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Aya F, Lanuza-Gracia P, González-Pérez A, Bonnal S, Mancini E, López-Bigas N, Arance A, Valcárcel J. Genomic deletions explain the generation of alternative BRAF isoforms conferring resistance to MAPK inhibitors in melanoma. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114048. [PMID: 38614086 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114048] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi), the main cause of relapse in BRAF-mutant melanoma, is associated with the production of alternative BRAF mRNA isoforms (altBRAFs) in up to 30% of patients receiving BRAF inhibitor monotherapy. These altBRAFs have been described as being generated by alternative pre-mRNA splicing, and splicing modulation has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to overcome resistance. In contrast, we report that altBRAFs are generated through genomic deletions. Using different in vitro models of altBRAF-mediated melanoma resistance, we demonstrate the production of altBRAFs exclusively from the BRAF V600E allele, correlating with corresponding genomic deletions. Genomic deletions are also detected in tumor samples from melanoma and breast cancer patients expressing altBRAFs. Along with the identification of altBRAFs in BRAF wild-type and in MAPKi-naive melanoma samples, our results represent a major shift in our understanding of mechanisms leading to the generation of BRAF transcripts variants associated with resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Aya
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Investigacions Biomedicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Lanuza-Gracia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abel González-Pérez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sophie Bonnal
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estefania Mancini
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria López-Bigas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Arance
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Investigacions Biomedicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Valcárcel
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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2
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Cavallo MR, Yo JC, Gallant KC, Cunanan CJ, Amirfallah A, Daniali M, Sanders AB, Aplin AE, Pribitkin EA, Hartsough EJ. Mcl-1 mediates intrinsic resistance to RAF inhibitors in mutant BRAF papillary thyroid carcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:175. [PMID: 38622136 PMCID: PMC11018618 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01945-0] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent form of thyroid cancer. PTC commonly presents with mutations of the serine/threonine kinase BRAF (BRAFV600E), which drive ERK1/2 pathway activation to support growth and suppress apoptosis. PTC patients often undergo surgical resection; however, since the average age of PTC patients is under 50, adverse effects associated with prolonged maintenance therapy following total thyroidectomy are a concern. The development of mutant-selective BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi), like vemurafenib, has been efficacious in patients with metastatic melanoma, but the response rate is low for mutant BRAF PTC patients. Here, we assay the therapeutic response of BRAFi in a panel of human PTC cell lines and freshly biopsied patient samples. We observed heterogeneous responses to BRAFi, and multi-omic comparisons between susceptible and resistant mutant BRAF PTC revealed overrepresented stress response pathways and the absence of compensatory RTK activation - features that may underpin innate resistance. Importantly, resistant cell lines and patient samples had increased hallmarks of failed apoptosis; a cellular state defined by sublethal caspase activation and DNA damage. Further analysis suggests that the failed apoptotic phenotypes may have features of "minority mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP)" - a stress-related response characterized by fragmented and porous mitochondria known to contribute to cancer aggressiveness. We found that cells presenting with minority MOMP-like phenotypes are dependent on the apoptotic regulator, Mcl-1, as treatment with the Mcl-1 inhibitor, AZD5991, potently induced cell death in resistant cells. Furthermore, PI3K/AKT inhibitors sensitized resistant cells to BRAFi; an effect that was at least in part associated with reduced Mcl-1 levels. Together, these data implicate minority MOMP as a mechanism associated with intrinsic drug resistance and underscore the benefits of targeting Mcl-1 in mutant BRAF PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria R Cavallo
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Jacob C Yo
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Kayla C Gallant
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Camille J Cunanan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Amirali Amirfallah
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Marzieh Daniali
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Alyssa B Sanders
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Edmund A Pribitkin
- Departments of Otolargynology-Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Edward J Hartsough
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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3
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Witkowski J, Polak S, Rogulski Z, Pawelec D. In Vitro/In Vivo Translation of Synergistic Combination of MDM2 and MEK Inhibitors in Melanoma Using PBPK/PD Modelling: Part I. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12984. [PMID: 36361773 PMCID: PMC9656205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Translation of the synergy between the Siremadlin (MDM2 inhibitor) and Trametinib (MEK inhibitor) combination observed in vitro into in vivo synergistic efficacy in melanoma requires estimation of the interaction between these molecules at the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) levels. The cytotoxicity of the Siremadlin and Trametinib combination was evaluated in vitro in melanoma A375 cells with MTS and RealTime-Glo assays. Analysis of the drug combination matrix was performed using Synergy and Synergyfinder packages. Calculated drug interaction metrics showed high synergy between Siremadlin and Trametinib: 23.12%, or a 7.48% increase of combined drug efficacy (concentration-independent parameter β from Synergy package analysis and concentration-dependent δ parameter from Synergyfinder analysis, respectively). In order to select the optimal PD interaction parameter which may translate observed in vitro synergy metrics into the in vivo setting, further PK/PD studies on cancer xenograft animal models coupled with PBPK/PD modelling are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Witkowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
- Adamed Pharma S.A., Adamkiewicza 6a, 05-152 Czosnów, Poland
| | - Sebastian Polak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
- Simcyp Division, Certara UK Limited, Level 2-Acero, 1 Concourse Way, Sheffield S1 2BJ, UK
| | - Zbigniew Rogulski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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4
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Vido MJ, Rock J, Aplin AE. Role of serine 365 in BRAF V600E sensitivity to RAF inhibition. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 34:696-702. [PMID: 33000894 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The serine-threonine kinase, BRAF, is an upstream regulator of the MEK-ERK1/2 pathway and is commonly mutated in cancer. 14-3-3 proteins bind to two sites in BRAF, N-terminal S365, and C-terminal S729. 14-3-3 binding modulates the activity and dimerization of both wild-type and non-V600 mutant forms of BRAF. In BRAF V600E mutants, the C-terminal S729 site affects dimerization of truncated splice variants. The N-terminal, S365, is removed in BRAF V600E splice variants but its importance in full-length BRAF V600 mutants remains uncertain. We tested the role of S365 in dimerization and RAF inhibitor resistance in full-length BRAF V600E. Mutating BRAF S365 site to an alanine (S365A) reduced 14-3-3 association and increased BRAF V600E homodimerization. BRAF V600E S365A displayed reduced sensitivity to RAF inhibitor at the level of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling, cell growth, and cell viability. These data suggest that alteration or removal of the S365 14-3-3 binding site may contribute to RAF inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Vido
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justin Rock
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson College of Life Sciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Cui C, Yang J, Li X, Liu D, Fu L, Wang X. Functions and mechanisms of circular RNAs in cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:58. [PMID: 32171304 PMCID: PMC7071709 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01180-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), one type of non-coding RNA, were initially misinterpreted as nonfunctional products of pre-mRNA mis-splicing. Currently, circRNAs have been proven to manipulate the functions of diverse molecules, including non-coding RNAs, mRNAs, DNAs and proteins, to regulate cell activities in physiology and pathology. Accumulating evidence indicates that circRNAs play critical roles in tumor genesis, development, and sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are two primary types of intervention for most cancers, but their therapeutic efficacies are usually retarded by intrinsic and acquired resistance. Thus, it is urgent to develop new strategies to improve therapeutic responses. To achieve this, clarification of the underlying mechanisms affecting therapeutic responses in cancer is needed. This review summarizes recent progress and mechanisms of circRNAs in cancer resistance to radiation and chemotherapy, and it discusses the limitations of available knowledge and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaochu Cui
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Jianbo Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Dongling Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xianwei Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
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6
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Targeting MAPK Signaling in Cancer: Mechanisms of Drug Resistance and Sensitivity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031102. [PMID: 32046099 PMCID: PMC7037308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways represent ubiquitous signal transduction pathways that regulate all aspects of life and are frequently altered in disease. Here, we focus on the role of MAPK pathways in modulating drug sensitivity and resistance in cancer. We briefly discuss new findings in the extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, but mainly focus on the mechanisms how stress activated MAPK pathways, such as p38 MAPK and the Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), impact the response of cancer cells to chemotherapies and targeted therapies. In this context, we also discuss the role of metabolic and epigenetic aberrations and new therapeutic opportunities arising from these changes.
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7
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Targeting BRD/BET proteins inhibits adaptive kinome upregulation and enhances the effects of BRAF/MEK inhibitors in melanoma. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:789-800. [PMID: 31932756 PMCID: PMC7078299 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background BRAF-mutant melanoma patients respond to BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), but drug-tolerant cells persist, which may seed disease progression. Adaptive activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been associated with melanoma cell drug tolerance following targeted therapy. While co-targeting individual RTKs can enhance the efficacy of BRAFi/MEKi effects, it remains unclear how to broadly target multiple RTKs to achieve more durable tumour growth inhibition. Methods The blockage of adaptive RTK responses by the new BET inhibitor (BETi), PLX51107, was measured by RPPA and Western blot. Melanoma growth was evaluated in vitro by colony assay and EdU staining, as well as in skin reconstructs, xenografts and PDX models following BRAFi, MEKi and/or PLX51107 treatment. Results Treatment with PLX51107 limited BRAFi/MEKi upregulation of ErbB3 and PDGFR-β expression levels. Similar effects were observed following BRD2/4 depletion. In stage III melanoma patients, expression of BRD2/4 was strongly correlated with ErbB3. PLX51107 enhanced the effects of BRAFi/MEKi on inhibiting melanoma growth in vitro, in human skin reconstructs and in xenografts in vivo. Continuous triple drug combination treatment resulted in significant weight loss in mice, but intermittent BETi combined with continuous BRAFi/MEKi treatment was tolerable and improved durable tumour inhibition outcomes. Conclusions Together, our data suggest that intermittent inhibition of BET proteins may improve the duration of responses following BRAFi/MEKi treatment in BRAF-mutant melanoma.
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8
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BRAF Splice Variant Resistance to RAF Inhibitor Requires Enhanced MEK Association. Cell Rep 2019; 25:1501-1510.e3. [PMID: 30404005 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of aberrantly spliced BRAF V600E isoforms (BRAF V600E ΔEx) mediates resistance in 13%-30% of melanoma patients progressing on RAF inhibitors. BRAF V600E ΔEx confers resistance, in part, through enhanced dimerization. Here, we uncoupled BRAF V600E ΔEx dimerization from maintenance of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling. Furthermore, we show BRAF V600E ΔEx association with its substrate, MEK, is enhanced and required for RAF inhibitor resistance. RAF inhibitor treatment increased phosphorylation at serine 729 (S729) in BRAF V600E ΔEx. Mutation of S729 to a non-phosphorylatable residue reduced BRAF V600E ΔEx-MEK interaction, reduced dimerization or oligomerization, and increased RAF inhibitor sensitivity. Conversely, mutation of the BRAF dimerization domain elicited partial effects on MEK association and RAF inhibitor sensitivity. Our data implicate BRAF S729 in resistance to RAF inhibitor and underscore the importance of substrate association with BRAF V600E ΔEx. These findings may provide opportunities to target resistance driven by aberrantly spliced forms of BRAF V600E.
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9
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Michaelis M, Wass MN, Cinatl J. Drug-adapted cancer cell lines as preclinical models of acquired resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:447-456. [PMID: 35582596 PMCID: PMC8992517 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acquired resistance formation limits the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. Acquired and intrinsic resistance differ conceptually. Acquired resistance is the consequence of directed evolution, whereas intrinsic resistance depends on the (stochastic) presence of pre-existing resistance mechanisms. Preclinical model systems are needed to study acquired drug resistance because they enable: (1) in depth functional studies; (2) the investigation of non-standard treatments for a certain disease condition (which is necessary to identify small groups of responders); and (3) the comparison of multiple therapies in the same system. Hence, they complement data derived from clinical trials and clinical specimens, including liquid biopsies. Many groups have successfully used drug-adapted cancer cell lines to identify and elucidate clinically relevant resistance mechanisms to targeted and cytotoxic anti-cancer drugs. Hence, we argue that drug-adapted cancer cell lines represent a preclinical model system in their own right that is complementary to other preclinical model systems and clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Michaelis
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Mark N Wass
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institut für Medizinische Virologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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10
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Sanchez IM, Purwin TJ, Chervoneva I, Erkes DA, Nguyen MQ, Davies MA, Nathanson KL, Kemper K, Peeper DS, Aplin AE. In Vivo ERK1/2 Reporter Predictively Models Response and Resistance to Combined BRAF and MEK Inhibitors in Melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1637-1648. [PMID: 31270153 PMCID: PMC6726573 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Combined BRAF and MEK inhibition is a standard of care in patients with advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma, but acquired resistance remains a challenge that limits response durability. Here, we quantitated in vivo ERK1/2 activity and tumor response associated with resistance to combined BRAF and MEK inhibition in mutant BRAF xenografts. We found that ERK1/2 pathway reactivation preceded the growth of resistant tumors. Moreover, we detected a subset of cells that not only persisted throughout long-term treatment but restored ERK1/2 signaling and grew upon drug removal. Cell lines derived from combination-resistant tumors (CRT) exhibited elevated ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which were sensitive to ERK1/2 inhibition. In some CRTs, we detected a tandem duplication of the BRAF kinase domain. Monitoring ERK1/2 activity in vivo was efficacious in predicting tumor response during intermittent treatment. We observed maintained expression of the mitotic regulator, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), in melanoma resistant to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. Plk1 inhibition induced apoptosis in CRTs, leading to slowed growth of BRAF and MEK inhibitor-resistant tumors in vivo These data demonstrate the utility of in vivo ERK1/2 pathway reporting as a tool to optimize clinical dosing schemes and establish suppression of Plk1 as potential salvage therapy for BRAF inhibitor and MEK inhibitor-resistant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ileine M Sanchez
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Inna Chervoneva
- Division of Biostatistics, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dan A Erkes
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mai Q Nguyen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Katherine L Nathanson
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristel Kemper
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel S Peeper
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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11
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Luebker SA, Koepsell SA. Diverse Mechanisms of BRAF Inhibitor Resistance in Melanoma Identified in Clinical and Preclinical Studies. Front Oncol 2019; 9:268. [PMID: 31058079 PMCID: PMC6478763 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF inhibitor therapy may provide profound initial tumor regression in metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600 mutations, but treatment resistance often leads to disease progression. A multi-center analysis of BRAF inhibitor resistant patient tissue samples detected genomic changes after disease progression including multiple secondary mutations in the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway, mutant BRAF copy number gains, and BRAF alternative splicing as the predominant putative mechanisms of resistance, but 41.7% of samples had no known resistance drivers. In vitro models of BRAF inhibitor resistance have been developed under a wide variety of experimental conditions to investigate unknown drivers of resistance. Several in vitro models developed genetic alterations observed in patient tissue, but others modulate the response to BRAF inhibitors through increased expression of receptor tyrosine kinases. Both secondary genetic alterations and expression changes in receptor tyrosine kinases may increase activation of MAPK/Erk signaling in the presence of BRAF inhibitors as well as activate PI3K/Akt signaling to support continued growth. Melanoma cells that develop resistance in vitro may have increased dependence on serine or glutamine metabolism and have increased cell motility and metastatic capacity. Future studies of BRAF inhibitor resistance in vitro would benefit from adhering to experimental parameters that reflect development of BRAF inhibitor resistance in patients through using multiple cell lines, fully characterizing the dosing strategy, and reporting the fold change in drug sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Luebker
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Scott A Koepsell
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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Hartsough EJ, Weiss MB, Heilman SA, Purwin TJ, Kugel CH, Rosenbaum SR, Erkes DA, Tiago M, HooKim K, Chervoneva I, Aplin AE. CADM1 is a TWIST1-regulated suppressor of invasion and survival. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:281. [PMID: 30911007 PMCID: PMC6433918 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1515-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer remains a clinical challenge; however, patients diagnosed prior to metastatic dissemination have a good prognosis. The transcription factor, TWIST1 has been implicated in enhancing the migration and invasion steps within the metastatic cascade, but the range of TWIST1-regulated targets is poorly described. In this study, we performed expression profiling to identify the TWIST1-regulated transcriptome of melanoma cells. Gene ontology pathway analysis revealed that TWIST1 and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) were inversely correlated with levels of cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies and promoter assays demonstrated that TWIST1 physically interacts with the CADM1 promoter, suggesting TWIST1 directly represses CADM1 levels. Increased expression of CADM1 resulted in significant inhibition of motility and invasiveness of melanoma cells. In addition, elevated CADM1 elicited caspase-independent cell death in non-adherent conditions. Expression array analysis suggests that CADM1 directed non-adherent cell death is associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequent failure of oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Importantly, tissue microarray analysis and clinical data from TCGA indicate that CADM1 expression is inversely associated with melanoma progression and positively correlated with better overall survival in patients. Together, these data suggest that CADM1 exerts tumor suppressive functions in melanoma by reducing invasive potential and may be considered a biomarker for favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Hartsough
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Michele B Weiss
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Shea A Heilman
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Curtis H Kugel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Sheera R Rosenbaum
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Dan A Erkes
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Manoela Tiago
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Kim HooKim
- Departments of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Inna Chervoneva
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.,Division of Biostatistics in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA. .,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
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13
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Cunningham CE, MacAuley MJ, Yadav G, Vizeacoumar FS, Freywald A, Vizeacoumar FJ. Targeting the CINful genome: Strategies to overcome tumor heterogeneity. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 147:77-91. [PMID: 30817936 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Genomic instability, and more specifically chromosomal instability (CIN), arises from a number of processes that are defective in cancer, such as aberrant mitotic cell division, replication stress, defective DNA damage repair, and ineffective telomere maintenance. CIN is an emerging hallmark of cancer that contributes to tumor heterogeneity through increased rates of genetic alterations. As genetic heterogeneity within a single tumor and between tumors is a key challenge leading to treatment failures, this brings to question, whether therapeutic approaches should aim at the genetic diversity or a specific mutation present within these tumors. Answering this question will determine the future of personalized targeted therapies. Here we discuss, how the genetic diversity associated with CIN in tumor cells can be used as a therapeutic advantage and targeted by exploiting the genetic concepts of synthetic lethality and synthetic dosage lethality. Given that a number of CIN-related pathways work together to fix the DNA damage within our genome and ensure proper segregation of chromosomes, we specifically focus on the genetic interactions amongst these pathways and their potential therapeutic applicability in cancer. We also discuss, how tumor genetic heterogeneity can be targeted in emerging immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea E Cunningham
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5E5 Canada
| | - Mackenzie J MacAuley
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5E5 Canada
| | - Garima Yadav
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5E5 Canada
| | - Frederick S Vizeacoumar
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5E5 Canada
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5E5 Canada.
| | - Franco J Vizeacoumar
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Cluster, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5E5 Canada; Cancer Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, S7N 5E5, Canada.
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14
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Teh JLF, Aplin AE. Arrested Developments: CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance and Alterations in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:921-927. [PMID: 30287548 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells has led to the development of small-molecule inhibitors to target cell-cycle progression. Palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib are ATP-competitive inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 (CDK4/6), which function early within the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Recently, CDK4/6 inhibitors have gained FDA approval in postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer and testing in other cancer types is underway. However, resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors frequently develops. In addition, targeting CDK4/6 may augment the action of immune checkpoint blockade agents. Here, we review recent studies that provide the preclinical rationale for treatment combinations and schedules that include CDK4/6 inhibitors. Furthermore, we discuss inhibitor effects on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as a preclinical rationale for targeting CDK4/6 in combination with anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L F Teh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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15
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Vitiello M, Tuccoli A, D'Aurizio R, Sarti S, Giannecchini L, Lubrano S, Marranci A, Evangelista M, Peppicelli S, Ippolito C, Barravecchia I, Guzzolino E, Montagnani V, Gowen M, Mercoledi E, Mercatanti A, Comelli L, Gurrieri S, Wu LW, Ope O, Flaherty K, Boland GM, Hammond MR, Kwong L, Chiariello M, Stecca B, Zhang G, Salvetti A, Angeloni D, Pitto L, Calorini L, Chiorino G, Pellegrini M, Herlyn M, Osman I, Poliseno L. Context-dependent miR-204 and miR-211 affect the biological properties of amelanotic and melanotic melanoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:25395-25417. [PMID: 28445987 PMCID: PMC5421939 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing amounts of experimental evidence depicting the involvement of non-coding RNAs in cancer, the study of BRAFV600E-regulated genes has thus far focused mainly on protein-coding ones. Here, we identify and study the microRNAs that BRAFV600E regulates through the ERK pathway. By performing small RNA sequencing on A375 melanoma cells and a vemurafenib-resistant clone that was taken as negative control, we discover miR-204 and miR-211 as the miRNAs most induced by vemurafenib. We also demonstrate that, although belonging to the same family, these two miRNAs have distinctive features. miR-204 is under the control of STAT3 and its expression is induced in amelanotic melanoma cells, where it acts as an effector of vemurafenib's anti-motility activity by targeting AP1S2. Conversely, miR-211, a known transcriptional target of MITF, is induced in melanotic melanoma cells, where it targets EDEM1 and consequently impairs the degradation of TYROSINASE (TYR) through the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. In doing so, miR-211 serves as an effector of vemurafenib's pro-pigmentation activity. We also show that such an increase in pigmentation in turn represents an adaptive response that needs to be overcome using appropriate inhibitors in order to increase the efficacy of vemurafenib. In summary, we unveil the distinct and context-dependent activities exerted by miR-204 family members in melanoma cells. Our work challenges the widely accepted “same miRNA family = same function” rule and provides a rationale for a novel treatment strategy for melanotic melanomas that is based on the combination of ERK pathway inhibitors with pigmentation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Vitiello
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Tuccoli
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Romina D'Aurizio
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Medicine (LISM), Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,University of Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Giannecchini
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Lubrano
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,University of Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Marranci
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,University of Siena, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Italy
| | - Chiara Ippolito
- Unit of Histology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentina Montagnani
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUC, Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Mercoledi
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Laura Comelli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gurrieri
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Chiariello
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy.,Signal Transduction Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUS, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUC, Firenze, Italy
| | - Gao Zhang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alessandra Salvetti
- Unit of Experimental Biology and Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Pitto
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Firenze, Italy
| | | | - Marco Pellegrini
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Medicine (LISM), Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Poliseno
- Oncogenomics Unit, Core Research Laboratory, Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), AOUP, Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy
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16
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Teh JLF, Cheng PF, Purwin TJ, Nikbakht N, Patel P, Chervoneva I, Ertel A, Fortina PM, Kleiber I, HooKim K, Davies MA, Kwong LN, Levesque MP, Dummer R, Aplin AE. In Vivo E2F Reporting Reveals Efficacious Schedules of MEK1/2-CDK4/6 Targeting and mTOR-S6 Resistance Mechanisms. Cancer Discov 2018; 8:568-581. [PMID: 29496664 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-0699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Targeting cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 (CDK4/6) represents a therapeutic option in combination with BRAF inhibitor and/or MEK inhibitor (MEKi) in melanoma; however, continuous dosing elicits toxicities in patients. Using quantitative and temporal in vivo reporting, we show that continuous MEKi with intermittent CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) led to more complete tumor responses versus other combination schedules. Nevertheless, some tumors acquired resistance that was associated with enhanced phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 protein. These data were supported by phospho-S6 staining of melanoma biopsies from patients treated with CDK4/6i plus targeted inhibitors. Enhanced phospho-S6 in resistant tumors provided a therapeutic window for the mTORC1/2 inhibitor AZD2014. Mechanistically, upregulation or mutation of NRAS was associated with resistance in in vivo models and patient samples, respectively, and mutant NRAS was sufficient to enhance resistance. This study utilizes an in vivo reporter model to optimize schedules and supports targeting mTORC1/2 to overcome MEKi plus CDK4/6i resistance.Significance: Mutant BRAF and NRAS melanomas acquire resistance to combined MEK and CDK4/6 inhibition via upregulation of mTOR pathway signaling. This resistance mechanism provides the preclinical basis to utilize mTORC1/2 inhibitors to improve MEKi plus CDK4/6i drug regimens. Cancer Discov; 8(5); 568-81. ©2018 AACR.See related commentary by Sullivan, p. 532See related article by Romano et al., p. 556This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 517.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L F Teh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Phil F Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Neda Nikbakht
- Department of Cutaneous Biology and Dermatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Prem Patel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Inna Chervoneva
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam Ertel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Paolo M Fortina
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ines Kleiber
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim HooKim
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lawrence N Kwong
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mitch P Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Department of Cutaneous Biology and Dermatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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17
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The transcription factor RUNX2 regulates receptor tyrosine kinase expression in melanoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:29689-707. [PMID: 27102439 PMCID: PMC5045426 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases-based autocrine loops largely contribute to activate the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in melanoma. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in generating these autocrine loops are still largely unknown. In the present study, we examine the role of the transcription factor RUNX2 in the regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) expression in melanoma. We have demonstrated that RUNX2-deficient melanoma cells display a significant decrease in three receptor tyrosine kinases, EGFR, IGF-1R and PDGFRβ. In addition, we found co-expression of RUNX2 and another RTK, AXL, in both melanoma cells and melanoma patient samples. We observed a decrease in phosphoAKT2 (S474) and phosphoAKT (T308) levels when RUNX2 knock down resulted in significant RTK down regulation. Finally, we showed a dramatic up regulation of RUNX2 expression with concomitant up-regulation of EGFR, IGF-1R and AXL in melanoma cells resistant to the BRAF V600E inhibitor PLX4720. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that RUNX2 might be a key player in RTK-based autocrine loops and a mediator of resistance to BRAF V600E inhibitors involving RTK up regulation in melanoma.
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18
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Hartsough EJ, Kugel CH, Vido MJ, Berger AC, Purwin TJ, Goldberg A, Davies MA, Schiewer MJ, Knudsen KE, Bollag G, Aplin AE. Response and Resistance to Paradox-Breaking BRAF Inhibitor in Melanomas In Vivo and Ex Vivo. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 17:84-95. [PMID: 29133617 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
FDA-approved BRAF inhibitors produce high response rates and improve overall survival in patients with BRAF V600E/K-mutant melanoma, but are linked to pathologies associated with paradoxical ERK1/2 activation in wild-type BRAF cells. To overcome this limitation, a next-generation paradox-breaking RAF inhibitor (PLX8394) has been designed. Here, we show that by using a quantitative reporter assay, PLX8394 rapidly suppressed ERK1/2 reporter activity and growth of mutant BRAF melanoma xenografts. Ex vivo treatment of xenografts and use of a patient-derived explant system (PDeX) revealed that PLX8394 suppressed ERK1/2 signaling and elicited apoptosis more effectively than the FDA-approved BRAF inhibitor, vemurafenib. Furthermore, PLX8394 was efficacious against vemurafenib-resistant BRAF splice variant-expressing tumors and reduced splice variant homodimerization. Importantly, PLX8394 did not induce paradoxical activation of ERK1/2 in wild-type BRAF cell lines or PDeX. Continued in vivo dosing of xenografts with PLX8394 led to the development of acquired resistance via ERK1/2 reactivation through heterogeneous mechanisms; however, resistant cells were found to have differential sensitivity to ERK1/2 inhibitor. These findings highlight the efficacy of a paradox-breaking selective BRAF inhibitor and the use of PDeX system to test the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 84-95. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Hartsough
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Curtis H Kugel
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael J Vido
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adam C Berger
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allison Goldberg
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew J Schiewer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen E Knudsen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. .,Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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19
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He T, Zhang M, Zheng R, Zheng S, Linghu E, Herman JG, Guo M. Methylation of SLFN11 is a marker of poor prognosis and cisplatin resistance in colorectal cancer. Epigenomics 2017; 9:849-862. [PMID: 28403629 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2017-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The expression of human SLFN11 was reported to sensitize cancer cells to DNA damaging agents. This study is to explore the epigenetic change and the function of SLFN11 in human colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials & methods: Six CRC cell lines and 128 primary CRC samples were used. Results: SLFN11 was methylated in 55.47% (71/128) of primary CRC. The expression of SLFN11 was regulated by promoter region methylation. Methylation of SLFN11 was significantly associated with age, poor 5-year overall survival and 5-year relapse-free survival (all p < 0.05). SLFN11 suppressed CRC cell growth both in vitro and in vivo and sensitized CRC cells to cisplatin. Conclusion: SLFN11 is frequently methylated in human CRC, and the expression of SLFN11 is regulated by promoter region methylation. Methylation of SLFN11 reduced the sensitivity of CRC cells to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Meiying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
- Medical College, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Ruipan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
- Medical College, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shufang Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Enqiang Linghu
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - James G Herman
- Medical College, NanKai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Mingzhou Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, #28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
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20
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Liu K, Xie F, Gao A, Zhang R, Zhang L, Xiao Z, Hu Q, Huang W, Huang Q, Lin B, Zhu J, Wang H, Que J, Lan X. SOX2 regulates multiple malignant processes of breast cancer development through the SOX2/miR-181a-5p, miR-30e-5p/TUSC3 axis. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:62. [PMID: 28288641 PMCID: PMC5348847 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of SOX2 protein are correlated with increased dissemination of breast cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. METHODS In this study we investigate the role of SOX2 in breast cancer metastasis using multiple in vitro and in vivo assays including cell culture, shRNA-mediated knockdown, wound healing, colony formation, transwell chamber, xenograft and tail vein injection. Moreover, western blot, immunostaining, microarray and real-time PCR were used to determine the change of protein and miRNA levels. Luciferase assays were also used to evaluate activity which TUSC3 is a target of miR-181a-5p and miR-30e-5p, and the clinical survival relevance was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS We identified a novel pathway involving SOX2 regulation of microRNAs to control the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. shRNA-mediated knockdown of SOX2 inhibits breast cancer cell expansion and migration. More importantly, we found that these changes are accompanied by significant reduction in the levels of two microRNAs, miR-181a-5p and miR-30e-5p. Overexpression of these two microRNAs leads to reduced protein levels of Tumor Suppressor Candidate 3 (TUSC3) in breast cancer cells; mutations of the potential binding sites in the 3'-UTR of TUSC3 abrogate the inhibitory effects of the microRNAs. We further found that upregulation of TUSC3 expression leads to reduced proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. In human breast cancer samples the levels of TUSC3 protein are inversely correlated with those of SOX2 protein. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our work reveals a novel SOX2-mediated regulatory axis that plays critical roles in the proliferation, migration and invasiveness of breast cancer cells. Targeting this axis may provide beneficial effect in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuancan Liu
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, 10032, NY, USA. .,Dong fang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,Fuzhou General Hospital Clinical Medical School, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fuan Xie
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China.,Dong fang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Anding Gao
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China.,Dong fang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China.,Fuzhou General Hospital Clinical Medical School, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Zhang
- Life Science Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangwu Xiao
- Emergency Department of the 476 Hospital, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350002, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Hu
- Dong fang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Huang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443002, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaojia Huang
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoshun Lin
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China.,Dong fang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, 14642, NY, USA
| | - Haikun Wang
- Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, 10032, NY, USA.
| | - Xiaopeng Lan
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Hospital, PLA, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, People's Republic of China. .,Fuzhou General Hospital Clinical Medical School, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Combined BRAF V600E and MEK blockade for BRAF V600E-mutant gliomas. J Neurooncol 2016; 131:495-505. [PMID: 27848137 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-016-2333-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BRAFV600E is a common finding in glioma (about 10-60% depending on histopathologic subclassification). BRAFV600E monotherapy shows modest preclinical efficacy against BRAFV600E gliomas and also induces adverse secondary skin malignancies. Here, we examine the molecular mechanism of intrinsic resistance to BRAFV600E inhibition in glioma. Furthermore, we investigate BRAFV600E/MEK combination therapy that overcomes intrinsic resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor and also prevents BRAFV600E inhibitor induced secondary malignancies. Immunoblotting and Human Phospho-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Array assays were used to interrogate MAPK pathway activation. The cellular effect of BRAFV600E and MEK inhibition was determined by WST-1 viability assay and cell cycle analysis. Flanked and orthotopic GBM mouse models were used to investigate the in vivo efficacy of BRAFV600E/MEK combination therapy and the effect on secondary malignancies. BRAFV600E inhibition leads to recovery of ERK phosphorylation. Combined BRAFV600E and MEK inhibition prevents reactivation of the MAPK signaling, which correlates with decreased cell viability and augmented cell cycle arrest. Similarly, mice bearing BRAFV600E glioma showed reduced tumor growth when treated with a combination of BRAFV600E and MEK inhibitor compared to BRAFV600E inhibition alone. Additional benefit of BRAFV600E/MEK inhibition was reflected by reduced cutaneous squamous-cell carcinoma (cSCC) growth (a surrogate for RAS-driven secondary maligancies). In glioma, recovery of MAPK signaling upon BRAF inhibition accounts for intrinsic resistance to BRAFV600E inhibitor. Combined BRAFV600E and MEK inhibition prevents rebound of MAPK activation, resulting in enhanced antitumor efficacy and also reduces the risk of secondary malignancy development.
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22
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Teh JLF, Purwin TJ, Greenawalt EJ, Chervoneva I, Goldberg A, Davies MA, Aplin AE. An In Vivo Reporter to Quantitatively and Temporally Analyze the Effects of CDK4/6 Inhibitor-Based Therapies in Melanoma. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5455-66. [PMID: 27488531 PMCID: PMC5026598 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant cell-cycle progression is a hallmark feature of cancer cells. Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) drive progression through the G1 stage of the cell cycle, at least in part, by inactivating the tumor suppressor, retinoblastoma. CDK4/6 are targetable and the selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, was recently FDA approved for the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. In cutaneous melanoma, driver mutations in NRAS and BRAF promote CDK4/6 activation, suggesting that inhibitors such as palbociclib are likely to provide therapeutic benefit in combination with BRAF inhibitors and/or MEK inhibitors that are FDA-approved. However, the determinants of the response to CDK4/6 inhibitors alone and in combination with other targeted inhibitors are poorly defined. Furthermore, in vivo systems to quantitatively and temporally measure the efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitors and determine the extent that CDK activity is reactivated during acquired resistance are lacking. Here, we describe the heterogeneous effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors, the expression of antiapoptotic proteins that associate with response to CDK4/6 and MEK inhibitors, and the development of a luciferase-based reporter system to determine the effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors alone and in combination with MEK inhibitors in melanoma xenografts. These findings are likely to inform on-going and future clinical trials utilizing CDK4/6 inhibitors in cutaneous melanoma. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5455-66. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L F Teh
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy J Purwin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Evan J Greenawalt
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Inna Chervoneva
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allison Goldberg
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael A Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Department of Cutaneous Biology and Dermatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Asparagine promotes cancer cell proliferation through use as an amino acid exchange factor. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11457. [PMID: 27126896 PMCID: PMC4855534 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 331] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular amino acid uptake is critical for mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) activation and cell proliferation. However, the regulation of amino acid uptake is not well-understood. Here we describe a role for asparagine as an amino acid exchange factor: intracellular asparagine exchanges with extracellular amino acids. Through asparagine synthetase knockdown and altering of media asparagine concentrations, we show that intracellular asparagine levels regulate uptake of amino acids, especially serine, arginine and histidine. Through its exchange factor role, asparagine regulates mTORC1 activity and protein synthesis. In addition, we show that asparagine regulation of serine uptake influences serine metabolism and nucleotide synthesis, suggesting that asparagine is involved in coordinating protein and nucleotide synthesis. Finally, we show that maintenance of intracellular asparagine levels is critical for cancer cell growth. Collectively, our results indicate that asparagine is an important regulator of cancer cell amino acid homeostasis, anabolic metabolism and proliferation.
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Hartsough EJ, Aplin AE. Of Mice and Melanoma: PDX System for Modeling Personalized Medicine. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:1550-2. [PMID: 26842234 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapies have advanced the treatment options for cutaneous melanoma, but many patients will progress on drug. Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) can be used to recapitulate therapy-resistant tumors. Furthermore, PDX modeling can be utilized in combination with targeted sequencing and phosphoproteomic platforms, providing preclinical basis for second-line targeted inhibitor strategies. See related article by Krepler et al., p. 1592.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Hartsough
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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25
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The RAF-MEK-ERK pathway: targeting ERK to overcome obstacles to effective cancer therapy. Future Med Chem 2015; 7:269-89. [PMID: 25826360 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.14.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Currently, dozens of BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors targeting RAF-MEK-ERK pathway have been introduced into clinical trials for cancer therapy. However, after 6-8 months of initial response, acquired drug resistance among the majority of those treated patients sharply diminished their clinical efficacy. DISCUSSION Important mechanisms responsible for acquired resistance of BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors have been elucidated. Continually, ERK1/2 locates in the critical position and features unique characteristics, such as activating hundreds of substrates, participating in feedback regulation, being catalyzed by MEK specifically and no acquired resistant mutation. CONCLUSION Taking in account the inspiring outcomes of ERK inhibitors in preclinical research, ERK1/2 might be the optimal target to overcome acquired drug resistance in RAF-MEK-ERK pathway.
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LIANG XI, XU XUEQING, WANG FENGCHAO, CHEN XUEDAN, LI NI, WANG CANCAN, HE JIANMING. E-cadherin knockdown increases β-catenin reducing colorectal cancer chemosensitivity only in three-dimensional cultures. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:1517-27. [DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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27
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Capparelli C, Rosenbaum S, Berger AC, Aplin AE. Fibroblast-derived neuregulin 1 promotes compensatory ErbB3 receptor signaling in mutant BRAF melanoma. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:24267-77. [PMID: 26269601 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.657270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF) inhibitors are first-line treatments for patients harboring V600E/K mutant BRAF melanoma. Although RAF inhibitors produce high response rates, the degree of tumor regression is heterogeneous. Compensatory/adaptive responses to targeted inhibitors are frequently initiated by the activation of growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, including ErbB3, and factors from the tumor microenvironment may play an important role. We have shown previously that mutant v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) melanoma cells have enhanced activation of ErbB3 following RAF inhibition. However, the source of neuregulin 1 (NRG1), the ligand for ErbB3, is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that NRG1 is highly expressed by dermal fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from mutant BRAF melanomas. Conditioned medium from fibroblasts and CAFs enhanced ErbB3 pathway activation and limited RAF inhibitor cytotoxicity in V600 mutant BRAF-harboring melanomas. Targeting the ErbB3/ErbB2 pathway partially reversed the protective effects of fibroblast/CAF-derived NRG1 on cell growth properties of RAF inhibitor-treated melanoma cells. These findings support the idea that NRG1, acting in a paracrine manner, promotes resistance to RAF inhibitors and emphasize that targeting the ErbB3/ErbB2 pathway will likely improve the efficacy of RAF inhibitors for mutant BRAF melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheera Rosenbaum
- From the Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and
| | - Adam C Berger
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- From the Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and
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Abstract
Cancer is a disease of the genome with diverse aetiologies including the accumulation of acquired mutations throughout the genome. There has been a flood of knowledge improving our understanding of the biology and molecular genetics of melanoma, lung and colorectal cancer since the genomics era started. Translation of this knowledge into a better understanding of cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis has produced a paradigm shift in medical oncology enabling gene-based cancer treatment (called personalised or precision medicine). Somatic mutation analysis is crucial for a genomics approach since it can identify driver mutations-the "Achilles' heel" of cancer, and support clinical decision-making through targeted therapy. Nevertheless, the applications of somatic DNA testing in cancer face many challenges such as obtaining comprehensive coverage of the cancer genome with limited DNA being available, and delivering an accurate report in a timely fashion without false-negative and false-positive results. Further advances in DNA technologies and bioinformatics will overcome these issues and maximise opportunities for targeted therapy. Somatic mutation analysis will then become an integral part of cancer management for all malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yu
- 1 Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia ; 2 Sydney Medical School (Central), the University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia ; 3 Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Sandra A O'Toole
- 1 Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia ; 2 Sydney Medical School (Central), the University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia ; 3 Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ronald J Trent
- 1 Department of Medical Genomics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia ; 2 Sydney Medical School (Central), the University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia ; 3 Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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29
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Tomei S, Wang E, Delogu LG, Marincola FM, Bedognetti D. Non-BRAF-targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapy for melanoma. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014; 14:663-86. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2014.890586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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30
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Hartsough EJ, Basile KJ, Aplin AE. Beneficial effects of RAF inhibitor in mutant BRAF splice variant-expressing melanoma. Mol Cancer Res 2014; 12:795-802. [PMID: 24520098 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Resistance to RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib is a major clinical problem in the treatment of melanoma. Patients with mutant BRAF melanoma that progress on RAF inhibitors have limited treatment options, and drug removal from resistant tumors may elicit multiple effects. A frequent mechanism of resistance to RAF inhibitors is caused by expression of mutant BRAF splice variants. RAF inhibitor-resistant cell lines, generated in vivo, were tested as to whether or not mutant BRAF splice variants confer a fitness advantage in the presence of RAF inhibitor. Critically, cells expressing distinct mutant BRAF splice variants grow more efficiently in vitro and in vivo in the presence of the vemurafenib analog, PLX4720, compared with in the absence of inhibitor. PLX4720-treated BRAF splice variant-expressing cells exhibited levels of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 comparable to untreated parental cells. In addition, a reduction in phospho-ERK1/2 levels following treatment with the MEK inhibitor, trametinib (GSK1120212) phenocopied the fitness benefit provided by PLX4720. These data indicate that mutant BRAF splice variant-expressing melanoma cells are benefited by defined concentrations of RAF inhibitors. IMPLICATIONS This study provides evidence that RAF inhibitor-resistant melanoma cells benefit from continued therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Hartsough
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Cancer Biology and 2Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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31
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Basile KJ, Le K, Hartsough EJ, Aplin AE. Inhibition of mutant BRAF splice variant signaling by next-generation, selective RAF inhibitors. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:479-84. [PMID: 24422853 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vemurafenib and dabrafenib block MEK-ERK1/2 signaling and cause tumor regression in the majority of advanced-stage BRAF(V600E) melanoma patients; however, acquired resistance and paradoxical signaling have driven efforts for more potent and selective RAF inhibitors. Next-generation RAF inhibitors, such as PLX7904 (PB04), effectively inhibit RAF signaling in BRAF(V600E) melanoma cells without paradoxical effects in wild-type cells. Furthermore, PLX7904 blocks the growth of vemurafenib-resistant BRAF(V600E) cells that express mutant NRAS. Acquired resistance to vemurafenib and dabrafenib is also frequently driven by expression of mutation BRAF splice variants; thus, we tested the effects of PLX7904 and its clinical analog, PLX8394 (PB03), in BRAF(V600E) splice variant-mediated vemurafenib-resistant cells. We show that paradox-breaker RAF inhibitors potently block MEK-ERK1/2 signaling, G1/S cell cycle events, survival and growth of vemurafenib/PLX4720-resistant cells harboring distinct BRAF(V600E) splice variants. These data support the further investigation of paradox-breaker RAF inhibitors as a second-line treatment option for patients failing on vemurafenib or dabrafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Basile
- Department of Cancer Biology and Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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