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Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β: A True Foe in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214133. [PMID: 36430630 PMCID: PMC9696080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in multiple normal and pathological cell functions, including cell signalling and metabolism. GSK-3β is highly expressed in the onset and progression of multiple cancers with strong involvement in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Multiple studies showed pro- and anti-cancer roles of GSK-3β creating confusion about the benefit of targeting GSK-3β for treating cancer. In this mini-review, we focus on the role of GSK-3β in pancreatic cancer. We demonstrate that the proposed anti-cancer roles of GSK-3β are not relevant to pancreatic cancer, and we argue why GSK-3β is, indeed, a very promising therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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Pecoraro C, Faggion B, Balboni B, Carbone D, Peters GJ, Diana P, Assaraf YG, Giovannetti E. GSK3β as a novel promising target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 58:100779. [PMID: 34461526 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence and poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and intrinsic chemoresistance. Most pancreatic cancer patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease characterized by inherent resistance to chemotherapy. These features pose a series of therapeutic challenges and new targets are urgently needed. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase, which regulates key cellular processes including cell proliferation, DNA repair, cell cycle progression, signaling and metabolic pathways. GSK3β is implicated in non-malignant and malignant diseases including inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and cancer. GSK3β recently emerged among the key factors involved in the onset and progression of pancreatic cancer, as well as in the acquisition of chemoresistance. Intensive research has been conducted on key oncogenic functions of GSK3β and its potential as a druggable target; currently developed GSK3β inhibitors display promising results in preclinical models of distinct tumor types, including pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the latest findings about GSK-3β biology and its role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we discuss therapeutic agents targeting GSK3β that could be administered as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs to surmount chemoresistance. Several studies are also defining potential gene signatures to identify patients who might benefit from GSK3β-based therapeutic intervention. This detailed overview emphasizes the urgent need of additional molecular studies on the impact of GSK3β inhibition as well as structural analysis of novel compounds and omics studies of predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Beatrice Faggion
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Beatrice Balboni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Computational and Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy, and Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme (Pisa), Italy.
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Vidri RJ, Fitzgerald TL. GSK-3: An important kinase in colon and pancreatic cancers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118626. [PMID: 31987793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this review, the role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) in pancreatic and colon cancers will be explored. GSK-3 plays a fundamental role in many metabolic processes, primarily as the final enzyme in glycogen synthesis. Active β-catenin represents the final step for the transcription of Wnt target genes. Both GSK-3 and β-catenin are key in the neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis of human cells. Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic malignancies, survival remains dismal. Continued poor outcomes are attributable to tumor cell resistance and high frequency of metastatic disease. Survival for patients diagnosed with colon cancer is often excellent, and many patients achieve long term remission. However, the incidence of colon cancers continues to increase, especially among the young. The future use of targeted therapy in pancreatic and colo-rectal cancer utilizing GSK-3 may be promising, pending a more thorough understanding of potential downstream effects. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: GSK-3 and related kinases in cancer, neurological and other disorders edited by James McCubrey, Agnieszka Gizak and Dariusz Rakus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto J Vidri
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Tufts University School of Medicine-Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, United States of America
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Tufts University School of Medicine-Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, United States of America.
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Yegya-Raman N, Shah MM, Grandhi MS, Poplin E, August DA, Kennedy TJ, Malhotra U, Spencer KR, Carpizo DR, Jabbour SK. Adjuvant therapeutic strategies for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 1. [PMID: 30687847 DOI: 10.21037/apc.2018.07.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Of all patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, only 15-20% present with resectable disease. Despite curative-intent resection, the prognosis remains poor with the majority of patients recurring, prompting the need for adjuvant therapy. Historical data support the use of adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or gemcitabine, but recent data suggest either gemcitabine plus capecitabine or modified FOLFIRINOX can improve overall survival when compared to gemcitabine alone. The use of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy remains controversial, primarily due to limitations in study design and mixed results of historical trials. The ongoing Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)-0848 trial hopes to further define the role of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) and adjuvant immunotherapy represent additional possibilities to improve outcomes, but evidence supporting their use is limited. This article reviews adjuvant therapeutic strategies for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, including chemotherapy, chemoradiation therapy, IORT and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Yegya-Raman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mihir M Shah
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Miral S Grandhi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Poplin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - David A August
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Timothy J Kennedy
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Usha Malhotra
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Kristen R Spencer
- Division of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Darren R Carpizo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Salma K Jabbour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Haruki K, Shiba H, Shimada Y, Shirai Y, Iwase R, Fujiwara Y, Uwagawa T, Ohashi T, Yanaga K. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β activity plays a key role in the antitumor effect of nafamostat mesilate in pancreatic cancer cells. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2017; 2:65-71. [PMID: 29863120 PMCID: PMC5868870 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is often resistant to chemotherapy. We previously showed the efficacy of combination treatment using gemcitabine and nafamostat mesilate (FUT‐175) for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. However, the mechanisms that affect the sensitivity of FUT‐175 are not fully understood. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of the sensitivity to FUT‐175, with a focus on the activity of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β). In vitro, we assessed sensitivity to FUT‐175 in human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC‐1 and MIAPaCa‐2) and difference of signaling in these cells by cell proliferation assay, Western blot analysis and microarray. Next, we assessed cell viability, apoptotic signal and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activity in response to treatment with FUT‐175 alone and in combination with GSK‐3 inhibitor or protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) by cell proliferation assay, Western blot analysis and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Phosphorylated GSK‐3β level was significantly higher in MIAPaCa‐2 (high sensitivity cell) than in PANC‐1 (low sensitivity cell). Cell viability and NF‐κB activity were significantly decreased by addition of GSK‐3 inhibitor to FUT‐175, and levels of cleaved caspase‐8 were increased by inhibition of GSK‐3. PP2A inhibitor increased the levels of phosphorylated GSK‐3β and sensitized both cell lines to FUT‐175 as measured by cell viability and apoptotic signal. The results indicate that GSK‐3β activity plays a key role in the antitumor effect of FUT‐175 in pancreatic cancer cells, and regulation of GSK‐3β by PP2A inhibition could be a novel therapeutic approach for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Haruki
- Department of Surgery The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Division of Gene Therapy Research Center for Medical Science The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shiba
- Department of Surgery The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Yohta Shimada
- Division of Gene Therapy Research Center for Medical Science The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Shirai
- Department of Surgery The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Division of Gene Therapy Research Center for Medical Science The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Ryota Iwase
- Department of Surgery The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan.,Division of Gene Therapy Research Center for Medical Science The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Yuki Fujiwara
- Department of Surgery The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Tadashi Uwagawa
- Department of Surgery The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Toya Ohashi
- Division of Gene Therapy Research Center for Medical Science The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Yanaga
- Department of Surgery The Jikei University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
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