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Agrawal R, Natarajan KN. Oncogenic signaling pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:251-283. [PMID: 37268398 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common (∼90% cases) pancreatic neoplasm and one of the most lethal cancer among all malignances. PDAC harbor aberrant oncogenic signaling that may result from the multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations such as the mutation in driver genes (KRAS, CDKN2A, p53), genomic amplification of regulatory genes (MYC, IGF2BP2, ROIK3), deregulation of chromatin-modifying proteins (HDAC, WDR5) among others. A key event is the formation of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) that often results from the activating mutation in KRAS. Mutated KRAS can direct a variety of signaling pathways and modulate downstream targets including MYC, which play an important role in cancer progression. In this review, we discuss recent literature shedding light on the origins of PDAC from the perspective of major oncogenic signaling pathways. We highlight how MYC directly and indirectly, with cooperation with KRAS, affect epigenetic reprogramming and metastasis. Additionally, we summarize the recent findings from single cell genomic approaches that highlight heterogeneity in PDAC and tumor microenvironment, and provide molecular avenues for PDAC treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Agrawal
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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2
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Abstract
The HER2+ subtype of human breast cancer is associated with the malignant transformation of luminal ductal cells of the mammary epithelium. The sequence analysis of tumor DNA identifies loss of function mutations and deletions of the MAP2K4 and MAP2K7 genes that encode direct activators of the JUN NH2-terminal kinase (JNK). We report that in vitro studies of human mammary epithelial cells with CRISPR-induced mutations in the MAPK and MAP2K components of the JNK pathway caused no change in growth in 2D culture, but these mutations promoted epithelial cell proliferation in 3D culture. Analysis of gene expression signatures in 3D culture demonstrated similar changes caused by HER2 activation and JNK pathway loss. The mechanism of signal transduction cross-talk may be mediated, in part, by JNK-suppressed expression of integrin α6β4 that binds HER2 and amplifies HER2 signaling. These data suggest that HER2 activation and JNK pathway loss may synergize to promote breast cancer. To test this hypothesis, we performed in vivo studies using a mouse model of HER2+ breast cancer with Cre/loxP-mediated ablation of genes encoding JNK (Mapk8 and Mapk9) and the MAP2K (Map2k4 and Map2k7) that activate JNK in mammary epithelial cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis of tumor development demonstrated that JNK pathway deficiency promotes HER2+-driven breast cancer. Collectively, these data identify JNK pathway genes as potential suppressors for HER2+ breast cancer.
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3
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Shi J, Yang X, Kang Q, Lu J, Denzinger M, Kornmann M, Traub B. JNK inhibitor IX restrains pancreatic cancer through p53 and p21. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1006131. [PMID: 36568248 PMCID: PMC9768178 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1006131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel treatment options for pancreatic cancer are desperately needed. De-regulated kinases can be regularly detected in pancreatic cancer. Multiple pathway inhibitors were developed to exploit these features, among them selective inhibitors of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase isoforms 1 and 2 (JNK1 and 2). We evaluated the effectiveness of four different JNK inhibitors on pancreatic cancer cell lines. Cell mobility and migration were evaluated in scratch assay and Boyden chamber assay. Mechanism of cell death was analyzed via apoptosis assays in FACS and immunoblotting as well as cell cycle analysis via FACS, and qPCR. JNK2 knockout cells were generated using siRNA transfection. Among the inhibitors, JNK inhibitor IX (JNK-in-IX), designed as specific inhibitor against JNK2 was proven highly effective in inhibiting cell growth, mobility and migration. We were able to show that JNK-in-IX caused DNA damage resulting in G2 arrest mediated through p53 and p21. Interestingly, JNK-in-IX acted independently of its primary target JNK2. In summary, JNK-in-IX was shown highly effective in pancreatic cancer. This study underlines the need for modeling systems in testing therapeutic options as JNK2 was previously not indicated as a potential target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Shi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China,Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Qi Kang
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jian Lu
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maximilian Denzinger
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marko Kornmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benno Traub
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany,*Correspondence: Benno Traub,
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4
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Li S, Xie K. Ductal metaplasia in pancreas. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188698. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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5
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Heymans C, Delcorte O, Spourquet C, Villacorte-Tabelin M, Dupasquier S, Achouri Y, Mahibullah S, Lemoine P, Balda MS, Matter K, Pierreux CE. Spatio-temporal expression pattern and role of the tight junction protein MarvelD3 in pancreas development and function. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14519. [PMID: 34267243 PMCID: PMC8282860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93654-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight junction complexes are involved in the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity and the regulation of signalling pathways, controlling biological processes such as cell differentiation and cell proliferation. MarvelD3 is a tight junction protein expressed in adult epithelial and endothelial cells. In Xenopus laevis, MarvelD3 morphants present differentiation defects of several ectodermal derivatives. In vitro experiments further revealed that MarvelD3 couples tight junctions to the MEKK1-JNK pathway to regulate cell behaviour and survival. In this work, we found that MarvelD3 is expressed from early developmental stages in the exocrine and endocrine compartments of the pancreas, as well as in endothelial cells of this organ. We thoroughly characterized MarvelD3 expression pattern in developing pancreas and evaluated its function by genetic ablation. Surprisingly, inactivation of MarvelD3 in mice did not alter development and differentiation of the pancreatic tissue. Moreover, tight junction formation and organization, cell polarization, and activity of the JNK-pathway were not impacted by the deletion of MarvelD3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ophélie Delcorte
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Woluwe, Belgium
| | | | - Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Woluwe, Belgium
- PRISM, MSU-IIT, Iligan City, Philippines
| | | | | | - Siam Mahibullah
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Woluwe, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lemoine
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Woluwe, Belgium
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6
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Dai J, Jiang M, Hu Y, Xiao J, Hu B, Xu J, Han X, Shen S, Li B, Wu Z, He Y, Ren Y, Wen L, Wang X, Hu G. Dysregulated SREBP1c/miR-153 signaling induced by hypertriglyceridemia worsens acute pancreatitis and delays tissue repair. JCI Insight 2021; 6:138584. [PMID: 33491670 PMCID: PMC7934861 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.138584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute pancreatitis (AP) is a life-threatening disease with up to 30% mortality. Therefore, prevention of AP aggravation and promotion of pancreatic regeneration are critical during the course and treatment of AP. Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an established aggravating factor for AP that hinders pancreatic regeneration; however, its exact mechanism remains unclear. Using miRNA sequencing and further verification, we found that miRNA-153 (miR-153) was upregulated in the pancreas of HTG animal models and in the plasma of patients with HTG-AP. Increased miR-153 aggravated HTG-AP and delayed pancreatic repair via targeting TRAF3. Furthermore, miR-153 was transcriptionally suppressed by sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP1c), which was suppressed by lipoprotein lipase malfunction-induced HTG. Overexpressing SREBP1c suppressed miR-153 expression, alleviated the severity of AP, and facilitated tissue regeneration in vivo. Finally, therapeutic administration of insulin also protected against HTG-AP via upregulating SREBP1c. Collectively, our results not only provide evidence that HTG leads to the development of more severe AP and hinders pancreatic regeneration via inducing persistent dysregulation of SREBP1c/miR-153 signaling, but also demonstrate that SREBP1c activators, including insulin, might be used to treat HTG-AP in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingjie Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangyang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingbo Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyao Xu
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuangjun Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengkai Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchun Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingpeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoyong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology and.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Lai M, Ge Y, Chen M, Sun S, Chen J, Cheng R. Saikosaponin D Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis Through Activation of MKK4-JNK Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:9465-9479. [PMID: 33061432 PMCID: PMC7522527 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s263322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies and has few treatment options. Saikosaponin D (SSD), a major bioactive triterpene saponin isolated from Bupleurum chinense, has been reported to exert cytotoxicity properties toward many cancer cells. However, the effects of SSD on pancreatic cancer have been little scrutinized. Methods Here, we investigated the effect of SSD on the proliferation and apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer BxPC3 and PANC1 cells and the mouse pancreatic cancer cell line Pan02. Cell viability was determined by MTT assays and cell apoptosis analyzed by DAPI staining and flow cytometry. Expression levels of apoptosis-regulating markers and activity of the MKK4–JNK signaling pathway were determined by Western blotting. The inhibitor SP600125 was applied to confirm the role of the JNK pathway in SSD efficiency. Results SSD significantly inhibited the proliferation of BxPC3, PANC1, and Pan02 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Flow-cytometry analysis indicated obvious apoptosis induction after SSD exposure. Furthermore, SSD significantly triggered cleavage of caspase 3 and caspase 9 proteins and increased the expression of FoxO3a. In addition, activity of the MKK4–JNK pathway was dramatically increased after treatment with SSD in BxPC3 cells. SSD obviously stimulated phosphorylation of JNK, cJun, and SEK1/MKK4 proteins within 30 minutes. The addition of SP600125 blocked the activation of SSD on the MKK4–JNK regulatory pathway and reversed the effects of SSD on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in BxPC3 cells. Conclusion These results revealed that SSD was capable of suppressing tumor growth and promoting apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells via targeting the MKK4–JNK signaling pathway, indicating the possibility of further developing SSD as a potential therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengru Lai
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Ge
- First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Siya Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhen Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
| | - Rubin Cheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, People's Republic of China
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8
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Lipner MB, Peng XL, Jin C, Xu Y, Gao Y, East MP, Rashid NU, Moffitt RA, Herrera Loeza SG, Morrison AB, Golitz BT, Vaziri C, Graves LM, Johnson GL, Yeh JJ. Irreversible JNK1-JUN inhibition by JNK-IN-8 sensitizes pancreatic cancer to 5-FU/FOLFOX chemotherapy. JCI Insight 2020; 5:129905. [PMID: 32213714 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.129905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 55,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) yearly, and fewer than 20% of these patients survive a year beyond diagnosis. Chemotherapies are considered or used in nearly every PDAC case, but there is limited understanding of the complex signaling responses underlying resistance to these common treatments. Here, we take an unbiased approach to study protein kinase network changes following chemotherapies in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of PDAC to facilitate design of rational drug combinations. Proteomics profiling following chemotherapy regimens reveals that activation of JNK-JUN signaling occurs after 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin (5-FU + LEU) and FOLFOX (5-FU + LEU plus oxaliplatin [OX]), but not after OX alone or gemcitabine. Cell and tumor growth assays with the irreversible inhibitor JNK-IN-8 and genetic manipulations demonstrate that JNK and JUN each contribute to chemoresistance and cancer cell survival after FOLFOX. Active JNK1 and JUN are specifically implicated in these effects, and synergy with JNK-IN-8 is linked to FOLFOX-mediated JUN activation, cell cycle dysregulation, and DNA damage response. This study highlights the potential for JNK-IN-8 as a biological tool and potential combination therapy with FOLFOX in PDAC and reinforces the need to tailor treatment to functional characteristics of individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Lipner
- Department of Pharmacology.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | | | - Chong Jin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Biostatistics
| | - Yi Xu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Yanzhe Gao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Pathology, and
| | - Michael P East
- Department of Pharmacology.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Naim U Rashid
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Biostatistics
| | | | | | | | | | - Cyrus Vaziri
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Pathology, and
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Gary L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Jen Jen Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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9
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Cubero FJ, Mohamed MR, Woitok MM, Zhao G, Hatting M, Nevzorova YA, Chen C, Haybaeck J, de Bruin A, Avila MA, Boekschoten MV, Davis RJ, Trautwein C. Loss of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase 1 and 2 Function in Liver Epithelial Cells Triggers Biliary Hyperproliferation Resembling Cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:834-851. [PMID: 32490320 PMCID: PMC7262317 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted inhibition of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) has shown therapeutic potential in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)‐related tumorigenesis. However, the cell‐type‐specific role and mechanisms triggered by JNK in liver parenchymal cells during CCA remain largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the relevance of JNK1 and JNK2 function in hepatocytes in two different models of experimental carcinogenesis, the dethylnitrosamine (DEN) model and in nuclear factor kappa B essential modulator (NEMO)hepatocyte‐specific knockout (Δhepa) mice, focusing on liver damage, cell death, compensatory proliferation, fibrogenesis, and tumor development. Moreover, regulation of essential genes was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblottings, and immunostainings. Additionally, specific Jnk2 inhibition in hepatocytes of NEMOΔhepa/JNK1Δhepa mice was performed using small interfering (si) RNA (siJnk2) nanodelivery. Finally, active signaling pathways were blocked using specific inhibitors. Compound deletion of Jnk1 and Jnk2 in hepatocytes diminished hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both the DEN model and in NEMOΔhepa mice but in contrast caused massive proliferation of the biliary ducts. Indeed, Jnk1/2 deficiency in hepatocytes of NEMOΔhepa (NEMOΔhepa/JNKΔhepa) animals caused elevated fibrosis, increased apoptosis, increased compensatory proliferation, and elevated inflammatory cytokines expression but reduced HCC. Furthermore, siJnk2 treatment in NEMOΔhepa/JNK1Δhepa mice recapitulated the phenotype of NEMOΔhepa/JNKΔhepa mice. Next, we sought to investigate the impact of molecular pathways in response to compound JNK deficiency in NEMOΔhepa mice. We found that NEMOΔhepa/JNKΔhepa livers exhibited overexpression of the interleukin‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway in addition to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (Raf)‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) cascade. The functional relevance was tested by administering lapatinib, which is a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of erythroblastic oncogene B‐2 (ErbB2) and EGFR signaling, to NEMOΔhepa/JNKΔhepa mice. Lapatinib effectively inhibited cystogenesis, improved transaminases, and effectively blocked EGFR‐Raf‐MEK‐ERK signaling. Conclusion: We define a novel function of JNK1/2 in cholangiocyte hyperproliferation. This opens new therapeutic avenues devised to inhibit pathways of cholangiocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Cubero
- Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany.,Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT Complutense University School of Medicine Madrid Spain.,12 de Octubre Health Research Institute Madrid Spain
| | - Mohamed Ramadan Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany.,Department of Therapeutic Chemistry National Research Center Giza Egypt
| | - Marius M Woitok
- Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany
| | - Maximilian Hatting
- Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany
| | - Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany.,Department of Genetics, Physiology, and Microbiology Faculty of Biology Complutense University Madrid Spain
| | - Chaobo Chen
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology, and ENT Complutense University School of Medicine Madrid Spain
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Department of Pathology Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg Germany.,Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine Institute of Pathology Medical University of Graz Graz Austria.,Department of Pathology, Neuropathology, and Molecular Pathology Medical University of Innsbruck Innsbruck Austria
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department of Pathobiology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dutch Molecular Pathology Center Utrecht University Utrecht the Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics University Medical Center Groningen University of Groningen Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Matias A Avila
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra Pamplona Spain.,Hepatology Program Center for Applied Medical Research University of Navarra Pamplona Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid Spain
| | - Mark V Boekschoten
- Nutrition, Metabolism, and Genomics Group Division of Human Nutrition Wageningen University Wageningen the Netherlands
| | - Roger J Davis
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester MA
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III University Hospital RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany
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10
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Chen B, Zheng Y, Zhu J, Liang Y. SHARPIN overexpression promotes TAK1 expression and activates JNKs and NF-κB pathway in Mycosis Fungoides. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:1279-1288. [PMID: 31461795 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is the most common subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). Shank-associated RH domain-interacting protein (SHARPIN) participates in the initiation and development of multiple tumors. However, the clinical significance of SHARPIN in MF hasn't been investigated. The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) pathway is a member of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Its dysregulation is observed in various tumors including CTCL, whereas the roles of JNKs pathway in MF remain largely unknown, the relationship between SHARPIN and JNKs pathway remains elusive. Herein, we showed that upregulated expression of SHARPIN was related to poor prognosis of MF patients. In vitro experiments found increased SHARPIN expression and activation of JNKs pathway in MF cell line MyLa2059. SHARPIN induced transforming growth factor β activated kinase-1 (TAK1) transcription, which is an upstream kinase of JNKs, NF-κB and p38 pathway, leading to activation of JNKs and NF-κB pathway. SHARPIN also promoted p38 signalling independent of TAK1 expression, by which overexpression of SHARPIN induced cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, enhanced migration and invasion of MyLa2059. Our work provided direct evidences for effects of SHARPIN on JNKs and NF-κB pathway, and the contributing roles of JNKs, NF-κB and p38 pathway regulated by SHARPIN in the development of MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Cosmetology and Venereology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Cosmetology and Venereology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingna Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Cosmetology and Venereology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanhua Liang
- Department of Dermatology, Cosmetology and Venereology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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11
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Lu J, Zhou L, Yang G, Liang ZY, Zhou WX, You L, Yuan D, Li BQ, Guo JC, Zhao YP. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of MKK4 and MKK7 in resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Hum Pathol 2019; 86:143-154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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12
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Flores K, Yadav SS, Katz AA, Seger R. The Nuclear Translocation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases: Molecular Mechanisms and Use as Novel Therapeutic Target. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:121-131. [PMID: 30261516 DOI: 10.1159/000494085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central signaling pathways that play a central role in the regulation of most stimulated cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, stress response and apoptosis. Currently 4 such cascades are known, each termed by its downstream MAPK components: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and ERK5. One of the hallmarks of these cascades is the stimulated nuclear translocation of their MAPK components using distinct mechanisms. ERK1/2 are shuttled into the nucleus by importin7, JNK and p38 by a dimer of importin3 with either importin9 or importin7, and ERK5 by importin-α/β. Dysregulation of these cascades often results in diseases, including cancer and inflammation, as well as developmental and neurological disorders. Much effort has been invested over the years in developing inhibitors to the MAPK cascades to combat these diseases. Although some inhibitors are already in clinical use or clinical trials, their effects are hampered by development of resistance or adverse side-effects. Recently, our group developed 2 myristoylated peptides: EPE peptide, which inhibits the interaction of ERK1/2 with importin7, and PERY peptide, which prevents JNK/p38 interaction with either importin7 or importin9. These peptides block the nuclear translocation of their corresponding kinases, resulting in prevention of several cancers, while the PERY peptide also inhibits inflammation-induced diseases. These peptides provide a proof of concept for the use of the nuclear translocation of MAPKs as therapeutic targets for cancer and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Flores
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Suresh Singh Yadav
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arieh A Katz
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot,
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Zhou Z, Cheng Y, Jiang Y, Liu S, Zhang M, Liu J, Zhao Q. Ten hub genes associated with progression and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma identified by co-expression analysis. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:124-136. [PMID: 29483831 PMCID: PMC5821034 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.22619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the five-year survival rate is less than 5%, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the 4th cause of cancer-related death. Although PDAC has been repeatedly researched in recent years, it is still predicted to be the second leading cause of cancer death by year 2030. In our study, the differentially expressed genes in dataset GSE62452 were used to construct a co-expression network by WGCNA. The yellow module related to grade of PDAC was screened. Combined with co-expression network and PPI network, 36 candidates were screened. After survival and regression analysis by using GSE62452 and TCGA dataset, we identified 10 real hub genes (CCNA2, CCNB1, CENPF, DLGAP5, KIF14, KIF23, NEK2, RACGAP1, TPX2 and UBE2C) tightly related to progression of PDAC. According to Oncomine database and The Human Protein Atlas (HPA), we found that all real hub genes were overexpressed in pancreatic carcinoma compared with normal tissues on transcriptional and translational level. ROC curve was plotted and AUC was calculated to distinguish recurrent and non-recurrent PDAC and every AUC of the real hub gene was greater than 0.5. Finally, functional enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment (GSEA) was performed and both of them showed the cell cycle played a vital role in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | - Yian Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renming Hospital of Wuhan University
| | - Yinan Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | - Shi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
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Jiang Y, Luan Y, He D, Chen G. miR-125b expression affects tumor growth of multiple myeloma via targeting MKK7. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:8487-8494. [PMID: 31966701 PMCID: PMC6965470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many miRNAs are reported to be involved in tumor development. The underlying mechanism of miRNAs driving multiple myeloma (MM) progress remains elusive. This study is to investigate the effect of miR-125b, a brain-enriched microRNA, on mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MKK7) in vivo. We found significantly up-regulation of miR-125b and deregulation of MKK7 in MM. The inverse correlation was further confirmed in multiple myeloma samples and cell lines. In addition, MKK7 was identified as a downstream target gene of miR-125b, which could bind to the 3' UTR of MKK7. Overexpression of miR-125b was associated with decreased MKK7 expression and miR-125b antagonisminhibited cell proliferation and clonogenicity. Taken together, our results demonstrated that MKK7 could function as an important tumor suppressor neutralized by miR-125b in MM, suggesting that miR-125b may be a novel potential molecular therapeutic target in the treatment of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityJiangxi, China
| | | | - Dong He
- Department of Hematology, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityJiangxi, China
| | - Guoan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityJiangxi, China
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Torres-Ortiz MC, Gutiérrez-Ospina G, Gómez-Chavarín M, Murcia C, Alonso-Morales RA, Perera-Marín G. The presence of VEGF and Notch2 during preantral-antral follicular transition in infantile rats: Anatomical evidence and its implications. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 249:82-92. [PMID: 28495268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is a process that depends on angiogenesis, in which VEGF and Notch signaling pathway members are involved. Although this pathway is present in preantral and antral follicular structures during the second stage of folliculogenesis, this association has not been described. Therefore, this study aimed to identify VEGF and Notch2 in ovary structures of infantile rats after induction of follicular development with a gonadotropin stimulus. In order to explore this possibility we analyzed rat ovary morphology from days 10-25 after birth; subsequently, the transition from preantral follicle to an antral stage was analyzed by the induction of follicular development with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and VEGF and Notch were identified in the rat ovary by fluorescence. The histological analysis revealed that the ovary of a 10-day-old rat has the highest percentage of preantral follicles and based on this a 10IU eCG dose promoted an increase in the number of antral follicles, as well as a decrease in the number of preantral follicles, related to which there was an increase in ovary weight and size. In addition, a higher concentration of circulating estradiol was observed, proliferation of granulosa cells in both follicle groups was stimulated, and the accumulation of VEGF in granulosa and theca cells and in the antral follicle oocyte was increased (p<0.05), whereas the presence of Notch2 was limited to mural granulosa cells, in granulosa cells that formed the cumulus oophorus and in the oocyte of both groups of follicles. The multiple correspondence analysis allowed us to support an association between VEGF and Notch2 during the transition from preantral to antral follicles in the ovary of an infantile rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Carolina Torres-Ortiz
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico; Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Gutiérrez-Ospina
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico; Coordinación de Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Margarita Gómez-Chavarín
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico; Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Clara Murcia
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Rogelio A Alonso-Morales
- Departamento de Genética y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Perera-Marín
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico; Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico.
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Abstract
JNKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinases) belong to mitogen-activated protein kinases' family and become activated by several growth factors, stress, radiation, and other extracellular signals. In turn, JNK activation results in phosphorylation of downstream molecules involved in many normal cellular processes. Nevertheless, recent data have linked JNK signaling with several pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancer. The role of JNK in cancer remains controversial. Initially, JNK was thought to play a rather oncosuppressive role by mediating apoptosis in response to stress stimuli, inflammatory, or oncogenic signals. However, a number of studies have implicated JNK in malignant transformation and tumor growth. The contradictory functions of JNK in cancer may be due to the diversity of JNK upstream and downstream signaling and are under intensive investigation. This review summarizes current literature focusing on the significance of JNK pathway in cancer development and progression, particularly addressing its role in oral cancer. Understanding the complexity of JNK signaling has the potential to elucidate important molecular aspects of oral cancer, possibly leading to development of novel and individualized therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Gkouveris
- 1 Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Nikitakis
- 2 Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Novel tumor-suppressor function of KLF4 in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Exp Hematol 2017; 53:16-25. [PMID: 28479419 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematological malignancy in pediatric patients. Despite advances in the treatment of this disease, many children with T-cell ALL (T-ALL) die from disease relapse due to low responses to standard chemotherapy and the lack of a targeted therapy that selectively eradicates the chemoresistant leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) responsible for disease recurrence. We reported recently that the reprogramming factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) has a tumor-suppressive function in children with T-ALL. KLF4 silencing by promoter deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation in patients with T-ALL leads to aberrant activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MAP2K7 and the downstream c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway that controls the expansion of leukemia cells via c-Jun and activating transcription factor 2. This pathway can be inhibited with small molecules and therefore has the potential to eliminate LICs and eradicate disease in combination with standard therapy for patients with refractory and relapsed disease. The present review summarizes the role of the KLF4-MAP2K7 pathway in T-ALL pathogenesis and the function of JNK and MAP2K7 in carcinogenesis and therapy.
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JNK pathway inhibition selectively primes pancreatic cancer stem cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis without affecting the physiology of normal tissue resident stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 7:9890-906. [PMID: 26840266 PMCID: PMC4891091 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Successful treatment of solid cancers mandates targeting cancer stem cells (CSC) without impact on the physiology of normal tissue resident stem cells. C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling has been shown to be of importance in cancer. We test whether JNK inhibition would sensitize pancreatic CSCs to induction of apoptosis via low-dose TNFα-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Design Effects of JNK inhibition (JNKi) were evaluated in vitro in functional assays, through mRNA and protein expression analysis, and in in vivo mouse studies. CSCs were enriched in anoikis-resistant spheroid culture and analyzed accordingly. Results We confirmed that the JNK pathway is an important regulatory pathway in pancreatic cancer stem cells and further found that JNK inhibition downregulates the decoy receptor DcR1 through IL-8 signaling while upregulating pro-apoptotic death receptors DR4/5, thereby sensitizing cells - even with acquired TRAIL-resistance - to apoptosis induction. Treatment of orthotopic pancreatic cancer xenografts with either gemcitabine, JNKi or TRAIL alone for 4 weeks showed only modest effects compared to control, while the combination of JNKi and TRAIL resulted in significantly lower tumor burden (69%; p < 0.04), reduced numbers of circulating tumor cells, and less distant metastatic events, without affecting the general health of the animals. Conclusions The combination of JNKi and TRAIL significantly impacts on CSCs, but leaves regular tissue-resident stem cells unaffected – even under hypoxic stress conditions. This concept of selective treatment of pancreatic CSCs warrants further evaluation.
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Qiu F, Yang L, Lu X, Chen J, Wu D, Wei Y, Nong Q, Zhang L, Fang W, Chen X, Ling X, Yang B, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Lu J. The MKK7 p.Glu116Lys Rare Variant Serves as a Predictor for Lung Cancer Risk and Prognosis in Chinese. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005955. [PMID: 27028764 PMCID: PMC4814107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulated evidence indicates that rare variants exert a vital role on predisposition and progression of human diseases, which provides neoteric insights into disease etiology. In the current study, based on three independently retrospective studies of 5,016 lung cancer patients and 5,181 controls, we analyzed the associations between five rare polymorphisms (i.e., p.Glu116Lys, p.Asn118Ser, p.Arg138Cys, p.Ala195Thr and p.Leu259Phe) in MKK7 and lung cancer risk and prognosis. To decipher the precise mechanisms of MKK7 rare variants on lung cancer, a series of biological experiments was further performed. We found that the MKK7 p.Glu116Lys rare polymorphism was significantly associated with lung cancer risk, progression and prognosis. Compared with Glu/Glu common genotype, the 116Lys rare variants (Lys/Glu/+ Lys/Lys) presented an adverse effect on lung cancer susceptibility (odds ratio [OR] = 3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.70-4.01). These rare variants strengthened patients' clinical progression that patients with 116Lys variants had a significantly higher metastasis rate and advanced N, M stages at diagnosis. In addition, the patients with 116Lys variants also contributed to worse cancer prognosis than those carriers with Glu/Glu genotype (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.32-1.78). Functional experiments further verified that the MKK7 p.116Lys variants altered the expression of several cancer-related genes and thus affected lung cancer cells proliferation, tumor growth and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, our findings proposed that the MKK7 p.Glu116Lys rare polymorphism incurred a pernicious impact on lung cancer risk and prognosis through modulating expressions of a serial of cancer-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuman Qiu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Biomedicine Research Center and Department of Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medicine University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yang
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Lu
- School of Arts and Sciences, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Jiansong Chen
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfang Wei
- Center of Laboratory Animal, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Nong
- Department of Environmental Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Zhang
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Fang
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoliang Chen
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ling
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Binyao Yang
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifeng Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiachun Lu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Gopinathan A, Morton JP, Jodrell DI, Sansom OJ. GEMMs as preclinical models for testing pancreatic cancer therapies. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1185-200. [PMID: 26438692 PMCID: PMC4610236 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.021055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common form of pancreatic tumour, with a very limited survival rate and currently no available disease-modifying treatments. Despite recent advances in the production of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), the development of new therapies for pancreatic cancer is still hampered by a lack of reliable and predictive preclinical animal models for this disease. Preclinical models are vitally important for assessing therapies in the first stages of the drug development pipeline, prior to their transition to the clinical arena. GEMMs carry mutations in genes that are associated with specific human diseases and they can thus accurately mimic the genetic, phenotypic and physiological aspects of human pathologies. Here, we discuss different GEMMs of human pancreatic cancer, with a focus on the Lox-Stop-Lox (LSL)-Kras(G12D); LSL-Trp53(R172H); Pdx1-cre (KPC) model, one of the most widely used preclinical models for this disease. We describe its application in preclinical research, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages, its potential for predicting clinical outcomes in humans and the factors that can affect such outcomes, and, finally, future developments that could advance the discovery of new therapies for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarthi Gopinathan
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | | | - Duncan I Jodrell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
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21
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Vasilevskaya IA, Selvakumaran M, Hierro LC, Goldstein SR, Winkler JD, O'Dwyer PJ. Inhibition of JNK Sensitizes Hypoxic Colon Cancer Cells to DNA-Damaging Agents. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:4143-52. [PMID: 26023085 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We showed previously that in HT29 colon cancer cells, modulation of hypoxia-induced stress signaling affects oxaliplatin cytotoxicity. To further study the significance of hypoxia-induced signaling through JNK, we set out to investigate how modulation of kinase activities influences cellular responses of hypoxic colon cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In a panel of cell lines, we investigated effects of pharmacologic and molecular inhibition of JNK on sensitivity to oxaliplatin, SN-38, and 5-FU. Combination studies for the drugs and JNK inhibitor CC-401 were carried out in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Hypoxia-induced JNK activation was associated with resistance to oxaliplatin. CC-401 in combination with chemotherapy demonstrates synergism in colon cancer cell lines, although synergy is not always hypoxia specific. A more detailed analysis focused on HT29 and SW620 (responsive), and HCT116 (nonresponsive) lines. In HT29 and SW620 cells, CC-401 treatment results in greater DNA damage in the sensitive cells. In vivo, potentiation of bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, and the combination by JNK inhibition was confirmed in HT29-derived mouse xenografts, in which tumor growth delay was greater in the presence of CC-401. Finally, stable introduction of a dominant negative JNK1, but not JNK2, construct into HT29 cells rendered them more sensitive to oxaliplatin under hypoxia, suggesting differing input of JNK isoforms in cellular responses to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that signaling through JNK is a determinant of response to therapy in colon cancer models, and support the testing of JNK inhibition to sensitize colon tumors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muthu Selvakumaran
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lucia Cabal Hierro
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sara R Goldstein
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey D Winkler
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Peter J O'Dwyer
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Kamiyama M, Naguro I, Ichijo H. In vivo gene manipulation reveals the impact of stress-responsive MAPK pathways on tumor progression. Cancer Sci 2015; 106:785-96. [PMID: 25880821 PMCID: PMC4520628 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been widely accepted that tumor cells and normal stromal cells in the host environment coordinately modulate tumor progression. Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways are the representative stress-responsive cascades that exert proper cellular responses to divergent environmental stimuli. Genetically engineered mouse models and chemically induced tumorigenesis models have revealed that components of the MAPK pathway not only regulate the behavior of tumor cells themselves but also that of surrounding normal stromal cells in the host environment during cancer pathogenesis. The individual functions of MAPK pathway components in tumor initiation and progression vary depending on the stimuli and the stromal cell types involved in tumor progression, in addition to the molecular isoforms of the components and the origins of the tumor. Recent studies have indicated that MAPK pathway components synergize with environmental factors (e.g. tobacco smoke and diet) to affect tumor initiation and progression. Moreover, some components play distinct roles in the course of tumor progression, such as before and after the establishment of tumors. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted functions of MAPK pathway components in tumor initiation and progression is essential for the improvement of cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on the reports that utilized knockout, conditional knockout, and transgenic mice of MAPK pathway components to investigate the effects of MAPK pathway components on tumor initiation and progression in the host environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Kamiyama
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isao Naguro
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ichijo
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Messoussi A, Feneyrolles C, Bros A, Deroide A, Daydé-Cazals B, Chevé G, Van Hijfte N, Fauvel B, Bougrin K, Yasri A. Recent progress in the design, study, and development of c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitors as anticancer agents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:1433-43. [PMID: 25442375 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) family, with its three members JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3, is a subfamily of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Involved in many aspects of cellular processes, JNK has been also associated with pathological states such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancers. In oncology, each isoform plays a distinct role depending on the context of the targeted tissue/organ, the tumor stage, and, most likely, the signaling pathway activated upstream. Consequently, the current challenge in finding new successful anti-JNK therapies is to design isoform-selective inhibitors of the JNKs. In this review, a particular focus is given to the JNK inhibitors that have been developed thus far when examining 3D structures of various JNK-inhibitor complexes. Using current data regarding structure-activity relationships and medicinal chemistry approaches, our objective is to provide a better understanding of the design and development of selective JNK inhibitors in the present and future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Messoussi
- OriBase Pharma, Cap Gamma, Parc Euromédecine, 34090 Montpellier, France; Laboratoire de Chimie des Plantes et de Synthèse Organique et Bioorganique, URAC23, Université Mohammed V-Agdal, Faculté des Sciences, B.P. 1014 Rabat, Morocco
| | | | - Aurélie Bros
- OriBase Pharma, Cap Gamma, Parc Euromédecine, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Arthur Deroide
- OriBase Pharma, Cap Gamma, Parc Euromédecine, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Gwénaël Chevé
- OriBase Pharma, Cap Gamma, Parc Euromédecine, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Bénédicte Fauvel
- OriBase Pharma, Cap Gamma, Parc Euromédecine, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Khalid Bougrin
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Plantes et de Synthèse Organique et Bioorganique, URAC23, Université Mohammed V-Agdal, Faculté des Sciences, B.P. 1014 Rabat, Morocco
| | - Aziz Yasri
- OriBase Pharma, Cap Gamma, Parc Euromédecine, 34090 Montpellier, France.
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