1
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Han T, Chen T, Chen L, Li K, Xiang D, Dou L, Li H, Gu Y. HLF promotes ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance via regulating Hippo signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:606. [PMID: 37709768 PMCID: PMC10502110 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) is aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. However, the role of HLF in the regulation of ovarian cancer (OC) remains unknown. Herein, we reported that HLF expression was upregulated in OC tissues and ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs). Functional studies have revealed that HLF regulates OC cell stemness, proliferation, and metastasis. Mechanistically, HLF transcriptionally activated Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression and subsequently modulated the Hippo signaling pathway. Moreover, we found that miR-520e directly targeted HLF 3'-UTR in OC cells. miR-520e expression was negatively correlated with HLF and YAP1 expression in OC tissues. The combined immunohistochemical (IHC) panels exhibited a better prognostic value for OC patients than any of these components alone. Importantly, the HLF/YAP1 axis determines the response of OC cells to carboplatin treatment and HLF depletion or the YAP1 inhibitor verteporfin abrogated carboplatin resistance. Analysis of patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) further suggested that HLF might predict carboplatin benefits in OC patients. In conclusion, these findings suggest a crucial role of the miR-520e/HLF/YAP1 axis in OC progression and chemoresistance, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Tingsong Chen
- Department of Cancer Intervention, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Postgraduate College, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Kerui Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Daimin Xiang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of hepatobiliary surgery, East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Lei Dou
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Hengyu Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Yubei Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. "DEPHENCE" system-a novel regimen of therapy that is urgently needed in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer-a focus on anti-cancer stem cell and anti-tumor microenvironment targeted therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1201497. [PMID: 37448521 PMCID: PMC10338102 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous type, is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The lack of screening programs and the scarcity of symptomatology result in the late diagnosis in about 75% of affected women. Despite very demanding and aggressive surgical treatment, multiple-line chemotherapy regimens and both approved and clinically tested targeted therapies, the overall survival of patients is still unsatisfactory and disappointing. Research studies have recently brought some more understanding of the molecular diversity of the ovarian cancer, its unique intraperitoneal biology, the role of cancer stem cells, and the complexity of tumor microenvironment. There is a growing body of evidence that individualization of the treatment adjusted to the molecular and biochemical signature of the tumor as well as to the medical status of the patient should replace or supplement the foregoing therapy. In this review, we have proposed the principles of the novel regimen of the therapy that we called the "DEPHENCE" system, and we have extensively discussed the results of the studies focused on the ovarian cancer stem cells, other components of cancer metastatic niche, and, finally, clinical trials targeting these two environments. Through this, we have tried to present the evolving landscape of treatment options and put flesh on the experimental approach to attack the high-grade serous ovarian cancer multidirectionally, corresponding to the "DEPHENCE" system postulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother's Health Center-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
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3
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Lučić I, Kurtović M, Mlinarić M, Piteša N, Čipak Gašparović A, Sabol M, Milković L. Deciphering Common Traits of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10683. [PMID: 37445860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310683] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are among the most common and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Both are complex diseases with marked heterogeneity. Despite the induction of screening programs that increase the frequency of earlier diagnosis of BC, at a stage when the cancer is more likely to respond to therapy, which does not exist for OC, more than 50% of both cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Initial therapy can put the cancer into remission. However, recurrences occur frequently in both BC and OC, which are highly cancer-subtype dependent. Therapy resistance is mainly attributed to a rare subpopulation of cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, as they are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and regrowth of tumor bulk. In this review, we will discuss the distinctive markers and signaling pathways that characterize CSC, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the strategies they employ to evade immune surveillance. Our focus will be on identifying the common features of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and suggesting potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Lučić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lidija Milković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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4
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Inhibiting SCD expression by IGF1R during lorlatinib therapy sensitizes melanoma to ferroptosis. Redox Biol 2023; 61:102653. [PMID: 36889082 PMCID: PMC10009726 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of ferroptosis is an emerging strategy to suppress melanoma progression. Strategies to enhance the sensitivity to ferroptosis induction would be a major advance in melanoma therapy. Here, we used a drug synergy screen that combined a ferroptosis inducer, RSL3, with 240 anti-tumor drugs from the FDA-approved drug library and identified lorlatinib to synergize with RSL3 in melanoma cells. We further demonstrated that lorlatinib sensitized melanoma to ferroptosis through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis and its downstream SCD expression. Moreover, we found that lorlatinib's target IGF1R, but not ALK or ROS1, was the major mediator of lorlatinib-mediated sensitivity to ferroptosis through targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. Finally, lorlatinib treatment sensitized melanoma to GPX4 inhibition in preclinical animal models, and melanoma patients with low GPX4 and IGF1R expression in their tumors survived for longer period. Altogether, lorlatinib sensitizes melanoma to ferroptosis by targeting IGF1R-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis, suggesting that combination with lorlatinib could greatly expand the utility of GPX4 inhibition to melanoma patients with IGF1R-proficient expression.
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5
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Rodriguez Torres S, Gresseau L, Benhamida M, Fernandez-Marrero Y, Annabi B. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Prevents the Acquisition of a Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype in Ovarian Cancer Tumorspheres through the Inhibition of Src/JAK/STAT3 Signaling. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041000. [PMID: 37189618 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional tumorsphere cultures recapitulate the expression of several cancer stem cell (CSC) biomarkers and represent an effective in vitro platform to screen the anti-CSC properties of drugs. Whereas ovarian carcinoma is among the leading causes of death for women, ovarian CSC (OvCSC), a highly malignant subpopulation of ovarian cancer cells, is thought to be responsible for therapy resistance, metastasis, and tumor relapse. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a diet-derived active polyphenol found in green tea leaves, can suppress ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. However, its capacity to prevent the acquisition of cancer stemness traits in ovarian malignancies remains unclear. Here, we exploited the in vitro three-dimensional tumorsphere culture model to explore the capacity of EGCG to alter CSC biomarkers expression, signal transducing events and cell chemotaxis. Total RNA and protein lysates were isolated from human ES-2 ovarian cancer cell tumorspheres for gene assessment by RT-qPCR and protein expression by immunoblot. Real-time cell chemotaxis was assessed with xCELLigence. Compared with their parental adherent cells, tumorspheres expressed increased levels of the CSC markers NANOG, SOX2, PROM1, and Fibronectin. EGCG treatment reduced dose-dependently tumorspheres size and inhibited the transcriptional regulation of those genes. Src and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways appeared to be relevant for CSC phenotype and chemotactic response. In conclusion, these data highlight and support the chemopreventive benefits of the diet-derived EGCG and its capacity to target intracellular transducing events that regulate the acquisition of an invasive CSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahily Rodriguez Torres
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, and CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Loraine Gresseau
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, and CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Meriem Benhamida
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, and CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Borhane Annabi
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Moléculaire, Département de Chimie, and CERMO-FC, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
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6
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Alhasan B, Mikeladze M, Guzhova I, Margulis B. Autophagy, molecular chaperones, and unfolded protein response as promoters of tumor recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:217-254. [PMID: 36723697 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence is a paradoxical function of a machinery, whereby a small proportion of the cancer cell population enters a resistant, dormant state, persists long-term in this condition, and then transitions to proliferation. The dormant phenotype is typical of cancer stem cells, tumor-initiating cells, disseminated tumor cells, and drug-tolerant persisters, which all demonstrate similar or even equivalent properties. Cancer cell dormancy and its conversion to repopulation are regulated by several protein signaling systems that inhibit or induce cell proliferation and provide optimal interrelations between cancer cells and their special niche; these systems act in close connection with tumor microenvironment and immune response mechanisms. During dormancy and reawakening periods, cell proteostasis machineries, autophagy, molecular chaperones, and the unfolded protein response are recruited to protect refractory tumor cells from a wide variety of stressors and therapeutic insults. Proteostasis mechanisms functionally or even physically interfere with the main regulators of tumor relapse, and the significance of these interactions and implications in the tumor recurrence phases are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Alhasan
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Marina Mikeladze
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Guzhova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris Margulis
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
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7
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BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma through GDF15 suppression. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:364-376. [PMID: 36720918 PMCID: PMC9981764 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00936-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins has shown a promising therapeutic effect on melanoma. The development of strategies to better kill melanoma cells with BET inhibitor treatment may provide new clinical applications. Here, we used a drug synergy screening approach to combine JQ1 with 240 antitumor drugs from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library and found that sunitinib synergizes with BET inhibitors in melanoma cells. We further demonstrated that BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, BET inhibitors sensitize melanoma cells to sunitinib by inhibiting GDF15 expression. Strikingly, GDF15 is transcriptionally regulated directly by BRD4 or indirectly by the BRD4/IL6/STAT3 axis. Xenograft assays revealed that the combination of BET inhibitors with sunitinib causes melanoma suppression in vivo. Altogether, these findings suggest that BET inhibitor-mediated GDF15 inhibition plays a critical role in enhancing sunitinib sensitivity in melanoma, indicating that BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma.
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8
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Rose MM, Espinoza VL, Hoff KJ, Pike LA, Sharma V, Hofmann MC, Tan AC, Pozdeyev N, Schweppe RE. BCL2L11 Induction Mediates Sensitivity to Src and MEK1/2 Inhibition in Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:378. [PMID: 36672327 PMCID: PMC9856535 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced thyroid cancer, including advanced papillary thyroid cancer and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), have low survival rates because of the lack of efficient therapies available that can combat their aggressiveness. A total of 90% of thyroid cancers have identifiable driver mutations, which often are components of the MAPK pathway, including BRAF, RAS, and RET-fusions. In addition, Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in thyroid cancer, which we and others have shown is a clinically relevant target. We have previously demonstrated that combined inhibition of Src with dasatinib and the MAPK pathway with trametinib synergistically inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in BRAF- and RAS-mutant thyroid cancer cells. Herein, we identified the pro-apoptotic protein BCL2L11 (BIM) as being a key mediator of sensitivity in response to combined dasatinib and trametinib treatment. Specifically, cells that are sensitive to combined dasatinib and trametinib treatment have inhibition of FAK/Src, MEK/ERK, and AKT, resulting in the dramatic upregulation of BIM, while cells that are resistant lack inhibition of AKT and have a dampened induction of BIM. Inhibition of AKT directly sensitizes resistant cells to combined dasatinib and trametinib but will not be clinically feasible. Importantly, targeting BCL-XL with the BH3-mimeitc ABT-263 is sufficient to overcome lack of BIM induction and sensitize resistant cells to combined dasatinib and trametinib treatment. This study provides evidence that combined Src and MEK1/2 inhibition is a promising therapeutic option for patients with advanced thyroid cancer and identifies BIM induction as a potential biomarker of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison M. Rose
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 7103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Veronica L. Espinoza
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 7103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katelyn J. Hoff
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laura A. Pike
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vibha Sharma
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 7103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia & Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Aik Choon Tan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nikita Pozdeyev
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 7103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Bioinformatics and Personalized Medicine, Department Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rebecca E. Schweppe
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 7103, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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9
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Fan F, Ghosh S, Powell R, Roszik J, Park Y, Sobieski M, Sorokin A, Stephan C, Kopetz S, Ellis LM, Bhattacharya R. Combining MEK and SRC inhibitors for treatment of colorectal cancer demonstrate increased efficacy in vitro but not in vivo. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281063. [PMID: 36952536 PMCID: PMC10035898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. More than 50% of patients with mCRC harbor mutations of the oncogenic driver RAS (KRAS or NRAS). Because directly targeting most mutations of RAS is technically challenging, researchers have concentrated on targeting MEK, a downstream mediator of RAS. However, targeting MEK as single-agent therapy is ineffective in patients with mCRC. We hypothesize that combining a MEK inhibitor with other agents can enhance the efficacy of MEK targeting in mCRC. Unbiased high-throughput screening (HTS) was performed to identify drugs that enhance the efficacy of MEK inhibitors. HTS was performed with KRAS-mutated CRC cells using the MEK inhibitor trametinib as a "backbone" and two "clinically ready" compound libraries approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or in clinical trials. HTS demonstrated that the combination of the SRC inhibitor dasatinib and trametinib was synergistic in CRC cells in vitro (MTT and colony formation assays). Analysis of markers for cell proliferation and apoptosis using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, reverse-phase protein array, or Western blotting demonstrated decreased cell proliferation and increased cell death when targeting both SRC and MEK as compared to single agents in multiple CRC cell lines. However, combining dasatinib and trametinib in vivo at doses in mice equivalent to doses used in humans failed to significantly enhance the antitumor activity of trametinib when compared to that of trametinib alone. These results underscore the importance of performing careful preclinical in vivo validation studies using clinically relevant doses as a prerequisite for translating in vitro findings to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Fan
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Susmita Ghosh
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Reid Powell
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jason Roszik
- Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yongsun Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mary Sobieski
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexey Sorokin
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lee M Ellis
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rajat Bhattacharya
- Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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10
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Chesnokov MS, Yadav A, Chefetz I. Optimized Transcriptional Signature for Evaluation of MEK/ERK Pathway Baseline Activity and Long-Term Modulations in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13365. [PMID: 36362153 PMCID: PMC9654336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most aggressive and lethal of all gynecologic malignancies. The high activity of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway is tightly associated with tumor growth, high recurrence rate, and treatment resistance. Several transcriptional signatures were proposed recently for evaluation of MEK/ERK activity in tumor tissue. In the present study, we validated the performance of a robust multi-cancer MPAS 10-gene signature in various experimental models and publicly available sets of ovarian cancer samples. Expression of four MPAS genes (PHLDA1, DUSP4, EPHA2, and SPRY4) displayed reproducible responses to MEK/ERK activity modulations across several experimental models in vitro and in vivo. Levels of PHLDA1, DUSP4, and EPHA2 expression were also significantly associated with baseline levels of MEK/ERK pathway activity in multiple human ovarian cancer cell lines and ovarian cancer patient samples available from the TCGA database. Initial platinum therapy resistance and advanced age at diagnosis were independently associated with poor overall patient survival. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the performance of transcriptional signatures is significantly affected by tissue specificity and aspects of particular experimental models. We therefore propose that gene expression signatures derived from comprehensive multi-cancer studies should be always validated for each cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anil Yadav
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Ilana Chefetz
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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11
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Wei Y, Li Y, Chen Y, Liu P, Huang S, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Wu Z, Hu M, Wu Q, Wu H, Liu F, She T, Ning Z. ALDH1: A potential therapeutic target for cancer stem cells in solid tumors. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1026278. [PMID: 36387165 PMCID: PMC9650078 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1026278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors can be divided into benign solid tumors and solid malignant tumors in the academic community, among which malignant solid tumors are called cancers. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, and the global incidence of cancer is increasing yearly New cancer patients in China are always the first. After the concept of stem cells was introduced in the tumor community, the CSC markers represented by ALDH1 have been widely studied due to their strong CSC cell characteristics and potential to be the driving force of tumor metastasis. In the research results in the past five years, it has been found that ALDH1 is highly expressed in various solid cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, ovarian cancer, head,and neck cancer. ALDH1 can activate and transform various pathways (such as the USP28/MYC signaling pathway, ALDH1A1/HIF-1α/VEGF axis, wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway), as well as change the intracellular pH value to promote formation and maintenance, resulting in drug resistance in tumors. By targeting and inhibiting ALDH1 in tumor stem cells, it can enhance the sensitivity of drugs and inhibit the proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis of solid tumor stem cells to some extent. This review discusses the relationship and pathway of ALDH1 with various solid tumors. It proposes that ALDH1 may serve as a diagnosis and therapeutic target for CSC, providing new insights and new strategies for reliable tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolu Wei
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yenan Chen
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Pei Liu
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Sheng Huang
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yanling Sun
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Zhe Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Meichun Hu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Qian Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Hongnian Wu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Fuxing Liu
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxing Liu, ; Tonghui She, ; Zhifeng Ning,
| | - Tonghui She
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxing Liu, ; Tonghui She, ; Zhifeng Ning,
| | - Zhifeng Ning
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- *Correspondence: Fuxing Liu, ; Tonghui She, ; Zhifeng Ning,
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12
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Liu G, Chen T, Zhang X, Ma X, Shi H. Small molecule inhibitors targeting the cancers. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e181. [PMID: 36254250 PMCID: PMC9560750 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.181] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with traditional therapies, targeted therapy has merits in selectivity, efficacy, and tolerability. Small molecule inhibitors are one of the primary targeted therapies for cancer. Due to their advantages in a wide range of targets, convenient medication, and the ability to penetrate into the central nervous system, many efforts have been devoted to developing more small molecule inhibitors. To date, 88 small molecule inhibitors have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat cancers. Despite remarkable progress, small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment still face many obstacles, such as low response rate, short duration of response, toxicity, biomarkers, and resistance. To better promote the development of small molecule inhibitors targeting cancers, we comprehensively reviewed small molecule inhibitors involved in all the approved agents and pivotal drug candidates in clinical trials arranged by the signaling pathways and the classification of small molecule inhibitors. We discussed lessons learned from the development of these agents, the proper strategies to overcome resistance arising from different mechanisms, and combination therapies concerned with small molecule inhibitors. Through our review, we hoped to provide insights and perspectives for the research and development of small molecule inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui‐Hong Liu
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangLiaoningChina
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xue‐Lei Ma
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hua‐Shan Shi
- Department of BiotherapyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyCancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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13
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Hu X, Bian C, Zhao X, Yi T. Efficacy evaluation of multi-immunotherapy in ovarian cancer: From bench to bed. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034903. [PMID: 36275669 PMCID: PMC9582991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, one of the most common gynecological malignancies, is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment, and most women experience recurrence after standard care therapies. There is compelling evidence that ovarian cancer is an immunogenic tumor. For example, the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with increased survival, while increases in immunosuppressive regulatory T cells are correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, immunotherapies targeting components of the tumor microenvironment have been gradually integrated into the existing treatment options, including immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Immunotherapies have changed guidelines for maintenance treatment and established a new paradigm in ovarian cancer treatment. Despite single immunotherapies targeting DNA repair mechanisms, immune checkpoints, and angiogenesis bringing inspiring efficacy, only a subset of patients can benefit much from it. Thus, the multi-immunotherapy investigation remains an active area for ovarian cancer treatment. The current review provides an overview of various clinically oriented forms of multi-immunotherapy and explores potentially effective combinational therapies for ovarian cancer.
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Wang H, Chi L, Yu F, Dai H, Si X, Gao C, Wang Z, Liu L, Zheng J, Ke Y, Liu H, Zhang Q. The overview of Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-based dual inhibitor in the treatment of cancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116922. [PMID: 35849914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) are the critical components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MAPK/ERK1/2) signaling pathway which is one of the well-characterized kinase cascades regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism, survival and mobility both in normal and cancer cells. The aberrant activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is a hallmark of numerous human cancers, therefore targeting the components of this pathway to inhibit its dysregulation is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Enormous efforts have been done in the development of MEK1/2 inhibitors and encouraging advancements have been made, including four inhibitors approved for clinical use. However, due to the multifactorial property of cancer and rapidly arising drug resistance, the clinical efficacy of these MEK1/2 inhibitors as monotherapy are far from ideal. Several alternative strategies have been developed to improve the limited clinical efficacy, including the dual inhibitor which is a single drug molecule able to simultaneously inhibit two targets. In this review, we first introduced the activation and function of the MAPK/ERK1/2 components and discussed the advantages of MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors compared with the single inhibitors and combination therapy in the treatment of cancers. Then, we overviewed the MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors for the treatment of cancers and highlighted the theoretical basis of concurrent inhibition of MEK1/2 and other targets for development of these dual inhibitors. Besides, the status and results of these dual inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical studies were also the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lingling Chi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fuqiang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongling Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaojie Si
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Chao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Limin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Qiurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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15
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Min JK, Park HS, Lee YB, Kim JG, Kim JI, Park JB. Cross-Talk between Wnt Signaling and Src Tyrosine Kinase. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051112. [PMID: 35625853 PMCID: PMC9138253 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, was first discovered as a prototype oncogene and has been shown to critical for cancer progression for a variety of tissues. Src activity is regulated by a number of post-translational modifications in response to various stimuli. Phosphorylations of Src Tyr419 (human; 416 in chicken) and Src Tyr530 (human; 527 in chicken) have been known to be critical for activation and inactivation of Src, respectively. Wnt signaling regulates a variety of cellular functions including for development and cell proliferation, and has a role in certain diseases such as cancer. Wnt signaling is carried out through two pathways: β-catenin-dependent canonical and β-catenin-independent non-canonical pathways as Wnt ligands bind to their receptors, Frizzled, LRP5/6, and ROR1/2. In addition, many signaling components including Axin, APC, Damm, Dishevelled, JNK kinase and Rho GTPases contribute to these canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways. However, the communication between Wnt signaling and Src tyrosine kinase has not been well reviewed as Src regulates Wnt signaling through LRP6 tyrosine phosphorylation. GSK-3β phosphorylated by Wnt also regulates Src activity. As Wnt signaling and Src mutually regulate each other, it is noted that aberrant regulation of these components give rise to various diseases including typically cancer, and as such, merit a closer look.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Ki Min
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Hwee-Seon Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.-S.P.); (J.-I.K.)
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yoon-Beom Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Jae-Gyu Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Jong-Il Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.-S.P.); (J.-I.K.)
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-248-2542; Fax: +82-33-244-8425
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Davis TB, Gupta S, Yang M, Pflieger L, Rajan M, Wang H, Thota R, Yeatman TJ, Pledger WJ. Ras Pathway Activation and MEKi Resistance Scores Predict the Efficiency of MEKi and SRCi Combination to Induce Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1451. [PMID: 35326598 PMCID: PMC8945886 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The RAS pathway is activated in more than 55% of CRC and has been targeted for therapeutic intervention with MEK inhibitors. Unfortunately, many patients have de novo resistance, or can develop resistance to this new class of drugs. We have hypothesized that much of this resistance may pass through SRC as a common signal transduction node, and that inhibition of SRC may suppress MEK inhibition resistance mechanisms. CRC tumors of the Consensus Molecular Subtype (CMS) 4, enriched in stem cells, are difficult to successfully treat and have been suggested to evade traditional chemotherapy agents through resistance mechanisms. Here, we evaluate targeting two pathways simultaneously to produce an effective treatment by overcoming resistance. We show that combining Trametinib (MEKi) with Dasatinib (SRCi) provides enhanced cell death in 8 of the 16 tested CRC cell lines compared to treatment with either agent alone. To be able to select sensitive cells, we simultaneously evaluated a validated 18-gene RAS pathway activation signature score along with a 13-gene MEKi resistance signature score, which we hypothesize predict tumor sensitivity to this dual targeted therapy. We found the cell lines that were sensitive to the dual treatment were predominantly CMS4 and had both a high 18-gene and a high 13-gene score, suggesting these cell lines had potential for de novo MEKi sensitivity but were subject to the rapid development of MEKi resistance. The 13-gene score is highly correlated to a score for SRC activation, suggesting resistance is dependent on SRC. Our data show that gene expression signature scores for RAS pathway activation and for MEKi resistance may be useful in determining which CRC tumors will respond to the novel drug combination of MEKi and SRCi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Benjamin Davis
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (S.G.); (M.Y.); (M.R.); (H.W.); (T.J.Y.)
| | - Shilpa Gupta
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (S.G.); (M.Y.); (M.R.); (H.W.); (T.J.Y.)
| | - Mingli Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (S.G.); (M.Y.); (M.R.); (H.W.); (T.J.Y.)
| | - Lance Pflieger
- Precision Genomics Translational Science Center, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, UT 84107, USA;
| | - Malini Rajan
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (S.G.); (M.Y.); (M.R.); (H.W.); (T.J.Y.)
| | - Heiman Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (S.G.); (M.Y.); (M.R.); (H.W.); (T.J.Y.)
| | - Ramya Thota
- Oncology Clinical Program, Intermountain Healthcare, Murray, UT 84107, USA;
| | - Timothy J. Yeatman
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (S.G.); (M.Y.); (M.R.); (H.W.); (T.J.Y.)
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Warren Jackson Pledger
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (S.G.); (M.Y.); (M.R.); (H.W.); (T.J.Y.)
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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17
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Yang M, Davis TB, Pflieger L, Nebozhyn MV, Loboda A, Wang H, Schell MJ, Thota R, Pledger WJ, Yeatman TJ. An integrative gene expression signature analysis identifies CMS4 KRAS-mutated colorectal cancers sensitive to combined MEK and SRC targeted therapy. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:256. [PMID: 35272617 PMCID: PMC8908604 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09344-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over half of colorectal cancers (CRCs) are hard-wired to RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway oncogenic signaling. However, the promise of targeted therapeutic inhibitors, has been tempered by disappointing clinical activity, likely due to complex resistance mechanisms that are not well understood. This study aims to investigate MEK inhibitor-associated resistance signaling and identify subpopulation(s) of CRC patients who may be sensitive to biomarker-driven drug combination(s). METHODS We classified 2250 primary and metastatic human CRC tumors by consensus molecular subtypes (CMS). For each tumor, we generated multiple gene expression signature scores measuring MEK pathway activation, MEKi "bypass" resistance, SRC activation, dasatinib sensitivity, EMT, PC1, Hu-Lgr5-ISC, Hu-EphB2-ISC, Hu-Late TA, Hu-Proliferation, and WNT activity. We carried out correlation, survival and other bioinformatic analyses. Validation analyses were performed in two independent publicly available CRC tumor datasets (n = 585 and n = 677) and a CRC cell line dataset (n = 154). RESULTS Here we report a central role of SRC in mediating "bypass"-resistance to MEK inhibition (MEKi), primarily in cancer stem cells (CSCs). Our integrated and comprehensive gene expression signature analyses in 2250 CRC tumors reveal that MEKi-resistance is strikingly-correlated with SRC activation (Spearman P < 10-320), which is similarly associated with EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition), regional metastasis and disease recurrence with poor prognosis. Deeper analysis shows that both MEKi-resistance and SRC activation are preferentially associated with a mesenchymal CSC phenotype. This association is validated in additional independent CRC tumor and cell lines datasets. The CMS classification analysis demonstrates the strikingly-distinct associations of CMS1-4 subtypes with the MEKi-resistance and SRC activation. Importantly, MEKi + SRCi sensitivities are predicted to occur predominantly in the KRAS mutant, mesenchymal CSC-like CMS4 CRCs. CONCLUSIONS Large human tumor gene expression datasets representing CRC heterogeneity can provide deep biological insights heretofore not possible with cell line models, suggesting novel repurposed drug combinations. We identified SRC as a common targetable node--an Achilles' heel--in MEKi-targeted therapy-associated resistance in mesenchymal stem-like CRCs, which may help development of a biomarker-driven drug combination (MEKi + SRCi) to treat problematic subpopulations of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Yang
- Department of Surgery & Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Thomas B Davis
- Department of Surgery & Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Lance Pflieger
- Precision Genomics Translational Science Center, Intermountain Healthcare, 5026 South State Street, Murray, UT, 84107, USA
| | - Michael V Nebozhyn
- Sharp and Dohme, 770 Sumneytown Pike, Building 53, West Point, P.O. Box 4, Merck, PA, 19486, USA
| | - Andrey Loboda
- Sharp and Dohme, 770 Sumneytown Pike, Building 53, West Point, P.O. Box 4, Merck, PA, 19486, USA
| | - Heiman Wang
- Department of Surgery & Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
| | - Michael J Schell
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Ramya Thota
- Oncology Clinical Program, Intermountain Healthcare, 5026 South State Street, Murray, UT, 84107, USA
| | - W Jack Pledger
- Department of Surgery & Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Timothy J Yeatman
- Department of Surgery & Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL, 33602, USA.
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Cir of Hope Dr, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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Dawson JC, Munro A, Macleod K, Muir M, Timpson P, Williams RJ, Frame M, Brunton VG, Carragher NO. Pathway profiling of a novel SRC inhibitor, AZD0424, in combination with MEK inhibitors for cancer treatment. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:1072-1090. [PMID: 34856074 PMCID: PMC8895456 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A more comprehensive understanding of how cells respond to drug intervention, the likely immediate signalling responses and how resistance may develop within different microenvironments will help inform treatment regimes. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase SRC regulates many cellular signalling processes, and pharmacological inhibition has long been a target of cancer drug discovery projects. Here, we describe the in vitro and in vivo characterisation of the small-molecule SRC inhibitor AZD0424. We show that AZD0424 potently inhibits the phosphorylation of tyrosine-419 of SRC (IC50 ~ 100 nm) in many cancer cell lines; however, inhibition of cell viability, via a G1 cell cycle arrest, was observed only in a subset of cancer cell lines in the low (on target) micromolar range. We profiled the changes in intracellular pathway signalling in cancer cells following exposure to AZD0424 and other targeted therapies using reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) analysis. We demonstrate that SRC is activated in response to treatment of KRAS-mutant colorectal cell lines with MEK inhibitors (trametinib or AZD6244) and that AZD0424 abrogates this. Cell lines treated with trametinib or AZD6244 in combination with AZD0424 had reduced EGFR, FAK and SRC compensatory activation, and cell viability was synergistically inhibited. In vivo, trametinib treatment of mice-bearing HCT116 tumours increased phosphorylation of SRC on Tyr419, and, when combined with AZD0424, inhibition of tumour growth was greater than with trametinib alone. We also demonstrate that drug-induced resistance to trametinib is not re-sensitised by AZD0424 treatment in vitro, likely as a result of multiple compensatory signalling mechanisms; however, inhibition of SRC remains an effective way to block invasion of trametinib-resistant tumour cells. These data imply that SRC inhibition may offer a useful addition to MEK inhibitor combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Alison Munro
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Kenneth Macleod
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Morwenna Muir
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Paul Timpson
- Cancer ThemeThe Kinghorn Cancer CentreGarvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Margaret Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Valerie G. Brunton
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Neil O. Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. Cancer Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer-A Source of Tumor Success and a Challenging Target for Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052496. [PMID: 35269636 PMCID: PMC8910575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal neoplasm of the female genital organs. Despite indisputable progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the problems of chemo-resistance and recurrent disease are the main obstacles for successful therapy. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of a specific cell population of cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to show the most contemporary knowledge concerning the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and their impact on chemo-resistance and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, as well as to present the treatment options targeted exclusively on the OCSCs. The review presents data concerning the role of cancer stem cells in general and then concentrates on OCSCs. The surface and intracellular OCSCs markers and their meaning both for cancer biology and clinical prognosis, signaling pathways specifically activated in OCSCs, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of OCSCs function including the recent studies on the non-coding RNA regulation, cooperation between OCSCs and the tumor microenvironment (ovarian cancer niche) including very specific environment such as ascites fluid, the role of shear stress, autophagy and metabolic changes for the function of OCSCs, and finally mechanisms of OCSCs escape from immune surveillance, are described and discussed extensively. The possibilities of anti-OCSCs therapy both in experimental settings and in clinical trials are presented, including the recent II phase clinical trials and immunotherapy. OCSCs are a unique population of cancer cells showing a great plasticity, self-renewal potential and resistance against anti-cancer treatment. They are responsible for the progression and recurrence of the tumor. Several completed and ongoing clinical trials have tested different anti-OCSCs drugs which, however, have shown unsatisfactory efficacy in most cases. We propose a novel approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother’s Health Center—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska Str., 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, 4 Kosciuszki Str., 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, 106 Lodowa Str., 93-232 Lodz, Poland;
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Popescu VB, Kanhaiya K, Năstac DI, Czeizler E, Petre I. Network controllability solutions for computational drug repurposing using genetic algorithms. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1437. [PMID: 35082323 PMCID: PMC8791995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Control theory has seen recently impactful applications in network science, especially in connections with applications in network medicine. A key topic of research is that of finding minimal external interventions that offer control over the dynamics of a given network, a problem known as network controllability. We propose in this article a new solution for this problem based on genetic algorithms. We tailor our solution for applications in computational drug repurposing, seeking to maximize its use of FDA-approved drug targets in a given disease-specific protein-protein interaction network. We demonstrate our algorithm on several cancer networks and on several random networks with their edges distributed according to the Erdős-Rényi, the Scale-Free, and the Small World properties. Overall, we show that our new algorithm is more efficient in identifying relevant drug targets in a disease network, advancing the computational solutions needed for new therapeutic and drug repurposing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dumitru Iulian Năstac
- POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, 061071, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugen Czeizler
- Computer Science, Åbo Akademi University, 20500, Turku, Finland
- National Institute for Research and Development in Biological Sciences, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ion Petre
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.
- National Institute for Research and Development in Biological Sciences, 060031, Bucharest, Romania.
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Targeting the DIO3 enzyme using first-in-class inhibitors effectively suppresses tumor growth: a new paradigm in ovarian cancer treatment. Oncogene 2021; 40:6248-6257. [PMID: 34556811 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02020-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme iodothyronine deiodinase type 3 (DIO3) contributes to cancer proliferation by inactivating the tumor-suppressive actions of thyroid hormone (T3). We recently established DIO3 involvement in the progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Here we provide a link between high DIO3 expression and lower survival in patients, similar to common disease markers such as Ki67, PAX8, CA-125, and CCNE1. These observations suggest that DIO3 is a logical target for inhibition. Using a DIO3 mimic, we developed original DIO3 inhibitors that contain a core of dibromomaleic anhydride (DBRMD) as scaffold. Two compounds, PBENZ-DBRMD and ITYR-DBRMD, demonstrated attenuated cell counts, induction in apoptosis, and a reduction in cell proliferation in DIO3-positive HGSOC cells (OVCAR3 and KURAMOCHI), but not in DIO3-negative normal ovary cells (CHOK1) and OVCAR3 depleted for DIO3 or its substrate, T3. Potent tumor inhibition with a high safety profile was further established in HGSOC xenograft model, with no effect in DIO3-depleted tumors. The antitumor effects are mediated by downregulation in an array of pro-cancerous proteins, the majority of which known to be repressed by T3. To conclude, using small molecules that specifically target the DIO3 enzyme we present a new treatment paradigm for ovarian cancer and potentially other DIO3-dependent malignancies.
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Li X, Ng ASN, Mak VCY, Chan KKL, Cheung ANY, Cheung LWT. Strategic Combination Therapies for Ovarian Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 20:573-585. [PMID: 32392113 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200511084007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The dismal survival rate is partially due to recurrence after standardized debulking surgery and first-line chemotherapy. In recent years, targeted therapies, including antiangiogenic agents or poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, represent breakthroughs in the treatment of ovarian cancer. As more therapeutic agents become available supplemented by a deeper understanding of ovarian cancer biology, a range of combination treatment approaches are being actively investigated to further improve the clinical outcomes of the disease. These combinations, which involve DNA-damaging agents, targeted therapies of signaling pathways and immunotherapies, simultaneously target multiple cancer pathways or hallmarks to induce additive or synergistic antitumor activities. Here we review the preclinical data and ongoing clinical trials for developing effective combination therapies in treating ovarian cancer. These emerging therapeutic modalities may reshape the treatment landscape of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Li
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Angel S N Ng
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Victor C Y Mak
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Karen K L Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Annie N Y Cheung
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Lydia W T Cheung
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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23
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Catara G, Spano D. Combinatorial Strategies to Target Molecular and Signaling Pathways to Disarm Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:689131. [PMID: 34381714 PMCID: PMC8352560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.689131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an urgent public health issue with a very huge number of cases all over the world expected to increase by 2040. Despite improved diagnosis and therapeutic protocols, it remains the main leading cause of death in the world. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) constitute a tumor subpopulation defined by ability to self-renewal and to generate the heterogeneous and differentiated cell lineages that form the tumor bulk. These cells represent a major concern in cancer treatment due to resistance to conventional protocols of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. In fact, although partial or complete tumor regression can be achieved in patients, these responses are often followed by cancer relapse due to the expansion of CSCs population. The aberrant activation of developmental and oncogenic signaling pathways plays a relevant role in promoting CSCs therapy resistance. Although several targeted approaches relying on monotherapy have been developed to affect these pathways, they have shown limited efficacy. Therefore, an urgent need to design alternative combinatorial strategies to replace conventional regimens exists. This review summarizes the preclinical studies which provide a proof of concept of therapeutic efficacy of combinatorial approaches targeting the CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Catara
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Spano
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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24
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Song Y, Pan S, Li K, Chen X, Wang ZP, Zhu X. Insight into the role of multiple signaling pathways in regulating cancer stem cells of gynecologic cancers. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:219-233. [PMID: 34098106 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence has demonstrated that a myriad of developmental signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog and Hippo, are frequently deregulated and play a critical role in regulating cancer stem cell (CSC) activity in human cancers, including gynecologic malignancies. In this review article, we describe an overview of various signaling pathways in human cancers. We further discuss the developmental roles how these pathways regulate CSCs from experimental evidences in gynecologic cancers. Moreover, we mention several compounds targeting CSCs in gynecologic cancers to enhance the treatment outcomes. Therefore, these signaling pathways might be the potential targets for developing targeted therapy in gynecologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizuo Song
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuya Pan
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kehan Li
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Z Peter Wang
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Center of Uterine Cancer Diagnosis & Therapy Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
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Chesnokov MS, Khan I, Park Y, Ezell J, Mehta G, Yousif A, Hong LJ, Buckanovich RJ, Takahashi A, Chefetz I. The MEK1/2 Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1369. [PMID: 33803586 PMCID: PMC8003094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the deadliest of gynecological cancers due to its high recurrence rate and acquired chemoresistance. RAS/MEK/ERK pathway activation is linked to cell proliferation and therapeutic resistance, but the role of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway in HGSOC is poorly investigated. We evaluated MEK1/2 pathway activity in clinical HGSOC samples and ovarian cancer cell lines using immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-qPCR. HGSOC cell lines were used to assess immediate and lasting effects of MEK1/2 inhibition with trametinib in vitro. Trametinib effect on tumor growth in vivo was investigated using mouse xenografts. MEK1/2 pathway is hyperactivated in HGSOC and is further stimulated by cisplatin treatment. Trametinib treatment causes cell cycle arrest in G1/0-phase and reduces tumor growth rate in vivo but does not induce cell death or reduce fraction of CD133+ stem-like cells, while increasing expression of stemness-associated genes instead. Transient trametinib treatment causes long-term increase in a subpopulation of cells with high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)1 activity that can survive and grow in non-adherent conditions. We conclude that MEK1/2 inhibition may be a promising approach to suppress ovarian cancer growth as a maintenance therapy. Promotion of stem-like properties upon MEK1/2 inhibition suggests a possible mechanism of resistance, so a combination with CSC-targeting drugs should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail S. Chesnokov
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Imran Khan
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Yeonjung Park
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.P.); (J.E.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Jessica Ezell
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.P.); (J.E.); (R.J.B.)
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Abdelrahman Yousif
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
| | - Linda J. Hong
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Ronald J. Buckanovich
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (Y.P.); (J.E.); (R.J.B.)
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Akimasa Takahashi
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 5202152, Japan
| | - Ilana Chefetz
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA; (M.S.C.); (I.K.); (A.Y.); (A.T.)
- Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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26
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Theasaponin E 1 Inhibits Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells through Activating Apoptosis and Suppressing Angiogenesis. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061681. [PMID: 33802884 PMCID: PMC8002815 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer treatment are in critical need due to the chemoresistance and adverse side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy. Theasaponin E1 (TSE1) is an oleanane-type saponin from Camellia sinensis seeds. Its apoptosis-inducing, cell cycle arresting and antiangiogenesis activities against platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells were elucidated in vitro and using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The results showed that TSE1 had more potent cell growth inhibitory effects on ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70 cells than cisplatin and was lower in cytotoxicity to normal ovarian IOSE-364 cells. TSE1 significantly induced OVCAR-3 cell apoptosis via the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, slightly arresting cell cycle at the G2/M phase, and obviously inhibited OVCAR-3 cell migration and angiogenesis with reducing the protein secretion and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Western bolt assay showed that Serine/threonine Kinase (Akt) signaling related proteins including Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), Akt, Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Ribosome S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) and e IF4E-binding protein 1(4E-BP1) were regulated, and Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein expression was decreased by TSE1 in OVCAR-3 cells. Moreover, TSE1 treatment potently downregulated protein expression of the Notch ligands including Delta-like protein 4 (Dll4) and Jagged1, and reduced the protein level of the intracellular domain (NICD) of Notch1. Combination treatment of TSE1 with the Notch1 signaling inhibitor tert-butyl (2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)acetyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-2-phenylacetate (DAPT), or the Akt signaling inhibitor wortmannin, showed a stronger inhibition toward HIF-1α activation compared with single compound treatment. Taken together, TSE1 might be a potential candidate compound for improving platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treatment via Dll4/Jagged1-Notch1-Akt-HIF-1α axis.
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27
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Wang Q, Gu T, Ma L, Bu S, Zhou W, Mao G, Wang LL, Guo Y, Lai D. Efficient iron utilization compensates for loss of extracellular matrix of ovarian cancer spheroids. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 164:369-380. [PMID: 33450374 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of death in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Epithelial ovarian cancer cells can dissociate directly from extracellular matrix (ECM) and form spheroids to spread through the peritoneal cavity. Loss of ECM hinders the survival of ECM-detached epithelial cells. It is still largely unknown how ovarian cancer spheroids maintain their viability after loss of ECM. We find that spheroids derived either from ovarian cancer ascites or cell lines are iron-replete. In accordance with iron-replete condition, proteins involved in iron uptake, transport and storage including divalent metal ion transporter 1 (DMT1), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), ferritin, poly(rC)-binding proteins 1 and 2 (PCBP1 and 2) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) all increase in ovarian cancer spheroids. Genes linking iron homeostasis and lipid metabolism including stearoyl coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) are up-regulated in ovarian cancer spheroids. The product of SCD1 oleic acid can restore the viability of ovarian cancer spheroids inhibited by deprivation of iron. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation contributes to autophagy activation in ovarian cancer spheroids. Impairment of autophagy by U0126 or Olaparib results in lysosomal iron accumulation and decrease of the cytosolic labile iron pool, leading to reduction of SCD1, lipid level and cell viability. Combination of U0126 and Olaparib has synergistic cytotoxicity toward ovarian cancer spheroids. Our findings reveal that ovarian cancer spheroids develop efficient iron utilization system to survive. Targeting iron utilization in ovarian cancer spheroids may have the potential to become new treatment strategies for ovarian cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, PR China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, 200030, PR China.
| | - Tingting Gu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Li Ma
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Shixia Bu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Wenjing Zhou
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Guoping Mao
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Lu-Lu Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Ying Guo
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, PR China; Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, 200030, PR China.
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28
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Mayoral-Varo V, Sánchez-Bailón MP, Calcabrini A, García-Hernández M, Frezza V, Martín ME, González VM, Martín-Pérez J. The Relevance of the SH2 Domain for c-Src Functionality in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030462. [PMID: 33530373 PMCID: PMC7865352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of Src family kinases (SFKs) in human tumors has been always associated with tyrosine kinase activity and much less attention has been given to the SH2 and SH3 adapter domains. Here, we studied the role of the c-Src-SH2 domain in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). To this end, SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 human cell lines were employed as model systems. These cells conditionally expressed, under tetracycline control (Tet-On system), a c-Src variant with point-inactivating mutation of the SH2 adapter domain (R175L). The expression of this mutant reduced the self-renewal capability of the enriched population of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), demonstrating the importance of the SH2 adapter domain of c-Src in the mammary gland carcinogenesis. In addition, the analysis of anchorage-independent growth, proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, all processes associated with tumorigenesis, showed that the SH2 domain of c-Src plays a very relevant role in their regulation. Furthermore, the transfection of two different aptamers directed to SH2-c-Src in both SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 cells induced inhibition of their proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, strengthening the hypothesis that this domain is highly involved in TNBC tumorigenesis. Therefore, the SH2 domain of c-Src could be a promising therapeutic target and combined treatments with inhibitors of c-Src kinase enzymatic activity may represent a new therapeutic strategy for patients with TNBC, whose prognosis is currently very negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Mayoral-Varo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas A, Sols/Dpto. Bioquímica (CSIC/UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (M.P.S.-B.); (A.C.)
| | - María Pilar Sánchez-Bailón
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas A, Sols/Dpto. Bioquímica (CSIC/UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (M.P.S.-B.); (A.C.)
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annarica Calcabrini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas A, Sols/Dpto. Bioquímica (CSIC/UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (M.P.S.-B.); (A.C.)
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta García-Hernández
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Servicio Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Ctra. Colmenar Viejo km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-H.); (V.F.); (M.E.M.); (V.M.G.)
| | - Valerio Frezza
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Servicio Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Ctra. Colmenar Viejo km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-H.); (V.F.); (M.E.M.); (V.M.G.)
| | - María Elena Martín
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Servicio Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Ctra. Colmenar Viejo km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-H.); (V.F.); (M.E.M.); (V.M.G.)
| | - Víctor M. González
- Grupo de Aptámeros, Servicio Bioquímica-Investigación, IRYCIS-Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Ctra. Colmenar Viejo km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; (M.G.-H.); (V.F.); (M.E.M.); (V.M.G.)
| | - Jorge Martín-Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas A, Sols/Dpto. Bioquímica (CSIC/UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (V.M.-V.); (M.P.S.-B.); (A.C.)
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias del Hospital La Paz (IdiPAZ), Paseo de la Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +34-91-585-4416; Fax: +34-91-585-4401
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29
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In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of lncRNA XIST Reveals a Panel of Possible Lung Cancer Regulators and a Five-Gene Diagnostic Signature. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123499. [PMID: 33255394 PMCID: PMC7760781 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been associated with a number of diseases including cancer. A well-studied lncRNA called XIST (X-inactive specific transcript) acts as a major effector of the X-inactivation process. It is expressed on the inactive X chromosome providing a dosage equivalence between males and females. Recently XIST has been implicated in the development of lung cancer. Using a bioinformatics approach, we demonstrate the XIST is over-expressed in female patients compared to males. When XIST gene was silenced in two different cell lines (of male and female origin), a number of genes were differentially expressed; playing a role in signal transduction pathways, energy balance and metabolism, thus providing a better insight of the role of this lncRNA in cancer. Finally, we showed that expression of XIST with another 4 genes provided a strong diagnostic potential to discriminate lung cancer from healthy controls. Abstract Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform a wide functional repertoire of roles in cell biology, ranging from RNA editing to gene regulation, as well as tumour genesis and tumour progression. The lncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is involved in the aetiopathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its role at the molecular level is not fully elucidated. The expression of XIST and co-regulated genes TSIX, hnRNPu, Bcl-2, and BRCA1 analyses in lung cancer (LC) and controls were performed in silico. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined using RNA-seq in H1975 and A549 NSCLC cell lines following siRNA for XIST. XIST exhibited sexual dimorphism, being up-regulated in females compared to males in both control and LC patient cohorts. RNA-seq revealed 944 and 751 DEGs for A549 and H1975 cell lines, respectively. These DEGs are involved in signal transduction, cell communication, energy pathways, and nucleic acid metabolism. XIST expression associated with TSIX, hnRNPu, Bcl-2, and BRCA1 provided a strong collective feature to discriminate between controls and LC, implying a diagnostic potential. There is a much more complex role for XIST in lung cancer. Further studies should concentrate on sex-specific changes and investigate the signalling pathways of the DEGs following silencing of this lncRNA.
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30
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Sistigu A, Musella M, Galassi C, Vitale I, De Maria R. Tuning Cancer Fate: Tumor Microenvironment's Role in Cancer Stem Cell Quiescence and Reawakening. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2166. [PMID: 33193295 PMCID: PMC7609361 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell dormancy is a common feature of human tumors and represents a major clinical barrier to the long-term efficacy of anticancer therapies. Dormant cancer cells, either in primary tumors or disseminated in secondary organs, may reawaken and relapse into a more aggressive disease. The mechanisms underpinning dormancy entry and exit strongly resemble those governing cancer cell stemness and include intrinsic and contextual cues. Cellular and molecular components of the tumor microenvironment persistently interact with cancer cells. This dialog is highly dynamic, as it evolves over time and space, strongly cooperates with intrinsic cell nets, and governs cancer cell features (like quiescence and stemness) and fate (survival and outgrowth). Therefore, there is a need for deeper insight into the biology of dormant cancer (stem) cells and the mechanisms regulating the equilibrium quiescence-versus-proliferation are vital in our pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities to prevent cancer from recurring. Here, we review and discuss microenvironmental regulations of cancer dormancy and its parallels with cancer stemness, and offer insights into the therapeutic strategies adopted to prevent a lethal recurrence, by either eradicating resident dormant cancer (stem) cells or maintaining them in a dormant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Sistigu
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Musella
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Galassi
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilio Vitale
- IIGM - Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCSS Candiolo (TO), Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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31
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Targeting SRC Kinase Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207437. [PMID: 33050159 PMCID: PMC7588004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene nonreceptor tyrosine-protein kinase SRC is a member of the SRC family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs), and its activation and overexpression have been shown to play a protumorigenic role in multiple solid cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is currently the seventh-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and, by 2030, it is predicted to become the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. PDAC is characterized by its high lethality (5-year survival of rate of <10%), invasiveness, and chemoresistance, all of which have been shown to be due to the presence of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs) within the tumor. Due to the demonstrated overexpression of SRC in PDAC, we set out to determine if SRC kinases are important for PaCSC biology using pharmacological inhibitors of SRC kinases (dasatinib or PP2). Treatment of primary PDAC cultures established from patient-derived xenografts with dasatinib or PP2 reduced the clonogenic, self-renewal, and tumor-initiating capacity of PaCSCs, which we attribute to the downregulation of key signaling factors such as p-FAK, p-ERK1-2, and p-AKT. Therefore, this study not only validates that SRC kinases are relevant and biologically important for PaCSCs but also suggests that inhibitors of SRC kinases may represent a possible future treatment option for PDAC patients, although further studies are still needed.
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Wen W, Han ES, Dellinger TH, Lu LX, Wu J, Jove R, Yim JH. Synergistic Anti-Tumor Activity by Targeting Multiple Signaling Pathways in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2586. [PMID: 32927828 PMCID: PMC7564386 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
More effective therapy is needed to improve the survival of patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer. Preclinical and early clinical studies with single molecular targeted agents have shown limited antitumor activity in ovarian cancer, likely due to compensation by alternative growth/survival pathways. An emerging strategy in overcoming resistance is to combine inhibitors targeting multiple pathways. In this study, we used a novel strategy of combining several FDA-approved targeted drugs, including sunitinib, dasatinib, and everolimus, in human ovarian cancers. Combination of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib with the SRC inhibitor dasatinib showed synergistic anti-tumor activity in human ovarian cancer cells. The increased activity was associated with inhibition of the STAT3, SRC, and MAPK signaling pathways, but not AKT signaling. To inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, we added the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, which further increased anti-tumor activity in cells. Combined treatment with sunitinib, dasatinib, and everolimus also resulted in greater inhibition of human ovarian tumor growth in mice. Furthermore, the triple combination also synergistically increased the anti-tumor activity of paclitaxel, both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our results demonstrate that simultaneous inhibition of several signaling pathways results in better anti-tumor activity compared to inhibiting any of these signaling pathways alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wen
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (E.S.H.); (T.H.D.); (L.X.L.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Ernest S. Han
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (E.S.H.); (T.H.D.); (L.X.L.)
| | - Thanh H. Dellinger
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (E.S.H.); (T.H.D.); (L.X.L.)
| | - Leander X. Lu
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (E.S.H.); (T.H.D.); (L.X.L.)
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Comparative Medicine, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Richard Jove
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - John H. Yim
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Med Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (E.S.H.); (T.H.D.); (L.X.L.)
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Bley N, Schott A, Müller S, Misiak D, Lederer M, Fuchs T, Aßmann C, Glaß M, Ihling C, Sinz A, Pazaitis N, Wickenhauser C, Vetter M, Ungurs O, Strauss HG, Thomssen C, Hüttelmaier S. IGF2BP1 is a targetable SRC/MAPK-dependent driver of invasive growth in ovarian cancer. RNA Biol 2020; 18:391-403. [PMID: 32876513 PMCID: PMC7951963 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1812894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a hallmark of aggressive, mesenchymal-like high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). The SRC kinase is a key driver of cancer-associated EMT promoting adherens junction (AJ) disassembly by phosphorylation-driven internalization and degradation of AJ proteins. Here, we show that the IGF2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) is up-regulated in mesenchymal-like HGSOC and promotes SRC activation by a previously unknown protein-ligand-induced, but RNA-independent mechanism. IGF2BP1-driven invasive growth of ovarian cancer cells essentially relies on the SRC-dependent disassembly of AJs. Concomitantly, IGF2BP1 enhances ERK2 expression in an RNA-binding dependent manner. Together this reveals a post-transcriptional mechanism of interconnected stimulation of SRC/ERK signalling in ovarian cancer cells. The IGF2BP1-SRC/ERK2 axis is targetable by the SRC-inhibitor saracatinib and MEK-inhibitor selumetinib. However, due to IGF2BP1-directed stimulation, only combinatorial treatment effectively overcomes the IGF2BP1-promoted invasive growth in 3D culture conditions as well as intraperitoneal mouse models. In conclusion, we reveal an unexpected role of IGF2BP1 in enhancing SRC/MAPK-driven invasive growth of ovarian cancer cells. This provides a rationale for the therapeutic benefit of combinatorial SRC/MEK inhibition in mesenchymal-like HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Bley
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Annekatrin Schott
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Simon Müller
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Danny Misiak
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Marcell Lederer
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Tommy Fuchs
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Chris Aßmann
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Markus Glaß
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Christian Ihling
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Inst. of Pharmacy, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Inst. of Pharmacy, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Pazaitis
- Inst. of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Inst. of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Martina Vetter
- Clinics for Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Olga Ungurs
- Clinics for Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Strauss
- Clinics for Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Christoph Thomssen
- Clinics for Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Sect. Molecular Cell Biology, Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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Wang Q, Peng H, Qi X, Wu M, Zhao X. Targeted therapies in gynecological cancers: a comprehensive review of clinical evidence. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:137. [PMID: 32728057 PMCID: PMC7391668 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced and recurrent gynecological cancers are associated with poor prognosis and lack of effective treatment. The developments of the molecular mechanisms on cancer progression provide insight into novel targeted therapies, which are emerging as groundbreaking and promising cancer treatment strategies. In gynecologic malignancies, potential therapeutic targeted agents include antiangiogenic agents, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, tumor-intrinsic signaling pathway inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor downregulators, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the clinical evidence of targeted agents in gynecological cancers and discuss the future implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorong Qi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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35
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Ancuceanu R, Tamba B, Stoicescu CS, Dinu M. Use of QSAR Global Models and Molecular Docking for Developing New Inhibitors of c-src Tyrosine Kinase. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010019. [PMID: 31861445 PMCID: PMC6981969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A prototype of a family of at least nine members, cellular Src tyrosine kinase is a therapeutically interesting target because its inhibition might be of interest not only in a number of malignancies, but also in a diverse array of conditions, from neurodegenerative pathologies to certain viral infections. Computational methods in drug discovery are considerably cheaper than conventional methods and offer opportunities of screening very large numbers of compounds in conditions that would be simply impossible within the wet lab experimental settings. We explored the use of global quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models and molecular ligand docking in the discovery of new c-src tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Using a dataset of 1038 compounds from ChEMBL database, we developed over 350 QSAR classification models. A total of 49 models with reasonably good performance were selected and the models were assembled by stacking with a simple majority vote and used for the virtual screening of over 100,000 compounds. A total of 744 compounds were predicted by at least 50% of the QSAR models as active, 147 compounds were within the applicability domain and predicted by at least 75% of the models to be active. The latter 147 compounds were submitted to molecular ligand docking using AutoDock Vina and LeDock, and 89 were predicted to be active based on the energy of binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ancuceanu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (R.A.); (M.D.)
| | - Bogdan Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Cristina Silvia Stoicescu
- Department of Chemical Thermodynamics, Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, 060021 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihaela Dinu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (R.A.); (M.D.)
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36
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Colombo I, Garg S, Danesh A, Bruce J, Shaw P, Tan Q, Quevedo R, Braunstein M, Oza AM, Pugh T, Lheureux S. Heterogeneous alteration of the ERBB3-MYC axis associated with MEK inhibitor resistance in a KRAS-mutated low-grade serous ovarian cancer patient. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2019; 5:mcs.a004341. [PMID: 31836588 PMCID: PMC6913142 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a004341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) is relatively chemoresistant, and no precision therapy is approved for this indication. Despite promising results in phase II trials, MEK inhibitors have failed to show improved progression-free survival in a phase III trial when compared to physician's choice chemotherapy. We report for the first time temporal changes in the tumor genome assessed in sequential tumor samples of a 48-yr-old patient with a KRAS-mutated LGSOC treated with the MEK inhibitor binimetinib. After an initial long-lasting partial response, rapidly progressive brain metastasis occurred, ultimately leading to patient death. Our study demonstrates that novel genomic alterations accumulated during the course of treatment as a result of therapeutic pressures led to MEK inhibitor resistance and, ultimately, disease evolution with an aggressive behavior observed in this patient. In particular, we describe the presence of ERBB3 amplification and aberrant ERBB3–MYC signaling as a potential mechanism of acquired MEK inhibitor resistance in a patient with LGSOC, which is similar to previous observations in KRAS-mutated colon and lung cancers. Our study highlights the need for an individualized approach to better understand tumor genome evolution and suggests that LGSOC patients may derive improved therapeutic benefit by using a combinatorial strategy used in other cancers in order to overcome emergent resistance to targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Colombo
- Bras Family Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Swati Garg
- Bras Family Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Arnavaz Danesh
- Princess Margaret Genomics Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Bruce
- Princess Margaret Genomics Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Patricia Shaw
- Affiliate Scientist, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Qian Tan
- Bras Family Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Rene Quevedo
- Princess Margaret Genomics Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Marsela Braunstein
- Bras Family Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Amit M Oza
- Bras Family Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Trevor Pugh
- Princess Margaret Genomics Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
| | - Stephanie Lheureux
- Bras Family Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5, Canada
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37
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Kaipio K, Chen P, Roering P, Huhtinen K, Mikkonen P, Östling P, Lehtinen L, Mansuri N, Korpela T, Potdar S, Hynninen J, Auranen A, Grénman S, Wennerberg K, Hautaniemi S, Carpén O. ALDH1A1-related stemness in high-grade serous ovarian cancer is a negative prognostic indicator but potentially targetable by EGFR/mTOR-PI3K/aurora kinase inhibitors. J Pathol 2019; 250:159-169. [PMID: 31595974 DOI: 10.1002/path.5356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Poor chemotherapy response remains a major treatment challenge for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Cancer stem cells are the major contributors to relapse and treatment failure as they can survive conventional therapy. Our objectives were to characterise stemness features in primary patient-derived cell lines, correlate stemness markers with clinical outcome and test the response of our cells to both conventional and exploratory drugs. Tissue and ascites samples, treatment-naive and/or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, were prospectively collected. Primary cancer cells, cultured under conditions favouring either adherent or spheroid growth, were tested for stemness markers; the same markers were analysed in tissue and correlated with chemotherapy response and survival. Drug sensitivity and resistance testing was performed with 306 oncology compounds. Spheroid growth condition HGSC cells showed increased stemness marker expression (including aldehyde dehydrogenase isoform I; ALDH1A1) as compared with adherent growth condition cells, and increased resistance to platinum and taxane. A set of eight stemness markers separated treatment-naive tumours into two clusters and identified a distinct subgroup of HGSC with enriched stemness features. Expression of ALDH1A1, but not most other stemness markers, was increased after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and its expression in treatment-naive tumours correlated with chemoresistance and reduced survival. In drug sensitivity and resistance testing, five compounds, including two PI3K-mTOR inhibitors, demonstrated significant activity in both cell culture conditions. Thirteen compounds, including EGFR, PI3K-mTOR and aurora kinase inhibitors, were more toxic to spheroid cells than adherent cells. Our results identify stemness markers in HGSC that are associated with a decreased response to conventional chemotherapy and reduced survival if expressed by treatment-naive tumours. EGFR, mTOR-PI3K and aurora kinase inhibitors are candidates for targeting this cell population. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Kaipio
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ping Chen
- Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre (ICMC), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Pia Roering
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Piia Mikkonen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Östling
- Science for Life Laboratory Department of Oncology & Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Lehtinen
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Naziha Mansuri
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Taina Korpela
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Swapnil Potdar
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, High Throughput Biomedicine Unit (HTB), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Annika Auranen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Seija Grénman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, High Throughput Biomedicine Unit (HTB), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology and Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Carpén
- Research Center for Cancer, Infections and Immunity, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology and Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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PTPRS drives adaptive resistance to MEK/ERK inhibitors through SRC. Oncotarget 2019; 10:6768-6780. [PMID: 31827720 PMCID: PMC6887575 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PTPRS is the most commonly mutated receptor tyrosine phosphatase in colorectal cancer (CRC). PTPRS has been shown to directly affect ERK and regulate its activation and nuclear localization. Here we identify that PTPRS may play a significant role in developing adaptive resistance to MEK/ERK inhibitors (MEKi/ERKi) through SRC activation. Moreover, we demonstrate a new clinical approach to averting adaptive resistance through the use of the SRC inhibitor, dasatinib. Our data suggest the potential for dasatinib to enhance the efficacy of MEKi and ERKi by preventing adaptive resistance pathways operating through SRC.
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Almotlak AA, Farooqui M, Siegfried JM. Inhibiting Pathways Predicted From a Steroid Hormone Gene Signature Yields Synergistic Antitumor Effects in NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2019; 15:62-79. [PMID: 31606604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.09.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mounting evidence supports a role for estrogen signaling in NSCLC progression. We previously reported a seven-gene signature that predicts prognosis in estrogen receptor β positive (ERβ+) NSCLC. The signature defines a network comprised of ER and human EGFR-2/3 (HER2/HER3) signaling. METHODS We tested the efficacy of combining the pan-HER inhibitor, dacomitinib, with the estrogen antagonist, fulvestrant, in ERβ+ NSCLC models with differing genotypes. We assessed the potency of this combination on xenograft growth and survival of host mice, and the ability to reverse the gene signature associated with poor outcome. RESULTS Synergy was observed between dacomitinib and fulvestrant in three human ERβ+ NSCLC models: 201T (wild-type EGFR), A549 (KRAS mutant), and HCC827 (EGFR 19 deletion) with combination indices of 0.1-0.6. The combination, but not single agents, completely reversed the gene signature associated with poor prognosis in a mechanism that is largely mediated by activator protein 1 downregulation. In vivo, the combination also induced tumor regression and reversed the gene signature. In HCC827 xenografts treated with the combination, survival of mice was prolonged after therapy discontinuation, tumors that recurred were less aggressive, and two mechanisms of HER inhibitor resistance involving c-Met activation and PTEN loss were blocked. CONCLUSIONS The combination of an ER blocker and a pan-HER inhibitor provides synergistic efficacy in different models of ERβ+ NSCLC. Our data support the use of this combination clinically, considering its ability to induce potent antitumor effects and produce a gene signature that predicts better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz A Almotlak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariya Farooqui
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jill M Siegfried
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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40
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Katopodis P, Chudasama D, Wander G, Sales L, Kumar J, Pandhal M, Anikin V, Chatterjee J, Hall M, Karteris E. Kinase Inhibitors and Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1357. [PMID: 31547471 PMCID: PMC6770231 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is fifth in the rankings of cancer deaths among women, and accounts for more deaths than any other gynecological malignancy. Despite some improvement in overall-(OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) following surgery and first-line chemotherapy, there is a need for development of novel and more effective therapeutic strategies. In this mini review, we provide a summary of the current landscape of the clinical use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in ovarian cancer. Emerging data from phase I and II trials reveals that a combinatorial treatment that includes TKIs and chemotherapy agents seems promising in terms of PFS despite some adverse effects recorded; whereas the use of mTOR inhibitors seems less effective. There is a need for further research into the inhibition of multiple signaling pathways in ovarian cancer and progression to phase III trials for drugs that seem most promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periklis Katopodis
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, London UB9 6JH, UK.
| | - Dimple Chudasama
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - Gurleen Wander
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust, London UB9 6JH, UK.
| | - Louise Sales
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - Juhi Kumar
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - Manreen Pandhal
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - Vladimir Anikin
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, London UB9 6JH, UK.
- Department of Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Jayanta Chatterjee
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Marcia Hall
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood HA6 2RN, UK.
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
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Hen O, Barkan D. Dormant disseminated tumor cells and cancer stem/progenitor-like cells: Similarities and opportunities. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 60:157-165. [PMID: 31491559 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Distant recurrences occurring years after removal of the primary tumor arise from disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) that lie dormant (quiescent/asymptomatic) until they emerge to overt metastases. These quiescent DTCs are resistant to conventional treatments. Hence, to date there is no available treatment which targets dormant DTCs before they form overt metastases. Therefore, understanding the biology of dormant DTCs and the mechanisms of their reactivation is vital in our pursuit to develop therapies to prevent cancer from ever recurring. This review will address the striking similarities between the biology of DTCs and the biology of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or CSC-like cells including cancer progenitor-like cells. These similarities are related to intrinsic mechanisms of survival and quiescence, and their cross-talk with mediators, produced in their surrounding niches that may support either dormancy or outgrowth. Unraveling these similarities may provide us with exciting opportunities to either mitigate the survival of residing dormant DTCs/CSCs or maintain them in a dormant state. Whether the stemness properties of CSCs/cancer progenitor-like cells already comprising the recurring tumor can be exploited in order to differentiate them, and thus promote their dormancy, will be explored as well. Overall, these emerging concepts may provide us with new opportunities to prevent lethal recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omri Hen
- Department of Human Biology and Medical Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dalit Barkan
- Department of Human Biology and Medical Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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Yu Y, Suryo Rahmanto Y, Shen YA, Ardighieri L, Davidson B, Gaillard S, Ayhan A, Shi X, Xuan J, Wang TL, Shih IM. Spleen tyrosine kinase activity regulates epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway in ovarian cancer. EBioMedicine 2019; 47:184-194. [PMID: 31492560 PMCID: PMC6796592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is frequently upregulated in recurrent ovarian carcinomas, for which effective therapy is urgently needed. SYK phosphorylates several substrates, but their translational implications remain unclear. Here, we show that SYK interacts with EGFR and ERBB2, and directly enhances their phosphorylation. METHODS We used immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting to assess SYK and EGFR phosphorylation in ovarian serous carcinomas. Association with survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. To study its role in EGFR signaling, SYK activity was modulated using a small molecule inhibitor, a syngeneic knockout, and an active kinase inducible system. We applied RNA-seq and phosphoproteomic mass spectrometry to investigate the SYK-regulated EGF-induced transcriptome and downstream substrates. FINDINGS Induced expression of constitutively active SYK130E reduced cellular response to EGFR/ERBB2 inhibitor, lapatinib. Expression of EGFRWT, but not SYK non-phosphorylatable EGFR3F mutant, resulted in paclitaxel resistance, a phenotype characteristic to SYK active ovarian cancers. In tumor xenografts, SYK inhibitor reduces phosphorylation of EGFR substrates. Compared to SYKWT cells, SYKKO cells have an attenuated EGFR/ERBB2-transcriptional activity and responsiveness to EGF-induced transcription. In ovarian cancer tissues, pSYK (Y525/526) levels showed a positive correlation with pEGFR (Y1187). Intense immunoreactivity of pSYK (Y525/526) correlated with poor overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. INTERPRETATION These findings indicate that SYK activity positively modulates the EGFR pathway, providing a biological foundation for co-targeting SYK and EGFR. FUND: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, NIH/NCI, Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation Alliance, HERA Women's Cancer Foundation and Roseman Foundation. Funders had no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript and eventually in the decision to submit the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America.
| | - Yohan Suryo Rahmanto
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Laura Ardighieri
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Ben Davidson
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norwegian Radium Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stephanie Gaillard
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America
| | - Ayse Ayhan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America; Department of Pathology, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Hamamatsu and Hiroshima Universities Schools of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Xu Shi
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Arlington, VA 22203, United States of America
| | - Jianhua Xuan
- Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Arlington, VA 22203, United States of America
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States of America.
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States of America; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States of America.
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43
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Parkin A, Man J, Timpson P, Pajic M. Targeting the complexity of Src signalling in the tumour microenvironment of pancreatic cancer: from mechanism to therapy. FEBS J 2019; 286:3510-3539. [PMID: 31330086 PMCID: PMC6771888 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, a disease with extremely poor prognosis, has been notoriously resistant to virtually all forms of treatment. The dynamic crosstalk that occurs between tumour cells and the surrounding stroma, frequently mediated by intricate Src/FAK signalling, is increasingly recognised as a key player in pancreatic tumourigenesis, disease progression and therapeutic resistance. These important cues are fundamental for defining the invasive potential of pancreatic tumours, and several components of the Src and downstream effector signalling have been proposed as potent anticancer therapeutic targets. Consequently, numerous agents that block this complex network are being extensively investigated as potential antiinvasive and antimetastatic therapeutic agents for this disease. In this review, we will discuss the latest evidence of Src signalling in PDAC progression, fibrotic response and resistance to therapy. We will examine future opportunities for the development and implementation of more effective combination regimens, targeting key components of the oncogenic Src signalling axis, and in the context of a precision medicine-guided approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Parkin
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
| | - Jennifer Man
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineSt Vincent's Clinical SchoolUniversity of NSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineSt Vincent's Clinical SchoolUniversity of NSWSydneyAustralia
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Yuan M, Xu LF, Zhang J, Kong SY, Wu M, Lao YZ, Zhou H, Zhang L, Xu H. SRC and MEK Co-inhibition Synergistically Enhances the Anti-tumor Effect in Both Non-small-cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Erlotinib-Resistant NSCLC. Front Oncol 2019; 9:586. [PMID: 31428570 PMCID: PMC6689998 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant form of lung cancer, and it is regulated by a complex signal transduction network. Single-agent targeted therapy often results in acquired resistance, which leads to treatment failure. In this study, we demonstrated that a combination of the kinase inhibitors trametinib and bosutinib can synergistically suppress the growth of NSCLC by inhibiting both the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase (SRC) pathways. The combination was profiled against a panel of 22 NSCLC cell lines, including one erlotinib-resistant cell line, and this combination was found to show synergistic effects against 16 cell lines. NSCLC cell lines (HCC827, HCC827-erlotinib-resistant, and H1650) were treated with trametinib, bosutinib, or a combination of these drugs. The drug combination inhibited colony formation and induced cell apoptosis. A mechanism study showed that the phosphorylation of multiple kinases in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in NSCLC was down-regulated. In addition, the combination significantly attenuated tumor growth of HCC827 xenografts with low toxicity. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for further study of the combination of MAPK and SRC pathway inhibitors in NSCLC, especially in the treatment of erlotinib-resistant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin-Feng Xu
- Shanghai Chempartner Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yuan Kong
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Man Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Zhi Lao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Cardiovascular Disease of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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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.
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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
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Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Role in Metastasis and Opportunity for Therapeutic Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070934. [PMID: 31277278 PMCID: PMC6678643 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a heterogeneous disease usually diagnosed at a late stage. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) that exist within the bulk tumor survive first-line chemotherapy and contribute to resistant disease with metastasis. Understanding the key features of CSC biology provides valuable opportunities to develop OCSC-directed therapeutics, which will eventually improve the clinical outcomes of patients. Although significant developments have occurred since OCSCs were first described, the involvement of CSCs in ovarian tumor metastasis is not fully understood. Here, we discuss putative CSC markers and the fundamental role of CSCs in facilitating tumor dissemination in OC. Additionally, we focus on promising CSC-targeting strategies in preclinical and clinical studies of OC and discuss potential challenges in CSC research.
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TRIM50 acts as a novel Src suppressor and inhibits ovarian cancer progression. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:1412-1420. [PMID: 31176697 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Src is a known proto-oncogene and its aberrant activity is involved in a variety of cancers, including ovarian cancer, whereas the regulatory mechanism of Src has not been fully clarified. In this study, we identified tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) 50 as a novel negative regulator of Src protein. Our data showed that TRIM50 directly interacted with SH3 domain of Src via its B-box domain; and TRIM50 reduced Src stability by inducing RING domain-dependent K48-linked poly-ubiquitous modification. We further demonstrated that TRIM50 acted as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer cells by its negative regulation of Src protein. In vivo animal model verified that TRIM50 inhibited the xenograft tumor growth of ovarian cancer by suppressing Src protein. Clinical investigation showed that expression of TRIM50 in clinical specimens was inversely correlated with the clinical stages, pathology grades and lymph node metastatic status of the patients, which indicated the involvement of aberrant TRIM50 expression in disease progression. Further analysis verified the negative correlation between TRIM50 and Src expression in clinical specimens. Altogether, we identified TRIM50 as a novel suppressor of Src protein, and demonstrated that TRIM50 inhibited ovarian cancer progression by targeting Src and reducing its activity, which provided a novel therapeutic strategy for Src over-activated cancers by positive regulation of TRIM50.
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