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Afzalipour R, Abbasi-Dokht T, Sheikh M, Mohammadlou M, Nili F, Baharlou R. The Prediction of DLL4 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with Gastric Cancer Using Anti-DLL4 Nanobody. J Gastrointest Cancer 2024; 55:1380-1387. [PMID: 39046662 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-024-01093-9] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis and cancer metastasis depend on the DLL4/Notch signaling pathway. A new approach to treating angiogenesis could inhibit or block this pathway. In the present study, we investigated DLL4 expression as a biomarker capable of predicting survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients using a novel anti-DLL4 Nanobody. PATIENTS AND METHODS By using a recently developed anti-DLL4 Nanobody, the expression of DLL4 was evaluated in tissue samples from 135 gastric cancer patients. It was evaluated whether DLL4 expression is related to clinicopathological factors, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS Sixty-five (48%) gastric cancer patients had a positive expression of DLL4 within the tumor tissue. Based on both the univariate and multivariate regression analyses, the expression of DLL4 was strongly associated with RFS (HR, 1.94; p = 0.008) and OS (HR, 2.06; p = 0.004). Moreover, the survival analysis demonstrated that DLL4 expression was a significant independent factor of unfavorable OS (HR, 2.7; p = 0.01) and RFS (HR, 2.3; p = 0.02) in gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSION DLL4 expression in gastric cancer patients may predict poor prognosis and survival. Furthermore, the current data demonstrate the potential of Nanobody for detecting DLL4, and it may lead to develop novel therapies and diagnostics for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Afzalipour
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Para-Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Tannaz Abbasi-Dokht
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Maryam Sheikh
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Maryam Mohammadlou
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nili
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Baharlou
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Sachan N, Sharma V, Mutsuddi M, Mukherjee A. Notch signalling: multifaceted role in development and disease. FEBS J 2024; 291:3030-3059. [PMID: 37166442 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Notch pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signalling system that operates to influence an astonishing array of cell fate decisions in different developmental contexts. Notch signalling plays important roles in many developmental processes, making it difficult to name a tissue or a developing organ that does not depend on Notch function at one stage or another. Thus, dysregulation of Notch signalling is associated with many developmental defects and various pathological conditions, including cancer. Although many recent advances have been made to reveal different aspects of the Notch signalling mechanism and its intricate regulation, there are still many unanswered questions related to how the Notch signalling pathway functions in so many developmental events. The same pathway can be deployed in numerous cellular contexts to play varied and critical roles in an organism's development and this is only possible because of the complex regulatory mechanisms of the pathway. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanism and regulation of the Notch signalling pathway along with its multifaceted functions in different aspects of development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalani Sachan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
- Department of Cell Biology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vartika Sharma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Mousumi Mutsuddi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ashim Mukherjee
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Shi Q, Xue C, Zeng Y, Yuan X, Chu Q, Jiang S, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhu D, Li L. Notch signaling pathway in cancer: from mechanistic insights to targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:128. [PMID: 38797752 PMCID: PMC11128457 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling, renowned for its role in regulating cell fate, organ development, and tissue homeostasis across metazoans, is highly conserved throughout evolution. The Notch receptor and its ligands are transmembrane proteins containing epidermal growth factor-like repeat sequences, typically necessitating receptor-ligand interaction to initiate classical Notch signaling transduction. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Notch signaling pathway serves as both an oncogenic factor and a tumor suppressor in various cancer types. Dysregulation of this pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in malignancies, closely linked to cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, the Notch signaling pathway contributes to maintaining stem-like properties in cancer cells, thereby enhancing cancer invasiveness. The regulatory role of the Notch signaling pathway in cancer metabolic reprogramming and the tumor microenvironment suggests its pivotal involvement in balancing oncogenic and tumor suppressive effects. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway is implicated in conferring chemoresistance to tumor cells. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these biological processes is crucial for developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting Notch signaling. This review focuses on the research progress of the Notch signaling pathway in cancers, providing in-depth insights into the potential mechanisms of Notch signaling regulation in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Additionally, the review summarizes pharmaceutical clinical trials targeting Notch signaling for cancer therapy, aiming to offer new insights into therapeutic strategies for human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmiao Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chen Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yifan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qingfei Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shuwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Danhua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Chung WC, Xu K. Notch signaling pathway in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Adv Cancer Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
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Mohammadlou M, Salehi S, Baharlou R. Development of anti DLL4 Nanobody fused to truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin: As a novel immunotoxin to inhibit of cell proliferation and neovascularization. Anal Biochem 2022; 653:114776. [PMID: 35679954 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Targeted tumor therapy is an attractive approach for cancer treatment. Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) is overexpressed in tumor vasculature and plays a pivotal role in tumor neovascular development and angiogenesis during tumor progression. Immunotoxins due to their superior cell-killing ability and the relative simplicity of their preparation, have great potential in the clinical treatment of cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a novel immunotoxin against DLL4 as a cell cytotoxic agent and angiogenesis maturation inhibitor. In present study, an immunotoxin, named DLL4Nb-PE, in which a Nanobody as targeting moiety fused to the Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) was constructed, expressed and assessed by SDS-PAGE, western blotting, ELISA and flowcytometry. The functional assessment was carried out via MTT, apoptosis and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. It was demonstrated DLL4Nb-PE specifically binds to DLL4 and recognizes DLL4-expressing MKN cells. The cytotoxicity assays showed that this molecule could induce apoptosis and kill DLL4 positive MKN cells. In addition, it inhibited neovascularization in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane. Our findings indicate designed anti-DLL4 immunotoxin has valuable potential for application to the treatment of tumors with high DLL4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mohammadlou
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Shima Salehi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Baharlou
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Fasoulakis Z, Koutras A, Ntounis T, Pergialiotis V, Chionis A, Katrachouras A, Palios VC, Symeonidis P, Valsamaki A, Syllaios A, Diakosavvas M, Angelou K, Samara AA, Pagkalos A, Theodora M, Schizas D, Kontomanolis EN. The Prognostic Role and Significance of Dll4 and Toll-like Receptors in Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071649. [PMID: 35406423 PMCID: PMC8996945 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The aim of this review is to summarize the latest details considering the role of Dll4 in cancer, since recent data report that Dll4 has a major key role in tumor angiogenesis. Moreover, the authors try to seek any correlation between Dll4 and cancer stem cells in tumor development. Considering that cancer stem cells have proven to be implicated in the progression of many cancer types, any impact from Dll4 could lead to the alteration of cancer development. Additionally, the authors make a report on current advantages on immunotherapy and tumor-draining lymph nodes in cancer. Finally, this study analyzes toll like receptors, pattern recognition receptors that are capable of recognizing different molecules and activating different genes. These immunogenetic molecules have remarkable roles including angiogenesis promotion, while their activation can lead to either cancer progression or inhibition, representing a very promising therapeutic alliance for cancer treatment. Abstract The Notch signaling pathway regulates the development of embryonic and tissue homeostasis of various types of cells. It also controls cell proliferation, variation, fate and cell death because it emits short-range messages to nearby cells. The pathway plays an important role in the pathophysiology of various malignancies, controlling cancer creation. It also limits cancer development by adjusting preserved angiogenesis and cellular programs. One of the Notch signaling ligands (in mammals) is Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), which plays a significant role in the overall malignancies’ advancement. Particularly, sequencing Notch gene mutations, including those of Dll4, have been detected in many types of cancers portraying information on the growth of particular gynecological types of tumors. The current research article examines the background theory that implies the ability of Dll4 in the development of endometrial and other cancer types, and the probable therapeutic results of Dll4 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zacharias Fasoulakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Antonios Koutras
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Thomas Ntounis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Athanasios Chionis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Agiou Thoma 17, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Alexandros Katrachouras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ioannina, University General Hospital of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Str., 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Vasileios-Chrysovalantis Palios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Larisa, University General Hospital of Larisa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Symeonidis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 12, 67100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (P.S.); (E.N.K.)
| | - Asimina Valsamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Larisa, Tsakal of 1, 41221 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Syllaios
- 1st Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Agiou Thoma Str. 17, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6972374280
| | - Michail Diakosavvas
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Kyveli Angelou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Athina A. Samara
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital of Larissa, Mezourlo, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Pagkalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Neapoli, 67100 Xanthi, Greece;
| | - Marianna Theodora
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Athens ‘ALEXANDRA’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Lourou and Vasilissis Sofias Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece; (Z.F.); (A.K.); (T.N.); (V.P.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (M.T.)
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- 1st Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Democritus University of Thrace, Vasilissis Sofias Str. 12, 67100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (P.S.); (E.N.K.)
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Sumbly V, Landry I. Understanding pancreatic cancer stem cells and their role in carcinogenesis: a narrative review. Stem Cell Investig 2022; 9:1. [PMID: 35242873 PMCID: PMC8832159 DOI: 10.21037/sci-2021-067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review article is to describe the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer and to better understand the role of abnormal stem cells in the development of pancreatic cancer. BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is a highly fatal disease that is caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of pancreatic exocrine or neuroendocrine glands. It is believed that pancreatic cancers arise from a small population of abnormal cancer stem cells (CSCs) that promote tumorigenesis, tumor metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The molecular markers CD133, CXCR4, DCLK1, c-MET, ABCG2 and Lgr5 are routinely used to detected and observe the behaviours of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs). METHODS A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov and Web of Science using related keywords. Articles focusing on PCSCs and pancreatic cancer pathogenesis, biochemistry and clinical trials were selected. CONCLUSIONS Although very little is known about the exact cause of pancreatic cancer, PCSCs seem to play an important role in carcinogenesis. Mutated biochemical cascades include Sonic Hedgehog, K-RAS-JNK, DLL4/Notch and Nodal/Activin. Several clinical trials are trying to determine if the transplantation of hematopoietic stem cell or peripheral stem cells could be useful for the treatment of such an aggressive tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Sumbly
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/NYC Health & Hospitals|Queens, Jamaica, NY, USA
| | - Ian Landry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/NYC Health & Hospitals|Queens, Jamaica, NY, USA
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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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Liao WY, Hsu CC, Chan TS, Yen CJ, Chen WY, Pan HW, Tsai KK. Dishevelled 1-Regulated Superpotent Cancer Stem Cells Mediate Wnt Heterogeneity and Tumor Progression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 14:462-477. [PMID: 32160521 PMCID: PMC7066362 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Various populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Wnt signaling is variably activated in HCC and regulates CSCs and tumorigenesis. We explored cell-to-cell Wnt and stemness heterogeneity in HCC by labeling freshly isolated cancer cells with a Wnt-specific reporter, thereby identifying a small subset (0.4%–8.9%) of Wnt-activityhigh cells. Further cellular subset analysis identified a refined subset of Wnt-activityhighALDH1+EpCAM+ triple-positive (TP) cells as the most stem-like, phenotypically plastic, and tumorigenic among all putative CSC populations. These TP “superpotent CSCs” (spCSCs) specifically upregulate the expression of dishevelled 1 (DVL1) through the antagonism between abnormal spindle-like microcephaly-associated (ASPM) and the ubiquitin ligase complex Cullin-3/KLHL-12. Subsequent functional and molecular studies revealed the role of DVL1 in controlling spCSCs and their tumorigenic potential. These findings provide the mechanistic basis of the Wnt and stemness heterogeneity in HCC and highlight the important role of DVL1high spCSCs in tumor progression. Wnt activity displays a high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity in HCC Wnt-activityhighALDH1+EPCAM+ cells are identified as superpotent CSCs in HCC The proportion of superpotent CSCs correlates with poor patient prognosis in HCC Superpotent CSCs are regulated by the Wnt-ASPM-DVL1 signaling axis
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ying Liao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 84001, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Sian Chan
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Division of Hemato-oncology, Department of Medicine, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Pan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 84001, Taiwan
| | - Kelvin K Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing St., Xinyi, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes (NHRIs), Zhunan 35053, Taiwan.
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10
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Al-Share B, Hammad N, Diab M. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: molecular drivers and the role of targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:355-371. [PMID: 33398620 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Prognosis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be poor despite the many efforts channeled to improve its management. Although the mainstay treatment is still traditional chemotherapy, recent advances highlighted a promising potential for targeted therapy in the management of this disease. Those advances emphasize the significance of timely genomic profiling of tumor tissue as well as germline testing of patients to identify potential markers of targeted therapy. While targeted therapy is reserved for a relatively small subset of patients with PDAC, ongoing research is uncovering additional markers, and targeted agents, that will hopefully translate to better outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayan Al-Share
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nour Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Ascension Providence Hospital and Medical Center/Michigan State University/Collage of Human Medicine, Southfield, MI, USA
| | - Maria Diab
- Department of Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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11
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Leach A, Smyth P, Ferguson L, Steven J, Greene MK, Branco CM, McCann AP, Porter A, Barelle CJ, Scott CJ. Anti-DLL4 VNAR targeted nanoparticles for targeting of both tumour and tumour associated vasculature. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:14751-14763. [PMID: 32626858 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr02962a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Whilst there is an extensive body of preclinical nanomedicine research, translation to clinical settings has been slow. Here we present a novel approach to the targeted nanoparticle (NP) concept: utilizing both a novel targeting ligand, VNAR (Variable New Antigen Receptor), a shark-derived single chain binding domain, and an under-investigated target in delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4). We describe the development of an anti-DLL4 VNAR and the site-specific conjugation of this to poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid PEGylated NPs using surface maleimide functional groups. These nanoconjugates were shown to specifically bind DLL4 with high affinity and were preferentially internalized by DLL4-expressing pancreatic cancer cell lines and endothelial cells. Furthermore, a distinct anti-angiogenic effect endowed by the anti-DLL4 VNAR was evident in in vitro tubulogenic assays. Taken together these findings highlight the potential of anti-DLL4 targeted polymeric NPs as a novel therapeutic approach in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Leach
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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12
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Xiu MX, Liu YM, Kuang BH. The Role of DLLs in Cancer: A Novel Therapeutic Target. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:3881-3901. [PMID: 32440154 PMCID: PMC7213894 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s244860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta-like ligands (DLLs) control Notch signaling. DLL1, DLL3 and DLL4 are frequently deregulated in cancer and influence tumor growth, the tumor vasculature and tumor immunity, which play different roles in cancer progression. DLLs have attracted intense research interest as anti-cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of DLLs in cancer and summarize the emerging DLL-relevant targeting methods to aid future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xi Xiu
- Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Meng Liu
- Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Hai Kuang
- Medical School of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
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13
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Hsu CC, Liao WY, Chan TS, Chen WY, Lee CT, Shan YS, Huang PJ, Hou YC, Li CR, Tsai KK. The differential distributions of ASPM isoforms and their roles in Wnt signaling, cell cycle progression, and pancreatic cancer prognosis. J Pathol 2019; 249:498-508. [PMID: 31465125 PMCID: PMC6899738 DOI: 10.1002/path.5341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and treatment‐resistant malignancy. The lack of pathway‐informed biomarkers hampers the development of rational diagnostics or therapies. Recently, the protein abnormal spindle‐like microcephaly‐associated (ASPM) was identified as a novel Wnt and stemness regulator in PDAC, while the pathogenic roles of its protein isoforms remain unclarified. We developed novel isoform‐specific antibodies and genetic knockdown (KD) of putative ASPM isoforms, whereby we uncovered that the levels of ASPM isoform 1 (iI) and ASPM‐iII are variably upregulated in PDAC cells. ASPM isoforms show remarkably different subcellular locations; specifically, ASPM‐iI is exclusively localized to the cortical cytoplasm of PDAC cells, while ASPM‐iII is predominantly expressed in cell nuclei. Mechanistically, ASPM‐iI co‐localizes with disheveled‐2 and active β‐catenin as well as the stemness marker aldehyde dehydrogenase‐1 (ALDH‐1), and its expression is indispensable for the Wnt activity, stemness, and the tumorigenicity of PDAC cells. By contrast, ASPM‐iII selectively regulates the expression level of cyclin E and cell cycle progression in PDAC cells. The expression of ASPM‐iI and ASPM‐iII displays considerable intratumoral heterogeneity in PDAC tissues and only that of ASPM‐iI was prognostically significant; it outperformed ALDH‐1 staining and clinico‐pathological variables in a multivariant analysis. Collectively, the distinct expression patterns and biological functions of ASPM isoforms may illuminate novel molecular mechanisms and prognosticators in PDAC and may pave the way for the development of therapies targeting this novel oncoprotein. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Chi Hsu
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ying Liao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tze-Sian Chan
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ta Lee
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Jui Huang
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chin Hou
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Rong Li
- Department of Teaching and Research, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kelvin K Tsai
- Laboratory of Advanced Molecular Therapeutics, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Integrative Therapy Center for Gastroenterologic Cancers, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes (NHRIs), Zhunan, Taiwan
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14
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Huang MT, Chiu CJ, Chiang BL. Multi-Faceted Notch in Allergic Airway Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3508. [PMID: 31319491 PMCID: PMC6678794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch is an evolutionarily conserved signaling family which iteratively exerts pleiotropic functions in cell fate decisions and various physiological processes, not only during embryonic development but also throughout adult life. In the context of the respiratory system, Notch has been shown to regulate ciliated versus secretory lineage differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells and coordinate morphogenesis of the developing lung. Reminiscent of its role in development, the Notch signaling pathway also plays a role in repair of lung injuries by regulation of stem cell activity, cell differentiation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition to functions in embryonic development, cell and tissue renewal and various physiological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, Notch signaling has been demonstrated to regulate differentiation of literally almost all T-cell subsets, and impact on elicitation of inflammatory response and its outcome. We have investigated the role of Notch in allergic airway inflammation in both acute and chronic settings. In this mini-review, we will summarize our own work and recent advances on the role of Notch signaling in allergic airway inflammation, and discuss potential applications of the Notch signaling family in therapy for allergic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Tzu Huang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10048, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10048, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10048, Taiwan.
| | - Chiao-Juno Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10048, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Luen Chiang
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10048, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10048, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10048, Taiwan.
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15
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Jimeno A, Moore KN, Gordon M, Chugh R, Diamond JR, Aljumaily R, Mendelson D, Kapoun AM, Xu L, Stagg R, Smith DC. A first-in-human phase 1a study of the bispecific anti-DLL4/anti-VEGF antibody navicixizumab (OMP-305B83) in patients with previously treated solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2018; 37:461-472. [PMID: 30229512 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-018-0665-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Navicixizumab (OMP-305B83) is a bispecific antibody that inhibits delta-like ligand 4 and vascular endothelial growth factor. This Phase 1a trial assessed escalating doses of navicixizumab in refractory solid tumors patients. Design A 3 + 3 dose escalation design was used followed by the treatment of additional patients in an expansion cohort. Study objectives were determination of the maximum tolerated dose, safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and efficacy. Results Sixty-six patients were treated once every 3 weeks in 8 dose-escalation cohorts (0.5, 1, 2.5, 3.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 mg/kg) and an expansion cohort (7.5 mg/kg). The median age was 60 years and 68% of the patients were female. The most commonly enrolled tumor types were ovarian (12), colorectal (11) and breast, pancreatic, uterine and endometrial (4 each) cancers. As only 1 dose limiting toxicity occurred, the maximum tolerated dose was not reached, but 7.5 mg/kg was chosen as the dose for the expansion cohort. The treatment related adverse events (≥15% of patients) were hypertension (57.6%), headache (28.8%), fatigue (25.8%), and pulmonary hypertension (18.2%). Pulmonary hypertension was mostly asymptomatic at doses ≤5 mg/kg (6 Gr1, 1 Gr2), but was more severe at higher doses (4 Gr2, 1 Gr3). Navicixizumab's half-life was 11.4 days and there was a moderate (29%) incidence of anti-drug antibody formation. Four patients (3 ovarian cancer, 1 uterine carcinosarcoma) had a partial response and 17 patients had stable disease. Nineteen patients had a reduction in the size of their target lesions including 7/11 patients with ovarian cancer. Four patients remained on study for >300 days and 2 of these patients were on study for >500 days. Conclusions Navicixizumab can be safely administered with manageable toxicities and these data showed preliminary signs of antitumor activity in multiple tumor types, but was most promising in ovarian cancer. As a result these data justify its continued development in combination Phase 1b clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jimeno
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue Building RC-1 South, 8111, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Kathleen N Moore
- The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer R Diamond
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Avenue Building RC-1 South, 8111, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Raid Aljumaily
- The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Lu Xu
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Redwood City, CA, USA
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16
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Baharlou R, Tajik N, Behdani M, Shokrgozar MA, Tavana V, Kazemi-Lomedasht F, Faraji F, Habibi-Anbouhi M. An antibody fragment against human delta-like ligand-4 for inhibition of cell proliferation and neovascularization. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2018; 40:368-374. [DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2018.1505907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Baharlou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Tajik
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Vajiheh Tavana
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi-Lomedasht
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Giaimo BD, Borggrefe T. Introduction to Molecular Mechanisms in Notch Signal Transduction and Disease Pathogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1066:3-30. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89512-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Li Y, Hickson JA, Ambrosi DJ, Haasch DL, Foster-Duke KD, Eaton LJ, DiGiammarino EL, Panchal SC, Jiang F, Mudd SR, Zhang C, Akella SS, Gao W, Ralston SL, Naumovski L, Gu J, Morgan-Lappe SE. ABT-165, a Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig) Targeting DLL4 and VEGF, Demonstrates Superior Efficacy and Favorable Safety Profiles in Preclinical Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1039-1050. [PMID: 29592882 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antiangiogenic therapy is a clinically validated modality in cancer treatment. To date, all approved antiangiogenic drugs primarily inhibit the VEGF pathway. Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) has been identified as a potential drug target in VEGF-independent angiogenesis and tumor-initiating cell (TIC) survival. A dual-specific biologic targeting both VEGF and DLL4 could be an attractive strategy to improve the effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapy. ABT-165 was uniquely engineered using a proprietary dual-variable domain immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig) technology based on its ability to bind and inhibit both DLL4 and VEGF. In vivo, ABT-165 induced significant tumor growth inhibition compared with either parental antibody treatment alone, due, in part, to the disruption of functional tumor vasculature. In combination with chemotherapy agents, ABT-165 also induced greater antitumor response and outperformed anti-VEGF treatment. ABT-165 displayed nonlinear pharmacokinetic profiles in cynomolgus monkeys, with an apparent terminal half-life > 5 days at a target saturation dose. In a GLP monkey toxicity study, ABT-165 was well-tolerated at doses up to 200 mg/kg with non-adverse treatment-related histopathology findings limited to the liver and thymus. In summary, ABT-165 represents a novel antiangiogenic strategy that potently inhibits both DLL4 and VEGF, demonstrating favorable in vivo efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and safety profiles in preclinical models. Given these preclinical attributes, ABT-165 has progressed to a phase I study. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 1039-50. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchun Li
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fang Jiang
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sarah R Mudd
- Translational Imaging, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
| | - Catherine Zhang
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics - Bioanalysis, AbbVie Biotherapeutics, Redwood City, California
| | - Surekha S Akella
- Preclinical Safety, AbbVie Biotherapeutics, Redwood City, California
| | - Wenqing Gao
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Louie Naumovski
- Oncology Early Development, AbbVie Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Jijie Gu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
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19
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Phase IB Trial of the Anti-Cancer Stem Cell DLL4-Binding Agent Demcizumab with Pemetrexed and Carboplatin as First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Non-Squamous NSCLC. Target Oncol 2017; 13:89-98. [DOI: 10.1007/s11523-017-0543-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Adamska A, Domenichini A, Falasca M. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Current and Evolving Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1338. [PMID: 28640192 PMCID: PMC5535831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which constitutes 90% of pancreatic cancers, is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Due to the broad heterogeneity of genetic mutations and dense stromal environment, PDAC belongs to one of the most chemoresistant cancers. Most of the available treatments are palliative, with the objective of relieving disease-related symptoms and prolonging survival. Currently, available therapeutic options are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and use of targeted drugs. However, thus far, therapies targeting cancer-associated molecular pathways have not given satisfactory results; this is due in part to the rapid upregulation of compensatory alternative pathways as well as dense desmoplastic reaction. In this review, we summarize currently available therapies and clinical trials, directed towards a plethora of pathways and components dysregulated during PDAC carcinogenesis. Emerging trends towards targeted therapies as the most promising approach will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Adamska
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Alice Domenichini
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
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21
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Fischer MM, Cancilla B, Yeung VP, Cattaruzza F, Chartier C, Murriel CL, Cain J, Tam R, Cheng CY, Evans JW, O’Young G, Song X, Lewicki J, Kapoun AM, Gurney A, Yen WC, Hoey T. WNT antagonists exhibit unique combinatorial antitumor activity with taxanes by potentiating mitotic cell death. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1700090. [PMID: 28691093 PMCID: PMC5479655 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The WNT pathway mediates intercellular signaling that regulates cell fate in both normal development and cancer. It is widely appreciated that the WNT pathway is frequently dysregulated in human cancers through a variety of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Targets in the WNT pathway are being extensively pursued for the development of new anticancer therapies, and we have advanced two WNT antagonists for clinical development: vantictumab (anti-FZD) and ipafricept (FZD8-Fc). We examined the antitumor efficacy of these WNT antagonists in combination with various chemotherapies in a large set of patient-derived xenograft models. In responsive models, WNT blockade led to profound synergy with taxanes such as paclitaxel, and the combination activity with taxanes was consistently more effective than with other classes of chemotherapy. Taxane monotherapy increased the frequency of cells with active WNT signaling. This selection of WNT-active chemotherapy-resistant tumorigenic cells was prevented by WNT-antagonizing biologics and required sequential dosing of the WNT antagonist followed by the taxane. The WNT antagonists potentiated paclitaxel-mediated mitotic blockade and promoted widespread mitotic cell death. By blocking WNT/β-catenin signaling before mitotic blockade by paclitaxel, we found that this treatment effectively sensitizes cancer stem cells to taxanes. This combination strategy and treatment regimen has been incorporated into ongoing clinical testing for vantictumab and ipafricept.
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Singh D, Minz AP, Sahoo SK. Nanomedicine-mediated drug targeting of cancer stem cells. Drug Discov Today 2017; 22:952-959. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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23
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Zheng Y, Wang S, Xue X, Xu A, Liao W, Deng A, Dai G, Liu AP, Fu J. Notch signaling in regulating angiogenesis in a 3D biomimetic environment. LAB ON A CHIP 2017; 17:1948-1959. [PMID: 28470301 PMCID: PMC6223016 DOI: 10.1039/c7lc00186j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a complex cellular process involving highly orchestrated invasion and organization of endothelial cells (ECs) in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. Recent evidence indicates that Notch signaling is critically involved in regulating specialized functions and distinct fates of ECs in newly formed vasculatures during angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrated, for the first time, the application of a microengineered biomimetic system to quantitatively investigate the role of Notch signaling in regulating early angiogenic sprouting and vasculature formation of ECs in a 3D extracellular matrix. Morphological features of angiogenesis including invasion distance, invasion area, and tip cell number were quantified and compared under pharmacological perturbations of Notch signaling. In addition, influences of Notch signaling on EC proliferation in angiogenic vasculatures and directional invasion of tip cells were also investigated. Moreover, leveraging a novel nanobiosensor system, mRNA expression of Dll4, a Notch ligand, was monitored in invading tip cells using live cell imaging during the dynamic angiogenic process. Our data showed that inhibition of Notch signaling resulted in hyper-sprouting endothelial structures, while activation of Notch signaling led to opposite effects. Our results also supported the role of Notch signaling in regulating EC proliferation and dynamic invasion of tip cells during angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shue Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alan Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wei Liao
- Department of Precision Instrument, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Alice Deng
- School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guohao Dai
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Allen P. Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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25
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Di Maggio F, Arumugam P, Delvecchio FR, Batista S, Lechertier T, Hodivala-Dilke K, Kocher HM. Pancreatic stellate cells regulate blood vessel density in the stroma of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreatology 2016; 16:995-1004. [PMID: 27288147 PMCID: PMC5123629 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2016.05.393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The vascular heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has never been characterised. We analysed the heterogeneous vascular density of human PDAC along with its prognostic correlation. METHODS Tissue Microarrays of 87 patients with different pancreatico-biliary pathologies were analysed in an automated manner (Ariol™) after CD31 staining to assess vascular density in juxta-tumoral and panstromal compartments. In vitro and ex vivo assays were carried out to assess the role of PSC. RESULTS PDAC has a distinct vascular density and distribution of vessels compared to cholangiocarcinoma. The PDAC juxta-tumoral stroma was hypovascular and the normal adjacent rim was hypervascular compared to the panstromal compartment. These features adversely affected patient prognosis, suggesting a model for spatio-temporal PDAC evolution. Mice aortic rings and 3D organotypic cultures demonstrated pro- and anti-angiogenic signalling from activated PSC and cancer cells respectively. ATRA-induced quiescence suppressed the pro-angiogenic activity of PSC. CONCLUSION Human PDAC has variable vascularity at microscopic level suggesting that novel stromal directed therapies would need to be determined by pathological characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Maggio
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Prabhu Arumugam
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Francesca R Delvecchio
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Silvia Batista
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Tanguy Lechertier
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute - a CRUK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Barts and the London HPB Centre, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK.
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DLL4 expression is a prognostic marker and may predict gemcitabine benefit in resected pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2016; 115:1245-1252. [PMID: 27755532 PMCID: PMC5104892 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing interest for Notch signalling pathway and particularly Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) as potential therapeutic target to improve outcome for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and tissue microarray (TMA), we assessed the expression patterns of DLL4, Notch1 and Notch3 in 151 patients from two independent cohorts of resected PDAC. We investigated the prognostic and the predictive significance of these proteins. RESULTS High IHC DLL4 expression in cancer cells was associated with worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than low DLL4 expression (median OS: 12.9 vs 30.4 months, P=0.004 and median DFS: 8.8 vs 17.4 months, P=0.02). High DLL4 expression remained a significant negative prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (HR for OS: 2.1, P=0.02 and HR for DFS: 2.0, P=0.02). Low DLL4 abundance was associated with a longer OS-only for patients who received an adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy (P<0.001) but not for patients who did not receive gemcitabine (P=0.72). Furthermore, the interaction test for adjuvant gemcitabine therapy was statistically significant (P<0.001). The validating cohort recapitulated the findings of the training cohort. CONCLUSIONS Low DLL4 abundance in tumour cells may predict the benefit from adjuvant gemcitabine therapy after PDAC resection.
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Błogowski W, Bodnarczuk T, Starzyńska T. Concise Review: Pancreatic Cancer and Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2016; 5:938-45. [PMID: 27217346 PMCID: PMC4922853 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains one of the most challenging diseases of modern gastroenterology, and, even though considerable effort has been put into understanding its pathogenesis, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying the development and/or systemic progression of this malignancy still remain unclear. Recently, much attention has been paid to the potential role of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) in this malignancy. Hence, herein, we comprehensively review the most recent discoveries and current achievements and concepts in this field. Specifically, we discuss the significance of identifying pancreatic cancer stem cells and novel therapeutic approaches involving molecular interference of their metabolism. We also describe advances in the current understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms responsible for BMSC mobilization during pancreatic cancer development and systemic spread. Finally, we summarize experimental, translational, and/or clinical evidence regarding the contribution of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, and pancreatic stellate cells in pancreatic cancer development/progression. We also present their potential therapeutic value for the treatment of this deadly malignancy in humans. SIGNIFICANCE Different bone marrow-derived stem cell populations contribute to the development and/or progression of pancreatic cancer, and they might also be a promising "weapon" that can be used for anticancer treatments in humans. Even though the exact role of these stem cells in pancreatic cancer development and/or progression in humans still remains unclear, this concept continues to drive a completely novel scientific avenue in pancreatic cancer research and gives rise to innovative ideas regarding novel therapeutic modalities that can be safely offered to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Błogowski
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bodnarczuk
- Division of Internal Medicine, 109th Military Hospital, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Teresa Starzyńska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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28
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Yen WC, Fischer MM, Axelrod F, Bond C, Cain J, Cancilla B, Henner WR, Meisner R, Sato A, Shah J, Tang T, Wallace B, Wang M, Zhang C, Kapoun AM, Lewicki J, Gurney A, Hoey T. Targeting Notch signaling with a Notch2/Notch3 antagonist (tarextumab) inhibits tumor growth and decreases tumor-initiating cell frequency. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 21:2084-95. [PMID: 25934888 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-2808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The Notch pathway plays an important role in both stem cell biology and cancer. Dysregulation of Notch signaling has been reported in several human tumor types. In this report, we describe the development of an antibody, OMP-59R5 (tarextumab), which blocks both Notch2 and Notch3 signaling. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We utilized patient-derived xenograft tumors to evaluate antitumor effect of OMP-59R5. Immunohistochemistry, RNA microarray, real-time PCR, and in vivo serial transplantation assays were employed to investigate the mechanisms of action and pharmacodynamic readouts. RESULTS We found that anti-Notch2/3, either as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents was efficacious in a broad spectrum of epithelial tumors, including breast, lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Notably, the sensitivity of anti-Notch2/3 in combination with gemcitabine in pancreatic tumors was associated with higher levels of Notch3 gene expression. The antitumor effect of anti-Notch2/3 in combination with gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel was greater than the combination effect with gemcitabine alone. OMP-59R5 inhibits both human and mouse Notch2 and Notch3 function and its antitumor activity was characterized by a dual mechanism of action in both tumor and stromal/vascular cells in xenograft experiments. In tumor cells, anti-Notch2/3 inhibited expression of Notch target genes and reduced tumor-initiating cell frequency. In the tumor stroma, OMP-59R5 consistently inhibited the expression of Notch3, HeyL, and Rgs5, characteristic of affecting pericyte function in tumor vasculature. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that blockade of Notch2/3 signaling with this cross-reactive antagonist antibody may be an effective strategy for treatment of a variety of tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ching Yen
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California.
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer Cain
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | | | - Rene Meisner
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Aaron Sato
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Jalpa Shah
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Tracy Tang
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | | | - Min Wang
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Chun Zhang
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Ann M Kapoun
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - John Lewicki
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Austin Gurney
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Timothy Hoey
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
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29
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Lu J, Zhou Y, Hu T, Zhang H, Shen M, Cheng P, Dai W, Wang F, Chen K, Zhang Y, Wang C, Li J, Zheng Y, Yang J, Zhu R, Wang J, Lu W, Zhang H, Wang J, Xia Y, De Assuncao TM, Jalan-Sakrikar N, Huebert RC, Bin Zhou, Guo C. Notch Signaling Coordinates Progenitor Cell-Mediated Biliary Regeneration Following Partial Hepatectomy. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22754. [PMID: 26951801 PMCID: PMC4782135 DOI: 10.1038/srep22754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant transcriptional regulation contributes to the pathogenesis of both congenital and adult forms of liver disease. Although the transcription factor RBPJ is essential for liver morphogenesis and biliary development, its specific function in the differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) has not been investigated, and little is known about its role in adult liver regeneration. HPCs are bipotent liver stem cells that can self-replicate and differentiate into hepatocytes or cholangiocytes in vitro. HPCs are thought to play an important role in liver regeneration and repair responses. While the coordinated repopulation of both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte compartment is pivotal to the structure and function of the liver after regeneration, the mechanisms coordinating biliary regeneration remain vastly understudied. Here, we utilized complex genetic manipulations to drive liver-specific deletion of the Rbpj gene in conjunction with lineage tracing techniques to delineate the precise functions of RBPJ during biliary development and HPC-associated biliary regeneration after hepatectomy. Furthermore, we demonstrate that RBPJ promotes HPC differentiation toward cholangiocytes in vitro and blocks hepatocyte differentiation through mechanisms involving Hippo-Notch crosstalk. Overall, this study demonstrates that the Notch-RBPJ signaling axis critically regulates biliary regeneration by coordinating the fate decision of HPC and clarifies the molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingqun Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyuan Hu
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengfeng Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianrong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxia Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Junshan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujing Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Thiago M De Assuncao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Nidhi Jalan-Sakrikar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Robert C Huebert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bin Zhou
- Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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30
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Abrams MJ, Rakszawski K, Vasekar M, Passero F, Abbas A, Jia Y, Saif MW. Recent advances in pancreatic cancer: updates and insights from the 2015 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2016; 9:141-51. [PMID: 26929776 PMCID: PMC4749860 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x15622601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Frank Passero
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Yuxia Jia
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Muhammad Wasif Saif
- Director, GI Cancers and Leader of Experimental Therapeutics, Tufts University School of Medicine, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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31
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Combined inhibition of DDR1 and Notch signaling is a therapeutic strategy for KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma. Nat Med 2016; 22:270-7. [PMID: 26855149 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients with advanced Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS)-mutant lung adenocarcinoma are currently treated with standard chemotherapy because of a lack of efficacious targeted therapies. We reasoned that the identification of mediators of Kras signaling in early mouse lung hyperplasias might bypass the difficulties that are imposed by intratumor heterogeneity in advanced tumors, and that it might unveil relevant therapeutic targets. Transcriptional profiling of Kras(G12V)-driven mouse hyperplasias revealed intertumor diversity with a subset that exhibited an aggressive transcriptional profile analogous to that of advanced human adenocarcinomas. The top-scoring gene in this profile encodes the tyrosine kinase receptor DDR1. The genetic and pharmacological inhibition of DDR1 blocked tumor initiation and tumor progression, respectively. The concomitant inhibition of both DDR1 and Notch signaling induced the regression of KRAS;TP53-mutant patient-derived lung xenografts (PDX) with a therapeutic efficacy that was at least comparable to that of standard chemotherapy. Our data indicate that the combined inhibition of DDR1 and Notch signaling could be an effective targeted therapy for patients with KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.
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32
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Jia Y, Xie J. Promising molecular mechanisms responsible for gemcitabine resistance in cancer. Genes Dis 2015; 2:299-306. [PMID: 30258872 PMCID: PMC6150077 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine is the first-line treatment for pancreatic ductual adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as well as acts against a wide range of other solid tumors. Patients usually have a good initial response to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy but would eventually develop resistance. To improve survival and prognosis of cancer patients, better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for gemcitabine resistance and discovery of new therapeutic strategies are in great need. Amounting evidence indicate that the developmental pathways, such as Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt and Notch, become reactivated in gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells. Thus, the strategies for targeting these pathways may sensitize cancer cells to gemcitabine treatment. In this review, we will summarize recent development in this area of research and discuss strategies to overcome gemcitabine resistance. Given the cross-talk between these three developmental signaling pathways, designing clinical trials using a cocktail of inhibitory agents targeting all these pathways may be more effective. Ultimately, our hope is that targeting these developmental pathways may be an effective way to improve the gemcitabine treatment outcome in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Jia
- Central Laboratory, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Jingwu Xie
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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33
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Couch JA, Zhang G, Beyer JC, de Zafra CLZ, Gupta P, Kamath AV, Lewin-Koh N, Tarrant J, Allamneni KP, Cain G, Yee S, Ross S, Cook R, Tsai SP, Ruppel J, Ridgway JB, Paluch M, Hass PE, Franklin J, Yan M. Balancing Efficacy and Safety of an Anti-DLL4 Antibody through Pharmacokinetic Modulation. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 22:1469-79. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-1380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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34
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Zhou B, Wang H, Liu R, Wang M, Deng H, Giglio BC, Gill PS, Shan H, Li Z. PET Imaging of Dll4 Expression in Glioblastoma and Colorectal Cancer Xenografts Using (64)Cu-Labeled Monoclonal Antibody 61B. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:3527-34. [PMID: 26288060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) expressed in tumor cells plays a key role to promote tumor growth of numerous cancer types. Based on a novel antihuman Dll4 monoclonal antibody (61B), we developed a (64)Cu-labeled probe for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of tumor Dll4 expression. In this study, 61B was conjugated with the (64)Cu-chelator DOTA through lysine on the antibody. Human IgG (hIgG)-DOTA, which did not bind to Dll4, was also prepared as a control. The Dll4 binding activity of the probes was evaluated through the bead-based binding assay with Dll4-alkaline phosphatase. The resulting PET probes were evaluated in U87MG glioblastoma and HT29 colorectal cancer xenografts in athymic nude mice. Our results demonstrated that the 61B-DOTA retained (77.2 ± 3.7) % Dll4 binding activity of the unmodified 61B, which is significantly higher than that of hIgG-DOTA (0.06 ± 0.03) %. Confocal microscopy analysis confirmed that 61B-Cy5.5, but not IgG-Cy5.5, predominantly located within the U87MG and HT29 cells cytoplasm. U87MG cells showed higher 61B-Cy5.5 binding as compared to HT29 cells. In U87MG xenografts, 61B-DOTA-(64)Cu demonstrated remarkable tumor accumulation (10.5 ± 1.7 and 10.2 ± 1.2%ID/g at 24 and 48 h postinjection, respectively). In HT29 xenografts, tumor accumulation of 61B-DOTA-(64)Cu was significantly lower than that of U87MG (7.3 ± 1.3 and 6.6 ± 1.3%ID/g at 24 and 48 h postinjection, respectively). The tumor accumulation of 61B-DOTA-(64)Cu was significantly higher than that of hIgG-DOTA-(64)Cu in both xenografts models. Immunofluorescence staining of the tumor tissues further confirmed that tumor accumulation of 61B-Cy5.5 was correlated well with in vivo PET imaging data using 61B-DOTA-(64)Cu. In conclusion, 61B-DOTA-(64)Cu PET probe was successfully synthesized and demonstrated prominent tumor uptake by targeting Dll4. 61B-DOTA-(64)Cu has great potential to be used for noninvasive Dll4 imaging, which could be valuable for tumor detection, Dll4 expression level evaluation, and Dll4-based treatment monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510630, China.,Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Hui Wang
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Ren Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Mengzhe Wang
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Huaifu Deng
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Benjamin C Giglio
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Parkash S Gill
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90033, United States
| | - Hong Shan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510630, China.,Interventional Radiology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zibo Li
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
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35
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Chiorean EG, Coveler AL. Pancreatic cancer: optimizing treatment options, new, and emerging targeted therapies. Drug Des Devel Ther 2015; 9:3529-45. [PMID: 26185420 PMCID: PMC4500614 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s60328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the US and is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the next decade. Despite 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin with irinotecan and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX) and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel significantly improving outcomes for metastatic cancer, refractory disease still poses significant challenges. Difficulties with early detection and the inherent chemo- and radio-resistant nature of this malignancy led to attempts to define the sequential biology of pancreatic cancer in order to improve survival outcomes. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is characterized by several germline or acquired genetic mutations, the most common being KRAS (90%), CDK2NA (90%), TP53 (75%-90%), DPC4/SMAD4 (50%). In addition, the tumor microenvironment, chemoresistant cancer stem cells, and the desmoplastic stroma have been the target of some promising clinical investigations. Among the core pathways reproducibly shown to lead the development and progression of this disease, DNA repair, apoptosis, G1/S cell cycle transition, KRAS, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-beta, and other cell invasion pathways, have been the target of "precision therapeutics". No single molecularly targeted therapeutic though has been uniformly successful, probably due to the tumor heterogeneity, but biomarker research is evolving and it hopes to select more patients likely to benefit. Recent reports note activity with immunotherapies such as CD40 agonists, CCR2 inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and novel combinations against the immunosuppressive tumor milieu are ongoing. While many obstacles still exist, clearly we are making progress in deciphering the heterogeneity within pancreatic cancers. Integrating conventional and immunological targeting will be the key to effective treatment of this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew L Coveler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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36
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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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37
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Sclafani F, Iyer R, Cunningham D, Starling N. Management of metastatic pancreatic cancer: Current treatment options and potential new therapeutic targets. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 95:318-36. [PMID: 25921418 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a malignancy with a poor prognosis, with the majority of patients diagnosed with advanced disease on presentation. Treatment options remain limited with little progress over the last 40 years. This review will focus on the current management of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, with a discussion of new and future treatment strategies based on an improved understanding of tumour biology and mechanisms of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ridhima Iyer
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, UK
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38
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Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells that display self-renewal and tumor initiation capacity and the ability to give rise to the heterogenous lineages of cancer cells that comprise the tumor. CSCs exhibit intrinsic mechanisms of resistance to modern cancer therapeutics, allowing them to survive current cancer therapies and to initiate tumor recurrence and metastasis. Various cell surface and transmembrane proteins expressed by CSCs, including CD44, CD47, CD123, EpCAM (CD326), CD133, IGF receptor I, and proteins of the Notch and Wnt signaling pathways have been identified. Recently, monoclonal antibodies and antibody constructs raised against these CSC proteins have shown efficacy against CSCs in human cancer xenograft mice, and some of them have demonstrated antitumor activity in clinical studies. Since current cancer therapies fail to eliminate CSCs, leading to cancer recurrence and progression, selective targeting of CSCs with monoclonal antibodies and antibody constructs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cord Naujokat
- Institute of Immunology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Antagonism of Ang-Tie2 and Dll4-Notch signaling has opposing effects on tumor endothelial cell proliferation, evidenced by a new flow cytometry method. J Transl Med 2014; 94:1296-308. [PMID: 25243900 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth as it provides the tumor with a network of blood vessels that supply both oxygen and essential nutrients. Limiting tumor-associated angiogenesis is a proven strategy for the treatment of human cancer. To date, the rapid detection and quantitation of tumor-associated endothelial cell (TAEC) proliferation has been challenging, largely due to the low frequency of endothelial cells (ECs) within the tumor microenvironment. In this report, we address this problem using a new multiparametric flow cytometry method capable of rapid and precise quantitation of proliferation by measuring bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) uptake in mouse TAECs from established human tumor xenografts. We determined the basal proliferation labeling index of TAECs in two human tumor xenografts representing two distinct histologies, COLO 205 (colorectal cancer) and U-87 (glioblastoma). We then investigated the effects of two large-molecule antiangiogenic agents targeting different biochemical pathways. Blocking angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling with the peptide-Fc fusion protein, trebananib (AMG 386), inhibited proliferation of TAECs, whereas blocking Dll4-Notch signaling with an anti-Dll4-specific antibody induced hyperproliferation of TAECs. These pharmacodynamic studies highlight the sensitivity and utility of this flow cytometry-based method and demonstrate the value of this assay to rapidly assess the in vivo proliferative effects of angiogenesis-targeted agents on both the tumor and the associated vasculature.
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40
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Yu HP, Qi ST, Feng WF, Zhang GZ, Zhang HP, Tian JJ. Interference of Notch 2 inhibits the progression of gliomas and induces cell apoptosis by induction of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:734-8. [PMID: 25338527 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The Notch signaling pathway is often aberrantly activated in glioma cells. In order to determine the expression of Notch 2 and to evaluate its possible prognostic value in malignant glioblastoma, specimens from 32 patients and 20 controls were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of Notch 2 in the glioma tissues was significantly higher compared with that in the normal brain tissues (P<0.01). Subsequently, endogenous Notch 2 interference was effectively performed by specific small hairpin (sh)RNA in the glioma cancer cell line U251. The results from an MTT assay and from Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining indicated that interference of Notch 2 significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of U251 cells. In addition, the cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry and the results revealed that Notch 2 shRNA induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in U251 cells. Additionally, proteins associated with the cell cycle and cell proliferation were detected using western blot analysis. The data demonstrated that the expression of P21, cyclin D and phosphorylated retinoblastoma was significantly inhibited in the Notch 2 shRNA-transfected U251 cells. The results of the present study provide further insights into the effects of Notch 2 and a molecular reference for brain tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ping Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Song-Tao Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Feng Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Zhong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - He-Ping Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Jun Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
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41
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Smith DC, Eisenberg PD, Manikhas G, Chugh R, Gubens MA, Stagg RJ, Kapoun AM, Xu L, Dupont J, Sikic B. A phase I dose escalation and expansion study of the anticancer stem cell agent demcizumab (anti-DLL4) in patients with previously treated solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:6295-303. [PMID: 25324140 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-1373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This phase I trial evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of demcizumab (OMP-21M18), a humanized IgG2 mAb targeting the Notch ligand DLL4 in adult patients with advanced malignancies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Standard 3+3 design, with demcizumab 0.5, 1, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg weekly or 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg every other week, with an expansion cohort at 10 mg/kg every other week. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were assessed during the first 28 days. RESULTS Fifty-five patients received demcizumab (15 weekly, 18 every other week, 21 expansion cohort, 1 loading dose). No more than one DLT was seen at any dose level. The MTD was not reached for either schedule. Treatment-related adverse events occurring in >10% of patients were hypertension or blood pressure increased (47%), fatigue (31%), anemia (22%), headache (20%), nausea (13%), hypoalbuminemia (11%), dizziness (11%), and dyspnea (11%). One patient dosed at 2.5 mg/kg developed reversible right-sided heart failure after 63 days on treatment and 4 dosed at 10 mg/kg developed congestive heart failure after ≥98 days on treatment. Five patients were hospitalized with bleeding episodes (2 episodes of tumor-associated bleeding). Sixteen of 25 (64%) evaluable patients at 10 mg/kg had evidence of stabilization of disease or response. CONCLUSION Demcizumab was generally well tolerated at doses ≤5 mg weekly with disease stabilization and decreases in tumor size demonstrating antitumor activity. Hypertension was the most common adverse event that was clearly related to treatment. Prolonged administration was associated with an increased risk of congestive heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Smith
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | | | - Georgy Manikhas
- St. Petersburg City Clinical Oncology Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Rashmi Chugh
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Ann M Kapoun
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Lu Xu
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Jakob Dupont
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Redwood City, California
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42
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Hidalgo M, Amant F, Biankin AV, Budinská E, Byrne AT, Caldas C, Clarke RB, de Jong S, Jonkers J, Mælandsmo GM, Roman-Roman S, Seoane J, Trusolino L, Villanueva A. Patient-derived xenograft models: an emerging platform for translational cancer research. Cancer Discov 2014; 4:998-1013. [PMID: 25185190 PMCID: PMC4167608 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-14-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1168] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the development and characterization of patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models for cancer research. PDX models mostly retain the principal histologic and genetic characteristics of their donor tumor and remain stable across passages. These models have been shown to be predictive of clinical outcomes and are being used for preclinical drug evaluation, biomarker identification, biologic studies, and personalized medicine strategies. This article summarizes the current state of the art in this field, including methodologic issues, available collections, practical applications, challenges and shortcomings, and future directions, and introduces a European consortium of PDX models. SIGNIFICANCE PDX models are increasingly used in translational cancer research. These models are useful for drug screening, biomarker development, and the preclinical evaluation of personalized medicine strategies. This review provides a timely overview of the key characteristics of PDX models and a detailed discussion of future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew V Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow
| | | | | | | | - Robert B Clarke
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Unit, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jos Jonkers
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Livio Trusolino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS; and Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Villanueva
- Catalan Institute of Oncology-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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43
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Orr BA, Eberhart CG. Molecular pathways: not a simple tube--the many functions of blood vessels. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 21:18-23. [PMID: 25074609 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although the ability of blood vessels to carry fluid and cells through neoplastic tissue is clearly important, other functions of vascular elements that drive tumor growth and progression are increasingly being recognized. Vessels can provide physical support and help regulate the stromal microenvironment within tumors, form niches for tumor-associated stem cells, serve as avenues for local tumor spread, and promote relative immune privilege. Understanding the molecular drivers of these phenotypes will be critical if we are to therapeutically target their protumorigenic effects. The potential for neoplastic cells to transdifferentiate into vascular and perivascular elements also needs to be better understood, as it has the potential to complicate such therapies. In this review, we provide a brief overview of these less conventional vascular functions in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A Orr
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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44
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Deng J, Liu X, Rong L, Ni C, Li X, Yang W, Lu Y, Yan X, Qin C, Zhang L, Qin Z. IFNγ-responsiveness of endothelial cells leads to efficient angiostasis in tumours involving down-regulation of Dll4. J Pathol 2014; 233:170-82. [PMID: 24615277 DOI: 10.1002/path.4340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Although IFNγ is regarded as a key cytokine in angiostatic response, our poor understanding of its effective cellular target drastically limits its clinical trials against angiogenesis-related disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of IFNγ on endothelial cells (ECs) and possible molecular mechanisms in angiostasis. By employing Tie2(IFNγR) mice, in which IFNγR expression was reconstituted under the control of Tie2 promoter in IFNγR-deficient mice, we found that the response of ECs to IFNγ was highly effective in inhibiting blood supply and retarding tumour growth. Interestingly, the expression of IFNγR on Tie2(-) cells did not inhibit, but promoted tumour growth in control wild-type mice. Mechanism studies showed that IFNγ reacting on ECs down-regulated the delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4)/Notch signalling pathway. Accordingly, overexpression of Dll4 in human ECs diminished the effect of IFNγ on ECs. This study demonstrates that the action of IFNγ on ECs, but not other cells, is highly effective for tumour angiostasis, which involves down-regulating Dll4. It provides insights for EC-targeted angiostatic therapy in treating angiogenesis-associated disorders in the clinic.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
- Animals
- Calcium-Binding Proteins
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Down-Regulation
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, SCID
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neoplasms/blood supply
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Neovascularization, Pathologic
- Pericytes/metabolism
- Pericytes/pathology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Receptor, TIE-2/genetics
- Receptors, Interferon/genetics
- Receptors, Interferon/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Time Factors
- Transfection
- Tumor Burden
- Interferon gamma Receptor
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Deng
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals; Chinese Academy of Sciences-University of Tokyo Joint Laboratory of Structural Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
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45
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Maity G, Mehta S, Haque I, Dhar K, Sarkar S, Banerjee SK, Banerjee S. Pancreatic tumor cell secreted CCN1/Cyr61 promotes endothelial cell migration and aberrant neovascularization. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4995. [PMID: 24833309 PMCID: PMC4023131 DOI: 10.1038/srep04995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex signaling networks between cancer cells and adjacent endothelial cells make it challenging to unravel how cancer cells send extracellular messages to promote aberrant vascularization or tumor angiogenesis. Here, in vitro and in vivo models show that pancreatic cancer cell generated unique microenvironments can underlie endothelial cell migration and tumor angiogenesis. Mechanistically, we find that pancreatic cancer cell secreted CCN1/Cyr61 matricellular protein rewires the microenvironment to promote endothelial cell migration and tumor angiogenesis. This event can be overcome by Sonic Hedgehog (SHh) antibody treatment. Collectively, these studies identify a novel CCN1 signaling program in pancreatic cancer cells which activates SHh through autocrine-paracrine circuits to promote endothelial cell migration and tumor angiogenesis and suggests that CCN1 signaling of pancreatic cancer cells is vital for the regulation of tumor angiogenesis. Thus CCN1 signaling could be an ideal target for tumor vascular disruption in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gargi Maity
- 1] Cancer Research Unit, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO [2] Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas [3]
| | - Smita Mehta
- 1] Cancer Research Unit, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO [2]
| | - Inamul Haque
- 1] Cancer Research Unit, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO [2] Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Kakali Dhar
- 1] Cancer Research Unit, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO [2]
| | - Sandipto Sarkar
- 1] Cancer Research Unit, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO [2] Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sushanta K Banerjee
- 1] Cancer Research Unit, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO [2] Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas [3] Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas [4] Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Snigdha Banerjee
- 1] Cancer Research Unit, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO [2] Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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46
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TTD consensus document on the diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2014; 16:865-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s12094-014-1177-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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47
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Abel EV, Kim EJ, Wu J, Hynes M, Bednar F, Proctor E, Wang L, Dziubinski ML, Simeone DM. The Notch pathway is important in maintaining the cancer stem cell population in pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91983. [PMID: 24647545 PMCID: PMC3960140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subpopulation of pancreatic cancer cells that have the capacity to initiate and propagate tumor formation. However, the mechanisms by which pancreatic CSCs are maintained are not well understood or characterized. METHODS Expression of Notch receptors, ligands, and Notch signaling target genes was quantitated in the CSC and non-CSC populations from 8 primary human pancreatic xenografts. A gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) that inhibits the Notch pathway and a shRNA targeting the Notch target gene Hes1 were used to assess the role of the Notch pathway in CSC population maintenance and pancreatic tumor growth. RESULTS Notch pathway components were found to be upregulated in pancreatic CSCs. Inhibition of the Notch pathway using either a gamma secretase inhibitor or Hes1 shRNA in pancreatic cancer cells reduced the percentage of CSCs and tumorsphere formation. Conversely, activation of the Notch pathway with an exogenous Notch peptide ligand increased the percentage of CSCs as well as tumorsphere formation. In vivo treatment of orthotopic pancreatic tumors in NOD/SCID mice with GSI blocked tumor growth and reduced the CSC population. CONCLUSION The Notch signaling pathway is important in maintaining the pancreatic CSC population and is a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/genetics
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Ligands
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Spheroids, Cellular/drug effects
- Spheroids, Cellular/metabolism
- Spheroids, Cellular/pathology
- Transcription Factor HES-1
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan V. Abel
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Edward J. Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jingjiang Wu
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mark Hynes
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Filip Bednar
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Erica Proctor
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Lidong Wang
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michele L. Dziubinski
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Diane M. Simeone
- Departments of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department Translational Oncology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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48
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Zhao Y, Alakhova DY, Kabanov AV. Can nanomedicines kill cancer stem cells? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2013; 65:1763-83. [PMID: 24120657 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most tumors are heterogeneous and many cancers contain small population of highly tumorigenic and intrinsically drug resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Like normal stem cell, CSCs have the ability to self-renew and differentiate to other tumor cell types. They are believed to be a source for drug resistance, tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSCs often overexpress drug efflux transporters, spend most of their time in non-dividing G0 cell cycle state, and therefore, can escape the conventional chemotherapies. Thus, targeting CSCs is essential for developing novel therapies to prevent cancer relapse and emerging of drug resistance. Nanocarrier-based therapeutic agents (nanomedicines) have been used to achieve longer circulation times, better stability and bioavailability over current therapeutics. Recently, some groups have successfully applied nanomedicines to target CSCs to eliminate the tumor and prevent its recurrence. These approaches include 1) delivery of therapeutic agents (small molecules, siRNA, antibodies) that affect embryonic signaling pathways implicated in self-renewal and differentiation in CSCs, 2) inhibiting drug efflux transporters in an attempt to sensitize CSCs to therapy, 3) targeting metabolism in CSCs through nanoformulated chemicals and field-responsive magnetic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, and 4) disruption of multiple pathways in drug resistant cells using combination of chemotherapeutic drugs with amphiphilic Pluronic block copolymers. Despite clear progress of these studies the challenges of targeting CSCs by nanomedicines still exist and leave plenty of room for improvement and development. This review summarizes biological processes that are related to CSCs, overviews the current state of anti-CSCs therapies, and discusses state-of-the-art nanomedicine approaches developed to kill CSCs.
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49
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Clarke JM, Hurwitz HI. Understanding and targeting resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies. J Gastrointest Oncol 2013; 4:253-63. [PMID: 23997938 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2078-6891.2013.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapies targeting tumor angiogenesis are used in a variety of malignancies, however not all patients benefit from treatment and impact on tumor control may be transient and modest. Mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies can be broadly categorized into VEGF-axis dependent alterations, non-VEGF pathways, and stromal cell interactions. Complimentary combinations of agents that inhibit alternative mechanisms of blood vessel formation may optimize inhibition of angiogenesis and improve clinical benefit for patients. The purpose of this review is to detail the preclinical evidence for mechanisms of angiogenic resistance and provide an overview of novel therapeutic approaches exploiting these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Clarke
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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50
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Wen W, Han T, Chen C, Huang L, Sun W, Wang X, Chen SZ, Xiang DM, Tang L, Cao D, Feng GS, Wu MC, Ding J, Wang HY. Cyclin G1 expands liver tumor-initiating cells by Sox2 induction via Akt/mTOR signaling. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:1796-804. [PMID: 23804702 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recurrence and chemoresistance of liver cancer has been attributed to the existence of liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs). It is important to decipher the molecular mechanism for acquisition of drug resistance and to design combinatorial therapeutic strategies. Cyclin G1 has been shown to play a pivotal role in initiation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we found that enhanced cyclin G1 expression was associated with drug resistance of hepatoma cells and higher recurrence rate in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Expression of cyclin G1 was elevated in liver T-ICs and closely correlated with the expression of liver T-IC markers. Forced cyclin G1 expression remarkably enhanced self-renewal and tumorigenicity of hepatoma cells. Cyclin G1 overexpression dramatically upregulated the expression of Sox2 both in vitro and in vivo, which was impaired by chemical inhibitors of Akt/mTOR signaling. Furthermore, blockade of Akt/mTOR signaling or interference of Sox2 expression suppressed cyclin G1-enhanced self-renewal, chemoresistance, and tumorigenicity of hepatoma cells, indicating that cyclin G1 expands liver T-ICs through Sox2 induction via Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These results suggest that cyclin G1-induced liver T-IC expansion contributes to the recurrence and chemoresistance of hepatoma, and cyclin G1 may be a promising biomarker for individualized therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wen
- Corresponding Authors: Hong-Yang Wang, International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital/Institute, Second Military Medical University, 225 Changhai Road, 200438 Shanghai, China.
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