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Tanim K, Holtzhausen A, Thapa A, Huelse JM, Graham DK, Earp HS. MERTK Inhibition as a Targeted Novel Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7660. [PMID: 39062902 PMCID: PMC11277220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this issue honoring the contributions of Greg Lemke, the Earp and Graham lab teams discuss several threads in the discovery, action, signaling, and translational/clinical potential of MERTK, originally called c-mer, a member of the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK (TAM) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. The 30-year history of the TAM RTK family began slowly as all three members were orphan RTKs without known ligands and/or functions when discovered by three distinct alternate molecular cloning strategies in the pre-genome sequencing era. The pace of understanding their physiologic and pathophysiologic roles has accelerated over the last decade. The activation of ligands bridging externalized phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) has placed these RTKs in a myriad of processes including neurodevelopment, cancer, and autoimmunity. The field is ripe for further advancement and this article hopefully sets the stage for further understanding and therapeutic intervention. Our review will focus on progress made through the collaborations of the Earp and Graham labs over the past 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.M. Tanim
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alisha Holtzhausen
- Lineburger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Aashis Thapa
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Justus M. Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (K.M.T.); (A.T.); (J.M.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- Lineburger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Qiu H, Shao Z, Wen X, Liu Z, Chen Z, Qu D, Ding X, Zhang L. Efferocytosis: An accomplice of cancer immune escape. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115540. [PMID: 37741255 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115540] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The clearance of apoptotic cells by efferocytes such as macrophages and dendritic cells is termed as "efferocytosis", it plays critical roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Currently, available studies indicate that efferocytosis-related molecules and pathways are tightly associated with cancer development, metastasis and treatment resistance, efferocytosis also induces an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and assists cancer cells escape from immune surveillance. In this study, we reviewed the underlying mechanisms of efferocytosis in mediating the occurrence of cancer immune escape, and then emphatically summarized the strategies of using efferocytosis as therapeutic target to enhance the anti-tumor efficacies of immune checkpoint inhibitors, hoping to provide powerful evidences for more effective therapeutic regimens of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qiu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiying Shao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengyang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziqin Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Debao Qu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Ding
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Longzhen Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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DeRyckere D, Huelse JM, Earp HS, Graham DK. TAM family kinases as therapeutic targets at the interface of cancer and immunity. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:755-779. [PMID: 37667010 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00813-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel treatment approaches are needed to overcome innate and acquired mechanisms of resistance to current anticancer therapies in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment. The TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potential therapeutic targets in a wide range of cancers. In cancer cells, TAM RTKs activate signalling pathways that promote cell survival, metastasis and resistance to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies. TAM RTKs also function in innate immune cells, contributing to various mechanisms that suppress antitumour immunity and promote resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, TAM antagonists provide an unprecedented opportunity for both direct and immune-mediated therapeutic activity provided by inhibition of a single target, and are likely to be particularly effective when used in combination with other cancer therapies. To exploit this potential, a variety of agents have been designed to selectively target TAM RTKs, many of which have now entered clinical testing. This Review provides an essential guide to the TAM RTKs for clinicians, including an overview of the rationale for therapeutic targeting of TAM RTKs in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, a description of the current preclinical and clinical experience with TAM inhibitors, and a perspective on strategies for continued development of TAM-targeted agents for oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Osei GY, Adu-Amankwaah J, Koomson S, Beletaa S, Asiamah EA, Smith-Togobo C, Razak SRA. MicroRNAs and colorectal cancer: clinical potential and regulatory networks. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9575-9585. [PMID: 37776413 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08810-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious global health concern, with a high incidence and mortality rate. Although there have been advancements in the early detection and treatment of CRC, therapy resistance is common. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of small non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression, are key players in the initiation and progression of CRC. Recently, there has been growing attention to the complex interplay of miRNAs in cancer development. miRNAs are powerful RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including carcinogenesis. By identifying current challenges and limitations of treatment strategies and suggesting future research directions, this review aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance CRC diagnosis and treatment. It also provides a comprehensive overview of the role miRNAs play in CRC carcinogenesis and explores the potential of miRNA-based therapies as a treatment option. Importantly, this review highlights the exciting potential of targeted modulation of miRNA function as a therapeutic approach for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Yiadom Osei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, 13200, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Joseph Adu-Amankwaah
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Selina Koomson
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Solomon Beletaa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Akomanin Asiamah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Cancer and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Cecilia Smith-Togobo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Siti Razila Abdul Razak
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, 13200, Malaysia.
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Yan D. Hope and Challenges: Immunotherapy in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patients. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2916. [PMID: 38001917 PMCID: PMC10669068 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112916] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the preferred initial treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring sensitive EGFR mutations. Sadly, remission is transient, and no approved effective treatment options are available for EGFR-TKI-advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Although immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induces sustained cancer remission in a subset of NSCLCs, ICI therapy exhibits limited activity in most EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Mechanistically, the strong oncogenic EGFR signaling in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs contributes to a non-inflamed tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), characterized by a limited number of CD8+ T cell infiltration, a high number of regulatory CD4+ T cells, and an increased number of inactivated infiltrated T cells. Additionally, EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients are generally non-smokers with low levels of PD-L1 expression and tumor mutation burden. Promisingly, a small population of EGFR-mutant NSCLCs still durably respond to ICI therapy. The hope of ICI therapy from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials is reviewed in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. The challenges of application ICI therapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Zhao S, Wang Q, Liu Y, Zhang P, Ji W, Xie J, Cheng C. Interaction, immune infiltration characteristics and prognostic modeling of efferocytosis-related subtypes in glioblastoma. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:248. [PMID: 37853449 PMCID: PMC10583324 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01688-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efferocytosis is a biological process in which phagocytes remove apoptotic cells and vesicles from tissues. This process is initiated by the release of inflammatory mediators from apoptotic cells and plays a crucial role in resolving inflammation. The signals associated with efferocytosis have been found to regulate the inflammatory response and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which promotes the immune escape of tumor cells. However, the role of efferocytosis in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is not well understood and requires further investigation. METHODS In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 22 efferocytosis-related genes (ERGs) by searching for studies related to efferocytosis. Using bulk RNA-Seq and single-cell sequencing data, we analyzed the expression and mutational characteristics of these ERGs. By using an unsupervised clustering algorithm, we obtained ERG clusters from 549 GBM patients and evaluated the immune infiltration characteristics of each cluster. We then identified differential genes (DEGs) in the two ERG clusters and classified GBM patients into different gene clusters using univariate cox analysis and unsupervised clustering algorithms. Finally, we utilized the Boruta algorithm to screen for prognostic genes and reduce dimensionality, and the PCA algorithm was applied to create a novel efferocytosis-related scoring system. RESULTS Differential expression of ERGs in glioma cell lines and normal cells was analyzed by rt-PCR. Cell function experiments, on the other hand, validated TIMD4 as a tumor risk factor in GBM. We found that different ERG clusters and gene clusters have distinct prognostic and immune infiltration profiles. The ERG signature we developed provides insight into the tumor microenvironment of GBM. Patients with lower ERG scores have a better survival rate and a higher likelihood of benefiting from immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Our novel efferocytosis-related signature has the potential to be used in clinical practice for risk stratification of GBM patients and for selecting individuals who are likely to respond to immunotherapy. This can help clinicians design appropriate targeted therapies before initiating clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyun Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuankun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jiaheng Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.
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Rybak JA, Sahoo AR, Kim S, Pyron RJ, Pitts SB, Guleryuz S, Smith AW, Buck M, Barrera FN. Allosteric inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor through disruption of transmembrane interactions. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104914. [PMID: 37315787 PMCID: PMC10362150 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) commonly targeted for inhibition by anticancer therapeutics. Current therapeutics target EGFR's kinase domain or extracellular region. However, these types of inhibitors are not specific for tumors over healthy tissue and therefore cause undesirable side effects. Our lab has recently developed a new strategy to regulate RTK activity by designing a peptide that specifically binds to the transmembrane (TM) region of the RTK to allosterically modify kinase activity. These peptides are acidity-responsive, allowing them to preferentially target acidic environments like tumors. We have applied this strategy to EGFR and created the PET1 peptide. We observed that PET1 behaves as a pH-responsive peptide that modulates the configuration of the EGFR TM through a direct interaction. Our data indicated that PET1 inhibits EGFR-mediated cell migration. Finally, we investigated the mechanism of inhibition through molecular dynamics simulations, which showed that PET1 sits between the two EGFR TM helices; this molecular mechanism was additionally supported by AlphaFold-Multimer predictions. We propose that the PET1-induced disruption of native TM interactions disturbs the conformation of the kinase domain in such a way that it inhibits EGFR's ability to send migratory cell signals. This study is a proof-of-concept that acidity-responsive membrane peptide ligands can be generally applied to RTKs. In addition, PET1 constitutes a viable approach to therapeutically target the TM of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Rybak
- Department of Genome Sciences and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amita R Sahoo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Soyeon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert J Pyron
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Savannah B Pitts
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Saffet Guleryuz
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adam W Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Matthias Buck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
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Therapeutic Targeting of MERTK and BCL-2 in T-Cell and Early T-Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246142. [PMID: 36551626 PMCID: PMC9776749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) accounts for 15% of childhood ALL. The early T-precursor (ETP-ALL) subset is characterized by an immature T-cell phenotype, chemoresistance, and high rates of induction failure. MERTK receptor tyrosine kinase is ectopically expressed in half of T-ALLs, particularly those with an immature T-cell phenotype, suggesting a role in ETP-ALL. The anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) is essential for ETP-ALL cell survival. Here, we show that MERTK and BCL-2 mRNA and protein are preferentially expressed in ETP-ALL patient samples. The dual MERTK/FLT3 inhibitor MRX-2843 decreased MERTK activation and downstream signaling, inhibited cell expansion, and induced cell death in ETP-ALL cell lines. Further, 54% (21/39) of primary T-ALL patient samples were sensitive to MERTK inhibition. Treatment with MRX-2843 significantly reduced leukemia burden and prolonged survival in cell-line-derived T-ALL and ETP-ALL xenograft models. In a patient-derived ETP-ALL xenograft model, treatment with MRX-2843 markedly reduced peripheral blood leukemia and spleen weight compared to vehicle-treated mice and prolonged survival. MRX-2843 also synergized with venetoclax to provide enhanced anti-leukemia activity in ETP-ALL cell cultures, with a dose ratio of 1:20 MRX-2843:venetoclax providing optimal synergy. These data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of MRX-2843 in patients with T-ALL and provide rationale for clinical development. MRX-2843 monotherapy is currently being tested in patients with relapsed leukemia (NCT04872478). Further, our data indicate that combined MERTK and BCL-2 inhibition may be particularly effective for treatment of ETP-ALL.
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Yan D, Huelse JM, Kireev D, Tan Z, Chen L, Goyal S, Wang X, Frye SV, Behera M, Schneider F, Ramalingam SS, Owonikoko T, Earp HS, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. MERTK activation drives osimertinib resistance in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e150517. [PMID: 35708914 PMCID: PMC9337831 DOI: 10.1172/jci150517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance is inevitable in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) treated with osimertinib (OSI), and the mechanisms are not well defined. The MERTK ligand GAS6 promoted downstream oncogenic signaling in EGFR-mutated (EGFRMT) NSCLC cells treated with OSI, suggesting a role for MERTK activation in OSI resistance. Indeed, treatment with MRX-2843, a first-in-class MERTK kinase inhibitor, resensitized GAS6-treated NSCLC cells to OSI. Both GAS6 and EGF stimulated downstream PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK signaling in parental cells, but only GAS6 activated these pathways in OSI-resistant (OSIR) derivative cell lines. Functionally, OSIR cells were more sensitive to MRX-2843 than parental cells, suggesting acquired dependence on MERTK signaling. Furthermore, MERTK and/or its ligands were dramatically upregulated in EGFRMT tumors after treatment with OSI in both xenograft models and patient samples, consistent with induction of autocrine/paracrine MERTK activation. Moreover, treatment with MRX-2843 in combination with OSI, but not OSI alone, provided durable suppression of tumor growth in vivo, even after treatment was stopped. These data identify MERTK as a driver of bypass signaling in treatment-naive and EGFRMT-OSIR NSCLC cells and predict that MRX-2843 and OSI combination therapy will provide clinical benefit in patients with EGFRMT NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Justus M. Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dmitri Kireev
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zikang Tan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Luxiao Chen
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resources, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Subir Goyal
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resources, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Stephen V. Frye
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Madhusmita Behera
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resources, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Suresh S. Ramalingam
- Winship Cancer Institute, and
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Taofeek Owonikoko
- Winship Cancer Institute, and
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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Yan D, Earp HS, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. Targeting MERTK and AXL in EGFR Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5639. [PMID: 34830794 PMCID: PMC8616094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MERTK and AXL are members of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases and are abnormally expressed in 69% and 93% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), respectively. Expression of MERTK and/or AXL provides a survival advantage for NSCLC cells and correlates with lymph node metastasis, drug resistance, and disease progression in patients with NSCLC. The TAM receptors on host tumor infiltrating cells also play important roles in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, MERTK and AXL are attractive biologic targets for NSCLC treatment. Here, we will review physiologic and oncologic roles for MERTK and AXL with an emphasis on the potential to target these kinases in NSCLCs with activating EGFR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
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12
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Chen F, Liu J, Flight RM, Naughton KJ, Lukyanchuk A, Edgin AR, Song X, Zhang H, Wong K, Moseley HNB, Wang C, Brainson CF. Cellular Origins of EGFR-Driven Lung Cancer Cells Determine Sensitivity to Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101999. [PMID: 34622577 PMCID: PMC8596110 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is one of the major precision medicine treatment options for lung adenocarcinoma. Due to common development of drug resistance to first- and second-generation TKIs, third-generation inhibitors, including osimertinib and rociletinib, have been developed. A model of EGFR-driven lung cancer and a method to develop tumors of distinct epigenetic states through 3D organotypic cultures are described here. It is discovered that activation of the EGFR T790M/L858R mutation in lung epithelial cells can drive lung cancers with alveolar or bronchiolar features, which can originate from alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells or bronchioalveolar stem cells, but not basal cells or club cells of the trachea. It is also demonstrated that these clones are able to retain their epigenetic differences through passaging orthotopically in mice and crucially that they have distinct drug vulnerabilities. This work serves as a blueprint for exploring how epigenetics can be used to stratify patients for precision medicine decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Chen
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
- Present address:
Department of Medical OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510060P. R. China
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Robert M. Flight
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Kassandra J. Naughton
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Alexsandr Lukyanchuk
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Abigail R. Edgin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Xiulong Song
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Haikuo Zhang
- DNAtrix10355 Science Center Drive, Suite 110San DiegoCA92121USA
| | - Kwok‐Kin Wong
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer CenterNYU Langone Medical CenterNew York UniversityNew YorkNY10016USA
| | - Hunter N. B. Moseley
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
| | - Christine F. Brainson
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKY40536USA
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13
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Intrinsic and Extrinsic Control of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by TAM Receptors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215448. [PMID: 34771611 PMCID: PMC8582520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK are receptor tyrosine kinases of the TAM family, which are activated by their ligands Gas6 and Protein S. TAM receptors have large physiological implications, including the removal of dead cells, activation of immune cells, and prevention of bleeding. In the last decade, TAM receptors have been suggested to play a relevant role in liver fibrogenesis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The understanding of TAM receptor functions in tumor cells and their cellular microenvironment is of utmost importance to advances in novel therapeutic strategies that conquer chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major subtype of liver cancer, showing high mortality of patients due to limited therapeutic options at advanced stages of disease. The receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl and MerTK—belonging to the TAM family—exert a large impact on various aspects of cancer biology. Binding of the ligands Gas6 or Protein S activates TAM receptors causing homophilic dimerization and heterophilic interactions with other receptors to modulate effector functions. In this context, TAM receptors are major regulators of anti-inflammatory responses and vessel integrity, including platelet aggregation as well as resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the relevance of TAM receptors in the intrinsic control of HCC progression by modulating epithelial cell plasticity and by promoting metastatic traits of neoplastic hepatocytes. Depending on different etiologies of HCC, we further describe the overt role of TAM receptors in the extrinsic control of HCC progression by focusing on immune cell infiltration and fibrogenesis. Additionally, we assess TAM receptor functions in the chemoresistance against clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in HCC progression. We finally address the question of whether inhibition of TAM receptors can be envisaged for novel therapeutic strategies in HCC.
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Kim HD, Park EJ, Choi EK, Song SY, Hoe KL, Kim DU. G-749 Promotes Receptor Tyrosine Kinase TYRO3 Degradation and Induces Apoptosis in Both Colon Cancer Cell Lines and Xenograft Mouse Models. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:730241. [PMID: 34721022 PMCID: PMC8551583 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.730241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
G-749 is an FLT3 kinase inhibitor that was originally developed as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. Some FLT3 kinase inhibitors are dual kinase inhibitors that inhibit the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) receptor tyrosine kinase family and are used to treat solid cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). AXL promotes metastasis, suppression of immune response, and drug resistance in NSCLC and TNBC. G-749, a potential TAM receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and its derivative SKI-G-801, effectively inhibits the phosphorylation of AXL at nanomolar concentration (IC50 = 20 nM). This study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of G-749 targeting the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase in colon cancer. Here, we demonstrate the potential of G-749 to effectively inhibit tumorigenesis by degrading TYRO3 via regulated intramembrane proteolysis both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we demonstrated that G-749 inhibits the signaling pathway associated with cell proliferation in colon cancer cell lines HCT15 and SW620, as well as tumor xenograft mouse models. We propose G-749 as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of colon cancer caused by abnormal TYRO3 expression or activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Dong Kim
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of New Drug Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun Jung Park
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
- Application Strategy and Development Division, GeneChem Inc., Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Choi
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seuk Young Song
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Lae Hoe
- Department of New Drug Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Kim
- Rare Disease Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
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15
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Du W, Zhu J, Zeng Y, Liu T, Zhang Y, Cai T, Fu Y, Zhang W, Zhang R, Liu Z, Huang JA. KPNB1-mediated nuclear translocation of PD-L1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation via the Gas6/MerTK signaling pathway. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:1284-1300. [PMID: 33139930 PMCID: PMC8027631 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the role of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in facilitating tumour cells escape from immune surveillance, it is considered as a crucial effector in transducing intrinsic signals to promote tumour development. Our previous study has pointed out that PD-L1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell proliferation, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here we first demonstrated that PD-L1 expression levels were positively correlated with p-MerTK levels in patient samples and NSCLC cell lines. In addition, PD-L1 knockdown led to the reduced phosphorylation level of MerTK in vitro. We next showed that PD-L1 regulated NSCLC cell proliferation via Gas6/MerTK signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we unexpectedly found that PD-L1 translocated into the nucleus of cancer cells which was facilitated through the binding of Karyopherin β1 (KPNB1). Nuclear PD-L1 (nPD-L1), coupled with transcription factor Sp1, regulated the synthesis of Gas6 mRNA and promoted Gas6 secretion to activate MerTK signaling pathway. Taken together, our results shed light on the novel role of nPD-L1 in NSCLC cell proliferation and reveal a new molecular mechanism underlying nPD-L1-mediated Gas6/MerTK signaling activation. All above findings provide the possible combinational implications for PD-L1 targeted immunotherapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Du
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Jianjie Zhu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zeng
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Ting Liu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Cai
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Yulong Fu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Weijie Zhang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Ruochen Zhang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Zeyi Liu
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
| | - Jian-an Huang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,Suzhou Key Laboratory for Respiratory Diseases, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China
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16
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Chen CJ, Liu YP. MERTK Inhibition: Potential as a Treatment Strategy in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020130. [PMID: 33562150 PMCID: PMC7915726 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are currently the most effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, who carry primary EGFR mutations. However, the patients eventually develop drug resistance to EGFR-TKIs after approximately one year. In addition to the acquisition of the EGFR T790M mutation, the activation of alternative receptor-mediated signaling pathways is a common mechanism for conferring the insensitivity of EGFR-TKI in NSCLC. Upregulation of the Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MERTK), which is a member of the Tyro3-Axl-MERTK (TAM) family, is associated with a poor prognosis of many cancers. The binding of specific ligands, such as Gas6 and PROS1, to MERTK activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, which are the signaling pathways shared by EGFR. Therefore, the inhibition of MERTK can be considered a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming the resistance of NSCLC to EGFR-targeted agents. Although several small molecules and monoclonal antibodies targeting the TAM family are being developed and have been described to enhance the chemosensitivity and converse the resistance of EGFR-TKI, few have specifically been developed as MERTK inhibitors. The further development and investigation of biomarkers which can accurately predict MERTK activity and the response to MERTK inhibitors and MERTK-specific drugs are vitally important for obtaining appropriate patient stratification and increased benefits in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Ju Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Peng Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-3121101
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17
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Dai Z, Gu XY, Xiang SY, Gong DD, Man CF, Fan Y. Research and application of single-cell sequencing in tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance of circulating tumor cells. Biomark Res 2020; 8:60. [PMID: 33292625 PMCID: PMC7653877 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumor is a largely harmful disease worldwide. The cure rate of malignant tumors increases with the continuous discovery of anti-tumor drugs and the optimisation of chemotherapy options. However, drug resistance of tumor cells remains a massive obstacle in the treatment of anti-tumor drugs. The heterogeneity of malignant tumors makes studying it further difficult for us. In recent years, using single-cell sequencing technology to study and analyse circulating tumor cells can avoid the interference of tumor heterogeneity and provide a new perspective for us to understand tumor drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Dai
- Cancer Institution, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dianli Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu-yu Gu
- Cancer Institution, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dianli Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shou-yan Xiang
- Cancer Institution, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dianli Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan-dan Gong
- Cancer Institution, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dianli Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-feng Man
- Cancer Institution, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dianli Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212002 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Fan
- Cancer Institution, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dianli Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province 212002 People’s Republic of China
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18
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Huelse J, Fridlyand D, Earp S, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. MERTK in cancer therapy: Targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase in tumor cells and the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 213:107577. [PMID: 32417270 PMCID: PMC9847360 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MERTK is aberrantly expressed in numerous human malignancies, and is a novel target in cancer therapeutics. Physiologic roles of MERTK include regulation of tissue homeostasis and repair, innate immune control, and platelet aggregation. However, aberrant expression in a wide range of liquid and solid malignancies promotes neoplasia via growth factor independence, cell cycle progression, proliferation and tumor growth, resistance to apoptosis, and promotion of tumor metastases. Additionally, MERTK signaling contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via induction of an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and regulation of the PD-1 axis, as well as regulation of macrophage, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, natural killer cell and T cell functions. Various MERTK-directed therapies are in preclinical development, and clinical trials are underway. In this review we discuss MERTK inhibition as an emerging strategy for cancer therapy, focusing on MERTK expression and function in neoplasia and its role in mediating resistance to cytotoxic and targeted therapies as well as in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we review preclinical and clinical pharmacological strategies to target MERTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Diana Fridlyand
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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19
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Shi X, Zhou J, Qian C, Gao L, Wang B, Feng X. Radiofrequency Ablation with Continued EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy Prolongs Disease Control in EGFR-Mutant Advanced Lung Cancers with Acquired Resistance to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Two Case Reports. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:6789-6793. [PMID: 32764966 PMCID: PMC7369376 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s257431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Lung cancer remains the leading cause of malignant tumor-related death globally. There is mounting evidence that a large proportion of patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and treated with EGFR TKI experience oligoprogressive disease. The optimal treatment strategy for these patients is undetermined. Thus, in this article, we report two cases of EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with locally resistant lesions achieving disease control via combination therapy. Patients and Methods We present two cases of lung adenocarcinoma patients that developed oligoprogressive disease during TKI treatment. For further treatment, the patient then received radiofrequency ablation. Results Through follow-up observation, we found that the addition of radiofrequency ablation might provide the clinical benefit of these two NSCLC patients. Conclusion Our two cases provide a promising treatment for oligoprogressive disease during the first-line EGFR-TKI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Shi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huzhou Centre Hospital, Affiliated Centre Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huzhou Centre Hospital, Affiliated Centre Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Caihua Qian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huzhou Centre Hospital, Affiliated Centre Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liliang Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huzhou Centre Hospital, Affiliated Centre Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huzhou Centre Hospital, Affiliated Centre Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueren Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huzhou Centre Hospital, Affiliated Centre Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, People's Republic of China
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20
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Zhou Y, Yao Y, Deng Y, Shao A. Regulation of efferocytosis as a novel cancer therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:71. [PMID: 32370748 PMCID: PMC7199874 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Efferocytosis is a physiologic phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, which modulates inflammatory responses and the immune environment and subsequently facilitates immune escape of cancer cells, thus promoting tumor development and progression. Efferocytosis is an equilibrium formed by perfect coordination among “find-me”, “eat-me” and “don’t-eat-me” signals. These signaling pathways not only affect the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of tumor cells but also regulate adaptive responses and drug resistance to antitumor therapies. Therefore, efferocytosis-related molecules and pathways are potential targets for antitumor therapy. Besides, supplementing conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other immunotherapies with efferocytosis-targeted therapy could enhance the therapeutic efficacy, reduce off-target toxicity, and promote patient outcome. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihan Yao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongchuan Deng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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21
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Hu X, Zhang ZY, Wu LW, Zeng LH, Chen H, Zhu HJ, Zhang JK, Shao J, Zhang C, Li YL, Lin NM. A natural anthraquinone derivative shikonin synergizes with AZD9291 against wtEGFR NSCLC cells through reactive oxygen species-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 68:153189. [PMID: 32070867 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NSCLC is the major type of lung cancer and the survival rates of NSCLC patients remain low. AZD9291 is a third-generation EGFR-TKI and approved to treat NSCLC patients harboring EGFR T790M mutation and common targetable activating EGFR mutations, but it has a limited effect for wtEGFR NSCLC. PURPOSE The current study investigated whether shikonin could enhance the antitumor effect of AZD9291 in wtEGFR NSCLC cells. METHODS SRB and colony formation assay were used to detect the proliferation of NSCLC cells, propidium iodide staining was performed to detect the apoptosis, ROS was analyzed using DCFH-DA staining, and western blot was used to detect the expression of indicated proteins. RESULTS We demonstrated that shikonin, a natural ROS inducer, could enhance the antitumor effect of AZD9291 in wtEGFR NSCLC cells. In addition, shikonin increased AZD9291-induced apoptosis accompanying with the generation of ROS and activation of ER stress. Furthermore, ROS inhibition by NAC or GSH reversed the apoptosis induced by shikonin plus AZD9291, and recovered the ER stress activated by combination treatment, indicating that ROS mediated ER stress played a vital role in this combination therapy. Moreover, shikonin increased the anticancer activity of AZD9291 in primary wtEGFR NSCLC cells through ROS-mediated ER stress. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that combining shikonin with AZD9291 is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating wtEGFR NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Hu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China,; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, No.866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zuo-Yan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China,; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, No.866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Lin-Wen Wu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China,; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, No.866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Hua-Jian Zhu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Jian-Kang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Jiaan Shao
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, No.51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310015, China,.
| | - Yang-Ling Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
| | - Neng-Ming Lin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.261 Huansha Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, 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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Chen JJ, Zhang LN, Cai N, Zhang Z, Ji K. Antipsychotic agent pimozide promotes reversible proliferative suppression by inducing cellular quiescence in liver cancer. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:1101-1109. [PMID: 31322218 PMCID: PMC6667923 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The antipsychotic drug pimozide has been found to exhibit anticancer effects. Previously, it was demonstrated that pimozide inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell growth, but its pharmacodynamic characteristics remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reversibility and mechanism of the ability of pimozide to inhibit cell proliferation in liver cancer. Cell viability was determined by Cell Counting Kit‑8 and colony formation assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry with Ki‑67 and PI staining. ROS production of HCC cells was detected with DCFH‑DA and inhibited with NAC treatment. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression of related signaling molecules in HCC cells. Our results showed that pimozide promoted G0/G1 phase arrest in HCC cell lines without significant cell death. Its anti‑proliferative effects on HCC cells were reversible, consistent with involvement of cell quiescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Pimozide enhanced inhibition of HCC cell proliferation by sorafenib. In conclusion, elucidation of pimozide's reversible proliferation inhibition in liver cancer and additive activity with a well‑established anticancer drug warrants further exploration of the potential of pimozide as an adjuvant anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jie Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Li-Na Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Nan Cai
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Kunmei Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
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