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Gao J, Cheng J, Xie W, Zhang P, Liu X, Wang Z, Zhang B. Prospects of focal adhesion kinase inhibitors as a cancer therapy in preclinical and early phase study. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:639-651. [PMID: 38676368 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2348068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION FAK, a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, plays a crucial role in tumor metastasis, drug resistance, tumor stem cell maintenance, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. FAK has emerged as a promising target for tumor therapy based on both preclinical and clinical data. AREAS COVERED This paper aims to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying FAK's involvement in tumorigenesis and progression. Encouraging results have emerged from ongoing clinical trials of FAK inhibitors. Additionally, we present an overview of clinical trials for FAK inhibitors, examining their potential as promising treatments. The pertinent studies gathered from databases including PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION Since the first finding in 1990s, targeting FAK has became the focus of interests in many pharmaceutical companies. Through 30 years' discovery, the industry and academy gradually realized the features of FAK target which may not be a driver gene but a solid defense system for the cancer initiation and development. Currently, the ongoing clinical regimens involving FAK inhibition are all the combination strategies in which FAK inhibitors can further strengthen the cancer cell killing effects of other testing agents. The emerging positive signal in clinical trials foresee targeting FAK as class will be an effective mean to fight against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanyu Xie
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuebin Liu
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Zaiqi Wang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
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Northey JJ, Hayward MK, Yui Y, Stashko C, Kai F, Mouw JK, Thakar D, Lakins JN, Ironside AJ, Samson S, Mukhtar RA, Hwang ES, Weaver VM. Mechanosensitive hormone signaling promotes mammary progenitor expansion and breast cancer risk. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:106-126.e13. [PMID: 38181747 PMCID: PMC11050720 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.002] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Tissue stem-progenitor cell frequency has been implicated in tumor risk and progression, but tissue-specific factors linking these associations remain ill-defined. We observed that stiff breast tissue from women with high mammographic density, who exhibit increased lifetime risk for breast cancer, associates with abundant stem-progenitor epithelial cells. Using genetically engineered mouse models of elevated integrin mechanosignaling and collagen density, syngeneic manipulations, and spheroid models, we determined that a stiff matrix and high mechanosignaling increase mammary epithelial stem-progenitor cell frequency and enhance tumor initiation in vivo. Augmented tissue mechanics expand stemness by potentiating extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) activity to foster progesterone receptor-dependent RANK signaling. Consistently, we detected elevated phosphorylated ERK and progesterone receptors and increased levels of RANK signaling in stiff breast tissue from women with high mammographic density. The findings link fibrosis and mechanosignaling to stem-progenitor cell frequency and breast cancer risk and causally implicate epidermal growth factor receptor-ERK-dependent hormone signaling in this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Northey
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mary-Kate Hayward
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Yui
- Research Institute, Nozaki Tokushukai Hospital, Tanigawa 2-10-50, Daito, Osaka 574-0074, Japan
| | - Connor Stashko
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - FuiBoon Kai
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N1N4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N1N4, Canada
| | - Janna K Mouw
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dhruv Thakar
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jonathon N Lakins
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alastair J Ironside
- Department of Pathology, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH42XU, UK
| | - Susan Samson
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Rita A Mukhtar
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - E Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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3
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Seo J, Park M, Ko D, Kim S, Park JM, Park S, Nam KD, Farrand L, Yang J, Seok C, Jung E, Kim YJ, Kim JY, Seo JH. Ebastine impairs metastatic spread in triple-negative breast cancer by targeting focal adhesion kinase. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:132. [PMID: 37185776 PMCID: PMC10130003 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04760-5] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
We sought to investigate the utility of ebastine (EBA), a second-generation antihistamine with potent anti-metastatic properties, in the context of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-suppression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). EBA binds to the tyrosine kinase domain of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), blocking phosphorylation at the Y397 and Y576/577 residues. FAK-mediated JAK2/STAT3 and MEK/ERK signaling was attenuated after EBA challenge in vitro and in vivo. EBA treatment induced apoptosis and a sharp decline in the expression of the BCSC markers ALDH1, CD44 and CD49f, suggesting that EBA targets BCSC-like cell populations while reducing tumor bulk. EBA administration significantly impeded BCSC-enriched tumor burden, angiogenesis and distant metastasis while reducing MMP-2/-9 levels in circulating blood in vivo. Our findings suggest that EBA may represent an effective therapeutic for the simultaneous targeting of JAK2/STAT3 and MEK/ERK for the treatment of molecularly heterogeneous TNBC with divergent profiles. Further investigation of EBA as an anti-metastatic agent for the treatment of TNBC is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyeon Seo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsu Park
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongmi Ko
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjae Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Park
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Soeun Park
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee Dal Nam
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea
| | - Lee Farrand
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jinsol Yang
- Galux Inc, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08738, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaok Seok
- Galux Inc, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08738, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsun Jung
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
- Guro Hospital Campus, Korea University, 97 Gurodong-Gil, Guro-Guu, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoon-Jae Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
- Guro Hospital Campus, Korea University, 97 Gurodong-Gil, Guro-Guu, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
- Guro Hospital Campus, Korea University, 97 Gurodong-Gil, Guro-Guu, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hong Seo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
- Guro Hospital Campus, Korea University, 97 Gurodong-Gil, Guro-Guu, Seoul, 08308, Republic of Korea.
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Rizza S, Di Leo L, Pecorari C, Giglio P, Faienza F, Montagna C, Maiani E, Puglia M, Bosisio FM, Petersen TS, Lin L, Rissler V, Viloria JS, Luo Y, Papaleo E, De Zio D, Blagoev B, Filomeni G. GSNOR deficiency promotes tumor growth via FAK1 S-nitrosylation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111997. [PMID: 36656716 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.111997] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) production in the tumor microenvironment is a common element in cancer. S-nitrosylation, the post-translational modification of cysteines by NO, is emerging as a key transduction mechanism sustaining tumorigenesis. However, most oncoproteins that are regulated by S-nitrosylation are still unknown. Here we show that S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), the enzyme that deactivates S-nitrosylation, is hypo-expressed in several human malignancies. Using multiple tumor models, we demonstrate that GSNOR deficiency induces S-nitrosylation of focal adhesion kinase 1 (FAK1) at C658. This event enhances FAK1 autophosphorylation and sustains tumorigenicity by providing cancer cells with the ability to survive in suspension (evade anoikis). In line with these results, GSNOR-deficient tumor models are highly susceptible to treatment with FAK1 inhibitors. Altogether, our findings advance our understanding of the oncogenic role of S-nitrosylation, define GSNOR as a tumor suppressor, and point to GSNOR hypo-expression as a therapeutically exploitable vulnerability in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Rizza
- Redox Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Luca Di Leo
- Melanoma Research Team, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chiara Pecorari
- Redox Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paola Giglio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Faienza
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanza Montagna
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy; UniCamillus-Saint Camillus, University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Emiliano Maiani
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy; UniCamillus-Saint Camillus, University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Puglia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Francesca M Bosisio
- Lab of Translational Cell and Tissue Research, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Lin Lin
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Vendela Rissler
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Juan Salamanca Viloria
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yonglun Luo
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, BGI-Qingdao, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Elena Papaleo
- Cancer Structural Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Cancer Systems Biology, Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health and Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Daniela De Zio
- Melanoma Research Team, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen University, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Blagoy Blagoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Filomeni
- Redox Biology, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy; Center for Healthy Aging, Copenhagen University, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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Chen F, Zhong Z, Zhang C, Lu Y, Chan YT, Wang N, Zhao D, Feng Y. Potential Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitors in Management of Cancer: Therapeutic Opportunities from Herbal Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13334. [PMID: 36362132 PMCID: PMC9659249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a multifunctional protein involved in cellular communication, integrating and transducing extracellular signals from cell-surface membrane receptors. It plays a central role intracellularly and extracellularly within the tumor microenvironment. Perturbations in FAK signaling promote tumor occurrence and development, and studies have revealed its biological behavior in tumor cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. Herein we provide an overview of the complex biology of the FAK family members and their context-dependent nature. Next, with a focus on cancer, we highlight the activities of FAK signaling in different types of cancer and how knowledge of them is being used for screening natural compounds used in herbal medicine to fight tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyu Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macau Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Qiao D, Xing J, Duan Y, Wang S, Yao G, Zhang S, Jin J, Lin Z, Chen L, Piao Y. The molecular mechanism of baicalein repressing progression of gastric cancer mediating miR-7/FAK/AKT signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 100:154046. [PMID: 35306368 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baicalein (BAI) has a significant anti-cancerous function in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key regulatory molecule in integrin and growth factor receptor mediated signaling. MicroRNA-7 (miR-7), has been considered as a potential tumor suppressor in a variety of cancers. However, the possible mechanisms by which BAI inhibiting progression of gastric cancer mediating miR-7/FAK/AKT signaling pathway remain unclear. PURPOSE To investigate the molecular mechanism and effects of BAI inhibiting progression of gastric cancer mediating miR-7/FAK/AKT signaling pathway. METHODS Gastric cancer cell lines with FAK knockdown and overexpression were constructed by lentivirus transfection. After BAI treatment, the effects of FAK protein on proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells were detected by MTT, EdU, colony formation, wound healing, transwell and Matrigel tube formation assays. In vivo experiment was performed by xenograft model. Immunofluorescence and western blot assay were used to detect the effects of FAK protein on the expression levels of EMT markers and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway related proteins. qRT-PCR and luciferase reporter assay were used to clarify the targeting relationship between miR-7 and FAK. RESULTS BAI can regulate FAK to affect proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. qRT-PCR showed BAI can upregulated the expression of miR-7 and luciferase reporter assay showed the targeting relationship between miR-7 and FAK. Additionally, miR-7 mediates cell proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis by directly targeting FAK 3'UTR to inhibit FAK expression. CONCLUSION BAI repressing progression of gastric cancer mediating miR-7/FAK/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qiao
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xing
- Department of Image, Hongqi Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, P.R. China
| | - Yunxiao Duan
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China
| | - Guangyuan Yao
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China
| | - Shengjun Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China
| | - Jingchun Jin
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China; Department of Internal Medicine of Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji 133000, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China; Department of Internal Medicine of Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji 133000, P.R. China
| | - Liyan Chen
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China
| | - Yingshi Piao
- Cancer Research Center, Yanbian University Medical College, Key Laboratory of Pathobiology (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Research and Innovation Group of Yanbian University, Yanji, P.R. China.
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7
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Paul R, Dorsey JF, Fan Y. Cell plasticity, senescence, and quiescence in cancer stem cells: Biological and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 231:107985. [PMID: 34480963 PMCID: PMC8844041 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a distinct population of cells within tumors with capabilities of self-renewal and tumorigenicity. CSCs play a pivotal role in cancer progression, metastasis, and relapse and tumor resistance to cytotoxic therapy. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that CSCs adopt several mechanisms, driven by cellular plasticity, senescence and quiescence, to maintain their self-renewal capability and to resist tumor microenvironmental stress and treatments. These pose major hindrances for CSC-targeting anti-cancer therapies: cell plasticity maintains stemness in CSCs and renders tumor cells to acquire stem-like phenotypes, contributing to tumor heterogeneity and CSC generation; cellular senescence induces genetic reprogramming and stemness activation, leading to CSC-mediated tumor progression and metastasis; cell quienscence facilitates CSC to overcome their intrinsic vulnerabilities and therapeutic stress, inducing tumor relapse and therapy resistance. These mechanisms are subjected to spatiotemporal regulation by hypoxia, CSC niche, and extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment. Here we integrate the recent advances and current knowledge to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the regulation of plasticity, senescence and quiescence of CSCs and the potential therapeutic implications for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritama Paul
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Jay F. Dorsey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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8
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FAK in Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031726. [PMID: 35163650 PMCID: PMC8836199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is overexpressed and activated in many cancer types. FAK regulates diverse cellular processes, including growth factor signaling, cell cycle progression, cell survival, cell motility, angiogenesis, and the establishment of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments through kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Mounting evidence has indicated that targeting FAK, either alone or in combination with other agents, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying FAK-mediated signaling networks during tumor development. We also summarize the recent progress of FAK-targeted small-molecule compounds for anticancer activity from preclinical and clinical evidence.
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9
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Newport E, Pedrosa AR, Lees D, Dukinfield M, Carter E, Gomez-Escudero J, Casado P, Rajeeve V, Reynolds LE, R Cutillas P, Duffy SW, De Luxán Delgado B, Hodivala-Dilke K. Elucidating the role of the kinase activity of endothelial cell focal adhesion kinase in angiocrine signalling and tumour growth. J Pathol 2022; 256:235-247. [PMID: 34743335 DOI: 10.1002/path.5833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A common limitation of cancer treatments is chemotherapy resistance. We have previously identified that endothelial cell (EC)-specific deletion of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) sensitises tumour cells to DNA-damaging therapies, reducing tumour growth in mice. The present study addressed the kinase activity dependency of EC FAK sensitisation to the DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin. FAK is recognised as a therapeutic target in tumour cells, leading to the development of a range of inhibitors, the majority being ATP competitive kinase inhibitors. We demonstrate that inactivation of EC FAK kinase domain (kinase dead; EC FAK-KD) in established subcutaneous B16F0 tumours improves melanoma cell sensitisation to doxorubicin. Doxorubicin treatment in EC FAK-KD mice reduced the percentage change in exponential B16F0 tumour growth further than in wild-type mice. There was no difference in tumour blood vessel numbers, vessel perfusion or doxorubicin delivery between genotypes, suggesting a possible angiocrine effect on the regulation of tumour growth. Doxorubicin reduced perivascular malignant cell proliferation, while enhancing perivascular tumour cell apoptosis and DNA damage in tumours grown in EC FAK-KD mice 48 h after doxorubicin injection. Human pulmonary microvascular ECs treated with the pharmacological FAK kinase inhibitors defactinib, PF-562,271 or PF-573,228 in combination with doxorubicin also reduced cytokine expression levels. Together, these data suggest that targeting EC FAK kinase activity may alter angiocrine signals that correlate with improved acute tumour cell chemosensitisation. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Doxorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Endothelial Cells/enzymology
- Female
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/genetics
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/enzymology
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neovascularization, Physiologic
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/enzymology
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Tumor Burden
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Newport
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Ana Rita Pedrosa
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Delphine Lees
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Matthew Dukinfield
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Edward Carter
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Jesus Gomez-Escudero
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Pedro Casado
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Vinothini Rajeeve
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Louise E Reynolds
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | | | - Beatriz De Luxán Delgado
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
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10
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Engineered ECM models: Opportunities to advance understanding of tumor heterogeneity. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 72:1-9. [PMID: 33991804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intratumoral heterogeneity is a negative prognostic factor for cancer and commonly attributed to microenvironment-driven genetic mutations and/or the emergence of cancer stem-like cells. How aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling regulates the phenotypic diversity of tumor cells, however, remains poorly understood due in part to a lack of model systems that allow isolating the physicochemical heterogeneity of malignancy-associated ECM for mechanistic studies. Here, we review the compositional, microarchitectural, and mechanical hallmarks of cancer-associated ECM and highlight biomaterials and engineering approaches to recapitulate these properties for in vitro and in vivo studies. Subsequently, we describe how such engineered platforms may be explored to define the spatiotemporal dynamics through which cancer-associated ECM remodeling regulates intratumoral heterogeneity and the cancer stem-like cell phenotype. Finally, we highlight future opportunities and technological advances to further elucidate the relationship between tumor-associated ECM dynamics and intratumoral heterogeneity.
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11
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Dawson JC, Serrels A, Stupack DG, Schlaepfer DD, Frame MC. Targeting FAK in anticancer combination therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:313-324. [PMID: 33731845 PMCID: PMC8276817 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is both a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein that primarily regulates adhesion signalling and cell migration, but FAK can also promote cell survival in response to stress. FAK is commonly overexpressed in cancer and is considered a high-value druggable target, with multiple FAK inhibitors currently in development. Evidence suggests that in the clinical setting, FAK targeting will be most effective in combination with other agents so as to reverse failure of chemotherapies or targeted therapies and enhance efficacy of immune-based treatments of solid tumours. Here, we discuss the recent preclinical evidence that implicates FAK in anticancer therapeutic resistance, leading to the view that FAK inhibitors will have their greatest utility as combination therapies in selected patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Alan Serrels
- Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David D Schlaepfer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Centre, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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12
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Yang Y, Leonard M, Luo Z, Yeo S, Bick G, Hao M, Cai C, Charif M, Wang J, Guan JL, Lower EE, Zhang X. Functional cooperation between co-amplified genes promotes aggressive phenotypes of HER2-positive breast cancer. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108822. [PMID: 33691110 PMCID: PMC8050805 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MED1 (mediator subunit 1)co-amplifies with HER2, but its role in HER2-driven mammary tumorigenesis is still unknown. Here, we generate MED1 mammary-specific overexpression mice and cross them with mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-HER2 mice. We observe significantly promoted onset, growth, metastasis, and multiplicity of HER2 tumors by MED1 overexpression. Further studies reveal critical roles for MED1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell formation, and response to anti-HER2 therapy. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptome analyses and clinical sample correlation studies identify Jab1, a component of the COP9 signalosome complex, as the key direct target gene of MED1 contributing to these processes. Further studies reveal that Jab1 can also reciprocally regulate the stability and transcriptional activity of MED1. Together, our findings support a functional cooperation between these co-amplified genes in HER2+ mammary tumorigenesis and their potential usage as therapeutic targets for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancers. In this study, Yang et al. generate a more clinically relevant MMTV-HER2/MMTV-MED1 mammary tumor mouse model and discover the critical roles and molecular mechanisms of MED1 overexpression in mediating the aggressive phenotypes of HER2+ tumor progression, metastasis, cancer stem cell formation, and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguang Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Marissa Leonard
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Graduate Program in Cancer and Cell Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Zhenhua Luo
- The Liver Care Center and Divisions of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Syn Yeo
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Gregory Bick
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Mingang Hao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Chunmiao Cai
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Mahmoud Charif
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Elyse E Lower
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Graduate Program in Cancer and Cell Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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13
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Dong W, Yang J, Zhang Y, Liu S, Ning C, Ding X, Wang W, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Jiang L. Integrative analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles reveals important epigenetic genes related to milk production traits in dairy cattle. J Anim Breed Genet 2021; 138:562-573. [PMID: 33620112 DOI: 10.1111/jbg.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modification plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining cell differentiation, embryo development, tumorigenesis and many complex diseases. However, little is known about the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms for milk production in dairy cattle. Here, we conducted an epigenome-wide study, together with gene expression profiles to identify important epigenetic candidate genes related to the milk production traits in dairy cattle. Whole-genome bisulphite sequencing and RNA sequencing were employed to detect differentially methylated genes (DMG) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) in blood samples in dry period and lactation period between two groups of cows with extremely high and low milk production performance. A total of 10,877 and 6,617 differentially methylated regions were identified between the two groups in the two periods, which corresponded to 3,601 and 2,802 DMGs, respectively. Furthermore, 156 DEGs overlap with DMGs in comparison of the two groups, and 131 DEGs overlap with DMGs in comparison of the two periods. By integrating methylome, transcriptome and GWAS data, some potential candidate genes for milk production traits in dairy cattle were suggested, such as DOCK1, PTK2 and PIK3R1. Our studies may contribute to a better understanding of epigenetic modification on milk production traits of dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanting Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ning
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Xiangdong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture & National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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14
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Ruiu R, Barutello G, Arigoni M, Riccardo F, Conti L, Peppino G, Annaratone L, Marchiò C, Mengozzi G, Calogero RA, Cavallo F, Quaglino E. Identification of TENM4 as a Novel Cancer Stem Cell-Associated Molecule and Potential Target in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040894. [PMID: 33672732 PMCID: PMC7924390 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) experience shorter overall survival compared to non-TNBC patients because of the high incidence of recurrences and metastases. This is due to the capacity of aggressive cancer cell subpopulations named cancer stem cells (CSC) to resist current therapies. To design more effective therapeutic strategies for TNBC patients, in this study we sought to identify functional targets expressed on CSC. Our analyses led us to propose teneurin 4 (TENM4) as a promising candidate for drug- and immune-based therapies due to its role in CSC self-renewal and migratory capacity and the inverse correlation between its expression and survival of TNBC patients. In addition, TENM4 detection in the plasma of tumor-bearing patients endorses its potentiality as a disease detection marker. Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is insensitive to endocrine and Her2-directed therapies, making the development of TNBC-targeted therapies an unmet medical need. Since patients with TNBC frequently show a quicker relapse and metastatic progression compared to other breast cancer subtypes, we hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSC) could have a role in TNBC. To identify putative TNBC CSC-associated targets, we compared the gene expression profiles of CSC-enriched tumorspheres and their parental cells grown as monolayer. Among the up-regulated genes coding for cell membrane-associated proteins, we selected Teneurin 4 (TENM4), involved in cell differentiation and deregulated in tumors of different histotypes, as the object for this study. Meta-analysis of breast cancer datasets shows that TENM4 mRNA is up-regulated in invasive carcinoma specimens compared to normal breast and that high expression of TENM4 correlates with a shorter relapse-free survival in TNBC patients. TENM4 silencing in mammary cancer cells significantly impaired tumorsphere-forming ability, migratory capacity and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) phosphorylation. Moreover, we found higher levels of TENM4 in plasma from tumor-bearing mice and TNBC patients compared to the healthy controls. Overall, our results indicate that TENM4 may act as a novel biomarker and target for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiu
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Laura Conti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Giulia Peppino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Laura Annaratone
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.A.); (C.M.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (L.A.); (C.M.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Giulio Mengozzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Raffaele Adolfo Calogero
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy; (R.R.); (G.B.); (M.A.); (F.R.); (L.C.); (G.P.); (R.A.C.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0116706457
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15
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Rigiracciolo DC, Cirillo F, Talia M, Muglia L, Gutkind JS, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Focal Adhesion Kinase Fine Tunes Multifaced Signals toward Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:645. [PMID: 33562737 PMCID: PMC7915897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents the most common diagnosed malignancy and the main leading cause of tumor-related death among women worldwide. Therefore, several efforts have been made in order to identify valuable molecular biomarkers for the prognosis and prediction of therapeutic responses in breast tumor patients. In this context, emerging discoveries have indicated that focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, might represent a promising target involved in breast tumorigenesis. Of note, high FAK expression and activity have been tightly correlated with a poor clinical outcome and metastatic features in several tumors, including breast cancer. Recently, a role for the integrin-FAK signaling in mechanotransduction has been suggested and the function of FAK within the breast tumor microenvironment has been ascertained toward tumor angiogenesis and vascular permeability. FAK has been also involved in cancer stem cells (CSCs)-mediated initiation, maintenance and therapeutic responses of breast tumors. In addition, the potential of FAK to elicit breast tumor-promoting effects has been even associated with the capability to modulate immune responses. On the basis of these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. Here, we recapitulate the multifaceted action exerted by FAK and its prognostic significance in breast cancer. Moreover, we highlight the recent clinical evidence regarding the usefulness of FAK inhibitors in the treatment of breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Jorge Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
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16
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Hao M, Yeo SK, Turner K, Harold A, Yang Y, Zhang X, Guan JL. Autophagy Blockade Limits HER2+ Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis by Perturbing HER2 Trafficking and Promoting Release Via Small Extracellular Vesicles. Dev Cell 2021; 56:341-355.e5. [PMID: 33472043 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy modulation is an emerging strategy for cancer therapy. By deleting an essential autophagy gene or disrupting its autophagy function, we determined a mechanism of HER2+ breast cancer tumorigenesis by directly regulating the oncogenic driver. Disruption of FIP200-mediated autophagy reduced HER2 expression on the tumor cell surface and abolished mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-Neu mice. Decreased HER2 surface expression was due to trafficking from the Golgi to the endocytic pathways instead of the plasma membrane. Autophagy inhibition led to HER2 accumulation in early and late endosomes associated with intraluminal vesicles and released from tumor cells in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Increased HER2 release from sEVs correlated with reduced tumor cell surface levels. Blocking sEVs secretion rescued HER2 levels in tumor cells. Our results demonstrate a role for autophagy to promote tumorigenesis in HER2+ breast cancer. This suggests that blocking autophagy could supplement current anti-HER2 agents for treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingang Hao
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Syn Kok Yeo
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Kevin Turner
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Alexis Harold
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Yongguang Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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17
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Qi S, Sun X, Choi HK, Yao J, Wang L, Wu G, He Y, Pan J, Guan JL, Liu F. FAK Promotes Early Osteoprogenitor Cell Proliferation by Enhancing mTORC1 Signaling. J Bone Miner Res 2020; 35:1798-1811. [PMID: 32286710 PMCID: PMC7486225 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has important functions in bone homeostasis but its role in early osteoprogenitor cells is unknown. We show herein that mice lacking FAK in Dermo1-expressing cells exhibited low bone mass and decreased osteoblast number. Mechanistically, FAK-deficient early osteoprogenitor cells had decreased proliferation and significantly reduced mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, a central regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Furthermore, our data showed that the pharmacological inhibition of FAK kinase-dependent function alone was sufficient to decrease the proliferation and compromise the mineralization of early osteoprogenitor cells. In contrast to the Fak deletion in early osteoprogenitor cells, FAK loss in Col3.6 Cre-targeted osteoblasts did not cause bone loss, and Fak deletion in osteoblasts did not affect proliferation, differentiation, and mTORC1 signaling but increased the level of active proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2), which belongs to the same non-receptor tyrosine kinase family as FAK. Importantly, mTORC1 signaling in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) was reduced if FAK kinase was inhibited at the early osteogenic differentiation stage. In contrast, mTORC1 signaling in BMSCs was not affected if FAK kinase was inhibited at a later osteogenic differentiation stage, in which, however, the concomitant inhibition of both FAK kinase and PYK2 kinase reduced mTORC1 signaling. In summary, our data suggest that FAK promotes early osteoprogenitor cell proliferation by enhancing mTORC1 signaling via its kinase-dependent function and the loss of FAK in osteoblasts can be compensated by the upregulated active PYK2. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqun Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiumei Sun
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Orthodontics, Jilin University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Changchun, China
| | - Han Kyoung Choi
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jinfeng Yao
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Stomatology, The Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Guomin Wu
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Orthodontics, Jilin University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Changchun, China
| | - Yun He
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Dental Department, College of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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18
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The Possible Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Resistance to Kinase Inhibitors of Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082249. [PMID: 32796774 PMCID: PMC7465706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Target therapy with various kinase inhibitors (KIs) has been extended to patients with advanced thyroid cancer, but only a subset of these compounds has displayed efficacy in clinical use. However, after an initial response to KIs, dramatic disease progression occurs in most cases. With the discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs), it is possible to postulate that thyroid cancer resistance to KI therapies, both intrinsic and acquired, may be sustained by this cell subtype. Indeed, CSCs have been considered as the main drivers of metastatic activity and therapeutic resistance, because of their ability to generate heterogeneous secondary cell populations and survive treatment by remaining in a quiescent state. Hence, despite the impressive progress in understanding of the molecular basis of thyroid tumorigenesis, drug resistance is still the major challenge in advanced thyroid cancer management. In this view, definition of the role of CSCs in thyroid cancer resistance may be crucial to identifying new therapeutic targets and preventing resistance to anti-cancer treatments and tumor relapse. The aim of this review is to elucidate the possible role of CSCs in the development of resistance of advanced thyroid cancer to current anti-cancer therapies and their potential implications in the management of these patients.
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19
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Paul R, Luo M, Mo X, Lu J, Yeo SK, Guan JL. FAK activates AKT-mTOR signaling to promote the growth and progression of MMTV-Wnt1-driven basal-like mammary tumors. Breast Cancer Res 2020; 22:59. [PMID: 32493400 PMCID: PMC7268629 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-020-01298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Hence, stratification of patients based on the subtype of breast cancer is key to its successful treatment. Among all the breast cancer subtypes, basal-like breast cancer is the most aggressive subtype with limited treatment options. Interestingly, we found focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, is highly overexpressed and activated in basal-like breast cancer. METHODS To understand the role of FAK in this subtype, we generated mice with conditional deletion of FAK and a knock-in mutation in its kinase domain in MMTV-Wnt1-driven basal-like mammary tumors. Tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis were characterized for these mice cohorts. Immunohistochemical and transcriptomic analysis of Wnt1-driven tumors were also performed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying FAK-dependent phenotypes. Pharmacological inhibition of FAK and mTOR in human basal-like breast cancer cell lines was also tested. RESULTS We found that in the absence of FAK or its kinase function, growth and metastasis of the tumors were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses of cleaved caspase 3 revealed that loss of FAK results in increased tumor cell apoptosis. To further investigate the mechanism by which FAK regulates survival of the Wnt1-driven tumor cells, we prepared an isogenic pair of mammary tumor cells with and without FAK and found that FAK ablation increased their sensitivity to ER stress-induced cell death, as well as reduced tumor cell migration and tumor sphere formation. Comparative transcriptomic profiling of the pair of tumor cells and gene set enrichment analysis suggested mTOR pathway to be downregulated upon loss of FAK. Immunoblot analyses further confirmed that absence of FAK results in reduction of AKT and downstream mTOR pathways. We also found that inhibition of FAK and mTOR pathways both induces apoptosis, indicating the importance of these pathways in regulating cell survival. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our studies show that in a basal-like tumor model, FAK is required for survival of the tumor cells and can serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Basal Cell/pathology
- Cell Movement/physiology
- Cell Proliferation/physiology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- Humans
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/genetics
- Mice, Transgenic
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Wnt1 Protein/genetics
- Wnt1 Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritama Paul
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xueying Mo
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Jason Lu
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Syn Kok Yeo
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
| | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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20
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FAK signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes breast cancer cell migration and metastasis by exosomal miRNAs-mediated intercellular communication. Oncogene 2020; 39:2539-2549. [PMID: 31988451 PMCID: PMC7310603 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated fibroblasts that constitute the major components of tumor microenvironment (TME) and play crucial roles in tumor development and metastasis. Here, we generated fibroblast-specific inducible focal adhesion kinase (FAK) knockout (cKO) mice in a breast cancer model to study potential role and mechanisms of FAK signaling in CAF to promote breast cancer metastasis in vivo. While not affecting primary tumor development and growth, FAK deletion significantly suppressed breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Analyses of CAFs derived from cKO mice as well as human CAFs showed that FAK is required for their activity to promote mammary tumor cell migration. We further showed that FAK ablation in CAFs decreased their exosome amount and functions to promote tumor cell migration and other activities, which could contribute to the reduced metastasis observed in cKO mice. Lastly, profiling of miRs from CAF exosomes showed alterations of several exosomal miRs in FAK-null CAFs, and further analysis suggested that miR-16 and miR-148a enriched in exosomes from FAK-null CAFs contribute to the reduced tumor cell activities and metastasis. Together, these results identify a new role for FAK signaling in CAFs that regulate their intercellular communication with tumor cells to promote breast cancer metastasis.
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21
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Aboubakar Nana F, Vanderputten M, Ocak S. Role of Focal Adhesion Kinase in Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1683. [PMID: 31671774 PMCID: PMC6895835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents 15% of all lung cancers and it is clinically the most aggressive type, being characterized by a tendency for early metastasis, with two-thirds of the patients diagnosed with an extensive stage (ES) disease and a five-year overall survival (OS) as low as 5%. There are still no effective targeted therapies in SCLC despite improved understanding of the molecular steps leading to SCLC development and progression these last years. After four decades, the only modest improvement in OS of patients suffering from ES-SCLC has recently been shown in a trial combining atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, with carboplatin and etoposide, chemotherapy agents. This highlights the need to pursue research efforts in this field. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several cancers, including SCLC, and contributing to cancer progression and metastasis through its important role in cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, spreading, migration, and invasion. FAK also plays a role in tumor immune evasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, DNA damage repair, radioresistance, and regulation of cancer stem cells. FAK is of particular interest in SCLC, being known for its aggressiveness. The inhibition of FAK in SCLC cell lines demonstrated significative decrease in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In this review, we will focus on the role of FAK in cancer cells and their microenvironment, and its potential as a therapeutic target in SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Aboubakar Nana
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
- Division of Pneumology, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, UCL, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Marie Vanderputten
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sebahat Ocak
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie (PNEU), Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
- Division of Pneumology, CHU UCL Namur (Godinne Site), UCL, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium.
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22
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Sridharan S, Howard CM, Tilley AMC, Subramaniyan B, Tiwari AK, Ruch RJ, Raman D. Novel and Alternative Targets Against Breast Cancer Stemness to Combat Chemoresistance. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1003. [PMID: 31681564 PMCID: PMC6805781 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. They are heterogeneous and inherently radio- and chemoresistant. They have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into non-BCSCs. These determinants of BCSCs including the plasticity between the mesenchymal and epithelial phenotypes often leads to minimal residual disease (MRD), tumor relapse, and therapy failure. By studying the resistance mechanisms in BCSCs, a combinatorial therapy can be formulated to co-target BCSCs and bulk tumor cells. This review addresses breast cancer stemness and molecular underpinnings of how the cancer stemness can lead to pharmacological resistance. This might occur through rewiring of signaling pathways and modulated expression of various targets that support survival and self-renewal, clonogenicity, and multi-lineage differentiation into heterogeneous bulk tumor cells following chemotherapy. We explore emerging novel and alternative molecular targets against BC stemness and chemoresistance involving survival, drug efflux, metabolism, proliferation, cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Strategic targeting of such vulnerabilities in BCSCs may overcome the chemoresistance and increase the longevity of the metastatic breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Sridharan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Cory M. Howard
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | | | - Amit K. Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Randall J. Ruch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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23
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Stafman LL, Williams AP, Marayati R, Aye JM, Markert HR, Garner EF, Quinn CH, Lallani SB, Stewart JE, Yoon KJ, Whelan K, Beierle EA. Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibition Contributes to Tumor Cell Survival and Motility in Neuroblastoma Patient-Derived Xenografts. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13259. [PMID: 31519958 PMCID: PMC6744403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49853-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) provide an opportunity to evaluate the effects of therapies in an environment that more closely resembles the human condition than that seen with long-term passage cell lines. In the current studies, we investigated the effects of FAK inhibition on two neuroblastoma PDXs in vitro. Cells were treated with two small molecule inhibitors of FAK, PF-573,228 (PF) and 1,2,4,5-benzentetraamine tetrahydrochloride (Y15). Following FAK inhibition, cell survival and proliferation decreased significantly and cell cycle arrest was seen in both cell lines. Migration and invasion assays were used to determine the effect of FAK inhibition on cell motility, which decreased significantly in both cell lines in the presence of either inhibitor. Finally, tumor cell stemness following FAK inhibition was evaluated with extreme limiting dilution assays as well as with immunoblotting and quantitative real-time PCR for the expression of stem cell markers. FAK inhibition decreased formation of tumorspheres and resulted in a corresponding decrease in established stem cell markers. FAK inhibition decreased many characteristics of the malignant phenotype, including cancer stem cell like features in neuroblastoma PDXs, making FAK a candidate for further investigation as a potential target for neuroblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L Stafman
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Adele P Williams
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Raoud Marayati
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Jamie M Aye
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Hooper R Markert
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Evan F Garner
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Colin H Quinn
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Shoeb B Lallani
- Department of Cell Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Jerry E Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA
| | - Karina J Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Kimberly Whelan
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35205, USA.
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24
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Cooper J, Giancotti FG. Integrin Signaling in Cancer: Mechanotransduction, Stemness, Epithelial Plasticity, and Therapeutic Resistance. Cancer Cell 2019; 35:347-367. [PMID: 30889378 PMCID: PMC6684107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 508] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Integrins mediate cell adhesion and transmit mechanical and chemical signals to the cell interior. Various mechanisms deregulate integrin signaling in cancer, empowering tumor cells with the ability to proliferate without restraint, to invade through tissue boundaries, and to survive in foreign microenvironments. Recent studies have revealed that integrin signaling drives multiple stem cell functions, including tumor initiation, epithelial plasticity, metastatic reactivation, and resistance to oncogene- and immune-targeted therapies. Here, we discuss the mechanisms leading to the deregulation of integrin signaling in cancer and its various consequences. We place emphasis on novel functions, determinants of context dependency, and mechanism-based therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Cooper
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Filippo G Giancotti
- Department of Cancer Biology and David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
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25
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Sridharan S, Howard CM, Tilley AMC, Subramaniyan B, Tiwari AK, Ruch RJ, Raman D. Novel and Alternative Targets Against Breast Cancer Stemness to Combat Chemoresistance. Front Oncol 2019. [PMID: 31681564 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01003.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. They are heterogeneous and inherently radio- and chemoresistant. They have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into non-BCSCs. These determinants of BCSCs including the plasticity between the mesenchymal and epithelial phenotypes often leads to minimal residual disease (MRD), tumor relapse, and therapy failure. By studying the resistance mechanisms in BCSCs, a combinatorial therapy can be formulated to co-target BCSCs and bulk tumor cells. This review addresses breast cancer stemness and molecular underpinnings of how the cancer stemness can lead to pharmacological resistance. This might occur through rewiring of signaling pathways and modulated expression of various targets that support survival and self-renewal, clonogenicity, and multi-lineage differentiation into heterogeneous bulk tumor cells following chemotherapy. We explore emerging novel and alternative molecular targets against BC stemness and chemoresistance involving survival, drug efflux, metabolism, proliferation, cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Strategic targeting of such vulnerabilities in BCSCs may overcome the chemoresistance and increase the longevity of the metastatic breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Sridharan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Cory M Howard
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Augustus M C Tilley
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Randall J Ruch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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26
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Thiagarajan PS, Sinyuk M, Turaga SM, Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Hale JS, Rao V, Demelash A, Saygin C, China A, Alban TJ, Hitomi M, Torre-Healy LA, Alvarado AG, Jarrar A, Wiechert A, Adorno-Cruz V, Fox PL, Calhoun BC, Guan JL, Liu H, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Cx26 drives self-renewal in triple-negative breast cancer via interaction with NANOG and focal adhesion kinase. Nat Commun 2018; 9:578. [PMID: 29422613 PMCID: PMC5805730 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors adapt their phenotypes during growth and in response to therapies through dynamic changes in cellular processes. Connexin proteins enable such dynamic changes during development, and their dysregulation leads to disease states. The gap junction communication channels formed by connexins have been reported to exhibit tumor-suppressive functions, including in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, we find that connexin 26 (Cx26) is elevated in self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is necessary and sufficient for their maintenance. Cx26 promotes CSC self-renewal by forming a signaling complex with the pluripotency transcription factor NANOG and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), resulting in NANOG stabilization and FAK activation. This FAK/NANOG-containing complex is not formed in mammary epithelial or luminal breast cancer cells. These findings challenge the paradigm that connexins are tumor suppressors in TNBC and reveal a unique function for Cx26 in regulating the core self-renewal signaling that controls CSC maintenance. Connexin proteins are usually considered as tumor suppressors. Here, the authors show that connexin 26 (Cx26) regulates the self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells via a ternary complex with FAK and NANOG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveena S Thiagarajan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Maksim Sinyuk
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Soumya M Turaga
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Erin E Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - James S Hale
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Vinay Rao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Abeba Demelash
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Caner Saygin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Arnab China
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Tyler J Alban
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Masahiro Hitomi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Luke A Torre-Healy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Alvaro G Alvarado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Awad Jarrar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Andrew Wiechert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Valery Adorno-Cruz
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.,Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Paul L Fox
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | | | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.,Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA. .,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA. .,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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27
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Misra SK, De A, Pan D. Targeted Delivery of STAT-3 Modulator to Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells Downregulates a Series of Stemness Genes. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 17:119-129. [PMID: 29138265 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are known to be controlled by pathways that are dormant in normal adult cells, for example, PTEN, which is a negative regulator of transcription factor STAT3. STAT3 regulates genes that are involved in stem cell self-renewal and thus represents a novel therapeutic target of enormous clinical significance. Studies on breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) have been also significantly correlated with STATs. We describe here for the first time a novel strategy to selectively target CSCs and to induce downregulation of STAT3 downstream target genes reducing expression of series of "stem-ness genes" in treated tumors. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate functional activity with gene and protein expression studies. The results of the study indicate that this targeted delivery approach deactivates STAT3 causing a reduction of CD44+/CD24- CSC populations with aptly tracked gene and protein regulations of "stemness" characteristics. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 119-29. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh K Misra
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Arun De
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Dipanjan Pan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois. .,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois
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28
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Ramos EK, Hoffmann AD, Gerson SL, Liu H. New Opportunities and Challenges to Defeat Cancer Stem Cells. Trends Cancer 2017; 3:780-796. [PMID: 29120754 PMCID: PMC5958547 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells that are capable of self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, plastic adaptation, and immune regulation, thereby mediating tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. CSCs are associated with cancer progression and clinical outcome in cancer patients. Successful targeting of CSCs will therefore be necessary to eradicate and cure cancer. Functional regulators of stem cell (stemness) signaling pathways in human cancers have brought new opportunities to target CSCs and reframe cancer-targeting strategies in clinical settings. However, challenges remain due to a lack of complete understanding of CSC plasticity/heterogeneity and the limited efficacy of individual stemness inhibitors in cancer treatment. In this article we review CSC signaling pathways and the current state of CSC-targeting therapeutics in combinatory treatments in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Ramos
- Driskill Graduate Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; These authors equally contributed to the manuscript preparation
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- Department Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; These authors equally contributed to the manuscript preparation
| | - Stanton L Gerson
- The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; The National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; The National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Begum A, Ewachiw T, Jung C, Huang A, Norberg KJ, Marchionni L, McMillan R, Penchev V, Rajeshkumar NV, Maitra A, Wood L, Wang C, Wolfgang C, DeJesus-Acosta A, Laheru D, Shapiro IM, Padval M, Pachter JA, Weaver DT, Rasheed ZA, Matsui W. The extracellular matrix and focal adhesion kinase signaling regulate cancer stem cell function in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180181. [PMID: 28692661 PMCID: PMC5503247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the clonogenic growth and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A hallmark of PDAC is the desmoplastic reaction, but the impact of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on CSCs is unknown. In order to better understand the mechanisms, we examined the impact of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on PDAC CSCs. We quantified the effect of ECM proteins, β1-integrin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on clonogenic PDAC growth and migration in vitro and tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis in vivo in nude mice using shRNA and overexpression constructs as well as small molecule FAK inhibitors. Type I collagen increased PDAC tumor initiating potential, self-renewal, and the frequency of CSCs through the activation of FAK. FAK overexpression increased tumor initiation, whereas a dominant negative FAK mutant or FAK kinase inhibitors reduced clonogenic PDAC growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the FAK inhibitor VS-4718 extended the anti-tumor response to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in patient-derived PDAC xenografts, and the loss of FAK expression limited metastatic dissemination of orthotopic xenografts. Type I collagen enhances PDAC CSCs, and both kinase-dependent and independent activities of FAK impact PDAC tumor initiation, self-renewal, and metastasis. The anti-tumor impact of FAK inhibitors in combination with standard chemotherapy support the clinical testing of this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Begum
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Theodore Ewachiw
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Clinton Jung
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ally Huang
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - K. Jessica Norberg
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luigi Marchionni
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ross McMillan
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vesselin Penchev
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - N. V. Rajeshkumar
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Laura Wood
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christopher Wolfgang
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ana DeJesus-Acosta
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel Laheru
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Irina M. Shapiro
- Verastem, Inc., Needham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mahesh Padval
- Verastem, Inc., Needham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - David T. Weaver
- Verastem, Inc., Needham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zeshaan A. Rasheed
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William Matsui
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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30
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Kolev VN, Tam WF, Wright QG, McDermott SP, Vidal CM, Shapiro IM, Xu Q, Wicha MS, Pachter JA, Weaver DT. Inhibition of FAK kinase activity preferentially targets cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:51733-51747. [PMID: 28881682 PMCID: PMC5584283 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Because cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in chemo-resistance, metastasis and tumor recurrence, therapeutic targeting of CSCs holds promise to address these clinical challenges to cancer treatment. VS-4718 and VS-6063 are potent inhibitors of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates cell signals transmitted by integrins and growth factor receptors. We report here that inhibition of FAK kinase activity by VS-4718 or VS-6063 preferentially targets CSCs, as demonstrated by a panel of orthogonal CSC assays in cell line models and surgically resected primary breast tumor specimens cultured ex vivo. Oral administration of VS-4718 or VS-6063 to mice bearing xenograft models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) significantly reduced the proportion of CSCs in the tumors, as evidenced by a reduced tumor-initiating capability upon re-implantation in limiting dilutions of cells prepared from these tumors. In contrast, the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, paclitaxel and carboplatin, enriched for CSCs, consistent with previous reports that these cytotoxic agents preferentially target non-CSCs. Importantly, VS-4718 and VS-6063 attenuated the chemotherapy-induced enrichment of CSCs in vitro and delayed tumor regrowth following cessation of chemotherapy. An intriguing crosstalk between FAK and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was revealed wherein FAK inhibition blocks β-catenin activation by reducing tyrosine 654 phosphorylation of β-catenin. Furthermore, a constitutively active mutant form of β-catenin reversed the preferential targeting of CSCs by FAK inhibition, suggesting that this targeting is mediated, at least in part, through attenuating β-catenin activation. The preferential targeting of cancer stem cells by FAK inhibitors provides a rationale for the clinical development of FAK inhibitors aimed to increase durable responses for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sean P McDermott
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Qunli Xu
- Verastem, Inc., Needham, MA, USA
| | - Max S Wicha
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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31
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Tesfay L, Schulz VV, Frank SB, Lamb LE, Miranti CK. Receptor tyrosine kinase Met promotes cell survival via kinase-independent maintenance of integrin α3β1. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:2493-504. [PMID: 27307589 PMCID: PMC4966988 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-09-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study identifies a new mechanism by which the receptor tyrosine kinase Met promotes cell survival. The ectodomain and transmembrane domain of Met, independently of kinase activity, are required to maintain integrin α3β1 on the cell surface to prevent activation of intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways and maintain autophagic flux. Matrix adhesion via integrins is required for cell survival. Adhesion of epithelial cells to laminin via integrin α3β1 was previously shown to activate at least two independent survival pathways. First, integrin α3β1 is required for autophagy-induced cell survival after growth factor deprivation. Second, integrin α3β1 independently activates two receptor tyrosine kinases, EGFR and Met, in the absence of ligands. EGFR signaling to Erk promotes survival independently of autophagy. To determine how Met promotes cell survival, we inhibited Met kinase activity or blocked its expression with RNA interference. Loss of Met expression, but not inhibition of Met kinase activity, induced apoptosis by reducing integrin α3β1 levels, activating anoikis, and blocking autophagy. Met was specifically required for the assembly of autophagosomes downstream of LC3II processing. Reexpression of wild-type Met, kinase-dead Met, or integrin α3 was sufficient to rescue death upon removal of endogenous Met. Integrin α3β1 coprecipitated and colocalized with Met in cells. The extracellular and transmembrane domain of Met was required to fully rescue cell death and restore integrin α3 expression. Thus Met promotes survival of laminin-adherent cells by maintaining integrin α3β1 via a kinase-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Tesfay
- Laboratory of Integrin Signaling and Tumorigenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Veronique V Schulz
- Laboratory of Integrin Signaling and Tumorigenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Sander B Frank
- Laboratory of Integrin Signaling and Tumorigenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Laura E Lamb
- Laboratory of Integrin Signaling and Tumorigenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
| | - Cindy K Miranti
- Laboratory of Integrin Signaling and Tumorigenesis, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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32
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Kessler BE, Sharma V, Zhou Q, Jing X, Pike LA, Kerege AA, Sams SB, Schweppe RE. FAK Expression, Not Kinase Activity, Is a Key Mediator of Thyroid Tumorigenesis and Protumorigenic Processes. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:869-82. [PMID: 27259715 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED There are limited therapy options for advanced thyroid cancer, including papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer (PTC and ATC). Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) regulates cell signaling by functioning as a scaffold and kinase. Previously, we demonstrated that FAK is overexpressed and activated in thyroid cancer cells and human PTC clinical specimens. However, it remains unclear whether patients with advanced thyroid cancer will benefit from FAK inhibition. Therefore, the dual functions of FAK in mediating protumorigenic processes and thyroid tumorigenesis were investigated. Evidence here shows that FAK expression predominantly regulates thyroid cancer cell growth, viability, and anchorage-independent growth. FAK inhibition, with PF-562,271 treatment, modestly reduced tumor volumes, while FAK depletion, through shRNA knockdown, significantly reduced tumor volumes in vivo A role for FAK expression in tumor establishment was demonstrated in a model of PTC, where FAK knockdown tumors did not develop. FAK depletion also led to a significant decrease in overall metastatic burden. Interestingly, pretreatment with a FAK inhibitor resulted in a paradoxical increase in metastasis in a model of ATC, but decreased metastasis in a model of PTC. These data provide the first evidence that FAK expression is critical for the regulation of thyroid tumorigenic functions. IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrates that FAK expression, but not kinase activity alone, predominantly mediates thyroid tumor growth and metastasis, indicating that targeting the scaffolding function(s) of FAK may be an important therapeutic strategy for advanced thyroid cancer, as well as other FAK-dependent tumors. Mol Cancer Res; 14(9); 869-82. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittelle E Kessler
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Vibha Sharma
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Xia Jing
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura A Pike
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anna A Kerege
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sharon B Sams
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado. University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rebecca E Schweppe
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado. Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado. University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
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33
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Horton ER, Humphries JD, Stutchbury B, Jacquemet G, Ballestrem C, Barry ST, Humphries MJ. Modulation of FAK and Src adhesion signaling occurs independently of adhesion complex composition. J Cell Biol 2016; 212:349-64. [PMID: 26833789 PMCID: PMC4739608 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201508080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) form mechanochemical connections between the extracellular matrix and actin cytoskeleton and mediate phenotypic responses via posttranslational modifications. Here, we investigate the modularity and robustness of the IAC network to pharmacological perturbation of the key IAC signaling components focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src. FAK inhibition using AZ13256675 blocked FAK(Y397) phosphorylation but did not alter IAC composition, as reported by mass spectrometry. IAC composition was also insensitive to Src inhibition using AZD0530 alone or in combination with FAK inhibition. In contrast, kinase inhibition substantially reduced phosphorylation within IACs, cell migration and proliferation. Furthermore using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we found that FAK inhibition increased the exchange rate of a phosphotyrosine (pY) reporter (dSH2) at IACs. These data demonstrate that kinase-dependent signal propagation through IACs is independent of gross changes in IAC composition. Together, these findings demonstrate a general separation between the composition of IACs and their ability to relay pY-dependent signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Horton
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Jonathan D Humphries
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Ben Stutchbury
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Guillaume Jacquemet
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Christoph Ballestrem
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Simon T Barry
- Oncology iMed, AstraZeneca, Cheshire SK10 4TG, England, UK
| | - Martin J Humphries
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, England, UK
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34
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Ganapathy V, Moghe PV, Roth CM. Targeting tumor metastases: Drug delivery mechanisms and technologies. J Control Release 2015; 219:215-223. [PMID: 26409123 PMCID: PMC4745901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Primary sites of tumor are the focal triggers of cancers, yet it is the subsequent metastasis events that cause the majority of the morbidity and mortality. Metastatic tumor cells exhibit a phenotype that differs from that of the parent cells, as they represent a resistant, invasive subpopulation of the original tumor, may have acquired additional genetic or epigenetic alterations under exposure to prior chemotherapeutic or radiotherapeutic treatments, and reside in a microenvironment differing from that of its origin. This combination of resistant phenotype and distal location make tracking and treating metastases particularly challenging. In this review, we highlight some of the unique biological traits of metastasis, which in turn, inspire emerging strategies for targeted imaging of metastasized tumors and metastasis-directed delivery of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Ganapathy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Prabhas V Moghe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Charles M Roth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA; Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, USA.
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35
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Sreekumar A, Roarty K, Rosen JM. The mammary stem cell hierarchy: a looking glass into heterogeneous breast cancer landscapes. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22. [PMID: 26206777 PMCID: PMC4618079 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mammary gland is a dynamic organ that undergoes extensive morphogenesis during the different stages of embryonic development, puberty, estrus, pregnancy, lactation and involution. Systemic and local cues underlie this constant tissue remodeling and act by eliciting an intricate pattern of responses in the mammary epithelial and stromal cells. Decades of studies utilizing methods such as transplantation and lineage-tracing have identified a complex hierarchy of mammary stem cells, progenitors and differentiated epithelial cells that fuel mammary epithelial development. Importantly, these studies have extended our understanding of the molecular crosstalk between cell types and the signaling pathways maintaining normal homeostasis that often are deregulated during tumorigenesis. While several questions remain, this research has many implications for breast cancer. Fundamental among these are the identification of the cells of origin for the multiple subtypes of breast cancer and the understanding of tumor heterogeneity. A deeper understanding of these critical questions will unveil novel breast cancer drug targets and treatment paradigms. In this review, we provide a current overview of normal mammary development and tumorigenesis from a stem cell perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Sreekumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, DeBakey Building M638, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Kevin Roarty
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, DeBakey Building M638, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, DeBakey Building M638, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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36
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Williams KE, Bundred NJ, Landberg G, Clarke RB, Farnie G. Focal adhesion kinase and Wnt signaling regulate human ductal carcinoma in situ stem cell activity and response to radiotherapy. Stem Cells 2015; 33:327-41. [PMID: 25187396 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can avoid or efficiently repair DNA damage from radio and chemotherapy, which suggests they play a role in disease recurrence. Twenty percentage of patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast recur and our previous data show that high grade DCIS have increased numbers of CSCs. Here, we investigate the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Wnt pathways in DCIS stem cells and their capacity to survive irradiation. Using DCIS cell lines and patient samples, we demonstrate that CSC-enriched populations are relatively radioresistant and possess high FAK activity. Immunohistochemical studies of active FAK in DCIS tissue show high expression was associated with a shorter median time to recurrence. Treatment with a FAK inhibitor or FAK siRNA in nonadherent and three-dimensional matrigel culture reduced mammosphere formation, and potentiated the effect of 2 Gy irradiation. Moreover, inhibition of FAK in vitro and in vivo decreased self-renewal capacity, levels of Wnt3a and B-Catenin revealing a novel FAK-Wnt axis regulating DCIS stem cell activity. Overall, these data establish that the FAK-Wnt axis is a promising target to eradicate self-renewal capacity and progression of human breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Williams
- Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Education and Research Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Stem Cell Research, University of Manchester, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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37
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Wei W, Lewis MT. Identifying and targeting tumor-initiating cells in the treatment of breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:R135-55. [PMID: 25876646 PMCID: PMC4447610 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (excluding skin cancer), and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Although conventional and targeted therapies have improved survival rates, there are still considerable challenges in treating breast cancer, including treatment resistance, disease recurrence, and metastasis. Treatment resistance can be either de novo - because of traits that tumor cells possess before treatment - or acquired - because of traits that tumor cells gain in response to treatment. A recently proposed mechanism of de novo resistance invokes the existence of a specialized subset of cancer cells defined as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), or cancer stem cells (CSCs). TICs have the capacity to self-renew and to generate new tumors that consist entirely of clonally derived cell types present in the parental tumor. There are data to suggest that TICs are resistant to many conventional cancer therapies and that they can survive treatment in spite of dramatic shrinkage of the tumor. Residual TICs can then eventually regrow, which results in disease relapse. It has also been hypothesized that TIC may be responsible for metastatic disease. If these hypotheses are correct, targeting TICs may be imperative for achieving a cure. In the present review, we discuss evidence for breast TICs and their apparent resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as to various targeted therapies. We also address the potential impact of breast TIC plasticity and metastatic potential on therapeutic strategies. Finally, we describe several genes and signaling pathways that appear to be important for TIC function and may represent promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Baylor College of MedicineLester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, Texas, USADepartments of Molecular and Cellular BiologyRadiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM600, Room N1210, Houston, Texas 77030, USA Baylor College of MedicineLester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, Texas, USADepartments of Molecular and Cellular BiologyRadiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM600, Room N1210, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Michael T Lewis
- Baylor College of MedicineLester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, Texas, USADepartments of Molecular and Cellular BiologyRadiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM600, Room N1210, Houston, Texas 77030, USA Baylor College of MedicineLester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, Texas, USADepartments of Molecular and Cellular BiologyRadiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM600, Room N1210, Houston, Texas 77030, USA Baylor College of MedicineLester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Houston, Texas, USADepartments of Molecular and Cellular BiologyRadiologyBaylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM600, Room N1210, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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38
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Yang T, Rycaj K. Targeted therapy against cancer stem cells. Oncol Lett 2015; 10:27-33. [PMID: 26170972 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have the ability to self-renew and give rise to more mature (differentiated) cancer cells, and which may be the cells responsible for the overall organization of a tumor, has progressed rapidly and concomitantly with recent advances in studies of normal tissue stem cells. CSCs have been reported in a wide spectrum of human tumors. Like normal tissue stem cells, CSCs similarly exhibit significant phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. The ability of CSCs to self-renew results in the immortality of malignant cells at the population level, whereas the ability of CSCs to differentiate, either fully or partially, generates the cellular hierarchy and heterogeneity commonly observed in solid tumors. CSCs also appear to have maximized their pro-survival mechanisms leading to their relative resistance to anti-cancer therapies and subsequent relapse. Studies in animal models of human cancers have also provided insight into the heterogeneity and characteristics of CSCs, helping to establish a platform for the development of novel targeted therapies against specific CSCs. In the present study, we briefly review the most recent progress in dissecting CSC heterogeneity and targeting CSCs in various human tumor systems. We also highlight a few examples of CSC-targeted drug development and clinical trials, with the ultimate aim of developing more effective therapeutic regimens that are capable of preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Kiera Rycaj
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
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39
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Emerging roles of focal adhesion kinase in cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:690690. [PMID: 25918719 PMCID: PMC4396139 DOI: 10.1155/2015/690690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that enables activation by growth factor receptors or integrins in various types of human cancers. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions of FAK modulate the authentic signaling and fundamental functions not only in cancer cells but also in tumor microenvironment to facilitate cancer progression and metastasis. The overexpression and activation of FAK are usually investigated in primary or metastatic cancers and correlated with the poor clinical outcome, highlighting FAK as a potential prognostic marker and anticancer target. Small molecule inhibitors targeting FAK kinase activity or FAK-scaffolding functions impair cancer development in preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we give an overview for FAK signaling in cancer cells as well as tumor microenvironment that provides new strategies for the invention of cancer development and malignancy.
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40
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Down-regulation of ALDH1A3, CD44 or MDR1 sensitizes resistant cancer cells to FAK autophosphorylation inhibitor Y15. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2015; 141:1613-31. [PMID: 25656374 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-015-1924-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Focal adhesion kinase is an important survival signal in cancer. Recently, we demonstrated that the autophosphorylation inhibitor of FAK, Y15, effectively inhibited cancer cell growth. We detected many cancer cell lines sensitive to Y15 and also detected several cell lines such as colon cancer Lovo-1 and thyroid K1 more resistant to Y15. We sought to determine the main players responsible for the resistance. METHODS To reveal the signaling pathways responsible for the increased resistance of these cancer cells to the inhibitor of FAK, we performed a microarray gene profile study in both sensitive and resistant cells treated with Y15 inhibitor to compare with the more sensitive cells. RESULTS Among unique genes up-regulated by Y15 in Lovo-1 and K1 resistant cells, a stem cell marker-ALDH1A3-was detected to be up-regulated >twofold. The resistant Lovo-1 and thyroid K1 cells overexpressed ALDH1A3 and CD44 versus sensitive cells. Treatment with ALDH1A3 siRNAs or ALDH inhibitor, DEAB sensitized resistant Lovo-1 and K1 cells to Y15 inhibitor, decreased viability and caused G1 cell cycle arrest more effectively than each agent alone. In addition, down-regulation of CD44 that was overexpressed in resistant Lovo-1 cells with CD44 siRNA effectively decreased the viability of cells in combination with Y15. In addition, down-regulation of overexpressed MDR1 with specific inhibitor, PSC-833, also sensitized resistant colon cancer cells to Y15. CONCLUSIONS This report clearly demonstrates the mechanism of resistance to FAK autophosphorylation inhibitor and the mechanism to overcome it that is important for developing FAK-targeted therapy approaches.
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Chen S, Haas M, Sun S. Disrupting the scaffold, an alternative approach to inhibiting FAK. Cell Cycle 2014; 13:3794-5. [PMID: 25457350 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.986629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Song Chen
- a Department of Cancer Biology , University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati , OH USA
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Yoon H, Dehart JP, Murphy JM, Lim STS. Understanding the roles of FAK in cancer: inhibitors, genetic models, and new insights. J Histochem Cytochem 2014; 63:114-28. [PMID: 25380750 DOI: 10.1369/0022155414561498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a protein tyrosine kinase that regulates cellular adhesion, motility, proliferation and survival in various types of cells. Interestingly, FAK is activated and/or overexpressed in advanced cancers, and promotes cancer progression and metastasis. For this reason, FAK became a potential therapeutic target in cancer, and small molecule FAK inhibitors have been developed and are being tested in clinical phase trials. These inhibitors have demonstrated to be effective by inducing tumor cell apoptosis in addition to reducing metastasis and angiogenesis. Furthermore, several genetic FAK mouse models have made advancements in understanding the specific role of FAK both in tumors and in the tumor environment. In this review, we discuss FAK inhibitors as well as genetic mouse models to provide mechanistic insights into FAK signaling and its potential in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunho Yoon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Joshua P Dehart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - James M Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Ssang-Taek Steve Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
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Shapiro IM, Kolev VN, Vidal CM, Kadariya Y, Ring JE, Wright Q, Weaver DT, Menges C, Padval M, McClatchey AI, Xu Q, Testa JR, Pachter JA. Merlin deficiency predicts FAK inhibitor sensitivity: a synthetic lethal relationship. Sci Transl Med 2014; 6:237ra68. [PMID: 24848258 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3008639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The goal of targeted therapy is to match a selective drug with a genetic lesion that predicts for drug sensitivity. In a diverse panel of cancer cell lines, we found that the cells most sensitive to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition lack expression of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene product, Merlin. Merlin expression is often lost in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an asbestos-induced aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. Our data demonstrate that low Merlin expression predicts for increased sensitivity of MPM cells to a FAK inhibitor, VS-4718, in vitro and in tumor xenograft models. Disruption of MPM cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) contacts with blocking antibodies suggests that weak cell-cell adhesions in Merlin-negative MPM cells underlie their greater dependence on cell-ECM-induced FAK signaling. This provides one explanation of why Merlin-negative cells are vulnerable to FAK inhibitor treatment. Furthermore, we validated aldehyde dehydrogenase as a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in MPM, a cell population thought to mediate tumor relapse after chemotherapy. Whereas pemetrexed and cisplatin, standard-of-care agents for MPM, enrich for CSCs, FAK inhibitor treatment preferentially eliminates these cells. These preclinical results provide the rationale for a clinical trial in MPM patients using a FAK inhibitor as a single agent after first-line chemotherapy. With this design, the FAK inhibitor could potentially induce a more durable clinical response through reduction of CSCs along with a strong antitumor effect. Furthermore, our data suggest that patients with Merlin-negative tumors may especially benefit from FAK inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Craig Menges
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | | | - Andrea I McClatchey
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research and Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Qunli Xu
- Verastem Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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44
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FAK signaling in human cancer as a target for therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 146:132-49. [PMID: 25316657 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key regulator of growth factor receptor- and integrin-mediated signals, governing fundamental processes in normal and cancer cells through its kinase activity and scaffolding function. Increased FAK expression and activity occurs in primary and metastatic cancers of many tissue origins, and is often associated with poor clinical outcome, highlighting FAK as a potential determinant of tumor development and metastasis. Indeed, data from cell culture and animal models of cancer provide strong lines of evidence that FAK promotes malignancy by regulating tumorigenic and metastatic potential through highly-coordinated signaling networks that orchestrate a diverse range of cellular processes, such as cell survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and regulation of cancer stem cell activities. Such an integral role in governing malignant characteristics indicates that FAK represents a potential target for cancer therapeutics. While pharmacologic targeting of FAK scaffold function is still at an early stage of development, a number of small molecule-based FAK tyrosine kinase inhibitors are currently undergoing pre-clinical and clinical testing. In particular, PF-00562271, VS-4718 and VS-6063 show promising clinical activities in patients with selected solid cancers. Clinical testing of rationally designed FAK-targeting agents with implementation of predictive response biomarkers, such as merlin deficiency for VS-4718 in mesothelioma, may help improve clinical outcome for cancer patients. In this article, we have reviewed the current knowledge regarding FAK signaling in human cancer, and recent developments in the generation and clinical application of FAK-targeting pharmacologic agents.
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Yoo KH, Kang K, Feuermann Y, Jang SJ, Robinson GW, Hennighausen L. The STAT5-regulated miR-193b locus restrains mammary stem and progenitor cell activity and alveolar differentiation. Dev Biol 2014; 395:245-54. [PMID: 25236432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor STAT5 mediates prolactin signaling and controls functional development of mammary tissue during pregnancy. This study has identified the miR-193b locus, also encoding miRNAs 365-1 and 6365, as a STAT5 target in mammary epithelium. While the locus was characterized by active histone marks in mammary tissue, STAT5 binding and expression during pregnancy, it was silent in most non-mammary cells. Inactivation of the miR-193b locus in mice resulted in elevated mammary stem/progenitor cell activity as judged by limiting dilution transplantation experiments of primary mammary epithelial cells. Colonies formed by mutant cells were larger and contained more Ki-67 positive cells. Differentiation of mammary epithelium lacking the miR-193b locus was accelerated during puberty and pregnancy, which coincided with the loss of Cav3 and elevated levels of Elf5. Normal colony development was partially obtained upon ectopically expressing Cav3 or upon siRNA-mediated reduction of Elf5 in miR-193b-null primary mammary epithelial cells. This study reveals a previously unknown link between the mammary-defining transcription factor STAT5 and a microRNA cluster in controlling mammary epithelial differentiation and the activity of mammary stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hyun Yoo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Keunsoo Kang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan 330-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonatan Feuermann
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Seung Jin Jang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gertraud W Robinson
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lothar Hennighausen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. FAK promotes tumour progression and metastasis through effects on cancer cells, as well as stromal cells of the tumour microenvironment. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions of FAK control cell movement, invasion, survival, gene expression and cancer stem cell self-renewal. Small molecule FAK inhibitors decrease tumour growth and metastasis in several preclinical models and have initial clinical activity in patients with limited adverse events. In this Review, we discuss FAK signalling effects on both tumour and stromal cell biology that provide rationale and support for future therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian J. Sulzmaier
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Christine Jean
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - David D. Schlaepfer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, UCSD Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Address correspondence to: David D. Schlaepfer, Ph.D., University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, Department of Reproductive Medicine, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., MC0803, La Jolla, CA 92093,
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Owens TW, Rogers RL, Best S, Ledger A, Mooney AM, Ferguson A, Shore P, Swarbrick A, Ormandy CJ, Simpson PT, Carroll JS, Visvader J, Naylor MJ. Runx2 is a novel regulator of mammary epithelial cell fate in development and breast cancer. Cancer Res 2014; 74:5277-5286. [PMID: 25056120 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Regulators of differentiated cell fate can offer targets for managing cancer development and progression. Here, we identify Runx2 as a new regulator of epithelial cell fate in mammary gland development and breast cancer. Runx2 is expressed in the epithelium of pregnant mice in a strict temporally and hormonally regulated manner. During pregnancy, Runx2 genetic deletion impaired alveolar differentiation in a manner that disrupted alveolar progenitor cell populations. Conversely, exogenous transgenic expression of Runx2 in mammary epithelial cells blocked milk production, suggesting that the decrease in endogenous Runx2 observed late in pregnancy is necessary for full differentiation. In addition, overexpression of Runx2 drove epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like changes in normal mammary epithelial cells, whereas Runx2 deletion in basal breast cancer cells inhibited cellular phenotypes associated with tumorigenesis. Notably, loss of Runx2 expression increased tumor latency and enhanced overall survival in a mouse model of breast cancer, with Runx2-deficient tumors exhibiting reduced cell proliferation. Together, our results establish a previously unreported function for Runx2 in breast cancer that may offer a novel generalized route for therapeutic interventions. Cancer Res; 74(18); 5277-86. ©2014 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Owens
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Renee L Rogers
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sarah Best
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Anita Ledger
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Anne-Marie Mooney
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alison Ferguson
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul Shore
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Alexander Swarbrick
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Christopher J Ormandy
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Peter T Simpson
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Jason S Carroll
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Jane Visvader
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew J Naylor
- Discipline of Physiology & Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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Yang T, Rycaj K, Liu ZM, Tang DG. Cancer stem cells: constantly evolving and functionally heterogeneous therapeutic targets. Cancer Res 2014; 74:2922-7. [PMID: 24713433 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating the origin of and dynamic interrelationship between intratumoral cell subpopulations has clear clinical significance in helping to understand the cellular basis of treatment response, therapeutic resistance, and tumor relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSC), together with clonal evolution driven by genetic alterations, generate cancer cell heterogeneity commonly observed in clinical samples. The 2013 Shanghai International Symposium on Cancer Stem Cells brought together leaders in the field to highlight the most recent progress in phenotyping, characterizing, and targeting CSCs and in elucidating the relationship between the cell-of-origin of cancer and CSCs. Discussions from the symposium emphasize the urgent need in developing novel therapeutics to target the constantly evolving CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Authors' Affiliations: Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas
| | - Kiera Rycaj
- Authors' Affiliations: Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas
| | - Zhong-Min Liu
- Authors' Affiliations: Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas
| | - Dean G Tang
- Authors' Affiliations: Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, TexasAuthors' Affiliations: Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park, Smithville, Texas
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Golubovskaya VM. Targeting FAK in human cancer: from finding to first clinical trials. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2014; 19:687-706. [PMID: 24389213 DOI: 10.2741/4236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is twenty years since Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) was found to be overexpressed in many types of human cancer. FAK plays an important role in adhesion, spreading, motility, invasion, metastasis, survival, angiogenesis, and recently has been found to play an important role as well in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment. FAK has kinase-dependent and kinase independent scaffolding, cytoplasmic and nuclear functions. Several years ago FAK was proposed as a potential therapeutic target; the first clinical trials were just reported, and they supported further studies of FAK as a promising therapeutic target. This review discusses the main functions of FAK in cancer, and specifically focuses on recent novel findings on the role of FAK in cancer stem cells, microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, metastasis, and also highlight new approaches of targeting FAK and critically discuss challenges that lie ahead for its targeted therapeutics. The review provides a summary of translational approaches of FAK-targeted and combination therapies and outline perspectives and future directions of FAK research.
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