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Gong T, Wu D, Pan H, Sun Z, Yao X, Wang D, Huang Y, Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y. Biomimetic Microenvironmental Stiffness Boosts Stemness of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via Augmented Autophagy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5347-5360. [PMID: 37561610 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features high recurrence rates and intensified lethality, accompanied by stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment, which is mainly due to the deposition, remodeling, and cross-linking of collagen. Boosted stemness plays an essential role during occurrence and progression, which indicates a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the effect of the underlying interaction of matrix stiffness and stemness on PDAC. For this purpose, a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel with tunable stiffness was applied for incubating MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. The results demonstrated that compared to the soft group (5% GelMA, w/v), the expression of stemness-related genes (SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG) in the stiff group (10% GelMA, w/v) displayed pronounced elevation as well as sphere formation. Intriguingly, we also observed that matrix stiffness regulated autophagy of PDAC, which played a momentous role in stemness promotion. In order to clarify the underlying relationship between matrix stiffness-mediated cell autophagy and stemness, rescue experiments with rapamycin and chloroquine were conducted with transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, sphere formation, and qRT-PCR assays to evaluate the level of stemness and autophagy. For exploring the molecular mechanism in depth, RNA-seq and differential expression of miRNAs were carried out, which may sensor and respond to matrix stiffness during the regulation of stemness and autophagy. In conclusion, we validated that blocking autophagy repressed the stemness induced by matrix stiffness in PDAC and provided a potential therapeutic strategy for this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haopeng Pan
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongzhi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yibing Guo
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuhua Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
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Tavares-Valente D, Cannone S, Greco MR, Carvalho TMA, Baltazar F, Queirós O, Agrimi G, Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA. Extracellular Matrix Collagen I Differentially Regulates the Metabolic Plasticity of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Parenchymal Cell and Cancer Stem Cell. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3868. [PMID: 37568684 PMCID: PMC10417137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153868] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a 5-year survival rate of less than 10 percent largely due to the intense fibrotic desmoplastic reaction, characterized by high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen I that constitutes a niche for a subset of cancer cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cancer cells undergo a complex metabolic adaptation characterized by changes in metabolic pathways and biosynthetic processes. The use of the 3D organotypic model in this study allowed us to manipulate the ECM constituents and mimic the progression of PDAC from an early tumor to an ever more advanced tumor stage. To understand the role of desmoplasia on the metabolism of PDAC parenchymal (CPC) and CSC populations, we studied their basic metabolic parameters in organotypic cultures of increasing collagen content to mimic in vivo conditions. We further measured the ability of the bioenergetic modulators (BMs), 2-deoxyglucose, dichloroacetate and phenformin, to modify their metabolic dependence and the therapeutic activity of paclitaxel albumin nanoparticles (NAB-PTX). While all the BMs decreased cell viability and increased cell death in all ECM types, a distinct, collagen I-dependent profile was observed in CSCs. As ECM collagen I content increased (e.g., more aggressive conditions), the CSCs switched from glucose to mostly glutamine metabolism. All three BMs synergistically potentiated the cytotoxicity of NAB-PTX in both cell lines, which, in CSCs, was collagen I-dependent and the strongest when treated with phenformin + NAB-PTX. Metabolic disruption in PDAC can be useful both as monotherapy or combined with conventional drugs to more efficiently block tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Tavares-Valente
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Stefania Cannone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago Miguel Amaral Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Portugal
| | - Odília Queirós
- UNIPRO—Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
| | - Gennaro Agrimi
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (S.C.); (M.R.G.); (T.M.A.C.); (G.A.); (R.A.C.)
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3
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Yamashita M, Kumazoe M, Onda H, Hiroi S, Shimada Y, Fujimura Y, Tachibana H. PPAR/PDK4 pathway is involved in the anticancer effects of cGMP in pancreatic cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 672:154-160. [PMID: 37354608 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a type of cancer with a high mortality rate. Current treatments for PDACs often have side effects, and drug resistance in cancer stem cells (CSCs) would be also a problem. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) suppresses the mitochondrial function of PDACs and inhibits their CSC properties. Metabolic regulation plays a crucial role in the maintenance of CSC phenotype, and we hypothesized that cGMP induction suppresses cancer stem cell properties in the cancer cell through energy-related signaling pathways. We demonstrated that induction of cGMP upregulated the PPARα/PDK4 pathway and suppressed CSC properties in PDAC, and patients with pancreatic cancer with high PDK4 gene expression had a better prognosis than those with low gene expression. Therefore, these mechanisms may provide new therapeutic targets for the eradication of pancreatic CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Yamashita
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Motofumi Kumazoe
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Onda
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Shun Hiroi
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yu Shimada
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujimura
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tachibana
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
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A Comprehensive Characterization of Stemness in Cell Lines and Primary Cells of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810663. [PMID: 36142575 PMCID: PMC9503169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive characterization of stemness in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines. Seventeen cell lines were evaluated for the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers. The two putative pancreatic CSC phenotypes were expressed heterogeneously ranging from 0 to 99.35% (median 3.46) for ESA+CD24+CD44+ and 0 to 1.94% (median 0.13) for CXCR4+CD133+. Cell lines were classified according to ESA+CD24+CD44+ expression as: Low-Stemness (LS; <5%, n = 9, median 0.31%); Medium-Stemness (MS; 6−20%, n = 4, median 12.4%); and High-Stemness (HS; >20%, n = 4, median 95.8%) cell lines. Higher degree of stemness was associated with in vivo tumorigenicity but not with in vitro growth kinetics, clonogenicity, and chemo-resistance. A wide characterization (chemokine receptors, factors involved in pancreatic organogenesis, markers of epithelial−mesenchymal transition, and secretome) revealed that the degree of stemness was associated with KRT19 and NKX2.2 mRNA expression, with CD49a and CA19.9/Tie2 protein expression, and with the secretion of VEGF, IL-7, IL-12p70, IL-6, CCL3, IL-10, and CXCL9. The expression of stem cell markers was also evaluated on primary tumor cells from 55 PDAC patients who underwent pancreatectomy with radical intent, revealing that CXCR4+/CD133+ and CD24+ cells, but not ESA+CD24+CD44+, are independent predictors of mortality.
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Bratlie SO, Wennerblom J, Vilhav C, Persson J, Rangelova E. Resectable, borderline, and locally advanced pancreatic cancer-"the good, the bad, and the ugly" candidates for surgery? J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:2450-2460. [PMID: 34790406 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-2020-slapc-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of surgical resection strongly overrules medical oncologic treatment and is the only modality, causa sine qua non, long-term survival can be achieved in patients with pancreatic cancer. For this reason, the clinical classification of local resectability, subdividing tumors into resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced cancer, that is very technical in nature, is the one most widely used and accepted. As multimodality treatment with potent agents, particularly in the neoadjuvant setting, seems to be stepping forward as the new standard of treatment of pancreatic cancer, the established technical surgical landmarks tend to get challenged. This review aims to highlight the grey zones in the current classifications for local tumor involvement with respect to the observed patient outcome in the current multimodality treatment era. It summarizes the latest reported series on the outcome of resected primary resectable, borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, and particularly vascular resections during pancreatectomy, in the background of different types of neoadjuvant therapy. It also hints what the new horizons of cancer biology tend to reveal whenever the technical hinders start being pushed aside. The current calls for the necessity of re-classification of the clinical categories of pancreatic cancer, from technically oriented to biology-focused individualized approach, are being elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svein Olav Bratlie
- Section for Upper Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, The Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johanna Wennerblom
- Section for Upper Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, The Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Vilhav
- Section for Upper Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, The Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Persson
- Section for Upper Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, The Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elena Rangelova
- Section for Upper Abdominal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, The Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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6
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Jo JH, Kim SA, Lee JH, Park YR, Kim C, Park SB, Jung DE, Lee HS, Chung MJ, Song SY. GLRX3, a novel cancer stem cell-related secretory biomarker of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1241. [PMID: 34794402 PMCID: PMC8603516 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and recurrence. Several biomarkers have been described for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) CSCs; however, their function and mechanism remain unclear. Method In this study, secretome analysis was performed in pancreatic CSC-enriched spheres and control adherent cells for biomarker discovery. Glutaredoxin3 (GLRX3), a novel candidate upregulated in spheres, was evaluated for its function and clinical implication. Results PDAC CSC populations, cell lines, patient tissues, and blood samples demonstrated GLRX3 overexpression. In contrast, GLRX3 silencing decreased the in vitro proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and sphere formation of cells. GLRX3 knockdown also reduced tumor formation and growth in vivo. GLRX3 was found to regulate Met/PI3K/AKT signaling and stemness-related molecules. ELISA results indicated GLRX3 overexpression in the serum of patients with PDAC compared to that in healthy controls. The sensitivity and specificity of GLRX3 for PDAC diagnosis were 80.0 and 100%, respectively. When GLRX3 and CA19–9 were combined, sensitivity was significantly increased to 98.3% compared to that with GLRX3 or CA19–9 alone. High GLRX3 expression was also associated with poor disease-free survival in patients receiving curative surgery. Conclusion Overall, these results indicate GLRX3 as a novel diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for PDAC targeting CSCs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08898-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Jo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Sun A Kim
- Cowell Biodigm Co., Ltd, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hoon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Yu Rang Park
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Chanyang Kim
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Soo Been Park
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Dawoon E Jung
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hee Seung Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Moon Jae Chung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Si Young Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, South Korea. .,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
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7
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Yuan X, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Xue M. The role and mechanism of HLA complex group 11 in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112210. [PMID: 34563948 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA is critical in a variety of diseases, including infectious disease and cancer, and has been used for diagnostic differentiation and immunosurveillance of certain diseases. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that the mutations and dysregulation of lncRNAs are essential contributors in cancers. HLA Complex Group 11 (HCG11) located on MHC region is affiliated with the lncRNA class. Studies have shown that HCG11 could serve as a key regulator in lung cancer, prostate cancer, glioma, cervical cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the accumulated information on the expression and clinical value of HCG11 in different cancer types, discuss its interactions with microRNAs, mRNAs, and proteins, and discover the biological roles and potential mechanisms of HCG11 in a variety of cellular functions, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Further, we emphasize the possible application of HCG11 in treatment, summarize the studies of HCG11 in chemotherapy resistance and hormone therapy, and propose the significance of further study of HCG11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Qinlu Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory and Sleep, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Miaomiao Xue
- Department of General Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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Singh K, Pruski M, Bland R, Younes M, Guha S, Thosani N, Maitra A, Cash BD, McAllister F, Logsdon CD, Chang JT, Bailey-Lundberg JM. Kras mutation rate precisely orchestrates ductal derived pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and pancreatic cancer. J Transl Med 2021; 101:177-192. [PMID: 33009500 PMCID: PMC8172380 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-00490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Despite the high prevalence of Kras mutations in pancreatic cancer patients, murine models expressing the oncogenic mutant Kras (Krasmut) in mature pancreatic cells develop PDAC at a low frequency. Independent of cell of origin, a second genetic hit (loss of tumor suppressor TP53 or PTEN) is important for development of PDAC in mice. We hypothesized ectopic expression and elevated levels of oncogenic mutant Kras would promote PanIN arising in pancreatic ducts. To test our hypothesis, the significance of elevating levels of K-Ras and Ras activity has been explored by expression of a CAG driven LGSL-KrasG12V allele (cKras) in pancreatic ducts, which promotes ectopic Kras expression. We predicted expression of cKras in pancreatic ducts would generate neoplasia and PDAC. To test our hypothesis, we employed tamoxifen dependent CreERT2 mediated recombination. Hnf1b:CreERT2;KrasG12V (cKrasHnf1b/+) mice received 1 (Low), 5 (Mod) or 10 (High) mg per 20 g body weight to recombine cKras in low (cKrasLow), moderate (cKrasMod), and high (cKrasHigh) percentages of pancreatic ducts. Our histologic analysis revealed poorly differentiated aggressive tumors in cKrasHigh mice. cKrasMod mice had grades of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN), recapitulating early and advanced PanIN observed in human PDAC. Proteomics analysis revealed significant differences in PTEN/AKT and MAPK pathways between wild type, cKrasLow, cKrasMod, and cKrasHigh mice. In conclusion, in this study, we provide evidence that ectopic expression of oncogenic mutant K-Ras in pancreatic ducts generates early and late PanIN as well as PDAC. This Ras rheostat model provides evidence that AKT signaling is an important early driver of invasive ductal derived PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Melissa Pruski
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rachael Bland
- Kings College London, Department of Pharmacology, London, UK
| | - Mamoun Younes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sushovan Guha
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nirav Thosani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brooks D Cash
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Florencia McAllister
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Craig D Logsdon
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Chang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer M Bailey-Lundberg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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9
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Iovanna J. Implementing biological markers as a tool to guide clinical care of patients with pancreatic cancer. Transl Oncol 2020; 14:100965. [PMID: 33248412 PMCID: PMC7704461 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A major obstacle for the effective treatment of PDAC is its molecular heterogeneity. Stratification of PDAC using markers highly specific, reproducible, sensitive, easily measurable and inexpensive is necessary. At the early stages, clinician’s priority lies in rapid diagnosis, so that the patient receives surgery without delay. At advanced disease stages, priority is to determine the tumor subtype and select a suitable effective treatment.
A major obstacle for the effective treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its molecular heterogeneity, reflected by the diverse clinical outcomes and responses to therapies that occur. The tumors of patients with PDAC must therefore be closely examined and classified before treatment initiation in order to predict the natural evolution of the disease and the response to therapy. To stratify patients, it is absolutely necessary to identify biological markers that are highly specific and reproducible, and easily measurable by inexpensive sensitive techniques. Several promising strategies to find biomarkers are already available or under development, such as the use of liquid biopsies to detect circulating tumor cells, circulating free DNA, methylated DNA, circulating RNA, and exosomes and extracellular vesicles, as well as immunological markers and molecular markers. Such biomarkers are capable of classifying patients with PDAC and predicting their therapeutic sensitivity. Interestingly, developing chemograms using primary cell lines or organoids and analyzing the resulting high-throughput data via artificial intelligence would be highly beneficial to patients. How can exploiting these biomarkers benefit patients with resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced, and metastatic PDAC? In fact, the utility of these biomarkers depends on the patient's clinical situation. At the early stages of the disease, the clinician's priority lies in rapid diagnosis, so that the patient receives surgery without delay; at advanced disease stages, where therapeutic possibilities are severely limited, the priority is to determine the PDAC tumor subtype so as to estimate the clinical outcome and select a suitable effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille, France.
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10
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Kapacee ZA, Knox JJ, Palmer D, Blagden SP, Lamarca A, Valle JW, McNamara MG. NUC-1031, use of ProTide technology to circumvent gemcitabine resistance: current status in clinical trials. Med Oncol 2020; 37:61. [PMID: 32529264 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-020-01386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to gemcitabine chemotherapy is common in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), biliary tract cancer (BTC) and ovarian cancers (OC), conferring poor survival. Use of ProTide technology led to the development of a 'partially-activated' monophosphorylated gemcitabine compound, termed NUC-1031. NUC-1031 enters cancer cells independent of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter, does not require deoxycytidine kinase-mediated activation and resists cytidine deaminase-mediated breakdown into toxic by-products. CURRENT FINDINGS The phase I PRO-001 trial recruited 68 patients with advanced solid tumours; of the 49 patients that had response-evaluable disease, 5 (10%) had a partial response (PR) and 33 (67%) had stable disease (SD). Subsequently, the PRO-002 study assessed the safety and efficacy of NUC-1031 combined with carboplatin for patients with OC (n = 25); preliminary data from this study reported one (4%) unconfirmed complete response (CR), 8 (35%) PRs and 13 (57%) patients with SD, the final outcome data are awaited. The ABC-08 trial for advanced BTC assessed safety and efficacy of NUC-1031 combined with cisplatin; 14 patients were recruited with a 50% objective response rate in the intention to treat population at interim analysis. ACELARATE, the phase III trial in first-line advanced PDAC comparing NUC-1031 to gemcitabine monotherapy, recruited 200 patients but has been paused for futility analysis. CONCLUSION Early studies demonstrate NUC-1031 is well tolerated with favourable pharmacokinetic profiles. NUC-1031 use in PDAC remains unclear, but encouraging results of disease control in BTC and OC has prompted phase II and III trial development. NuTide 121, is a phase III trial comparing cisplatin-NUC 1031 combination to the standard of care cisplatin-gemcitabine and recruitment is ongoing. Recruiting trials and mature data from existing studies will help inform on the impact of NUC-1031 on patient survival over standard gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer J Knox
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Palmer
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre/University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Angela Lamarca
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Juan W Valle
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Mairéad G McNamara
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK.
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11
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Samonig L, Loipetzberger A, Blöchl C, Rurik M, Kohlbacher O, Aberger F, Huber CG. Proteins and Molecular Pathways Relevant for the Malignant Properties of Tumor-Initiating Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E1397. [PMID: 32503348 PMCID: PMC7349116 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of the tumor bulk with highly malignant properties, are deemed responsible for tumor initiation, growth, metastasis, and relapse. In order to reveal molecular markers and determinants of their tumor-initiating properties, we enriched rare stem-like pancreatic tumor-initiating cells (TICs) by harnessing their clonogenic growth capacity in three-dimensional multicellular spheroid cultures. We compared pancreatic TICs isolated from three-dimensional tumor spheroid cultures with nontumor-initiating cells (non-TICs) enriched in planar cultures. Employing differential proteomics (PTX), we identified more than 400 proteins with significantly different expression in pancreatic TICs and the non-TIC population. By combining the unbiased PTX with mRNA expression analysis and literature-based predictions of pro-malignant functions, we nominated the two calcium-binding proteins S100A8 (MRP8) and S100A9 (MRP14) as well as galactin-3-binding protein LGALS3BP (MAC-2-BP) as putative determinants of pancreatic TICs. In silico pathway analysis followed by candidate-based RNA interference mediated loss-of-function analysis revealed a critical role of S100A8, S100A9, and LGALS3BP as molecular determinants of TIC proliferation, migration, and in vivo tumor growth. Our study highlights the power of combining unbiased proteomics with focused gene expression and functional analyses for the identification of novel key regulators of TICs, an approach that warrants further application to identify proteins and pathways amenable to drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Samonig
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria; (L.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Andrea Loipetzberger
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Molecular Cancer and Stem Cell Research, University of Salzburg, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria;
| | - Constantin Blöchl
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria; (L.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Marc Rurik
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (M.R.); (O.K.)
| | - Oliver Kohlbacher
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (M.R.); (O.K.)
- Biomolecular Interactions, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Translational Bioinformatics, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Quantitative Biology Center, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Molecular Cancer and Stem Cell Research, University of Salzburg, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian G. Huber
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria; (L.S.); (C.B.)
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
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12
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Zhao L, Lee VHF, Ng MK, Yan H, Bijlsma MF. Molecular subtyping of cancer: current status and moving toward clinical applications. Brief Bioinform 2020; 20:572-584. [PMID: 29659698 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bby026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a collection of genetic diseases, with large phenotypic differences and genetic heterogeneity between different types of cancers and even within the same cancer type. Recent advances in genome-wide profiling provide an opportunity to investigate global molecular changes during the development and progression of cancer. Meanwhile, numerous statistical and machine learning algorithms have been designed for the processing and interpretation of high-throughput molecular data. Molecular subtyping studies have allowed the allocation of cancer into homogeneous groups that are considered to harbor similar molecular and clinical characteristics. Furthermore, this has helped researchers to identify both actionable targets for drug design as well as biomarkers for response prediction. In this review, we introduce five frequently applied techniques for generating molecular data, which are microarray, RNA sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, NanoString and tissue microarray. Commonly used molecular data for cancer subtyping and clinical applications are discussed. Next, we summarize a workflow for molecular subtyping of cancer, including data preprocessing, cluster analysis, supervised classification and subtype characterizations. Finally, we identify and describe four major challenges in the molecular subtyping of cancer that may preclude clinical implementation. We suggest that standardized methods should be established to help identify intrinsic subgroup signatures and build robust classifiers that pave the way toward stratified treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhao
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Victor H F Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Michael K Ng
- Centre for Mathematical Imaging and Vision and Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam and Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Du X, He K, Huang Y, Xu Z, Kong M, Zhang J, Cao J, Teng L. Establishment of a novel human cell line retaining the characteristics of the original pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and evaluation of MEK as a therapeutic target. Int J Oncol 2020; 56:761-771. [PMID: 32124956 PMCID: PMC7010221 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.4965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal solid malignancy with limited therapeutic options. The development of novel therapeutic drugs requires adequate new cell line models. A new pancreatic cancer cell line, designated PDXPC1, was established from one pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patient-derived xenograft. The PDXPC1 cells were stably cultured for >2 years and had a stable short tandem repeat profile. The PDXPC1 cell line retained the key mutations of the primary tumor, along with the epithelial origin and other important protein expression. The PDXPC1 cells induced rapid in vivo tumor growth, both subcutaneously and orthotopically, in a mouse model with an elevated CA199 level. The PDXPC1 cells showed weak growth, invasion and migration potency compared to another pancreatic cancer cell line, but were relatively resistant to multiple anti-cancer drugs. Interestingly, the MEK inhibitor trametinib significantly inhibited the proliferation of PDXPC1 cells, and not that of Panc-1 cells, by inactivating MEK/ERK/MYC signaling and activating the apoptotic pathway via Bcl-2 degradation. In conclusion, the PDXPC1 cell line, capturing the major characteristics of the primary tumor, may be a suitable tool for studying the underlying mechanisms of chemo-resistance in PDAC and developing new targeted therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Du
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Kuifeng He
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Mei Kong
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Cao
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Lisong Teng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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14
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Zhao H, Sun J, Shao J, Zou Z, Qiu X, Wang E, Wu G. Glucose Transporter 1 Promotes the Malignant Phenotype of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer through Integrin β1/Src/FAK Signaling. J Cancer 2019; 10:4989-4997. [PMID: 31598171 PMCID: PMC6775508 DOI: 10.7150/jca.30772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is the main factor of Warburg effect, which is associated with poor prognosis in many tumors. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of GLUT1 in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. Methods: We used quantitative real-time PCR to detect GLUT1 mRNA expression in bronchial brushing samples and performed Western Blot and biological behavior testing to check the effect of GLUT1 on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. Results: We found that the C(t) normalized value of GLUT1 in malignant bronchial brushing samples was significantly higher than that in benign samples (P<0.05). GLUT1 significantly increased the expressions of cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4, CDK6 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), but decreased the expressions of p53 and p130 in NSCLC cells. The biological behavior testing indicated that GLUT1 enhanced NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration but inhibited cell apoptosis. In addition, GLUT1 upregulated the expression of integrin β1 and promoted the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK, phosphorylation at Tyr576/577) and Src (Src phosphorylation at Tyr530). siRNA knock down of integrin β1 expression suppressed GLUT1 induced NSCLC cell biological behavior, as well as the phosphorylation of FAK and Src. Conclusion: Taken together, our data confirms that GLUT1 promotes the malignant phenotype of NSCLC through integrin β1/Src/FAK signaling, which provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment and research of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanyu Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Guangzhou DaAn Clinical Laboratory Center, No. 74 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Jianshuang Shao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Zifang Zou
- Department of Chest Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xueshan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Enhua Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Guangping Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China
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15
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Ehrenberg KR, Gao J, Oppel F, Frank S, Kang N, Kindinger T, Dieter SM, Herbst F, Möhrmann L, Dubash TD, Schulz ER, Strakerjahn H, Giessler KM, Weber S, Oberlack A, Rief EM, Strobel O, Bergmann F, Lasitschka F, Weitz J, Glimm H, Ball CR. Systematic Generation of Patient-Derived Tumor Models in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:E142. [PMID: 30744205 PMCID: PMC6406729 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In highly aggressive malignancies like pancreatic cancer (PC), patient-derived tumor models can serve as disease-relevant models to understand disease-related biology as well as to guide clinical decision-making. In this study, we describe a two-step protocol allowing systematic establishment of patient-derived primary cultures from PC patient tumors. Initial xenotransplantation of surgically resected patient tumors (n = 134) into immunodeficient mice allows for efficient in vivo expansion of vital tumor cells and successful tumor expansion in 38% of patient tumors (51/134). Expansion xenografts closely recapitulate the histoarchitecture of their matching patients' primary tumors. Digestion of xenograft tumors and subsequent in vitro cultivation resulted in the successful generation of semi-adherent PC cultures of pure epithelial cell origin in 43.1% of the cases. The established primary cultures include diverse pathological types of PC: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (86.3%, 19/22), adenosquamous carcinoma (9.1%, 2/22) and ductal adenocarcinoma with oncocytic IPMN (4.5%, 1/22). We here provide a protocol to establish quality-controlled PC patient-derived primary cell cultures from heterogeneous PC patient tumors. In vitro preclinical models provide the basis for the identification and preclinical assessment of novel therapeutic opportunities targeting pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Roland Ehrenberg
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jianpeng Gao
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Felix Oppel
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Stephanie Frank
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Na Kang
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Tim Kindinger
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Sebastian M. Dieter
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Herbst
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Lino Möhrmann
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 01309 Dresden, Germany;
- Center for Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden at TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Taronish D. Dubash
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Erik R. Schulz
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Hendrik Strakerjahn
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Klara M. Giessler
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Sarah Weber
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Ava Oberlack
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Eva-Maria Rief
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
| | - Oliver Strobel
- Department of General Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Frank Bergmann
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Felix Lasitschka
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.B.); (F.L.)
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden at TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Hanno Glimm
- Translational Functional Cancer Genomics, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (K.R.E.); (J.G.); (F.O.); (S.F.); (N.K.); (T.K.); (S.M.D.); (F.H.); (T.D.D.); (E.R.S.); (H.S.); (K.M.G.); (S.W.); (A.O.); (E.-M.R.); (H.G.)
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 01309 Dresden, Germany;
- Center for Personalized Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden at TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK) Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia R. Ball
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 01309 Dresden, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(49)-351-458-5527
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16
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Penchev VR, Chang YT, Begum A, Ewachiw T, Gocke C, Li J, McMillan RH, Wang Q, Anders R, Marchionni L, Maitra A, Uren A, Rasheed Z, Matsui W. Ezrin Promotes Stem Cell Properties in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:929-936. [PMID: 30655325 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Self-renewal maintains the long-term clonogenic growth that is required for cancer relapse and progression, but the cellular processes regulating this property are not fully understood. In many diseases, self-renewal is enhanced in cancer stem cells (CSC), and in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), CSCs are characterized by the surface expression of CD44. In addition to cell adhesion, CD44 impacts cell shape and morphology by modulating the actin cytoskeleton via Ezrin, a member of the Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) family of linker proteins. We examined the expression of Ezrin in PDAC cells and found higher levels of both total and activated Ezrin in CSCs compared with bulk tumor cells. We also found that the knockdown of Ezrin in PDAC cells decreased clonogenic growth, self-renewal, cell migration, and CSC frequency in vitro as well as tumor initiation in vivo. These effects were associated with cytoskeletal changes that are similar to those occurring during the differentiation of normal stem cells, and the inhibition of actin remodeling reversed the impact of Ezrin loss. Finally, targeting Ezrin using a small-molecule inhibitor limited the self-renewal of clinically derived low-passage PDAC xenografts. Our findings demonstrate that Ezrin modulates CSCs properties and may represent a novel target for the treatment of PDAC. IMPLICATIONS: Our findings demonstrate that Ezrin modulates CSCs' properties and may represent a novel target for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesselin R Penchev
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yu-Tai Chang
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Asma Begum
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Theodore Ewachiw
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christian Gocke
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joey Li
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ross H McMillan
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Qiuju Wang
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert Anders
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Luigi Marchionni
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Aykut Uren
- Department of Oncology, Lombardy Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C
| | - Zeshaan Rasheed
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - William Matsui
- Department of Oncology, Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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17
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Molins EAG, Jusko WJ. Assessment of Three-Drug Combination Pharmacodynamic Interactions in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. AAPS JOURNAL 2018; 20:80. [PMID: 29951754 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-018-0235-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacodynamic interactions among trifluoperazine (TFP), gemcitabine (GEM), and paclitaxel (PTX) were assessed in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1). The phenothiazine TFP was chosen for its potential activity on cancer stem cells, while GEM and PTX cause apoptosis. Effects of each drug alone and in various combinations on cell growth inhibition of PANC-1 cells were studied in vitro to determine the drug-specific parameters and assess the nature of drug interactions. Joint inhibition (JI) and competitive inhibition (CI) equations were applied with a ψ interaction term. TFP fully inhibited growth of cells (Imax = 1) with an IC50 = 9887 nM. Near-maximum inhibition was achieved for GEM (Imax = 0.825) and PTX (Imax= 0.844) with an IC50 = 17.4 nM for GEM and IC50 = 7.08 nM for PTX. Estimates of an interaction term ψ revealed that the combination of TFP-GEM was apparently synergistic; close to additivity, the combination TFP-PTX was antagonistic. The interaction of GEM-PTX was additive, and TFP-GEM-PTX was synergistic but close to additive. The combination of TFP IC60-GEM IC60-PTX IC60 seemed optimal in producing inhibition of PANC-1 cells with an inhibitory effect of 82.1-90.2%. The addition of ψ terms to traditional interaction equations allows assessment of the degree of perturbation of assumed mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie A G Molins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA.,Ciblage Thérapeutique en Oncologie, Faculté de médecine Lyon-sud, Université Lyon 1, 69921, Oullins, France
| | - William J Jusko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, 14214, USA.
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18
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Speeding towards individualized treatment for pancreatic cancer by taking an alternative road. Cancer Lett 2017; 410:63-67. [PMID: 28947138 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Accumulation of genetic mutations drives the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Contrary to what it is expected, however, genetic analyses, no matter how precise or detailed, do not allow the identification of patient groups with different clinical outcomes or the selection of specific treatments. In fact, clinical outcome and sensitivity to treatments are associated with a given phenotype and are therefore associated at a transcriptomic level. In practical terms, therefore, the most appropriate readout for phenotypically stratifying PDACs should be transcriptomic and not genetic analysis. Recently data indicate that studying the expression of a selected gene set could inform selection of the most appropriate treatment for patients, moving towards an individualized medicine approach for this dismal disease. We are optimizing this approach by developing a platform based on obtaining organoids directly from surgical as well as endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) biopsies of tumors, which serve as a source of RNA, allowing determination of the transcription level of some informative genes. We are convinced that in the near future, the treatment of cancers will be preceded by an extensive molecular characterization of cancer cells in order to select the most appropriate treatments.
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19
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Rucki AA, Xiao Q, Muth S, Chen J, Che X, Kleponis J, Sharma R, Anders RA, Jaffee EM, Zheng L. Dual Inhibition of Hedgehog and c-Met Pathways for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:2399-2409. [PMID: 28864680 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-resistant tumors. The c-Met and Hedgehog (Hh) pathways have been shown previously by our group to be key regulatory pathways in the primary tumor growth and metastases formation. Targeting both the HGF/c-Met and Hh pathways has shown promising results in preclinical studies; however, the benefits were not readily translated into clinical trials with PDAC patients. In this study, utilizing mouse models of PDAC, we showed that inhibition of either HGF/c-Met or Hh pathways sensitize the PDAC tumors to gemcitabine, resulting in decreased primary tumor volume as well as significant reduction of metastatic tumor burden. However, prolonged treatment of single HGF/c-Met or Hh inhibitor leads to resistance to these single inhibitors, likely because the single c-Met treatment leads to enhanced expression of Shh, and vice versa. Targeting both the HGF/c-Met and Hh pathways simultaneously overcame the resistance to the single-inhibitor treatment and led to a more potent antitumor effect in combination with the chemotherapy treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(11); 2399-409. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka A Rucki
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Qian Xiao
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgical Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute, University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Stephen Muth
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jianlin Chen
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Che
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Pancreatic and Gastric Surgery Department, Cancer Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer Kleponis
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rajni Sharma
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert A Anders
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lei Zheng
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Univer- sity School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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20
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A novel chemoradiation targeting stem and nonstem pancreatic cancer cells by repurposing disulfiram. Cancer Lett 2017; 409:9-19. [PMID: 28864067 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a 5-year relative survival rate of 8% and is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030, underscoring the urgency to develop new strategies to improve current therapeutic modalities for PDAC. Targeting pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which are resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, is a promising strategy. A novel approach which can be readily clinically translated is to repurpose disulfiram (DSF), a drug for treating alcoholism, to target PCSCs. Chemoradiation or the combination of chemotherapy agents FOLFIRINOX, currently standard care for PDAC, can increase stemness in some established or primary PDAC cell lines. However, DSF in the presence of exogenously or endogenously supplied copper (Cu), when combined with chemotherapy or chemoradiation, targets both PCSCs and nonstem PDAC cells. Previously, we demonstrated that DSF/Cu effectively targets breast cancer stem cells in the context of fractionated radiation (FIR) by inhibiting the NF-κB-stemness gene pathway. Therefore, the hypothesis that PCSCs can be effectively targeted by incorporating DSF/Cu into the standard chemoradiation regimen consisting of 5-FU and FIR was investigated and found to be effective in vitro in targeting PCSCs, identified as either ALDHbright or CD24+/CD44+/ESA+ or sphere-forming cells, as well as nonstem PDAC cells. In vivo, the combination of IR+5-FU+DSF/Cu was more effective (72.46%) than either IR+5-FU (30.32%) or IR+FOLFIRINOX therapy (43.04%) in inhibiting growth of the mouse Panc02 tumor. These encouraging results provide a solid foundation for clinical trials to improve the outcomes of the current standard chemoradiation therapy regimen for PDAC.
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21
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Begum A, Ewachiw T, Jung C, Huang A, Norberg KJ, Marchionni L, McMillan R, Penchev V, Rajeshkumar NV, Maitra A, Wood L, Wang C, Wolfgang C, DeJesus-Acosta A, Laheru D, Shapiro IM, Padval M, Pachter JA, Weaver DT, Rasheed ZA, Matsui W. The extracellular matrix and focal adhesion kinase signaling regulate cancer stem cell function in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180181. [PMID: 28692661 PMCID: PMC5503247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the clonogenic growth and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A hallmark of PDAC is the desmoplastic reaction, but the impact of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on CSCs is unknown. In order to better understand the mechanisms, we examined the impact of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on PDAC CSCs. We quantified the effect of ECM proteins, β1-integrin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on clonogenic PDAC growth and migration in vitro and tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis in vivo in nude mice using shRNA and overexpression constructs as well as small molecule FAK inhibitors. Type I collagen increased PDAC tumor initiating potential, self-renewal, and the frequency of CSCs through the activation of FAK. FAK overexpression increased tumor initiation, whereas a dominant negative FAK mutant or FAK kinase inhibitors reduced clonogenic PDAC growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the FAK inhibitor VS-4718 extended the anti-tumor response to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in patient-derived PDAC xenografts, and the loss of FAK expression limited metastatic dissemination of orthotopic xenografts. Type I collagen enhances PDAC CSCs, and both kinase-dependent and independent activities of FAK impact PDAC tumor initiation, self-renewal, and metastasis. The anti-tumor impact of FAK inhibitors in combination with standard chemotherapy support the clinical testing of this combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Begum
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Theodore Ewachiw
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Clinton Jung
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ally Huang
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - K. Jessica Norberg
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luigi Marchionni
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ross McMillan
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vesselin Penchev
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - N. V. Rajeshkumar
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Laura Wood
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christopher Wolfgang
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ana DeJesus-Acosta
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel Laheru
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Irina M. Shapiro
- Verastem, Inc., Needham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mahesh Padval
- Verastem, Inc., Needham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - David T. Weaver
- Verastem, Inc., Needham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zeshaan A. Rasheed
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William Matsui
- Departments of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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22
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Kumazoe M, Takai M, Bae J, Hiroi S, Huang Y, Takamatsu K, Won Y, Yamashita M, Hidaka S, Yamashita S, Yamada S, Murata M, Tsukamoto S, Tachibana H. FOXO3 is essential for CD44 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncogene 2016; 36:2643-2654. [PMID: 27893718 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most fatal types of cancer and the 5-year survival rate is only 5%. Several studies have suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be involved in recurrence and metastasis and so it is essential to establish an approach targeting CSCs. Here we have demonstrated that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) suppressed CD44 expression and the properties of CSCs in PDAC. Microarray analysis suggested that cGMP inhibited Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3), which is known as a tumor suppressor. Surprisingly, our data demonstrated that FOXO3 is essential for CD44 expression and the properties of CSCs. Our data also indicated that patients with high FOXO3 activation signatures had poor prognoses. This evidence suggested that cGMP induction and FOXO3 inhibition could be ideal candidates for pancreatic CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kumazoe
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - M Takai
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - J Bae
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - S Hiroi
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Y Huang
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - K Takamatsu
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Y Won
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - M Yamashita
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - S Hidaka
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - S Yamashita
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - S Yamada
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - M Murata
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - S Tsukamoto
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - H Tachibana
- Division of Applied Biological Chemistry, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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23
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Kong B, Cheng T, Wu W, Regel I, Raulefs S, Friess H, Erkan M, Esposito I, Kleeff J, Michalski CW. Hypoxia-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress characterizes a necrotic phenotype of pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32154-60. [PMID: 26452217 PMCID: PMC4741665 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromal fibrosis and tissue necrosis are major histological sequelae of hypoxia. The hypoxia-to-fibrosis sequence is well-documented in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, hypoxic and necrotic PDAC phenotypes are insufficiently characterized. Recently, reduction of tuberous sclerosis expression in mice together with oncogenic Kras demonstrated a rapidly metastasizing phenotype with histologically eccentric necrosis, transitional hypoxia and devascularisation. We established cell lines from these tumors and transplanted them orthotopically into wild-type mice to test their abilities to recapitulate the histological features of the primary lesions. Notably, the necrotic phenotype was reproduced by only a subset of cell lines while others gave rise to dedifferentiated tumors with significantly reduced necrosis. In vitro analysis of the necrotic tumor-inducing cell lines revealed that these cells released a significant amount of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). However, its release was not further increased under hypoxic conditions. Defective hypoxia-induced VEGFA secretion was not due to impaired VEGFA transcription or hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha activation, but rather a result of hypoxia-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We thus identified hypoxia-induced ER stress as an important pathway in PDACs with tissue necrosis and rapid metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Tao Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Ivonne Regel
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Raulefs
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Mert Erkan
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Department of Surgery, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irene Esposito
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jörg Kleeff
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany
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24
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Eng JWL, Mace TA, Sharma R, Twum DYF, Peng P, Gibbs JF, Pitoniak R, Reed CB, Abrams SI, Repasky EA, Hylander BL. Pancreatic cancer stem cells in patient pancreatic xenografts are sensitive to drozitumab, an agonistic antibody against DR5. J Immunother Cancer 2016; 4:33. [PMID: 27330806 PMCID: PMC4915140 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-016-0136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence are two major hurdles in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Recent findings suggest that both of these attributes are associated with a small subset of pancreatic tumor initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here, we demonstrate that drozitumab, a human agonistic monoclonal antibody which binds the death receptor DR5, selectively eliminates CSCs, resulting in tumor growth inhibition and even regression of pancreatic tumors. Methods To examine the efficacy of drozitumab against pancreatic CSCs, we treated patient-derived pancreatic tumor xenografts (PDX) in immunocompromised SCID mice and evaluated tumor control. To assess apoptosis following drozitumab treatment, we identified the CSCs as CD24+, CD44+, and EpCAM+ by FACS analysis, and measured in vivo and in vitro levels of cleaved caspase-3. Lastly, in vitro evaluation of DR5 re-expression was performed using isolated patient pancreatic cancer xenograft cells along with the cell line, Panc-1. After treatment with drozitumab, the remaining DR5- cells were assessed by FACS analysis for DR5 expression at the cell surface at 8, 24 and 48 h post-treatment. All in vivo growth data was analyzed by 2-way Anova, incidence data was analyzed using Mantel-Cox, and in vitro studies statistics were performed with a t-test. Results We find that while 75–100 % of CSCs express DR5, only 25 % of bulk tumor cells express the death receptors at any one time. Consequently, drozitumab treatment of SCID mice bearing PDX kills higher percentages of CSCs than bulk tumor cells. Additionally, SCID mice implanted with isolated CSCs and then immediately treated with drozitumab fail to ever develop tumors. In vitro studies demonstrate that while drozitumab treatment reduces the DR5+ cell population, the remaining tumor cells begin to express DR5, suggesting a mechanism by which continuous administration of drozitumab can ultimately result in tumor regression despite the initially low percentage of DR5+ cells. Conclusions Overall, our work reveals that treatment of pancreatic tumors with the drozitumab can lead to long-term tumor control by targeting both bulk cells and CSCs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40425-016-0136-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W-L Eng
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Thomas A Mace
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA.,Present Address: Division of Medical Oncology, Department Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, 14263 NY USA.,Present Address: Department of Surgery, Lehigh Valley Physician Group, Allentown, 18103 PA USA
| | - Danielle Y F Twum
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - John F Gibbs
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, 14263 NY USA.,Present address: Department of Surgery Chief of Surgical Oncology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, 1945 State Highway 33, Neptune, NJ 07753 USA
| | - Rosemarie Pitoniak
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Chelsey B Reed
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
| | - Bonnie L Hylander
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263 USA
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25
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Madan M, Patel A, Skruber K, Geerts D, Altomare DA, IV OP. ATP13A3 and caveolin-1 as potential biomarkers for difluoromethylornithine-based therapies in pancreatic cancers. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:1231-1252. [PMID: 27429841 PMCID: PMC4937730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to better understand the role of polyamine transport in pancreatic cancers.This paper identifies potential biomarkers for assessing the relative tumor commitment to polyamine biosynthesis or transport. Cell lines with low polyamine import activity and low ATP13A3 protein levels appear committed to polyamine biosynthesis and required high concentrations of the polyamine biosynthesis inhibitor, difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) to inhibit their growth (e.g., AsPC-1 and Capan 1). In contrast, cell lines with high polyamine import activity and high ATP13A3 protein expression (e.g., L3.6pl) demonstrated a commitment to polyamine transport and required lower DFMO concentrations to inhibit their growth. Pancreatic cancer cell lines which were most sensitive to DFMO also gave the highest EC50 values for the polyamine transport inhibitors (PTIs) tested indicating that more PTI was needed to inhibit the active polyamine transport systems of these cell lines. Most significant is that the combination therapy of DFMO+PTI was efficacious against both cell types with the PTI showing low efficacy in cell lines with low polyamine transport activity and high efficacy in cell lines with high polyamine transport activity. High ATP13A3 protein expression and moderate to low Cav-1 protein expression was shown to be predictive of tumors which effectively escape DFMO via polyamine import. In summary, this report demonstrates for the first time the role of ATP13A3 in polyamine transport and its use as a potential biomarker along with Cav-1 to select tumors most susceptible to DFMO. These findings may help stratify patients in the ongoing clinical trials with DFMO-based therapies and help predict tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Madan
- Department of Medical Education, University of Central Florida College of Medicine12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | - Arjun Patel
- Department of Medical Education, University of Central Florida College of Medicine12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | - Kristen Skruber
- Department of Medical Education, University of Central Florida College of Medicine12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 503015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Deborah A Altomare
- Burnett School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida6900 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Otto Phanstiel IV
- Department of Medical Education, University of Central Florida College of Medicine12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
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Herrera VL, Colby AH, Tan GA, Moran AM, O'Brien MJ, Colson YL, Ruiz-Opazo N, Grinstaff MW. Evaluation of expansile nanoparticle tumor localization and efficacy in a cancer stem cell-derived model of pancreatic peritoneal carcinomatosis. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:1001-15. [PMID: 27078118 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2015-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the tumor localization and efficacy pH-responsive expansile nanoparticles (eNPs) as a drug delivery system for pancreatic peritoneal carcinomatosis (PPC) modeled in nude rats. METHODS & MATERIALS A Panc-1-cancer stem cell xeno1graft model of PPC was validated in vitro and in vivo. Tumor localization was tracked via in situ imaging of fluorescent eNPs. Survival of animals treated with paclitaxel-loaded eNPs (PTX-eNPs) was evaluated in vivo. RESULTS The Panc-1-cancer stem cell xenograft model recapitulates significant features of PPC. Rhodamine-labeled eNPs demonstrate tumor-specific, dose- and time-dependent localization to macro- and microscopic tumors following intraperitoneal injection. PTX-eNPs are as effective as free PTX in treating established PPC; but, PTX-eNPs result in fewer side effects. CONCLUSION eNPs are a promising tool for the detection and treatment of PPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Lm Herrera
- Department of Medicine & Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Aaron H Colby
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Glaiza Al Tan
- Department of Medicine & Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ann M Moran
- Department of Medicine & Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Michael J O'Brien
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yolonda L Colson
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nelson Ruiz-Opazo
- Department of Medicine & Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Medicine & Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.,Departments of Biomedical Engineering & Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Combination of carbon ion beam and gemcitabine causes irreparable DNA damage and death of radioresistant pancreatic cancer stem-like cells in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2016; 6:5517-35. [PMID: 25849939 PMCID: PMC4467384 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We try to elucidate whether a carbon ion beam alone or in combination with gemcitabine has advantages over X-ray in targeting putative pancreatic cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Colony, spheroid formation and tumorigenicity assays confirmed that CD44+/ESA+ cells sorted from PANC1 and PK45 cells have more CSC properties than CD44−/ESA− cells. The number of colonies and spheroids formed from CSCs after carbon ion beam irradiation was significantly reduced compared to after X-ray irradiation, and they were extremely highly suppressed when carbon ion beam combined with gemcitabine. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values for the carbon ion beam relative to X-ray at the D10 levels for CSCs were 2.23-2.66. Expressions of multiple cell death-related genes were remarkably highly induced, and large numbers of γH2AX foci in CSCs were formed after carbon ion beam combined with gemcitabine. The highly expressed CSC markers were significantly inhibited after 30 Gy of carbon ion beam and almost lost after 25 Gy carbon ion beam combined with 50 mg/kg gemcitabine. In conclusion, a carbon ion beam combined with gemcitabine has superior potential to kill pancreatic CSCs via irreparable clustered DSB compared to a carbon ion alone or X-rays combined with gemcitabine.
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Wang Y, Wu X, Zhou Y, Jiang H, Pan S, Sun B. Piperlongumine Suppresses Growth and Sensitizes Pancreatic Tumors to Gemcitabine in a Xenograft Mouse Model by Modulating the NF-kappa B Pathway. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2016; 9:234-44. [PMID: 26667450 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-15-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy, which generally respond poorly to chemotherapy. Hence, novel agents that are safe and effective are highly needed. The aim of this study was to investigate whether piperlongumine, a natural product isolated from the fruit of the pepper Piper longum, has any efficacy against human pancreatic cancer when used either alone or in combination with gemcitabine in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. In vitro, piperlongumine inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines, potentiated the apoptotic effects of gemcitabine, inhibited the constitutive and inducible activation of NF-κB, and suppressed the NF-κB-regulated expression of c-Myc, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Survivin, XIAP, VEGF, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Furthermore, in an in vivo xenograft model, we found piperlongumine alone significantly suppressed tumor growth and enhanced the antitumor properties of gemcitabine. These results were consistent with the downregulation of NF-κB activity and its target genes, decreased proliferation (PCNA and Ki-67), decreased microvessel density (CD31), and increased apoptosis (TUNEL) in tumor remnants. Collectively, our results suggest that piperlongumine alone exhibits significant antitumor effects against human pancreatic cancer and it further enhances the therapeutic effects of gemcitabine, possibly through the modulation of NF-κB- and NF-κB-regulated gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiangsong Wu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yinan Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shangha Pan
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Andrikou K, Santoni M, Piva F, Bittoni A, Lanese A, Pellei C, Conti A, Loretelli C, Mandolesi A, Giulietti M, Scarpelli M, Principato G, Falconi M, Cascinu S. Lgr5 expression, cancer stem cells and pancreatic cancer: results from biological and computational analyses. Future Oncol 2016; 11:1037-45. [PMID: 25804119 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To determine the relationship between Lgr5 and other stemness markers and pathologic features in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) samples. MATERIALS & METHODS In 69 samples, Lgr5 was analyzed by qRT-PCR together with a panel of 29 genes. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out to identify a possible pathway regulating Lgr5 expression in PDAC. RESULTS Lgr5 expression was not associated with the expression of tested cancer stem cell markers. Moreover, it was not an independent predictor of survival neither at univariate analysis (p = 0.21) nor at multivariate analysis (p = 0.225). CONCLUSION Based on the lack of correlation between Lgr5 and tested cancer stem cell markers, Lgr5 does not seem to be a potential stemness marker or prognostic factor in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Andrikou
- Medical Oncology, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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30
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Samulitis BK, Pond KW, Pond E, Cress AE, Patel H, Wisner L, Patel C, Dorr RT, Landowski TH. Gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cancer cell lines acquire an invasive phenotype with collateral hypersensitivity to histone deacetylase inhibitors. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:43-51. [PMID: 25485960 DOI: 10.4161/15384047.2014.986967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine based treatment is currently a standard first line treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, however overall survival remains poor, and few options are available for patients that fail gemcitabine based therapy. To identify potential molecular targets in gemcitabine refractory pancreatic cancer, we developed a series of gemcitabine resistant (GR) cell lines. Initial drug exposure selected for an early resistant phenotype that was independent of drug metabolic pathways. Prolonged drug selection pressure after 16 weeks, led to an induction of cytidine deaminase (CDA) and enhanced drug detoxification. Cross resistance profiles demonstrate approximately 100-fold cross resistance to the pyrimidine nucleoside cytarabine, but no resistance to the same in class agents, azacytidine and decitabine. GR cell lines demonstrated a dose dependent collateral hypersensitivity to class I and II histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and decreased expression of 3 different global heterochromatin marks, as detected by H4K20me3, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3. Cell morphology of the drug resistant cell lines demonstrated a fibroblastic type appearance with loss of cell-cell junctions and an altered microarray expression pattern, using Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, consistent with progression to an invasive phenotype. Of particular note, the gemcitabine resistant cell lines displayed up to a 15 fold increase in invasive potential that directly correlates with the level of gemcitabine resistance. These findings suggest a mechanistic relationship between chemoresistance and metastatic potential in pancreatic carcinoma and provide evidence for molecular pathways that may be exploited to develop therapeutic strategies for refractory pancreatic cancer.
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31
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Ames E, Canter RJ, Grossenbacher SK, Mac S, Chen M, Smith RC, Hagino T, Perez-Cunningham J, Sckisel GD, Urayama S, Monjazeb AM, Fragoso RC, Sayers TJ, Murphy WJ. NK Cells Preferentially Target Tumor Cells with a Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:4010-9. [PMID: 26363055 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are resistant to antiproliferative therapies, able to repopulate tumor bulk, and seed metastasis. NK cells are able to target stem cells as shown by their ability to reject allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells but not solid tissue grafts. Using multiple preclinical models, including NK coculture (autologous and allogeneic) with multiple human cancer cell lines and dissociated primary cancer specimens and NK transfer in NSG mice harboring orthotopic pancreatic cancer xenografts, we assessed CSC viability, CSC frequency, expression of death receptor ligands, and tumor burden. We demonstrate that activated NK cells are capable of preferentially killing CSCs identified by multiple CSC markers (CD24(+)/CD44(+), CD133(+), and aldehyde dehydrogenase(bright)) from a wide variety of human cancer cell lines in vitro and dissociated primary cancer specimens ex vivo. We observed comparable effector function of allogeneic and autologous NK cells. We also observed preferential upregulation of NK activation ligands MICA/B, Fas, and DR5 on CSCs. Blocking studies further implicated an NKG2D-dependent mechanism for NK killing of CSCs. Treatment of orthotopic human pancreatic cancer tumor-bearing NSG mice with activated NK cells led to significant reductions in both intratumoral CSCs and tumor burden. Taken together, these data from multiple preclinical models, including a strong reliance on primary human cancer specimens, provide compelling preclinical evidence that activated NK cells preferentially target cancer cells with a CSC phenotype, highlighting the translational potential of NK immunotherapy as part of a combined modality approach for refractory solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Ames
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Robert J Canter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Steven K Grossenbacher
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Stephanie Mac
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Mingyi Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Rachel C Smith
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Takeshi Hagino
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Jessica Perez-Cunningham
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Gail D Sckisel
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Shiro Urayama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Ruben C Fragoso
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Thomas J Sayers
- Basic Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD 21702; and
| | - William J Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817
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Curaxin CBL0137 eradicates drug resistant cancer stem cells and potentiates efficacy of gemcitabine in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:11038-53. [PMID: 25402820 PMCID: PMC4294371 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) continues to be one of the deadliest cancers due to the absence of effective treatment. Curaxins are a class of small molecules with anti-cancer activity demonstrated in different models of cancer in mice. The lead curaxin compound, CBL0137, recently entered Phase I clinical trials. Curaxins modulate several important signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of PDA through inhibition of chromatin remodeling complex FACT. FACT is overexpressed in multiple types of tumor, with one of the highest rate of overexpression in PDA (59%). In this study, the efficacy of CBL0137 alone or in combination with current standard of care, gemcitabine, was tested against different models of PDA in vitro and in mouse models. It was found that CBL0137 alone is a potent inducer of apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cell lines and is toxic not only for proliferating bulk tumor cells, but also for pancreatic cancer stem cells. In mice, CBL0137 was effective against several PDA models, including orthotopic gemcitabine resistant PANC-1 model and patient derived xenografts, in which CBL0137 anti-tumor effect correlated with overexpression of FACT. Moreover, we observed synergy of CBL0137 with gemcitabine which may be explained by the ability of CBL0137 to inhibit several transcriptional programs induced by gemcitabine, including NF-kappaB response and expression of ribonucleotide reductase, one of the targets of gemcitabine in cells. This data suggest testing of CBL0137 efficacy in Phase II trial in PDA patients alone and in combination with gemcitabine.
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33
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Deeb A, Haque SU, Olowokure O. Pulmonary metastases in pancreatic cancer, is there a survival influence? J Gastrointest Oncol 2015; 6:E48-51. [PMID: 26029466 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2078-6891.2014.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is known to be one of the most lethal cancers. The majority of patients present with advanced stage disease, making curative approach unachievable. In untreated patients, the median survival does not exceed 6 months in metastatic disease and 10 months in locally advanced disease. Furthermore, the 5-year survival rate remains poor even in patients with early stage disease who are surgical candidates. The detrimental outcome is related to the high potency of developing metastasis which can be detected at diagnosis, when the disease progresses or relapses after surgery. Although the liver is the most common site of pancreatic cancer metastases, the cancer can escape the liver in some cases and metastasize to the lung or other distant organs. The involvement of some sites not others might reflect subgroups of this cancer with different molecular backgrounds. Identifying these groups may have utility in determining prognosis and stratifying treatment for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayham Deeb
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio-45229, USA
| | - Sulsal-Ul Haque
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio-45229, USA
| | - Olugbenga Olowokure
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio-45229, USA
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34
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Okada M, Shibuya K, Sato A, Seino S, Suzuki S, Seino M, Kitanaka C. Targeting the K-Ras--JNK axis eliminates cancer stem-like cells and prevents pancreatic tumor formation. Oncotarget 2015; 5:5100-12. [PMID: 24947996 PMCID: PMC4148125 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells with self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacity, either quiescent (cancer stem cells, CSCs) or proliferating (cancer stem-like cells, CSLCs), are now deemed responsible for the pervasive therapy resistance of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest human cancers characterized by high prevalence of K-Ras mutation. However, to date, much remains unknown how pancreatic CSCs/CSLCs are regulated. Here we show that the K-Ras – JNK axis plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of pancreatic CSCs/CSLCs. In vitro inhibition of JNK, either pharmacological or genetic, caused loss of the self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacity of pancreatic CSLCs. Importantly, JNK inhibition in vivo via systemic JNK inhibitor administration, which had no discernible effect on the general health status of mice, efficiently depleted the CSC/CSLC population within pre-established pancreatic tumor xenografts. Furthermore, knockdown of K-Ras in pancreatic CSLCs with K-Ras mutation led to downregulation of the JNK pathway as well as in loss of self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacity. Together, our findings suggest that pancreatic CSCs/CSLCs are dependent on K-Ras activation of JNK and also suggest that the K-Ras – JNK axis could be a potential target in CSC/CSLC-directed therapies against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Okada
- Department of Molecular Cancer Science, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chifumi Kitanaka
- Department of Molecular Cancer Science, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan; Oncology Research Center, Research Institute for Advanced Molecular Epidemiology, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan; Global COE program for Medical Sciences, Japan Society for Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan; Research Institute for Promotion of Medical Sciences, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
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35
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Cantor DI, Nice EC, Baker MS. Recent findings from the human proteome project: opening the mass spectrometry toolbox to advance cancer diagnosis, surveillance and treatment. Expert Rev Proteomics 2015; 12:279-93. [DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2015.1040770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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36
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Duconseil P, Gilabert M, Gayet O, Loncle C, Moutardier V, Turrini O, Calvo E, Ewald J, Giovannini M, Gasmi M, Bories E, Barthet M, Ouaissi M, Goncalves A, Poizat F, Raoul JL, Secq V, Garcia S, Viens P, Iovanna J, Dusetti N. Transcriptomic analysis predicts survival and sensitivity to anticancer drugs of patients with a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:1022-32. [PMID: 25765988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A major impediment to the effective treatment of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the molecular heterogeneity of this disease, which is reflected in an equally diverse pattern of clinical outcome and in responses to therapies. We developed an efficient strategy in which PDAC samples from 17 consecutive patients were collected by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration or surgery and were preserved as breathing tumors by xenografting and as a primary culture of epithelial cells. Transcriptomic analysis was performed from breathing tumors by an Affymetrix approach. We observed significant heterogeneity in the RNA expression profile of tumors. However, the bioinformatic analysis of these data was able to discriminate between patients with long- and short-term survival corresponding to patients with moderately or poorly differentiated PDAC tumors, respectively. Primary culture of cells allowed us to analyze their relative sensitivity to anticancer drugs in vitro using a chemogram, similar to the antibiogram for microorganisms, establishing an individual profile of drug sensitivity. As expected, the response was patient dependent. We also found that transcriptomic analysis predicts the sensitivity of cells to the five anticancer drugs most frequently used to treat patients with PDAC. In conclusion, using this approach, we found that transcriptomic analysis could predict the sensitivity to anticancer drugs and the clinical outcome of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Duconseil
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Marine Gilabert
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Odile Gayet
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Celine Loncle
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Moutardier
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France; Department of Surgery, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Turrini
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France; Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Genomic Center, CHUL Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Mohamed Gasmi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | | | - Marc Barthet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Mehdi Ouaissi
- Department of Surgery, La Timone Hospital, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Veronique Secq
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France; Department of Surgery, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Stephane Garcia
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France; Department of Surgery, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | | | - Juan Iovanna
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France.
| | - Nelson Dusetti
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille University and Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Scientific and Technological Park of Luminy, Marseille, France.
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37
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Khan S, Chauhan N, Yallapu MM, Ebeling MC, Balakrishna S, Ellis RT, Thompson PA, Balabathula P, Behrman SW, Zafar N, Singh MM, Halaweish FT, Jaggi M, Chauhan SC. Nanoparticle formulation of ormeloxifene for pancreatic cancer. Biomaterials 2015; 53:731-43. [PMID: 25890768 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.02.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer with about an 85% mortality rate; thus, an utmost need exists to discover new therapeutic modalities that would enhance therapy outcomes of this disease with minimal or no side effects. Ormeloxifene (ORM), a synthetic molecule, has exhibited potent anti-cancer effects through inhibition of important oncogenic and proliferation signaling pathways. However, the anti-cancer efficacy of ORM can be further improved by developing its nanoformulation, which will also offer tumor specific targeted delivery. Therefore, we have developed a novel ORM encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle (NP) formulation (PLGA-ORM NP). This formulation was characterized for particle size, chemical composition, and drug loading efficiency, using various physico-chemical methods (TEM, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, and HPLC). Because of its facile composition, this novel formulation is compatible with antibody/aptamer conjugation to achieve tumor specific targeting. The particle size analysis of this PLGA-ORM formulation (∼100 nm) indicates that this formulation can preferentially reach and accumulate in tumors by the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect. Cellular uptake and internalization studies demonstrate that PLGA-ORM NPs escape lysosomal degradation, providing efficient endosomal release to cytosol. PLGA-ORM NPs showed remarkable anti-cancer potential in various pancreatic cancer cells (HPAF-II, AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Panc-1, and MiaPaca) and a BxPC-3 xenograft mice model resulting in increased animal survival. PLGA-ORM NPs suppressed pancreatic tumor growth via suppression of Akt phosphorylation and expression of MUC1, HER2, PCNA, CK19 and CD31. This study suggests that the PLGA-ORM formulation is highly efficient for the inhibition of pancreatic tumor growth and thus can be valuable for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheema Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Murali M Yallapu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mara C Ebeling
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Sanford Research/USD, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Swathi Balakrishna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Robert T Ellis
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Paul A Thompson
- Methodology and Data Analysis Center, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Pavan Balabathula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Plough Center for Sterile Drug Delivery Systems, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephen W Behrman
- Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nadeem Zafar
- Department of Pathology, University of Tennessee at Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Man M Singh
- Saraswati Dental College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fathi T Halaweish
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 57007, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Jiao F, Hu H, Han T, Yuan C, Wang L, Jin Z, Guo Z, Wang L. Long noncoding RNA MALAT-1 enhances stem cell-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:6677-93. [PMID: 25811929 PMCID: PMC4424983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16046677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, chemoresistance, and recurrence. The mechanisms that maintain the stemness of these cells remain largely unknown. Our previous study indicated that MALAT-1 may serve as an oncogenic long noncoding RNA in pancreatic cancer by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and regulating CSCs markers expression. More significantly, there is emerging evidence that the EMT process may give rise to CSCs, or at least cells with stem cell-like properties. Therefore, we hypothesized that MALAT-1 might enhance stem cell-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells. In this study, our data showed that MALAT-1 could increase the proportion of pancreatic CSCs, maintain self-renewing capacity, decrease the chemosensitivity to anticancer drugs, and accelerate tumor angiogenesis in vitro. In addition, subcutaneous nude mouse xenografts revealed that MALAT-1 could promote tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells in vivo. The underlying mechanisms may involve in increased expression of self-renewal related factors Sox2. Collectively, we for the first time found the potential effects of MALAT-1 on the stem cell-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting a novel role of MALAT-1 in tumor stemness, which remains to be fully elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiao
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pancreatic Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Hai Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pancreatic Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pancreatic Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Cuncun Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pancreatic Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Ziliang Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Zhen Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Liwei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pancreatic Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai 201620, China.
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Zhan HX, Xu JW, Wu D, Zhang TP, Hu SY. Pancreatic cancer stem cells: new insight into a stubborn disease. Cancer Lett 2015; 357:429-37. [PMID: 25499079 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to conventional therapy and early distant metastasis contribute to the unsatisfactory prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) brings new insights into cancer biology and therapy. Many studies have confirmed the important role of these stem cells in carcinogenesis and the development of hematopoietic and solid cancers. Recent studies have shown that CSCs regulate aggressive behavior, recurrence, and drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Here, we review recent advances in pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) research. Particular attention is paid to the regulation mechanisms of pancreatic cancer stem cell functions, such as stemness-related signaling pathways, microRNAs, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment, and the development of novel PCSCs targeted therapy. We seek to further understand PCSCs and explore potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-xiang Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Jian-wei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Tai-ping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - San-yuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China.
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Kobayashi NCC, Noronha SMRD. Cancer stem cells: a new approach to tumor development. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2015; 61:86-93. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.61.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many theories have been proposed to explain the origins of cancer. Currently, evidences show that not every tumor cell is capable of initiating a tumor. Only a small part of the cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs), can generate a tumor identical to the original one, when removed from human tumors and transplanted into immunosuppressed mice. The name given to these cells comes from the resemblance to normal stem cells, except for the fact that their ability to divide is infinite. These cells are also affected by their microenvironment. Many of the signaling pathways, such as Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog, are altered in this tumoral subpopulation, which also contributes to abnormal proliferation. Researchers have found several markers for CSCs; however, much remains to be studied, or perhaps a universal marker does not even exist, since they vary among tumor types and even from patient to patient. It was also found that cancer stem cells are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This may explain the re-emergence of the disease, since they are not completely eliminated and minimal amounts of CSCs can repopulate a tumor. Once the diagnosis in the early stages greatly increases the chances of curing cancer, identifying CSCs in tumors is a goal for the development of more effective treatments. The objective of this article is to discuss the origin of cancer according to the theory of stem cell cancer, as well as its markers and therapies used for treatment.
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41
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Acquired resistance to gemcitabine and cross-resistance in human pancreatic cancer clones. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:90-100. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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42
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Cancer stem cells: a systems biology view of their role in prognosis and therapy. Anticancer Drugs 2014; 25:353-67. [PMID: 24418909 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has accumulated that characterizes highly tumorigenic cancer cells residing in heterogeneous populations. The accepted term for such a subpopulation is cancer stem cells (CSCs). While many questions still remain about their precise role in the origin, progression, and drug resistance of tumors, it is clear they exist. In this review, a current understanding of the nature of CSC, their potential usefulness in prognosis, and the need to target them will be discussed. In particular, separate studies now suggest that the CSC is plastic in its phenotype, toggling between tumorigenic and nontumorigenic states depending on both intrinsic and extrinsic conditions. Because of this, a static view of gene and protein levels defined by correlations may not be sufficient to either predict disease progression or aid in the discovery and development of drugs to molecular targets leading to cures. Quantitative dynamic modeling, a bottom up systems biology approach whereby signal transduction pathways are described by differential equations, may offer a novel means to overcome the challenges of oncology today. In conclusion, the complexity of CSCs can be captured in mathematical models that may be useful for selecting molecular targets, defining drug action, and predicting sensitivity or resistance pathways for improved patient outcomes.
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Allegra A, Alonci A, Penna G, Innao V, Gerace D, Rotondo F, Musolino C. The cancer stem cell hypothesis: a guide to potential molecular targets. Cancer Invest 2014; 32:470-95. [PMID: 25254602 DOI: 10.3109/07357907.2014.958231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Common cancer theories hold that tumor is an uncontrolled somatic cell proliferation caused by the progressive addition of random mutations in critical genes that control cell growth. Nevertheless, various contradictions related to the mutation theory have been reported previously. These events may be elucidated by the persistence of residual tumor cells, called Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) responsible for tumorigenesis, tumor maintenance, tumor spread, and tumor relapse. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of CSCs, with a focus on the possibility to identify specific markers of CSCs, and discuss the clinical application of targeting CSCs for cancer treatment.
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Rossi ML, Rehman AA, Gondi CS. Therapeutic options for the management of pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11142-11159. [PMID: 25170201 PMCID: PMC4145755 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i32.11142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its initial characterization, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has remained one of the most devastating and difficult cancers to treat. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in an estimated 38460 deaths annually. With few screening tools available to detect this disease at an early stage, 94% of patients will die within five years of diagnosis. Despite decades of research that have led to a better understanding of the molecular and cellular signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer cells, few effective therapies have been developed to target these pathways. Other treatment options have included more sophisticated pancreatic cancer surgeries and combination therapies. While outcomes have improved modestly for these patients, more effective treatments are desperately needed. One of the greatest challenges in the future of treating this malignancy will be to develop therapies that target the tumor microenvironment and surrounding pancreatic cancer stem cells in addition to pancreatic cancer cells. Recent advances in targeting pancreatic stellate cells and the stroma have encouraged researchers to shift their focus to the role of desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer pathobiology in the hopes of developing newer-generation therapies. By combining novel agents with current cytotoxic chemotherapies and radiation therapy and personalizing them to each patient based on specific biomarkers, the goal of prolonging a patient’s life could be achieved. Here we review the most effective therapies that have been used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and discuss the future potential of therapeutic options.
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Kim MS, Zhong Y, Yachida S, Rajeshkumar NV, Abel ML, Marimuthu A, Mudgal K, Hruban RH, Poling JS, Tyner JW, Maitra A, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Pandey A. Heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer metastases in a single patient revealed by quantitative proteomics. Mol Cell Proteomics 2014; 13:2803-11. [PMID: 24895378 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m114.038547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many patients with pancreatic cancer have metastases to distant organs at the time of initial presentation. Recent studies examining the evolution of pancreatic cancer at the genetic level have shown that clonal complexity of metastatic pancreatic cancer is already initiated within primary tumors, and organ-specific metastases are derived from different subclones. However, we do not yet understand to what extent the evolution of pancreatic cancer contributes to proteomic and signaling alterations. We hypothesized that genetic heterogeneity of metastatic pancreatic cancer results in heterogeneity at the proteome level. To address this, we employed a model system in which cells isolated from three sites of metastasis (liver, lung, and peritoneum) from a single patient were compared. We used a SILAC-based accurate quantitative proteomic strategy combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze the total proteome and tyrosine phosphoproteome of each of the distal metastases. Our data revealed distinct patterns of both overall proteome expression and tyrosine kinase activities across the three different metastatic lesions. This heterogeneity was significant because it led to differential sensitivity of the neoplastic cells to small molecule inhibitors targeting various kinases and other pathways. For example, R428, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets Axl receptor tyrosine kinase, was able to inhibit cells derived from lung and liver metastases much more effectively than cells from the peritoneal metastasis. Finally, we confirmed that administration of R428 in mice bearing xenografts of cells derived from the three different metastatic sites significantly diminished tumors formed from liver- and lung-metastasis-derived cell lines as compared with tumors derived from the peritoneal metastasis cell line. Overall, our data provide proof-of-principle support that personalized therapy of multiple organ metastases in a single patient should involve the administration of a combination of agents, with each agent targeted to the features of different subclones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Sik Kim
- From the ‡McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205; §Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Yi Zhong
- ‖Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231
| | - Shinichi Yachida
- ‖Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231
| | - N V Rajeshkumar
- **Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231
| | - Melissa L Abel
- §§Departments of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailcode L592, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Arivusudar Marimuthu
- ¶¶Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, 560066, India
| | - Keshav Mudgal
- ‖‖School of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- ‖Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231; **Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231
| | - Justin S Poling
- ‖Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- §§Departments of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mailcode L592, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Anirban Maitra
- From the ‡McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205; ‖Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231; **Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- ‖Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231; **Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231;
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- From the ‡McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205; §Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205; ‖Department of Pathology, the Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231;
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Hennig J, McShane MP, Cordes N, Eke I. APPL proteins modulate DNA repair and radiation survival of pancreatic carcinoma cells by regulating ATM. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1199. [PMID: 24763056 PMCID: PMC4001316 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite intensive multimodal therapies, the overall survival rate of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is still poor. The chemo- and radioresistance mechanisms of this tumor entity remain to be determined in order to develop novel treatment strategies. In cancer, endocytosis and membrane trafficking proteins are known to be utilized and they also critically regulate essential cell functions like survival and proliferation. On the basis of these data, we evaluated the role of the endosomal proteins adaptor proteins containing pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine binding domain and a leucine zipper motif (APPL)1 and 2 for the radioresistance of pancreatic carcinoma cells. Here, we show that APPL2 expression in pancreatic cancer cells is upregulated after irradiation and that depletion of APPL proteins by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced radiation survival in parallel to impairing DNA double strand break (DSB) repair. In addition, APPL knockdown diminished radiogenic hyperphosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM). Activated ATM and APPL1 were also shown to interact after irradiation, suggesting that APPL has a more direct role in the phosphorylation of ATM. Double targeting of APPL proteins and ATM caused similar radiosensitization and concomitant DSB repair perturbation to that observed after depletion of single proteins, indicating that ATM is the central modulator of APPL-mediated effects on radiosensitivity and DNA repair. These data strongly suggest that endosomal APPL proteins contribute to the DNA damage response. Whether targeting of APPL proteins is beneficial for the survival of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hennig
- OncoRay—National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - M P McShane
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - N Cordes
- OncoRay—National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - I Eke
- OncoRay—National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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47
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Koay EJ, Truty MJ, Cristini V, Thomas RM, Chen R, Chatterjee D, Kang Y, Bhosale PR, Tamm EP, Crane CH, Javle M, Katz MH, Gottumukkala VN, Rozner MA, Shen H, Lee JE, Wang H, Chen Y, Plunkett W, Abbruzzese JL, Wolff RA, Varadhachary GR, Ferrari M, Fleming JB. Transport properties of pancreatic cancer describe gemcitabine delivery and response. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:1525-36. [PMID: 24614108 DOI: 10.1172/jci73455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is partly ascribed to ineffective delivery of chemotherapy to cancer cells. We hypothesized that physical properties at vascular, extracellular, and cellular scales influence delivery of and response to gemcitabine-based therapy. METHODS We developed a method to measure mass transport properties during routine contrast-enhanced CT scans of individual human PDAC tumors. Additionally, we evaluated gemcitabine infusion during PDAC resection in 12 patients, measuring gemcitabine incorporation into tumor DNA and correlating its uptake with human equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT1) levels, stromal reaction, and CT-derived mass transport properties. We also studied associations between CT-derived transport properties and clinical outcomes in patients who received preoperative gemcitabine-based chemoradiotherapy for resectable PDAC. RESULTS Transport modeling of 176 CT scans illustrated striking differences in transport properties between normal pancreas and tumor, with a wide array of enhancement profiles. Reflecting the interpatient differences in contrast enhancement, resected tumors exhibited dramatic differences in gemcitabine DNA incorporation, despite similar intravascular pharmacokinetics. Gemcitabine incorporation into tumor DNA was inversely related to CT-derived transport parameters and PDAC stromal score, after accounting for hENT1 levels. Moreover, stromal score directly correlated with CT-derived parameters. Among 110 patients who received preoperative gemcitabine-based chemoradiotherapy, CT-derived parameters correlated with pathological response and survival. CONCLUSION Gemcitabine incorporation into tumor DNA is highly variable and correlates with multiscale transport properties that can be derived from routine CT scans. Furthermore, pretherapy CT-derived properties correlate with clinically relevant endpoints. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01276613. FUNDING Lustgarten Foundation (989161), Department of Defense (W81XWH-09-1-0212), NIH (U54CA151668, KCA088084).
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/pharmacokinetics
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use
- Biological Transport, Active
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/diagnostic imaging
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
- DNA Adducts/metabolism
- DNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Deoxycytidine/administration & dosage
- Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives
- Deoxycytidine/pharmacokinetics
- Deoxycytidine/therapeutic use
- Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Models, Biological
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Prospective Studies
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
- Gemcitabine
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48
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Herreros-Villanueva M, Bujanda L, Billadeau DD, Zhang JS. Embryonic stem cell factors and pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:2247-2254. [PMID: 24605024 PMCID: PMC3942830 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic tumor, is a highly aggressive human cancer with the lowest five-year survival rate of any human maligancy primarily due to its early- metastasis and lack of response to chemotherapy and radiation. Recent research suggests that PDAC cells comprise a hierarchy of tumor cells that develop around a population of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small and distinct population of cancer cells that mediates tumoregenesis, metastasis and resistance to standard treatments. Thus, CSCs could be a target for more effective treatment options. Interestingly, pancreatic CSCs are subject to regulation by some of key embryonic stem cell (ESC) transctiption factors abberently expressed in PDAC, such as SOX2, OCT4 and NANOG. ESC transcription factors are important DNA-binding proteins present in both embryonic and adult somatic cells. The critical role of these factors in reprogramming processes makes them essential not only for embryonic development but also tumorigenesis. Here we provide an overview of stem cell transcription factors, particularly SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG, on their expression and function in pancreatic cancer. In contrast to embryonic stem cells, in which OCT4 and SOX2 are tightly regulated and physically interact to regulate a wide spectrum of target genes, de novo SOX2 expression alone in pancreatic cancer cells is sufficient to promote self-renewal, de-differentiation and imparting stemness characteristics via impacting specific cell cycle regulatory genes and epithelial-mesnechymal transtion driver genes. Thus, targeting ESC factors, particularly SOX2, could be a worthy strategy for pancreatic cancer therapy.
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49
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Chen S, Wang G, Niu X, Zhao J, Tan W, Wang H, Zhao L, Ge Y. Combination of AZD2281 (Olaparib) and GX15-070 (Obatoclax) results in synergistic antitumor activities in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2014; 348:20-8. [PMID: 24534203 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explored the antitumor activities of the PARP inhibitor AZD2281 (Olaparib) and the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor GX15-070 (Obatoclax) in six pancreatic cancer cell lines. While both agents were able to cause growth arrest and limited apoptosis, the combination of the two was able to synergistically cause growth arrest and non-apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, in an in vivo xenograft model, the combination caused substantially increased tumor necrosis compared to either treatment alone. Our results support further investigation of the combination of Bcl-2 and PARP inhibitors for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Chen
- The State Engineering Laboratory of AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guan Wang
- The State Engineering Laboratory of AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- The State Engineering Laboratory of AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianyun Zhao
- The State Engineering Laboratory of AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenxi Tan
- Department of Pathophysiology College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hebin Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lijing Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Yubin Ge
- The State Engineering Laboratory of AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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50
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Lee JY, Song SY, Park JY. Notch pathway activation is associated with pancreatic cancer treatment failure. Pancreatology 2013; 14:48-53. [PMID: 24555978 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2013.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is resistant to conventional treatment. The aim of the study was to confirm the hypothesis that changes in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and developmental pathway after treatment was responsible for treatment failure in pancreatic cancer. METHODS After recovery from a gemcitabine treatment, the percentage of pancreatic cancer CSCs and Notch pathway in BxPC3 and HPAC pancreatic cancer cell lines were analyzed by FACS (CD24 and CD44) and western blot (Notch1, Hes1, β-catenin, and pAKT). The effect of DAPT, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, was similarly investigated. The association between immunohistochemical expression of Hes1 and survival was analyzed. RESULTS The percentage of CD24(+)CD44(+) cells was higher in gemcitabine-treated BxPC3 and HPAC cells than at pre-treatment. CD24(+)CD44(+) cells sorted from the gemcitabine-treated cell lines showed higher migration and invasion ability than CD24(-)CD44(-) or CD24(-)CD44(+) cells from the same cell lines. Western blot analysis showed an increased expression of Notch1 and Hes1 in gemcitabine-treated cell lines. The overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients with strong expression of Hes1 was shorter than that in patients with no or weak expression (11.1 vs. 21.6 months, P = 0.036). Treatment with DAPT reversed the increase in Hes1, β-catenin, and pAKT expression and the proportion of CD24(+)CD44(+) cells in gemcitabine-treated cell lines. The treatment also decreased migration and invasion ability. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that an increase in CSCs and activation of the Notch pathway might contribute to the failure of treatment in pancreatic cancer. Notch pathway can be a potential target to overcome treatment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, College of Medicine Yonsei University, South Korea
| | - Si Young Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, College of Medicine Yonsei University, South Korea; Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Science, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong Youp Park
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, College of Medicine Yonsei University, South Korea.
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