1
|
Nussbaum DP, Martz CA, Waters AM, Barrera A, Liu A, Rutter JC, Cerda-Smith CG, Stewart AE, Wu C, Cakir M, Levandowski CB, Kantrowitz DE, McCall SJ, Pierobon M, Petricoin EF, Joshua Smith J, Reddy TE, Der CJ, Taatjes DJ, Wood KC. Mediator kinase inhibition impedes transcriptional plasticity and prevents resistance to ERK/MAPK-targeted therapy in KRAS-mutant cancers. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:124. [PMID: 38822082 PMCID: PMC11143207 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00615-9] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance remains a major challenge for therapies targeting oncogene activated pathways. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, yet strategies targeting its downstream signaling kinases have failed to produce durable treatment responses. Here, we developed multiple models of acquired resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibitors across KRAS-mutant pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, and then probed the long-term events enabling survival against this class of drugs. These studies revealed that resistance emerges secondary to large-scale transcriptional adaptations that are diverse and cell line-specific. Transcriptional reprogramming extends beyond the well-established early response, and instead represents a dynamic, evolved process that is refined to attain a stably resistant phenotype. Mechanistic and translational studies reveal that resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibition is broadly susceptible to manipulation of the epigenetic machinery, and that Mediator kinase, in particular, can be co-targeted at a bottleneck point to prevent diverse, cell line-specific resistance programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Nussbaum
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Colin A Martz
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alejandro Barrera
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annie Liu
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Justine C Rutter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christian G Cerda-Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Amy E Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Colorectal Service, New York, NY, USA
| | - Merve Cakir
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - David E Kantrowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shannon J McCall
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- George Mason University, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- George Mason University, Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - J Joshua Smith
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Colorectal Service, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy E Reddy
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dylan J Taatjes
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tang Y, Yuan Z, Lu X, Song Y, Zhu S, Qiu C, zhang Q, Fu B, Jia C, Li H. RAMP1 Protects Hepatocytes against Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting the ERK/YAP Pathway. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:357-370. [PMID: 38638379 PMCID: PMC11022058 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a prevalent complication of liver transplantation, partial hepatectomy, and severe infection, necessitating the development of more effective clinical strategies. Receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor adapter family, has been implicated in numerous physiological and pathological processes. The study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of RAMP1 in HIRI. Methods We established a 70% liver ischemia-reperfusion model in RAMP1 knockout (KO) and wild-type mice. Liver and blood samples were collected after 0, 6, and 24 h of hypoxia/reperfusion. Liver histological and serological analyses were performed to evaluate liver damage. We also conducted in-vitro and in-vivo experiments to explore the molecular mechanism underlying RAMP1 function. Results Liver injury was exacerbated in RAMP1-KO mice compared with the sham group, as evidenced by increased cell death and elevated serum transaminase and inflammation levels. HIRI was promoted in RAMP1-KO mice via the induction of hepatocyte apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation. The absence of RAMP1 led to increased activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and yes-associated protein (YAP) phosphorylation, ultimately promoting apoptosis. SCH772984, an ERK/MAPK phosphorylation inhibitor, and PY-60, a YAP phosphorylation inhibitor, reduced apoptosis in in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. Conclusions Our findings suggest that RAMP1 protects against HIRI by inhibiting ERK and YAP phosphorylation signal transduction, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for HIRI and providing a new avenue for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Tang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zenan Yuan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingqiu Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuguang Zhu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhui Qiu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi zhang
- Department of Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Binsheng Fu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Changchang Jia
- Department of Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shuai W, Xiao H, Yang P, Zhang Y, Bu F, Wu Y, Sun Q, Wang G, Ouyang L. Structure-Guided Discovery and Preclinical Assessment of Novel (Thiophen-3-yl)aminopyrimidine Derivatives as Potent ERK1/2 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6425-6455. [PMID: 38613499 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade is abnormally activated in various tumors, playing a crucial role in mediating tumor progression. As the key component at the terminal stage of this cascade, ERK1/2 emerges as a potential antitumor target and offers a promising therapeutic strategy for tumors harboring BRAF or RAS mutations. Here, we identified 36c with a (thiophen-3-yl)aminopyrimidine scaffold as a potent ERK1/2 inhibitor through structure-guided optimization for hit 18. In preclinical studies, 36c showed powerful ERK1/2 inhibitory activities (ERK1/2 IC50 = 0.11/0.08 nM) and potent antitumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo against triple-negative breast cancer and colorectal cancer models harboring BRAF and RAS mutations. 36c could directly inhibit ERK1/2, significantly block the phosphorylation expression of their downstream substrates p90RSK and c-Myc, and induce cell apoptosis and incomplete autophagy-related cell death. Taken together, this work provides a promising ERK1/2 lead compound for multiple tumor-treatment drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shuai
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huan Xiao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Panpan Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Faqian Bu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiu Sun
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu 610212, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Timofeev O, Giron P, Lawo S, Pichler M, Noeparast M. ERK pathway agonism for cancer therapy: evidence, insights, and a target discovery framework. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:70. [PMID: 38485987 PMCID: PMC10940698 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00554-5] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
At least 40% of human cancers are associated with aberrant ERK pathway activity (ERKp). Inhibitors targeting various effectors within the ERKp have been developed and explored for over two decades. Conversely, a substantial body of evidence suggests that both normal human cells and, notably to a greater extent, cancer cells exhibit susceptibility to hyperactivation of ERKp. However, this vulnerability of cancer cells remains relatively unexplored. In this review, we reexamine the evidence on the selective lethality of highly elevated ERKp activity in human cancer cells of varying backgrounds. We synthesize the insights proposed for harnessing this vulnerability of ERK-associated cancers for therapeutical approaches and contextualize these insights within established pharmacological cancer-targeting models. Moreover, we compile the intriguing preclinical findings of ERK pathway agonism in diverse cancer models. Lastly, we present a conceptual framework for target discovery regarding ERKp agonism, emphasizing the utilization of mutual exclusivity among oncogenes to develop novel targeted therapies for precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Timofeev
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Giron
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steffen Lawo
- CRISPR Screening Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Pichler
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Noeparast
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fernandez MF, Choi J, Sosman J. New Approaches to Targeted Therapy in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3224. [PMID: 37370834 PMCID: PMC10296143 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123224] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It was just slightly more than a decade ago when metastatic melanoma carried a dismal prognosis with few, if any, effective therapies. Since then, the evolution of cancer immunotherapy has led to new and effective treatment approaches for melanoma. However, despite these advances, a sizable portion of patients with advanced melanoma have de novo or acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. At the same time, therapies (BRAF plus MEK inhibitors) targeting the BRAFV600 mutations found in 40-50% of cutaneous melanomas have also been critical for optimizing management and improving patient outcomes. Even though immunotherapy has been established as the initial therapy in most patients with cutaneous melanoma, subsequent effective therapy is limited to BRAFV600 melanoma. For all other melanoma patients, driver mutations have not been effectively targeted. Numerous efforts are underway to target melanomas with NRAS mutations, NF-1 LOF mutations, and other genetic alterations leading to activation of the MAP kinase pathway. In this era of personalized medicine, we will review the current genetic landscape, molecular classifications, emerging drug targets, and the potential for combination therapies for non-BRAFV600 melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffrey Sosman
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (M.F.F.); (J.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu C, Ye D, Yang H, Chen X, Su Z, Li X, Ding M, Liu Y. RAS-targeted cancer therapy: Advances in drugging specific mutations. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e285. [PMID: 37250144 PMCID: PMC10225044 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rat sarcoma (RAS), as a frequently mutated oncogene, has been studied as an attractive target for treating RAS-driven cancers for over four decades. However, it is until the recent success of kirsten-RAS (KRAS)G12C inhibitor that RAS gets rid of the title "undruggable". It is worth noting that the therapeutic effect of KRASG12C inhibitors on different RAS allelic mutations or even different cancers with KRASG12C varies significantly. Thus, deep understanding of the characteristics of each allelic RAS mutation will be a prerequisite for developing new RAS inhibitors. In this review, the structural and biochemical features of different RAS mutations are summarized and compared. Besides, the pathological characteristics and treatment responses of different cancers carrying RAS mutations are listed based on clinical reports. In addition, the development of RAS inhibitors, either direct or indirect, that target the downstream components in RAS pathway is summarized as well. Hopefully, this review will broaden our knowledge on RAS-targeting strategies and trigger more intensive studies on exploiting new RAS allele-specific inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cen Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Danyang Ye
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongliu Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xu Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhijun Su
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei Ding
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yonggang Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stathis A, Tolcher AW, Wang JS, Renouf DJ, Chen LC, Suttner LH, Freshwater T, Webber AL, Nayak T, Siu LL. Results of an open-label phase 1b study of the ERK inhibitor MK-8353 plus the MEK inhibitor selumetinib in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2023:10.1007/s10637-022-01326-3. [PMID: 37040046 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01326-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM We evaluated MK-8353 (small molecule inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) plus selumetinib (mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 inhibitor) in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS This phase 1b, open-label, dose-escalation study (NCT03745989) enrolled adults with histologically/cytologically documented, locally advanced/metastatic solid tumors. MK-8353/selumetinib dose combinations were intended to be investigated in sequence: 50/25, 100/50, 150/75, 200/75, 200/100, and 250/100. Each agent was administered orally BID 4 days on/3 days off in repeating cycles every 21 days. Primary objectives were safety and tolerability and to establish preliminary recommended phase 2 doses for combination therapy. RESULTS Thirty patients were enrolled. Median (range) age was 61.5 (26-78) years and 93% had received previous cancer therapy. Among 28 patients in the dose-limiting toxicities [DLT]-evaluable population, 8 experienced DLTs: 1/11 (9%) in the MK-8353/selumetinib 100/50-mg dose level experienced a grade 3 DLT (urticaria), and 7/14 (50%) in the 150/75-mg dose level experienced grade 2/3 DLTs (n = 2 each of blurred vision, retinal detachment, vomiting; n = 1 each of diarrhea, macular edema, nausea, retinopathy). The DLT rate in the latter dose level exceeded the prespecified target DLT rate (~30%). Twenty-six patients (87%) experienced treatment-related adverse events (grade 3, 30%; no grade 4/5), most commonly diarrhea (67%), nausea (37%), and acneiform dermatitis (33%). Three patients (10%) experienced treatment-related adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation. Best response was stable disease in 14 patients (n = 10 with MK-8353/selumetinib 150/75 mg). CONCLUSION MK-8353/selumetinib 50/25 mg and 100/50 mg had acceptable safety and tolerability, whereas 150/75 mg was not tolerable. No responses were observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, via A. Gallino 12, Bellinzona 6500, Switzerland.
| | | | - Judy S Wang
- Florida Cancer Specialists/Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lillian L Siu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang G, Bai Y, Cui J, Zong Z, Gao Y, Zheng Z. Computer-Aided Drug Design Boosts RAS Inhibitor Discovery. Molecules 2022; 27:5710. [PMID: 36080477 PMCID: PMC9457765 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175710] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rat Sarcoma (RAS) family (NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS) is endowed with GTPase activity to regulate various signaling pathways in ubiquitous animal cells. As proto-oncogenes, RAS mutations can maintain activation, leading to the growth and proliferation of abnormal cells and the development of a variety of human cancers. For the fight against tumors, the discovery of RAS-targeted drugs is of high significance. On the one hand, the structural properties of the RAS protein make it difficult to find inhibitors specifically targeted to it. On the other hand, targeting other molecules in the RAS signaling pathway often leads to severe tissue toxicities due to the lack of disease specificity. However, computer-aided drug design (CADD) can help solve the above problems. As an interdisciplinary approach that combines computational biology with medicinal chemistry, CADD has brought a variety of advances and numerous benefits to drug design, such as the rapid identification of new targets and discovery of new drugs. Based on an overview of RAS features and the history of inhibitor discovery, this review provides insight into the application of mainstream CADD methods to RAS drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yuhao Bai
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jiarui Cui
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zirui Zong
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhen Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li X, Li M, Huang M, Lin Q, Fang Q, Liu J, Chen X, Liu L, Zhan X, Shan H, Lu D, Li Q, Li Z, Zhu X. The multi-molecular mechanisms of tumor-targeted drug resistance in precision medicine. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113064. [PMID: 35658234 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically, cancer drug therapy is still dominated by chemotherapy drugs. Although the emergence of targeted drugs has greatly improved the survival rate of patients with advanced cancer, drug resistance has always been a difficult problem in clinical cancer treatment. At the current level of medicine, most drugs cannot escape the fate of drug resistance. With the emergence and development of gene detection, liquid biopsy ctDNA technology, and single-cell sequencing technology, the molecular mechanism of tumor drug resistance has gradually emerged. Drugs can also be updated in response to drug resistance mechanisms and bring higher survival benefits. The use of new drugs often leads to new mechanisms of resistance. In this review, the multi-molecular mechanisms of drug resistance are introduced, and the overcoming of drug resistance is discussed from the perspective of the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingdong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Meiying Huang
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Qianyi Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Qiuping Fang
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jianjiang Liu
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xuliang Zhan
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Huisi Shan
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Deshuai Lu
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Qinlan Li
- Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zesong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiao Zhu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Research Center, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pan X, Pei J, Wang A, Shuai W, Feng L, Bu F, Zhu Y, Zhang L, Wang G, Ouyang L. Development of small molecule extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) inhibitors for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2171-2192. [PMID: 35646548 PMCID: PMC9136582 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway is widely activated by a variety of extracellular stimuli, and its dysregulation is associated with the proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells. ERK1/2 is located at the distal end of this pathway and rarely undergoes mutations, making it an attractive target for anticancer drug development. Currently, an increasing number of ERK1/2 inhibitors have been designed and synthesized for antitumor therapy, among which representative compounds have entered clinical trials. When ERK1/2 signal transduction is eliminated, ERK5 may provide a bypass route to rescue proliferation, and weaken the potency of ERK1/2 inhibitors. Therefore, drug research targeting ERK5 or based on the compensatory mechanism of ERK5 for ERK1/2 opens up a new way for oncotherapy. This review provides an overview of the physiological and biological functions of ERKs, focuses on the structure-activity relationships of small molecule inhibitors targeting ERKs, with a view to providing guidance for future drug design and optimization, and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junping Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Faqian Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yumeng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dillon M, Lopez A, Lin E, Sales D, Perets R, Jain P. Progress on Ras/MAPK Signaling Research and Targeting in Blood and Solid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205059. [PMID: 34680208 PMCID: PMC8534156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway is responsible for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Overexpression and overactivation of members within the signaling cascade have been observed in many solid and blood cancers. Research often focuses on targeting the pathway to disrupt cancer initiation and progression. We aimed to provide an overview of the pathway’s physiologic role and regulation, interactions with other pathways involved in cancer development, and mutations that lead to malignancy. Several blood and solid cancers are analyzed to illustrate the impact of the pathway’s dysregulation, stemming from mutation or viral induction. Finally, we summarized different approaches to targeting the pathway and the associated novel treatments being researched or having recently achieved approval. Abstract The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, consisting of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling cascade, regulates genes that control cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Within the cascade, multiple isoforms of Ras and Raf each display differences in functionality, efficiency, and, critically, oncogenic potential. According to the NCI, over 30% of all human cancers are driven by Ras genes. This dysfunctional signaling is implicated in a wide variety of leukemias and solid tumors, both with and without viral etiology. Due to the strong evidence of Ras-Raf involvement in tumorigenesis, many have attempted to target the cascade to treat these malignancies. Decades of unsuccessful experimentation had deemed Ras undruggable, but recently, the approval of Sotorasib as the first ever KRas inhibitor represents a monumental breakthrough. This advancement is not without novel challenges. As a G12C mutant-specific drug, it also represents the issue of drug target specificity within Ras pathway; not only do many drugs only affect single mutational profiles, with few pan-inhibitor exceptions, tumor genetic heterogeneity may give rise to drug-resistant profiles. Furthermore, significant challenges in targeting downstream Raf, especially the BRaf isoform, lie in the paradoxical activation of wild-type BRaf by BRaf mutant inhibitors. This literature review will delineate the mechanisms of Ras signaling in the MAPK pathway and its possible oncogenic mutations, illustrate how specific mutations affect the pathogenesis of specific cancers, and compare available and in-development treatments targeting the Ras pathway.
Collapse
|
12
|
Ye G, Zhang J, Zhang C. Stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor overcomes ERBB2-mediated apatinib resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:20793-20807. [PMID: 34459788 PMCID: PMC8436913 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Apatinib resistance is the main obstacle to the effective treatment of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aimed to evaluate the function of Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) and stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor (STING) in apatinib resistance in HNSCC. METHOD The Cancer Genome Atlas database of HNSCC was used to analyze the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) expression and prognosis. An apatinib resistant (AR) HNSCC cell line was constructed based on the CAL27 cell line. RNA sequencing was performed to explore the differentially expressed mRNAs. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to evaluate the expression and phosphorylation level VEGFR2, ERBB2, STING, and related proteins. Apatinib resistance was evaluated by colony formation and cell viability assays. A mouse subcutaneous tumor formation model was established to evaluate the efficiency of combination treatment and vascularization was evaluated by assessing CD31 immunofluorescence. RESULT The expression of VEGFR2 was high in tumor of patients with HNSCC. Western blotting and qRT-PCR revealed that in AR cells, ERBB2 expression was high, whereas the expression of STING was low. Targeted treatment of ERBB2 using lapatinib could attenuate apatinib resistance. Further research confirmed that overexpressing STING could decrease ERBB2 expression. CONCLUSION STING could sensitize AR cells to apatinib by decreasing ERBB2 expression. The combination of lapatinib or a STING agonist with apatinib ameliorated acquired apatinib resistance in a synergistic manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo Ye
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Junbin Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Chengyao Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Cancer Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Munck JM, Berdini V, Bevan L, Brothwood JL, Castro J, Courtin A, East C, Ferraldeschi R, Heightman TD, Hindley CJ, Kucia-Tran J, Lyons JF, Martins V, Muench S, Murray CW, Norton D, O'Reilly M, Reader M, Rees DC, Rich SJ, Richardson CJ, Shah AD, Stanczuk L, Thompson NT, Wilsher NE, Woolford AJA, Wallis NG. ASTX029, a Novel Dual-mechanism ERK Inhibitor, Modulates Both the Phosphorylation and Catalytic Activity of ERK. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1757-1768. [PMID: 34330842 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The MAPK signaling pathway is commonly upregulated in human cancers. As the primary downstream effector of the MAPK pathway, ERK is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of MAPK-activated cancers and for overcoming resistance to upstream inhibition. ASTX029 is a highly potent and selective dual-mechanism ERK inhibitor, discovered using fragment-based drug design. Because of its distinctive ERK-binding mode, ASTX029 inhibits both ERK catalytic activity and the phosphorylation of ERK itself by MEK, despite not directly inhibiting MEK activity. This dual mechanism was demonstrated in cell-free systems, as well as cell lines and xenograft tumor tissue, where the phosphorylation of both ERK and its substrate, ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), were modulated on treatment with ASTX029. Markers of sensitivity were highlighted in a large cell panel, where ASTX029 preferentially inhibited the proliferation of MAPK-activated cell lines, including those with BRAF or RAS mutations. In vivo, significant antitumor activity was observed in MAPK-activated tumor xenograft models following oral treatment. ASTX029 also demonstrated activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of acquired resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors. Overall, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of a dual-mechanism ERK inhibitor such as ASTX029 for the treatment of MAPK-activated cancers, including those which have acquired resistance to inhibitors of upstream components of the MAPK pathway. ASTX029 is currently being evaluated in a first in human phase I-II clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03520075).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luke Bevan
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Juan Castro
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John F Lyons
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - David Norton
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - David C Rees
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ullah R, Yin Q, Snell AH, Wan L. RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in cancer evolution and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:123-154. [PMID: 33992782 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade is a well-characterized MAPK pathway involved in cell proliferation and survival. The three-layered MAPK signaling cascade is initiated upon RTK and RAS activation. Three RAF isoforms ARAF, BRAF and CRAF, and their downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 kinases constitute a coherently orchestrated signaling module that directs a range of physiological functions. Genetic alterations in this pathway are among the most prevalent in human cancers, which consist of numerous hot-spot mutations such as BRAFV600E. Oncogenic mutations in this pathway often override otherwise tightly regulated checkpoints to open the door for uncontrolled cell growth and neoplasia. The crosstalk between the RAF-MEK-ERK axis and other signaling pathways further extends the proliferative potential of this pathway in human cancers. In this review, we summarize the molecular architecture and physiological functions of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway with emphasis on its dysregulations in human cancers, as well as the efforts made to target the RAF-MEK-ERK module using small molecule inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Aidan H Snell
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Lixin Wan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Asl ER, Amini M, Najafi S, Mansoori B, Mokhtarzadeh A, Mohammadi A, Lotfinejad P, Bagheri M, Shirjang S, Lotfi Z, Rasmi Y, Baradaran B. Interplay between MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and MicroRNAs: A crucial mechanism regulating cancer cell metabolism and tumor progression. Life Sci 2021; 278:119499. [PMID: 33865878 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction, as a highly conserved signaling pathway, is reported to be involved in various biological events, including metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Mutations in key molecules involved in MAPK/ERK signaling and dysregulation of this pathway are very common events in various human malignancies, which make the MAPK signaling a crucial signaling pathway participating in the regulation of glucose uptake by malignant cells and tumorigenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as small non-coding RNAs, are critical regulators of gene expression that play key roles in cancer initiation and progression. On the other hand, these small RNAs mutually regulate the MAPK signaling which is often overexpressed in the case of cancer progression; suggesting that crosstalk between miRNAs and this signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of human cancers. Some miRNAs such as miR-20b, miR-34c-3p, miR-152, miR-181a, and miR-302b through inhibiting MAPK signaling, and miR-193a-3p, miR-330-3p, and miR-592 by activating this signaling pathway, play imperative roles in tumorigenesis. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to focus on the interplay between miRNAs and MAPK signaling in the various steps of tumorigenesis, including metabolic regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Roshani Asl
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.; Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Parisa Lotfinejad
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
| | - Mehdi Bagheri
- Department of Biology, Khorasan Razavi Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Solmaz Shirjang
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ziba Lotfi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Rasmi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran..
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran..
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Catalano A, Adlesic M, Kaltenbacher T, Klar RFU, Albers J, Seidel P, Brandt LP, Hejhal T, Busenhart P, Röhner N, Zodel K, Fritsch K, Wild PJ, Duyster J, Fritsch R, Brummer T, Frew IJ. Sensitivity and Resistance of Oncogenic RAS-Driven Tumors to Dual MEK and ERK Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081852. [PMID: 33924486 PMCID: PMC8069437 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mutations in RAS-family genes frequently cause different types of human cancers. Inhibitors of the MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) protein kinases that function downstream of RAS proteins have shown some clinical benefits when used for the treatment of these cancers, but drug resistance frequently emerges. Here we show that combined treatment with MEK and ERK inhibitors blocks the emergence of resistance to either drug alone. However, if cancer cells have already developed resistance to MEK inhibitors or to ERK inhibitors, the combined therapy is frequently ineffective. These findings imply that these inhibitors should be used together for cancer therapy. We also show that drug resistance involves complex patterns of rewiring of cellular kinase signaling networks that do not overlap between each different cancer cell line. Nonetheless, we show that MAP4K4 is required for efficient cell proliferation in several different MEK/ERK inhibitor resistant cancer cell lines, uncovering a potential new therapeutic target. Abstract Oncogenic mutations in RAS family genes arise frequently in metastatic human cancers. Here we developed new mouse and cellular models of oncogenic HrasG12V-driven undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma metastasis and of KrasG12D-driven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis. Through analyses of these cells and of human oncogenic KRAS-, NRAS- and BRAF-driven cancer cell lines we identified that resistance to single MEK inhibitor and ERK inhibitor treatments arise rapidly but combination therapy completely blocks the emergence of resistance. The prior evolution of resistance to either single agent frequently leads to resistance to dual treatment. Dual MEK inhibitor plus ERK inhibitor therapy shows anti-tumor efficacy in an HrasG12V-driven autochthonous sarcoma model but features of drug resistance in vivo were also evident. Array-based kinome activity profiling revealed an absence of common patterns of signaling rewiring in single or double MEK and ERK inhibitor resistant cells, showing that the development of resistance to downstream signaling inhibition in oncogenic RAS-driven tumors represents a heterogeneous process. Nonetheless, in some single and double MEK and ERK inhibitor resistant cell lines we identified newly acquired drug sensitivities. These may represent additional therapeutic targets in oncogenic RAS-driven tumors and provide general proof-of-principle that therapeutic vulnerabilities of drug resistant cells can be identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Catalano
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Mojca Adlesic
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Thorsten Kaltenbacher
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Rhena F. U. Klar
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Albers
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Seidel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Laura P. Brandt
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Hejhal
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Busenhart
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Röhner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Kyra Zodel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Kornelia Fritsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
| | - Peter J. Wild
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralph Fritsch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian J. Frew
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.C.); (M.A.); (R.F.U.K.); (P.S.); (N.R.); (K.Z.); (K.F.); (J.D.); (R.F.)
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.A.); (L.P.B.); (T.H.); (P.B.)
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Signaling Research Centre BIOSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF), Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-71831
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Szabó Z, Hornyák L, Miskei M, Székvölgyi L. Two Targets, One Hit: new Anticancer Therapeutics to Prevent Tumorigenesis Without Cardiotoxicity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:569955. [PMID: 33643029 PMCID: PMC7902874 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.569955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A serious adverse effect of cancer therapies is cardiovascular toxicity, which significantly limits the widespread use of antineoplastic agents. The promising new field of cardio-oncology offers the identification of potent anti-cancer therapeutics that effectively inhibit cancer cell proliferation without causing cardiotoxicity. Future introduction of recently identified cardio-safe compounds into clinical practice (including ERK dimerization inhibitors or BAX allosteric inhibitors) is expected to help oncologists avoid unwanted cardiological complications associated with therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Szabó
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lilla Hornyák
- MTA-DE Momentum Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márton Miskei
- MTA-DE Momentum Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Lóránt Székvölgyi
- MTA-DE Momentum Genome Architecture and Recombination Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, Debrecen, Hungary
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dual targeting of JAK2 and ERK interferes with the myeloproliferative neoplasm clone and enhances therapeutic efficacy. Leukemia 2021; 35:2875-2884. [PMID: 34480104 PMCID: PMC8478661 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) show dysregulated JAK2 signaling. JAK2 inhibitors provide clinical benefits, but compensatory activation of MAPK pathway signaling impedes efficacy. We hypothesized that dual targeting of JAK2 and ERK1/2 could enhance clone control and therapeutic efficacy. We employed genetic and pharmacologic targeting of ERK1/2 in Jak2V617F MPN mice, cells and patient clinical isolates. Competitive transplantations of Jak2V617F vs. wild-type bone marrow (BM) showed that ERK1/2 deficiency in hematopoiesis mitigated MPN features and reduced the Jak2V617F clone in blood and hematopoietic progenitor compartments. ERK1/2 ablation combined with JAK2 inhibition suppressed MAPK transcriptional programs, normalized cytoses and promoted clone control suggesting dual JAK2/ERK1/2 targeting as enhanced corrective approach. Combined pharmacologic JAK2/ERK1/2 inhibition with ruxolitinib and ERK inhibitors reduced proliferation of Jak2V617F cells and corrected erythrocytosis and splenomegaly of Jak2V617F MPN mice. Longer-term treatment was able to induce clone reductions. BM fibrosis was significantly decreased in MPLW515L-driven MPN to an extent not seen with JAK2 inhibitor monotherapy. Colony formation from JAK2V617F patients' CD34+ blood and BM was dose-dependently inhibited by combined JAK2/ERK1/2 inhibition in PV, ET, and MF subsets. Overall, we observed that dual targeting of JAK2 and ERK1/2 was able to enhance therapeutic efficacy suggesting a novel treatment approach for MPN.
Collapse
|
19
|
Wen B, Zhang C, Zhou J, Zhang Z, Che Q, Cao H, Bai Y, Guo J, Su Z. Targeted treatment of alcoholic liver disease based on inflammatory signalling pathways. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107752. [PMID: 33253739 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy is an emerging treatment strategy for alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Inflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of ALD, and is a key choice for its targeted treatment, and anti-inflammatory treatment has been considered beneficial for liver disease. Surprisingly, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become important therapeutic agents for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, studies have shown that the combination of inflammatory molecule inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors can exert better effects than either alone in mouse models of HCC. This review discusses the mechanism of hepatic ethanol metabolism and the conditions under which inflammation occurs. In addition, we focus on the potential molecular targets in inflammatory signalling pathways and summarize the potential targeted inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing a theoretical basis for the targeted treatment of ALD and the development of new combination therapy strategies for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingjian Wen
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhengyan Zhang
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qishi Che
- Guangzhou Rainhome Pharm & Tech Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Hua Cao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China
| | - Yan Bai
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510310, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zhengquan Su
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Natural Products and New Drugs, Guangdong Provincial University Engineering Technology Research Center of Natural Products and Drugs, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lu Y, Liu B, Liu Y, Yu X, Cheng G. Dual effects of active ERK in cancer: A potential target for enhancing radiosensitivity. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:993-1000. [PMID: 32724338 PMCID: PMC7377092 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation (IR) is an important cancer treatment approach. However, radioresistance eventually occurs, resulting in poor outcomes in patients with cancer. Radioresistance is associated with multiple signaling pathways, particularly pro-survival signaling pathways. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) cascade is an important signaling pathway that initiates several cellular processes and is regulated by various stimuli, including IR. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the pro-survival effects of active ERK, activation of ERK has also been associated with cell death, indicating that radiosensitization may occur by ERK stimulation. In this context, the present review describes the associations between ERK signaling, cancer and IR, and discusses the association between ERK and its pro-survival function in cancer cells, including stimuli, molecular mechanisms, clinical use of inhibitors and underlying limitations. Additionally, the present review introduces the view that active ERK may induce cell death, and describes the potential factors associated with this process. This review describes the various outcomes induced by active ERK to prompt future studies to aim to enhance radiosensitivity in the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinliang Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Baocai Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Xinyue Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Guanghui Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sun W, Zhang W, Yu J, Lu Z, Yu J. Inhibition of Nrf2 might enhance the anti-tumor effect of temozolomide in glioma cells via inhibition of Ras/Raf/MEK signaling pathway. Int J Neurosci 2020; 131:975-983. [PMID: 32378973 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1766458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive primary cancer occurring in the brain tissue. GBM accounts 16% of primary brain tumors and half of gliomas. Additionally, the incidence of GBM is increases with aging, and reaches the peak at the age of 75 to 84 years. The survival of patients with GBM remains at a low level, only less than 5% patients diagnosed with GBM survive for 5 years. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a DNA alkylating agent and is currently a first line chemotherapeutic treatment for GBM. TMZ combined with radiation therapy has been shown to prolong the overall survival (OS) to 14.6 months compared with 12.1 months for radiation therapy alone. NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that contains seven functional domains. The binding of Keap1 to Nrf2 is a central regulator of the cellular defense mechanism against environmental stresses. METHODS First, Nrf2 overexpression and inhibition models were constructed in U251 cells using transfection. The percentage of viable cells was detected using the MTT assay. Then, the expression of the HO-1 regulator was detected using qPCR, and the concentrations of oxidative stress related factors were detected using ELISAs. The levels of proteins related to oxidative stress and the Ras/Raf/MEK signaling pathway was detected using western blotting analysis. RESULTS We initially established Nrf2 inhibition and activation cell models in U251 cells and found that the inhibition of Nrf2 expression decreased the mRNA and protein levels of the anti-oxidative enzymes, as well as the secretion of these enzymes into the cellular microenvironment. These effects might be mediated by the inhibition of Ras/Raf/MEK signaling pathway, leading to the inhibition of cellular proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of Nrf2 expression might enhance the effect of TMZ on the treatment of GBM and might be a new therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianyong Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhihui Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Oncology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Li Y, Zhang X, Zheng Q, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Zhu C, Yang L, Peng X, Wang Q, Wang B, Meng X, Li H, Liu J. YAP1 Inhibition in HUVECs Is Associated with Released Exosomes and Increased Hepatocarcinoma Invasion and Metastasis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:86-97. [PMID: 32516736 PMCID: PMC7281784 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. Anti-angiogenesis therapies have recently demonstrated promise in the treatment of malignancies, although early treatment benefits may be accompanied by metastasis over time. Additional and more effective anti-angiogenic treatment modalities are therefore needed. We previously found that Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression is increased in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly around tumor-associated blood vessels, suggesting a role in angiogenesis. The YAP1 inhibitor verteporfin is presently in anti-angiogenic clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers. Depleted YAP1 from vascular endothelial cells effectively reduced proliferation and tube formation, validating its utility as an anti-angiogenesis target. We also showed that YAP1 depletion or inhibition in vascular endothelial cells leads to increased release of exosomes containing the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 into the tumor microenvironment. Direct exosomal transfer of MALAT1 to hepatic cells leads to increased hepatic cell invasion and migration via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. These observations may explain the occurrence of distant tumor metastasis with YAP1-associated anti-angiogenic therapy over time. It provides insight into new pathways and treatment paradigms that may be targeted to increase the long-term success of anti-angiogenic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Zheng
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingbo Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Liang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Xueqiang Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Academy of life sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Meng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Academy of life sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Jingang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chin HM, Lai DK, Falchook GS. Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) Inhibitors in Oncology Clinical Trials. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/jipo.jipo_17_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway consists of the series of protein kinases RAS-RAF-MEK-Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and its function is important to cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and survival. Certain mutations in the pathway, such as KRAS or BRAF V600 mutations are associated with cancer. Inhibitors of this pathway, including some MEK and BRAF inhibitors, are already being used in the clinic, but a variety of selective ERK inhibitors are still being tested in clinical studies. To date, common adverse events associated with ERK inhibitors include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and rash. ERK inhibitors have demonstrated preliminary antitumor activity and may be most effective against cancers with RAS, RAF, or MAPK pathway alterations. This review discusses the MAPK pathway, the biological rationale for ERK inhibitors, and clinical trials involving ERK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David K Lai
- Rice University, Denver, CO, USA
- University of Colorado – Denver, CO, USA
| | - Gerald S Falchook
- Rice University, Denver, CO, USA
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE, Denver, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pan YJ, Wan J, Wang CB. MiR-326: Promising Biomarker for Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:10411-10418. [PMID: 31849530 PMCID: PMC6912009 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s223875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding and highly conserved RNAs that act in biological processes including cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, metabolism, signal transduction, and tumorigenesis. The previously identified miRNA-326 (miR-326) has been reported to participate in cellular apoptosis, tumor growth, cell invasion, embryonic development, immunomodulation, chemotherapy resistance, and oncogenesis. This review presents a detailed overview of what is known about the effects of miR-326 on cell invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, proliferation, apoptosis, and its involvement in signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Jie Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng Hospital of Medicine School of Southeast University, The Third People’s Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng224001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wan
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai200092, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-Bin Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng Hospital of Medicine School of Southeast University, The Third People’s Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng224001, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Halder AK, Giri AK, Cordeiro MNDS. Multi-Target Chemometric Modelling, Fragment Analysis and Virtual Screening with ERK Inhibitors as Potential Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24213909. [PMID: 31671605 PMCID: PMC6864583 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two isoforms of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), namely ERK-1 and ERK-2, are associated with several cellular processes, the aberration of which leads to cancer. The ERK-1/2 inhibitors are thus considered as potential agents for cancer therapy. Multitarget quantitative structure–activity relationship (mt-QSAR) models based on the Box–Jenkins approach were developed with a dataset containing 6400 ERK inhibitors assayed under different experimental conditions. The first mt-QSAR linear model was built with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and provided information regarding the structural requirements for better activity. This linear model was also utilised for a fragment analysis to estimate the contributions of ring fragments towards ERK inhibition. Then, the random forest (RF) technique was employed to produce highly predictive non-linear mt-QSAR models, which were used for screening the Asinex kinase library and identify the most potential virtual hits. The fragment analysis results justified the selection of the hits retrieved through such virtual screening. The latter were subsequently subjected to molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to understand their possible interactions with ERK enzymes. The present work, which utilises in-silico techniques such as multitarget chemometric modelling, fragment analysis, virtual screening, molecular docking and dynamics, may provide important guidelines to facilitate the discovery of novel ERK inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Halder
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Amal Kanta Giri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Delou JMA, Souza ASO, Souza LCM, Borges HL. Highlights in Resistance Mechanism Pathways for Combination Therapy. Cells 2019; 8:E1013. [PMID: 31480389 PMCID: PMC6770082 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination chemotherapy has been a mainstay in cancer treatment for the last 60 years. Although the mechanisms of action and signaling pathways affected by most treatments with single antineoplastic agents might be relatively well understood, most combinations remain poorly understood. This review presents the most common alterations of signaling pathways in response to cytotoxic and targeted anticancer drug treatments, with a discussion of how the knowledge of signaling pathways might support and orient the development of innovative strategies for anticancer combination therapy. The ultimate goal is to highlight possible strategies of chemotherapy combinations based on the signaling pathways associated with the resistance mechanisms against anticancer drugs to maximize the selective induction of cancer cell death. We consider this review an extensive compilation of updated known information on chemotherapy resistance mechanisms to promote new combination therapies to be to discussed and tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João M A Delou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Alana S O Souza
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Leonel C M Souza
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Helena L Borges
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Miao L, Tian H. Development of ERK1/2 inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for tumour with MAPK upstream target mutations. J Drug Target 2019; 28:154-165. [PMID: 31340679 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1648477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylate a variety of substrates that play key roles in promoting cell survival and proliferation. Many inhibitors, acting on upstream of the ERK pathway, exhibit excellent antitumor activity. However, drug-resistant tumour cells invariably emerge after their use due to the reactivation of ERK1/2 signalling. ERK1/2 inhibitors have shown clinical efficacy as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of tumours with mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) upstream target mutations. These inhibitors may be effective against cancers with altered MAPK upstream pathway and may be used as a possible strategy to overcome acquired resistance to MAPK inhibitors. In this review, we describe the mechanism and types of ERK1/2 inhibitors, summarise the current development status of small-molecule ERK1/2 inhibitors, including the preclinical data and clinical study progress, and discuss the future research directions for the application of ERK1/2 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Miao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongqi Tian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Najafi M, Ahmadi A, Mortezaee K. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling as a target for cancer therapy: an updated review. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:1206-1222. [PMID: 31136035 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is activated in a wide spectrum of human tumors, exhibiting cardinal oncogenic roles and sustained inhibition of this pathway is considered as a primary goal in clinic. Within this pathway, receptor tyrosine kinases such as epithelial growth factor receptor, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, and AXL act as upstream regulators of RAS/RAF/MEK/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase. MAPK signaling is active in both early and advanced stages of tumorigenesis, and it promotes tumor proliferation, survival, and metastasis. MAPK regulatory effects on cellular constituent of the tumor microenvironment is for immunosuppressive purposes. Cross-talking between MAPK with oncogenic signaling pathways including WNT, cyclooxygenase-2, transforming growth factor-β, NOTCH and (in particular) with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is contributed to the multiplication of tumor progression and drug resistance. Developing resistance (intrinsic or acquired) to MAPK-targeted therapy also occurs due to heterogeneity of tumors along with mutations and negative feedback loop of interactions exist between various kinases causing rebound activation of this signaling. Multidrug regimen is a preferred therapeutic avenue for targeting MAPK signaling. To enhance patient tolerance and to mitigate potential adversarial effects related to the combination therapy, determination of a desired dose and drug along with pre-evaluation of cancer-type-specific kinase mutation and sensitivity, especially for patients receiving triplet therapy is an urgent need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Najafi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Ahmadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48175-861, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Olea-Flores M, Zuñiga-Eulogio MD, Mendoza-Catalán MA, Rodríguez-Ruiz HA, Castañeda-Saucedo E, Ortuño-Pineda C, Padilla-Benavides T, Navarro-Tito N. Extracellular-Signal Regulated Kinase: A Central Molecule Driving Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2885. [PMID: 31200510 PMCID: PMC6627365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible cellular process, characterized by changes in gene expression and activation of proteins, favoring the trans-differentiation of the epithelial phenotype to a mesenchymal phenotype. This process increases cell migration and invasion of tumor cells, progression of the cell cycle, and resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy, all of which support tumor progression. One of the signaling pathways involved in tumor progression is the MAPK pathway. Within this family, the ERK subfamily of proteins is known for its contributions to EMT. The ERK subfamily is divided into typical (ERK 1/2/5), and atypical (ERK 3/4/7/8) members. These kinases are overexpressed and hyperactive in various types of cancer. They regulate diverse cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy, and EMT. In this context, in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as studies in human patients, have shown that ERK favors the expression, function, and subcellular relocalization of various proteins that regulate EMT, thus promoting tumor progression. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic roles of the ERK subfamily members in EMT and tumor progression in diverse biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Olea-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Miriam Daniela Zuñiga-Eulogio
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Miguel Angel Mendoza-Catalán
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Hugo Alberto Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Eduardo Castañeda-Saucedo
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Carlos Ortuño-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Teresita Padilla-Benavides
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Napoleón Navarro-Tito
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sammons RM, Ghose R, Tsai KY, Dalby KN. Targeting ERK beyond the boundaries of the kinase active site in melanoma. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:1551-1570. [PMID: 31190430 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) constitute a point of convergence for complex signaling events that regulate essential cellular processes, including proliferation and survival. As such, dysregulation of the ERK signaling pathway is prevalent in many cancers. In the case of BRAF-V600E mutant melanoma, ERK inhibition has emerged as a viable clinical approach to abrogate signaling through the ERK pathway, even in cases where MEK and Raf inhibitor treatments fail to induce tumor regression due to resistance mechanisms. Several ERK inhibitors that target the active site of ERK have reached clinical trials, however, many critical ERK interactions occur at other potentially druggable sites on the protein. Here we discuss the role of ERK signaling in cell fate, in driving melanoma, and in resistance mechanisms to current BRAF-V600E melanoma treatments. We explore targeting ERK via a distinct site of protein-protein interaction, known as the D-recruitment site (DRS), as an alternative or supplementary mode of ERK pathway inhibition in BRAF-V600E melanoma. Targeting the DRS with inhibitors in melanoma has the potential to not only disrupt the catalytic apparatus of ERK but also its noncatalytic functions, which have significant impacts on spatiotemporal signaling dynamics and cell fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Sammons
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.,Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Ranajeet Ghose
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York, New York, New York
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kevin N Dalby
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.,Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Clarke PA, Roe T, Swabey K, Hobbs SM, McAndrew C, Tomlin K, Westwood I, Burke R, van Montfort R, Workman P. Dissecting mechanisms of resistance to targeted drug combination therapy in human colorectal cancer. Oncogene 2019; 38:5076-5090. [PMID: 30905967 PMCID: PMC6755994 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0780-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Genomic alterations in cancer cells result in vulnerabilities that clinicians can exploit using molecularly targeted drugs, guided by knowledge of the tumour genotype. However, the selective activity of these drugs exerts an evolutionary pressure on cancers that can result in the outgrowth of resistant clones. Use of rational drug combinations can overcome resistance to targeted drugs, but resistance may eventually develop to combinatorial therapies. We selected MAPK- and PI3K-pathway inhibition in colorectal cancer as a model system to dissect out mechanisms of resistance. We focused on these signalling pathways because they are frequently activated in colorectal tumours, have well-characterised mutations and are clinically relevant. By treating a panel of 47 human colorectal cancer cell lines with a combination of MEK- and PI3K-inhibitors, we observe a synergistic inhibition of growth in almost all cell lines. Cells with KRAS mutations are less sensitive to PI3K inhibition, but are particularly sensitive to the combined treatment. Colorectal cancer cell lines with inherent or acquired resistance to monotherapy do not show a synergistic response to the combination treatment. Cells that acquire resistance to an MEK-PI3K inhibitor combination treatment still respond to an ERK-PI3K inhibitor regimen, but subsequently also acquire resistance to this combination treatment. Importantly, the mechanisms of resistance to MEK and PI3K inhibitors observed, MEK1/2 mutation or loss of PTEN, are similar to those detected in the clinic. ERK inhibitors may have clinical utility in overcoming resistance to MEK inhibitor regimes; however, we find a recurrent active site mutation of ERK2 that drives resistance to ERK inhibitors in mono- or combined regimens, suggesting that resistance will remain a hurdle. Importantly, we find that the addition of low concentrations of the BCL2-family inhibitor navitoclax to the MEK-PI3K inhibitor regimen improves the synergistic interaction and blocks the acquisition of resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Clarke
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK.
| | - Toby Roe
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Kate Swabey
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Steve M Hobbs
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Craig McAndrew
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Kathy Tomlin
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Isaac Westwood
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rosemary Burke
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Robert van Montfort
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Paul Workman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Biological Rationale for Targeting MEK/ERK Pathways in Anti-Cancer Therapy and to Potentiate Tumour Responses to Radiation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102530. [PMID: 31126017 PMCID: PMC6567863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ERK1 and ERK2 (ERKs), two extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2), are evolutionary-conserved and ubiquitous serine-threonine kinases involved in regulating cell signalling in normal and pathological tissues. The expression levels of these kinases are almost always different, with ERK2 being the more prominent. ERK1/2 activation is fundamental for the development and progression of cancer. Since their discovery, much research has been dedicated to their role in mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway signalling and in their activation by mitogens and mutated RAF or RAS in cancer cells. In order to gain a better understanding of the role of ERK1/2 in MAPK pathway signalling, many studies have been aimed at characterizing ERK1/2 splicing isoforms, mutants, substrates and partners. In this review, we highlight the differences between ERK1 and ERK2 without completely discarding the hypothesis that ERK1 and ERK2 exhibit functional redundancy. The main goal of this review is to shed light on the role of ERK1/2 in targeted therapy and radiotherapy and highlight the importance of identifying ERK inhibitors that may overcome acquired resistance. This is a highly relevant therapeutic issue that needs to be addressed to combat tumours that rely on constitutively active RAF and RAS mutants and the MAPK pathway.
Collapse
|
33
|
Rock S, Li X, Song J, Townsend CM, Weiss HL, Rychahou P, Gao T, Li J, Evers BM. Kinase suppressor of Ras 1 and Exo70 promote fatty acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion through ERK1/2 signaling. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211134. [PMID: 30917119 PMCID: PMC6436710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin is a peptide hormone released from enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine in response to fat ingestion. Although the mechanisms regulating neurotensin secretion are still incompletely understood, our recent findings implicate a role for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 as positive regulators of free fatty acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion. Previous studies have shown that kinase suppressor of Ras 1 acts as a molecular scaffold of the Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 kinase cascade and regulates intensity and duration of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of kinase suppressor of Ras 1 attenuates neurotensin secretion and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling in human endocrine cells. Conversely, we show that overexpression of kinase suppressor of Ras 1 enhances neurotensin secretion and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling. We also show that inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 and exocyst complex component 70, a substrate of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 and mediator of secretory vesicle exocytosis, potently inhibits basal and docosahexaenoic acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion, whereas overexpression of exocyst complex component 70 enhances basal and docosahexaenoic acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion. Together, our findings demonstrate a role for kinase suppressor of Ras 1 as a positive regulator of neurotensin secretion from human endocrine cells and indicate that this effect is mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling pathway. Moreover, we reveal a novel role for exocyst complex component 70 in regulation of neurotensin vesicle exocytosis through its interaction with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Rock
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Xian Li
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jun Song
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Courtney M. Townsend
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Heidi L. Weiss
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Piotr Rychahou
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tianyan Gao
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jing Li
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - B. Mark Evers
- Lucille P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Yaeger R, Corcoran RB. Targeting Alterations in the RAF-MEK Pathway. Cancer Discov 2019; 9:329-341. [PMID: 30770389 PMCID: PMC6397699 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The MAPK pathway is one of the most commonly mutated oncogenic pathways in cancer. Although RAS mutations are the most frequent MAPK alterations, less frequent alterations in downstream components of the pathway, including the RAF and MEK genes, offer promising therapeutic opportunities. In addition to BRAFV600 mutations, for which several approved therapeutic regimens exist, other alterations in the RAF and MEK genes may provide more rare, but tractable, targets. However, recent studies have illustrated the complexity of MAPK signaling and highlighted that distinct alterations in these genes may have strikingly different properties. Understanding the unique functional characteristics of specific RAF and MEK alterations, reviewed herein, will be critical for developing effective therapeutic approaches for these targets. SIGNIFICANCE: Alterations in the RAF and MEK genes represent promising therapeutic targets in multiple cancer types. However, given the unique and complex signaling biology of the MAPK pathway, the diverse array of RAF and MEK alterations observed in cancer can possess distinct functional characteristics. As outlined in this review, understanding the key functional properties of different RAF and MEK alterations is fundamental to selecting the optimal therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rona Yaeger
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - Ryan B Corcoran
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Roskoski R. Targeting ERK1/2 protein-serine/threonine kinases in human cancers. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:151-168. [PMID: 30794926 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
ERK1 and ERK2 are key protein kinases that contribute to the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK MAP kinase signalling module. This pathway participates in the control of numerous processes including apoptosis, cell proliferation, the immune response, nervous system function, and RNA synthesis and processing. MEK1/2 activate human ERK1/2 by first catalyzing the phosphorylation of Y204/187 and then T202/185, both residues of which occur within the activation segment. The phosphorylation of both residues is required for enzyme activation. The only Raf substrates are MEK1/2 and the only MEK1/2 substrates are ERK1/2. In contrast, ERK1/2 catalyze the phosphorylation of many cytoplasmic and nuclear substrates including transcription factors and regulatory molecules. The linear MAP kinase pathway branches extensively at the ERK1/2 node. ERK1/2 are proline-directed kinases that preferentially catalyze the phosphorylation of substrates containing a PxS/TP sequence. The dephosphorylation and inactivation of ERK1/2 is catalyzed by dual specificity phosphatases, protein-tyrosine specific phosphatases, and protein-serine/threonine phosphatases. The combined functions of kinases and phosphatases make the overall process reversible. To provide an idea of the complexities involved in these reactions, somatic cell cycle progression involves the strict timing of more than 32,000 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events as determined by mass spectrometry. The MAP kinase cascade is perhaps the most important oncogenic driver of human cancers and the blockade of this signalling module by targeted inhibitors is an important anti-tumor strategy. Although numerous cancers are driven by MAP kinase pathway activation, thus far the only orally effective approved drugs that target this signaling module are used for the treatment of BRAF-mutant melanomas. The best treatments include the combination of B-Raf and MEK inhibitors (dabrafenib and trametinib, encorafenib and binimetinib, vemurafenib and cobimetanib). However, resistance to these antagonists occurs within one year and additional treatment options are necessary. Owing to the large variety of malignancies that are driven by dysregulation of the MAP kinase pathway, additional tumor types should be amenable to MAP kinase pathway inhibitor therapy. In addition to new B-Raf and MEK inhibitors, the addition of ERK inhibitors should prove helpful. Ulixertinib, MK-8353, and GDC-0994 are orally effective, potent, and specific inhibitors of ERK1/2 that are in early clinical trials for the treatment of various advanced/metastatic solid tumors. These agents are effective against cell lines that are resistant to B-Raf and MEK1/2 inhibitor therapy. Although MK-8353 does not directly inhibit MEK1/2, it decreases the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 as well as the phosphorylation of RSK, an ERK1/2 substrate. The decrease in RSK phosphorylation appears to be a result of ERK inhibition and the decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation is related to the inability of MEK to catalyze the phosphorylation of the ERK-MK-8353 complex; these decreases characterize the ERK dual mechanism inhibition paradigm. Additional work will be required to determine whether ERK inhibitors will be successful in the clinic and are able to forestall the development of drug resistance of the MAP kinase pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 116, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC, 28742-8814, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Iezzi A, Caiola E, Scagliotti A, Broggini M. Generation and characterization of MEK and ERK inhibitors- resistant non-small-cells-lung-cancer (NSCLC) cells. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1028. [PMID: 30352565 PMCID: PMC6199806 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4949-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway is one of the most downregulated pathway in cancer. Inhibitors of RAF and MEK have established clinical use while ERK inhibitors recently faced the clinic. We aimed to generate resistant cell lines which could be helpful for defining new combinations able to overcome resistance. METHODS the human NSCLC cell line NCI-H727, sensitive to both MEK and ERK inhibitors, was treated with increasing concentrations of MEK162 (as MEK inhibitor) or SCH772984 as ERK inhibitor. RESULTS we successfully obtained a MEK resistant subline (H727/MEK, after 40 passages) as well as an ERK resistant subline (H727/SCH, after 18 passages). The two resistant sublines H727/MEK and H727/SCH were cross-resistant to ERK and MEK inhibitors, respectively, but not to RAF inhibitors. The sublines maintained the responsiveness to inhibitors of the parallel PI3K/akt/mTOR pathway as well as to agents with different mechanism of action. Mechanistically, treatment of sensitive and resistant cells with MEK or ERK inhibitors was able to induce a similar inhibition of ERK phosphorylation, while only in parental cells the drugs were able to induce a downregulation of S6 and RSK phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS these resistant cells represent an important tool for further studies on the mechanisms of resistance and ways to overcome it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Iezzi
- Laboratory of Moleular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Caiola
- Laboratory of Moleular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Scagliotti
- Laboratory of Moleular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Broggini
- Laboratory of Moleular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|