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Wang H, Du X, Liu W, Zhang C, Li Y, Hou J, Yu Y, Li G, Wang Q. Combination of betulinic acid and EGFR-TKIs exerts synergistic anti-tumor effects against wild-type EGFR NSCLC by inducing autophagy-related cell death via EGFR signaling pathway. Respir Res 2024; 25:215. [PMID: 38764025 PMCID: PMC11103851 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02844-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of lung cancer patients with mutated EGFR. However, the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in wild-type EGFR tumors has been shown to be marginal. Methods that can sensitize EGFR-TKIs to EGFR wild-type NSCLC remain rare. Hence, we determined whether combination treatment can maximize the therapeutic efficacy of EGFR-TKIs. METHODS We established a focused drug screening system to investigate candidates for overcoming the intrinsic resistance of wild-type EGFR NSCLC to EGFR-TKIs. Molecular docking assays and western blotting were used to identify the binding mode and blocking effect of the candidate compounds. Proliferation assays, analyses of drug interactions, colony formation assays, flow cytometry and nude mice xenograft models were used to determine the effects and investigate the molecular mechanism of the combination treatment. RESULTS Betulinic acid (BA) is effective at targeting EGFR and synergizes with EGFR-TKIs (gefitinib and osimertinib) preferentially against wild-type EGFR. BA showed inhibitory activity due to its interaction with the ATP-binding pocket of EGFR and dramatically enhanced the suppressive effects of EGFR-TKIs by blocking EGFR and modulating the EGFR-ATK-mTOR axis. Mechanistic studies revealed that the combination strategy activated EGFR-induced autophagic cell death and that the EGFR-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway was essential for completing autophagy and cell cycle arrest. Activation of the mTOR pathway or blockade of autophagy by specific chemical agents markedly attenuated the effect of cell cycle arrest. In vivo administration of the combination treatment caused marked tumor regression in the A549 xenografts. CONCLUSIONS BA is a potential wild-type EGFR inhibitor that plays a critical role in sensitizing EGFR-TKI activity. BA combined with an EGFR-TKI effectively suppressed the proliferation and survival of intrinsically resistant lung cancer cells via the inhibition of EGFR as well as the induction of autophagy-related cell death, indicating that BA combined with an EGFR-TKI may be a potential therapeutic strategy for overcoming the primary resistance of wild-type EGFR-positive lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Guangzhou women and children's medical center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiaohui Du
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Congcong Zhang
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Ying Li
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jingwen Hou
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yi Yu
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Guiru Li
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, China.
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2
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Yin H, Hua Y, Feng S, Xu Y, Ding Y, Liu S, Chen D, Du F, Liang G, Zhan W, Shen Y. In Situ Nanofiber Formation Blocks AXL and GAS6 Binding to Suppress Ovarian Cancer Development. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308504. [PMID: 38546279 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Anexelekto (AXL) is an attractive molecular target for ovarian cancer therapy because of its important role in ovarian cancer initiation and progression. To date, several AXL inhibitors have entered clinical trials for the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, the disadvantages of low AXL affinity and severe off-target toxicity of these inhibitors limit their further clinical applications. Herein, by rational design of a nonapeptide derivative Nap-Phe-Phe-Glu-Ile-Arg-Leu-Arg-Phe-Lys (Nap-IR), a strategy of in situ nanofiber formation is proposed to suppress ovarian cancer growth. After administration, Nap-IR specifically targets overexpressed AXL on ovarian cancer cell membranes and undergoes a receptor-instructed nanoparticle-to-nanofiber transition. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that in situ formed Nap-IR nanofibers efficiently induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by blocking AXL activation and disrupting subsequent downstream signaling events. Remarkably, Nap-IR can synergistically enhance the anticancer effect of cisplatin against HO8910 ovarian tumors. It is anticipated that the Nap-IR can be applied in clinical ovarian cancer therapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yue Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Songwei Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Sicong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
| | - Dongsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., 699-18 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042, China
| | - Furong Du
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd., 699-18 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210042, China
| | - Gaolin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Wenjun Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 2 Sipailou, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China
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Repici A, Ardizzone A, De Luca F, Colarossi L, Prestifilippo A, Pizzino G, Paterniti I, Esposito E, Capra AP. Signaling Pathways of AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Contribute to the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Glioblastoma. Cells 2024; 13:361. [PMID: 38391974 PMCID: PMC10886920 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a diverse collection of neoplasms affecting the brain with a high prevalence rate in people of all ages around the globe. In this pathological context, glioblastoma, a form of glioma that belongs to the IV-grade astrocytoma group, is the most common and most aggressive form of the primary brain tumors. Indeed, despite the best treatments available including surgery, radiotherapy or a pharmacological approach with Temozolomide, glioblastoma patients' mortality is still high, within a few months of diagnosis. Therefore, to increase the chances of these patients surviving, it is critical to keep finding novel treatment opportunities. In the past, efforts to treat glioblastoma have mostly concentrated on customized treatment plans that target specific mutations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase (NTRK) fusions, or multiple receptors using multi-kinase inhibitors like Sunitinib and Regorafenib, with varying degrees of success. Here, we focused on the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL that has been identified as a mediator for tumor progression and therapy resistance in various cancer types, including squamous cell tumors, small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. Activated AXL leads to a significant increase in tumor proliferation, tumor cell migration, and angiogenesis in different in vitro and in vivo models of cancer since this receptor regulates interplay with apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory pathways. Based on these premises, in this review we mainly focused on the role of AXL in the course of glioblastoma, considering its primary biological mechanisms and as a possible target for the application of the most recent treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Repici
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Alessio Ardizzone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Fabiola De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Angela Prestifilippo
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
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Codilupi T, Szybinski J, Arunasalam S, Jungius S, Dunbar AC, Stivala S, Brkic S, Albrecht C, Vokalova L, Yang JL, Buczak K, Ghosh N, Passweg JR, Rovo A, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Pankov D, Dirnhofer S, Levine RL, Koche R, Meyer SC. Development of Resistance to Type II JAK2 Inhibitors in MPN Depends on AXL Kinase and Is Targetable. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:586-599. [PMID: 37992313 PMCID: PMC10831334 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) dysregulate JAK2 signaling. Because clinical JAK2 inhibitors have limited disease-modifying effects, type II JAK2 inhibitors such as CHZ868 stabilizing inactive JAK2 and reducing MPN clones, gain interest. We studied whether MPN cells escape from type ll inhibition. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN MPN cells were continuously exposed to CHZ868. We used phosphoproteomic analyses and ATAC/RNA sequencing to characterize acquired resistance to type II JAK2 inhibition, and targeted candidate mediators in MPN cells and mice. RESULTS MPN cells showed increased IC50 and reduced apoptosis upon CHZ868 reflecting acquired resistance to JAK2 inhibition. Among >2,500 differential phospho-sites, MAPK pathway activation was most prominent, while JAK2-STAT3/5 remained suppressed. Altered histone occupancy promoting AP-1/GATA binding motif exposure associated with upregulated AXL kinase and enriched RAS target gene profiles. AXL knockdown resensitized MPN cells and combined JAK2/AXL inhibition using bemcentinib or gilteritinib reduced IC50 to levels of sensitive cells. While resistant cells induced tumor growth in NOD/SCID gamma mice despite JAK2 inhibition, JAK2/AXL inhibition largely prevented tumor progression. Because inhibitors of MAPK pathway kinases such as MEK are clinically used in other malignancies, we evaluated JAK2/MAPK inhibition with trametinib to interfere with AXL/MAPK-induced resistance. Tumor growth was halted similarly to JAK2/AXL inhibition and in a systemic cell line-derived mouse model, marrow infiltration was decreased supporting dependency on AXL/MAPK. CONCLUSIONS We report on a novel mechanism of AXL/MAPK-driven escape from type II JAK2 inhibition, which is targetable at different nodes. This highlights AXL as mediator of acquired resistance warranting inhibition to enhance sustainability of JAK2 inhibition in MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Codilupi
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakub Szybinski
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Arunasalam
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Jungius
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew C. Dunbar
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Simona Stivala
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sime Brkic
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Camille Albrecht
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Vokalova
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julie L. Yang
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Katarzyna Buczak
- Proteomics Core Facility Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nilabh Ghosh
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakob R. Passweg
- Division of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alicia Rovo
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne Angelillo-Scherrer
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry Pankov
- Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Stefan Dirnhofer
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard Koche
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sara C. Meyer
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Tutusaus A, Morales A, García de Frutos P, Marí M. GAS6/TAM Axis as Therapeutic Target in Liver Diseases. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:99-114. [PMID: 38395061 PMCID: PMC11027478 DOI: 10.1055/a-2275-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
TAM (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) protein tyrosine kinase membrane receptors and their vitamin K-dependent ligands GAS6 and protein S (PROS) are well-known players in tumor biology and autoimmune diseases. In contrast, TAM regulation of fibrogenesis and the inflammation mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver cancer has recently been revealed. GAS6 and PROS binding to phosphatidylserine exposed in outer membranes of apoptotic cells links TAMs, particularly MERTK, with hepatocellular damage. In addition, AXL and MERTK regulate the development of liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic liver diseases. Acute hepatic injury is also mediated by the TAM system, as recent data regarding acetaminophen toxicity and acute-on-chronic liver failure have uncovered. Soluble TAM-related proteins, mainly released from activated macrophages and hepatic stellate cells after hepatic deterioration, are proposed as early serum markers for disease progression. In conclusion, the TAM system is becoming an interesting pharmacological target in liver pathology and a focus of future biomedical research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Barcelona, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Frumento D, Grossi G, Falesiedi M, Musumeci F, Carbone A, Schenone S. Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) for Glioblastoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1398. [PMID: 38338677 PMCID: PMC10855061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, many small molecules, usually characterized by heterocyclic scaffolds, have been designed and synthesized as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Among them, several compounds have been tested at preclinical and clinical levels to treat glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). GBM is the most common and aggressive type of cancer originating in the brain and has an unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of 15-16 months and a 5-year survival rate of 5%. Despite recent advances in treating GBM, it represents an incurable disease associated with treatment resistance and high recurrence rates. For these reasons, there is an urgent need for the development of new pharmacological agents to fight this malignancy. In this review, we reported the compounds published in the last five years, which showed promising activity in GBM preclinical models acting as TKIs. We grouped the compounds based on the targeted kinase: first, we reported receptor TKIs and then, cytoplasmic and peculiar kinase inhibitors. For each small molecule, we included the chemical structure, and we schematized the interaction with the target for some representative compounds with the aim of elucidating the mechanism of action. Finally, we cited the most relevant clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.F.); (G.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (D.F.); (G.G.); (M.F.); (S.S.)
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Fang F, Dai Y, Wang H, Ji Y, Liang X, Peng X, Li J, Zhao Y, Li C, Wang D, Li Y, Zhang D, Zhang D, Geng M, Liu H, Ai J, Zhou Y. Structure-based drug discovery of novel fused-pyrazolone carboxamide derivatives as potent and selective AXL inhibitors. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4918-4933. [PMID: 38045061 PMCID: PMC10692477 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.002] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As a novel and promising antitumor target, AXL plays an important role in tumor growth, metastasis, immunosuppression and drug resistance of various malignancies, which has attracted extensive research interest in recent years. In this study, by employing the structure-based drug design and bioisosterism strategies, we designed and synthesized in total 54 novel AXL inhibitors featuring a fused-pyrazolone carboxamide scaffold, of which up to 20 compounds exhibited excellent AXL kinase and BaF3/TEL-AXL cell viability inhibitions. Notably, compound 59 showed a desirable AXL kinase inhibitory activity (IC50: 3.5 nmol/L) as well as good kinase selectivity, and it effectively blocked the cellular AXL signaling. In turn, compound 59 could potently inhibit BaF3/TEL-AXL cell viability (IC50: 1.5 nmol/L) and significantly suppress GAS6/AXL-mediated cancer cell invasion, migration and wound healing at the nanomolar level. More importantly, compound 59 oral administration showed good pharmacokinetic profile and in vivo antitumor efficiency, in which we observed significant AXL phosphorylation suppression, and its antitumor efficacy at 20 mg/kg (qd) was comparable to that of BGB324 at 50 mg/kg (bid), the most advanced AXL inhibitor. Taken together, this work provided a valuable lead compound as a potential AXL inhibitor for the further antitumor drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuewu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xia Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yangrong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunpu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Danyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yazhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Jing Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Drug Discovery & Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
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8
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Wang L, An Y, Wei X, Huang X, Tu Y, Qiao L, Zhu W. In silico screening combined with bioactivity evaluation to identify AMI-1 as a novel anticancer compound by targeting AXL. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37691424 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2255654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Recently, some studies have proven that AXL plays a crucial role in the drug resistance of tumors. At present, no AXL inhibitors on the market and it is essential to discover novel compounds targeting AXL to overcome resistance. In this work, based on the anchor structure, 21,313 compounds were obtained by substructure search from more than 400,000 compounds. Then, the Qvina and Ledock were selected for virtual screening to obtain 17 compounds. Next, four compounds (ARRY614, AMI-1, NG25, and Butein) were selected for bioactivity evaluation after hydrogen bond and cluster analysis. Further activity evaluation suggested that the compound AMI-1 is a novel AXL inhibitor with an IC50 value of 1.13 uM. In addition, molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that compound AMI-1 contained lower binding energy and more key residues than the other three compounds, showing the best inhibitory activity against AXL. Finally, further MM/PBSA prediction showed that AMI-1 is more sensitive to mutant protein 3IKA than wildtype protein 1M17, which means that the AMI-1 may be helpful to overcome the resistance of EGFRT790M mutations. In conclusion, this work successfully discovered a novel compound with moderate inhibitory activity against AXL by a drug discovery workflow, which also could be applied to discover active compounds for other targets quickly.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxiao Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yufeng An
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiongpiao Wei
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoling Huang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuanbiao Tu
- Cancer Research Center, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Lukai Qiao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wufu Zhu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, China
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9
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Pidkovka N, Belkhiri A. Altered expression of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase in gastrointestinal cancers: a promising therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1079041. [PMID: 37469409 PMCID: PMC10353021 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1079041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers that include all cancers of the digestive tract organs are generally associated with obesity, lack of exercising, smoking, poor diet, and heavy alcohol consumption. Treatment of GI cancers typically involves surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation. Unfortunately, intrinsic or acquired resistance to these therapies underscore the need for more effective targeted therapies that have been proven in other malignancies. The aggressive features of GI cancers share distinct signaling pathways that are connected to each other by the overexpression and activation of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase. Several preclinical and clinical studies involving anti-AXL antibodies and small molecule AXL kinase inhibitors to test their efficacy in solid tumors, including GI cancers, have been recently carried out. Therefore, AXL may be a promising therapeutic target for overcoming the shortcomings of standard therapies in GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Pidkovka
- Department of Health Science, South College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Abbes Belkhiri
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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10
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Mohammadzadeh P, Amberg GC. AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1212104. [PMID: 37396176 PMCID: PMC10310921 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1212104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase commonly associated with a variety of human cancers. Along with its ligand Gas6 (growth arrest-specific protein 6), AXL is emerging as an important regulator of neuroendocrine development and function. AXL signaling in response to Gas6 binding impacts neuroendocrine structure and function at the level of the brain, pituitary, and gonads. During development, AXL has been identified as an upstream inhibitor of gonadotropin receptor hormone (GnRH) production and also plays a key role in the migration of GnRH neurons from the olfactory placode to the forebrain. AXL is implicated in reproductive diseases including some forms of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and evidence suggests that AXL is required for normal spermatogenesis. Here, we highlight research describing AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms with a focus on the molecular pathways related to neuroendocrine function in health and disease. In doing so, we aim to present a concise account of known AXL/Gas6 signaling mechanisms to identify current knowledge gaps and inspire future research.
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11
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Zhai X, Pu D, Wang R, Zhang J, Lin Y, Wang Y, Zhai N, Peng X, Zhou Q, Li L. Gas6/AXL pathway: immunological landscape and therapeutic potential. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1121130. [PMID: 37265798 PMCID: PMC10231434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1121130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with ecological and evolutionary unity, which seriously affects the survival and quality of human beings. Currently, many reports have suggested Gas6 plays an important role in cancer. Binding of gas6 to TAM receptors is associated with the carcinogenetic mechanisms of multiple malignancies, such as in breast cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, etc., and shortened overall survival. It is accepted that the Gas6/TAM pathway can promote the malignant transformation of various types of cancer cells. Gas6 has the highest affinity for Axl, an important member of the TAM receptor family. Knockdown of the TAM receptors Axl significantly affects cell cycle progression in tumor cells. Interestingly, Gas6 also has an essential function in the tumor microenvironment. The Gas6/AXL pathway regulates angiogenesis, immune-related molecular markers and the secretion of certain cytokines in the tumor microenvironment, and also modulates the functions of a variety of immune cells. In addition, evidence suggests that the Gas6/AXL pathway is involved in tumor therapy resistance. Recently, multiple studies have begun to explore in depth the importance of the Gas6/AXL pathway as a potential tumor therapeutic target as well as its broad promise in immunotherapy; therefore, a timely review of the characteristics of the Gas6/AXL pathway and its value in tumor treatment strategies is warranted. This comprehensive review assessed the roles of Gas6 and AXL receptors and their associated pathways in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, summarized the impact of Gas6/AXL on the tumor microenvironment, and highlighted the recent research progress on the relationship between Gas6/AXL and cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Zhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Pu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rulan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Yiyun Lin
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ni Zhai
- Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, The 987th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Baoji, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuan Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, Hubei, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The AXL signaling pathway is associated with tumor growth as well as poor prognosis in cancer. Here, we highlight recent strategies for targeting AXL in the treatment of solid and hematological malignancies. RECENT FINDINGS AXL is a key player in survival, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in many cancers. A range of AXL-targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and soluble receptors, have entered clinical development. Notably, AXL inhibitors in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrate early promise; however, further understanding of predictive biomarkers and treatment sequencing is necessary. Based on its role in tumor growth and drug resistance, AXL represents a promising therapeutic target in oncology. Results from ongoing clinical trials will provide valuable insights into the role of AXL inhibitors, both as single agents and in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Bhalla
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - David E Gerber
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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13
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Pantelaiou-Prokaki G, Reinhardt O, Georges NS, Agorku DJ, Hardt O, Prokakis E, Mieczkowska IK, Deppert W, Wegwitz F, Alves F. Basal-like mammary carcinomas stimulate cancer stem cell properties through AXL-signaling to induce chemotherapy resistance. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:1916-1932. [PMID: 36637144 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34429] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is the most aggressive and heterogeneous breast cancer (BC) subtype. Conventional chemotherapies represent next to surgery the most frequently employed treatment options. Unfortunately, resistant tumor phenotypes often develop, resulting in therapeutic failure. To identify the early events occurring upon the first drug application and initiating chemotherapy resistance in BLBC, we leveraged the WAP-T syngeneic mammary carcinoma mouse model and we developed a strategy combining magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS)-based tumor cell enrichment with high-throughput transcriptome analyses. We discovered that chemotherapy induced a massive gene expression reprogramming toward stemness acquisition to tolerate and survive the cytotoxic treatment in vitro and in vivo. Retransplantation experiments revealed that one single cycle of cytotoxic drug combination therapy (Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin and 5-Fluorouracil) suffices to induce resistant tumor cell phenotypes in vivo. We identified Axl and its ligand Pros1 as highly induced genes driving cancer stem cell (CSC) properties upon chemotherapy in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, from our analysis of BLBC patient datasets, we found that AXL expression is also strongly correlated with CSC-gene signatures, a poor response to conventional therapies and worse survival outcomes in those patients. Finally, we demonstrate that AXL inhibition sensitized BLBC-cells to cytotoxic treatment in vitro. Together, our data support AXL as a promising therapeutic target to optimize the efficiency of conventional cytotoxic therapies in BLBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garyfallia Pantelaiou-Prokaki
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Translational Molecular Imaging, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Reinhardt
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Translational Molecular Imaging, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nadine S Georges
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - David J Agorku
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, R&D Reagents, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Olaf Hardt
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, R&D Reagents, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Evangelos Prokakis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Iga K Mieczkowska
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Deppert
- University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Institute for Tumor Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Translational Molecular Imaging, Göttingen, Germany.,Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Clinic for Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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14
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Kim J, Nam G, Shin YK, Vilaplana-Lopera N, Jeung HC, Moon EJ, Lee IJ. Targeting AXL Using the AVB-500 Soluble Receptor and through Genetic Knockdown Inhibits Bile Duct Cancer Growth and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061882. [PMID: 36980768 PMCID: PMC10047303 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, is a rare disease with limited treatment options that include surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy. The high recurrence rate and poor prognosis of this type of cancer highlights the need to identify new and more effective therapeutic targets. In this study, we found that AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is highly expressed in biliary cancer patients and significantly correlated with poor patient outcomes, including metastasis and low survival rates. We also demonstrated that targeting AXL inhibits tumor progression. In vitro studies with bile duct cancer cells (SNU1196 and HUCCT1) showed that genetic knockdown of AXL significantly reduced both tumor cell growth and invasion. In addition, in vivo studies using subcutaneous and orthotopic intrahepatic models demonstrated that genetic inhibition of AXL resulted in tumor-growth delay. To further examine the possible clinical translation of AXL inhibition in the clinic, we tested the efficacy of AVB-500, a soluble AXL receptor, in reducing AXL activation and tumor growth. AVB-500 was effective at inhibiting AXL activation and decreasing the growth and invasion of SNU1196 and HUCCT1 tumors which possess high AXL expression. Most importantly, AVB-500 was highly effective at decreasing tumor dissemination of bile duct tumor cells in the peritoneal cavity. This study strongly supports the idea of using the AXL receptor as a new therapeutic target to treat the growth and progression of biliary cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Gilyeong Nam
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
| | - You Keun Shin
- Department of Oncology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
| | - Nuria Vilaplana-Lopera
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Hei-Cheul Jeung
- Department of Oncology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui Jung Moon
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Headington OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ik Jae Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
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15
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Yang JCH, Su WC, Chiu CH, Shiah HS, Lee KY, Hsia TC, Uno M, Crawford N, Terakawa H, Chen WC, Takayama G, Hsu C, Hong Y, Saintilien C, McGill J, Chang GC. Evaluation of combination treatment with DS-1205c, an AXL kinase inhibitor, and osimertinib in metastatic or unresectable EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: results from a multicenter, open-label phase 1 study. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:306-316. [PMID: 36892745 PMCID: PMC10140009 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01341-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of DS-1205c, an oral AXL-receptor inhibitor, in combination with osimertinib in metastatic or unresectable EFGR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who developed disease progression during EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. An open-label, non-randomized phase 1 study was conducted in Taiwan, in which 13 patients received DS-1205c monotherapy at a dosage of 200, 400, 800, or 1200 mg twice daily for 7 days, followed by combination treatment with DS-1205c (same doses) plus osimertinib 80 mg once daily in 21-day cycles. Treatment continued until disease progression or other discontinuation criteria were met. At least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was reported in all 13 patients treated with DS-1205c plus osimertinib; with ≥ 1 grade 3 TEAE in 6 patients (one of whom also had a grade 4 increased lipase level), and 6 patients having ≥ 1 serious TEAE. Eight patients experienced ≥ 1 treatment-related AE (TRAE). The most common (2 cases each) were anemia, diarrhea, fatigue, increased AST, increased ALT, increased blood creatinine phosphokinase, and increased lipase. All TRAEs were non-serious, with the exception of an overdose of osimertinib in 1 patient. No deaths were reported. Two-thirds of patients achieved stable disease (one-third for > 100 days), but none achieved a complete or partial response. No association between AXL positivity in tumor tissue and clinical efficacy was observed. DS-1205c was well-tolerated with no new safety signals in patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC when administered in combination with the EFGR TKI osimertinib. ClinicalTrials.gov ; NCT03255083.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Chih-Hsin Yang
- National Taiwan University Cancer Center, No. 57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei City, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Wu-Chou Su
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hua Chiu
- Taipei Cancer Center and Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Her-Shyong Shiah
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Yun Lee
- Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Chun Hsia
- China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ching Hsu
- Daiichi Sankyo Inc., Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - Ying Hong
- Daiichi Sankyo Inc., Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Gee-Chen Chang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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16
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Agrawal P, Sambaturu N, Olgun G, Hannenhalli S. A Path-Based Analysis of Infected Cell Line and COVID-19 Patient Transcriptome Reveals Novel Potential Targets and Drugs Against SARS-CoV-2. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918817. [PMID: 35844595 PMCID: PMC9284228 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most transcriptomic studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection have focused on differentially expressed genes, which do not necessarily reveal the genes mediating the transcriptomic changes. In contrast, exploiting curated biological network, our PathExt tool identifies central genes from the differentially active paths mediating global transcriptomic response. Here we apply PathExt to multiple cell line infection models of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses, as well as to COVID-19 patient-derived PBMCs. The central genes mediating SARS-CoV-2 response in cell lines were uniquely enriched for ATP metabolic process, G1/S transition, leukocyte activation and migration. In contrast, PBMC response reveals dysregulated cell-cycle processes. In PBMC, the most frequently central genes are associated with COVID-19 severity. Importantly, relative to differential genes, PathExt-identified genes show greater concordance with several benchmark anti-COVID-19 target gene sets. We propose six novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 targets ADCY2, ADSL, OCRL, TIAM1, PBK, and BUB1, and potential drugs targeting these genes, such as Bemcentinib, Phthalocyanine, and Conivaptan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Agrawal
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Narmada Sambaturu
- IISc Mathematics Initiative, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Gulden Olgun
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sridhar Hannenhalli
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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17
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Wang Z, Liu D, Yan Q, Liu F, Zhan M, Qi S, Fang Q, Yao L, Wang W, Zhang R, Du J, Chen L. Activated AXL Protects Against Hepatic Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Upregulating SOCS-1 Expression. Transplantation 2022; 106:1351-1364. [PMID: 35546091 PMCID: PMC9213082 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main factor affecting the morbidity and mortality associated with perioperative complications of liver transplantation and major hepatectomy. AXL is a member of the TYRO3, AXL, MERTK family and is involved in immune and apoptosis processes in multiple organs. However, the role of AXL in hepatic I/R injury remains to be elucidated. METHODS Mice pretreated with rmGas6 or R428 and mice tail vein injected with adeno-associated virus knockdown suppressor of cytokine signaling protein-1 (SOCS-1) underwent liver I/R surgery to detect the function of activated AXL in vivo. Primary hepatocytes undergo hypoxic reoxygenation injury in vitro. RESULTS AXL expression was significantly upregulated, and phosphorylated-AXL was substantially downregulated in liver transplantation patients and hepatic I/R surgery mice. A mouse model of hepatic I/R injury showed that AXL activation reduced liver inflammation and liver cells apoptosis. The inhibition of AXL activation (AXL-specific inhibitor R428) aggravated hepatic I/R injury, resulted in larger areas of liver injury, aggravated inflammatory response, and increased apoptosis of liver cells. In addition, activated AXL promotes the expression level of SOCS-1 and inhibits toll-like receptor 4 and its downstream signaling pathways. Finally, SOCS-1 was knocked down with an adeno-associated virus, and activated AXL failed to protect against hepatic I/R injury. CONCLUSIONS AXL activation protects the liver from I/R injury by upregulating SOCS-1 and inhibiting the toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor-88/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling axis. Targeting AXL may be a new therapeutic option for ameliorating hepatic I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Deng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mengting Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shunli Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qi Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weizhi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruixin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijian Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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18
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Murakami Y, Kusakabe D, Watari K, Kawahara A, Azuma K, Akiba J, Taniguchi M, Kuwano M, Ono M. AXL/CDCP1/SRC axis confers acquired resistance to osimertinib in lung cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8983. [PMID: 35643725 PMCID: PMC9148303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12995-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Osimertinib, a third-generation EGFR-TKI, has nowadays been applied to non-small cell lung cancer harboring activated EGFR mutation with or without T790M, but ultimately develop resistance to this drug. Here we report a novel mechanism of acquired resistance to osimertinib and the reversal of which could improve the clinical outcomes. In osimertinib-resistant lung cancer cell lines harboring T790M mutation that we established, expression of multiple EGFR family proteins and MET was markedly reduced, whereas expression of AXL, CDCP1 and SRC was augmented along with activation of AKT. Surprisingly, AXL or CDCP1 expression was induced by osimertinib in a time-dependent manner up to 3 months. Silencing of CDCP1 or AXL restored the sensitivity to osimertinib with reduced activation of SRC and AKT. Furthermore, silencing of both CDCP1 and AXL increased the sensitivity to osimertinib. Either silencing of SRC or dasatinib, a SRC family kinase (SFK) inhibitor, suppressed AKT phosphorylation and cell growth. Increased expression of AXL and CDCP1 was observed in refractory tumor samples from patients with lung cancer treated with osimertinib. Together, this study suggests that AXL/SFK/AKT and CDCP1/SFK/AKT signaling pathways play some roles in acquired osimertinib resistance of non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Murakami
- Cancer Translational Research Center, St. Mary's Institute of Health Sciences, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Daiki Kusakabe
- Physical Chemistry for Life Science Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Watari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Akihiko Kawahara
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koichi Azuma
- Division of Respirology, Neurology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Akiba
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Michihiko Kuwano
- Cancer Translational Research Center, St. Mary's Institute of Health Sciences, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ono
- Cancer Translational Research Center, St. Mary's Institute of Health Sciences, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Oncology, Graduate School of Nursing, St. Mary's College, 422 Tsubukuhonmachi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-8558, Japan.
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Early Steps of Resistance to Targeted Therapies in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112613. [PMID: 35681591 PMCID: PMC9179469 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with lung cancer benefit from more effective treatments, such as targeted therapies, and the overall survival has increased in the past decade. However, the efficacy of targeted therapies is limited due to the emergence of resistance. Growing evidence suggests that resistances may arise from a small population of drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells. Understanding the mechanisms underlying DTP survival is therefore crucial to develop therapeutic strategies to prevent the development of resistance. Herein, we propose an overview of the current scientific knowledge about the characterisation of DTP, and summarise the new therapeutic strategies that are tested to target these cells. Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are effective therapies for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbouring EGFR-activating mutations, but are not curative due to the inevitable emergence of resistances. Recent in vitro studies suggest that resistance to EGFR-TKI may arise from a small population of drug-tolerant persister cells (DTP) through non-genetic reprogramming, by entering a reversible slow-to-non-proliferative state, before developing genetically derived resistances. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms governing the dynamics of the drug-tolerant state is therefore a priority to provide sustainable therapeutic solutions for patients. An increasing number of molecular mechanisms underlying DTP survival are being described, such as chromatin and epigenetic remodelling, the reactivation of anti-apoptotic/survival pathways, metabolic reprogramming, and interactions with their micro-environment. Here, we review and discuss the existing proposed mechanisms involved in the DTP state. We describe their biological features, molecular mechanisms of tolerance, and the therapeutic strategies that are tested to target the DTP.
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Martínez-Sabadell A, Brasó-Maristany F, Cervera R, Tormo E, Hernando C, Martínez MT, Carbonell-Asins J, Simón S, Poveda J, Moragón S, Zazo S, Martínez D, Rovira A, Burgués O, Rojo F, Albanell J, Bermejo B, Lluch A, Prat A, Arribas J, Eroles P, Cejalvo JM. Targeting HER2-AXL heterodimerization to overcome resistance to HER2 blockade in breast cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk2746. [PMID: 35594351 PMCID: PMC9122332 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk2746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anti-HER2 therapies have markedly improved prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, different mechanisms play a role in treatment resistance. Here, we identified AXL overexpression as an essential mechanism of trastuzumab resistance. AXL orchestrates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and heterodimerizes with HER2, leading to activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in a ligand-independent manner. Genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of AXL restored trastuzumab response in vitro and in vivo. AXL inhibitor plus trastuzumab achieved complete regression in trastuzumab-resistant patient-derived xenograft models. Moreover, AXL expression in HER2-positive primary tumors was able to predict prognosis. Data from the PAMELA trial showed a change in AXL expression during neoadjuvant dual HER2 blockade, supporting its role in resistance. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of targeting AXL in combination with anti-HER2 drugs across HER2-amplified breast cancer patients with high AXL expression. Furthermore, it unveils the potential value of AXL as a druggable prognostic biomarker in HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J. Arenas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Alex Martínez-Sabadell
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Fara Brasó-Maristany
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Tormo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernando
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - María Teresa Martínez
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | | | - Soraya Simón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Jesús Poveda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Santiago Moragón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Débora Martínez
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Ana Rovira
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Octavio Burgués
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Ana Lluch
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona 08008, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Pilar Eroles
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
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21
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Third-generation EGFR and ALK inhibitors: mechanisms of resistance and management. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:499-514. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Huang J, Zhuang C, Chen J, Chen X, Li X, Zhang T, Wang B, Feng Q, Zheng X, Gong M, Gong Q, Xiao K, Luo K, Li W. Targeted Drug/Gene/Photodynamic Therapy via a Stimuli-Responsive Dendritic-Polymer-Based Nanococktail for Treatment of EGFR-TKI-Resistant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201516. [PMID: 35481881 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been identified as a key driver for epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) resistance. Inhibition of YAP expression could be a potential therapeutic option for treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, a nanococktail therapeutic strategy is proposed by employing amphiphilic and block-dendritic-polymer-based nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted co-delivery of EGFR-TKI gefitinib (Gef) and YAP-siRNA to achieve a targeted drug/gene/photodynamic therapy. The resulting NPs are effectively internalized into Gef-resistant NSCLC cells, successfully escape from late endosomes/lysosomes, and responsively release Gef and YAP-siRNA in an intracellular reductive environment. They preferentially accumulate at the tumor site after intravenous injection in both cell-line-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of Gef-resistant NSCLC, resulting in potent antitumor efficacy without distinct toxicity after laser irradiation. Mechanism studies reveal that the cocktail therapy could block the EGFR signaling pathway with Gef, inhibit activation of the EGFR bypass signaling pathway via YAP-siRNA, and induce tumor cell apoptosis through photodynamic therapy (PDT). Furthermore, this combination nanomedicine can sensitize PDT and impair glycolysis by downregulating HIF-1α. These results suggest that this stimuli-responsive dendritic-polymer-based nanococktail therapy may provide a promising approach for the treatment of EGFR-TKI resistant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Huang
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cheng Zhuang
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuanming Chen
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiyi Feng
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiuli Zheng
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Gong
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,West China-Washington Mitochondria and Metabolism Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kai Xiao
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kui Luo
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Department of Respiratory Medicine and Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, and Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
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23
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Cooke M, Kazanietz MG. Overarching roles of diacylglycerol signaling in cancer development and antitumor immunity. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabo0264. [PMID: 35412850 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abo0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a lipid second messenger that is generated in response to extracellular stimuli and channels intracellular signals that affect mammalian cell proliferation, survival, and motility. DAG exerts a myriad of biological functions through protein kinase C (PKC) and other effectors, such as protein kinase D (PKD) isozymes and small GTPase-regulating proteins (such as RasGRPs). Imbalances in the fine-tuned homeostasis between DAG generation by phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes and termination by DAG kinases (DGKs), as well as dysregulation in the activity or abundance of DAG effectors, have been widely associated with tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. DAG is also a key orchestrator of T cell function and thus plays a major role in tumor immunosurveillance. In addition, DAG pathways shape the tumor ecosystem by arbitrating the complex, dynamic interaction between cancer cells and the immune landscape, hence representing powerful modifiers of immune checkpoint and adoptive T cell-directed immunotherapy. Exploiting the wide spectrum of DAG signals from an integrated perspective could underscore meaningful advances in targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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24
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Tissue Microarray Analyses Suggest Axl as a Predictive Biomarker in HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071829. [PMID: 35406601 PMCID: PMC8997923 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071829] [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: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite many efforts, no predictive biomarkers that could guide clinical decision making and personalized treatment have been established for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We propose that high expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor Axl identifies patients as being at enhanced risk for treatment failure under surgery alone and, hence, should be treated by primary or adjuvant radiotherapy. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl is described to promote migration, metastasis and resistance against molecular targeting, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in various tumor entities, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Since clinical data on Axl and its ligand Gas6 in HNSCC are sparse, we assessed the association of Axl and Gas6 expression with patient survival in a single center retrospective cohort in a tissue microarray format. Expression was evaluated manually using an established algorithm and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. A number of 362 samples yielded interpretable staining, which did not correlate with T- and N-stage. Protein expression levels were not associated with the survival of patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal SCC. In HPV-negative tumors, Axl expression did not impact patients treated with primary or adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy, but was significantly associated with inferior overall and recurrence-free survival in patients treated with surgery alone. Gas6 was a positive predictor of survival in patients whose treatment included radiotherapy. Associations remained significant in multivariable analysis. Our data question a meaningful contribution of the Axl/Gas6 pathway to radio-resistance in HNSCC and instead suggest that strong Axl expression identifies tumors requiring adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy after surgery.
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Bhojwani HR, Joshi UJ. Homology Modelling, Docking-based Virtual Screening, ADME Properties, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation for Identification of Probable Type II Inhibitors of AXL Kinase. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2022. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180818666211004102043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
AXL kinase is an important member of the TAM family for kinases which is
involved in most cancers. Considering its role in different cancers due to its pro-tumorigenic effects and its
involvement in the resistance, it has gained importance recently. Majority of research carried out is on Type I
inhibitors and limited studies have been carried out for Type II inhibitors. Taking this into consideration, we
have attempted to build Homology models to identify the Type II inhibitors for the AXL kinase.
Methods:
Homology Models for DFG-out C-helix-in/out state were developed using SWISS Model,
PRIMO, and Prime. These models were validated by different methods and further evaluated for stability
by molecular dynamics simulation using Desmond software. Selected models PED1-EB and PEDI1-EB
were used for the docking-based virtual screening of four compound libraries using Glide software. The
hits identified were subjected to interaction analysis and shortlisted compounds were subjected to Prime
MM-GBSA studies for energy calculation. These compounds were also docked in the DFG-in state to
check for binding and elimination of any compounds that may not be Type II inhibitors. The Prime energies
were calculated for these complexes as well and some compounds were eliminated. ADMET studies
were carried out using Qikprop. Some selected compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation
using Desmond for evaluating the stability of the complexes.
Results:
Out of 78 models inclusive of both DFG-out C-helix-in and DFG-out C-helix-out, 5 models were
identified after different types of evaluation as well as validation studies. 1 model representing each type
(PED1-EB and PEDI1-EB) was selected for the screening studies. The screening studies resulted in the
identification of 29 compounds from the screen on PED1-EB and 10 compounds from the screen on
PEDI1-EB. Hydrogen bonding interactions with Pro621, Met623, and Asp690 were observed for these
compounds primarily. In some compounds, hydrogen bonding with Leu542, Glu544, Lys567, and
Asn677 as well as pi-pi stacking interactions with either Phe622 or Phe691 were also seen. 4 compounds
identified from PED1-EB screen were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and their interactions
were found to be consistent during the simulation. 2 compounds identified from PEDI1-EB screen were
also subjected to the simulation studies, however, their interactions with Asp690 were not observed for a
significant time and in both cases differed from the docked pose.
Conclusion:
Multiple models of DFG-out conformations of AXL kinase were built, validated and used
for virtual screening. Different compounds were identified in the virtual screening, which may possibly
act as Type II inhibitors for AXL kinase. Some more experimental studies can be done to validate these
findings in future. This study will play a guiding role in the further development of the newer Type II
inhibitors of the AXL kinase for the probable treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena R. Bhojwani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Principal K.M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Colaba, Cuffe Parade,
Mumbai 400005, India
| | - Urmila J. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Principal K.M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Colaba, Cuffe Parade,
Mumbai 400005, India
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Truong D, Cherradi-Lamhamedi SE, Ludwig JA. Targeting the IGF/PI3K/mTOR Pathway and AXL/YAP1/TAZ pathways in Primary Bone Cancer. J Bone Oncol 2022; 33:100419. [PMID: 35251924 PMCID: PMC8892134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2022.100419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary bone cancers (PBC) belong to the family of mesenchymal tumors classified based on their cellular origin, extracellular matrix, genetic regulation, and epigenetic modification. The three major PBC types, Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma, are frequently aggressive tumors, highly metastatic, and typically occur in children and young adults. Despite their distinct origins and pathogenesis, these sarcoma subtypes rely upon common signaling pathways to promote tumor progression, metastasis, and survival. The IGF/PI3K/mTOR and AXL/YAP/TAZ pathways, in particular, have gained significant attention recently given their ties to oncogenesis, cell fate and differentiation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Naturally, these pathways – and their protein constituents – have caught the eye of the pharmaceutical industry, and a wide array of small molecule inhibitors and antibody drug-conjugates have emerged. Here, we review how the IGF/PI3K/mTOR and AXL/YAP/TAZ pathways promote PBC and highlight the drug candidates under clinical trial investigation.
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Scherschinski L, Prem M, Kremenetskaia I, Tinhofer I, Vajkoczy P, Karbe AG, Onken JS. Regulation of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase AXL in Response to Therapy and Its Role in Therapy Resistance in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020982. [PMID: 35055167 PMCID: PMC8781963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL (RTK-AXL) is implicated in therapy resistance and tumor progression in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Here, we investigated therapy-induced receptor modifications and how endogenous RTK-AXL expression and RTK-AXL inhibition contribute to therapy resistance in GBM. GBM cell lines U118MG and SF126 were exposed to temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation (RTX). Receptor modifications in response to therapy were investigated on protein and mRNA levels. TMZ-resistant and RTK-AXL overexpressing cell lines were exposed to increasing doses of TMZ and RTX, with and without RTK-AXL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Colorimetric microtiter (MTT) assay and colony formation assay (CFA) were used to assess cell viability. Results showed that the RTK-AXL shedding product, C-terminal AXL (CT-AXL), rises in response to repeated TMZ doses and under hypoxia, acts as a surrogate marker for radio-resistance. Endogenous RTX-AXL overexpression leads to therapy resistance, whereas combination therapy of TZM and RTX with TKI R428 significantly increases therapeutic effects. This data proves the role of RTK-AXL in acquired and intrinsic therapy resistance. By demonstrating that therapy resistance may be overcome by combining AXL TKI with standard treatments, we have provided a rationale for future study designs investigating AXL TKIs in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Scherschinski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Markus Prem
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Irina Kremenetskaia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Ingeborg Tinhofer
- Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung–DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Vajkoczy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Anna-Gila Karbe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
| | - Julia Sophie Onken
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (L.S.); (M.P.); (I.K.); (P.V.); (A.-G.K.)
- German Cancer Consortium (Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung–DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)30-450-660253
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Martínez-Bosch N, Cristóbal H, Iglesias M, Gironella M, Barranco L, Visa L, Calafato D, Jiménez-Parrado S, Earl J, Carrato A, Manero-Rupérez N, Moreno M, Morales A, Guerra C, Navarro P, García de Frutos P. Soluble AXL is a novel blood marker for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and differential diagnosis from chronic pancreatitis. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103797. [PMID: 34973624 PMCID: PMC8724936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early diagnosis is crucial for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is proteolytically processed releasing a soluble form (sAXL) into the blood stream. Here we explore the use of sAXL as a biomarker for PDAC. Methods AXL was analysed by immunohistochemistry in human pancreatic tissue samples. RNA expression analysis was performed using TCGA/GTEx databases. The plasma concentrations of sAXL, its ligand GAS6, and CA19-9 were studied in two independent cohorts, the HMar cohort (n = 59) and the HClinic cohort (n = 142), including healthy controls, chronic pancreatitis (CP) or PDAC patients, and in a familial PDAC cohort (n = 68). AXL expression and sAXL release were studied in PDAC cell lines and murine models. Findings AXL is increased in PDAC and precursor lesions as compared to CP or controls. sAXL determined in plasma from two independent cohorts was significantly increased in the PDAC group as compared to healthy controls or CP patients. Patients with high levels of AXL have a lower overall survival. ROC analysis of the plasma levels of sAXL, GAS6, or CA19-9 in our cohorts revealed that sAXL outperformed CA19-9 for discriminating between CP and PDAC. Using both sAXL and CA19-9 increased the diagnostic value. These results were validated in murine models, showing increased sAXL specifically in animals developing PDAC but not those with precursor lesions or acinar tumours. Interpretation sAXL appears as a biomarker for early detection of PDAC and PDAC–CP discrimination that could accelerate treatment and improve its dismal prognosis. Funding This work was supported by grants PI20/00625 (PN), RTI2018-095672-B-I00 (AM and PGF), PI20/01696 (MG) and PI18/01034 (AC) from MICINN-FEDER and grant 2017/SGR/225 (PN) from Generalitat de Catalunya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Martínez-Bosch
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Cristóbal
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB)-CSIC and Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Iglesias
- Department of Pathology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Hospital del Mar, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Gironella
- Gastrointestinal & Pancreatic Oncology Group, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD); Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and IDIBAPS; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Barranco
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Visa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Domenico Calafato
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB)-CSIC and Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Jiménez-Parrado
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumour Markers Group, Medical Oncology Research Laboratory, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain. CIBERONC
| | - Alfredo Carrato
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumour Markers Group, Medical Oncology Research Laboratory, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain. CIBERONC
| | - Noemí Manero-Rupérez
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Moreno
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, CIBEREHD and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Guerra
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Navarro
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Unidad Asociada IIBB-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB)-CSIC and Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, Unidad Asociada IMIM/IIBB-CSIC; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), and IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
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Novel Biomarkers and Druggable Targets in Advanced Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010081. [PMID: 35008245 PMCID: PMC8750474 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with Ipilimumab or antibodies against programmed death (ligand) 1 (anti-PD1/PDL1), targeted therapies with BRAF-inhibitors (anti-BRAF) and their combinations significantly changed melanoma treatment options in both primary, adjuvant and metastatic setting, allowing for a cure, or at least long-term survival, in most patients. However, up to 50% of those with advance or metastatic disease still have no significant benefit from such innovative therapies, and clinicians are not able to discriminate in advance neither who is going to respond and for how long nor who is going to develop collateral effects and which ones. However, druggable targets, as well as affordable and reliable biomarkers are needed to personalize resources at a single-patient level. In this manuscript, different molecules, genes, cells, pathways and even combinatorial algorithms or scores are included in four biomarker chapters (molecular, immunological, peripheral and gut microbiota) and reviewed in order to evaluate their role in indicating a patient’s possible response to treatment or development of toxicities.
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Bian Q, Anderson JC, Zhang XW, Huang ZQ, Ebefors K, Nyström J, Hall S, Novak L, Julian BA, Willey CD, Novak J. Mesangioproliferative Kidney Diseases and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Mediated AXL Phosphorylation. Kidney Med 2021; 3:1003-1013.e1. [PMID: 34939009 PMCID: PMC8664734 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a common glomerular disease, with mesangial cell proliferation as a major feature. There is no disease-specific treatment. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) contributes to the pathogenesis of IgAN. To better understand its pathogenic mechanisms, we assessed PDGF-mediated AXL phosphorylation in human mesangial cells and kidney tissue biopsy specimens. STUDY DESIGN Immunostaining using human kidney biopsy specimens and in vitro studies using primary human mesangial cells. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Phosphorylation of AXL was assessed in cultured mesangial cells and 10 kidney-biopsy specimens from 5 patients with IgAN, 3 with minimal change disease, 1 with membranous nephropathy, and 1 with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (GN). PREDICTOR Glomerular staining for phospho-AXL in kidney biopsy specimens of patients with mesangioproliferative diseases. OUTCOMES Phosphorylated AXL detected in biopsy tissues of patients with IgAN and mesangioproliferative GN and in cultured mesangial cells stimulated with PDGF. ANALYTIC APPROACH t test, Mann-Whitney test, and analysis of variance were used to assess the significance of mesangial cell proliferative changes. RESULTS Immunohistochemical staining revealed enhanced phosphorylation of glomerular AXL in IgAN and mesangioproliferative GN, but not in minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy. Confocal-microscopy immunofluorescence analysis indicated that mesangial cells rather than endothelial cells or podocytes expressed phospho-AXL. Kinomic profiling of primary mesangial cells treated with PDGF revealed activation of several protein-tyrosine kinases, including AXL. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated association of AXL and PDGF receptor proteins. An AXL-specific inhibitor (bemcentinib) partially blocked PDGF-induced cellular proliferation and reduced phosphorylation of AXL and PDGF receptor and the downstream signals (AKT1 and ERK1/2). LIMITATIONS Small number of kidney biopsy specimens to correlate the activation of AXL with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS PDGF-mediated signaling in mesangial cells involves transactivation of AXL. Finding appropriate inhibitors to block PDGF-mediated transactivation of AXL may provide new therapeutic options for mesangioproliferative kidney diseases such as IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Bian
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Xian Wen Zhang
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | - Stacy Hall
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Lea Novak
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | | | - Jan Novak
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Fatima M, Kakar SJ, Adnan F, Khan K, Mian AA, Khan D. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase: a possible therapeutic target in acute promyelocytic leukemia. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:713. [PMID: 34140003 PMCID: PMC8210361 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08450-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) which is characterized by the fusion of promyelocytic leukemia PML and retinoic acid receptor- alpha (RAR-alpha) genes. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and/or arsenic trioxide (ATO) have resulted in durable cytogenetic and molecular remissions in most APL patients and have altered the natural history of the disease. Most APL patients treated with ATRA and/or ATO are now anticipated to have a nearly normal life expectancy. Unfortunately, relapse and resistance to the current treatment occur in APL patients and the outcome remains dismal in these refractory patients. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL-RTK) has been shown to increase tumour burden, provide resistance to therapy and is critical to maintain cancer stem cells (CSCs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by stabilizing β-catenin in the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, the role of AXL-RTK has not been explored in PML/RARα-positive APL. This study aimed to explore the role of AXL-RTK receptor in PML/RARα-positive APL. METHODS AND RESULTS By using biochemical and pharmacological approaches, here we report that targeting of AXL-RTK is related to the down-regulation of β-catenin target genes including c-myc (p < 0.001), AXIN2 (p < 0.001), and HIF1α (p < 0.01) and induction of apoptosis in PML/RARα-positive APL cell line. Resistance to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was also overcomed by targeting AXL-RTK with R428 in APL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results provide clear evidence of the involvement of AXL-RTK in leukemogenic potential of PML/RARα-positive APL and suggest targeting of AXL-RTK in the treatment of therapy resistant APL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Fatima
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Salik Javed Kakar
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Adnan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Khan
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Afsar Ali Mian
- grid.7147.50000 0001 0633 6224Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Dilawar Khan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Department of Healthcare Biotechnology, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, H-12, Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Qiao X, Ma J, Knight T, Su Y, Edwards H, Polin L, Li J, Kushner J, Dzinic SH, White K, Wang J, Lin H, Wang Y, Wang L, Wang G, Taub JW, Ge Y. The combination of CUDC-907 and gilteritinib shows promising in vitro and in vivo antileukemic activity against FLT3-ITD AML. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:111. [PMID: 34099621 PMCID: PMC8184771 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00502-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [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: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
About 25% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harbor FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations and their prognosis remains poor. Gilteritinib is a FLT3 inhibitor approved by the US FDA for use in adult FLT3-mutated relapsed or refractory AML patients. Monotherapy, while efficacious, shows short-lived responses, highlighting the need for combination therapies. Here we show that gilteritinib and CUDC-907, a dual inhibitor of PI3K and histone deacetylases, synergistically induce apoptosis in FLT3-ITD AML cell lines and primary patient samples and have striking in vivo efficacy. Upregulation of FLT3 and activation of ERK are mechanisms of resistance to gilteritinib, while activation of JAK2/STAT5 is a mechanism of resistance to CUDC-907. Gilteritinib and CUDC-907 reciprocally overcome these mechanisms of resistance. In addition, the combined treatment results in cooperative downregulation of cellular metabolites and persisting antileukemic effects. CUDC-907 plus gilteritinib shows synergistic antileukemic activity against FLT3-ITD AML in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating strong translational therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinan Qiao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tristan Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yongwei Su
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lisa Polin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sijana H Dzinic
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kathryn White
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Liping Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Yubin Ge
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Xu D, Sun D, Wang W, Peng X, Zhan Z, Ji Y, Shen Y, Geng M, Ai J, Duan W. Discovery of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent Axl inhibitors: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113497. [PMID: 33957388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Axl has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its strong correlation with tumor growth, metastasis, poor survival, and drug resistance. Herein, we report the design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation of a series of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as new Axl inhibitors. Among them, the most promising compound 13b showed high enzymatic and cellular Axl potencies. Furthermore, 13b possessed preferable pharmacokinetic properties and displayed promising therapeutic effect in BaF3/TEL-Axl xenograft tumor model. Compound 13b may serve as a lead compound for new antitumor drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Deqiao Sun
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xia Peng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengsheng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yanyan Shen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Branch Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 330106, China.
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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AXL Receptor in Breast Cancer: Molecular Involvement and Therapeutic Limitations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228419. [PMID: 33182542 PMCID: PMC7696061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer was one of the first malignancies to benefit from targeted therapy, i.e., treatments directed against specific markers. Inhibitors against HER2 are a significant example and they improved the life expectancy of a large cohort of patients. Research on new biomarkers, therefore, is always current and important. AXL, a member of the TYRO-3, AXL and MER (TAM) subfamily, is, today, considered a predictive and prognostic biomarker in many tumor contexts, primarily breast cancer. Its oncogenic implications make it an ideal target for the development of new pharmacological agents; moreover, its recent role as immune-modulator makes AXL particularly attractive to researchers involved in the study of interactions between cancer and the tumor microenvironment (TME). All these peculiarities characterize AXL as compared to other members of the TAM family. In this review, we will illustrate the biological role played by AXL in breast tumor cells, highlighting its molecular and biological features, its involvement in tumor progression and its implication as a target in ongoing clinical trials.
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Winge-Main AK, Wälchli S, Inderberg EM. T cell receptor therapy against melanoma-Immunotherapy for the future? Scand J Immunol 2020; 92:e12927. [PMID: 32640053 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma has seen monumental changes in treatment options the last decade from the very poor results of dacarbazine treatment to the modern-day use of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Melanoma has a high mutational burden making it more capable of evoking immune responses than many other tumours. Even when considering double immune checkpoint blockade with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1, we still have far to go in melanoma treatment as 50% of patients with metastatic disease do not respond to current treatment. Alternative immunotherapy should therefore be considered. Since melanoma has a high mutational burden, it is considered more immunogenic than many other tumours. T cell receptor (TCR) therapy could be a possible way forward, either alone or in combination, to improve the response rates of this deadly disease. Melanoma is one of the cancers where TCR therapy has been frequently applied. However, the number of antigens targeted remains fairly limited, although advanced personalized therapies aim at also targeting private mutations. In this review, we look at possible aspects of targeting TCR therapy towards melanoma and provide an implication of its use in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Winge-Main
- Department of Cellular Therapy, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sébastien Wälchli
- Department of Cellular Therapy, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else Marit Inderberg
- Department of Cellular Therapy, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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von Itzstein MS, Burke MC, Brekken RA, Aguilera TA, Zeh HJ, Beg MS. Targeting TAM to Tame Pancreatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2020; 15:579-588. [PMID: 32996059 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-020-00751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death within the next few years. Current therapeutic strategies have limited effectiveness and therefore there is an urgency to develop novel effective therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of the metastatic, chemoresistant, and immunosuppressive phenotype in pancreatic cancer. TAM inhibitors are promising investigational therapies for pancreatic cancer due to their potential to target multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. Specifically, recent mechanistic investigations and therapeutic combinations in the preclinical setting suggest that TAM inhibition with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy should be evaluated clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S von Itzstein
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Burke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Todd A Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Shaalan Beg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA.
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Han S, Wang Y, Ge C, Gao M, Wang X, Wang F, Sun L, Li S, Dong T, Dang Z, Cui W, Zhang G, Liu N. Pharmaceutical inhibition of AXL suppresses tumor growth and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:41. [PMID: 32952632 PMCID: PMC7480165 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common type of cancer in a number of regions of the world, including East Asia, South Africa and Iran. It is often associated with poor prognosis rates. Tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO (AXL) is overexpressed in a subset of ESCC tumors, therefore the present study aimed to determine the effect of R428, a selective inhibitor of AXL, on ESCC tumor cells. TE1 and KYSE150 cell lines were used as models to investigate the effects of R428 treatment. The proliferative rate of the tumor cells was analyzed using MTT and colony formation assays. In addition, cell migration and invasion rates were analyzed using wound healing and Matrigel assays, respectively. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9, and the activation of protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AXL signaling were analyzed using gelatin zymography and western blotting. The results revealed that R428 inhibited the proliferative and invasive abilities of both cell lines. Furthermore, AXL, AKT and ERK signaling were all decreased in response to R428 treatment, alongside the expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that R428 treatment may suppress ESCC tumor cell proliferation and invasion, representing a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Han
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Birth Defect Research and Transformation of Shandong Province, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Yequan Wang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Forensic Science Center of Jining, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Chengyan Ge
- The Second Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Mingtao Gao
- The Second Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Xintong Wang
- The Second Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Feiyu Wang
- The Second Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Lei Sun
- The Second Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Li
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Forensic Science Center of Jining, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Dong
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Forensic Science Center of Jining, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Dang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Forensic Science Center of Jining, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Wen Cui
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Forensic Science Center of Jining, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Guoan Zhang
- Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Forensic Science Center of Jining, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Ning Liu
- Information Technology Centre, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
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Autophagic flux inhibition enhances cytotoxicity of the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor ponatinib. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:195. [PMID: 32962733 PMCID: PMC7507635 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Despite reported advances, acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors still represents a serious problem in successful cancer treatment. Among this class of drugs, ponatinib (PON) has been shown to have notable long-term efficacy, although its cytotoxicity might be hampered by autophagy. In this study, we examined the likelihood of PON resistance evolution in neuroblastoma and assessed the extent to which autophagy might provide survival advantages to tumor cells. Methods The effects of PON in inducing autophagy were determined both in vitro, using SK-N-BE(2), SH-SY5Y, and IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cell lines, and in vivo, using zebrafish and mouse models. Single and combined treatments with chloroquine (CQ)—a blocking agent of lysosomal metabolism and autophagic flux—and PON were conducted, and the effects on cell viability were determined using metabolic and immunohistochemical assays. The activation of the autophagic flux was analyzed through immunoblot and protein arrays, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Combination therapy with PON and CQ was tested in a clinically relevant neuroblastoma mouse model. Results Our results confirm that, in neuroblastoma cells and wild-type zebrafish embryos, PON induces the accumulation of autophagy vesicles—a sign of autophagy activation. Inhibition of autophagic flux by CQ restores the cytotoxic potential of PON, thus attributing to autophagy a cytoprotective nature. In mice, the use of CQ as adjuvant therapy significantly improves the anti-tumor effects obtained by PON, leading to ulterior reduction of tumor masses. Conclusions Together, these findings support the importance of autophagy monitoring in the treatment protocols that foresee PON administration, as this may predict drug resistance acquisition. The findings also establish the potential for combined use of CQ and PON, paving the way for their consideration in upcoming treatment protocols against neuroblastoma.
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Melchionna R, Spada S, Di Modugno F, D'Andrea D, Di Carlo A, Panetta M, Mileo AM, Sperduti I, Antoniani B, Gallo E, Lawlor RT, Piemonti L, Visca P, Milella M, Grazi GL, Facciolo F, Chen E, Scarpa A, Nisticò P. The actin modulator hMENA regulates GAS6-AXL axis and pro-tumor cancer/stromal cell cooperation. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50078. [PMID: 32909687 PMCID: PMC7645265 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050078] [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: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is regulated by multiple signaling pathways, which can lead to cancer progression and therapy resistance. We have previously demonstrated that hMENA, a member of the actin regulatory protein of Ena/VASP family, and its tissue-specific isoforms influence a number of intracellular signaling pathways related to cancer progression. Here, we report a novel function of hMENA/hMENAΔv6 isoforms in tumor-promoting CAFs and in the modulation of pro-tumoral cancer cell/CAF crosstalk via GAS6/AXL axis regulation. LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis reveals that CAFs that overexpress hMENAΔv6 secrete the AXL ligand GAS6, favoring the invasiveness of AXL-expressing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Reciprocally, hMENA/hMENAΔv6 regulates AXL expression in tumor cells, thus sustaining GAS6-AXL axis, reported as crucial in EMT, immune evasion, and drug resistance. Clinically, we found that a high hMENA/GAS6/AXL gene expression signature is associated with a poor prognosis in PDAC and NSCLC. We propose that hMENA contributes to cancer progression through paracrine tumor-stroma crosstalk, with far-reaching prognostic and therapeutic implications for NSCLC and PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Melchionna
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Sheila Spada
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Modugno
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel D'Andrea
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Cell Signaling and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Di Carlo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Panetta
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Mileo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Sperduti
- Biostatistics and Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Antoniani
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Gallo
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita T Lawlor
- ARC-NET Research Centre, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Visca
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Grazi
- Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Facciolo
- Thoracic-Surgery Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Emily Chen
- Thermo Fisher Precision Medicine Science Center, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-NET Research Centre, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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40
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Umemura S, Sowa Y, Iizumi Y, Kitawaki J, Sakai T. Synergistic effect of the inhibitors of RAF/MEK and AXL on KRAS-mutated ovarian cancer cells with high AXL expression. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2052-2061. [PMID: 32291856 PMCID: PMC7293078 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutation is frequently seen in a subtype of ovarian cancer categorized as type 1. The KRAS-MAPK pathway, which is closely involved in type 1 cancer progression, is under the regulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). AXL, one of the RTKs, has been reported to be overexpressed in ovarian cancer and contributes to the poor prognosis. However, there is no useful target-based agent against such gene profiles. We examined the combined effect of the dual RAF/MEK inhibitor CH5126766 and AXL inhibitor R428 on the growth of ovarian cancer HEY-T30 and OVCAR-5 cell lines, both of which bear KRAS mutation and express AXL at a high level, using the WST-8 assay and the colony formation assay. The synergistic effect of the combination was evaluated by the combination index. The apoptotic cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptotic proteins and the phosphorylation of MAPK and AKT pathway proteins were investigated by western blotting. We found that CH5126766 and R428 suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT, respectively, and their combination synergistically inhibited the growth of both cell lines with enhancement of apoptosis accompanied by the Bim upregulation. Combined treatment with CH5126766 and R428 is expected as the novel therapeutic option for KRAS-mutated ovarian cancer with high expression of AXL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Umemura
- Department of Molecular‐Targeting PreventionGraduate School of Medical ScienceKyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan,Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Medical ScienceKyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Sowa
- Department of Molecular‐Targeting PreventionGraduate School of Medical ScienceKyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Yosuke Iizumi
- Department of Molecular‐Targeting PreventionGraduate School of Medical ScienceKyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Jo Kitawaki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Medical ScienceKyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Toshiyuki Sakai
- Department of Molecular‐Targeting PreventionGraduate School of Medical ScienceKyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan,Department of Drug Discovery MedicineGraduate School of Medical ScienceKyoto Prefectural University of MedicineKyotoJapan
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41
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Widatalla SE, Korolkova OY, Whalen DS, Goodwin JS, Williams KP, Ochieng J, Sakwe AM. Lapatinib-induced annexin A6 upregulation as an adaptive response of triple-negative breast cancer cells to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Carcinogenesis 2020; 40:998-1009. [PMID: 30590459 PMCID: PMC6736109 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a major oncogene in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but the use of EGFR-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies is associated with poor response and acquired resistance. Understanding the basis for the acquired resistance to these drugs and identifying biomarkers to monitor the ensuing resistance remain a major challenge. We previously showed that reduced expression of annexin A6 (AnxA6), a calcium-dependent membrane-binding tumor suppressor, not only promoted the internalization and degradation of activated EGFR but also sensitized TNBC cells to EGFR-TKIs. Here, we demonstrate that prolong (>3 days) treatment of AnxA6-low TNBC cells with lapatinib led to AnxA6 upregulation and accumulation of cholesterol in late endosomes. Basal extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation was EGFR independent and significantly higher in lapatinib-resistant MDA-MB-468 (LAP-R) cells. These cells were more sensitive to cholesterol depletion than untreated control cells. Inhibition of lapatinib-induced upregulation of AnxA6 by RNA interference (A6sh) or withdrawal lapatinib from LAP-R cells not only reversed the accumulation of cholesterol in late endosomes but also led to enrichment of plasma membranes with cholesterol, restored EGFR-dependent activation of ERK1/2 and sensitized the cells to lapatinib. These data suggest that lapatinib-induced AnxA6 expression and accumulation of cholesterol in late endosomes constitute an adaptive mechanism for EGFR-expressing TNBC cells to overcome prolong treatment with EGFR-targeted TKIs and can be exploited as an option to inhibit and/or monitor the frequently observed acquired resistance to these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarrah E Widatalla
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Olga Y Korolkova
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Diva S Whalen
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - J Shawn Goodwin
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kevin P Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BRITE Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Josiah Ochieng
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amos M Sakwe
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
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Wu N, Zhang Z, Zhou X, Zhao H, Ming Y, Wu X, Zhang X, Yang XZ, Zhou M, Bao H, Chen W, Wu Y, Liu S, Wang H, Niu Y, Li Y, Zheng Y, Shao Y, Gao N, Yang Y, Liu Y, Li W, Liu J, Zhang N, Yang X, Xu Y, Li M, Sun Y, Su J, Zhang J, Xia W, Qiu G, Liu Y, Liu J, Wu Z. Mutational landscape and genetic signatures of cell-free DNA in tumour-induced osteomalacia. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:4931-4943. [PMID: 32277576 PMCID: PMC7205804 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a very rare paraneoplastic syndrome with bone pain, fractures and muscle weakness, which is mostly caused by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours (PMTs). Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) has been regarded as a non‐invasive liquid biopsy for many malignant tumours. However, it has not been studied in benign tumours, which prompted us to adopt the targeted next‐generation sequencing approach to compare cfDNAs of 4 TIO patients, four patients with bone metastasis (BM) and 10 healthy controls. The mutational landscapes of cfDNA in TIO and BM groups were similar in the spectrum of allele frequencies and mutation types. Markedly, deleterious missense mutations in FGFR1 and loss‐of‐function mutations in MED12 were found in 3/4 TIO patients but none of BM patients. The gene ontology analysis strongly supported that these mutated genes found in TIOs would play a potential role in PMTs' process. The genetic signatures and corresponding change in expression of FGFR1 and FGF23 were further validated in PMT tissues from a test cohort of another three TIO patients. In summary, we reported the first study of the mutational landscape and genetic signatures of cfDNA in TIO/PMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Key laboratory of big data for spinal deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hengqiang Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yue Ming
- PET-CT Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xian Zhang
- Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Xin-Zhuang Yang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hua Bao
- Translational Medicine Research Institute, Geneseeq Technology Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Weisheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Sen Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Key laboratory of big data for spinal deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huizi Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Niu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yalun Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Beijing Ekitech Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc., Nanjing, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenli Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, China Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Key laboratory of big data for spinal deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weibo Xia
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guixing Qiu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Key laboratory of big data for spinal deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Genetic Research of Skeletal Deformity, Beijing, China.,Key laboratory of big data for spinal deformities, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Taverna JA, Hung CN, DeArmond DT, Chen M, Lin CL, Osmulski PA, Gaczynska ME, Wang CM, Lucio ND, Chou CW, Chen CL, Nazarullah A, Lampkin SR, Qiu L, Bearss DJ, Warner S, Whatcott CJ, Mouritsen L, Wade M, Weitman S, Mesa RA, Kirma NB, Chao WT, Huang THM. Single-Cell Proteomic Profiling Identifies Combined AXL and JAK1 Inhibition as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1551-1563. [PMID: 31992541 PMCID: PMC7127959 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) simultaneously measures multiple cellular proteins at the single-cell level and is used to assess intertumor and intratumor heterogeneity. This approach may be used to investigate the variability of individual tumor responses to treatments. Herein, we stratified lung tumor subpopulations based on AXL signaling as a potential targeting strategy. Integrative transcriptome analyses were used to investigate how TP-0903, an AXL kinase inhibitor, influences redundant oncogenic pathways in metastatic lung cancer cells. CyTOF profiling revealed that AXL inhibition suppressed SMAD4/TGFβ signaling and induced JAK1-STAT3 signaling to compensate for the loss of AXL. Interestingly, high JAK1-STAT3 was associated with increased levels of AXL in treatment-naïve tumors. Tumors with high AXL, TGFβ, and JAK1 signaling concomitantly displayed CD133-mediated cancer stemness and hybrid epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition features in advanced-stage patients, suggesting greater potential for distant dissemination. Diffusion pseudotime analysis revealed cell-fate trajectories among four different categories that were linked to clinicopathologic features for each patient. Patient-derived organoids (PDO) obtained from tumors with high AXL and JAK1 were sensitive to TP-0903 and ruxolitinib (JAK inhibitor) treatments, supporting the CyTOF findings. This study shows that single-cell proteomic profiling of treatment-naïve lung tumors, coupled with ex vivo testing of PDOs, identifies continuous AXL, TGFβ, and JAK1-STAT3 signal activation in select tumors that may be targeted by combined AXL-JAK1 inhibition. SIGNIFICANCE: Single-cell proteomic profiling of clinical samples may facilitate the optimal selection of novel drug targets, interpretation of early-phase clinical trial data, and development of predictive biomarkers valuable for patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine A Taverna
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chia-Nung Hung
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daniel T DeArmond
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Meizhen Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chun-Lin Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Pawel A Osmulski
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Maria E Gaczynska
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chiou-Miin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Nicholas D Lucio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chih-Wei Chou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Alia Nazarullah
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Shellye R Lampkin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Lianqun Qiu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - David J Bearss
- Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Department of Biomarker and Drug Discovery, Lehi, Utah
| | - Steven Warner
- Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Department of Biomarker and Drug Discovery, Lehi, Utah
| | - Clifford J Whatcott
- Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Department of Biomarker and Drug Discovery, Lehi, Utah
| | - Lars Mouritsen
- Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Department of Biomarker and Drug Discovery, Lehi, Utah
| | - Mark Wade
- Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Department of Biomarker and Drug Discovery, Lehi, Utah
| | - Steven Weitman
- Institute for Drug Development, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Ruben A Mesa
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Nameer B Kirma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Wei-Ting Chao
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Tim H-M Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.
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Zajac O, Leclere R, Nicolas A, Meseure D, Marchiò C, Vincent-Salomon A, Roman-Roman S, Schoumacher M, Dubois T. AXL Controls Directed Migration of Mesenchymal Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010247. [PMID: 31963783 PMCID: PMC7016818 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer with high risk of relapse and metastasis. TNBC is a heterogeneous disease comprising different molecular subtypes including those with mesenchymal features. The tyrosine kinase AXL is expressed in mesenchymal cells and plays a role in drug resistance, migration and metastasis. We confirm that AXL is more expressed in mesenchymal TNBC cells compared to luminal breast cancer cells, and that its invalidation impairs cell migration while having no or little effect on cell viability. Here, we found that AXL controls directed migration. We observed that AXL displays a polarized localization at the Golgi apparatus and the leading edge of migratory mesenchymal TNBC cells. AXL co-localizes with F-actin at the front of the cells. In migratory polarized cells, the specific AXL inhibitor R428 displaces AXL and F-actin from the leading edge to a lateral area localized between the front and the rear of the cells where both are enriched in protrusions. In addition, R428 treatment disrupts the polarized localization of the Golgi apparatus towards the leading edge in migratory cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of aggressive chemo-resistant TNBC samples obtained before treatment reveals inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity of the percentage of AXL expressing tumor cells, and a preference of these cells to be in contact with the stroma. Taken together, our study demonstrates that AXL controls directed cell migration most likely by regulating cell polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Zajac
- Breast Cancer Biology Group, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Renaud Leclere
- Department of Pathology, Platform of Investigative Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France; (R.L.); (A.N.); (D.M.)
| | - André Nicolas
- Department of Pathology, Platform of Investigative Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France; (R.L.); (A.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Didier Meseure
- Department of Pathology, Platform of Investigative Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France; (R.L.); (A.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Via Verdi 8, 10124 Torino TO, Italy;
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Anne Vincent-Salomon
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Sergio Roman-Roman
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Marie Schoumacher
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation Oncology, Institut de Recherches Internationales SERVIER, 92284 Suresnes, France;
| | - Thierry Dubois
- Breast Cancer Biology Group, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-156246250
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Flem-Karlsen K, Nyakas M, Farstad IN, McFadden E, Wernhoff P, Jacobsen KD, Flørenes VA, Mælandsmo GM. Soluble AXL as a marker of disease progression and survival in melanoma. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227187. [PMID: 31917795 PMCID: PMC6952099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is a one-pass transmembrane protein upregulated in cancers and associated with lower survival and therapy resistance. AXL can be cleaved by the A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAM)10 and ADAM17, yielding a soluble version of the protein. Elevated soluble AXL (sAXL) has been reported to be associated with disease progression in hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cancer, neurofibromatosis type 1 and inflammatory diseases. In the present work, we analyzed sAXL levels in blood from melanoma patients and showed that sAXL increases with disease progression. Additionally, increased sAXL levels were found correlated with shorter two-year survival in stage IV patients treated with ipilimumab. Furthermore, we showed that sAXL levels were related to the percentage of cells expressing AXL in resected melanoma lymph node metastases. This finding was verified in vitro, where sAXL levels in the cell media corresponded to AXL expression in the cells. AXL inhibition using the small-molecular inhibitor BGB324 reduced sAXL levels, while the cellular expression was elevated through increased protein stability. Our findings signify that quantification of sAXL blood levels is a simple and easily assessable method to determine cellular AXL levels and should be further evaluated for its use as a biomarker of disease progression and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Flem-Karlsen
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Marta Nyakas
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Nina Farstad
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erin McFadden
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Patrik Wernhoff
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Dolven Jacobsen
- Department of Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vivi Ann Flørenes
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunhild Mari Mælandsmo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT–Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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46
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The Role of MicroRNAs upon Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111461. [PMID: 31752264 PMCID: PMC6912477 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggest the significance of inflammation in the progression of cancer, for example the development of colorectal cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. Long-lasting inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract causes serious systemic complications and breaks the homeostasis of the intestine, where the altered expression of regulatory genes and miRNAs trigger malignant transformations. Several steps lead from acute inflammation to malignancies: epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibitory microRNAs (miRNAs) are known factors during multistage carcinogenesis and IBD pathogenesis. In this review, we outline the interactions between EMT components and miRNAs that may affect cancer development during IBD.
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AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a promising anti-cancer approach: functions, molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:153. [PMID: 31684958 PMCID: PMC6827209 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy for cancer has been a research hotspot for decades. AXL is a member of the TAM family with the high-affinity ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6). The Gas6/AXL signalling pathway is associated with tumour cell growth, metastasis, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, drug resistance, immune regulation and stem cell maintenance. Different therapeutic agents targeting AXL have been developed, typically including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nucleotide aptamers, soluble receptors, and several natural compounds. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive discussion of the structure, function, regulation, and signalling pathways of AXL. Then, we highlight recent strategies for targeting AXL in the treatment of cancer.AXL-targeted drugs, either as single agents or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or other small molecule inhibitors, are likely to improve the survival of many patients. However, future investigations into AXL molecular signalling networks and robust predictive biomarkers are warranted to select patients who could receive clinical benefit and to avoid potential toxicities.
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Koopman LA, Terp MG, Zom GG, Janmaat ML, Jacobsen K, Gresnigt-van den Heuvel E, Brandhorst M, Forssmann U, de Bree F, Pencheva N, Lingnau A, Zipeto MA, Parren PW, Breij EC, Ditzel HJ. Enapotamab vedotin, an AXL-specific antibody-drug conjugate, shows preclinical antitumor activity in non-small cell lung cancer. JCI Insight 2019; 4:128199. [PMID: 31600169 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.128199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have shown promise in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the majority of patients fail or become resistant to treatment, emphasizing the need for novel treatments. In this study, we confirm the prognostic value of levels of AXL, a member of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family, in NSCLC and demonstrate potent antitumor activity of the AXL-targeting antibody-drug conjugate enapotamab vedotin across different NSCLC subtypes in a mouse clinical trial of human NSCLC. Tumor regression or stasis was observed in 17/61 (28%) of the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and was associated with AXL mRNA expression levels. Significant single-agent activity of enapotamab vedotin was validated in vivo in 9 of 10 AXL-expressing NSCLC xenograft models. In a panel of EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines rendered resistant to EGFR inhibitors in vitro, we observed de novo or increased AXL protein expression concomitant with enapotamab vedotin-mediated cytotoxicity. Enapotamab vedotin also showed antitumor activity in vivo in 3 EGFR-mutant, EGFR inhibitor-resistant PDX models, including an osimertinib-resistant NSCLC PDX model. In summary, enapotamab vedotin has promising therapeutic potential in NSCLC. The safety and preliminary efficacy of enapotamab vedotin are currently being evaluated in the clinic across multiple solid tumor types, including NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikkel G Terp
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Kirstine Jacobsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Whi Parren
- Genmab, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Henrik J Ditzel
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Xiao Y, Zhao H, Tian L, Nolley R, Diep AN, Ernst A, Fuh KC, Miao YR, von Eyben R, Leppert JT, Brooks JD, Peehl DM, Giaccia AJ, Rankin EB. S100A10 Is a Critical Mediator of GAS6/AXL-Induced Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5758-5768. [PMID: 31585940 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer that promotes tumor progression and metastasis. However, antiangiogenic agents have limited efficacy in cancer therapy due to the development of resistance. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), AXL expression is associated with antiangiogenic resistance and poor survival. Here, we establish a role for GAS6/AXL signaling in promoting the angiogenic potential of ccRCC cells through the regulation of the plasminogen receptor S100A10. Genetic and therapeutic inhibition of AXL signaling in ccRCC tumor xenografts reduced tumor vessel density and growth under the renal capsule. GAS6/AXL signaling activated the expression of S100A10 through SRC to promote plasmin production, endothelial cell invasion, and angiogenesis. Importantly, treatment with the small molecule AXL inhibitor cabozantinib or an ultra-high affinity soluble AXL Fc fusion decoy receptor (sAXL) reduced the growth of a pazopanib-resistant ccRCC patient-derived xenograft. Moreover, the combination of sAXL synergized with pazopanib and axitinib to reduce ccRCC patient-derived xenograft growth and vessel density. These findings highlight a role for AXL/S100A10 signaling in mediating the angiogenic potential of ccRCC cells and support the combination of AXL inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents for advanced ccRCC. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is regulated through AXL/S100A10 signaling and support the combination of AXL inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents for the treatment of RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Hongjuan Zhao
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rosalie Nolley
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Anh N Diep
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Anne Ernst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Katherine C Fuh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yu Rebecca Miao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rie von Eyben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - John T Leppert
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - James D Brooks
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Donna M Peehl
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Amato J Giaccia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Erinn B Rankin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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50
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Jimbo T, Hatanaka M, Komatsu T, Taira T, Kumazawa K, Maeda N, Suzuki T, Ota M, Haginoya N, Isoyama T, Fujiwara K. DS-1205b, a novel selective inhibitor of AXL kinase, blocks resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a non-small cell lung cancer xenograft model. Oncotarget 2019; 10:5152-5167. [PMID: 31497246 PMCID: PMC6718264 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in signal transduction in malignant cells. Recent studies have shown that the AXL upregulation underlies epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the effect of DS-1205b, a novel and selective inhibitor of AXL, on tumor growth and resistance to EGFR TKIs. In AXL-overexpressing NIH3T3 cells, DS-1205b potently inhibited hGAS6 ligand-induced migration in vitro and exerted significant antitumor activity in vivo. AXL was upregulated by long-term erlotinib or osimertinib treatment in HCC827 EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells, and DS-1205b treatment in combination with osimertinib or erlotinib effectively inhibited signaling downstream of EGFR in a cell-based assay. In an HCC827 EGFR-mutant NSCLC xenograft mouse model, combination treatment with DS-1205b and erlotinib significantly delayed the onset of tumor resistance compared to erlotinib monotherapy, and DS-1205b restored the antitumor activity of erlotinib in erlotinib-resistant tumors. DS-1205b also delayed the onset of resistance when used in combination with osimertinib in the model. These findings strongly suggest that DS-1205b can prolong the therapeutic benefit of EGFR TKIs in nonclinical as well as clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Jimbo
- Oncology Function, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mana Hatanaka
- Oncology Function, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tomoe Taira
- Oncology Function, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kumazawa
- Quality & Safety Management Division, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Maeda
- Oncology Function, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Biologics Division, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ota
- Research Management Department, Daiichi Sankyo RD Novare Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kosaku Fujiwara
- Medical Affairs Division, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
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