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Zhang KM, Zhao DC, Li ZY, Wang Y, Liu JN, Du T, Zhou L, Chen YH, Yu QC, Chen QS, Cai RZ, Zhao ZX, Shan JL, Hu BX, Zhang HL, Feng GK, Zhu XF, Tang J, Deng R. Inactivated cGAS-STING Signaling Facilitates Endocrine Resistance by Forming a Positive Feedback Loop with AKT Kinase in ER+HER2- Breast Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2403592. [PMID: 39023171 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine-resistant ER+HER2- breast cancer (BC) is particularly aggressive and leads to poor clinical outcomes. Effective therapeutic strategies against endocrine-resistant BC remain elusive. Here, analysis of the RNA-sequencing data from ER+HER2- BC patients receiving neoadjuvant endocrine therapy and spatial transcriptomics analysis both show the downregulation of innate immune signaling sensing cytosolic DNA, which primarily occurs in endocrine-resistant BC cells, not immune cells. Indeed, compared with endocrine-sensitive BC cells, the activity of sensing cytosolic DNA through the cGAS-STING pathway is attenuated in endocrine-resistant BC cells. Screening of kinase inhibitor library show that this effect is mainly mediated by hyperactivation of AKT1 kinase, which binds to kinase domain of TBK1, preventing the formation of a trimeric complex TBK1/STING/IRF3. Notably, inactivation of cGAS-STING signaling forms a positive feedback loop with hyperactivated AKT1 to promote endocrine resistance, which is physiologically important and clinically relevant in patients with ER+HER2- BC. Blocking the positive feedback loop using the combination of an AKT1 inhibitor with a STING agonist results in the engagement of innate and adaptive immune signaling and impairs the growth of endocrine-resistant tumors in humanized mice models, providing a potential strategy for treating patients with endocrine-resistant BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - De-Chang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ze-Yu Li
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jian-Nan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shangdong, 264000, China
| | - Tian Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yu-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qi-Chao Yu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qing-Shan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rui-Zhao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jia-Lu Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bing-Xin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Gong-Kan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rong Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
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Browne IM, Okines AFC. Resistance to Targeted Inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Advanced Oestrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2259. [PMID: 38927964 PMCID: PMC11201395 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway is one of the most frequently activated pathways in breast cancer and also plays a central role in the regulation of several physiologic functions. There are major efforts ongoing to exploit precision medicine by developing inhibitors that target the three kinases (PI3K, AKT, and mTOR). Although multiple compounds have been developed, at present, there are just three inhibitors approved to target this pathway in patients with advanced ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer: everolimus (mTOR inhibitor), alpelisib (PIK3CA inhibitor), and capivasertib (AKT inhibitor). Like most targeted cancer drugs, resistance poses a major problem in the clinical setting and is a factor that has frequently limited the overall efficacy of these agents. Drug resistance can be categorised into intrinsic or acquired resistance depending on the timeframe it has developed within. Whereas intrinsic resistance exists prior to a specific treatment, acquired resistance is induced by a therapy. The majority of patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer will likely be offered an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway at some point in their cancer journey, with the options available depending on the approval criteria in place and the cancer's mutation status. Within this large cohort of patients, it is likely that most will develop resistance at some point, which makes this an area of interest and an unmet need at present. Herein, we review the common mechanisms of resistance to agents that target the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, elaborate on current management approaches, and discuss ongoing clinical trials attempting to mitigate this significant issue. We highlight the need for additional studies into AKT1 inhibitor resistance in particular.
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Ahn SH, Jang SK, Kim MJ, Kim G, Park KS, Hong J, Lee TG, Kim CH, Park IC, Jin HO. Downregulation of TRIB3 enhances the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to amino acid deprivation by suppressing AKT activation. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1622-1633. [PMID: 38726284 PMCID: PMC11076249 DOI: 10.62347/glsy2976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3), a member of the mammalian Tribbles family, is implicated in multiple biological processes. This study aimed to investigate the biological functions of TRIB3 in lung cancer and its effect on amino acid-deprived lung cancer cells. TRIB3 mRNA expression was elevated in lung cancer tissues and cell lines compared to normal lung tissues and cells. TRIB3 knockdown markedly reduced the viability and proliferation of H1299 lung cancer cells. Deprivation of amino acids, particularly arginine, glutamine, lysine, or methionine, strongly increased TRIB3 expression via ATF4 activation in H1299 lung cancer cells. Knockdown of TRIB3 led to transcriptional downregulation of ATF4 and reduced AKT activation induced by amino acid deprivation, ultimately increasing the sensitivity of H1299 lung cancer cells to amino acid deprivation. Additionally, TRIB3 knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of H1299 cells to V-9302, a competitive antagonist of transmembrane glutamine flux. These results suggest that TRIB3 is a pro-survival regulator of cell viability in amino acid-deficient tumor microenvironments and a promising therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Hee Ahn
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University120 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Kyeong Jang
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food and Microbial Technology, Seoul Women’s University621 Hwarang-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Je Kim
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongmi Kim
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Soo Park
- Department of Biological Engineering, Konkuk University120 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungil Hong
- Department of Food and Microbial Technology, Seoul Women’s University621 Hwarang-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01797, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Gul Lee
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Hyeon Kim
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Cancer Center Hospital75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Chul Park
- Division of Fusion Radiology Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Ok Jin
- KIRAMS Radiation Biobank, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences75 Nowon-Ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
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Zhang Z, Zhang R, Li D. Molecular Biology Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutics of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biologics 2023; 17:113-128. [PMID: 37767463 PMCID: PMC10520847 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s426392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is conventionally characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), accounting for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancers. Compared to other molecular phenotypes, TNBC is typically associated with high malignancy and poor prognosis. Cytotoxic agents have been the mainstay of treatment for the past few decades due to the lack of definitive targets and limited therapeutic interventions. However, recent developments have demonstrated that TNBC has peculiar molecular classifications and biomarkers, which provide the possibility of evolving treatment from basic cytotoxic chemotherapy to an expanding domain of targeted therapies. This review presents a framework for understanding the current clinical experience surrounding molecular biology mechanisms in TNBC (Figure 1). Including immunotherapy, polymerase (PARP) and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and androgen receptor (AR) blockade. Additionally, the role of miRNA therapeutics targeting TNBC and potential strategies targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) are discussed and highlighted. As more and more treatments arise on the horizon, we believe that patients with TNBC will have a new sense of hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Department of Thyroid Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, 010050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Department of Thyroid Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, 010050, People’s Republic of China
| | - Donghai Li
- Inner Mongolia Medical University, Department of Thyroid Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia, 010050, People’s Republic of China
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Papierniak-Wyglądała A, Lamch W, Jurewicz E, Nałęcz KA. The activity and surface presence of organic cation/carnitine transporter OCTN2 (SLC22A5) in breast cancer cells depends on AKT kinase. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 742:109616. [PMID: 37187422 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
l-carnitine is indispensable for transfer of fatty acids to mitochondria for the process of β-oxidation, a process, whose significance in cancer has drawn attention in recent years. In humans majority of carnitine is delivered by diet and enters the cell due to activity of solute carriers (SLCs), mainly by ubiquitously expressed organic cation/carnitine transporter (OCTN2/SLC22A5). In control and cancer human breast epithelial cell lines the major fraction of OCTN2 is present as a not matured non-glycosylated form. Studies on overexpressed OCTN2 demonstrated an exclusive interaction with SEC24C, as the cargo-recognizing subunit of coatomer II in transporter exit from endoplasmic reticulum. Co-transfection with SEC24C dominant negative mutant completely abolished presence of the mature form of OCTN2, pointing to a possibility of trafficking regulation. SEC24C was previously shown to be phosphorylated by serine/threonine kinase AKT, known to be activated in cancer. Further studies on breast cell lines showed that inhibition of AKT with MK-2206 in control and cancer lines decreased level of OCTN2 mature form. Proximity ligation assay showed that phosphorylation of OCTN2 on threonine was significantly abolished by AKT inhibition with MK-2206. Carnitine transport was positively correlated with the level of OCTN2 phosphorylated by AKT on threonine moiety. The observed regulation of OCTN2 by AKT places this kinase in the center of metabolic control. This points to both proteins, AKT and OCTN2, as druggable targets, in particular in a combination therapy of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papierniak-Wyglądała
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Weronika Lamch
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Jurewicz
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna A Nałęcz
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
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Amiran MR, Taghdir M, Abasi Joozdani F. Investigation of the inhibitory behavior of XFE and mitoxantrone molecules in interaction with AKT1 protein: a molecular dynamics simulation study. J Mol Model 2023; 29:153. [PMID: 37086344 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05520-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway is one of the important pathways in many cancers. Akt is a serine-threonine kinase protein identified as a drug target for cancer treatment. Therefore, anticancer drugs are essential therapeutic targets for this pathway. In the current study, the inhibitory effect of two anticancer molecules, XFE and mitoxantrone, on AKT1 protein that can impact the activity of the AKT1 protein was investigated by using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The molecular docking results presented a relatively higher binding affinity of the mitoxantrone molecule in interaction with AKT1 than the XFE molecule. These results were validated by the MM/PBSA technique that was performed on obtained trajectories of 25 ns MD simulations. The mitoxantrone molecule has an intense binding energy of - 880.536 kcal/mol with AKT1 protein, while the XFE molecule shows a binding energy value of - 83.569 kcal/mol. Our findings from molecular dynamics simulations indicated that both molecules have favorite interactions with AKT1 protein. Other analyses, such as RMSF and hydrogen binding on trajectories obtained from MD simulations, indicated that the mitoxantrone molecule could be a relatively potent inhibitor for AKT1. Based on the results of this study and the structure of mitoxantrone, it is expected to be a good candidate for cancer treatment as a (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Amiran
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
| | - Majid Taghdir
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran.
| | - Farzane Abasi Joozdani
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
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Laroche FJF, Li S, Shen N, Hwang SK, Nguyen G, Yu W, Wong CK, Quinton RJ, Berman JN, Liu CT, Singh A, Ganem NJ, Thiagalingam S, Feng H. S1P1 Threonine 236 Phosphorylation Mediates the Invasiveness of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Sensitivity to FTY720. Cells 2023; 12:980. [PMID: 37048053 PMCID: PMC10093541 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperactive sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling is associated with a poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Despite recent evidence that links the S1P receptor 1 (S1P1) to TNBC cell survival, its role in TNBC invasion and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Combining analyses of human TNBC cells with zebrafish xenografts, we found that phosphorylation of S1P receptor 1 (S1P1) at threonine 236 (T236) is critical for TNBC dissemination. Compared to luminal breast cancer cells, TNBC cells exhibit a significant increase of phospho-S1P1 T236 but not the total S1P1 levels. Misexpression of phosphorylation-defective S1P1 T236A (alanine) decreases TNBC cell migration in vitro and disease invasion in zebrafish xenografts. Pharmacologic disruption of S1P1 T236 phosphorylation, using either a pan-AKT inhibitor (MK2206) or an S1P1 functional antagonist (FTY720, an FDA-approved drug for treating multiple sclerosis), suppresses TNBC cell migration in vitro and tumor invasion in vivo. Finally, we show that human TNBC cells with AKT activation and elevated phospho-S1P1 T236 are sensitive to FTY720-induced cytotoxic effects. These findings indicate that the AKT-enhanced phosphorylation of S1P1 T236 mediates much of the TNBC invasiveness, providing a potential biomarker to select TNBC patients for the clinical application of FTY720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice J. F. Laroche
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering and College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guizhou 550025, China
| | - Ning Shen
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Soo Kyung Hwang
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Gina Nguyen
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Wenling Yu
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Chen Khuan Wong
- Biomedical Genetics Section, Department of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Cancer Center, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ryan J. Quinton
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jason N. Berman
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Ching-Ti Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anurag Singh
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Neil J. Ganem
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Biomedical Genetics Section, Department of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, Cancer Center, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Hui Feng
- Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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8
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Drugging the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in ER+ Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054522. [PMID: 36901954 PMCID: PMC10003259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The frequent activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and its crucial role in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer tumorigenesis and drug resistance has made it a highly attractive therapeutic target in this breast cancer subtype. Consequently, the number of new inhibitors in clinical development targeting this pathway has drastically increased. Among these, the PIK3CA isoform-specific inhibitor alpelisib and the pan-AKT inhibitor capivasertib were recently approved in combination with the estrogen receptor degrader fulvestrant for the treatment of ER+ advanced breast cancer after progression on an aromatase inhibitor. Nevertheless, the clinical development of multiple inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, in parallel with the incorporation of CDK4/6 inhibitors into the standard of care treatment in ER+ advanced breast cancer, has led to a multitude of available therapeutic agents and many possible combined strategies which complicate personalizing treatment. Here, we review the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in ER+ advanced breast cancer, highlighting the genomic contexts in which the various inhibitors of this pathway may have superior activity. We also discuss selected trials with agents targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and related pathways as well as the rationale supporting the clinical development of triple combination therapy targeting ER, CDK4/6 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR in ER+ advanced breast cancer.
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Yuan Y, Long H, Zhou Z, Fu Y, Jiang B. PI3K-AKT-Targeting Breast Cancer Treatments: Natural Products and Synthetic Compounds. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010093. [PMID: 36671478 PMCID: PMC9856042 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. The high incidence of breast cancer, which is continuing to rise, makes treatment a significant challenge. The PI3K-AKT pathway and its downstream targets influence various cellular processes. In recent years, mounting evidence has shown that natural products and synthetic drugs targeting PI3K-AKT signaling have the potential to treat breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the role of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of breast cancer and highlight PI3K-AKT-targeting natural products and drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqin Yuan
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Huizhi Long
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Ziwei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yuting Fu
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Binyuan Jiang
- Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha 410004, China
- Correspondence:
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Shishido K, Reinders A, Asuthkar S. Epigenetic regulation of radioresistance: insights from preclinical and clinical studies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1359-1375. [PMID: 36524403 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2158810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oftentimes, radiation therapy (RT) is ineffective due to the development of radioresistance (RR). However, studies have shown that targeting epigenetic modifiers to enhance radiosensitivity represents a promising direction of clinical investigation. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifiers alter radiosensitivity through dysregulation of MAPK-ERK and AKT-mTOR signaling. Finally, we discuss the clinical directions for targeting epigenetic modifiers and current radiology techniques used in the clinic. METHODOLOGY We searched PubMed and ScienceDirect databases from April 4th, 2022 to October 18th, 2022. We examined 226 papers related to radioresistance, epigenetics, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. 194 papers were selected for this review. Keywords used for this search include, 'radioresistance,' 'radiosensitivity,' 'radiation,' 'radiotherapy,' 'particle radiation,' 'photon radiation,' 'epigenetic modifiers,' 'MAPK,' 'AKT,' 'mTOR,' 'cancer,' and 'PI3K.' We examined 41 papers related to clinical trials on the aforementioned topics. Outcomes of interest were safety, overall survival (OS), dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), progression-free survival (PFS), and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). EXPERT OPINION Current studies focusing on epigenetic mechanisms of RR strongly support the use of targeting epigenetic modifiers as adjuvants to standard cancer therapies. To further the success of such treatments and their clinical benefit , both preclinical and clinical studies are needed to broaden the scope of known radioresistant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Shishido
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL, United States of America
| | - Alexis Reinders
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL, United States of America
| | - Swapna Asuthkar
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, IL, United States of America
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Wang Y, Li T, Yang L, Zhang X, Wang X, Su X, Ji C, Wang Z. Cancer-associated fibroblast-released extracellular vesicles carrying miR-199a-5p induces the progression of gastric cancer through regulation of FKBP5-mediated AKT1/mTORC1 signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:2590-2601. [PMID: 36005478 PMCID: PMC9704384 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2105092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has unfolded the significance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in diseases and cancers. Here, we attempted to discuss the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-derived EVs containing miR-199a-5p in gastric tumorigenesis. Upregulated miR-199a-5p was first identified in cancer cells. Then, we selected CAFs for isolation of EVs which were co-cultured with AGS cells. We observed successful delivery of miR-199a-5p via CAF-derived EVs. Besides, miR-199a-5p promoted malignant properties of AGS cells. Moreover, miR-199a-5p downregulated FKBP5, leading to upregulated phosphorylation level of AKT1, which promoted the malignant phenotypes of AGS cells by activating mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1). Exosomal miR-199a-5p from CAFs promoted gastric tumorigenesis in vivo. Our findings point toward the critical role of CAFs-derived EVs carrying miR-199a-5p in gastric cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Xunlei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Su
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Congfei Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, P.R. China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R. China
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Toson B, Fortes IS, Roesler R, Andrade SF. Targeting Akt/PKB in pediatric tumors: A review from preclinical to clinical trials. Pharmacol Res 2022; 183:106403. [PMID: 35987481 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt is a major player in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and its modulation impacts multiple cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and survival. Several abnormalities in this pathway have been documented over the years, and these alterations were shown to have great implications in tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, multiple Akt inhibitors have been developed and tested in adult tumors, and some of them are currently undergoing phase I, II, and III clinical trials for distinct cancers that arise during adulthood. Despite that, the impact of these inhibitors is still not fully understood in pediatric tumors, and Akt-specific targeting seems to be a promising approach to treat children affected by cancers. This review summarizes recent available evidence of Akt inhibitors in pediatric cancers, from both preclinical and clinical studies. In short, we demonstrate the impact that Akt inhibition provides in tumorigenesis, and we suggest targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, alone or in combination with other inhibitors, is a feasible tool to achieve better outcomes in pediatric tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Toson
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Isadora S Fortes
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil
| | - Rafael Roesler
- Cancer and Neurobiology Laboratory, Experimental Research Center, Clinical Hospital (CPE-HCPA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Saulo F Andrade
- Pharmaceutical Synthesis Group (PHARSG), College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Ipiranga, 2752, Porto Alegre, RS 90610-000, Brazil.
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Lai HZ, Han JR, Fu X, Ren YF, Li ZH, You FM. Targeted Approaches to HER2-Low Breast Cancer: Current Practice and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153774. [PMID: 35954438 PMCID: PMC9367369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary HER2-low breast cancer (BC) accounts for more than half of breast cancer patients. Anti-HER2 therapy has been ineffective in HER2-low BC, for which palliative chemotherapy is the main treatment modality. The definitive efficacy of T-Dxd in HER2-low BC breaks previous treatment strategies, which will redefine HER2-low and thus reshape anti-HER2 therapy. This review summarizes detection technologies and novel agents for HER2-low BC, and explores their possible role in future clinics, to provide ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of HER2-low BC. Abstract HER2-low breast cancer (BC) has a poor prognosis, making the development of more suitable treatment an unmet clinical need. While chemotherapy is the main method of treatment for HER2-low BC, not all patients benefit from it. Antineoplastic therapy without chemotherapy has shown promise in clinical trials and is being explored further. As quantitative detection techniques become more advanced, they assist in better defining the expression level of HER2 and in guiding the development of targeted therapies, which include directly targeting HER2 receptors on the cell surface, targeting HER2-related intracellular signaling pathways and targeting the immune microenvironment. A new anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate called T-DM1 has been successfully tested and found to be highly effective in clinical trials. With this progress, it could eventually be transformed from a disease without a defined therapeutic target into a disease with a defined therapeutic molecular target. Furthermore, efforts are being made to compare the sequencing and combination of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and HER2-targeted therapy to improve prognosis to customize the subtype of HER2 low expression precision treatment regimens. In this review, we summarize the current and upcoming treatment strategies, to achieve accurate management of HER2-low BC.
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Soltanshahi M, Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Expression Modulation of Immune Checkpoint Molecules by Ibrutinib and Everolimus Through STAT3 in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH 2022; 21:e127352. [PMID: 35873012 PMCID: PMC9293249 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-127352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted therapy with small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) has been demonstrated to be a highly effective therapeutic strategy for various cancers. However, their possible associations with immune evasion mechanisms remain unknown. This study examined the association of inhibitors of the protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) signaling pathways with the expression of immune checkpoint ligands programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD155, and galectin-9 (Gal-9) in a breast cancer cell line. MCF-7 cells were treated with everolimus, MK-2206, and ibrutinib. An MTT assay was used to determine the optimal dose for all drugs. A real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to measure the mRNA expression of PD-L1, CD155, and Gal-9. The western blot technique was also employed to evaluate the protein expression of the phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The optimal doses of everolimus, MK-2206, and ibrutinib were observed to be 200, 320, and 2000 nM, respectively. The PD-L1 and CD155 mRNA expression was significantly decreased following the treatment with everolimus and ibrutinib, but not with MK-2206. There were no differences in Gal-9 expression between the single-treated and control groups; however, combined treatment with everolimus and ibrutinib increased its mRNA expression. Everolimus and ibrutinib both inhibited constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation in MCF-7, which was more pronounced in combination treatment. The findings regarding the modulation of PD-L1, CD155, and Gal-9 molecules by SMIs emphasize the crosstalk between the expression of these immune checkpoint molecules and AKT/mTOR/BTK signaling pathways through STAT3 as a critical transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Soltanshahi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Noncommunicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Tel: +98-1133543081, Fax: +98-1133543249,
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Skolariki A, D’Costa J, Little M, Lord S. Role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in mediating endocrine resistance: concept to clinic. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:172-199. [PMID: 36046843 PMCID: PMC9400772 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER) and for this group of patients, endocrine therapy is the cornerstone of systemic treatment. However, drug resistance is common and a focus for breast cancer preclinical and clinical research. Over the past 2 decades, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis has emerged as an important driver of treatment failure, and inhibitors of mTOR and PI3K are now licensed for the treatment of women with advanced ER-positive breast cancer who have relapsed on first-line hormonal therapy. This review presents the preclinical and clinical data that led to this new treatment paradigm and discusses future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aglaia Skolariki
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, OX3 7LE Oxford, UK
| | - Jamie D’Costa
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, OX3 7LE Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Little
- Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, OX3 7LE Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Lord
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, OX3 7LE Oxford, UK
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Evaluating the Effects of Separate and Concomitant Use of MK-2206 and Salinomycin on Prostate Cancer Cell Line. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 11:157-165. [PMID: 35765523 PMCID: PMC9208569 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.11.1.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer is known as one of the most prevalent health disorders in the male population globally. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of separate and concomitant use of MK-2206 and salinomycin on prostate cancer cell line. Methods The antitumor potential of separate and concomitant use of MK-2206 and salinomycin was evaluated in a panel of prostate cancer cell line (PC-3). To get insights into the underlying mechanism of action, different assays including the rate of apoptosis, cell viability, and gene expression were performed in treated prostate cancer cells. Results A significant reduction was detected in the viability percentage of prostate cancer cells (p< 0.001) and the rate of Akt expression (p< 0.001) in all salinomycin, MK-2206, and salinomycin+MK-2206 groups compared to the negative control group. Furthermore, in comparison with the negative control group, there was a notable increase in both the rate of Bad expression (p< 0.001) and prostate cancer cells apoptosis after salinomycin, MK-2206, and salinomycin+MK-2206 treatments. Moreover, the concomitant use of salinomycin+MK-2206 revealed synergistic improvements regarding the viability of prostate cancer cells and the rate of the Akt and Bad expressions compared to the separate administration of salinomycin and MK-2206 (all p< 0.05). Conclusion The findings of the present study may contribute to improving the efficacy of the therapies regarding the management of prostate cancer and providing a beneficial strategy in clinical trials.
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Luque M, Cristóbal I, Sanz-Álvarez M, Santos A, Zazo S, Eroles P, Arpí O, Rovira A, Albanell J, Madoz-Gúrpide J, García-Foncillas J, Rojo F. CIP2A as a Key Regulator for AKT Phosphorylation Has Partial Impact Determining Clinical Outcome in Breast Cancer. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061610. [PMID: 35329936 PMCID: PMC8955826 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Together with its reported ability to modulate AKT phosphorylation (p-AKT) status in several tumor types, the oncoprotein CIP2A has been described to induce breast cancer progression and drug resistance. However, the clinical and therapeutic relevance of the CIP2A/AKT interplay in breast cancer remains to be fully clarified. Here, we found high p-AKT levels in 80 out of 220 cases (36.4%), which were associated with negative estrogen receptor expression (p = 0.049) and CIP2A overexpression (p < 0.001). Interestingly, p-AKT determined substantially shorter overall (p = 0.002) and progression-free survival (p = 0.003), and multivariate analyses showed its CIP2A-independent prognostic value. Moreover, its clinical relevance was further confirmed in the triple negative and HER2-positive subgroups after stratifying our series by molecular subtype. Functionally, we confirmed in vitro the role of CIP2A as a regulator of p-AKT levels in breast cancer cell lines, and the importance of the CIP2A/AKT axis was also validated in vivo. Finally, p-AKT also showed a higher predictive value of response to doxorubicin than CIP2A in ex vivo analyses. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CIP2A overexpression is a key contributing event to AKT phosphorylation and highlights the CIP2A/AKT axis as a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. However, our observations highlight the existence of alternative mechanisms that regulate AKT signaling in a subgroup of breast tumors without altered CIP2A expression that determines its independent value as a marker of poor outcome in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melani Luque
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.); (M.S.-Á.); (S.Z.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Ion Cristóbal
- Cancer Unit for Research on Novel Therapeutic Targets, Oncohealth Institute, ISS-FJD-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (F.R.); Tel.: +34-915-504-800 (I.C. & F.R.)
| | - Marta Sanz-Álvarez
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.); (M.S.-Á.); (S.Z.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Andrea Santos
- Cancer Unit for Research on Novel Therapeutic Targets, Oncohealth Institute, ISS-FJD-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.); (M.S.-Á.); (S.Z.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Pilar Eroles
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Oriol Arpí
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (O.A.); (A.R.); (J.A.)
| | - Ana Rovira
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (O.A.); (A.R.); (J.A.)
| | - Joan Albanell
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital del Mar, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (O.A.); (A.R.); (J.A.)
| | - Juan Madoz-Gúrpide
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.); (M.S.-Á.); (S.Z.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Federico Rojo
- Pathology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz-UAM, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.L.); (M.S.-Á.); (S.Z.); (J.M.-G.)
- Correspondence: (I.C.); (F.R.); Tel.: +34-915-504-800 (I.C. & F.R.)
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Trafficking to the Cell Surface of Amino Acid Transporter SLC6A14 Upregulated in Cancer Is Controlled by Phosphorylation of SEC24C Protein by AKT Kinase. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071800. [PMID: 34359969 PMCID: PMC8307180 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells need a constant supply of nutrients. SLC6A14, an amino acid transporter B0,+ (ATB0,+) that is upregulated in many cancers, transports all but acidic amino acids. In its exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), it is recognized by the SEC24C subunit of coatomer II (COPII) for further vesicular trafficking to the plasma membrane. SEC24C has previously been shown to be phosphorylated by protein kinase B/AKT, which is hyper-activated in cancer; therefore, we analyzed the influence of AKT on SLC6A14 trafficking to the cell surface. Studies on overexpressed and endogenous transporters in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 showed that AKT inhibition with MK-2206 correlated with a transient increase of the transporter in the plasma membrane, not resulting from the inhibition of ER-associated protein degradation. Two-dimensional electrophoresis demonstrated the decreased phosphorylation of SLC6A14 and SEC24C upon AKT inhibition. A proximity ligation assay confirmed this conclusion: AKT inhibition is correlated with decreased SLC6A14 phosphothreonine and SEC24C phosphoserine. Augmented levels of SLC6A14 in plasma membrane led to increased leucine transport. These results show that the inactivation of AKT can rescue amino acid delivery through SLC6A14 trafficking to the cell surface, supporting cancer cell survival. The regulation of the ER export of the amino acid transporter seems to be a novel function of AKT.
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Martins WK, Silva MDND, Pandey K, Maejima I, Ramalho E, Olivon VC, Diniz SN, Grasso D. Autophagy-targeted therapy to modulate age-related diseases: Success, pitfalls, and new directions. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100033. [PMID: 34909664 PMCID: PMC8663935 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a critical metabolic process that supports homeostasis at a basal level and is dynamically regulated in response to various physiological and pathological processes. Autophagy has some etiologic implications that support certain pathological processes due to alterations in the lysosomal-degradative pathway. Some of the conditions related to autophagy play key roles in highly relevant human diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases (15.5%), malignant and other neoplasms (9.4%), and neurodegenerative conditions (3.7%). Despite advances in the discovery of new strategies to treat these age-related diseases, autophagy has emerged as a therapeutic option after preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we discuss the pitfalls and success in regulating autophagy initiation and its lysosome-dependent pathway to restore its homeostatic role and mediate therapeutic effects for cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiac diseases. The main challenge for the development of autophagy regulators for clinical application is the lack of specificity of the repurposed drugs, due to the low pharmacological uniqueness of their target, including those that target the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK pathway. Then, future efforts must be conducted to deal with this scenery, including the disclosure of key components in the autophagy machinery that may intervene in its therapeutic regulation. Among all efforts, those focusing on the development of novel allosteric inhibitors against autophagy inducers, as well as those targeting autolysosomal function, and their integration into therapeutic regimens should remain a priority for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleska Kerllen Martins
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Maryana do Nascimento da Silva
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Kiran Pandey
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, Meyer Building, Room 823, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Ikuko Maejima
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 3718512, Japan
| | - Ercília Ramalho
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Vania Claudia Olivon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Physiology, UNIDERP, Av. Ceará, 333. Vila Miguel Couto, Campo Grande, MS, 79003-010, Brazil
| | - Susana Nogueira Diniz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Daniel Grasso
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Junín 954 p4, Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Argentina
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Al-Zahrani KN, Abou-Hamad J, Pascoal J, Labrèche C, Garland B, Sabourin LA. AKT-mediated phosphorylation of Sox9 induces Sox10 transcription in a murine model of HER2-positive breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:55. [PMID: 33985544 PMCID: PMC8120776 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 5–10% of HER2-positive breast cancers can be defined by low expression of the Ste20-like kinase, SLK, and high expression of SOX10. Our lab has observed that genetic deletion of SLK results in the induction of Sox10 and significantly accelerates tumor initiation in a HER2-induced mammary tumor model. However, the mechanism responsible for the induction of SOX10 gene expression in this context remains unknown. Methods Using tumor-derived cell lines from MMTV-Neu mice lacking SLK and biochemical approaches, we have characterized the signaling mechanisms and relevant DNA elements driving Sox10 expression. Results Biochemical and genetic analyses of the SOX10 regulatory region in SLK-deficient mammary tumor cells show that Sox10 expression is dependent on a novel −7kb enhancer that harbors three SoxE binding sites. ChIP analyses demonstrate that Sox9 is bound to those elements in vivo. Our data show that AKT can directly phosphorylate Sox9 in vitro at serine 181 and that AKT inhibition blocks Sox9 phosphorylation and Sox10 expression in SLK(-/-) tumor cells. AKT-mediated Sox9 phosphorylation increases its transcriptional activity on the Sox10 −7kb enhancer without altering its DNA-binding activity. Interestingly, analysis of murine and human mammary tumors reveals a direct correlation between the levels of active phospho-Sox9 S181 and Sox10 expression. Conclusions Our results have identified a novel Sox10 enhancer and validated Sox9 as a direct target for AKT. As Sox10 is a biomarker for triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), these findings might have major implications in the targeting and treatment of those cancers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-021-01435-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid N Al-Zahrani
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - John Abou-Hamad
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Julia Pascoal
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Cédrik Labrèche
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Brennan Garland
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Luc A Sabourin
- Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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21
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Guo Y, Jin Y, Qu B, Zhang Y, Che J, Dong X. An updated patent review of Akt inhibitors (2016-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:837-849. [PMID: 33834942 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1915291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Akt is a widely known serine threonine kinase involved in a series of critical cellular pathways like cell survival and proliferation. With the development of small-molecule Akt inhibitors, new strategies such as covalent, peptide-based, and PROTAC (Proteolysis Targeting Chimera) strategies have also been used the design of Akt inhibitors. On the other hand, due to the specificity of the Akt pathway, the use of Akt modulators in combination therapy and immunotherapy has been disclosed in the past 5 years.Areas covered: This review focuses on the patent literature covering small-molecule inhibitors of Akt kinase and their applications from 2016-present.Expert opinion: Although Akt inhibitors' progress has been somewhat slow over the past five years, new strategies still provide new opportunities for the development of Akt inhibitors. Combination with Akt pathway inhibitors for tumor therapy has also been widely disclosed in patents in the last 5 years. Notably, combination strategies of Akt inhibitors and immunotherapy have started to emerge in recent years. While the clinical indications of Akt modulators should not be limited to anti-cancer, it is still worth trying the treatment of other diseases. Within the next years, current drug development around Akt inhibitors should be fascinating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yizhen Jin
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bingxue Qu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jinxin Che
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.,Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China
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22
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Martorana F, Motta G, Pavone G, Motta L, Stella S, Vitale SR, Manzella L, Vigneri P. AKT Inhibitors: New Weapons in the Fight Against Breast Cancer? Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:662232. [PMID: 33995085 PMCID: PMC8118639 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.662232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase AKT is a key component of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway as it exerts a pivotal role in cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism. Deregulation of this pathway is a common event in breast cancer including hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease, HER2-amplified, and triple negative tumors. Hence, targeting AKT represents an attractive treatment option for many breast cancer subtypes, especially those resistant to conventional treatments. Several AKT inhibitors have been recently developed and two ATP-competitive compounds, capivasertib and ipatasertib, have been extensively tested in phase I and II clinical trials either alone, with chemotherapy, or with hormonal agents. Additionally, phase III trials of capivasertib and ipatasertib are already under way in HR+ and triple-negative breast cancer. While the identification of predictive biomarkers of response and resistance to AKT inhibition represents an unmet need, new combination strategies are under investigation aiming to boost the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs. As such, trials combining capivasertib and ipatasertib with CDK4/6 inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and PARP inhibitors are currently ongoing. This review summarizes the available evidence on AKT inhibition in breast cancer, reporting both efficacy and toxicity data from clinical trials along with the available translational correlates and then focusing on the potential use of these drugs in new combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Martorana
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Motta
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Pavone
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Motta
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rita Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
- Medical Oncology, A. O. U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico—S. Marco”, Catania, Italy
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23
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Wright SCE, Vasilevski N, Serra V, Rodon J, Eichhorn PJA. Mechanisms of Resistance to PI3K Inhibitors in Cancer: Adaptive Responses, Drug Tolerance and Cellular Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071538. [PMID: 33810522 PMCID: PMC8037590 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a central role in the regulation of several signalling cascades which regulate biological processes such as cellular growth, survival, proliferation, motility and angiogenesis. The hyperactivation of this pathway is linked to tumour progression and is one of the most common events in human cancers. Additionally, aberrant activation of the PI3K pathway has been demonstrated to limit the effectiveness of a number of anti-tumour agents paving the way for the development and implementation of PI3K inhibitors in the clinic. However, the overall effectiveness of these compounds has been greatly limited by inadequate target engagement due to reactivation of the pathway by compensatory mechanisms. Herein, we review the common adaptive responses that lead to reactivation of the PI3K pathway, therapy resistance and potential strategies to overcome these mechanisms of resistance. Furthermore, we highlight the potential role in changes in cellular plasticity and PI3K inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Christine Elisabeth Wright
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
- Correspondence: (S.C.E.W.); (N.V.)
| | - Natali Vasilevski
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
- Correspondence: (S.C.E.W.); (N.V.)
| | - Violeta Serra
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jordi Rodon
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Department, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Pieter Johan Adam Eichhorn
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Australia
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
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24
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Merckaert T, Zwaenepoel O, Gevaert K, Gettemans J. An AKT2-specific nanobody that targets the hydrophobic motif induces cell cycle arrest, autophagy and loss of focal adhesions in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111055. [PMID: 33378961 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The AKT kinase family is a high-profile target for cancer therapy. Despite their high degree of homology the three AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3) are non-redundant and can even have opposing functions. Small-molecule AKT inhibitors affect all three isoforms which severely limits their usefulness as research tool or therapeutic. Using AKT2-specific nanobodies we examined the function of endogenous AKT2 in breast cancer cells. Two AKT2 nanobodies (Nb8 and Nb9) modulate AKT2 and reduce MDA-MB-231 cell viability/proliferation. Nb8 binds the AKT2 hydrophobic motif and reduces IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of this site. This nanobody also affects the phosphorylation and/or expression levels of a wide range of proteins downstream of AKT, resulting in a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, the induction of autophagy, a reduction in focal adhesion count and loss of stress fibers. While cell cycle progression is likely to be regulated by more than one isoform, our results indicate that both the effects on autophagy and the cytoskeleton are specific to AKT2. By using an isoform-specific nanobody we were able to map a part of the AKT2 pathway. Our results confirm AKT2 and the hydrophobic motif as targets for cancer therapy. Nb8 can be used as a research tool to study AKT2 signalling events and aid in the design of an AKT2-specific inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Merckaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Olivier Zwaenepoel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
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25
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Riecke K, Witzel I. Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family in Breast Cancer beyond HER2. Breast Care (Basel) 2020; 15:579-585. [PMID: 33447231 PMCID: PMC7768135 DOI: 10.1159/000510998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the dichotomous definition of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive versus HER2-negative disease undergoing a change through inclusion of the identification of the "HER2-low" category, for which new therapeutic compounds in the form of potent antibody drug conjugates (ADC) may be effective. In addition, resistance to HER2-directed targets has become a clinical challenge and, therefore, strategies to bypass the HER2 receptor are of high interest. These are new HER2 ADCs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as tucatinib or neratinib. The underlying mechanisms of resistance to anti-HER2 therapies and compensatory pathways are complex and a wide range of mechanisms of resistance may coexist in the same cell. Therefore, the combined treatment with agents that interact with HER2-associated downstream signaling pathways like the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and the serine/threonine kinases AKT and mTOR might overcome HER2 resistance. In addition, targeting other members of the HER family is a promising approach to improve outcomes in breast cancer patients. This review gives an overview of treatment strategies in targeting HER2 and other members of the HER family, not only in HER2-positive breast cancer, but also in HER2-low expressing tumors, and of approaches to overcome HER2 resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabell Witzel
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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26
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Turnham DJ, Bullock N, Dass MS, Staffurth JN, Pearson HB. The PTEN Conundrum: How to Target PTEN-Deficient Prostate Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:E2342. [PMID: 33105713 PMCID: PMC7690430 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), which negatively regulates the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, is strongly linked to advanced prostate cancer progression and poor clinical outcome. Accordingly, several therapeutic approaches are currently being explored to combat PTEN-deficient tumors. These include classical inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling network, as well as new approaches that restore PTEN function, or target PTEN regulation of chromosome stability, DNA damage repair and the tumor microenvironment. While targeting PTEN-deficient prostate cancer remains a clinical challenge, new advances in the field of precision medicine indicate that PTEN loss provides a valuable biomarker to stratify prostate cancer patients for treatments, which may improve overall outcome. Here, we discuss the clinical implications of PTEN loss in the management of prostate cancer and review recent therapeutic advances in targeting PTEN-deficient prostate cancer. Deepening our understanding of how PTEN loss contributes to prostate cancer growth and therapeutic resistance will inform the design of future clinical studies and precision-medicine strategies that will ultimately improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Turnham
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (D.J.T.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.)
| | - Nicholas Bullock
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (D.J.T.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.)
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
| | - Manisha S. Dass
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (D.J.T.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.)
| | - John N. Staffurth
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK;
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (D.J.T.); (N.B.); (M.S.D.)
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27
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Merckaert T, Zwaenepoel O, Gevaert K, Gettemans J. Development and characterization of protein kinase B/AKT isoform-specific nanobodies. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240554. [PMID: 33045011 PMCID: PMC7549812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine protein kinase AKT is frequently over-activated in cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. As a central node in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which regulates various processes considered to be hallmarks of cancer, this kinase has become a prime target for cancer therapy. However, AKT has proven to be a highly complex target as it comes in three isoforms (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3) which are highly homologous, yet non-redundant. The isoform-specific functions of the AKT kinases can be dependent on context (i.e. different types of cancer) and even opposed to one another. To date, there is no isoform-specific inhibitor available and no alternative to genetic approaches to study the function of a single AKT isoform. We have developed and characterized nanobodies that specifically interact with the AKT1 or AKT2 isoforms. These new tools should enable future studies of AKT1 and AKT2 isoform-specific functions. Furthermore, for both isoforms we obtained a nanobody that interferes with the AKT-PIP3-interaction, an essential step in the activation of the kinase. The nanobodies characterized in this study are a new stepping stone towards unravelling AKT isoform-specific signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Merckaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Zwaenepoel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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28
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Haga Y, Higashisaka K, Yang L, Sekine N, Lin Y, Tsujino H, Nagano K, Tsutsumi Y. Inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway overcomes intrinsic resistance to dasatinib in triple-negative breast cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:672-678. [PMID: 33036754 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the only therapeutic choice for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is chemotherapy. In TNBC, despite strong preclinical data, clinical trials of molecular targeted drugs, such as the Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib, have failed because of the heterogeneity of TNBC cells. Here, we examined the mechanism of intrinsic resistance to dasatinib in five TNBC cell lines. First, we divided the TNBC cell lines into those sensitive or resistant to dasatinib and found that activation of Src was inhibited in all of the cell lines. In contrast, we found that dasatinib inhibited Akt phosphorylation in only the dasatinib-sensitive cell lines. Consequently, we found that combination treatment with dasatinib and an inhibitor of Akt or mTOR suppressed cell proliferation more than did either monotherapy in the dasatinib-resistant cell lines. Finally, to mimic intrinsic resistance, we established a dasatinib-tolerant TNBC cell line. In this cell line, the combinational effect of Akt/mTOR inhibition with dasatinib was observed, as it was in the cell lines with intrinsic resistance. Together, the present results show that the effect of dasatinib in TNBC is independent of Src inhibition, and that Akt/mTOR inhibition might be an effective strategy to overcome TNBC cells with intrinsic dasatinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Haga
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuma Higashisaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Lili Yang
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naoki Sekine
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ying Lin
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Tsujino
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nagano
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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29
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Mechanism of action biomarkers predicting response to AKT inhibition in the I-SPY 2 breast cancer trial. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:48. [PMID: 33083527 PMCID: PMC7532145 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-020-00189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The AKT inhibitor MK2206 (M) was evaluated in I-SPY 2 and graduated in
the HER2+, HR−, and HR− HER2+ signatures. We hypothesized that AKT signaling axis
proteins/genes may specifically predict response to M and tested 26 phospho-proteins
and 10 genes involved in AKT-mTOR-HER signaling; in addition, we tested 9 genes from
a previous study in the metastatic setting. One hundred and fifty patients had gene
expression data from pretreatment biopsies available for analysis (M: 94, control:
56) and 138 had protein data (M: 87, control: 51). Logistic modeling was used to
assess biomarker performance in pre-specified analysis. In general, phospho-protein
biomarkers of activity in the AKT-mTOR-HER pathway appeared more predictive of
response to M than gene expression or total protein biomarkers in the same pathway;
however, the nature of the predictive biomarkers differed in the HER2+ and TN
groups. In the HER2+ subset, patients achieving a pCR in M had higher levels of
multiple AKT kinase substrate phospho-proteins (e.g., pmTOR, pTSC2). In contrast, in
the TN subset responding patients had lower levels of AKT pathway phospho-proteins,
such as pAKT, pmTOR, and pTSC2. Pathway mutations did not appear to account for
these associations. Additional exploratory whole-transcriptome analysis revealed
immune signaling as strongly associated with response to M in the HER2+ subset.
While our sample size is small, these results suggest that the measurement of
particular AKT kinase substrate phospho-proteins could be predictive of MK2206
efficacy in both HER2+ and TN tumors and that immune signaling may play a role in
response in HER2+ patients.
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30
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PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in gastric cancer: Epigenetics and beyond. Life Sci 2020; 262:118513. [PMID: 33011222 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is one of the most important signaling pathways involved in normal cellular processes. Its aberrant activation modulates autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, chemoresistance, and metastasis in many human cancers. Emerging evidence demonstrates that some infections as well as epigenetic regulatory mechanisms can control PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In this review, we focused on the role of this pathway in gastric cancer development, prognosis, and metastasis, with an emphasis on epigenetic alterations including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and post-transcriptional modulations through non-coding RNAs fluctuations as well as H. pylori and Epstein-Barr virus infections. Finally, we reviewed different molecular targets and therapeutic agents in clinical trials as a potential strategy for gastric cancer treatment through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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31
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Zecchin D, Moore C, Michailidis F, Horswell S, Rana S, Howell M, Downward J. Combined targeting of G protein-coupled receptor and EGF receptor signaling overcomes resistance to PI3K pathway inhibitors in PTEN-null triple negative breast cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11987. [PMID: 32672423 PMCID: PMC7411640 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202011987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has poorer prognosis compared to other types of breast cancers due to the lack of effective therapies and markers for patient stratification. Loss of PTEN tumor suppressor gene expression is a frequent event in TNBC, resulting in over-activation of the PI 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and sensitivity to its inhibition. However, PI3K pathway inhibitors show limited efficacy as monotherapies on these tumors. We report a whole-genome screen to identify targets whose inhibition enhanced the effects of different PI3K pathway inhibitors on PTEN-null TNBC. This identified a signaling network that relies on both the G protein-coupled receptor for thrombin (PAR1/F2R) and downstream G protein βγ subunits and also epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) for the activation of the PI3K isoform p110β and AKT. Compensation mechanisms involving these two branches of the pathway could bypass PI3K blockade, but combination targeting of both EGFR and PI3Kβ suppressed ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation and exerted anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a new potential therapeutic strategy for PTEN-null TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sareena Rana
- Oncogene BiologyFrancis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Lung Cancer GroupInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Michael Howell
- High Throughput Screening LaboratoriesFrancis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Julian Downward
- Oncogene BiologyFrancis Crick InstituteLondonUK
- Lung Cancer GroupInstitute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
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32
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Chu N, Viennet T, Bae H, Salguero A, Boeszoermenyi A, Arthanari H, Cole PA. The structural determinants of PH domain-mediated regulation of Akt revealed by segmental labeling. eLife 2020; 9:e59151. [PMID: 32744507 PMCID: PMC7438110 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt is a critical protein kinase that governs cancer cell growth and metabolism. Akt appears to be autoinhibited by an intramolecular interaction between its N-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and kinase domain, which is relieved by C-tail phosphorylation, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we use a combination of protein semisynthesis, NMR, and enzymological analysis to characterize structural features of the PH domain in its autoinhibited and activated states. We find that Akt autoinhibition depends on the length/flexibility of the PH-kinase linker. We identify a role for a dynamic short segment in the PH domain that appears to regulate autoinhibition and PDK1-catalyzed phosphorylation of Thr308 in the activation loop. We determine that Akt allosteric inhibitor MK2206 drives distinct PH domain structural changes compared to baseline autoinhibited Akt. These results highlight how the conformational plasticity of Akt governs the delicate control of its catalytic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Chu
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Thibault Viennet
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Hwan Bae
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Antonieta Salguero
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Andras Boeszoermenyi
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer InstituteBostonUnited States
| | - Philip A Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
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Sun D, Wang J, Zhang H, Liu S, Wei P, Wang H, Xu Z, Fu Q, Zhang K. MK2206 Enhances Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis in Testicular Cancer Through Akt Signaling Pathway Inhibition. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100769. [PMID: 32422572 PMCID: PMC7231864 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To improve conventional chemotherapeutic efficacy, it is significant to identify novel molecular markers for chemosensitivity as well as possible molecules accelerating cell-killing mechanisms. In this study, we attempted to elucidate how MK2206, an allosteric Akt inhibitor, enhances the cisplatin (CDDP)-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in testicular cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We checked three testicular cancer cell lines for the expression of phospho(p)-Akt and its downstream molecules targets by Western blot. The potential antitumor effects were analyzed by MTT assay in vitro and by subcutaneous xenograft models in vivo. The cell invasion was analyzed by transwell invasion assay, and the activities of Akt signaling pathway and expression of apoptosis-related proteins were measured by Western blot. RESULTS Our results indicated that there was overactivation of p-Akt and its downstream molecules in testicular cancer cell lines compared with normal testis epithelium cells. MK2206 (600 nM) inhibited cell invasion in TCAM-2 and P19 cell lines and significantly increased the susceptibility of testicular cancer to CDDP. Combined with CDDP, MK2206 potentiated CDDP-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis, with repressed expression of p-Akt and its downstream targets. The subcutaneous xenograft models also showed that a combined CDDP/MK2206 therapy completely suppressed tumor growth without any side effects. CONCLUSION These results suggested that the concomitant use of MK2206 could enhance the CDDP-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in testicular cancer with the suppressed expression of Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingqi Sun
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Keqin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China; Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Phase 1 Dose Escalation Study of the Allosteric AKT Inhibitor BAY 1125976 in Advanced Solid Cancer-Lack of Association between Activating AKT Mutation and AKT Inhibition-Derived Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121987. [PMID: 31835495 PMCID: PMC6966663 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This open-label, phase I first-in-human study (NCT01915576) of BAY 1125976, a highly specific and potent allosteric inhibitor of AKT1/2, aimed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and maximum tolerated dose of BAY 1125976 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Oral dose escalation was investigated with a continuous once daily (QD) treatment (21 days/cycle) and a twice daily (BID) schedule. A dose expansion in 28 patients with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, including nine patients harboring the AKT1E17K mutation, was performed at the recommended phase 2 dose (R2D) of 60 mg BID. Dose-limiting toxicities (Grades 3-4) were increased in transaminases, γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), and alkaline phosphatase in four patients in both schedules and stomach pain in one patient. Of the 78 patients enrolled, one patient had a partial response, 30 had stable disease, and 38 had progressive disease. The clinical benefit rate was 27.9% among 43 patients treated at the R2D. AKT1E17K mutation status was not associated with tumor response. Genetic analyses revealed additional mutations that could promote tumor cell growth despite the inhibition of AKT1/2. BAY 1125976 was well tolerated and inhibited AKT1/2 signaling but did not lead to radiologic or clinical tumor responses. Thus, the refinement of a selection of biomarkers for AKT inhibitors is needed to improve their monotherapy activity.
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Hinz N, Jücker M. Distinct functions of AKT isoforms in breast cancer: a comprehensive review. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:154. [PMID: 31752925 PMCID: PMC6873690 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKT, also known as protein kinase B, is a key element of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, AKT regulates the hallmarks of cancer, e.g. tumor growth, survival and invasiveness of tumor cells. After AKT was discovered in the early 1990s, further studies revealed that there are three different AKT isoforms, namely AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3. Despite their high similarity of 80%, the distinct AKT isoforms exert non-redundant, partly even opposing effects under physiological and pathological conditions. Breast cancer as the most common cancer entity in women, frequently shows alterations of the PI3K/AKT signaling. MAIN CONTENT A plethora of studies addressed the impact of AKT isoforms on tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of breast cancer as well as on therapy response and overall survival in patients. Therefore, this review aimed to give a comprehensive overview about the isoform-specific effects of AKT in breast cancer and to summarize known downstream and upstream mechanisms. Taking account of conflicting findings among the studies, the majority of the studies reported a tumor initiating role of AKT1, whereas AKT2 is mainly responsible for tumor progression and metastasis. In detail, AKT1 increases cell proliferation through cell cycle proteins like p21, p27 and cyclin D1 and impairs apoptosis e.g. via p53. On the downside AKT1 decreases migration of breast cancer cells, for instance by regulating TSC2, palladin and EMT-proteins. However, AKT2 promotes migration and invasion most notably through regulation of β-integrins, EMT-proteins and F-actin. Whilst AKT3 is associated with a negative ER-status, findings about the role of AKT3 in regulation of the key properties of breast cancer are sparse. Accordingly, AKT1 is mutated and AKT2 is amplified in some cases of breast cancer and AKT isoforms are associated with overall survival and therapy response in an isoform-specific manner. CONCLUSIONS Although there are several discussed hypotheses how isoform specificity is achieved, the mechanisms behind the isoform-specific effects remain mostly unrevealed. As a consequence, further effort is necessary to achieve deeper insights into an isoform-specific AKT signaling in breast cancer and the mechanism behind it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Hinz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Shariati M, Meric-Bernstam F. Targeting AKT for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:977-988. [PMID: 31594388 PMCID: PMC6901085 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1676726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Targeted therapies in cancer aim to inhibit specific molecular targets responsible for enhanced tumor growth. AKT/PKB (protein kinase B) is a serine threonine kinase involved in several critical cellular pathways, including survival, proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Although phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) is the key regulator of AKT activation, numerous stimuli and kinases initiate pro-proliferative AKT signaling which results in the activation of AKT pathway to drive cellular growth and survival. Activating mutations and amplification of components of the AKT pathway are implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers including breast and ovarian. Given its importance, AKT, it has been validated as a promising therapeutic target.Areas covered: This article summarizes AKT's biological function and different classes of AKT inhibitors as anticancer agents. We also explore the efficacy of AKT inhibitors as monotherapies and in combination with cytotoxic and other targeted therapies.Expert opinion: The complex mechanism following AKT inhibition requires the addition of other therapies to prevent resistance and improve clinical response. Further studies are necessary to determine additional rational combinations that can enhance efficacy of AKT inhibitors, potentially by targeting compensatory mechanisms, and/or enhancing apoptosis. The identification of biomarkers of response is essential for the development of successful therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shariati
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Shi N, Yu H, Chen T. Inhibition of esophageal cancer growth through the suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:7637-7647. [PMID: 31571914 PMCID: PMC6756275 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s205457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is implicated in several cancers. AKT allosteric inhibitor MK2206 and dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 are promising drug candidates with potential anti-tumor effects. Purpose In this study, we aimed to detect the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and assess the efficacy of MK2206 and BEZ235 in inhibiting esophageal cancer growth. Materials and methods We used three different systems including carcinogen-induced animal model, human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines, and xenograft mouse model. Results Our data indicated that components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were overexpressed and activated in esophageal SCC. MK2206 and BEZ235 inhibited cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and induced cell-cycle arrest through downstream effectors SKP2, MCL-1, and cyclin D1 in esophageal SCC cells. MK2206 and BEZ235 also inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mice through the inhibition of AKT phosphorylation. MK2206/BEZ235 combination showed greater anti-tumor effect than MK2206 or BEZ235 alone. The enhanced efficacy of the combination was associated with the inhibition of phosphorylation ATK on both Thr308 and Ser473. Conclusion The combination of MK2206 and BEZ235 exhibits potent antitumor effects and may have important clinical applications for esophageal SCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Shi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hao Yu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tong Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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An increased cell cycle gene network determines MEK and Akt inhibitor double resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13308. [PMID: 31527768 PMCID: PMC6746778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49809-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor clinical prognosis and limited targeted treatment strategies. Kinase inhibitor screening of a panel of 20 TNBC cell lines uncovered three critical TNBC subgroups: 1) sensitive to only MEK inhibitors; 2) sensitive to only Akt inhibitors; 3) resistant to both MEK/Akt inhibitors. Using genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic datasets of these TNBC cell lines we unravelled molecular features associated with the MEK and Akt drug resistance. MEK inhibitor-resistant TNBC cell lines were discriminated from Akt inhibitor-resistant lines by the presence of PIK3CA/PIK3R1/PTEN mutations, high p-Akt and low p-MEK levels, yet these features could not distinguish double-resistant cells. Gene set enrichment analyses of transcriptomic and proteomic data of the MEK and Akt inhibitor response groups revealed a set of cell cycle-related genes associated with the double-resistant phenotype; these genes were overexpressed in a subset of breast cancer patients. CDK inhibitors targeting the cell cycle programme could overcome the Akt and MEK inhibitor double-resistance. In conclusion, we uncovered molecular features and alternative treatment strategies for TNBC that are double-resistant to Akt and MEK inhibitors.
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Sharma V, Sharma AK, Punj V, Priya P. Recent nanotechnological interventions targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: A focus on breast cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:133-146. [PMID: 31408722 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the major cause of deaths in women worldwide. Detection and treatment of breast cancer at earlier stages of the disease has shown encouraging results. Modern genomic technologies facilitated several therapeutic options however the diagnosis of the disease at an advanced stage claim more deaths. Therefore more research directed towards genomics and proteomics into this area may lead to novel biomarkers thereby enhancing the survival rates in breast cancer patients. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway was shown to be hyperactivated in most of the breast carcinomas resulting in excessive growth, proliferation, and tumor development. Development of nanotechnology has provided many interesting avenues to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway both at the pre-clinical and clinical stages. Therefore, the current review summarizes the underlying mechanism and the importance of targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, novel biomarkers and use of nanotechnological interventions in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- VarRuchi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Anil K Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India.
| | - Vasu Punj
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, LA USA
| | - Panneerselvam Priya
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Thiruvalluvar College of Engineering and Technology, Vandavasi, 604505, Tamil Nadu, India
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Assessment of significant procedures in multigene molecular detection for breast cancer in clinical laboratories: from variant detection to targeted therapy. Breast Cancer 2019; 27:111-121. [PMID: 31388961 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-019-01000-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, numerous novel targeted drugs against breast cancer have been developed because of the rapid progress in multigene molecular testing based on next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, it is a great challenge for clinicians to update the drug information timely, therefore necessitating that clinical laboratories provide adequate and comprehensive targeted drugs information to clinicians as a reference. The premise of providing this information is the accuracy of variant detection. Our study aimed to assess the entire process of variant detection, interpretation, and targeted therapy. METHODS Laboratories were instructed to use routine methods for variant detection. The results were evaluated based on a predefined score system, and differences in variant interpretation were analyzed. Targeted drug information provided by laboratories was also summarized, and its accuracy and sufficiency were assessed. RESULTS Overall, 90.1% (82/91) of the laboratories produced accurate results. 78.9% (15/19) of the errors were false positives or false negatives. Incorrect and insufficient drug information was mainly provided due to failure in timely database updating, inconsistencies with the detected mutations or given clinical information, and negligence during phase I clinical trials. To prioritize providing targeted drug information, laboratories collected data were based on different factors, including variant clinical significance, allele frequency, and variant positions in the signal pathway. CONCLUSION The variant detection capability was satisfactory, but the ability to provide accuracy and comprehensive targeted drug information should be urgently improved. Our study summarized a completed NGS-based multigene molecular detection pipeline, aiming to better inform precision treatment for breast cancer patients.
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Xing Y, Lin NU, Maurer MA, Chen H, Mahvash A, Sahin A, Akcakanat A, Li Y, Abramson V, Litton J, Chavez-MacGregor M, Valero V, Piha-Paul SA, Hong D, Do KA, Tarco E, Riall D, Eterovic AK, Wulf GM, Cantley LC, Mills GB, Doyle LA, Winer E, Hortobagyi GN, Gonzalez-Angulo AM, Meric-Bernstam F. Phase II trial of AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in patients with advanced breast cancer who have tumors with PIK3CA or AKT mutations, and/or PTEN loss/PTEN mutation. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:78. [PMID: 31277699 PMCID: PMC6612080 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PI3K/AKT pathway is activated through PIK3CA or AKT1 mutations and PTEN loss in breast cancer. We conducted a phase II trial with an allosteric AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in patients with advanced breast cancer who had tumors with PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations and/or PTEN loss/mutation. METHODS The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were 6-month progression-free survival (6 m PFS), predictive and pharmacodynamic markers, safety, and tolerability. Patients had pre-treatment and on-treatment biopsies as well as collection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Next-generation sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) were performed. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients received MK-2206. Eighteen patients were enrolled into the PIK3CA/AKT1 mutation arm (cohort A): 13 had PIK3CA mutations, four had AKT1 mutations, and one had a PIK3CA mutation as well as PTEN loss. ORR and 6 m PFS were both 5.6% (1/18), with one patient with HR+ breast cancer and a PIK3CA E542K mutation experiencing a partial response (on treatment for 36 weeks). Nine patients were enrolled on the PTEN loss/mutation arm (cohort B). ORR was 0% and 6 m PFS was 11% (1/9), observed in a patient with triple-negative breast cancer and PTEN loss. The study was stopped early due to futility. The most common adverse events were fatigue (48%) and rash (44%). On pre-treatment biopsy, PIK3CA and AKT1 mutation status was concordant with archival tissue testing. However, two patients with PTEN loss based on archival testing had PTEN expression on the pre-treatment biopsy. MK-2206 treatment was associated with a significant decline in pAKT S473 and pAKT T308 and PI3K activation score in PBMC and PRPs, but not in tumor biopsies. By IHC, there was no significant decrease in median pAKT S473 or Ki-67 staining, but a drop was observed in both responders. CONCLUSIONS MK-2206 monotherapy had limited clinical activity in advanced breast cancer patients selected for PIK3CA/AKT1 or PTEN mutations or PTEN loss. This may, in part, be due to inadequate target inhibition at tolerable doses in heavily pre-treated patients with pathway activation, as well as tumor heterogeneity and evolution in markers such as PTEN conferring challenges in patient selection. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01277757 . Registered 13 January 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xing
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nancy U Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Matthew A Maurer
- Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Present address: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08540, USA
| | - Huiqin Chen
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Armeen Mahvash
- Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Aysegul Sahin
- Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Argun Akcakanat
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yisheng Li
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Litton
- Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mariana Chavez-MacGregor
- Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vicente Valero
- Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David Hong
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kim-Anh Do
- Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Emily Tarco
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dianna Riall
- IND Office, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Agda Karina Eterovic
- Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gerburg M Wulf
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | | | - Gordon B Mills
- Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Eric Winer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Gabriel N Hortobagyi
- Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 455, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Combination of eribulin plus AKT inhibitor evokes synergistic cytotoxicity in soft tissue sarcoma cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5759. [PMID: 30962488 PMCID: PMC6453888 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42300-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An activated AKT pathway underlies the pathogenesis of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), with over-expressed phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) correlating with a poor prognosis in a subset of STS cases. Recently, eribulin, a microtubule dynamics inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy and is approved in patients with advanced/metastatic liposarcoma and breast cancer. However, mechanisms of eribulin resistance and/or insensitivity remain largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that an increased p-AKT level was associated with eribulin resistance in STS cells. We found a combination of eribulin with the AKT inhibitor, MK-2206, synergistically inhibited STS cell growth in vivo as well as in vitro. Mechanistically, eribulin plus MK-2206 induced G1 or G2/M arrest by down-regulating cyclin-dependent kinases, cyclins and cdc2, followed by caspase-dependent apoptosis in STS cells. Our findings demonstrate the significance of p-AKT signaling for eribulin-resistance in STS cells and provide a rationale for the development of an AKT inhibitor in combination with eribulin to treat patients with STS.
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Djuzenova CS, Fiedler V, Memmel S, Katzer A, Sisario D, Brosch PK, Göhrung A, Frister S, Zimmermann H, Flentje M, Sukhorukov VL. Differential effects of the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 on migration and radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:299. [PMID: 30943918 PMCID: PMC6446411 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5517-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most tumor cells show aberrantly activated Akt which leads to increased cell survival and resistance to cancer radiotherapy. Therefore, targeting Akt can be a promising strategy for radiosensitization. Here, we explore the impact of the Akt inhibitor MK-2206 alone and in combination with the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor PI-103 on the radiation sensitivity of glioblastoma cells. In addition, we examine migration of drug-treated cells. Methods Using single-cell tracking and wound healing migration tests, colony-forming assay, Western blotting, flow cytometry and electrorotation we examined the effects of MK-2206 and PI-103 and/or irradiation on the migration, radiation sensitivity, expression of several marker proteins, DNA damage, cell cycle progression and the plasma membrane properties in two glioblastoma (DK-MG and SNB19) cell lines, previously shown to differ markedly in their migratory behavior and response to PI3K/mTOR inhibition. Results We found that MK-2206 strongly reduces the migration of DK-MG but only moderately reduces the migration of SNB19 cells. Surprisingly, MK-2206 did not cause radiosensitization, but even increased colony-forming ability after irradiation. Moreover, MK-2206 did not enhance the radiosensitizing effect of PI-103. The results appear to contradict the strong depletion of p-Akt in MK-2206-treated cells. Possible reasons for the radioresistance of MK-2206-treated cells could be unaltered or in case of SNB19 cells even increased levels of p-mTOR and p-S6, as compared to the reduced expression of these proteins in PI-103-treated samples. We also found that MK-2206 did not enhance IR-induced DNA damage, neither did it cause cell cycle distortion, nor apoptosis nor excessive autophagy. Conclusions Our study provides proof that MK-2206 can effectively inhibit the expression of Akt in two glioblastoma cell lines. However, due to an aberrant activation of mTOR in response to Akt inhibition in PTEN mutated cells, the therapeutic window needs to be carefully defined, or a combination of Akt and mTOR inhibitors should be considered. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5517-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cholpon S Djuzenova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Fiedler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simon Memmel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Katzer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dmitri Sisario
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philippa K Brosch
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Göhrung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Frister
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Zimmermann
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Biomedizinische Technik, Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, 66280, Sulzbach, Germany.,Professur für Molekulare und Zelluläre Biotechnologie/Nanotechnologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Campus Saarbrücken, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Marine Sciences, Universidad Católica del Norte, Casa Central, Angamos 0610, Antafogasta/Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Michael Flentje
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir L Sukhorukov
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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Bernard S, Myers M, Fang WB, Zinda B, Smart C, Lambert D, Zou A, Fan F, Cheng N. CXCL1 Derived from Mammary Fibroblasts Promotes Progression of Mammary Lesions to Invasive Carcinoma through CXCR2 Dependent Mechanisms. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2018; 23:249-267. [PMID: 30094610 PMCID: PMC6582941 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-018-9407-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With improved screening methods, the numbers of abnormal breast lesions diagnosed in women have been increasing over time. However, it remains unclear whether these breast lesions will develop into invasive cancers. To more effectively predict the outcome of breast lesions and determine a more appropriate course of treatment, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms that regulate progression of non-invasive lesions to invasive breast cancers. A hallmark of invasive breast cancers is the accumulation of fibroblasts. Fibroblast proliferation and activation in the mammary gland is in part regulated by the Transforming Growth Factor beta1 pathway (TGF-β). In animal models, TGF-β suppression of CCL2 and CXCL1 chemokine expression is associated with metastatic progression of mammary carcinomas. Here, we show that transgenic overexpression of the Polyoma middle T viral antigen in the mouse mammary gland of C57BL/6 mice results in slow growing non-invasive lesions that progress to invasive carcinomas in a stage dependent manner. Invasive carcinomas are associated with accumulation of fibroblasts that show decreased TGF-β expression and high levels of CXCL1, but not CCL2. Using co-transplant models, we show that decreased TGF-β signaling in fibroblasts contribute to mammary carcinoma progression through enhancement of CXCL1/CXCR2 dependent mechanisms. Using cell culture models, we show that CXCL1 mediated mammary carcinoma cell invasion through NF-κB, AKT, Stat3 and p42/44MAPK dependent mechanisms. These studies provide novel mechanistic insight into the progression of pre-invasive lesions and identify new stromal biomarkers, with important prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Bernard
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Megan Myers
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Wei Bin Fang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Brandon Zinda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Curtis Smart
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Diana Lambert
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - An Zou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Fang Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Nikki Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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45
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Srinivasan S, Totiger T, Shi C, Castellanos J, Lamichhane P, Dosch AR, Messaggio F, Kashikar N, Honnenahally K, Ban Y, Merchant NB, VanSaun M, Nagathihalli NS. Tobacco Carcinogen-Induced Production of GM-CSF Activates CREB to Promote Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:6146-6158. [PMID: 30232221 PMCID: PMC6214726 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although smoking is a significant risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the molecular mechanisms underlying PDAC development and progression in smokers are still unclear. Here, we show the role of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the pathogenesis of smoking-induced PDAC. Smokers had significantly higher levels of activated CREB when compared with nonsmokers. Cell lines derived from normal pancreas and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm (PanIN) exhibited low baseline pCREB levels compared with PDAC cell lines. Furthermore, elevated CREB expression correlated with reduced survival in patients with PDAC. Depletion of CREB significantly reduced tumor burden after tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methyl nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) treatment, suggesting a CREB-dependent contribution to PDAC growth and progression in smokers. Conversely, NNK accelerated PanIN lesion and PDAC formation via GM-CSF-mediated activation of CREB in a PDAC mouse model. CREB inhibition (CREBi) in mice more effectively reduced primary tumor burden compared with control or GM-CSF blockade alone following NNK exposure. GM-CSF played a role in the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion and promotion, whereas CREBi significantly reduced TAM and Treg populations in NNK-exposed mice. Overall, these results suggest that NNK exposure leads to activation of CREB through GM-CSF, promoting inflammatory and Akt pathways. Direct inhibition of CREB, but not GM-CSF, effectively abrogates these effects and inhibits tumor progression, offering a viable therapeutic strategy for patients with PDAC.Significance: These findings identify GM-CSF-induced CREB as a driver of pancreatic cancer in smokers and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of targeting CREB to reduce PDAC tumor growth.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/21/6146/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(21); 6146-58. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Srinivasan
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Tulasigeri Totiger
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Chanjuan Shi
- Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jason Castellanos
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Austin R Dosch
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Fanuel Messaggio
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Nilesh Kashikar
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | | | - Yuguang Ban
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael VanSaun
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Nagaraj S Nagathihalli
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
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Kalinsky K, Sparano JA, Zhong X, Andreopoulou E, Taback B, Wiechmann L, Feldman SM, Ananthakrishnan P, Ahmad A, Cremers S, Sireci AN, Cross JR, Marks DK, Mundi P, Connolly E, Crew KD, Maurer MA, Hibshoosh H, Lee S, Hershman DL. Pre-surgical trial of the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in patients with operable invasive breast cancer: a New York Cancer Consortium trial. Clin Transl Oncol 2018; 20:1474-1483. [PMID: 29736694 PMCID: PMC6222014 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-018-1888-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is an oncogenic driver in breast cancer (BC). In this multi-center, pre-surgical study, we evaluated the tissue effects of the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in women with stage I-III BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two doses of weekly oral MK2206 were administered at days - 9 and - 2 before surgery. The primary endpoint was reduction of pAktSer473 in breast tumor tissue from diagnostic biopsy to surgery. Secondary endpoints included changes in PI3K/AKT pathway tumor markers, tumor proliferation (ki-67), insulin growth factor pathway blood markers, pharmacokinetics (PK), genomics, and MK-2206 tolerability. Paired t tests were used to compare biomarker changes in pre- and post-MK-2206, and two-sample t tests to compare with prospectively accrued untreated controls. RESULTS Despite dose reductions, the trial was discontinued after 12 patients due to grade III rash, mucositis, and pruritus. While there was a trend to reduction in pAKT after MK-2206 (p = 0.06), there was no significant change compared to controls (n = 5, p = 0.65). After MK-2206, no significant changes in ki-67, pS6, PTEN, or stathmin were observed. There was no significant association between dose level and PK (p = 0.11). Compared to controls, MK-2206 significantly increased serum glucose (p = 0.02), insulin (p < 0.01), C-peptide (p < 0.01), and a trend in IGFBP-3 (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION While a trend to pAKT reduction after MK-2206 was observed, there was no significant change compared to controls. However, the accrued population was limited, due to toxicity being greater than expected. Pre-surgical trials can identify in vivo activity in the early drug development, but side effects must be considered in this healthy population.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kalinsky
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - J A Sparano
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - X Zhong
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | | | - B Taback
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - L Wiechmann
- Department of Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - S M Feldman
- Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, USA
| | | | - A Ahmad
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - S Cremers
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - A N Sireci
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - J R Cross
- Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - D K Marks
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - P Mundi
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - E Connolly
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - K D Crew
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - M A Maurer
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - H Hibshoosh
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - S Lee
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - D L Hershman
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10th Floor, Room 1069, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Akcakanat A, Meric-Bernstam F. MK-2206 window of opportunity study in breast cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:S57. [PMID: 30613632 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.10.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Argun Akcakanat
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,The Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Teo K, Gómez-Cuadrado L, Tenhagen M, Byron A, Rätze M, van Amersfoort M, Renes J, Strengman E, Mandoli A, Singh AA, Martens JH, Stunnenberg HG, van Diest PJ, Brunton VG, Derksen PWB. E-cadherin loss induces targetable autocrine activation of growth factor signalling in lobular breast cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15454. [PMID: 30337563 PMCID: PMC6193986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that loss of E-cadherin is causal to the development and progression of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), options to treat this major breast cancer subtype are limited if tumours develop resistance to anti-oestrogen treatment regimens. This study aimed to identify clinically targetable pathways that are aberrantly active downstream of E-cadherin loss in ILC. Using a combination of reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) analyses, mRNA sequencing, conditioned medium growth assays and CRISPR/Cas9-based knock-out experiments, we demonstrate that E-cadherin loss causes increased responsiveness to autocrine growth factor receptor (GFR)-dependent activation of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling. Autocrine activation of GFR signalling and its downstream PI3K/Akt hub was independent of oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, AKT1 or PTEN. Analyses of human ILC samples confirmed growth factor production and pathway activity. Pharmacological inhibition of Akt using AZD5363 or MK2206 resulted in robust inhibition of cell growth and survival of ILC cells, and impeded tumour growth in a mouse ILC model. Because E-cadherin loss evokes hypersensitisation of PI3K/Akt activation independent of oncogenic mutations in this pathway, we propose clinical intervention of PI3K/Akt in ILC based on functional E-cadherin inactivation, irrespective of activating pathway mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Teo
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Gómez-Cuadrado
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Milou Tenhagen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Adam Byron
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Max Rätze
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jojanneke Renes
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Strengman
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Amit Mandoli
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Abhishek A Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joost H Martens
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik G Stunnenberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J van Diest
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Valerie G Brunton
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Patrick W B Derksen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Jiang B, Guan Y, Shen HJ, Zhang LH, Jiang JX, Dong XW, Shen HH, Xie QM. Akt/PKB signaling regulates cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Lung Cancer 2018; 122:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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50
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Buzaglo N, Golomb M, Rosen H, Beeri R, Ami HCB, Langane F, Pierre S, Lichtstein D. Augmentation of Ouabain-Induced Increase in Heart Muscle Contractility by Akt Inhibitor MK-2206. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2018; 24:78-89. [DOI: 10.1177/1074248418788301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac steroids (CSs), such as ouabain and digoxin, increase the force of contraction of heart muscle and are used for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). However, their small therapeutic window limits their use. It is well established that Na+, K+-ATPase inhibition mediates CS-induced increase in heart contractility. Recently, the involvement of intracellular signal transduction was implicated in this effect. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that combined treatment with ouabain and Akt inhibitor (MK-2206) augments ouabain-induced inotropy in mammalian models. We demonstrate that the combined treatment led to an ouabain-induced increase in contractility at concentrations at which ouabain alone was ineffective. This was shown in 3 experimental systems: neonatal primary rat cardiomyocytes, a Langendorff preparation, and an in vivo myocardial infarction induced by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation. Furthermore, cell viability experiments revealed that this treatment protected primary cardiomyocytes from MK-2206 toxicity and in vivo reduced the size of scar tissue 10 days post-LAD ligation. We propose that Akt activity imposes a constant inhibitory force on muscle contraction, which is attenuated by low concentrations of MK-2206, resulting in potentiation of the ouabain effect. This demonstration of the increase in the CS effect advocates the development of the combined treatment in CHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahum Buzaglo
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mordechai Golomb
- The Heart Institute, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haim Rosen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronen Beeri
- The Heart Institute, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagit Cohen-Ben Ami
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Fattal Langane
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Sandrine Pierre
- Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - David Lichtstein
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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