclitaxel had a synergistic effect on cell proliferation in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions Our study shows high phosphorylation of several oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases in PDAC cells and validated FAK inhibition as potential synergistic target with Nab-paclitaxel against this devastating disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01892-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Y S Le Large
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M F Bijlsma
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B El Hassouni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC-Start-Up, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - T Lagerweij
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A A Henneman
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - N Funel
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Kok
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T V Pham
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R de Haas
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Morelli
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - J C Knol
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S R Piersma
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Kazemier
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H W M van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC-Start-Up, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy.
| | - C R Jimenez
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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20
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Rodriguez E, Boelaars K, Brown K, Eveline Li RJ, Kruijssen L, Bruijns SCM, van Ee T, Schetters STT, Crommentuijn MHW, van der Horst JC, van Grieken NCT, van Vliet SJ, Kazemier G, Giovannetti E, Garcia-Vallejo JJ, van Kooyk Y. Sialic acids in pancreatic cancer cells drive tumour-associated macrophage differentiation via the Siglec receptors Siglec-7 and Siglec-9. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1270. [PMID: 33627655 PMCID: PMC7904912 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in glycosylation during tumour progression are a key hallmark of cancer. One of the glycan moieties generally overexpressed in cancer are sialic acids, which can induce immunomodulatory properties via binding to Siglec receptors. We here show that Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumour cells present an increased sialylation that can be recognized by Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 on myeloid cells. We identified the expression of the α2,3 sialyltransferases ST3GAL1 and ST3GAL4 as main contributor to the synthesis of ligands for Siglec-7 and Siglec-9 in tumour cells. Analysing the myeloid composition in PDAC, using single cell and bulk transcriptomics data, we identified monocyte-derived macrophages as contributors to the poor clinical outcome. Tumour-derived sialic acids dictate monocyte to macrophage differentiation via signalling through Siglec-7 and Siglec-9. Moreover, triggering of Siglec-9 in macrophages reduce inflammatory programmes, while increasing PD-L1 and IL-10 expression, illustrating that sialic acids modulate different myeloid cells. This work highlights a critical role for sialylated glycans in controlling immune suppression and provides new potential targets for cancer immunotherapy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Rodriguez
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kelly Boelaars
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kari Brown
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - R J Eveline Li
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura Kruijssen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sven C M Bruijns
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas van Ee
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd T T Schetters
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matheus H W Crommentuijn
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joost C van der Horst
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicole C T van Grieken
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sandra J van Vliet
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Juan J Garcia-Vallejo
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yvette van Kooyk
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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21
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Moosavi F, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ, Firuzi O. Combination of HGF/MET-targeting agents and other therapeutic strategies in cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103234. [PMID: 33497758 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MET receptor has emerged as a druggable target across several human cancers. Agents targeting MET and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) including small molecules such as crizotinib, tivantinib and cabozantinib or antibodies including rilotumumab and onartuzumab have proven their values in different tumors. Recently, capmatinib was approved for treatment of metastatic lung cancer with MET exon 14 skipping. In this review, we critically examine the current evidence on how HGF/MET combination therapies may take advantage of synergistic effects, overcome primary or acquired drug resistance, target tumor microenvironment, modulate drug metabolism or tackle pharmacokinetic issues. Preclinical and clinical studies on the combination of HGF/MET-targeted agents with conventional chemotherapeutics or molecularly targeted treatments (including EGFR, VEGFR, HER2, RAF/MEK, and PI3K/Akt targeting agents) and also the value of biomarkers are examined. Our deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying successful pharmacological combinations is crucial to find the best personalized treatment regimens for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moosavi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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22
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Pothula SP, Xu Z, Goldstein D, Pirola RC, Wilson JS, Apte MV. Targeting HGF/c-MET Axis in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9170. [PMID: 33271944 PMCID: PMC7730415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC/PC)) has been an aggressive disease that is associated with early metastases. It is characterized by dense and collagenous desmoplasia/stroma, predominantly produced by pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). PSCs interact with cancer cells as well as other stromal cells, facilitating disease progression. A candidate growth factor pathway that may mediate this interaction is the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET pathway. HGF is produced by PSCs and its receptor c-MET is expressed on pancreatic cancer cells and endothelial cells. The current review discusses the role of the MET/HGF axis in tumour progression and dissemination of pancreatic cancer. Therapeutic approaches that were developed targeting either the ligand (HGF) or the receptor (c-MET) have not been shown to translate well into clinical settings. We discuss a two-pronged approach of targeting both the components of this pathway to interrupt the stromal-tumour interactions, which may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to improve outcomes in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa P. Pothula
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (S.P.P.); (Z.X.); (R.C.P.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (S.P.P.); (Z.X.); (R.C.P.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - David Goldstein
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Romano C. Pirola
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (S.P.P.); (Z.X.); (R.C.P.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Jeremy S. Wilson
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (S.P.P.); (Z.X.); (R.C.P.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Minoti V. Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia; (S.P.P.); (Z.X.); (R.C.P.); (J.S.W.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
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23
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Shao Z, Pan H, Tu S, Zhang J, Yan S, Shao A. HGF/c-Met Axis: The Advanced Development in Digestive System Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:801. [PMID: 33195182 PMCID: PMC7649216 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have indicated that abnormal activation of the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway can lead to cell proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis of cancers of the digestive system. Moreover, overexpression of c-Met has been implicated in poor prognosis of patients with these forms of cancer, suggesting the possibility for HGF/c-Met axis as a potential therapeutic target. Despite the large number of clinical and preclinical trials worldwide, no significant positive success in the use of anti-HGF/c-Met treatments on cancers of the digestive system has been achieved. In this review, we summarize advanced development of clinical research on HGF/c-Met antibody and small-molecule c-Met inhibitors of cancers of the digestive system and provide a possible direction for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Shao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haoqi Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Granchi C, Bononi G, Ferrisi R, Gori E, Mantini G, Glasmacher S, Poli G, Palazzolo S, Caligiuri I, Rizzolio F, Canzonieri V, Perin T, Gertsch J, Sodi A, Giovannetti E, Macchia M, Minutolo F, Tuccinardi T, Chicca A. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of second-generation benzoylpiperidine derivatives as reversible monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112857. [PMID: 33045662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
An interesting enzyme of the endocannabinoid system is monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). This enzyme, which metabolizes the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), has attracted great interest due to its involvement in several physiological and pathological processes, such as cancer progression. Experimental evidences highlighted some drawbacks associated with the use of irreversible MAGL inhibitors in vivo, therefore the research field concerning reversible inhibitors is rapidly growing. In the present manuscript, the class of benzoylpiperidine-based MAGL inhibitors was further expanded and optimized. Enzymatic assays identified some compounds in the low nanomolar range and steered molecular dynamics simulations predicted the dissociation itinerary of one of the best compounds from the enzyme, confirming the observed structure-activity relationship. Biological evaluation, including assays in intact U937 cells and competitive activity-based protein profiling experiments in mouse brain membranes, confirmed the selectivity of the selected compounds for MAGL versus other components of the endocannabinoid system. An antiproliferative ability in a panel of cancer cell lines highlighted their potential as potential anticancer agents. Future studies on the potential use of these compounds in the clinical setting are also supported by the inhibition of cell growth observed both in cancer organoids derived from high grade serous ovarian cancer patients and in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma primary cells, which showed genetic and histological features very similar to the primary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Granchi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Bononi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rebecca Ferrisi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Via Giovannini 13, 56017, San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandra Glasmacher
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Poli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Palazzolo
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Isabella Caligiuri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy; Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University, 30123, Venezia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy; Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tiziana Perin
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Sodi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Eye Clinic, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Via Giovannini 13, 56017, San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Macchia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Minutolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
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25
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) constitutes 85% of pancreatic cancer diagnoses. PDA frequently metastasizes to the peritoneum, but effective treatment of peritoneal metastasis remains a clinical challenge. Despite this unmet need, understanding of the biological mechanisms that contribute to development and progression of PDA peritoneal metastasis is sparse. By contrast, a vast number of studies have investigated mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis in ovarian and gastric cancers. Here, we contrast similarities and differences between peritoneal metastasis in PDA as compared with those in gastric and ovarian cancer by outlining molecular mediators involved in each step of the peritoneal metastasis cascade. This review aims to provide mechanistic insights that could be translated into effective targeted therapies for patients with peritoneal metastasis from PDA.
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Impact of hypoxia on chemoresistance of mesothelioma mediated by the proton-coupled folate transporter, and preclinical activity of new anti-LDH-A compounds. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:644-656. [PMID: 32493992 PMCID: PMC7434895 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0912-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) is associated with survival of mesothelioma patients treated with pemetrexed, and is reduced by hypoxia, prompting studies to elucidate their correlation. METHODS Modulation of glycolytic gene expression was evaluated by PCR arrays in tumour cells and primary cultures growing under hypoxia, in spheroids and after PCFT silencing. Inhibitors of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-A) were tested in vitro and in vivo. LDH-A expression was determined in tissue microarrays of radically resected malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM, N = 33) and diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM, N = 56) patients. RESULTS Overexpression of hypoxia marker CAIX was associated with low PCFT expression and decreased MPM cell growth inhibition by pemetrexed. Through integration of PCR arrays in hypoxic cells and spheroids and following PCFT silencing, we identified the upregulation of LDH-A, which correlated with shorter survival of MPM and DMPM patients. Novel LDH-A inhibitors enhanced spheroid disintegration and displayed synergistic effects with pemetrexed in MPM and gemcitabine in DMPM cells. Studies with bioluminescent hypoxic orthotopic and subcutaneous DMPM athymic-mice models revealed the marked antitumour activity of the LDH-A inhibitor NHI-Glc-2, alone or combined with gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel insights into hypoxia/PCFT-dependent chemoresistance, unravelling the potential prognostic value of LDH-A, and demonstrating the preclinical activity of LDH-A inhibitors.
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27
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Zhang X, Liu Q, Liao Q, Zhao Y. Pancreatic Cancer, Gut Microbiota, and Therapeutic Efficacy. J Cancer 2020; 11:2749-2758. [PMID: 32226493 PMCID: PMC7086274 DOI: 10.7150/jca.37445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Current treatment relies on surgical resection and adjuvant therapies. The gut microbiota plays important roles in metabolism and immunomodulation. Accumulating evidence has implied that the gut microbiota is involved in the metabolism of chemotherapeutic drugs and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which could affect the efficacy of both conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the history and highlights of the interactions among pancreatic cancer, the gut microbiota and therapeutic efficacy and showed the promising future of manipulating the gut microbiota to improve clinical outcomes of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qiaofei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Quan Liao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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28
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Cascioferro S, Petri GL, Parrino B, Carbone D, Funel N, Bergonzini C, Mantini G, Dekker H, Geerke D, Peters GJ, Cirrincione G, Giovannetti E, Diana P. Imidazo[2,1-b] [1,3,4]thiadiazoles with antiproliferative activity against primary and gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 189:112088. [PMID: 32007666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A new series of eighteen imidazo [2,1-b] [1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives was efficiently synthesized and screened for antiproliferative activity against the National Cancer Institute (NCI-60) cell lines panel. Two out of eighteen derivatives, compounds 12a and 12h, showed remarkably cytotoxic activity with the half maximal inhibitory concentration values (IC50) ranging from 0.23 to 11.4 μM, and 0.29-12.2 μM, respectively. However, two additional compounds, 12b and 13g, displayed remarkable in vitro antiproliferative activity against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, including immortalized (SUIT-2, Capan-1, Panc-1), primary (PDAC-3) and gemcitabine-resistant (Panc-1R), eliciting IC50 values ranging from micromolar to sub-micromolar level, associated with significant reduction of cell-migration and spheroid shrinkage. These remarkable results might be explained by modulation of key regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including E-cadherin and vimentin, and inhibition of metalloproteinase-2/-9. High-throughput arrays revealed a significant inhibition of the phosphorylation of 45 tyrosine kinases substrates, whose visualization on Cytoscape highlighted PTK2/FAK as an important hub. Inhibition of phosphorylation of PTK2/FAK was validated as one of the possible mechanisms of action, using a specific ELISA. In conclusion, novel imidazothiadiazoles show potent antiproliferative activity, mediated by modulation of EMT and PTK2/FAK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Cascioferro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Li Petri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Niccola Funel
- Unit of Anatomic Pathology II, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cecilia Bergonzini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk Dekker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daan Geerke
- AIMMS Division of Molecular Toxicology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017, San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
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29
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Van Der Steen N, Keller K, Dekker H, Porcelli L, Honeywell RJ, Van Meerloo J, Musters RJP, Kathmann I, Frampton AE, Liu DSK, Ruijtenbeek R, Rolfo C, Pauwels P, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. Crizotinib sensitizes the erlotinib resistant HCC827GR5 cell line by influencing lysosomal function. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:8085-8097. [PMID: 31960422 PMCID: PMC7540474 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In non-small cell lung cancer, sensitizing mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or cMET amplification serve as good biomarkers for targeted therapies against EGFR or cMET, respectively. Here we aimed to determine how this different genetic background would affect the interaction between the EGFR-inhibitor erlotinib and the cMET-inhibitor crizotinib. To unravel the mechanism of synergy we investigated the effect of the drugs on various parameters, including cell cycle arrest, migration, protein phosphorylation, kinase activity, the expression of drug efflux pumps, intracellular drug concentrations, and live-cell microscopy. We observed additive effects in EBC-1, H1975, and HCC827, and a strong synergism in the HCC827GR5 cell line. This cell line is a clone of the HCC827 cells that harbor an EGFR exon 19 deletion and has been made resistant to the EGFR-inhibitor gefitinib, resulting in cMET amplification. Remarkably, the intracellular concentration of crizotinib was significantly higher in HCC827GR5 compared to the parental HCC827 cell line. Furthermore, live-cell microscopy with a pH-sensitive probe showed a differential reaction of the pH in the cytoplasm and the lysosomes after drug treatment in the HCC827GR5 in comparison with the HCC827 cells. This change in pH could influence the process of lysosomal sequestration of drugs. These results led us to the conclusion that lysosomal sequestration is involved in the strong synergistic reaction of the HCC827GR5 cell line to crizotinib-erlotinib combination. This finding warrants future clinical studies to evaluate whether genetic background and lysosomal sequestration could guide tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Van Der Steen
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kaylee Keller
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Dekker
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Richard J Honeywell
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Van Meerloo
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René J P Musters
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ietje Kathmann
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adam E Frampton
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S K Liu
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Ruijtenbeek
- Pamgene International BV, PamGene, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Rolfo
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Phase I-Early Clinical Trials Unit, Oncology Department, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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30
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Cascioferro S, Li Petri G, Parrino B, El Hassouni B, Carbone D, Arizza V, Perricone U, Padova A, Funel N, Peters GJ, Cirrincione G, Giovannetti E, Diana P. 3-(6-Phenylimidazo [2,1- b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-1 H-Indole Derivatives as New Anticancer Agents in the Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Molecules 2020; 25:E329. [PMID: 31947550 PMCID: PMC7024338 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A new series of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives was efficiently synthesized and screened for their in vitro antiproliferative activity on a panel of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, including SUIT-2, Capan-1 and Panc-1. Compounds 9c and 9l, showed relevant in vitro antiproliferative activity on all three pre-clinical models with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 5.11 to 10.8 µM, while the compounds 9e and 9n were active in at least one cell line. In addition, compound 9c significantly inhibited the migration rate of SUIT-2 and Capan-1 cells in the scratch wound-healing assay. In conclusion, our results will support further studies to increase the library of imidazo [2,1-b][1,3,4] thiadiazole derivatives for deeper understanding of the relationship between biological activity of the compounds and their structures in the development of new antitumor compounds against pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Cascioferro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Giovanna Li Petri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Ugo Perricone
- Fondazione RI.MED, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (U.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Padova
- Fondazione RI.MED, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (U.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Godefridus J. Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
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31
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El Hassouni B, Li Petri G, Liu DSK, Cascioferro S, Parrino B, Hassan W, Diana P, Ali A, Frampton AE, Giovannetti E. Pharmacogenetics of treatments for pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2019; 15:437-447. [PMID: 31100206 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2019.1620731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite clinical efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis. The scarcity of effective therapies can be reflected by the lack of reliable biomarkers to adapt anticancer drugs prescription to tumors' and patients' features. Areas covered: Pharmacogenetics should provide the way to select patients who may benefit from a specific therapy that best matches individual and tumor genetic profile, but it has not yet led to gains in outcome. This review describes PDAC pharmacogenetics findings, critically reappraising studies on polymorphisms and -omics profiles correlated to response to gemcitabine, FOLFIRINOX, and nab-paclitaxel combinations, as well as limitations of targeted therapies. Further, we question whether personalized approaches will benefit patients to any significant degree, supporting the need of new strategies within well-designed trials and validated genomic tests for treatment decision-making. Expert opinion: A major challenge in PDAC is the identification of subgroups of patients who will benefit from treatments. Minimally-invasive tests to analyze biomarkers of drug sensitivity/toxicity should be developed alongside anticancer treatments. However, progress might fall below expectations because of tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution. Whole-genome sequencing and liquid biopsies, as well as prospective validation in selected cohorts, should overcome the limitations of traditional pharmacogenetic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Btissame El Hassouni
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Giovanna Li Petri
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.,b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi di Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Daniel S K Liu
- c Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College , London , UK
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi di Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi di Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Waqar Hassan
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Patrizia Diana
- b Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, Sezione di Chimica e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche , Università degli Studi di Palermo , Palermo , Italy
| | - Asif Ali
- d Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences , University of Glasgow , Glasgow UK.,e Institute of Basic Medical Sciences , Khyber Medical University , Peshawar , Pakistan
| | - Adam E Frampton
- c Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College , London , UK
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc) , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.,f Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza , Pisa , Italy
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32
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Le Large TYS, El Hassouni B, Funel N, Kok B, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Olive KP, Kazemier G, van Laarhoven HWM, Jimenez CR, Bijlsma MF, Giovannetti E. Proteomic analysis of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells reveals that microtubule-associated protein 2 upregulation associates with taxane treatment. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919841233. [PMID: 31205498 PMCID: PMC6535709 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919841233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemoresistance hampers the treatment of patients suffering from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here we aimed to evaluate the (phospho)proteome of gemcitabine-sensitive and gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells to identify novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers. Methods: The oncogenic capabilities of gemcitabine-sensitive and resistant PDAC cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Cultured cells were analyzed by label-free proteomics. Differential proteins and phosphopeptides were evaluated by gene ontology and for their predictive or prognostic biomarker potential with immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays. Results: Gemcitabine-resistant cells had increased potential to induce xenograft tumours (p value < 0.001). Differential analyses showed that proteins associated with gemcitabine resistance are correlated with microtubule regulation. Indeed, gemcitabine-resistant cells displayed an increased sensitivity for paclitaxel in vitro (p < 0.001) and nab-paclitaxel had a strong anti-tumour efficacy in vivo. Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) was found to be highly upregulated (p = 0.002, fold change = 10) and phosphorylated in these resistant cells. Expression of MAP2 was correlated with a poorer overall survival in patients treated with gemcitabine in the palliative (p = 0.037) and adjuvant setting (p = 0.014). Conclusions: These data show an explanation as to why the combination of gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel is effective in PDAC patients. The identified gemcitabine-resistance marker, MAP2, emerged as a novel prognostic marker in PDAC patients treated with gemcitabine and warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Ya Sung Le Large
- Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NetherlandsLEXOR, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NetherlandsCancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC-Start-Up, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC-Start-Up, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Bart Kok
- Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kenneth P Olive
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W M van Laarhoven
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- LEXOR, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Firuzi O, Che PP, El Hassouni B, Buijs M, Coppola S, Löhr M, Funel N, Heuchel R, Carnevale I, Schmidt T, Mantini G, Avan A, Saso L, Peters GJ, Giovannetti E. Role of c-MET Inhibitors in Overcoming Drug Resistance in Spheroid Models of Primary Human Pancreatic Cancer and Stellate Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E638. [PMID: 31072019 PMCID: PMC6562408 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are a key component of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and contribute to drug resistance. c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase activation plays an important role in tumorigenesis in different cancers including PDAC. In this study, effects of PSC conditioned medium (PCM) on c-MET phosphorylation (by immunocytochemistry enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) and drug response (by sulforhodamine B assay) were investigated in five primary PDAC cells. In novel 3D-spheroid co-cultures of cyan fluorescence protein (CFP)-firefly luciferase (Fluc)-expressing primary human PDAC cells and green fluorescence protein (GFP)-expressing immortalized PSCs, PDAC cell growth and chemosensitivity were examined by luciferase assay, while spheroids' architecture was evaluated by confocal microscopy. The highest phospho-c-MET expression was detected in PDAC5 and its subclone sorted for "stage specific embryonic antigen-4" (PDAC5 (SSEA4)). PCM of cells pre-incubated with PDAC conditioned medium, containing increased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels, made PDAC cells significantly more resistant to gemcitabine, but not to c-MET inhibitors. Hetero-spheroids containing both PSCs and PDAC5 (SSEA4) cells were more resistant to gemcitabine compared to PDAC5 (SSEA4) homo-spheroids. However, c-MET inhibitors (tivantinib, PHA-665752 and crizotinib) were equally effective in both spheroid models. Experiments with primary human PSCs confirmed the main findings. In conclusion, we developed spheroid models to evaluate PSC-PDAC reciprocal interaction, unraveling c-MET inhibition as an important therapeutic option against drug resistant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 71348-14336 Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pei Pei Che
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark Buijs
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefano Coppola
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthias Löhr
- Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rainer Heuchel
- Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ilaria Carnevale
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 91778-99191 Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, 56017, Pisa, Italy.
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Ghanaatgar-Kasbi S, Khorrami S, Avan A, Aledavoud SA, Ferns GA. Targeting the C-MET/HGF Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:4619-4625. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190110145855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) is involved in the tumorigenesis of various
cancers. HGF/Met inhibitors are now attracting considerable interest due to their anti-tumor activity in multiple
malignancies such as pancreatic cancer. It is likely that within the next few years, HGF/Met inhibitors will become
a crucial component for cancer management. In this review, we summarize the role of HGF/Met pathway in
the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, with particular emphasize on HGF/Met inhibitors in the clinical setting,
including Cabozantinib (XL184, BMS-907351), Crizotinib (PF-02341066), MK-2461, Merestinib (LY2801653),
Tivantinib (ARQ197), SU11274, Onartuzumab (MetMab), Emibetuzumab (LY2875358), Ficlatuzumab (AV-
299), Rilotumumab (AMG 102), and NK4 in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Ghanaatgar-Kasbi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shadi Khorrami
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed A. Aledavoud
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, United Kingdom
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Splicing modulation as novel therapeutic strategy against diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. EBioMedicine 2018; 39:215-225. [PMID: 30581150 PMCID: PMC6355829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Therapeutic options for diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) are limited to surgery and locoregional chemotherapy. Despite improvements in survival rates, patients eventually succumb to disease progression. We investigated splicing deregulation both as molecular prognostic factor and potential novel target in DMPM, while we tested modulators of SF3b complex for antitumor activity. Methods Tissue-microarrays of 64 DMPM specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical assessment of SF3B1 expression and correlation to clinical outcome. Two primary cell cultures were used for gene expression profiling and in vitro screening of SF3b modulators. Drug-induced splicing alterations affecting downstream cellular pathways were detected through RNA sequencing. Ultimately, we established bioluminescent orthotopic mouse models to test the efficacy of splicing modulation in vivo. Results Spliceosomal genes are differentially upregulated in DMPM cells compared to normal tissues and high expression of SF3B1 correlated with poor clinical outcome in univariate and multivariate analysis. SF3b modulators (Pladienolide-B, E7107, Meayamycin-B) showed potent cytotoxic activity in vitro with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. Differential splicing analysis of Pladienolide-B-treated cells revealed abundant alterations of transcripts involved in cell cycle, apoptosis and other oncogenic pathways. This was validated by RT-PCR and functional assays. E7107 demonstrated remarkable in vivo antitumor efficacy, with significant improvement of survival rates compared to vehicle-treated controls. Conclusions SF3B1 emerged as a novel potential prognostic factor in DMPM. Splicing modulators markedly impair cancer cell viability, resulting also in potent antitumor activity in vivo. Our data designate splicing as a promising therapeutic target in DMPM.
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Barati Bagherabad M, Afzaljavan F, ShahidSales S, Hassanian SM, Avan A. Targeted therapies in pancreatic cancer: Promises and failures. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:2726-2741. [PMID: 28703890 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an incidence rate nearly equal to its mortality rate. The poor prognosis of the disease can be explained by the absence of effective biomarkers for screening and early detection, together with the aggressive behavior and resistance to the currently available chemotherapy. The therapeutic failure can also be attributed to the inter-/intratumor genetic heterogeneity and the abundance of tumor stroma that occupies the majority of the tumor mass. Gemcitabine is used in the treatment of PDAC; however, the response rate is less than 12%. A recent phase III trial revealed that the combination of oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin could be an option for the treatment of metastatic PDAC patients with good performance status, although these approaches can result in high toxicity level. Further investigations are required to develop innovative anticancer agents that either improve gemcitabine activity, within novel combinatorial approaches or acts with a better efficacy than gemcitabine. The aim of the current review is to give an overview of preclinical and clinical studies targeting key dysregulated signaling pathways in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matineh Barati Bagherabad
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Afzaljavan
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soodabeh ShahidSales
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Molecular Medicine group, Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Choy AT, Carnevale I, Coppola S, Meijer LL, Kazemier G, Zaura E, Deng D, Giovannetti E. The microbiome of pancreatic cancer: from molecular diagnostics to new therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance caused by metabolic inactivation of gemcitabine. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018; 18:1005-1009. [PMID: 30392417 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1544495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur T.F. Choy
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilaria Carnevale
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-UP Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Coppola
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura L. Meijer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Egija Zaura
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dongmei Deng
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-UP Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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38
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HGF/c-MET: A Promising Therapeutic Target in the Digestive System Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113295. [PMID: 30360560 PMCID: PMC6274736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The HGF/c-MET pathway is active in the development of digestive system cancers, indicating that inhibition of HGF/c-MET signaling may have therapeutic potential. Various HGF/c-MET signaling inhibitors, mainly c-MET inhibitors, have been tested in clinical trials. The observed efficacy and adverse events of some c-MET inhibitors were not very suitable for treating digestive system cancers. The development of new HGF/c-MET inhibitors in preclinical studies may bring promising treatments and synergistic combination (traditional anticancer drugs and c-MET inhibitors) strategies provided anacceptable safety and tolerability. Insights into miRNA biology and miRNA therapeutics have made miRNAs attractive tools to inhibit HGF/c-MET signaling. Recent reports show that several microRNAs participate in inhibiting HGF/c-MET signaling networks through antagonizing c-MET or HGF in digestive system cancers, and the miRNAs-HGF/c-MET axis plays crucial and novel roles for cancer treatment. In the current review, we will discuss recent findings about inhibitors of HGF/c-MET signaling in treating digestive system cancers, and how miRNAs regulate digestive system cancers via mediating HGF/c-MET pathway.
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39
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Amerizadeh F, Rezaei N, Rahmani F, Hassanian SM, Moradi‐Marjaneh R, Fiuji H, Boroumand N, Nosrati‐Tirkani A, Ghayour‐Mobarhan M, Ferns GA, Khazaei M, Avan A. Crocin synergistically enhances the antiproliferative activity of 5‐flurouracil through Wnt/PI3K pathway in a mouse model of colitis‐associated colorectal cancer. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:10250-10261. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Forouzan Amerizadeh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Nastaran Rezaei
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Farzad Rahmani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of clinical Biochemistry Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Moradi‐Marjaneh
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of Physiology Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences Torbat Heydariyeh Iran
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Nadia Boroumand
- Department of Medical Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | | | | | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton Sussex UK
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of Physiology Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
- Cancer Research Center Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran
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40
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Basilico C, Modica C, Maione F, Vigna E, Comoglio PM. Targeting the MET oncogene by concomitant inhibition of receptor and ligand via an antibody-"decoy" strategy. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:1774-1785. [PMID: 29693242 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
MET, a master gene sustaining "invasive growth," is a relevant target for cancer precision therapy. In the vast majority of tumors, wild-type MET behaves as a "stress-response" gene and relies on the ligand (HGF) to sustain cell "scattering," invasive growth and apoptosis protection (oncogene "expedience"). In this context, concomitant targeting of MET and HGF could be crucial to reach effective inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we combined an anti-MET antibody (MvDN30) inducing "shedding" (i.e., removal of MET from the cell surface), with a "decoy" (i.e., the soluble extracellular domain of the MET receptor) endowed with HGF-sequestering ability. To avoid antibody/decoy interaction-and subsequent neutralization-we identified a single aminoacid in the extracellular domain of MET-lysine 842-that is critical for MvDN30 binding and engineered the corresponding recombinant decoyMET (K842E). DecoyMETK842E retains the ability to bind HGF with high affinity and inhibits HGF-induced MET phosphorylation. In HGF-dependent cellular models, MvDN30 antibody and decoyMETK842E used in combination cooperate in restraining invasive growth, and synergize in blocking cancer cell "scattering." The antibody and the decoy unbridle apoptosis of colon cancer stem cells grown in vitro as spheroids. In a preclinical model, built by orthotopic transplantation of a human pancreatic carcinoma in SCID mice engineered to express human HGF, concomitant treatment with antibody and decoy significantly reduces metastatic spread. The data reported indicate that vertical targeting of the MET/HGF axis results in powerful inhibition of ligand-dependent MET activation, providing proof of concept in favor of combined target therapy of MET "expedience."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Modica
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Maione
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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Saintigny P, William WN, Foy JP, Papadimitrakopoulou V, Lang W, Zhang L, Fan YH, Feng L, Kim ES, El-Naggar AK, Lee JJ, Mao L, Hong WK, Lingen MW, Lippman SM. Met Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and Chemoprevention of Oral Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2018; 110:4243526. [PMID: 29617836 PMCID: PMC5946820 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djx186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously shown that gene expression profiles of oral leukoplakia (OL) may improve the prediction of oral cancer (OC) risk. To identify new targets for prevention, we performed a systematic survey of transcripts associated with an increased risk of oral cancer and overexpressed in OC vs normal mucosa (NM). Methods We used gene expression profiles of 86 patients with OL and available outcomes from a chemoprevention trial of OC and NM. MET expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry in 120 OL patients, and its association with OC development was tested in multivariable analysis. Sensitivity to pharmacological Met inhibition was tested invitro in premalignant and OC cell lines (n = 33) and invivo using the 4-NQO model of oral chemoprevention (n = 20 mice per group). All statistical tests were two-sided. Results The overlap of 693 transcripts associated with an increased risk of OC with 163 transcripts overexpressed in OC compared with NM led to the identification of 23 overlapping transcripts, including MET. MET overexpression in OL was associated with a hazard ratio of 3.84 (95% confidence interval = 1.59 to 9.27, P = .003) of developing OC. Met activation was found in OC and preneoplastic cell lines. Crizotinib activity in preneoplastic and OC cell lines was comparable. ARQ 197 was more active in preneoplastic compared with OC cell lines. In the 4-NQO model, squamous cell carcinoma, dysplasia, and hyperkeratosis were observed in 75.0%, 15.0%, and 10.0% in the control group, and in 25.0%, 70.0%, and 5.0% in the crizotinib group (P < .001). Conclusion Together, these data suggest that MET activation may represent an early driver in oral premalignancy and a target for chemoprevention of OC.
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MESH Headings
- 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide/toxicity
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/prevention & control
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Proliferation
- Crizotinib/pharmacology
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genomics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Humans
- Leukoplakia, Oral/metabolism
- Leukoplakia, Oral/pathology
- Leukoplakia, Oral/prevention & control
- Male
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Middle Aged
- Mouth Mucosa/drug effects
- Mouth Mucosa/metabolism
- Mouth Mucosa/pathology
- Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism
- Mouth Neoplasms/pathology
- Mouth Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Precancerous Conditions/metabolism
- Precancerous Conditions/pathology
- Precancerous Conditions/prevention & control
- Prognosis
- Prospective Studies
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met/metabolism
- Pyrrolidinones/pharmacology
- Quinolines/pharmacology
- Quinolones/toxicity
- Survival Rate
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Saintigny
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Department of Medicine, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - William N William
- Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jean-Philippe Foy
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Department of Medicine, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France, Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | - Wenhua Lang
- Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Li Zhang
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - You Hong Fan
- Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lei Feng
- Biostatistics, Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Edward S Kim
- Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte, NC
| | - Adel K El-Naggar
- Biostatistics, Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - J Jack Lee
- Biostatistics, Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Li Mao
- Oncology and Diagnostic Science, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD
| | - Waun Ki Hong
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Mark W Lingen
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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42
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Toffalorio F, Santarpia M, Radice D, Jaramillo CA, Spitaleri G, Manzotti M, Catania C, Jordheim LP, Pelosi G, Peters GJ, Tibaldi C, Funel N, Spaggiari L, de Braud F, De Pas T, Giovannetti E. 5'-nucleotidase cN-II emerges as a new predictive biomarker of response to gemcitabine/platinum combination chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:16437-16450. [PMID: 29662657 PMCID: PMC5893252 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of pharmacogenetic studies have been carried out in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to identify and characterize genes involved in chemotherapy activity. However, the results obtained so far are controversial and no reliable biomarker is currently used to predict clinical benefit from platinum-based chemotherapy, which represents the cornerstone of treatment of advanced NSCLC. This study investigated the expression levels of ERCC1 and of six genes (RRM1, RRM2, hENT1, dCK, cN-II and CDA) involved in gemcitabine metabolism in locally/advanced NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine/platinum combination. Gene expression was assessed by quantitative-PCR in laser-microdissected specimens and correlated with tumor response. Frequency distribution of responses above and below the median expression level of biomarkers was compared using a two-sided Fisher’s test. 5′-nucleotidase (cN-II) was the only gene differently expressed (p = 0.016) in the responders (complete/partial-response) compared to non-responders (stable/progressive disease). In the multivariate analysis, overexpression of this catabolic enzyme of gemcitabine remained a significant negative predictive factor. Patients with low cN-II had a modest trend toward increased survival, while both survival and progression-free survival were significantly longer in a more homogenous validation cohort of 40 advanced NSCLC (8.0 vs. 5.1 months, p = 0.026). Moreover, in vitro studies showed that silencing or pharmacological inhibition of cN-II increased the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine. This is the first study demonstrating the role of cN-II as a predictor of response to gemcitabine/platinum combinations in NSCLC. Its validation in prospective studies may improve clinical outcome of selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Toffalorio
- Medical Oncology Unit of Respiratory Tract and Sarcomas, New Drugs Development Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Medical Affairs, Roche Spa, Monza, Italy
| | - Mariacarmela Santarpia
- Medical Oncology Unit of Respiratory Tract and Sarcomas, New Drugs Development Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Radice
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Spitaleri
- Medical Oncology Unit of Respiratory Tract and Sarcomas, New Drugs Development Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Thoracic Oncology Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Manzotti
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Catania
- Medical Oncology Unit of Respiratory Tract and Sarcomas, New Drugs Development Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Thoracic Oncology Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Lars Petter Jordheim
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM 1052/CNRS UMR 5286, Lyon, France
| | - Giuseppe Pelosi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Inter-Hospital Pathology Division, Science and Technology Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carmelo Tibaldi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Oncology, S. Luca Hospital, Lucca, Italy
| | - Niccola Funel
- CNR-Nano, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Pisa, Italy.,Cancer Pharmacology Laboratory, AIRC Start-Up Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spaggiari
- Thoracic Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo de Braud
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Inter-Hospital Pathology Division, Science and Technology Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso De Pas
- Medical Oncology Unit of Respiratory Tract and Sarcomas, New Drugs Development Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,CNR-Nano, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Pisa, Italy.,Cancer Pharmacology Laboratory, AIRC Start-Up Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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43
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Tesfaye AA, Kamgar M, Azmi A, Philip PA. The evolution into personalized therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: challenges and opportunities. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2018; 18:131-148. [PMID: 29254387 PMCID: PMC6121777 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2018.1417844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer related mortality in the United States in 2030, with a 5-year overall survival of less than 10% despite decades of extensive research. Pancreatic cancer is marked by the accumulation of complex molecular changes, complex tumor-stroma interaction, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. PDAC has proven to be resistant to many cytotoxic, targeted and immunologic treatment approaches. Areas covered: In this paper, we review the major areas of research in PDAC, with highlights on the challenges and areas of opportunity for personalized treatment approaches. Expert commentary: The focus of research in pancreatic cancer has moved away from developing conventional cytotoxic combinations. The marked advances in understanding the molecular biology of this disease especially in the areas of the microenvironment, metabolism, and DNA repair have opened new opportunities for developing novel treatment strategies. Improved understanding of molecular abnormalities allows the development of personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anteneh A Tesfaye
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
| | - Mandana Kamgar
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
| | - Asfar Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
| | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
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44
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Profiling of different pancreatic cancer cells used as models for metastatic behaviour shows large variation in their N-glycosylation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16623. [PMID: 29192278 PMCID: PMC5709460 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To characterise pancreatic cancer cells from different sources which are used as model systems to study the metastatic behaviour in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we compared the N-glycan imprint of four PDAC cells which were previously shown to differ in their galectin-4 expression and metastatic potential in vivo. Next to the sister cell lines Pa-Tu-8988S and Pa-Tu-8988T, which were isolated from the same liver metastasis of a PDAC, this included two primary PDAC cell cultures, PDAC1 and PDAC2. Additionally, we extended the N-glycan profiling to a normal, immortalized pancreatic duct cell line. Our results revealed major differences in the N-glycosylation of the different PDAC cells as well as compared to the control cell line, suggesting changes of the N-glycosylation in PDAC. The N-glycan profiles of the PDAC cells, however, differed vastly as well and demonstrate the diversity of PDAC model systems, which ultimately affects the interpretation of functional studies. The results from this study form the basis for further biological evaluation of the role of protein glycosylation in PDAC and highlight that conclusions from one cell line cannot be generalised, but should be regarded in the context of the corresponding phenotype.
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45
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Boromand N, Hasanzadeh M, ShahidSales S, Farazestanian M, Gharib M, Fiuji H, Behboodi N, Ghobadi N, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Avan A. Clinical and prognostic value of the C-Met/HGF signaling pathway in cervical cancer. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:4490-4496. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Boromand
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Malihe Hasanzadeh
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Woman Health Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | | | - Marjaneh Farazestanian
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Woman Health Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Masoumeh Gharib
- Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Negin Behboodi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Niloofar Ghobadi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School; Division of Medical Education, Falmer; Brighton Sussex UK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
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46
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Rucki AA, Xiao Q, Muth S, Chen J, Che X, Kleponis J, Sharma R, Anders RA, Jaffee EM, Zheng L. Dual Inhibition of Hedgehog and c-Met Pathways for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2399-2409. [PMID: 28864680 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-resistant tumors. The c-Met and Hedgehog (Hh) pathways have been shown previously by our group to be key regulatory pathways in the primary tumor growth and metastases formation. Targeting both the HGF/c-Met and Hh pathways has shown promising results in preclinical studies; however, the benefits were not readily translated into clinical trials with PDAC patients. In this study, utilizing mouse models of PDAC, we showed that inhibition of either HGF/c-Met or Hh pathways sensitize the PDAC tumors to gemcitabine, resulting in decreased primary tumor volume as well as significant reduction of metastatic tumor burden. However, prolonged treatment of single HGF/c-Met or Hh inhibitor leads to resistance to these single inhibitors, likely because the single c-Met treatment leads to enhanced expression of Shh, and vice versa. Targeting both the HGF/c-Met and Hh pathways simultaneously overcame the resistance to the single-inhibitor treatment and led to a more potent antitumor effect in combination with the chemotherapy treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2399-409. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka A Rucki
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Qian Xiao
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgical Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stephen Muth
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jianlin Chen
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Che
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery Department, Cancer Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer Kleponis
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rajni Sharma
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert A Anders
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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47
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Kim JH, Kim HS, Kim BJ, Lee J, Jang HJ. Prognostic value of c-Met overexpression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:73098-73104. [PMID: 29069852 PMCID: PMC5641195 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of c-Met protein has been detected in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). However, its prognostic impact remains unclear. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of c-Met overexpression in PAC. A systematic computerized search of the electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar was carried out. From 5 studies, 423 patients who underwent surgical resection for PAC were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with patients with PAC showing low c-Met expression, patients with c-Met-high tumor had significantly worse disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.94 [95% confidence interval, 1.46–2.56], P = 0.00001) and overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.86 [95% confidence interval, 1.19–2.91], P = 0.006). In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrates that c-Met overexpression is a significant prognostic marker for poor survival in patients who underwent surgical resection for PAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Han Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Su Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Jun Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 07441, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Army Capital Hospital, The Armed Forces Medical Command, Sungnam 13574, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongtan Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwasung 18450, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Jang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongtan Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwasung 18450, Republic of Korea
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48
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Giovannetti E, van der Borden CL, Frampton AE, Ali A, Firuzi O, Peters GJ. Never let it go: Stopping key mechanisms underlying metastasis to fight pancreatic cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 44:43-59. [PMID: 28438662 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive neoplasm, predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths before 2030. This dismal trend is mainly due to lack of effective treatments against its metastatic behavior. Therefore, a better understanding of the key mechanisms underlying metastasis should provide new opportunities for therapeutic purposes. Genomic analyses revealed that aberrations that fuel PDAC tumorigenesis and progression, such as SMAD4 loss, are also implicated in metastasis. Recently, microRNAs have been shown to play a regulatory role in the metastatic behavior of many tumors, including PDAC. In particular, miR-10 and miR-21 have appeared as master regulators of the metastatic program, while members of the miR-200 family are involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal switch, favoring cell migration and invasiveness. Several studies have also found a close relationship between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and biological features of metastasis, and the CSC markers ALDH1, ABCG2 and c-Met are expressed at high levels in metastatic PDAC cells. Emerging evidence reveals that exosomes are involved in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and can initiate PDAC pre-metastatic niche formation in the liver and lungs. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of all these pivotal factors in the metastatic behavior of PDAC, and discuss their potential exploitation in the clinic to improve current therapeutics and identify new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Giovannetti
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C L van der Borden
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A E Frampton
- HPB Surgical Unit, Dept. of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - A Ali
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - O Firuzi
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - G J Peters
- Lab Medical Oncology, Dept. Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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49
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Takiguchi S, Inoue K, Matsusue K, Furukawa M, Teramoto N, Iguchi H. Crizotinib, a MET inhibitor, prevents peritoneal dissemination in pancreatic cancer. Int J Oncol 2017; 51:184-192. [PMID: 28498406 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dissemination is a frequent occurrence in pancreatic cancer, which is associated with a poor prognosis. MET is associated with the progression of pancreatic cancer; therefore, we evaluated the effect of a MET inhibitor, crizotinib, on peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic cancer. Crizotinib inhibited the growth of 8 pancreatic cancer cell lines with the IC50 ranging from 1.4 to 4.3 µM. Invasion of the pancreatic cancer cell line Suit-2, was suppressed in vitro at a concentration of 1.0 µM, which is sufficient for the inhibition of MET phosphorylation. This effect on cell invasion was also recapitulated by the reduction of MET expression in Suit-2 with siRNA. Crizotinib also inhibited RhoA activation in addition to MET phosphorylation. We further evaluated the effect of crizotinib on peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic cancer in vivo. Crizotinib reduced tumor burden and ascites accumulation due to development of peritoneal dissemination after inoculation of Suit-2. Taken together, crizotinib may be a potent drug for treating peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and invasion, at least in part through the suppression of HGF/MET signaling and RhoA activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichi Takiguchi
- Clinical Research Institute, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Kazuko Inoue
- Clinical Research Institute, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Matsusue
- Department of Hygiene Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan
| | - Masayuki Furukawa
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatology, National Kyushu Cancer Center, Fukuoka 811-1395, Japan
| | - Norihiro Teramoto
- Division of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, Matsuyama 791-0280, Japan
| | - Haruo Iguchi
- Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center, Matsuyama 791-0280, Japan
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50
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Bahrami A, Shahidsales S, Khazaei M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Maftouh M, Hassanian SM, Avan A. C-Met as a potential target for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: Current status and future perspectives. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2657-2673. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Afsane Bahrami
- Molecular Medicine Group, Department of Modern Sciences and Technology; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Student Research Center, Faculty of Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Soodabeh Shahidsales
- Cancer Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Neurogenic Inflammatory Research Center and Department of Physiology; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Mina Maftouh
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Department of Medical Biochemistry; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research Center; School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
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