1
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Sweet-Cordero E, Marini K, Champion E, Lee A, Young I, Leung S, Mathey-Andrews N, Jacks T, Jackson P, Cochran J. The CLCF1-CNTFR axis drives an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and blockade enhances the effects of established cancer therapies. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4046823. [PMID: 38562778 PMCID: PMC10984090 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4046823/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Tumors comprise a complex ecosystem consisting of many cell types that communicate through secreted factors. Targeting these intercellular signaling networks remains an important challenge in cancer research. Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) family member secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that binds to ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR), promoting tumor growth in lung and liver cancer1,2. A high-affinity soluble receptor (eCNTFR-Fc) that sequesters CLCF1 has anti-oncogenic effects3. However, the role of CLCF1 in mediating cell-cell interactions in cancer has remained unclear. We demonstrate that eCNTFR-Fc has widespread effects on both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment and can sensitize cancer cells to KRAS inhibitors or immune checkpoint blockade. After three weeks of treatment with eCNTFR-Fc, there is a shift from an immunosuppressive to an immunostimulatory macrophage phenotype as well as an increase in activated T, NKT, and NK cells. Combination of eCNTFR-Fc and αPD1 was significantly more effective than single-agent therapy in a syngeneic allograft model, and eCNTFR-Fc sensitizes tumor cells to αPD1 in a non-responsive GEM model of lung adenocarcinoma. These data suggest that combining eCNTFR-Fc with KRAS inhibition or with αPD1 is a novel therapeutic strategy for lung cancer and potentially other cancers in which these therapies have been used but to date with only modest effect. Overall, we demonstrate the potential of cancer therapies that target cytokines to alter the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kieren Marini
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco
| | - Emma Champion
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco
| | - Alex Lee
- University of California, San Francisco
| | - Isabelle Young
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco
| | - Stanley Leung
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco
| | | | - Tyler Jacks
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
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2
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Haitzmann T, Schindlmaier K, Frech T, Mondal A, Bubalo V, Konrad B, Bluemel G, Stiegler P, Lackner S, Hrzenjak A, Eichmann T, Köfeler HC, Leithner K. Serine synthesis and catabolism in starved lung cancer and primary bronchial epithelial cells. Cancer Metab 2024; 12:9. [PMID: 38515202 PMCID: PMC10956291 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-024-00337-3] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Serine and glycine give rise to important building blocks in proliferating cells. Both amino acids are either synthesized de novo or taken up from the extracellular space. In lung cancer, serine synthesis gene expression is variable, yet, expression of the initial enzyme, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), was found to be associated with poor prognosis. While the contribution of de novo synthesis to serine pools has been shown to be enhanced by serine starvation, the impact of glucose deprivation, a commonly found condition in solid cancers is poorly understood. Here, we utilized a stable isotopic tracing approach to assess serine and glycine de novo synthesis and uptake in different lung cancer cell lines and normal bronchial epithelial cells in variable serine, glycine, and glucose conditions. Under low glucose supplementation (0.2 mM, 3-5% of normal plasma levels), serine de novo synthesis was maintained or even activated. As previously reported, also gluconeogenesis supplied carbons from glutamine to serine and glycine under these conditions. Unexpectedly, low glucose treatment consistently enhanced serine to glycine conversion, along with an up-regulation of the mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism enzymes, serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT2) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD2). The relative contribution of de novo synthesis greatly increased in low serine/glycine conditions. In bronchial epithelial cells, adaptations occurred in a similar fashion as in cancer cells, but serine synthesis and serine to glycine conversion, as assessed by label enrichments and gene expression levels, were generally lower than in (PHGDH positive) cancer cells. In summary, we found a variable contribution of glucose or non-glucose carbon sources to serine and glycine and a high adaptability of the downstream one-carbon metabolism pathway to variable glucose supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Haitzmann
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Schindlmaier
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Tobias Frech
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Ayusi Mondal
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Visnja Bubalo
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Barbara Konrad
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Gabriele Bluemel
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philipp Stiegler
- Division of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Lackner
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Andelko Hrzenjak
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Eichmann
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald C Köfeler
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry and Lipidomics, ZMF, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Katharina Leithner
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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3
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Sunaga N, Miura Y, Masuda T, Sakurai R. Role of Epiregulin in Lung Tumorigenesis and Therapeutic Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:710. [PMID: 38398101 PMCID: PMC10886815 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040710] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling regulates multiple cellular processes and plays an essential role in tumorigenesis. Epiregulin (EREG), a member of the EGF family, binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ErbB4, and it stimulates EGFR-related downstream pathways. Increasing evidence indicates that both the aberrant expression and oncogenic function of EREG play pivotal roles in tumor development in many human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EREG overexpression is induced by activating mutations in the EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF and contributes to the aggressive phenotypes of NSCLC with oncogenic drivers. Recent studies have elucidated the roles of EREG in a tumor microenvironment, including the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and resistance to anticancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of EREG as an oncogene and discussed its oncogenic role in lung tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Sunaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Yosuke Miura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Tomomi Masuda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan; (Y.M.); (T.M.)
| | - Reiko Sakurai
- Oncology Center, Gunma University Hospital, 3-39-15 Showa-Machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
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4
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Peschel JM, Reichel LS, Hoffmann T, Enzensperger C, Schubert US, Traeger A, Gottschaldt M. Modification of Branched Poly(ethylene imine) with d-Fructose for Selective Delivery of siRNA into Human Breast Cancer Cells. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300135. [PMID: 37565461 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300135] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Branched poly(ethylene imine) (bPEI) is frequently used in RNA interference (RNAi) experiments as a cationic polymer for the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) because of its ability to form stable polyplexes that facilitate siRNA uptake. However, the use of bPEI in gene delivery is limited by its cytotoxicity and a need for target specificity. In this work, bPEI is modified with d-fructose to improve biocompatibility and target breast cancer cells through the overexpressed GLUT5 transporter. Fructose-substituted bPEI (Fru-bPEI) is accessible in three steps starting from commercially available protected fructopyranosides and bPEI. Several polymers with varying molecular weights, degrees of substitution, and linker positions on d-fructose (C1 and C3) are synthesized and characterized with NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and elemental analysis. In vitro biological screenings show significantly reduced cytotoxicity of 10 kDa bPEI after fructose functionalization, specific uptake of siRNA polyplexes, and targeted knockdown of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) compared to noncancer cells (HEK293T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Matthias Peschel
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Liên Sabrina Reichel
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Tim Hoffmann
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Sigmar Schubert
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Anja Traeger
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Gottschaldt
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743, Jena, Germany
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5
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Kim J. Nucleic Acid-Based Approaches to Tackle KRAS Mutant Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16933. [PMID: 38069255 PMCID: PMC10707712 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in KRAS are highly relevant to various cancers, driving persistent efforts toward the development of drugs that can effectively inhibit KRAS activity. Previously, KRAS was considered 'undruggable'; however, the recent advances in our understanding of RNA and nucleic acid chemistry and delivery formulations have sparked a paradigm shift in the approach to KRAS inhibition. We are currently witnessing a large wave of next-generation drugs for KRAS mutant cancers-nucleic acid-based therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the current progress in targeting KRAS mutant tumors and outline significant developments in nucleic acid-based strategies. We delve into their mechanisms of action, address existing challenges, and offer insights into the current clinical trial status of these approaches. We aim to provide a thorough understanding of the potential of nucleic acid-based strategies in the field of KRAS mutant cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimi Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Health Science and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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6
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Lin YW, Kao HJ, Chen WT, Kao CF, Wu JY, Chen YT, Lee YC. Cell-based screen identifies porphyrins as FGFR3 activity inhibitors with therapeutic potential for achondroplasia and cancer. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e171257. [PMID: 37824212 PMCID: PMC10721322 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171257] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Overactive fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) signaling drives pathogenesis in a variety of cancers and a spectrum of short-limbed bone dysplasias, including the most common form of human dwarfism, achondroplasia (ACH). Targeting FGFR3 activity holds great promise as a therapeutic approach for treatment of these diseases. Here, we established a receptor/adaptor translocation assay system that can specifically monitor FGFR3 activation, and we applied it to identify FGFR3 modulators from complex natural mixtures. An FGFR3-suppressing plant extract of Amaranthus viridis was identified from the screen, and 2 bioactive porphyrins, pheophorbide a (Pa) and pyropheophorbide a, were sequentially isolated from the extract and functionally characterized. Further analysis showed that Pa reduced excessive FGFR3 signaling by decreasing its half-life in FGFR3-overactivated multiple myeloma cells and chondrocytes. In an ex vivo culture system, Pa alleviated defective long bone growth in humanized ACH mice (FGFR3ACH mice). Overall, our study presents an approach to discovery and validation of plant extracts or drug candidates that target FGFR3 activation. The compounds identified by this approach may have applications as therapeutics for FGFR3-associated cancers and skeletal dysplasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Wen Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Jung Kao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fu Kao
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Yuarn Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Tsong Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yi-Ching Lee
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Zhao D, Liu Y, Yi F, Zhao X, Lu K. Recent advances in the development of inhibitors targeting KRAS-G12C and its related pathways. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115698. [PMID: 37542991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS gene, also known as the mouse sarcoma virus, includes three genes (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS) that are associated with human tumors. Among them, KRAS has the highest incidence of mutations in cancer, accounting for around 80% of cases. At the molecular level, the RAS gene plays a regulatory role in transcription and translation, while at the cellular level, it affects cell proliferation and migration, making it crucial for cancer development. In 2021, the FDA approved AMG510, the first direct inhibitor targeting the KRAS-G12C mutation, which has shown tumor regression, prolonged survival, and low off-target activity. However, with the increase of drug resistance, a single inhibitor is no longer sufficient to achieve the desired effect on tumors. Therefore, a large number of other highly efficient inhibitors are being developed at different stages. This article provides an overview of the mechanism of action targeting KRAS-G12C in the KRASGTP-KRASGDP cycle pathway, as well as the structure-activity relationship, structure optimization, and biological activity effects of inhibitors that target the upstream and downstream pathways, or combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqiang Zhao
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yu Liu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Fengchao Yi
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- College of Chemistry, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Kui Lu
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
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8
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Yang L, Li Z, Binzel DW, Guo P, Williams TM. Targeting oncogenic KRAS in non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR aptamer-conjugated multifunctional RNA nanoparticles. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:559-571. [PMID: 37637206 PMCID: PMC10448464 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations are one of the most common oncogenic driver mutations in human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and have established roles in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance. The development of effective inhibitors of mutant KRAS represents a significant challenge. Three-way junction (3WJ)-based multi-functional RNA nanoparticles have the potential to serve as an effective in vivo siRNA delivery platform with the ability to enhance tumor targeting specificity and visualize biodistribution through an imaging moiety. Herein, we assembled novel EGFRapt-3WJ-siKRASG12C mutation targeted nanoparticles to target EGFR-expressing human NSCLC harboring a KRASG12C mutation to silence KRASG12C expression in a tumor cell-specific fashion. We found that EGFRapt-3WJ-siKRASG12C nanoparticles potently depleted cellular KRASG12C expression, resulting in attenuation of downstream MAPK pathway signaling, cell proliferation, migration/invasion ability, and sensitized NSCLC cells to chemoradiotherapy. In vivo, these nanoparticles induced tumor growth inhibition in KRASG12C NSCLC tumor xenografts. Together, this study suggests that the 3WJ pRNA-based platform has the potential to suppress mutant KRAS activity for the treatment of KRAS-driven human cancers, and warrants further development for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhefeng Li
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniel W. Binzel
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, College of Pharmacy, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Terence M. Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Özdede M, Taban H, Akman O, Önder S, Kılıçkap S. The Prognostic Significance of KIAA1522 Expression in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e44016. [PMID: 37746394 PMCID: PMC10517341 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of lung cancers belong to the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) category, which is linked to a high mortality rate despite significant progress in diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is a need for novel prognostic NSCLC biomarkers to improve prognosis which currently remains poor. Recent studies and analyses of gene expression data of NSCLC revealed that high expression of KIAA1522 was significantly associated with poor prognosis and decreased overall survival. We identified 98 patients who underwent radical curative surgical resections or metastasectomy for pulmonary adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma at our institution or the pathological diagnosis confirmed by our pathologists. Following the latest data, we utilized immunohistochemistry to assess the expression of KIAA1522 and investigated its association with various clinic-demographic parameters, pathological stages, recurrence rates, overall survival, and disease-free survival in patients who achieved complete remission. Notably, there were no significant differences in the expression profiles of KIAA1522 between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma samples (p=0.6). Survival analysis was conducted using log-rank tests and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Of the 98 samples, 54 (55.1%) exhibited high expression of KIAA1522, and patients with high KIAA1522 expression had a significantly shorter overall survival than the low-expression group (p=0.01). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models in which metastatic patients were included revealed that along with older age, higher TNM stage (tumor, node, metastasis system), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, high expression of KIAA1522 served as an independent prognostic factor. A high expression profile was not significantly associated with relapses in those whose complete remission had been achieved. Still, those patients with high expression of KIAA1522 tended to exhibit a shorter disease-free survival rate. In conclusion, our findings suggest that KIAA1522 expression is an independent factor for predicting overall survival and may serve as a valuable prognostic indicator for relapse and disease-free survival in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Özdede
- Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, TUR
| | - Hakan Taban
- Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, TUR
| | - Orkun Akman
- Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, TUR
| | - Sevgen Önder
- Pathology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, TUR
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10
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Hua L, Wu J, Ge J, Li X, You B, Wang W, Hu B. Identification of lung adenocarcinoma subtypes and predictive signature for prognosis, immune features, and immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint genes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1060086. [PMID: 37234773 PMCID: PMC10206047 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1060086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common variant of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) across the world. Recently, the rapid development of immunotherapy has brought a new dawn for LUAD patients. Closely related to the tumor immune microenvironment and immune cell functions, more and more new immune checkpoints have been discovered, and various cancer treatment studies targeting these novel immune checkpoints are currently in full swing. However, studies on the phenotype and clinical significance of novel immune checkpoints in LUAD are still limited, and only a minority of patients with LUAD can benefit from immunotherapy. Methods: The LUAD datasets were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and the immune checkpoints score of each sample were calculated based on the expression of the 82 immune checkpoints-related genes (ICGs). The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to obtain the gene modules closely related to the score and two different LUAD clusters were identified based on these module genes by the Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) Algorithm. The differentially expressed genes between the two clusters were further used to construct a predictive signature for prognosis, immune features, and the response to immunotherapy for LUAD patients through a series of regression analyses. Results: A new immune checkpoints-related signature was finally established according to the expression of 7 genes (FCER2, CD200R1, RHOV, TNNT2, WT1, AHSG, and KRTAP5-8). This signature can stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with different survival outcomes and sensitivity to immunotherapy, and the signature has been well validated in different clinical subgroups and validation cohorts. Conclusion: We constructed a novel immune checkpoints-related LUAD risk assessment system, which has a good predictive ability and significance for guiding immunotherapy. We believe that these findings will not only aid in the clinical management of LUAD patients but also provide some insights into screening appropriate patients for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linbin Hua
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiyue Wu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiashu Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin You
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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11
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Nguyen K, Malik TN, Chaput JC. Chemical evolution of an autonomous DNAzyme with allele-specific gene silencing activity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2413. [PMID: 37105964 PMCID: PMC10140269 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Low activity has been the primary obstacle impeding the use of DNA enzymes (DNAzymes) as gene silencing agents in clinical applications. Here we describe the chemical evolution of a DNAzyme with strong catalytic activity under near physiological conditions. The enzyme achieves ~65 turnovers in 30 minutes, a feat only previously witnessed by the unmodified parent sequence under forcing conditions of elevated Mg2+ and pH. Structural constraints imposed by the chemical modifications drive catalysis toward a highly preferred UGUD motif (cut site underlined) that was validated by positive and negative predictions. Biochemical assays support an autonomous RNA cleavage mechanism independent of RNase H1 engagement. Consistent with its strong catalytic activity, the enzyme exhibits persistent allele-specific knock-down of an endogenous mRNA encoding an undruggable oncogenic KRAS target. Together, these results demonstrate that chemical evolution offers a powerful approach for discovering new chemotype combinations that can imbue DNAzymes with the physicochemical properties necessary to support therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3958, USA
| | - Turnee N Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3958, USA
| | - John C Chaput
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3958, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3958, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3958, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3958, USA.
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12
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Ras protein abundance correlates with Ras isoform mutation patterns in cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:1224-1232. [PMID: 36864243 PMCID: PMC10079525 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02638-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutations of Ras genes are often observed in cancer. The protein products of the three Ras genes are almost identical. However, for reasons that remain unclear, KRAS is far more frequently mutated than the other Ras isoforms in cancer and RASopathies. We have quantified HRAS, NRAS, KRAS4A and KRAS4B protein abundance across a large panel of cell lines and healthy tissues. We observe consistent patterns of KRAS > NRAS»HRAS protein expression in cells that correlate with the rank order of Ras mutation frequencies in cancer. Our data provide support for the model of a sweet-spot of Ras dosage mediating isoform-specific contributions to cancer and development. We suggest that in most cases, being the most abundant Ras isoform correlates with occupying the sweet-spot and that HRAS and NRAS expression is usually insufficient to promote oncogenesis when mutated. However, our results challenge the notion that rare codons mechanistically underpin the predominance of KRAS mutant cancers. Finally, direct measurement of mutant versus wildtype KRAS protein abundance revealed a frequent imbalance that may suggest additional non-gene duplication mechanisms for optimizing oncogenic Ras dosage.
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13
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Kang C, Liu L, Wu C, Li L, Jia X, Xie W, Chen S, Wu X, Zheng H, Liu J, Li R, Zeng B. The adenosinergic machinery in cancer: In-tandem insights from basic mechanisms to therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111369. [PMID: 36911717 PMCID: PMC9995374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111369] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine (eADO) signaling has emerged as an increasingly important regulator of immune responses, including tumor immunity. eADO is mainly produced from extracellular ATP (eATP) hydrolysis. eATP is rapidly accumulated in the extracellular space following cell death or cellular stress triggered by hypoxia, nutrient starvation, or inflammation. eATP plays a pro-inflammatory role by binding and activating the P2 purinergic receptors (P2X and P2Y), while eADO has been reported in many studies to mediate immunosuppression by activating the P1 purinergic receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3) in diverse immune cells. Consequently, the hydrolysis of eATP to eADO alters the immunosurveillance in the tumor microenvironment (TME) not only by reducing eATP levels but also by enhancing adenosine receptor signaling. The effects of both P1 and P2 purinergic receptors are not restricted to immune cells. Here we review the most up-to-date understanding of the tumor adenosinergic system in all cell types, including immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells in TME. The potential novel directions of future adenosinergic therapies in immuno-oncology will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chifei Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China.,College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Luyu Liu
- Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Chengyu Wu
- Research Centre of Printed Flexible Electronics, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lingyun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao Jia
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wendi Xie
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinying Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huaxiao Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingxin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongsong Li
- College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bin Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
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14
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Ha DP, Huang B, Wang H, Rangel DF, Van Krieken R, Liu Z, Samanta S, Neamati N, Lee AS. Targeting GRP78 suppresses oncogenic KRAS protein expression and reduces viability of cancer cells bearing various KRAS mutations. Neoplasia 2022; 33:100837. [PMID: 36162331 PMCID: PMC9516447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100837] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers with limited therapeutic options, thus there is a critical need to identify novel targets and inhibiting agents. The 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein GRP78, which is upregulated in KRAS cancers, is an essential chaperone and the master regulator of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Following up on our recent discoveries that GRP78 haploinsufficiency suppresses both KRASG12D-driven pancreatic and lung tumorigenesis, we seek to determine the underlying mechanisms. Here, we report that knockdown of GRP78 via siRNA reduced oncogenic KRAS protein level in human lung, colon, and pancreatic cancer cells bearing various KRAS mutations. This effect was at the post-transcriptional level and is independent of proteasomal degradation or autophagy. Moreover, targeting GRP78 via small molecule inhibitors such as HA15 and YUM70 with anti-cancer activities while sparing normal cells significantly suppressed oncogenic KRAS expression in vitro and in vivo, associating with onset of apoptosis and loss of viability in cancer cells bearing various KRAS mutations. Collectively, our studies reveal that GRP78 is a previously unidentified regulator of oncogenic KRAS expression, and, as such, augments the other anti-cancer activities of GRP78 small molecule inhibitors to potentially achieve general, long-term suppression of mutant KRAS-driven tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dat P Ha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Daisy Flores Rangel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Richard Van Krieken
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Ze Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Soma Samanta
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amy S Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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15
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Bartolacci C, Andreani C, Vale G, Berto S, Melegari M, Crouch AC, Baluya DL, Kemble G, Hodges K, Starrett J, Politi K, Starnes SL, Lorenzini D, Raso MG, Solis Soto LM, Behrens C, Kadara H, Gao B, Wistuba II, Minna JD, McDonald JG, Scaglioni PP. Targeting de novo lipogenesis and the Lands cycle induces ferroptosis in KRAS-mutant lung cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4327. [PMID: 35882862 PMCID: PMC9325712 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31963-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutant KRAS (KM), the most common oncogene in lung cancer (LC), regulates fatty acid (FA) metabolism. However, the role of FA in LC tumorigenesis is still not sufficiently characterized. Here, we show that KMLC has a specific lipid profile, with high triacylglycerides and phosphatidylcholines (PC). We demonstrate that FASN, the rate-limiting enzyme in FA synthesis, while being dispensable in EGFR-mutant or wild-type KRAS LC, is required for the viability of KMLC cells. Integrating lipidomic, transcriptomic and functional analyses, we demonstrate that FASN provides saturated and monounsaturated FA to the Lands cycle, the process remodeling oxidized phospholipids, such as PC. Accordingly, blocking either FASN or the Lands cycle in KMLC, promotes ferroptosis, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)- and iron-dependent cell death, characterized by the intracellular accumulation of oxidation-prone PC. Our work indicates that KM dictates a dependency on newly synthesized FA to escape ferroptosis, establishing a targetable vulnerability in KMLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bartolacci
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA
| | - Cristina Andreani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA
| | - Gonçalo Vale
- Center for Human Nutrition, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Margherita Melegari
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA
| | - Anna Colleen Crouch
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dodge L Baluya
- Tissue Imaging and Proteomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | | | - Kurt Hodges
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA
| | | | - Katerina Politi
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sandra L Starnes
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA
| | - Daniele Lorenzini
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriela Raso
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Luisa M Solis Soto
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carmen Behrens
- Department of Thoracic H&N Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Humam Kadara
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Boning Gao
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ignacio I Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John D Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jeffrey G McDonald
- Center for Human Nutrition, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Pier Paolo Scaglioni
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45219, USA.
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16
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Shi K, Wang G, Pei J, Zhang J, Wang J, Ouyang L, Wang Y, Li W. Emerging strategies to overcome resistance to third-generation EGFR inhibitors. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:94. [PMID: 35840984 PMCID: PMC9287895 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01311-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the receptor for members of the epidermal growth factor family, regulates cell proliferation and signal transduction; moreover, EGFR is related to the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis. Therefore, EGFR has become an important target for the treatment of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, glioma, cervical cancer, and bladder cancer. First- to third-generation EGFR inhibitors have shown considerable efficacy and have significantly improved disease prognosis. However, most patients develop drug resistance after treatment. The challenge of overcoming intrinsic and acquired resistance in primary and recurrent cancer mediated by EGFR mutations is thus driving the search for alternative strategies in the design of new therapeutic agents. In view of resistance to third-generation inhibitors, understanding the intricate mechanisms of resistance will offer insight for the development of more advanced targeted therapies. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of resistance to third-generation EGFR inhibitors and review recent strategies for overcoming resistance, new challenges, and future development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyu Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junping Pei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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17
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da Silva-Oliveira RJ, Gomes INF, da Silva LS, Lengert AVH, Laus AC, Melendez ME, Munari CC, Cury FDP, Longato GB, Reis RM. Efficacy of Combined Use of Everolimus and Second-Generation Pan-EGRF Inhibitors in KRAS Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147774. [PMID: 35887120 PMCID: PMC9317664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: EGFR mutations are present in approximately 15−50% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which are predictive of anti-EGFR therapies. At variance, NSCLC patients harboring KRAS mutations are resistant to those anti-EGFR approaches. Afatinib and allitinib are second-generation pan-EGFR drugs, yet no predictive biomarkers are known in the NSCLC context. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of pan-EGFR inhibitors in a panel of 15 lung cancer cell lines associated with the KRAS mutations phenotype. Methods: KRAS wild-type sensitive NCI-H292 cell line was further transfected with KRAS mutations (p.G12D and p.G12S). The pan-EGFR inhibitors’ activity and biologic effect of KRAS mutations were evaluated by cytotoxicity, MAPK phospho-protein array, colony formation, migration, invasion, and adhesion. In addition, in vivo chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay was performed in KRAS mutant cell lines. The gene expression profile was evaluated by NanoString. Lastly, everolimus and pan-EGFR combinations were performed to determine the combination index. Results: The GI50 score classified two cell lines treated with afatinib and seven treated with allitinib as high-sensitive phenotypes. All KRAS mutant cell lines demonstrated a resistant profile for both therapies (GI50 < 30%). The protein array of KRAS edited cells indicated a significant increase in AKT, CREB, HSP27, JNK, and, importantly, mTOR protein levels compared with KRAS wild-type cells. The colony formation, migration, invasion, adhesion, tumor perimeter, and mesenchymal phenotype were increased in the H292 KRAS mutated cells. Gene expression analysis showed 18 dysregulated genes associated with the focal adhesion-PI3K-Akt-mTOR-signaling correlated in KRAS mutant cell lines. Moreover, mTOR overexpression in KRAS mutant H292 cells was inhibited after everolimus exposure, and sensitivity to afatinib and allitinib was restored. Conclusions: Our results indicate that allitinib was more effective than afatinib in NSCLC cell lines. KRAS mutations increased aggressive behavior through upregulation of the focal adhesion-PI3K-Akt-mTOR-signaling in NSCLC cells. Significantly, everolimus restored sensibility and improved cytotoxicity of EGFR inhibitors in the KRAS mutant NSCLC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato José da Silva-Oliveira
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
- Correspondence: (R.J.d.S.-O.); (R.M.R.)
| | - Izabela Natalia Faria Gomes
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - Luciane Sussuchi da Silva
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - Ana Carolina Laus
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - Matias Eliseo Melendez
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - Carla Carolina Munari
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - Fernanda de Paula Cury
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - Giovanna Barbarini Longato
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos 14784-400, Brazil; (I.N.F.G.); (L.S.d.S.); (A.v.H.L.); (A.C.L.); (M.E.M.); (C.C.M.); (F.d.P.C.); (G.B.L.)
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) Medical School, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (R.J.d.S.-O.); (R.M.R.)
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18
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AIMP2-DX2 provides therapeutic interface to control KRAS-driven tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2572. [PMID: 35546148 PMCID: PMC9095880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30149-2] [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: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent development of the chemical inhibitors specific to oncogenic KRAS (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma 2 Viral Oncogene Homolog) mutants revives much interest to control KRAS-driven cancers. Here, we report that AIMP2-DX2, a variant of the tumor suppressor AIMP2 (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-interacting multi-functional protein 2), acts as a cancer-specific regulator of KRAS stability, augmenting KRAS-driven tumorigenesis. AIMP2-DX2 specifically binds to the hypervariable region and G-domain of KRAS in the cytosol prior to farnesylation. Then, AIMP2-DX2 competitively blocks the access of Smurf2 (SMAD Ubiquitination Regulatory Factor 2) to KRAS, thus preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Moreover, AIMP2-DX2 levels are positively correlated with KRAS levels in colon and lung cancer cell lines and tissues. We also identified a small molecule that specifically bound to the KRAS-binding region of AIMP2-DX2 and inhibited the interaction between these two factors. Treatment with this compound reduces the cellular levels of KRAS, leading to the suppression of KRAS-dependent cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest the interface of AIMP2-DX2 and KRAS as a route to control KRAS-driven cancers. Direct targeting of oncogenic KRAS activity is a challenge. Here the authors report that a splice variant of AIMP2, AIMP2-DX2, enhances KRAS stability by blocking ubiquitin-mediated degradation of KRAS via the E3 ligase, Smurf2, and identify a chemical that can hinder AIMP2-DX2 from interacting with KRAS.
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19
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Hexachlorophene, a selective SHP2 inhibitor, suppresses proliferation and metastasis of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells by inhibiting RAS/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 441:115988. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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20
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Muraki N, Yamada M, Doki H, Nakai R, Komeda K, Goto D, Kawabe N, Matsuoka K, Matsushima M, Kawabe T, Tanaka I, Morise M, Shay JW, Minna JD, Sato M. Resistance to mutant KRAS V12-induced senescence in a hTERT/Cdk4-immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial cell line. Exp Cell Res 2022; 414:113053. [PMID: 35149086 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutant KRAS, the most frequently occurring (∼30%) driver oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma, induces normal epithelial cells to undergo senescence. This phenomenon, called "oncogene-induced senescence (OIS)", prevents mutant KRAS-induced malignant transformation. We have previously reported that mutant KRASV12 induces OIS in a subset of normal human bronchial epithelial cell line immortalized with hTERT and Cdk4. Understanding the mechanism and efficacy of this important cancer prevention mechanism is a key knowledge gap. Therefore, this study investigates mutant KRASV12-induced OIS in upregulated telomerase combined with the p16/RB pathway inactivation in normal bronchial epithelial cells. The normal (non-transformed and non-tumorigenic) human bronchial epithelial cell line HBEC3 (also called "HBEC3KT"), immortalized with hTERT ("T") and Cdk4 ("K"), was used in this study. HBEC3 that expressed mutant KRASV12 in a doxycycline-regulated manner was established (designated as HBEC3-RIN2). Controlled induction of mutant KRASV12 expression induced partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in HBEC3-RIN2 cells, which was associated with upregulated expression of ZEB1 and SNAIL. Mutant KRASV12 caused the majority of HBEC3-RIN2 to undergo morphological changes; suggestive of senescence, which was associated with enhanced autophagic flux, evaluated by LC-3 Western blot and CYTO-ID, an autophagosome-specific staining kit. Upon mutant KRASV12 expression, only a small HBEC3-RIN2 cell subset underwent senescence, as shown by a senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining (SA-βG) method. Furthermore, mutant KRASV12 enhanced cell growth, evaluated by colorimetric proliferation assay, and liquid and soft agar colony formation assays, partially through increased phosphorylated AKT and ERK expression but did not affect cell division, or cell cycle status. Intriguingly, mutant KRASV12 reduced p53 protein expression but increased p21 protein expression by prolonging its half-life. These results indicate that a hTERT/Cdk4 -immortalized normal bronchial epithelial cell line is partially resistant to mutant KRASV12-induced senescence. This suggests that OIS does not efficiently suppress KRASV12-induced transformation in the context of the simultaneous occurrence of telomerase upregulation and inactivation of the p16/Rb pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Muraki
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yamada
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hinako Doki
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Riho Nakai
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazuki Komeda
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan; Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Daiki Goto
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Nozomi Kawabe
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kohei Matsuoka
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Miyoko Matsushima
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kawabe
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ichidai Tanaka
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morise
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Dept. of Cell Biology and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John D Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mitsuo Sato
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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21
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Han Z, Zhou D, Wang J, Jiang B, Liu X. Reflections on drug resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors and gene silencing/editing tools for targeting mutant KRAS in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188677. [PMID: 35033622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human tumors, especially in lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting mutant KRASG12C demonstrated promising anti-tumor effect in patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring KRASG12C mutation, while the intrinsic and acquired drug resistance occurred frequently and might be inevitable. Unlike the protein-level inhibition approach, gene silencing/editing tools for DNA-level knockout and RNA-level knockdown of mutant KRAS may be advantageous since these approaches directly eliminate the production of mutant KRAS-encoded protein. An in-depth understanding of KRAS biology, drug resistance to KRASG12C inhibitors and gene silencing/editing methods applied for anti-KRAS therapy may give new insight into the therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhaoYong Han
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Ding Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - JiaMan Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Bruce Jiang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, China.
| | - XiYu Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, China.
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22
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Ferrara MG, Stefani A, Pilotto S, Carbone C, Vita E, Di Salvatore M, D'Argento E, Sparagna I, Monaca F, Valente G, Vitale A, Piro G, Belluomini L, Milella M, Tortora G, Bria E. The Renaissance of KRAS Targeting in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: New Opportunities Following Old Failures. Front Oncol 2022; 11:792385. [PMID: 35004317 PMCID: PMC8733471 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.792385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents the perfect paradigm of ‘precision medicine’ due to its complex intratumoral heterogeneity. It is truly characterized by a range of molecular alterations that can deeply influence the natural history of this disease. Several molecular alterations have been found over time, paving the road to biomarker-driven therapy and radically changing the prognosis of ‘oncogene addicted’ NSCLC patients. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations are present in up to 30% of NSCLC (especially in adenocarcinoma histotype) and have been identified decades ago. Since its discovery, its molecular characteristics and its marked affinity to a specific substrate have led to define KRAS as an undruggable alteration. Despite that, many attempts have been made to develop drugs capable of targeting KRAS signaling but, until a few years ago, these efforts have been unsuccessful. Comprehensive genomic profiling and wide-spectrum analysis of genetic alterations have only recently allowed to identify different types of KRAS mutations. This tricky step has finally opened new frontiers in the treatment approach of KRAS-mutant patients and might hopefully increase their prognosis and quality of life. In this review, we aim to highlight the most interesting aspects of (epi)genetic KRAS features, hoping to light the way to the state of art of targeting KRAS in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Grazia Ferrara
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Stefani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Pilotto
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuele Vita
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Ettore D'Argento
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Ileana Sparagna
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Federico Monaca
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Giustina Valente
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Belluomini
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Section of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona School of Medicine and Verona University Hospital Trust, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Section of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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23
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Sunaga N, Miura Y, Kasahara N, Sakurai R. Targeting Oncogenic KRAS in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235956. [PMID: 34885068 PMCID: PMC8656763 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) is the most common driver in NSCLC, and targeting oncogenic KRAS is a major challenge in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While several covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors have emerged as a novel anti-KRAS therapy, the development of combined therapies involving the targeting of oncogenic KRAS plus other targeted drugs is still required given the vast heterogeneity of KRAS-mutated tumors. In this review, we summarize the biological and immunological characteristics of oncogenic KRAS-driven NSCLC and the preclinical and clinical evidence for mutant KRAS-targeted therapies. We also discuss the mechanisms of resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors and possible therapeutic strategies to overcome this drug resistance. Abstract Recent advances in molecular biology and the resultant identification of driver oncogenes have achieved major progress in precision medicine for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) is the most common driver in NSCLC, and targeting KRAS is considerably important. The recent discovery of covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors offers hope for improving the prognosis of NSCLC patients, but the development of combination therapies corresponding to tumor characteristics is still required given the vast heterogeneity of KRAS-mutated NSCLC. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of KRAS mutations regarding the involvement of malignant transformation and describe the preclinical and clinical evidence for targeting KRAS-mutated NSCLC. We also discuss the mechanisms of resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors and possible combination treatment strategies to overcome this drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Sunaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-27-220-8000
| | - Yosuke Miura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
| | - Norimitsu Kasahara
- Innovative Medical Research Center, Gunma University Hospital, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
| | - Reiko Sakurai
- Oncology Center, Gunma University Hospital, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
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24
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Sceneay J, Sinclair C. The future of immune checkpoint combinations with tumor-targeted small molecule drugs. Emerg Top Life Sci 2021; 5:675-680. [PMID: 34196724 PMCID: PMC8726049 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) has transformed the landscape of cancer treatment. However, there is much to understand around refractory or acquired resistance in patients in order to utilize ICB therapy to its full potential. In this perspective article, we discuss the opportunities and challenges that are emerging as our understanding of immuno-oncology resistance matures. Firstly, there has been remarkable progress made to understand the exquisite overlap between oncogenic and immune signaling pathways. Several cancer-signaling pathways are constitutively active in oncogenic settings and also play physiological roles in immune cell function. A growing number of precision oncology tumor-targeted drugs show remarkable immunogenic properties that might be harnessed with rational combination strategies. Secondly, we now understand that the immune system confers a strong selective pressure on tumors. Whilst this pressure can lead to novel tumor evolution and immune escape, there is a growing recognition of tumor-intrinsic dependencies that arise in immune pressured environments. Such dependencies provide a roadmap for novel tumor-intrinsic drug targets to alleviate ICB resistance. We anticipate that rational combinations with existing oncology drugs and a next wave of tumor-intrinsic drugs that specifically target immunological resistance will represent the next frontier of therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Sceneay
- Mechanisms of Cancer Resistance Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, U.S.A
| | - Charles Sinclair
- Mechanisms of Cancer Resistance Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, U.S.A
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25
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Li C, Vides A, Kim D, Xue J, Zhao Y, Lito P. The G protein signaling regulator RGS3 enhances the GTPase activity of KRAS. Science 2021; 374:197-201. [PMID: 34618566 PMCID: PMC9295010 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf1730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recently reported to be effective in patients with lung cancer, KRASG12C inhibitors bind to the inactive, or guanosine diphosphate (GDP)–bound, state of the oncoprotein and require guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis for inhibition. However, KRAS mutations prevent the catalytic arginine of GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) from enhancing an otherwise slow hydrolysis rate. If KRAS mutants are indeed insensitive to GAPs, it is unclear how KRASG12C hydrolyzes sufficient GTP to allow inactive state–selective inhibition. Here, we show that RGS3, a GAP previously known for regulating G protein–coupled receptors, can also enhance the GTPase activity of mutant and wild-type KRAS proteins. Our study reveals an unexpected mechanism that inactivates KRAS and explains the vulnerability to emerging clinically effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanchuan Li
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, New York, NY 10065
| | - Alberto Vides
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, New York, NY 10065
| | - Dongsung Kim
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, New York, NY 10065
| | - Jenny Xue
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College and Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Yulei Zhao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, New York, NY 10065
| | - Piro Lito
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College and Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
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26
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Sreedurgalakshmi K, Srikar R, Harikrishnan K, Srinivasan L, Rajkumari R. Cetuximab-siRNA Conjugate Linked Through Cationized Gelatin Knocks Down KRAS G12C Mutation in NSCLC Sensitizing the Cells Toward Gefitinib. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211041453. [PMID: 34542333 PMCID: PMC8461128 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211041453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivery of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) has been of great interest in the past decade for effective gene silencing. To overcome synthetic and regulatory challenges posed by nanoparticle-mediated siRNA delivery, antibody–siRNA conjugate (ARC) platform is emerging as a potential siRNA delivery system suitable for clinical translation. Herein, we have developed a delivery technology based on the ARC platform for stable delivery of siRNA called as Gelatin-Antibody Delivery System (GADS). In GADS, positively charged gelatin acts as a linker between antibody–siRNA and enables the endosomal escape of siRNA for gene silencing postcellular internalization. For proof of concept, we synthesized a scalable GADS conjugate comprising of Cetuximab (CTB), cationized gelatin (cGel) and NSCLC KRASG12C-specific siRNA. CTB was chemically conjugated to cGel through an amide link to form the CTB–cGel complex. Thereafter, siRNA was chemically conjugated to the cGel moiety of the complex through the thioether link to form CTB–cGel–siRNA conjugate. RP-HPLC analysis was used to monitor the reaction while gel retardation assay was used to determine siRNA loading capacity. SPR analysis showed the preservation of ligand binding affinity of antibody conjugates with KD of ∼0.3 nM. Furthermore, cellular internalization study using florescent microscopy revealed receptor-mediated endocytosis. The conjugate targeted EGFR receptor of KRAS mutant NSCLC to specifically knockdown G12C mutation. The oncogene knockdown sensitized the cells toward small molecule inhibitor—Gefitinib causing ∼70% loss in cell viability. Western blot analysis revealed significant downregulation for various RAS downstream proteins postoncogene knockdown. Comparison of the efficiency of GADS vis-à-vis positive siRNA control and CRISPR–Cas9-based knockout of KRAS Exon 2 in the NCI-H23 NSCLC cell line suggests GADS as a potential technology for clinical translation of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Sreedurgalakshmi
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- R&D, Levim Biotech LLP, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - R. Srikar
- R&D, Levim Biotech LLP, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- R. Srikar, Division of Biosimilars and Gene Therapy, R&D,
Levim Biotech LLP, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Reena Rajkumari, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India.
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27
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Pan S, Wang Q, Zhang Q, Zhou M, Li L, Zhou X. A novel circular RNA, circPUS7 promotes cadmium-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells by regulating Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog expression via sponging miR-770. Metallomics 2021; 13:6316787. [PMID: 34232319 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium is a human carcinogen, which induces cancers by mechanisms that are not fully understood. Induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis resistance, genotoxic effects, and epigenetic modulations have been indicated to regulate cadmium-induced carcinogenesis. Circular RNAs are epigenetic regulators that have been recognized to play essential roles in carcinogenesis. Yet, the involvement of circular RNAs in cadmium carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, a novel circular RNA, circPUS7, was identified and described for the first time. CircPUS7 was significantly upregulated at week 12, 16, and 20 during the cadmium-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Knockdown of circPUS7 in cadmium-transformed BEAS-2B (T-BEAS-2B) cells significantly attenuated transformation markers including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. Moreover, circPUS7 promoted malignant phenotypes by competitively binding with miR-770. Overexpression of miR-770 significantly inhibited the transformation properties of T-BEAS-2B cells while inhibition of miR-770 potently reversed the inhibitory effects of circPUS7 knockdown in proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of the T-BEAS-2B cells. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), which was increased synchronically with circPUS7 during cadmium-induced cell transformation, was regulated by circPUS7 through sponging miR-770. In summary, our findings demonstrate that circPUS7 promotes cadmium-induced cell transformation through sponging miR-770 to regulate KRAS expression, providing a new perspective with the involvement of circular RNAs to further understand the mechanisms of cadmium carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Pan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Luyao Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
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28
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Combination Therapy with KRAS and P38α siRNA Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Growth and Development in SW480 Cell Line. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 53:597-604. [PMID: 34292499 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00667-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalence malignancies in a different society with a high rate of death. The KRAS and p38α axes have critical roles in the development, migration, and growth of numerous tumors, such as colorectal malignancy. KRAS mutation acts as an oncogene in various cancers and is correlated with the poor prognosis in colorectal tumors. Also, p38α plays different roles and exhibits tissue-dependent activity. In some tissues act as an oncogene while in others act as a tumor suppressor. In this research, we try to understand the effect of the P38α and KRAS genes suppression by specific siRNAs on the SW480 cell line progression. METHODS We evaluate the impact of the P38α and KRAS gene knockdown by special siRNA on the growth and development of the SW480 cell line. SW480 cell line was treated with KRAS and P38α siRNAs, and the cell viability, gene expression, migration ability, and rate of apoptosis were evaluated with MTT assay, real-time PCR, scratch test, and flow cytometry. RESULTS After treatment of the cancer cell with KRAs and P38α siRNAs, cell viability reduced to 29.16%. Also, the expression levels of the KRAS and P38α genes reduced to 26.34% and 16.06%, respectively. Apoptosis rate after combination therapy with KRAS and P38α siRNAs increased to 72.1. Also, we found that these siRNAs suppress cell migration in SW480 cell lines. CONCLUSION The current study showed that combination therapy with p38α and KRAS siRNA may be considered a novel therapy for colorectal tumor in future.
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29
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Sayama H, Marcantonio D, Nagashima T, Shimazaki M, Minematsu T, Apgar JF, Burke JM, Wille L, Nagasaka Y, Kirouac DC. Virtual clinical trial simulations for a novel KRAS G12C inhibitor (ASP2453) in non-small cell lung cancer. CPT-PHARMACOMETRICS & SYSTEMS PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 10:864-877. [PMID: 34043291 PMCID: PMC8376128 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is a small GTPase family protein that relays extracellular growth signals to cell nucleus. KRASG12C mutations lead to constitutive proliferation signaling and are prevalent across human cancers. ASP2453 is a novel, highly potent, and selective inhibitor of KRASG12C . Although preclinical data suggested impressive efficacy, it remains unclear whether ASP2453 will show more favorable clinical response compared to more advanced competitors, such as AMG 510. Here, we developed a quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model linking KRAS signaling to tumor growth in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The model was parameterized using in vitro ERK1/2 phosphorylation and in vivo xenograft data for ASP2453. Publicly disclosed clinical data for AMG 510 were used to generate a virtual population, and tumor size changes in response to ASP2453 and AMG 510 were simulated. The QSP model predicted ASP2453 exhibits greater clinical response than AMG 510, supporting potential differentiation and critical thinking for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Masashi Shimazaki
- Astellas Research Institute of America LLC, Northbrook, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | - John M Burke
- Applied BioMath LLC, Concord, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lucia Wille
- Applied BioMath LLC, Concord, Massachusetts, USA
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30
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Teng KW, Tsai ST, Hattori T, Fedele C, Koide A, Yang C, Hou X, Zhang Y, Neel BG, O'Bryan JP, Koide S. Selective and noncovalent targeting of RAS mutants for inhibition and degradation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2656. [PMID: 33976200 PMCID: PMC8113534 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22969-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating mutants of RAS are commonly found in human cancers, but to date selective targeting of RAS in the clinic has been limited to KRAS(G12C) through covalent inhibitors. Here, we report a monobody, termed 12VC1, that recognizes the active state of both KRAS(G12V) and KRAS(G12C) up to 400-times more tightly than wild-type KRAS. The crystal structures reveal that 12VC1 recognizes the mutations through a shallow pocket, and 12VC1 competes against RAS-effector interaction. When expressed intracellularly, 12VC1 potently inhibits ERK activation and the proliferation of RAS-driven cancer cell lines in vitro and in mouse xenograft models. 12VC1 fused to VHL selectively degrades the KRAS mutants and provides more extended suppression of mutant RAS activity than inhibition by 12VC1 alone. These results demonstrate the feasibility of selective targeting and degradation of KRAS mutants in the active state with noncovalent reagents and provide a starting point for designing noncovalent therapeutics against oncogenic RAS mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wen Teng
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven T Tsai
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takamitsu Hattori
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmine Fedele
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akiko Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yingkai Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin G Neel
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - John P O'Bryan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Shohei Koide
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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31
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Hossian AN, Mackenzie GG, Mattheolabakis G. Combination of miR‑143 and miR‑506 reduces lung and pancreatic cancer cell growth through the downregulation of cyclin‑dependent kinases. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:2. [PMID: 33649787 PMCID: PMC7876997 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) and pancreatic cancer (PC) are the first and fourth leading causes of cancer‑related deaths in the US. Deregulated cell cycle progression is the cornerstone for rapid cell proliferation, tumor development, and progression. Here, we provide evidence that a novel combinatorial miR treatment inhibits cell cycle progression at two phase transitions, through their activity on the CDK4 and CDK1 genes. Following transfection with miR‑143 and miR‑506, we analyzed the differential gene expression of CDK4 and CDK1, using qPCR or western blot analysis, and evaluated cell cycle inhibition, apoptosis and cytotoxicity. The combinatorial miR‑143/506 treatment downregulated CDK4 and CDK1 levels, and induced apoptosis in LC cells, while sparing normal lung fibroblasts. Moreover, the combinatorial miR treatment demonstrated a comparable activity to clinically tested cell cycle inhibitors in inhibiting cell cycle progression, by presenting substantial inhibition at the G1/S and G2/M cell cycle transitions. More importantly, the miR‑143/506 treatment presented a broader application, effectively downregulating CDK1 and CDK4 levels, and reducing cell growth in PC cells. These findings suggest that the miR‑143/506 combination acts as a promising approach to inhibit cell cycle progression for cancer treatment with minimal toxicity to normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.K.M. Nawshad Hossian
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | | | - George Mattheolabakis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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32
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Nguyen K, Wang Y, England WE, Chaput JC, Spitale RC. Allele-Specific RNA Knockdown with a Biologically Stable and Catalytically Efficient XNAzyme. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:4519-4523. [PMID: 33750115 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c11353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of allele-specific single nucleotide mutations in RNA is a major challenge in biology and medicine. Herein, we describe the utility of the XNAzyme X10-23 to knock down allele-specific mRNA sequences in cells. We demonstrate the value of this approach by targeting the "undruggable" mutation G12V in oncogenic KRAS. Our results demonstrate how catalytic XNAs could be employed to suppress the expression of mRNAs carrying disease-causing mutations that are difficult to target at the protein level with small molecule therapeutics.
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33
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Liu J, Sun M, Cho KB, Gao X, Guo B. A CRISPR-Cas9 repressor for epigenetic silencing of KRAS. Pharmacol Res 2021; 164:105304. [PMID: 33202255 PMCID: PMC8422974 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in cancers. Currently no direct and effective anti-KRAS therapies are available. Using the powerful CRISPR-Cas9 technology to target the mutant KRAS promoter, we designed an epigenetic repressor to silence KRAS through epigenome editing. Catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) functioned as a DNA binding device, which was fused with a transcriptional repressor histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). We designed a panel of three CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) covering 1500-bp range of the KRAS promoter and identified that crRNA1 and crRNA2 efficiently silenced KRAS. The suppression of K-Ras resulted in a significant inhibition of cell growth, suppression of colony formation in soft agar and induction of cell death in cancer cells with KRAS mutations. In addition, the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay demonstrated dCas9-HDAC1 modified histone acetylation on the KRAS promoter. Furthermore, transfection of dCas9-HDAC1 protein and gRNA ribonucleoprotein complex also inhibited K-Ras and suppressed cell proliferation. In summary, we have developed a new strategy that combines CRISPR-Cas9 technology with HDAC1 epigenetic silencing to target cancers driven by KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, United States
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, United States; College of Laboratory Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin Province, 132013, China.
| | - Kwang Bog Cho
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, United States
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, United States
| | - Bin Guo
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, United States.
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34
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Sundara Rajan S, Ludwig KR, Hall KL, Jones TL, Caplen NJ. Cancer biology functional genomics: From small RNAs to big dreams. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1343-1361. [PMID: 33043516 PMCID: PMC7702050 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The year 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the first publications reporting the discovery of the gene silencing mechanism, RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells. Along with the many studies that delineated the proteins and substrates that form the RNAi pathway, this finding changed our understanding of the posttranscriptional regulation of mammalian gene expression. Furthermore, the development of methods that exploited the RNAi pathway began the technological revolution that eventually enabled the interrogation of mammalian gene function-from a single gene to the whole genome-in only a few days. The needs of the cancer research community have driven much of this progress. In this perspective, we highlight milestones in the development and application of RNAi-based methods to study carcinogenesis. We discuss how RNAi-based functional genetic analysis of exemplar tumor suppressors and oncogenes furthered our understanding of cancer initiation and progression and explore how such studies formed the basis of genome-wide scale efforts to identify cancer or cancer-type specific vulnerabilities, including studies conducted in vivo. Furthermore, we examine how RNAi technologies have revealed new cancer-relevant molecular targets and the implications for cancer of the first RNAi-based drugs. Finally, we discuss the future of functional genetic analysis, highlighting the increasing availability of complementary approaches to analyze cancer gene function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Sundara Rajan
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katelyn R. Ludwig
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Katherine L. Hall
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Tamara L. Jones
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Natasha J. Caplen
- Functional Genetics Section, Genetics BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIHBethesdaMarylandUSA
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35
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Kumar V, Yadavilli S, Kannan R. A review on RNAi therapy for NSCLC: Opportunities and challenges. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 13:e1677. [PMID: 33174364 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the primary cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite developments in chemotherapy and targeted therapies, the 5-year survival rate has remained at approximately 16% for the last four decades. NSCLC is a heterogeneous group of tumors that, through mutations and drivers, also demonstrate intra-tumor heterogeneity. Thus, current treatment approaches revolve around targeting these oncogenes, often using small molecule inhibitors and chemotherapeutics. However, the efficacy of these therapies has been crippled by acquired and inherent drug-resistance in the tumor, accompanied by increased therapeutic dosages and subsequent devastating off-target effects for patients. Evidently, there is a critical need for developing treatment methodologies more effective than the current standard of care. Fortunately, RNA interference, particularly small interfering RNA (siRNA), presents an alternative of silencing specific oncogenes to control tumor growth. Although siRNA therapy is subject to rapid degradation and poor internalization in vivo, nanoparticles can serve as nontoxic and efficient delivery vehicles, even introducing combinational delivery of multiple therapeutic agents. Indeed, siRNA-nanoconstructs possess extraordinary potential as an innovative modality to address clinical needs. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the recent advancements in the development of novel nanosystems for delivering siRNA to NSCLC tumors and analyzes the efficacy of representative examples. By illuminating the most promising biomarkers for silencing, we hope to streamline current therapeutic efforts and highlight powerful translational opportunities to combat NSCLC. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Kumar
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sairam Yadavilli
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Raghuraman Kannan
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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36
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Allard B, Allard D, Buisseret L, Stagg J. The adenosine pathway in immuno-oncology. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2020; 17:611-629. [PMID: 32514148 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-0382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy based on immune-checkpoint inhibition or adoptive cell therapy has revolutionized cancer care. Nevertheless, a large proportion of patients do not benefit from such treatments. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in the development of 'next-generation' therapeutics in immuno-oncology, with inhibitors of extracellular adenosine (eADO) signalling constituting an expanding class of agents. Induced by tissue hypoxia, inflammation, tissue repair and specific oncogenic pathways, the adenosinergic axis is a broadly immunosuppressive pathway that regulates both innate and adaptive immune responses. Inhibition of eADO-generating enzymes and/or eADO receptors can promote antitumour immunity through multiple mechanisms, including enhancement of T cell and natural killer cell function, suppression of the pro-tumourigenic effects of myeloid cells and other immunoregulatory cells, and promotion of antigen presentation. With several clinical trials currently evaluating inhibitors of the eADO pathway in patients with cancer, we herein review the pathophysiological function of eADO with a focus on effects on antitumour immunity. We also discuss the treatment opportunities, potential limitations and biomarker-based strategies related to adenosine-targeted therapy in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Allard
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Allard
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laurence Buisseret
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - John Stagg
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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37
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Joo JI, Choi M, Jang SH, Choi S, Park SM, Shin D, Cho KH. Realizing Cancer Precision Medicine by Integrating Systems Biology and Nanomaterial Engineering. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1906783. [PMID: 32253807 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many clinical trials for cancer precision medicine have yielded unsatisfactory results due to challenges such as drug resistance and low efficacy. Drug resistance is often caused by the complex compensatory regulation within the biomolecular network in a cancer cell. Recently, systems biological studies have modeled and simulated such complex networks to unravel the hidden mechanisms of drug resistance and identify promising new drug targets or combinatorial or sequential treatments for overcoming resistance to anticancer drugs. However, many of the identified targets or treatments present major difficulties for drug development and clinical application. Nanocarriers represent a path forward for developing therapies with these "undruggable" targets or those that require precise combinatorial or sequential application, for which conventional drug delivery mechanisms are unsuitable. Conversely, a challenge in nanomedicine has been low efficacy due to heterogeneity of cancers in patients. This problem can also be resolved through systems biological approaches by identifying personalized targets for individual patients or promoting the drug responses. Therefore, integration of systems biology and nanomaterial engineering will enable the clinical application of cancer precision medicine to overcome both drug resistance of conventional treatments and low efficacy of nanomedicine due to patient heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Il Joo
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Hoon Jang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sea Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Min Park
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongkwan Shin
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Cho
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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38
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Bond M, Chu L, Nalawansha DA, Li K, Crews CM. Targeted Degradation of Oncogenic KRAS G12C by VHL-Recruiting PROTACs. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:1367-1375. [PMID: 32875077 PMCID: PMC7453568 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
KRAS is mutated in ∼20% of human cancers and is one of the most sought-after targets for pharmacological modulation, despite having historically been considered "undruggable." The discovery of potent covalent inhibitors of the KRASG12C mutant in recent years has sparked a new wave of interest in small molecules targeting KRAS. While these inhibitors have shown promise in the clinic, we wanted to explore PROTAC-mediated degradation as a complementary strategy to modulate mutant KRAS. Herein, we report the development of LC-2, the first PROTAC capable of degrading endogenous KRASG12C. LC-2 covalently binds KRASG12C with a MRTX849 warhead and recruits the E3 ligase VHL, inducing rapid and sustained KRASG12C degradation leading to suppression of MAPK signaling in both homozygous and heterozygous KRASG12C cell lines. LC-2 demonstrates that PROTAC-mediated degradation is a viable option for attenuating oncogenic KRAS levels and downstream signaling in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael
J. Bond
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Ling Chu
- Department
of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Dhanusha A. Nalawansha
- Department
of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Ke Li
- Department
of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Craig M. Crews
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department
of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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39
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Passiglia F, Malapelle U, Del Re M, Righi L, Pagni F, Furlan D, Danesi R, Troncone G, Novello S. KRAS inhibition in non-small cell lung cancer: Past failures, new findings and upcoming challenges. Eur J Cancer 2020; 137:57-68. [PMID: 32745965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), for a long time it has been defined as an 'undruggable target', with precision medicine not considered as an adequate approach to treat this subgroup of patients. After several years of efforts, preliminary data from early clinical trials have recently demonstrated that direct pharmacological inhibition of KRAS p.G12C mutation is possible, emerging as an effective targeted treatment for about 10-12% of patients with advanced NSCLC, with potential relevant impact on their long-term survival and quality of life. This review reports the current status of KRAS mutations detection in the Italian real-word scenario, summarises the biological basis of KRAS inhibition in NSCLC and provides an updated overview of therapeutic strategies, discussing the potential reasons for past failures and analysing the upcoming challenges related to the advent of new targeted agents in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Passiglia
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano (TO), Italy.
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Marzia Del Re
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Luisella Righi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano (TO), Italy.
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano- Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy.
| | - Daniela Furlan
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy.
| | - Romano Danesi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Silvia Novello
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, S. Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano (TO), Italy.
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40
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Pereira-Silva M, Jarak I, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Concheiro A, Santos AC, Veiga F, Figueiras A. Micelleplexes as nucleic acid delivery systems for cancer-targeted therapies. J Control Release 2020; 323:442-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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41
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Tripathi SK, Pandey K, Rengasamy KRR, Biswal BK. Recent updates on the resistance mechanisms to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and resistance reversion strategies in lung cancer. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:2132-2176. [PMID: 32596830 DOI: 10.1002/med.21700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have led to a substantial improvement in the prognosis of lung cancer patients by explicitly targeting the activating mutations within the EGFR. Initially, patients harboring tumors with EGFR mutations show progression-free survival and improvement in the response rates toward all-generation EGFR-TKIs; however, these agents fail to deliver the intended results in the long-term due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize specific cardinal mechanisms that regulate the resistance phenomenon. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying EGFR-TKIs resistance in lung cancer could provide cognizance for more advanced targeted therapeutics. The present review features insights into current updates on the discrete mechanisms, including secondary or tertiary mutations, parallel and downstream signaling pathways, acquiring an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature, microRNAs (miRNAs), and epigenetic alterations, which lead to intrinsic and acquired resistance against EGFR-TKIs in lung cancer. In addition, this paper also reviews current possible strategies to overcome this issue using combination treatment of recently developed MET inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors or immunotherapies, transformation of EMT, targeting miRNAs, and epigenetic alterations in intrinsic and acquired EGFR-TKIs resistant lung cancer. In conclusion, multiple factors are responsible for intrinsic and acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and understanding of the detailed molecular mechanisms, and recent advancements in pharmacological studies are needed to develop new strategies to overcome intrinsic and acquired EGFR-TKIs resistance in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya K Tripathi
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, India
| | - Kamal Pandey
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, India
| | - Kannan R R Rengasamy
- Department of Bioresources and Food Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bijesh K Biswal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Laboratory, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, India
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42
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Ruiz CF, Montal ED, Haley JA, Bott AJ, Haley JD. SREBP1 regulates mitochondrial metabolism in oncogenic KRAS expressing NSCLC. FASEB J 2020; 34:10574-10589. [PMID: 32568455 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000052r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells require extensive metabolic reprograming in order to provide the bioenergetics and macromolecular precursors needed to sustain a malignant phenotype. Mutant KRAS is a driver oncogene that is well-known for its ability to regulate the ERK and PI3K signaling pathways. However, it is now appreciated that KRAS can promote the tumor growth via upregulation of anabolic metabolism. We recently reported that oncogenic KRAS promotes a gene expression program of de novo lipogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To define the mechanism(s) responsible, we focused on the lipogenic transcription factor SREBP1. We observed that KRAS increases SREBP1 expression and genetic knockdown of SREBP1 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of mutant KRAS-expressing cells. Unexpectedly, lipogenesis was not significantly altered in cells subject to SREBP1 knockdown. Carbon tracing metabolic studies showed a significant decrease in oxidative phosphorylation and RNA-seq data revealed a significant decrease in mitochondrial encoded subunits of the electron transport chain (ETC). Taken together, these data support a novel role, distinct from lipogenesis, of SREBP1 on mitochondrial function in mutant KRAS NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian F Ruiz
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emily D Montal
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - John A Haley
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alex J Bott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - John D Haley
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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43
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Saad MI, Alhayyani S, McLeod L, Yu L, Alanazi M, Deswaerte V, Tang K, Jarde T, Smith JA, Prodanovic Z, Tate MD, Balic JJ, Watkins DN, Cain JE, Bozinovski S, Algar E, Kohmoto T, Ebi H, Ferlin W, Garbers C, Ruwanpura S, Sagi I, Rose-John S, Jenkins BJ. ADAM17 selectively activates the IL-6 trans-signaling/ERK MAPK axis in KRAS-addicted lung cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 11:emmm.201809976. [PMID: 30833304 PMCID: PMC6460353 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS mutations are major drivers of lung adenocarcinoma (LAC), yet the direct therapeutic targeting of KRAS has been problematic. Here, we reveal an obligate requirement by oncogenic KRAS for the ADAM17 protease in LAC In genetically engineered and xenograft (human cell line and patient-derived) Kras G12D-driven LAC models, the specific blockade of ADAM17, including with a non-toxic prodomain inhibitor, suppressed tumor burden by reducing cellular proliferation. The pro-tumorigenic activity of ADAM17 was dependent upon its threonine phosphorylation by p38 MAPK, along with the preferential shedding of the ADAM17 substrate, IL-6R, to release soluble IL-6R that drives IL-6 trans-signaling via the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway. The requirement for ADAM17 in Kras G12D-driven LAC was independent of bone marrow-derived immune cells. Furthermore, in KRAS mutant human LAC, there was a significant positive correlation between augmented phospho-ADAM17 levels, observed primarily in epithelial rather than immune cells, and activation of ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. Collectively, these findings identify ADAM17 as a druggable target for oncogenic KRAS-driven LAC and provide the rationale to employ ADAM17-based therapeutic strategies for targeting KRAS mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I Saad
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Sultan Alhayyani
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Louise McLeod
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Liang Yu
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Mohammad Alanazi
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Virginie Deswaerte
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Ke Tang
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Thierry Jarde
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Julian A Smith
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Michelle D Tate
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Jesse J Balic
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - D Neil Watkins
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason E Cain
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Steven Bozinovski
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Elizabeth Algar
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Genetics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Monash Health, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Tomohiro Kohmoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Tokushima University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokushima, Japan.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ebi
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Advanced Cancer Therapeutics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Saleela Ruwanpura
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Irit Sagi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Institute of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Brendan J Jenkins
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia .,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
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44
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Valencia K, Erice O, Kostyrko K, Hausmann S, Guruceaga E, Tathireddy A, Flores NM, Sayles LC, Lee AG, Fragoso R, Sun TQ, Vallejo A, Roman M, Entrialgo-Cadierno R, Migueliz I, Razquin N, Fortes P, Lecanda F, Lu J, Ponz-Sarvise M, Chen CZ, Mazur PK, Sweet-Cordero EA, Vicent S. The Mir181ab1 cluster promotes KRAS-driven oncogenesis and progression in lung and pancreas. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1879-1895. [PMID: 31874105 PMCID: PMC7108928 DOI: 10.1172/jci129012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Few therapies are currently available for patients with KRAS-driven cancers, highlighting the need to identify new molecular targets that modulate central downstream effector pathways. Here we found that the microRNA (miRNA) cluster including miR181ab1 is a key modulator of KRAS-driven oncogenesis. Ablation of Mir181ab1 in genetically engineered mouse models of Kras-driven lung and pancreatic cancer was deleterious to tumor initiation and progression. Expression of both resident miRNAs in the Mir181ab1 cluster, miR181a1 and miR181b1, was necessary to rescue the Mir181ab1-loss phenotype, underscoring their nonredundant role. In human cancer cells, depletion of miR181ab1 impaired proliferation and 3D growth, whereas overexpression provided a proliferative advantage. Lastly, we unveiled miR181ab1-regulated genes responsible for this phenotype. These studies identified what we believe to be a previously unknown role for miR181ab1 as a potential therapeutic target in 2 highly aggressive and difficult to treat KRAS-mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karmele Valencia
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Oihane Erice
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Kaja Kostyrko
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Simone Hausmann
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Guruceaga
- Bioinformatics Platform, Center for Applied Medical Research, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Natasha M. Flores
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Leanne C. Sayles
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alex G. Lee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rita Fragoso
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Adrian Vallejo
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Roman
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Entrialgo-Cadierno
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Itziar Migueliz
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nerea Razquin
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Puri Fortes
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Lecanda
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jun Lu
- Genetics Department, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Department of Medical Oncology, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Chang-Zheng Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Achelois Oncology, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Pawel K. Mazur
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Silvestre Vicent
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pamplona, Spain
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45
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Xue JY, Zhao Y, Aronowitz J, Mai TT, Vides A, Qeriqi B, Kim D, Li C, de Stanchina E, Mazutis L, Risso D, Lito P. Rapid non-uniform adaptation to conformation-specific KRAS(G12C) inhibition. Nature 2020; 577:421-425. [PMID: 31915379 PMCID: PMC7308074 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1884-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
KRAS GTPases are activated in one-third of cancers, and KRAS(G12C) is one of the most common activating alterations in lung adenocarcinoma1,2. KRAS(G12C) inhibitors3,4 are in phase-I clinical trials and early data show partial responses in nearly half of patients with lung cancer. How cancer cells bypass inhibition to prevent maximal response to therapy is not understood. Because KRAS(G12C) cycles between an active and inactive conformation4-6, and the inhibitors bind only to the latter, we tested whether isogenic cell populations respond in a non-uniform manner by studying the effect of treatment at a single-cell resolution. Here we report that, shortly after treatment, some cancer cells are sequestered in a quiescent state with low KRAS activity, whereas others bypass this effect to resume proliferation. This rapid divergent response occurs because some quiescent cells produce new KRAS(G12C) in response to suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase output. New KRAS(G12C) is maintained in its active, drug-insensitive state by epidermal growth factor receptor and aurora kinase signalling. Cells without these adaptive changes-or cells in which these changes are pharmacologically inhibited-remain sensitive to drug treatment, because new KRAS(G12C) is either not available or exists in its inactive, drug-sensitive state. The direct targeting of KRAS oncoproteins has been a longstanding objective in precision oncology. Our study uncovers a flexible non-uniform fitness mechanism that enables groups of cells within a population to rapidly bypass the effect of treatment. This adaptive process must be overcome if we are to achieve complete and durable responses in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Y Xue
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College and Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yulei Zhao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jordan Aronowitz
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Trang T Mai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Vides
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Besnik Qeriqi
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dongsung Kim
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chuanchuan Li
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linas Mazutis
- Computational and Systems Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Davide Risso
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Piro Lito
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College and Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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46
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Che Y, Siprashvili Z, Kovalski JR, Jiang T, Wozniak G, Elcavage L, Khavari PA. KRAS regulation by small non-coding RNAs and SNARE proteins. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5118. [PMID: 31712554 PMCID: PMC6848142 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS receives and relays signals at the plasma membrane (PM) where it transmits extracellular growth factor signals to downstream effectors. SNORD50A/B were recently found to bind KRAS and inhibit its tumorigenic action by unknown mechanisms. KRAS proximity protein labeling was therefore undertaken in SNORD50A/B wild-type and knockout cells, revealing that SNORD50A/B RNAs shape the composition of proteins proximal to KRAS, notably by inhibiting KRAS proximity to the SNARE vesicular transport proteins SNAP23, SNAP29, and VAMP3. To remain enriched on the PM, KRAS undergoes cycles of endocytosis, solubilization, and vesicular transport to the PM. Here we report that SNAREs are essential for the final step of this process, with KRAS localization to the PM facilitated by SNAREs but antagonized by SNORD50A/B. Antagonism between SNORD50A/B RNAs and specific SNARE proteins thus controls KRAS localization, signaling, and tumorigenesis, and disrupting SNARE-enabled KRAS function represents a potential therapeutic opportunity in KRAS-driven cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglu Che
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Program in Cancer Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Zurab Siprashvili
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Program in Cancer Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Joanna R Kovalski
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Program in Cancer Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Tiffany Jiang
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Glenn Wozniak
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lara Elcavage
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Paul A Khavari
- Program in Epithelial Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Program in Cancer Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
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47
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Maj E, Trynda J, Maj B, Gębura K, Bogunia-Kubik K, Chodyński M, Kutner A, Wietrzyk J. Differential response of lung cancer cell lines to vitamin D derivatives depending on EGFR, KRAS, p53 mutation status and VDR polymorphism. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 193:105431. [PMID: 31326626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D reveals antiproliferative activity against many types of cancer cells. Calcitriol (1,25D3), the most active form of vitamin D3, acts mainly through the vitamin D receptor, regulating the expression of target genes. Cells with reasonable expression of VDR are considered to be sensitive to antiproliferative activity of 1,25D3. However, a few alleles of the VDR gene are correlated with higher or lower response to 1,25D3 treatment. The goal of our study was to establish if cells differing in EGFR, KRAS, p53 mutation status and VDR polymorphism were sensitive to antiproliferative activity of selected vitamin D derivatives (VDDs). In our search for the lead VDD against human lung cancer cells, we selected, for this study, low calcemic analogs of active forms of vitamin D2 and D3 that had previously shown anticancer potential. The selected cell lines revealed differential response to VDDs. The highest proliferation inhibition was observed for EGFR mutant cells while a weaker response was observed for KRAS and/or p53 mutant cells. 24,24-Dihomo-1,25D3 (PRI-1890) showed the highest activity on the VDD-sensitive cell lines (A549, HCC827, NCI-H1299, and NCI-H1703). Therefore, PRI-1890 was selected as the lead VDD for further structure optimization. None of the VDDs used in this study showed antiproliferative activity against A-427 and Calu-3. VDR polymorphisms correlated inversely with sensitivity to the antiproliferative activity of VDDs since we observed less transcriptionally active form of VDR in HCC827 cells sensitive to VDD, while more transcriptionally active form was observed in NCI-H358 cells that were stimulated by VDDs to proliferate. Lack of KRAS and p53 mutations in HCC827 cells may be, therefore, responsible for the higher antiproliferative activity of VDDs, while the presence of KRAS and/or p53 mutations in other cell lines might prevent antiproliferative activity even though the VDDs were transcriptionally active as assessed on increased CYP24A1 expression. VDR gene polymorphism is not directly responsible for the sensitivity of tested cells to VDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Maj
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Justyna Trynda
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Maj
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gębura
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michał Chodyński
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 8 Rydygiera, 01-793 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kutner
- Department of Bioanalysis and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Laboratory Medicine Division, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Wietrzyk
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Weigla, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
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48
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Hong BJ, Park WY, Kim HR, Moon JW, Lee HY, Park JH, Kim SK, Oh Y, Roe JS, Kim MY. Oncogenic KRAS Sensitizes Lung Adenocarcinoma to GSK-J4-Induced Metabolic and Oxidative Stress. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5849-5859. [PMID: 31506334 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-3511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic changes (e.g., histone methylation) contribute to cancer development and progression, but our understanding of whether and how specific mutations affect a cancer's sensitivity to histone demethylase (KDM) inhibitors is limited. Here, we evaluated the effects of a panel of KDM inhibitors on lung adenocarcinomas (LuAC) with various mutations. Notably, LuAC lines harboring KRAS mutations showed hypersensitivity to the histone H3K27 demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4. Specifically, GSK-J4 treatment of KRAS mutant-containing LuAC downregulated cell-cycle progression genes with increased H3K27me3. In addition, GSK-J4 upregulated expression of genes involved in glutamine/glutamate transport and metabolism. In line with this, GSK-J4 reduced cellular levels of glutamate, a key source of the TCA cycle intermediate α-ketoglutarate (αKG) and of the antioxidant glutathione, leading to reduced cell viability. Supplementation with an αKG analogue or glutathione protected KRAS-mutant LuAC cells from GSK-J4-mediated reductions in viability, suggesting GSK-J4 exerts its anticancer effects by inducing metabolic and oxidative stress. Importantly, KRAS knockdown in mutant LuAC lines prevented GSK-J4-induced decrease in glutamate levels and reduced their susceptibility to GSK-J4, whereas overexpression of oncogenic KRAS in wild-type LuAC lines sensitized them to GSK-J4. Collectively, our study uncovers a novel association between a genetic mutation and KDM inhibitor sensitivity and identifies the underlying mechanisms. This suggests GSK-J4 as a potential treatment option for cancer patients with KRAS mutations. SIGNIFICANCE: This study not only provides a novel association between KRAS mutation and GSK-J4 sensitivity but also demonstrates the underlying mechanisms, suggesting a potential use of GSK-J4 in cancer patients with KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beom-Jin Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Woo-Yong Park
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hwa-Ryeon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Woo Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Jun Hyung Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seon-Kyu Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Youngbin Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seok Roe
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Mi-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea. .,KAIST Institute for the BioCentury, Cancer Metastasis Control Center, Daejeon, South Korea
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49
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Lou K, Steri V, Ge AY, Hwang YC, Yogodzinski CH, Shkedi AR, Choi ALM, Mitchell DC, Swaney DL, Hann B, Gordan JD, Shokat KM, Gilbert LA. KRAS G12C inhibition produces a driver-limited state revealing collateral dependencies. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/583/eaaw9450. [PMID: 31138768 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaw9450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors targeting KRASG12C, a mutant form of the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) KRAS, are a promising new class of oncogene-specific therapeutics for the treatment of tumors driven by the mutant protein. These inhibitors react with the mutant cysteine residue by binding covalently to the switch-II pocket (S-IIP) that is present only in the inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound form of KRASG12C, sparing the wild-type protein. We used a genome-scale CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) functional genomics platform to systematically identify genetic interactions with a KRASG12C inhibitor in cellular models of KRASG12C mutant lung and pancreatic cancer. Our data revealed genes that were selectively essential in this oncogenic driver-limited cell state, meaning that their loss enhanced cellular susceptibility to direct KRASG12C inhibition. We termed such genes "collateral dependencies" (CDs) and identified two classes of combination therapies targeting these CDs that increased KRASG12C target engagement or blocked residual survival pathways in cells and in vivo. From our findings, we propose a framework for assessing genetic dependencies induced by oncogene inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Preclinical Therapeutics Core, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alex Y Ge
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Y Christina Hwang
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Christopher H Yogodzinski
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Arielle R Shkedi
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alex L M Choi
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Dominique C Mitchell
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Danielle L Swaney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Byron Hann
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Preclinical Therapeutics Core, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - John D Gordan
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Luke A Gilbert
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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50
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Daouk R, Hassane M, Bahmad HF, Sinjab A, Fujimoto J, Abou-Kheir W, Kadara H. Genome-Wide and Phenotypic Evaluation of Stem Cell Progenitors Derived From Gprc5a-Deficient Murine Lung Adenocarcinoma With Somatic Kras Mutations. Front Oncol 2019; 9:207. [PMID: 31001473 PMCID: PMC6454871 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00207] [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: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) with somatic mutations in the KRAS oncogene comprise the most common molecular subtype of lung cancer in smokers and present with overall dismal prognosis and resistance to most therapies. Our group recently demonstrated that tobacco carcinogen-exposed mice with knockout of the airway lineage G-protein coupled receptor, Gprc5a, develop LUADs with somatic mutations in Kras. Earlier work has suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play crucial roles in clonal evolution of tumors and in therapy resistance. To date, our understanding of CSCs in LUADs with somatic Kras mutations remains lagging. Here we derived CSCs (as spheres in 3D cultures) with self-renewal properties from a murine Kras-mutant LUAD cell line we previously established from a tobacco carcinogen-exposed Gprc5a−/− mouse. Using syngeneic Gprc5a−/− models, we found that these CSCs, compared to their parental isoforms, exhibited increased tumorigenic potential in vivo, particularly in female animals. Using whole-transcriptome sequencing coupled with pathways analysis and confirmatory PCR, we identified gene features (n = 2,600) differentially expressed in the CSCs compared to parental cells and that were enriched with functional modules associated with an augmented malignant phenotype including stemness, tumor-promoting inflammation and anti-oxidant responses. Further, based on in silico predicted activation of GSK3β in CSCs, we found that tideglusib, an irreversible inhibitor of the kinase, exhibited marked anti-growth effects in the cultured CSCs. Our study underscores molecular cues in the pathogenesis of Kras-mutant LUAD and presents new models to study the evolution, and thus high-potential targets, of this aggressive malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Daouk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Hassane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ansam Sinjab
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Junya Fujimoto
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Humam Kadara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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