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Serioli S, Agostini L, Pietrantoni A, Valeri F, Costanza F, Chiloiro S, Buffoli B, Piazza A, Poliani PL, Peris-Celda M, Iavarone F, Gaudino S, Gessi M, Schinzari G, Mattogno PP, Giampietro A, De Marinis L, Pontecorvi A, Fontanella MM, Lauretti L, Rindi G, Olivi A, Bianchi A, Doglietto F. Aggressive PitNETs and Potential Target Therapies: A Systematic Review of Molecular and Genetic Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15719. [PMID: 37958702 PMCID: PMC10650665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115719] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have allowed a more thorough understanding of tumorigenesis in aggressive PitNETs (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors) through the identification of specific essential genes, crucial molecular pathways, regulators, and effects of the tumoral microenvironment. Target therapies have been developed to cure oncology patients refractory to traditional treatments, introducing the concept of precision medicine. Preliminary data on PitNETs are derived from preclinical studies conducted on cell cultures, animal models, and a few case reports or small case series. This study comprehensively reviews the principal pathways involved in aggressive PitNETs, describing the potential target therapies. A search was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science for English papers published between 1 January 2004, and 15 June 2023. 254 were selected, and the topics related to aggressive PitNETs were recorded and discussed in detail: epigenetic aspects, membrane proteins and receptors, metalloprotease, molecular pathways, PPRK, and the immune microenvironment. A comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms linked to PitNETs' aggressiveness and invasiveness is crucial. Despite promising preliminary findings, additional research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the indications and effectiveness of target therapies for PitNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Serioli
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Ludovico Agostini
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Federico Valeri
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Flavia Costanza
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Chiloiro
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Barbara Buffoli
- Section of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Amedeo Piazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Division, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Peris-Celda
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Federica Iavarone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS “A. Gemelli”, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Gaudino
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Institute of Radiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Gessi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Mattogno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonella Giampietro
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura De Marinis
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Marco Maria Fontanella
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Liverana Lauretti
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guido Rindi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Olivi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonio Bianchi
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Pituitary Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Doglietto
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Rome, Italy; (L.A.); (F.V.); (F.C.); (S.G.); (M.G.); (G.S.); (L.D.M.); (A.P.); (L.L.); (G.R.); (A.O.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
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Derwich A, Sykutera M, Bromińska B, Rubiś B, Ruchała M, Sawicka-Gutaj N. The Role of Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK Pathways in Aggressive Pituitary Adenomas-New Potential Therapeutic Approach-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10952. [PMID: 37446128 PMCID: PMC10341524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary tumors (PT) are mostly benign, although occasionally they demonstrate aggressive behavior, invasion of surrounding tissues, rapid growth, resistance to conventional treatments, and multiple recurrences. The pathogenesis of PT is still not fully understood, and the factors responsible for its invasiveness, aggressiveness, and potential for metastasis are unknown. RAF/MEK/ERK and mTOR signaling are significant pathways in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and survival, its importance in tumorigenesis has been highlighted. The aim of our review is to determine the role of the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors. Additionally, we evaluate their potential in a new therapeutic approach to provide alternative therapies and improved outcomes for patients with aggressive pituitary tumors that do not respond to standard treatment. We perform a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases (search date was 2012-2023). Out of the 529 screened studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria, 7 related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and 7 to the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway (one study was used in both analyses). Understanding the specific factors involved in PT tumorigenesis provides opportunities for targeted therapies. We also review the possible new targeted therapies and the use of mTOR inhibitors and TKI in PT management. Although the RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways play a pivotal role in the complex signaling network along with many interactions, further research is urgently needed to clarify the exact functions and the underlying mechanisms of these signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas and their role in its invasiveness and aggressive clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Derwich
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Sykutera
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Barbara Bromińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
| | - Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznan, Poland; (A.D.)
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Wang YC, Hui JR, Xiao G, Ma QL. Mechanism of Key Ingredient of Astragalus membranaceus on Lung Adenocarcinoma via PI3K/AKT Signaling Clarified by Utilizing Network Pharmacology Approach and Experimental Validation. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:244-252. [PMID: 36044117 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-022-3681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of the effect of Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) on lung adenocarcinoma at the molecular level to elucidate the specific targets according to the network pharmacology approach. METHODS The active components of A. membranaceus and their potential targets were collected from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database. Lung adenocarcinoma-associated genes were acquired based on GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), PharmGKB, and Therapeutic Targets databases. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related genes were obtained using Reactome portal. Networks of "ingredient-target" and "ingredient-target-pathway-disease" were constructed using the Cytoscape3.6.0 software. The relationships among targets were analyzed according protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Finally, molecular docking was applied to construct the binding conformation between active ingredients and core targets. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and Western blot assays were performed to determine the mechanism of the key ingredient of A. membranaceus. RESULTS A total of 20 active components and their 329 targets, and 7,501 lung adenocarcinoma-related genes and 130 PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related genes were obtained. According to Venn diagram and PPI network analysis, 2 mainly active ingredients, including kaempferol and quercetin, and 6 core targets, including TP53, MAPK1, EGF, AKT1, ERBB2, and EGFR, were identified. The two important active ingredients of A. membranaceus, kaempferol and quercetin, exert the therapeutic effect in lung adenocarcinoma partly by acting on the 6 core targets (TP53, MAPK1, EGF, AKT1, ERBB2, and EGFR) of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Expressions of potential targets in lung adenocarcinoma and normal samples were analyzed by using UALCAN portal and found that ERBB2 was overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and upregulation of it correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. Finally, quercetin repressed viabilities of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting ERBB2 on PI3K/AKT signaling confirmed by CCK8 and Western blot. CONCLUSION Our finding unraveled that an active ingredient of A. membranaceus, quercetin, significantly inhibited the lung adenocarcinoma cells proliferation by repressing ERBB2 level and inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chun Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China. .,Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712000, China.
| | - Jian-Rong Hui
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- First Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712000, China
| | - Qiao-Lin Ma
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, China
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Jo H, Park Y, Kim J, Kwon H, Kim T, Lee J, Pyun JC, Lee M, Yun M. Elevated miR-16-5p induces somatostatin receptor 2 expression in neuroendocrine tumor cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240107. [PMID: 33045023 PMCID: PMC7549806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatostatin analogs, which are used to treat neuroendocrine tumors, inhibit hormone secretion or promote tumor shrinkage; however, their efficacy varies between patients, possibly because of differential expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) in tumors. In this study, we evaluated the regulatory mechanism underlying the expression of SSTR2, the main octreotide target. Thirty miRNAs were found to be dysregulated in neuroendocrine cells (INS-1 cells) incubated with octreotide compared to that in placebo-treated cells. Among the upregulated miRNAs, miR-16-5p was elevated after short-term octreotide treatment. We conducted in vitro experiments to determine whether the expression of miR-16-5p was associated with the regulation of SSTR2 expression and affected octreotide sensitivity in INS-1 cells. Overexpression of miR-16-5p by transfected mimics induced upregulation of SSTR2 expression. Additionally, the expression of miR-16-5p further enhanced octreotide-induced reduction in cell proliferation in both two- and three-dimensional culture of INS-1 cells. Thus, our results reveal the mechanism underlying SSTR2 expression regulation and may aid in developing therapeutic approaches for enhancing the response to octreotide, particularly in patients unresponsive to SSTR2-targeted somatostatin analog treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- HanHee Jo
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yusun Park
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jisu Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Hyeonjeong Kwon
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Taehun Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - JongSook Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jae-Chul Pyun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Misu Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
- * E-mail: (ML); (MY)
| | - Mijin Yun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- * E-mail: (ML); (MY)
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The beneficial role of SIRT1 activator on chemo- and radiosensitization of breast cancer cells in response to IL-6. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 47:129-139. [PMID: 31781916 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor environmental cytokines, such as IL-6, has a major role in the outcome of radiation and chemotherapy. In this study, we hypothesized that IL-6 mediates its effects via SIRT1 as a protein deacetylase and activator of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathways. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of the novel dual inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin, NVP-BEZ235, and SIRT1 inhibitor and activator plus radiotherapy in breast cancer cells treated with IL-6. Here, IL-6 untreated/pretreated human breast cancer cells were cultured with single or combination of NVP-BEZ235 and/or SIRT1 activator (SRT1720)/inhibitor (EX-527) under radiotherapy condition. After all treatments, the MTT assay and flow cytometry assay were used to explore cell viability and the ability of our treatments in altering cancer stem cells (CSCs) population or cellular death (apoptosis + necrosis) induction. Simultaneous exposure to NVP-BEZ235 and SRT1720 sensitized breast cancer cells to radiotherapy but elevated CSCs. Treatment with IL-6 for 2 weeks significantly decreased CSCs population. Activation of SIRT1 via SRT1720 in combination with NVP-BEZ235 significantly decreased breast cancer cells viability in IL-6 pretreatment cultures. Inhibition of SIRT1 via EX-527 diminished the beneficial effects of IL-6 pretreatment. The combination of NVP-BEZ235 and SRT1720 as a SIRT1 activation could effectively decrease breast cancer cells population and augments the efficacy of radiotherapy.
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Liu B, Huang ZB, Chen X, See YX, Chen ZK, Yao HK. Mammalian Target of Rapamycin 2 (MTOR2) and C-MYC Modulate Glucosamine-6-Phosphate Synthesis in Glioblastoma (GBM) Cells Through Glutamine: Fructose-6-Phosphate Aminotransferase 1 (GFAT1). Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 39:415-434. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00659-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Pivonello C, Patalano R, Solari D, Auriemma RS, Frio F, Vitulli F, Grasso LFS, Di Cera M, De Martino MC, Cavallo LM, Cappabianca P, Colao A, Pivonello R. Effect of combined treatment with a pan-PI3K inhibitor or an isoform-specific PI3K inhibitor and everolimus on cell proliferation in GH-secreting pituitary tumour in an experimental setting. Endocrine 2018; 62:663-680. [PMID: 30066286 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1677-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activation is common in GH-secreting pituitary tumours, and a target for treatment with mTOR inhibitors, including everolimus (EVE). The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two PI3K inhibitors (PI3Ki), NVP-BKM120 and NVP-BYL719, alone and in combination with EVE in rat GH-secreting pituitary tumour cell line (GH3) and human GH-secreting pituitary tumour cell cultures. METHODS In GH3 cell line and in six GH-secreting tumour cell cultures, the effects of PI3Ki and EVE, as single agents and in combination, were tested on cell viability and colony survival, by MTT and clonogenic assay, respectively, whereas western blot was performed to evaluate the underlying intracellular signalling pathways. RESULTS PI3Ki and EVE showed a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability in GH3 cell line, with PI3Ki displaying a synergistic effect when combined with EVE. PI3Ki and EVE inhibited colony survival in GH3 cell line with no further improvement in combination. In GH-secreting pituitary tumour cell cultures PI3Ki are effective in inhibiting cell viability increasing the slight and non significant inhibition induced by EVE as single agent, generally showing a synergistic effect. Despite in both GH3 cell line and GH-secreting pituitary tumour cell cultures combination of PI3Ki enhanced EVE effect, the study of intracellular signalling pathways revealed a different regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK between the two models. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study demonstrated that PI3Ki, especially in combination with EVE, are effective in inhibiting cell proliferation, therefore representing a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of aggressive GH-secreting pituitary tumours, not responsive to standard medical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Naples, Italy.
| | - Roberta Patalano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Solari
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Divisione di Neurochirurgia, Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, Naples, Italy
| | - Renata S Auriemma
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Frio
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Divisione di Neurochirurgia, Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Vitulli
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Divisione di Neurochirurgia, Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovica F S Grasso
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Di Cera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi M Cavallo
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Divisione di Neurochirurgia, Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Cappabianca
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Divisione di Neurochirurgia, Scienze Riproduttive e Odontostomatologiche, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Naples, Italy
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Zhou K, Fan YD, Wu PF, Duysenbi S, Feng ZH, Du GJ, Zhang TR. MicroRNA-145 inhibits the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway to suppress the proliferation and invasion of invasive pituitary adenoma cells by targeting AKT3 in vivo and in vitro. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:1625-1635. [PMID: 28352194 PMCID: PMC5360400 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s118391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study was designed to explore how miR-145 regulates the mTOR signaling pathway in invasive pituitary adenoma (IPA) by targeting AKT3. Methods A total of 71 cases of IPA tissues and 66 cases of non-IPA tissues were obtained in this study. In vitro, the IPA cells were assigned into blank control, empty plasmid, miR-145 mimic, miR-145 inhibitor, miR-145 mimic + rapamycin, miR-145 inhibitor + rapamycin and rapamycin groups. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to detect the protein expressions of PI3K, AKT3, mTOR mRNA and the mRNA expression of miR-145 both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the S6K and RPS6 mRNA and protein expressions as well as the relative phosphorylation levels were determined in vitro. MTT assay, flow cytometry and transwell assay were used to testify the cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion ability, respectively. Results The IPA tissues exhibited significantly lower expression of miR-145 but higher PI3K, AKT3 and mTOR mRNA and protein expressions when compared with the non-IPA tissues. Compared with the blank control and empty plasmid groups, the miR-145 mimic group showed significantly decreased PI3K, AKT3, mTOR, S6K and RPS6 mRNA and protein expressions as well as phosphorylation levels; besides, the IPA cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were strongly inhibited, accompanied with the increased number of apoptotic cells. In the miR-145 inhibitor group, the PI3K, AKT3, mTOR, S6K and RPS6 mRNA and protein expressions as well as the phosphorylation levels were significantly increased; cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were remarkably elevated, accompanied with reduced apoptotic cell number. Conclusion The study demonstrates that miR-145 inhibits the mTOR signaling pathway to suppress the IPA cell proliferation and invasion and promotes its apoptosis by targeting AKT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Dong Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Fei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Serick Duysenbi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Hai Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Jia Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Rong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, People's Republic of China
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9
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Molecular analysis of a male breast cancer patient with prolonged stable disease under mTOR/PI3K inhibitors BEZ235/everolimus. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2016; 2:a000620. [PMID: 27148582 PMCID: PMC4849849 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The mTORC1 inhibitor everolimus (Afinitor/RAD001) has been approved for multiple cancer indications, including ER+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer. However, the combination of everolimus with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 was shown to be more efficacious than either everolimus or BEZ235 alone in preclinical models. Herein, we describe a male breast cancer (MBC) patient who was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2− stage IIIA invasive ductal carcinoma and sequentially treated with chemoradiotherapy and hormonal therapy. Upon the development of metastases, the patient began a 200 mg twice-daily BEZ235 and 2.5 mg weekly everolimus combination regimen. The patient sustained a prolonged stable disease of 18 mo while undergoing the therapy, before his tumor progressed again. Therefore, we sought to both better understand MBC and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the patient's sensitivity and subsequent resistance to the BEZ235/everolimus combination therapy. Genomic and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on samples collected from the initial invasive ductal carcinoma pretreatment and a metastasis postprogression on the BEZ235/everolimus combination treatment. Both tumors were relatively quiet genomically with no overlap to recurrent MBC alterations in the literature. Markers of PI3K/mTOR pathway hyperactivation were not identified in the pretreatment sample, which complements previous reports of HR+ female breast cancers being responsive to mTOR inhibition without this activation. The postprogression sample, however, demonstrated greater than fivefold increased estrogen receptor and pathogenesis-related protein expression, which could have constrained the PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibition by BEZ235/everolimus. Overall, these analyses have augmented the limited episteme on MBC genetics and treatment.
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Ahmed RSI, Liu G, Renzetti A, Farshi P, Yang H, Soave C, Saed G, El-Ghoneimy AA, El-Banna HA, Foldes R, Chan TH, Dou QP. Biological and Mechanistic Characterization of Novel Prodrugs of Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin Gallate Analogs in Human Leiomyoma Cell Lines. J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:2357-69. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reda Saber Ibrahim Ahmed
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine; Wayne State University; Detroit Michigan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology; South Valley University; Qena Egypt
| | - Gang Liu
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine; Wayne State University; Detroit Michigan
| | - Andrea Renzetti
- Department of Chemistry; McGill University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Pershang Farshi
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine; Wayne State University; Detroit Michigan
| | - Huanjie Yang
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine; Wayne State University; Detroit Michigan
| | - Claire Soave
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine; Wayne State University; Detroit Michigan
| | - Ghassan Saed
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Anatomy & Cell Biology; School of Medicine; Wayne State University; Detroit Michigan
| | | | - Hossny Awad El-Banna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology; Cairo University; Giza Egypt
| | - Robert Foldes
- Viteava Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Tak-Hang Chan
- Department of Chemistry; McGill University; Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Q. Ping Dou
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine; Wayne State University; Detroit Michigan
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Chanal M, Chevallier P, Raverot V, Fonteneau G, Lucia K, Monteserin Garcia JL, Rachwan A, Jouanneau E, Trouillas J, Honnorat J, Auger C, Theodoropoulou M, Raverot G. Differential Effects of PI3K and Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibition in Rat Prolactin-Secreting Pituitary Tumors. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:1261-70. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Huang L, Shan YJ, He CX, Ren MH, Tian PJ, Song W. Effects of L. paracasei subp. paracasei X12 on cell cycle of colon cancer HT-29 cells and regulation of mTOR signalling pathway. J Funct Foods 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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13
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Wiedemann T, Pellegata NS. Animal models of multiple endocrine neoplasia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 421:49-59. [PMID: 26184857 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are autosomal dominant diseases with high penetrance characterized by proliferative lesions (usually hyperplasia or adenoma) arising in at least two endocrine tissues. Four different MEN syndromes have been so far identified: MEN type 1 (MEN1), MEN2A (also referred to as MEN2), MEN2B (or MEN3) and MEN4, which have slightly varying tumor spectra and are caused by mutations in different genes. MEN1 associates with loss-of-function mutations in the MEN1 gene encoding the tumor suppressor menin. The MEN2A and MEN2B syndromes are due to activating mutations in the proto-oncogene RET (Rearranged in Transfection) and are characterized by different phenotypic features of the affected patients. MEN4 was the most recent addition to the family of the MEN syndromes. It was discovered less than 10 years ago thanks to studies of a rat strain that spontaneously develops multiple endocrine tumors (named MENX). These studies identified an inactivating mutation in the Cdkn1b gene, encoding the putative tumor suppressor p27, as the causative mutation of the rat syndrome. Subsequently, germline mutations in the human ortholog CDKN1B were also found in a subset of patients with a MEN-like phenotype and this led to the identification of MEN4. Small animal models have been instrumental in understanding important biochemical, physiological and pathological processes of cancer onset and spread in intact living organisms. Moreover, they have provided us with insight into gene function(s) and molecular mechanisms of disease progression. We here review the currently available animal models of MEN syndromes and their impact on the elucidation of the pathophysiology of these diseases, with a special focus on the rat MENX syndrome that we have been characterizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wiedemann
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Natalia S Pellegata
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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14
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Rubinfeld H, Cohen O, Kammer A, Yang G, Cohen ZR, Hadani M, Shimon I. Combination of mTOR Inhibitors Augments Potency while Activating PI3K Signaling in Pituitary Tumors. Neuroendocrinology 2016; 103:592-604. [PMID: 26562326 DOI: 10.1159/000442205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the success in treating some cancers, the efficacy of the mTOR inhibitors rapalogs as anti-cancer therapeutics has been limited. AIMS We undertook to examine the effects of Torin1, a second-generation selective ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor, in non-functioning pituitary tumor cells. During characterization of the molecular mechanisms that mediate Torin1 actions, there seemed to be a rationale for combining it with rapalogs. METHODS Proliferation assays, flow cytometry and Western blotting were applied to assess the effects of Torin1, RAD001 and their combination on an MtT/E pituitary cell line and human-derived non-functioning pituitary tumor cells. RESULTS Combined long treatments of Torin1 and RAD001 induced a pronounced reduction in cell growth and viability of both MtT/E pituitary cells and human-derived non-functioning pituitary tumor cells, superior to each drug alone. This was remarkable in the 10 nM combination and was reflected in a triggered decrease of cyclin D3 and p21/CIP expression. Interestingly, Akt-Thr308 and SIN1-Thr86 phosphorylations were robustly elevated in the combined treatment, accompanied by a reduction in PTEN expression. Phosphorylation of p70S6K was abolished in all individual and combined treatments. Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation, induced by RAD001, was reduced by the combined treatment to the same extent as when treated by Torin1 alone. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the differential signaling mechanisms induced by these compounds eventually converge to lead to an efficient blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in pituitary tumor cells and may facilitate a reduction in treatment dosage.
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Lee M, Wiedemann T, Gross C, Leinhäuser I, Roncaroli F, Braren R, Pellegata NS. Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling Displays Potent Antitumor Efficacy against Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:3204-15. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Zhou W, He MR, Jiao HL, He LQ, Deng DL, Cai JJ, Xiao ZY, Ye YP, Ding YQ, Liao WT, Liu SD. The tumor-suppressor gene LZTS1 suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation through inhibition of the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Cancer Lett 2015; 360:68-75. [PMID: 25667121 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The Leucine zipper tumor suppressor gene 1 (LZTS1/FEZ1) gene was originally identified as a potential tumor suppressor. However, the expression pattern and the role of LZTS1 in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been well characterized. Herein, we reported that LZTS1 was markedly reduced in CRC tissues compared with matched adjacent normal intestine epithelial tissues. In analysis of 160 CRC specimens, we revealed that decreased expression of LZTS1 was correlated to aggressive characteristics and poor survival of patients with CRC. Moreover, we found that expression of LZTS1 in CRC cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and prohibited tumor growth in vitro. On the contrary, silence of LZTS1 promoted cell proliferation and tumor growth in CRC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LZTS1 inhibited cell proliferation and tumor growth in CRC in part via suppression of AMT-mTOR, subsequently down-regulating p27Kip and up-regulating cyclin D1. These findings suggest that LZTS1 plays a potential tumor suppressor role in CRC progression and represents a valuable clinical prognostic marker of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mei-Rong He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hong-Li Jiao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liu-Qing He
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dan-Ling Deng
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan-Juan Cai
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ya-Ping Ye
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Qing Ding
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Ting Liao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Si-De Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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17
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Robbins HL, Hague A. The PI3K/Akt Pathway in Tumors of Endocrine Tissues. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:188. [PMID: 26793165 PMCID: PMC4707207 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is a key driver in carcinogenesis. Defects in this pathway in human cancer syndromes such as Cowden's disease and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia result in tumors of endocrine tissues, highlighting its importance in these cancer types. This review explores the growing evidence from multiple animal and in vitro models and from analysis of human tumors for the involvement of this pathway in the following: thyroid carcinoma subtypes, parathyroid carcinoma, pituitary tumors, adrenocortical carcinoma, phaeochromocytoma, neuroblastoma, and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. While data are not always consistent, immunohistochemistry performed on human tumor tissue has been used alongside other techniques to demonstrate Akt overactivation. We review active Akt as a potential prognostic marker and the PI3K pathway as a therapeutic target in endocrine neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Louise Robbins
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | - Angela Hague
- School of Oral and Dental Sciences, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- *Correspondence: Angela Hague,
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Tian J, Wang Y, Liu X, Zhou X, Li R. Rapamycin ameliorates IgA nephropathy via cell cycle-dependent mechanisms. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 240:936-45. [PMID: 25349217 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214555666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IgA nephropathy is the most frequent type of glomerulonephritis worldwide. The role of cell cycle regulation in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy has been studied. The present study was designed to explore whether rapamycin ameliorates IgA nephropathy via cell cycle-dependent mechanisms. After establishing an IgA nephropathy model, rats were randomly divided into four groups. Coomassie Brilliant Blue was used to measure the 24-h urinary protein levels. Renal function was determined using an autoanalyzer. Proliferation was assayed via Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry. Rat mesangial cells were cultured and divided into the six groups. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and the cell cycle phase. Western blotting was performed to determine cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2, p27(Kip1), p70S6K/p-p70S6K, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2/p- extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 protein expression. A low dose of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin prevented an additional increase in proteinuria, protected kidney function, and reduced IgA deposition in a model of IgA nephropathy. Rapamycin inhibited mesangial cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Rapamycin did not affect the expression of cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. However, rapamycin upregulated p27(Kip1) at least in part via AKT (also known as protein kinase B)/mTOR. In conclusion, rapamycin can affect cell cycle regulation to inhibit mesangial cell proliferation, thereby reduce IgA deposition, and slow the progression of IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihua Tian
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030012, China Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Xinyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030012, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030012, China
| | - Rongshan Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030012, China
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Monsalves E, Juraschka K, Tateno T, Agnihotri S, Asa SL, Ezzat S, Zadeh G. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the pathophysiology and treatment of pituitary adenomas. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:R331-44. [PMID: 25052915 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are common intracranial neoplasms. Patients with these tumors exhibit a wide range of clinically challenging problems, stemming either from results of sellar mass effect in pituitary macroadenoma or the diverse effects of aberrant hormone production by adenoma cells. While some patients are cured/controlled by surgical resection and/or medical therapy, a proportion of patients exhibit tumors that are refractory to current modalities. New therapeutic approaches are needed for these patients. Activation of the AKT/phophotidylinositide-3-kinase pathway, including mTOR activation, is common in human neoplasia, and a number of therapeutic approaches are being employed to neutralize activation of this pathway in human cancer. This review examines the role of this pathway in pituitary tumors with respect to tumor biology and its potential role as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Monsalves
- Institute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaInstitute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle Juraschka
- Institute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Toru Tateno
- Institute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- Institute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvia L Asa
- Institute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shereen Ezzat
- Institute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaInstitute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaInstitute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Institute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaInstitute of Medical ScienceDepartment of Medical BiophysicsUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDivision of NeurosurgeryToronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, 4W-439, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8Ontario Cancer InstitutePrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaEndocrine Oncology Site GroupPrincess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaDepartment of Laboratory Medicine and PathobiologyUniversity of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rubinfeld H, Kammer A, Cohen O, Gorshtein A, Cohen ZR, Hadani M, Werner H, Shimon I. IGF1 induces cell proliferation in human pituitary tumors - functional blockade of IGF1 receptor as a novel therapeutic approach in non-functioning tumors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 390:93-101. [PMID: 24769281 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) and its receptor display potent proliferative and antiapoptotic activities and are considered key players in malignancy. The objective of the study was to explore the role of IGF1 and its downstream pathways in the proliferation of non-functioning pituitary tumor cells and to develop a targeted therapeutic approach for the treatment of these tumors. Cultures of human non-functioning pituitary adenomas and the non-secreting immortalized rat pituitary tumor cell line MtT/E were incubated with IGF1, IGF1 receptor inhibitor or both, and cell viability, proliferation and signaling were examined. Our results show that IGF1 elevated cell proliferation and enhanced cell cycle progression as well as the expression of cyclins D1 and D3. IGF1 also induced the phosphorylation of ERK, Akt and p70S6K. On the other hand, the selective IGF1R inhibitor NVP-AEW541 abrogated IGF1-induced cell proliferation as well as IGF1 receptor phosphorylation and downstream signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadara Rubinfeld
- Institute of Endocrinology and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Adi Kammer
- Institute of Endocrinology and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ortal Cohen
- Institute of Endocrinology and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Alexander Gorshtein
- Institute of Endocrinology and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Zvi R Cohen
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Neurosurgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Moshe Hadani
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Neurosurgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Haim Werner
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Ilan Shimon
- Institute of Endocrinology and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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21
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Diersch S, Wenzel P, Szameitat M, Eser P, Paul MC, Seidler B, Eser S, Messer M, Reichert M, Pagel P, Esposito I, Schmid RM, Saur D, Schneider G. Efemp1 and p27(Kip1) modulate responsiveness of pancreatic cancer cells towards a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor in preclinical models. Oncotarget 2014; 4:277-88. [PMID: 23470560 PMCID: PMC3712573 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a dismal disease with a poor prognosis and targeted therapies have failed in the clinic so far. Several evidences point to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-mTOR pathway as a promising signaling node for targeted therapeutic intervention. Markers, which predict responsiveness of PDAC cells towards PI3K inhibitors are unknown. However, such markers are needed and critical to better stratify patients in clinical trials. We used a large murine KrasG12D- and PI3K (p110αH1047R)-driven PDAC cell line platform to unbiased define modulators of responsiveness towards the dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitor Bez235. In contrast to other tumor models, we show that KrasG12D- and PI3K (p110αH1047R)-driven PDAC cell lines are equally sensitive towards Bez235. In an unbiased approach we found that the extracellular matrix protein Efemp1 controls sensitivity of murine PDAC cells towards Bez235. We show that Efemp1 expression is connected to the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1. In a murine KrasG12D- driven PDAC model, p27Kip1 haploinsufficiency accelerates cancer development in vivo. Furthermore, p27Kip1 controls Bez235 sensitivity in a gene dose-dependent fashion in murine PDAC cells and lowering of p27Kip1 decreases Bez235 responsiveness in murine PDAC models. Together, we define the Efemp1-p27Kip1 axis as a potential marker module of PDAC cell sensitivity towards dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitors, which might help to better stratify patients in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Diersch
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
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22
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Tagliati F, Gagliano T, Gentilin E, Minoia M, Molè D, delgi Uberti EC, Zatelli MC. Magmas overexpression inhibits staurosporine induced apoptosis in rat pituitary adenoma cell lines. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75194. [PMID: 24069394 PMCID: PMC3775776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Magmas is a nuclear gene that encodes for the mitochondrial import inner membrane translocase subunit Tim16. Magmas is overexpressed in the majority of human pituitary adenomas and in a mouse ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma cell line. Here we report that Magmas is highly expressed in two out of four rat pituitary adenoma cell lines and its expression levels inversely correlate to the extent of cellular response to staurosporine in terms of apoptosis activation and cell viability. Magmas over-expression in rat GH/PRL-secreting pituitary adenoma GH4C1 cells leads to an increase in cell viability and to a reduction in staurosporine-induced apoptosis and DNA fragmentation, in parallel with the increase in Magmas protein expression. These results indicate that Magmas plays a pivotal role in response to pro-apoptotic stimuli and confirm and extend the finding that Magmas protects pituitary cells from staurosporine-induced apoptosis, suggesting its possible involvement in pituitary adenoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Tagliati
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Teresa Gagliano
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erica Gentilin
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratorio in rete del Tecnopolo “Tecnologie delle terapie avanzate” (LTTA) of the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariella Minoia
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Molè
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ettore C. delgi Uberti
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratorio in rete del Tecnopolo “Tecnologie delle terapie avanzate” (LTTA) of the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratorio in rete del Tecnopolo “Tecnologie delle terapie avanzate” (LTTA) of the University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Marinoni I, Lee M, Mountford S, Perren A, Bravi I, Jennen L, Feuchtinger A, Drouin J, Roncaroli F, Pellegata NS. Characterization of MENX-associated pituitary tumours. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2013; 39:256-69. [PMID: 22524684 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2012.01278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study is to evaluate the pathological features, serum hormone levels and ex vivo cultures of pituitary adenomas that occur in rats affected by MENX syndrome. MENX is multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the cell cycle inhibitor p27. Characterization of MENX adenomas is a prerequisite to exploit this animal model for molecular and translational studies of pituitary adenomas. METHODS We investigated MENX pituitary adenomas with immunohistochemistry, double immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), measurement of serum hormone levels and ex vivo cultures. RESULTS Adenomas in MENX rats belong to the gonadotroph lineage. They start from 4 months of age as multiple neoplastic nodules and progress to become large lesions that efface the gland. Adenomas are composed of chromophobic cells predominantly expressing the glycoprotein alpha-subunit (αGSU). They show mitotic activity and high Ki67 labelling. A few neoplastic cells co-express gonadotropins and the transcription factor steroidogenic factor 1, together with growth hormone or prolactin and Pit-1, suggesting that they are not fully committed to one cell lineage. Ex vivo cultures show features similar to the primary tumour. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that p27 function is critical to regulate gonadotroph cells growth. The MENX syndrome represents a unique model to elucidate the physiological and molecular mechanisms mediating the pathogenesis of gonadotroph adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Marinoni
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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24
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Venkannagari S, Fiskus W, Peth K, Atadja P, Hidalgo M, Maitra A, Bhalla KN. Superior efficacy of co-treatment with dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 and pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor against human pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2013; 3:1416-27. [PMID: 23232026 PMCID: PMC3717802 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations activating K-RAS and PI3K/AKT signaling are also known to induce the activity of mTOR kinase through TORC1 and TORC2 complexes in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we determined the effects of the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor, NVP-BEZ235 (BEZ235), and the pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (PS) against human PDAC cells. Treatment with BEZ235 or PS inhibited cell cycle progression with induction of the cell cycle inhibitory proteins, p21 waf1 and p27 kip1. BEZ235 and PS also dose dependently induced loss of cell viability of the cultured PDAC cells, associated with depletion of phosphorylated (p) AKT, as well as of the TORC1 substrates 4EBP1 and p70S6 kinase. While inhibiting p-AKT, treatment with PS induced the levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins BIM and BAK. Co-treatment with BEZ235 and PS synergistically induced apoptosis of the cultured PDAC cells. This was accompanied by marked attenuation of the levels of p-AKT and Bcl-xL but induction of BIM. Although in vivo treatment with BEZ235 or PS reduced tumor growth, co-treatment with BEZ235 and PS was significantly more effective in controlling the xenograft growth of Panc1 PDAC cells in the nude mice. Furthermore, co-treatment with BEZ235 and PS more effectively blocked tumor growth of primary PDAC heterotransplants (possessing K-RAS mutation and AKT2 amplification) subcutaneously implanted in the nude mice than each agent alone. These findings demonstrate superior activity and support further in vivo evaluation of combined treatment with BEZ235 and PS against PDAC that possess heightened activity of RAS-RAF-ERK1/2 and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways.
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25
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Lee M, Marinoni I, Irmler M, Psaras T, Honegger JB, Beschorner R, Anastasov N, Beckers J, Theodoropoulou M, Roncaroli F, Pellegata NS. Transcriptome analysis of MENX-associated rat pituitary adenomas identifies novel molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of human pituitary gonadotroph adenomas. Acta Neuropathol 2013; 126:137-50. [PMID: 23756599 PMCID: PMC3690182 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1132-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotroph adenomas comprise 15-40% of all pituitary tumors, are usually non-functioning and are often large and invasive at presentation. Surgery is the first-choice treatment, but complete resection is not always achieved, leading to high recurrence rates. As gonadotroph adenomas poorly respond to conventional pharmacological therapies, novel treatment strategies are needed. Their identification has been hampered by our incomplete understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors. Recently, we demonstrated that MENX-affected rats develop gonadotroph adenomas closely resembling their human counterparts. To discover new genes/pathways involved in gonadotroph cells tumorigenesis, we performed transcriptome profiling of rat tumors versus normal pituitary. Adenomas showed overrepresentation of genes involved in cell cycle, development, cell differentiation/proliferation, and lipid metabolism. Bioinformatic analysis identified downstream targets of the transcription factor SF-1 as being up-regulated in rat (and human) adenomas. Meta-analyses demonstrated remarkable similarities between gonadotroph adenomas in rats and humans, and highlighted common dysregulated genes, several of which were not previously implicated in pituitary tumorigenesis. Two such genes, CYP11A1 and NUSAP1, were analyzed in 39 human gonadotroph adenomas by qRT-PCR and found to be up-regulated in 77 and 95% of cases, respectively. Immunohistochemistry detected high P450scc (encoded by CYP11A1) and NuSAP expression in 18 human gonadotroph tumors. In vitro studies demonstrated for the first time that Cyp11a1 is a target of SF-1 in gonadotroph cells and promotes proliferation/survival of rat pituitary adenoma primary cells and cell lines. Our studies reveal clues about the molecular mechanisms driving rat and human gonadotroph adenomas development, and may help identify previously unexplored biomarkers for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misu Lee
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ilaria Marinoni
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Present Address: Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tsambika Psaras
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Rudi Beschorner
- Department for Neuropathology, Institute for Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Natasa Anastasov
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University Munich, Chair of Experimental Genetics, Am Hochanger 8, 85350 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
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26
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Lee M, Pellegata NS. Folate receptor-mediated drug targeting: a possible strategy for nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas? Endocrinology 2013; 154:1387-9. [PMID: 23525581 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Misu Lee
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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27
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Tulipano G, Faggi L, Losa M, Mortini P, Spinello M, Sibilia V, Pagani F, Cocchi D, Giustina A. Effects of AMPK activation and combined treatment with AMPK activators and somatostatin on hormone secretion and cell growth in cultured GH-secreting pituitary tumor cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 365:197-206. [PMID: 23116772 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of the AMPK activator AICAR as compared to somatostatin-14 on cell viability and GH secretion in human GH-secreting pituitary adenomas in vitro and in rat GH3 cells. Overnight treatment with AICAR increased phospho-(threonine-172) AMPK levels (activated AMPK) in cultured human adenomas. As to the effects on cell viability, four adenomas out of 15 were responsive to AICAR (0.4mM) and five adenomas were responsive to SS-14 (100 nM). One adenoma was responsive to both somatostatin and AICAR. The effects of cotreatment with SS-14 and AICAR were investigated in eight adenomas. In two adenomas, the effects of AICAR+SS-14 did not exceed the effect of AICAR. In two adenomas which were not responsive to either AICAR or SS-14, the cotreatment was able to reduce cell viability versus control. Two adenomas were not responsive to any treatment. As to the effects on GH secretion, nine adenomas out of 15 were responsive to AICAR. Twelve adenomas were responsive to SS-14. Eight adenomas were responsive to both AICAR and SS-14. Cotreatment exceeded the effect of single treatments in 4 out of 10 adenomas. In GH3 cells, AICAR reduced the activity of p70S6 kinase, which plays an important role in cell growth. SS-14 did not affect significantly AMPK phosphorylation and p70S6K activity but it was able to enhance the inhibitory effect of AICAR on phospho-S6 levels. Moreover, AICAR and SS-14 reduced ERK phosphorylation with a different time course. The combined treatment reduced phospho-ERK levels at any time point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tulipano
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Brescia, Italy.
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28
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Martelli AM, Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, Cappellini A, Buontempo F, Bressanin D, Fini M, McCubrey JA. Two hits are better than one: targeting both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin as a therapeutic strategy for acute leukemia treatment. Oncotarget 2012; 3:371-94. [PMID: 22564882 PMCID: PMC3380573 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are two key components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This signal transduction cascade regulates a wide range of physiological cell processes, that include differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolism, motility, and exocytosis. However, constitutively active PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling characterizes many types of tumors where it negatively influences response to therapeutic treatments. Hence, targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling with small molecule inhibitors may improve cancer patient outcome. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade is overactive in acute leukemias, where it correlates with enhanced drug-resistance and poor prognosis. The catalytic sites of PI3K and mTOR share a high degree of sequence homology. This feature has allowed the synthesis of ATP-competitive compounds targeting the catalytic site of both kinases. In preclinical models, dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors displayed a much stronger cytotoxicity against acute leukemia cells than either PI3K inhibitors or allosteric mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin. At variance with rapamycin, dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors targeted both mTOR complex 1 and mTOR complex 2, and inhibited the rapamycin-resistant phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, resulting in a marked inhibition of oncogenic protein translation. Therefore, they strongly reduced cell proliferation and induced an important apoptotic response. Here, we reviewed the evidence documenting that dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors may represent a promising option for future targeted therapies of acute leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Bologna, Italy.
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29
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Rubinfeld H, Shimon I. PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathways perturbations in non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Endocrine 2012; 42:285-91. [PMID: 22552912 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-012-9682-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) comprise a heterogeneous group, which are considered the most common pituitary tumor. As no clinically hormone hypersecretion is apparent, non-functioning pituitary adenomas are often diagnosed only when they are large enough to cause tumor mass effects, such as hypopituitarism, visual field defects or headaches. Efficient medical therapy for NFPAs is currently unavailable and surgical treatment of these tumors is not always satisfactory. Characterization of signaling regulatory events in the context of NFPAs may enable the development of new attractive novel strategies. Although data regarding gene expression profiling of signaling pathways in NFPAs have accumulated, studies aimed at fine-classification of NFPAs-specific signaling regulatory mechanisms and feedback loops are scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadara Rubinfeld
- Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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30
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Nölting S, Garcia E, Alusi G, Giubellino A, Pacak K, Korbonits M, Grossman AB. Combined blockade of signalling pathways shows marked anti-tumour potential in phaeochromocytoma cell lines. J Mol Endocrinol 2012; 49:79-96. [PMID: 22715163 PMCID: PMC4714579 DOI: 10.1530/jme-12-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is no completely effective therapy available for metastatic phaeochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas. In this study, we explore new molecular targeted therapies for these tumours, using one more benign (mouse phaeochromocytoma cell (MPC)) and one more malignant (mouse tumour tissue (MTT)) mouse PCC cell line - both generated from heterozygous neurofibromin 1 knockout mice. Several PCC-promoting gene mutations have been associated with aberrant activation of PI3K/AKT, mTORC1 and RAS/RAF/ERK signalling. We therefore investigated different agents that interfere specifically with these pathways, including antagonism of the IGF1 receptor by NVP-AEW541. We found that NVP-AEW541 significantly reduced MPC and MTT cell viability at relatively high doses but led to a compensatory up-regulation of ERK and mTORC1 signalling at suboptimal doses while PI3K/AKT inhibition remained stable. We subsequently investigated the effect of the dual PI3K/mTORC1/2 inhibitor NVP-BEZ235, which led to a significant decrease of MPC and MTT cell viability at doses below 50 nM but again increased ERK signalling. Accordingly, we next examined the combination of NVP-BEZ235 with the established agent lovastatin, as this has been described to inhibit ERK signalling. Lovastatin alone significantly reduced MPC and MTT cell viability at therapeutically relevant doses and inhibited both ERK and AKT signalling, but increased mTORC1/p70S6K signalling. Combination treatment with NVP-BEZ235 and lovastatin showed a significant additive effect in MPC and MTT cells and resulted in inhibition of both AKT and mTORC1/p70S6K signalling without ERK up-regulation. Simultaneous inhibition of PI3K/AKT, mTORC1/2 and ERK signalling suggests a novel therapeutic approach for malignant PCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute and Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Russo E, Citraro R, Constanti A, De Sarro G. The mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Brain: Focus on Epilepsy and Epileptogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 46:662-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8314-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Lee M, Waser B, Reubi JC, Pellegata NS. Secretin receptor promotes the proliferation of endocrine tumor cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1394-405. [PMID: 22692904 DOI: 10.1210/me.2012-1055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The secretin receptor (SR), a G protein-coupled receptor, mediates the effects of the gastrointestinal hormone secretin on digestion and water homeostasis. Recently, high SR expression has been observed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, cholangiocellular carcinomas, gastrinomas, and bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors. Receptor overexpression associates with enhanced secretin-mediated signaling, but whether this molecule plays an independent role in tumorigenesis is currently unknown. We recently discovered that pheochromocytomas developing in rats affected by the MENX (multiple endocrine neoplasia-like) syndrome express at very high-level Sctr, encoding SR. We here report that SR are also highly abundant on the membranes of rat adrenal and extraadrenal pheochromocytoma, starting from early stages of tumor development, and are functional. PC12 cells, the best characterized in vitro pheochromocytoma model, also express Sctr at high level. Thus, we used them as model to study the role of SR in neoplastic transformation. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Sctr decreases PC12 cells proliferation and increases p27 levels. The proproliferative effect of SR in PC12 cells is mediated, in part, by the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine protein kinase (AKT) pathway. Transfection of Sctr in Y1 adrenocortical carcinoma cells, expressing low endogenous levels of Sctr, stimulates cell proliferation also, in part, via the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade. Because of the link between SR and PI3K/AKT signaling, tumor cells expressing high levels of the receptor (MENX-associated primary pheochromocytoma and NCI-H727 human bronchopulmonary carcinoid cells) respond well and in a SR-dependent manner to PI3K inhibitors, such as NVP-BEZ235. The association between SR levels and response to PI3K inhibition might open new avenues for the treatment of tumors overexpressing this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misu Lee
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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Ji WT, Yang SR, Chen JYF, Cheng YP, Lee YR, Chiang MK, Chen HR. Arecoline downregulates levels of p21 and p27 through the reactive oxygen species/mTOR complex 1 pathway and may contribute to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2012; 103:1221-9. [PMID: 22469187 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2012.02294.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Arecoline, the major alkaloid of areca nut, has been shown to cause strong genotoxicity and is considered a potential carcinogen. However, the detailed mechanism for arecoline-induced carcinogenesis remains obscure. In this study, we noticed that the levels of p21 and p27 increased in two oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines with high confluence. Furthermore, when treated with arecoline, elevated levels of p21 and p27 could be downregulated through the reactive oxygen species/mTOR complex 1 (ROS/mTORC1) pathway. Although arecoline decreased the activity of mTORC1, the amounts of autophagosome-like vacuoles or type II LC3 remained unchanged, suggesting that the downregulation of p21 and p27 was independent of autophagy-mediated protein destruction. Arecoline also caused DNA damage through ROS, indicating that the reduced levels of p21 and p27 might facilitate G (1) /S transition of the cell cycle and subsequently lead to error-prone DNA replication. In conclusion, these data have provided a possible mechanism for arecoline-induced carcinogenesis in subcytolytic doses in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tsai Ji
- Department of Life Science, Institute of Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Science, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
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Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasias (MEN) are a group of hereditary disorders characterized by tumors arising in more than one neuroendocrine tissue. There are two major forms which can occur in humans, MEN type 1 (MEN1) and MEN type 2 (MEN2). These syndromes are transmitted as autosomal dominant traits with high penetrance and have a different tumor spectrum. MEN1 and MEN2 are caused by germline mutations in the MEN1 and RET genes, respectively. Recently, a variant of the MEN syndromes was discovered in a rat colony and was named MENX since affected animals develop tumors with a spectrum that shares features with both MEN1 and MEN2 human syndromes. Extensive genetic studies identified a germline mutation in the Cdkn1b gene, encoding the p27 cell cycle inhibitor, as the causative mutation for MENX. Capitalizing on these findings, heterozygous germline mutations in the human homologue, CDKN1B, were searched for and identified in patients with multiple endocrine tumors. As a consequence of this discovery, a novel human MEN syndrome, named MEN4, was recognized which is caused by mutations in p27. Altogether these studies identified Cdkn1b/CDKN1B as a novel tumor susceptibility gene for multiple endocrine tumors in both rats and humans. Here I review the phenotypic features and the genetics of the MENX rat syndrome. I briefly address the main functions of p27 and how they are affected by the MENX-associated mutation. Finally, I present examples of how this animal model might be exploited as a translational platform for preclinical studies of pituitary adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S Pellegata
- Institute of Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
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Mora J, Rodríguez E, de Torres C, Cardesa T, Ríos J, Hernández T, Cardesa A, de Alava E. Activated growth signaling pathway expression in Ewing sarcoma and clinical outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58:532-8. [PMID: 21994054 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.23348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ewing sarcoma (EWS) most of the research on signaling pathways has been performed on cell lines or animal models. The objective of the current study was to determine the relation between clinical outcome and the expression of proteins involved in active growth signaling pathways. METHODS A paraffin-embedded microarray of 45 human primary EWS tissue specimens was stained with the antibodies against c-KIT, AKT, p-AKT, p-mTOR, IGF-1R, IGFBP-3, MAPK, p27(KIP1) , and p70S6 kinase. Immunohistochemical staining was correlated with patient overall survival (OS). RESULTS In the univariate analysis 3 variables showed statistical significance to predict survival: presence of metastasis, p-mTOR, and p27(KIP1). A positive stain for p-mTOR (hazard ratio of 4.74 [95% CI (57, 121)]) was significantly (log-rank test with a P = 0.029) associated with better OS. Also, a positive stain for p27(KIP1) (hazard ratio of 6.87 [95% CI (77, 136)] was significantly (log-rank test with a P = 0.009) associated with better OS. Multivariate analysis showed metastasis (HR: 4.3; 95% CI: 0.99, 19; P = 0.05), p-mTOR (HR: 4.8 with 95% CI: 0.6, 38; P = 0.13) and p27 (HR: 5.3; 95% CI: 1.37, 20; P = 0.01) as independent prognostic factors of outcome. CONCLUSIONS In our series, p-mTOR and p27(KIP1) protein overexpression were independently associated with better survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Mora
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
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Roper J, Richardson MP, Wang WV, Richard LG, Chen W, Coffee EM, Sinnamon MJ, Lee L, Chen PC, Bronson RT, Martin ES, Hung KE. The dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 induces tumor regression in a genetically engineered mouse model of PIK3CA wild-type colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25132. [PMID: 21966435 PMCID: PMC3180374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To examine the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 in treatment of PIK3CA wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC). Experimental Design PIK3CA mutant and wild-type human CRC cell lines were treated in vitro with NVP-BEZ235, and the resulting effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and signaling were assessed. Colonic tumors from a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model for sporadic wild-type PIK3CA CRC were treated in vivo with NVP-BEZ235. The resulting effects on macroscopic tumor growth/regression, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and signaling were examined. Results In vitro treatment of CRC cell lines with NVP-BEZ235 resulted in transient PI3K blockade, sustained decreases in mTORC1/mTORC2 signaling, and a corresponding decrease in cell viability (median IC50 = 9.0–14.3 nM). Similar effects were seen in paired isogenic CRC cell lines that differed only in the presence or absence of an activating PIK3CA mutant allele. In vivo treatment of colonic tumor-bearing mice with NVP-BEZ235 resulted in transient PI3K inhibition and sustained blockade of mTORC1/mTORC2 signaling. Longitudinal tumor surveillance by optical colonoscopy demonstrated a 97% increase in tumor size in control mice (p = 0.01) vs. a 43% decrease (p = 0.008) in treated mice. Ex vivo analysis of the NVP-BEZ235-treated tumors demonstrated a 56% decrease in proliferation (p = 0.003), no effects on apoptosis, and a 75% reduction in angiogenesis (p = 0.013). Conclusions These studies provide the preclinical rationale for studies examining the efficacy of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 in treatment of PIK3CA wild-type CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Richardson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wei Vivian Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Larissa Georgeon Richard
- Department of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wei Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Erin M. Coffee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mark J. Sinnamon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lydia Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peng-Chieh Chen
- Department of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Roderick T. Bronson
- Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Martin
- Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kenneth E. Hung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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