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Browne IM, Okines AFC. Resistance to Targeted Inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Advanced Oestrogen-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2259. [PMID: 38927964 PMCID: PMC11201395 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway is one of the most frequently activated pathways in breast cancer and also plays a central role in the regulation of several physiologic functions. There are major efforts ongoing to exploit precision medicine by developing inhibitors that target the three kinases (PI3K, AKT, and mTOR). Although multiple compounds have been developed, at present, there are just three inhibitors approved to target this pathway in patients with advanced ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer: everolimus (mTOR inhibitor), alpelisib (PIK3CA inhibitor), and capivasertib (AKT inhibitor). Like most targeted cancer drugs, resistance poses a major problem in the clinical setting and is a factor that has frequently limited the overall efficacy of these agents. Drug resistance can be categorised into intrinsic or acquired resistance depending on the timeframe it has developed within. Whereas intrinsic resistance exists prior to a specific treatment, acquired resistance is induced by a therapy. The majority of patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer will likely be offered an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway at some point in their cancer journey, with the options available depending on the approval criteria in place and the cancer's mutation status. Within this large cohort of patients, it is likely that most will develop resistance at some point, which makes this an area of interest and an unmet need at present. Herein, we review the common mechanisms of resistance to agents that target the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, elaborate on current management approaches, and discuss ongoing clinical trials attempting to mitigate this significant issue. We highlight the need for additional studies into AKT1 inhibitor resistance in particular.
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2
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Wylaź M, Kaczmarska A, Pajor D, Hryniewicki M, Gil D, Dulińska-Litewka J. Exploring the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in hormone-related cancers: A focus on breast and prostate cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115676. [PMID: 37832401 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115676] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (PC) are at the top of the list when it comes to the most common types of cancers worldwide. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is important, in that it strongly influences the development and progression of these tumors. Previous studies have emphasized the key role of inhibitors of the PIK3/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the treatment of BC and PC, and it remains to be a crucial method of treatment. In this review, the inhibitors of these signaling pathways are compared, as well as their effectiveness in therapy and potential as therapeutic agents. The use of these inhibitors as polytherapy is evaluated, especially with the use of hormonal therapy, which has shown promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Wylaź
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Kaczmarska
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dawid Pajor
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Matthew Hryniewicki
- Student Scientific Group at Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dorota Gil
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Dulińska-Litewka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Mikołaja Kopernika Street 7C, 31-034 Krakow, Poland.
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3
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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4
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Glaviano A, Foo ASC, Lam HY, Yap KCH, Jacot W, Jones RH, Eng H, Nair MG, Makvandi P, Geoerger B, Kulke MH, Baird RD, Prabhu JS, Carbone D, Pecoraro C, Teh DBL, Sethi G, Cavalieri V, Lin KH, Javidi-Sharifi NR, Toska E, Davids MS, Brown JR, Diana P, Stebbing J, Fruman DA, Kumar AP. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling transduction pathway and targeted therapies in cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:138. [PMID: 37596643 PMCID: PMC10436543 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) signaling pathway is a highly conserved signal transduction network in eukaryotic cells that promotes cell survival, cell growth, and cell cycle progression. Growth factor signalling to transcription factors in the PAM axis is highly regulated by multiple cross-interactions with several other signaling pathways, and dysregulation of signal transduction can predispose to cancer development. The PAM axis is the most frequently activated signaling pathway in human cancer and is often implicated in resistance to anticancer therapies. Dysfunction of components of this pathway such as hyperactivity of PI3K, loss of function of PTEN, and gain-of-function of AKT, are notorious drivers of treatment resistance and disease progression in cancer. In this review we highlight the major dysregulations in the PAM signaling pathway in cancer, and discuss the results of PI3K, AKT and mTOR inhibitors as monotherapy and in co-administation with other antineoplastic agents in clinical trials as a strategy for overcoming treatment resistance. Finally, the major mechanisms of resistance to PAM signaling targeted therapies, including PAM signaling in immunology and immunotherapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Glaviano
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aaron S C Foo
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiu Y Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Kenneth C H Yap
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - William Jacot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Inserm U1194, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Robert H Jones
- Cardiff University and Velindre Cancer Centre, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Huiyan Eng
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Madhumathy G Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Inserm U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Matthew H Kulke
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard D Baird
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniel B L Teh
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, and Neurobiology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Kevin H Lin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eneda Toska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew S Davids
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Justin Stebbing
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - David A Fruman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, 216 Sprague Hall, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alan P Kumar
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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5
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Gao HL, Cui Q, Wang JQ, Ashby CR, Chen Y, Shen ZX, Chen ZS. The AKT inhibitor, MK-2206, attenuates ABCG2-mediated drug resistance in lung and colon cancer cells. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1235285. [PMID: 37521473 PMCID: PMC10373739 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1235285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, ABCB1 and ABCG2, are two of the major mediators of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancers. Although multiple ABCB1 and ABCG2 inhibitors have been developed and some have undergone evaluation in clinical trials, none have been clinically approved. The compound, MK-2206, an inhibitor of the protein kinases AKT1/2/3, is undergoing evaluation in multiple clinical trials for the treatment of certain types of cancers, including those resistant to erlotinib. In this in vitro study, we conducted in vitro experiments to determine if MK-2206 attenuates multidrug resistance in cancer cells overexpressing the ABCB1 or ABCG2 transporter. Methodology: The efficacy of MK-2206 (0.03-1 μM), in combination with the ABCB1 transporter sub-strates doxorubicin and paclitaxel, and ABCG2 transporter substrates mitoxantrone, SN-38 and topotecan, were determined in the cancer cell lines, KB-C2 and SW620/Ad300, which overexpress the ABCB1 transporter or H460/MX20 and S1-M1-80, which overexpress the ABCG2 transporter, respectively. The expression level and the localization of ABCG2 transporter on the cancer cells membranes were determined using western blot and immunofluorescence assays, respectively, following the incubation of cells with MK-2206. Finally, the interaction between MK-2206 and human ABCG2 transporter was predicted using computer-aided molecular modeling. Results: MK-2206 significantly increased the efficacy of anticancer compounds that were substrates for the ABCG2 but not the ABCB1 transporter. MK-2206 alone (0.03-1 μM) did not significantly alter the viability of H460/MX20 and S1-M1-80 cancer cells, which overexpress the ABCG2 transporter, compared to cells incubated with vehicle. However, MK-2206 (0.3 and 1 μM) significantly increased the anticancer efficacy of mitoxantrone, SN-38 and topotecan, in H460/MX20 and S1-M1-80 cancer cells, as indicated by a significant decrease in their IC50 values, compared to cells incubated with vehicle. MK-2206 significantly increased the basal activity of the ABCG2 ATPase (EC50 = 0.46 μM) but did not significantly alter its expression level and sub-localization in the membrane. The molecular modeling results suggested that MK-2206 binds to the active pocket of the ABCG2 transporter, by a hydrogen bond, hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking. Conclusion: These in vitro data indicated that MK-2206 surmounts resistance to mitoxantrone, SN-38 and topotecan in cancer cells overexpressing the ABCG2 transporter. If these results can be translated to humans, it is possible that MK-2206 could be used to surmount MDR in cancer cells overexpressing the ABCG2 transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ling Gao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qingbin Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Jing-Quan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Charles R. Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Yanchun Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY, United States
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6
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Cheng J, Li G, Wang W, Stovall DB, Sui G, Li D. Circular RNAs with protein-coding ability in oncogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188909. [PMID: 37172651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
As ubiquitously expressed transcripts in eukaryotes, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed and lack a 5'-cap and 3'-polyadenylation (poly (A)) tail. Initially, circRNAs were considered non-coding RNA (ncRNA), and their roles as sponging molecules to adsorb microRNAs have been extensively reported. However, in recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that circRNAs could encode functional polypeptides through the initiation of translation mediated by internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) or N6-methyladenosine (m6A). In this review, we collectively discuss the biogenesis, cognate mRNA products, regulatory mechanisms, aberrant expression and biological phenotypes or clinical relevance of all currently reported, cancer-relevant protein-coding circRNAs. Overall, we provide a comprehensive overview of circRNA-encoded proteins and their physiological and pathological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Cheng
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Guangyue Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Wenmeng Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Daniel B Stovall
- College of Arts and Sciences, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733, United States
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Dangdang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
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7
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Tsang T, He Q, Cohen EB, Stottrup C, Lien EC, Zhang H, Lau CG, Chin YR. Upregulation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity and Stemness as Resistance Mechanisms to Akt Inhibitors in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5006. [PMID: 36291790 PMCID: PMC9599323 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/Akt pathway is frequently deregulated in human cancers, and multiple Akt inhibitors are currently under clinical evaluation. Based on the experience from other molecular targeted therapies, however, it is likely that acquired resistance will be developed in patients treated with Akt inhibitors. We established breast cancer models of acquired resistance by prolonged treatment of cells with allosteric or ATP-competitive Akt inhibitors. Phospho-Receptor tyrosine kinase (Phospho-RTK) arrays revealed hyper-phosphorylation of multiple RTKS, including EGFR, Her2, HFGR, EhpB3 and ROR1, in Akt-inhibitor-resistant cells. Importantly, resistance can be overcome by treatment with an EGFR inhibitor. We further showed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are enriched in breast tumor cells that have developed resistance to Akt inhibitors. Several candidates of CSC regulators, such as ID4, are identified by RNA sequencing. Cosmic analysis indicated that sensitivity of tumor cells to Akt inhibitors can be predicted by ID4 and stem cell/epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway targets. These findings indicate the potential of targeting the EGFR pathway and CSC program to circumvent Akt inhibitor resistance in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Tsang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Qingling He
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Emily B. Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Casey Stottrup
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Evan C. Lien
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Huiqi Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - C. Geoffrey Lau
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Y. Rebecca Chin
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
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8
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Xu F, Zhang X, Chen Z, He S, Guo J, Yu L, Wang Y, Hou C, Ai-Furas H, Zheng Z, Smaill JB, Patterson AV, Zhang ZM, Chen L, Ren X, Ding K. Discovery of Isoform-Selective Akt3 Degraders Overcoming Osimertinib-Induced Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14032-14048. [PMID: 36173763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
EGFR inhibitor therapies have brought significant benefit to NSCLC patients. However, all patients gradually progress to acquired resistance via diverse mechanisms. Akt3 overexpression but not Akt1/2 is one of the found molecular events that mediate osimertinib (1) resistance in NSCLC patients. Here, we report 12l as the first bona fide isoform-selective Akt3 degrader which potently induced proteasomal degradation of the target both in vitro and in vivo, whereas its effects on Akt1/2 were minimal. Using 12l as a tool, non-canonical function of Akt3 was validated to contribute greatly to survival of 1-resistant H1975OR NSCLC cells. Degrader 12l potently suppressed the growth of H1975OR as well as several NSCLC cell lines with low nanomolar IC50 values and demonstrated promising in vivo antitumor efficacy in nude mice bearing H1975OR or PC9 NSCLC xenograft models. Selective degradation of Akt3 may be considered as a novel strategy for human cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital (Huaqiao Hospital), Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital (Huaqiao Hospital), Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Sheng He
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jing Guo
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lei Yu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yongjin Wang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Caiyun Hou
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hawaa Ai-Furas
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zongyao Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jeff B Smaill
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Zhi-Min Zhang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Liang Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaomei Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 210530, China
| | - Ke Ding
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development, Ministry of Education (MOE) of PR China, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital (Huaqiao Hospital), Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 210530, China
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9
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Zhou Y, Cai W, Lu H. Overexpression of microRNA-145 enhanced docetaxel sensitivity in breast cancer cells via inactivation of protein kinase B gamma-mediated phosphoinositide 3-kinase -protein kinase B pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11310-11320. [PMID: 35499128 PMCID: PMC9278436 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2068756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major challenge for the treatment of breast cancer (BC). Previous studies showed that miR-145 level decreases in chemoresistant BC tissues. Nevertheless, the biological function of miR-145 on docetaxel resistance of BC cells remains unclear, which is what our research attempted to clarify. RT-qPCR analyzed miR-145 level, and cell viability and colony formation assays assessed the impact of miR-145 on docetaxel resistance. Molecular mechanisms of miR-145-mediated docetaxel sensitivity were examined by Luciferase reporter assay and Western Blot assessed the function of AKT3 and PI3K/AKT signaling. Our research found that miR-145 expression presented significant downregulation in docetaxel-resistant BC cells. Meanwhile, miR-145 overexpression facilitated the docetaxel sensitivity of BC cells in vivo and in vitro, while the miR-145 inhibitor decreased the sensitivity of BC cells to docetaxel. We also observed that miR-145 inhibited docetaxel resistance mainly via downregulation of the AKT3 expression and further inhibited PI3K/AKT pathway. To conclude, this research provides a novel strategy for improving chemosensitivity through the newly identified miR-145-AKT3/PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hailin Lu
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People’s Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Smit DJ, Jücker M. AKT Isoforms as a Target in Cancer and Immunotherapy. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:409-436. [PMID: 36243855 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_18] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, targeted therapies have received tremendous attention in cancer therapy. One of the most frequently targeted pathways is the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway that regulates crucial cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and migration. In a wide variety of cancer entities, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was found to be a critical driver of disease progression, indicating a noteworthy target in cancer therapy. This chapter focuses on targeted therapies against AKT, which is a key enzyme within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Although the three different isoforms of AKT, namely AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, have a high homology, the isoforms exhibit different biological functions. Recently, direct inhibitors against all AKT isoforms as well as selective inhibitors against specific AKT isoforms have been extensively investigated in preclinical work as well as in clinical trials to attenuate proliferation of cancer cells. While no AKT inhibitor has been approved by the FDA for cancer therapy to date, AKT still plays a crucial role in a variety of treatment strategies including immune checkpoint inhibition. In this chapter, we summarize the status of AKT inhibitors either targeting all or specific AKT isoforms. Furthermore, we explain the role of AKT signaling in direct inhibition of tumor cell growth as well as in immune cells and immune checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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11
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Li D, Zhao K, Zhao Z, Jiang B, Gong X, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Xiao H, Wang Y, Liu H, Yi C, Gu W. High Expression MicroRNA-206 Inhibits the Growth of Tumor Cells in Human Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751833. [PMID: 34900997 PMCID: PMC8656228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is a common type of soft tissue sarcoma and a serious threat to human health. MFH often relapses locally after the curettage is related to the residual cancer stem cells (CSCs). Currently, the dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) has been found to be closely related to the recurrence of CSCs. However, whether dysregulations of miRNAs exist in MFH, CSCs remained unknown. Methods: In this study, miRNAs in MFH CSCs and MFH common cells were examined by gene probe. Then, target genes and their functions involved in the signal pathway were predicted by the relevant database. Finally, the miRNAs’ target regulatory network was constructed. Furthermore, the miRNAs and target genes were identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, whereas miRNA analogs and antagonists were transfected in tumor cells to investigate cell proliferation ability further. Results: Results showed that a total of 47 miRNAs were found, including 16 that were upregulated and 31 that were downregulated. The screened differential miRNA showed a different expression in the cell resistant strains compared with the control group. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the relative abundance of seven miRNAs and four target genes varied significantly. The encouraging issue is that we found Hsa-miR-206 significantly inhibited MFH proliferative activity. Conclusion: Hsa-miR-206 played a key role in regulating MFH CSC properties that might be a representative marker and target for the diagnosis and treatment of MFH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejian Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ziwen Zhao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xianxu Gong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yingqi Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengqing Yi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenguang Gu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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12
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Coleman N, Subbiah V, Pant S, Patel K, Roy-Chowdhuri S, Yedururi S, Johnson A, Yap TA, Rodon J, Shaw K, Meric-Bernstam F. Emergence of mTOR mutation as an acquired resistance mechanism to AKT inhibition, and subsequent response to mTORC1/2 inhibition. NPJ Precis Oncol 2021; 5:99. [PMID: 34853384 PMCID: PMC8636467 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-021-00240-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance to molecular targeted therapy is a significant challenge of the precision medicine era. The ability to understand these mechanisms of resistance may improve patient selection and allow for the development of rationally designed next-line or combination treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. AKT is a critical effector of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling cascade, one of the most commonly activated pathways in human cancer. Deregulation of signaling pathways, such as RAF/MEK/ERK are previously described mechanisms of resistance to AKT/PI3K inhibitors. Mutations in the mTOR gene, however, are exceedingly rare. We present a case of acquired mTOR resistance, following targeted AKT inhibition, and subsequent response to mTOR1/2 inhibitor in a patient with metastatic endometrial cancer, the first documented response to ATP-competitive mTOR inhibition in this setting. This case supports mTOR mutation as a mechanism of resistance, and underscores the importance of tumor molecular profiling, exemplifying precision medicine in action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Coleman
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Keyur Patel
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Sireesha Yedururi
- Abdominal Imaging Department, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amber Johnson
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Timothy A Yap
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jordi Rodon
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kenna Shaw
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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Kaboli PJ, Imani S, Jomhori M, Ling KH. Chemoresistance in breast cancer: PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitors vs the current chemotherapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5155-5183. [PMID: 34765318 PMCID: PMC8569340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women. Several types of drugs, targeting the specific proteins expressed on the breast cancer cell surface (such as receptor tyrosine kinases and immune checkpoint regulators) and proteins involved in cell cycle and motility (including cyclin-dependent kinases, DNA stabilisers, and cytoskeleton modulators) are approved for different subtypes of breast cancer. However, breast cancer also has a poor response to conventional chemotherapy due to intrinsic and acquired resistance, and an Akt fingerprint is detectable in most drug-resistant cases. Overactivation of Akt and its upstream and downstream regulators in resistant breast cancer cells is considered a major potential target for novel anti-cancer therapies, suggesting that Akt signalling acts as a cellular mechanism against chemotherapy. The present review has shown that sustained activation of Akt results in resistance to different types of chemotherapy. Akt signalling plays a cellular defence role against chemotherapy and (1) enhances multi-drug resistance, (2) increases reactive oxygen species at breast tumor microenvironment, (3) enhances anaerobic metabolism, (4) inhibits the tricarboxylic cycle, (5) promotes PD-L1 upregulation, (6) inhibits apoptosis, (7) increases glucose uptake, and more importantly (8) recruits and interconnects the plasma membrane, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria to hijack breast cancer cells and rescue these cells from chemotherapy. Therefore, Akt signalling is considered a cellular defence mechanism employed against chemotherapeutic effects. In addition, interfering roles of PI3K/Akt signalling on the current cytotoxic and molecularly targeted therapy as well as immunotherapy of breast cancer are discussed with a clinical approach. Although, alpelisib, a PIK3CA inhibitor, is the only PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor approved for breast cancer, we also highlight well-evaluated inhibitors of PI3K/Akt signalling based on different subtypes of breast cancer, which are under clinical trials whether as monotherapy or in combination with other types of chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Cancer Biology, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical UniversityTaichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Saber Imani
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou, Sichuan 646000, P. R. China
| | - Masume Jomhori
- Department of Biotechnology Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research InstituteMashhad, Iran
| | - King-Hwa Ling
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra MalaysiaSerdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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Takahashi H, Rokudai S, Kawabata-Iwakawa R, Sakakura K, Oyama T, Nishiyama M, Chikamatsu K. AKT3 is a key regulator of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:2325-2334. [PMID: 33811778 PMCID: PMC8177780 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a vital role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and angiogenesis in various human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the present study, we aimed to clarify the role of AKT, which is a major downstream effector of the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway, in HNSCC. We first investigated the mRNA expression of AKT isoforms using RNA‐sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. We observed a specific elevation of AKT3 expression in HNSCC tissues when compared with that in normal tissues. Furthermore, AKT3 expression correlated with genes related to the immunosuppressive microenvironment more than the other AKT isoforms and PIK3CA. Accordingly, we focused on AKT3 and performed a knockdown approach using an HNSCC cell line. AKT3 knockdown cells exhibited impaired proliferation, a shift in the cell cycle from G2/M to G1/G0 phase, an increase in apoptotic cells, and downregulation of gene expression related to immunosuppression, as well as the knockdown of its upstream regulator PIK3CA. We also performed immunohistochemistry for both AKT3 and PIK3CA using surgical specimens from 72 patients with HNSCC. AKT3 expression in tumor cells correlated with immune cell infiltration and unfavorable prognosis when compared with PIK3CA. These findings suggested that AKT3 expression is a potential biomarker for predicting the immunoreactivity and prognosis of HNSCC. Furthermore, the isoform‐specific inhibition of AKT3 could be developed as a novel cancer therapy that efficiently suppresses the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Susumu Rokudai
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Oncology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Reika Kawabata-Iwakawa
- Division of Integrate Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Koichi Sakakura
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Oyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Masahiko Nishiyama
- Division of Integrate Oncology Research, Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chikamatsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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15
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Degan SE, Gelman IH. Emerging Roles for AKT Isoform Preference in Cancer Progression Pathways. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1251-1257. [PMID: 33931488 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-1066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathway is one of the most mutated in human cancers, predominantly associated with the loss of the signaling antagonist, PTEN, and to lesser extents, with gain-of-function mutations in PIK3CA (encoding PI3K-p110α) and AKT1. In addition, most oncogenic driver pathways activate PI3K/AKT signaling. Nonetheless, drugs targeting PI3K or AKT have fared poorly against solid tumors in clinical trials as monotherapies, yet some have shown efficacy when combined with inhibitors of other oncogenic drivers, such as receptor tyrosine kinases or nuclear hormone receptors. There is growing evidence that AKT isoforms, AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, have different, often distinct roles in either promoting or suppressing specific parameters of oncogenic progression, yet few if any isoform-preferred substrates have been characterized. This review will describe recent data showing that the differential activation of AKT isoforms is mediated by complex interplays between PTEN, PI3K isoforms and upstream tyrosine kinases, and that the efficacy of PI3K/AKT inhibitors will likely depend on the successful targeting of specific AKT isoforms and their preferred pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seamus E Degan
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Irwin H Gelman
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.
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Guan I, Williams K, Pan J, Liu X. New Cysteine Covalent Modification Strategies Enable Advancement of Proteome‐wide Selectivity of Kinase Modulators. ASIAN J ORG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.202100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Guan
- School of Chemistry The Heart Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Kayla Williams
- School of Chemistry The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Jolyn Pan
- Faculty of Science & Engineering The University of Waikato 124 Hillcrest Road, Hillcrest Hamilton 3216 New Zealand
| | - Xuyu Liu
- School of Chemistry The Heart Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
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17
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Fang X, Huang W, Wu P, Zeng J, Li X. CircRNA circTRAF3 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis through targeting miR-203a-3p/AKT3 axis. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 221:153438. [PMID: 33887546 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Distant metastasis is still the main cause of death in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and its mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we studied the biological function and molecular mechanism of circular RNA circTRAF3 in NPC metastasis. We found that the increase in circTRAF3 is associated with the metastasis and survival of NPC patients. Knockdown of circTRAF3 could inhibit NPC cell proliferation and cell invasion, and induce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that circTRAF3 eliminated the inhibitory effect of miR-203a-3p on AKT3 by adsorbing miR-203a-3p, and finally played the role of oncogene in NPC. Our findings reveal a new type of circRNA, circTRAF3, which acts as an oncogene in NPC and targets miR-203a-3p/AKT3 pathway. The circTRAF3/miR-203a-3p/AKT3 pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for metastatic NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Province Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Critical Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Research Center of Carcinogenesis and Targeted Therapy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Province Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Critical Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Junfeng Zeng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Province Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Critical Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Province Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology Critical Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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18
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Zhao C, Gan C, Xiao Y, Liu R, Zhang L, Lan T, Ye Y, Tong H, Huang Z, Tang C, Gao J. High expression of long non-coding RNA Linc-A associates with poor survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:7497-7504. [PMID: 32918124 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05809-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNA for kinase activation (Linc-A) has been reported to enhance the occurrence and progression of breast cancer. Nevertheless, whether Linc-A is related to the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression of Linc-A in colon adenocarcinoma and explore the correlation between Linc-A and prognosis of CRC. The expression of Linc-A in human colon tissues was evaluated by qRT-PCR, which contained 15 pairs of human colon adenocarcinoma and paracancerous tissues and other 65 colon adenocarcinoma tissues. A total of 80 patients were divided into low and high expression groups according to the Linc-A levels. The levels of Linc-A in colon adenocarcinoma was higher than that in paracancerous tissues (p = 0.047). Furthermore, high expression of Linc-A was associated with advanced TNM stage (p = 0.013), positive lymph nodes (p = 0.024), low 5-year survival rate (p = 0.024) and even 10-year survival rate (p = 0.007). Besides, Linc-A, advanced age, advanced TNM stage, deep infiltration degree and positive lymph nodes were also found to be positively related to poor overall 5-year survival by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis(p < 0.05). Then, multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that Linc-A was an independent risk factor for prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma (p = 0.047). In conclusion, high expression of Linc-A is associated with advanced TNM stage, lymphatic metastasis and poor survival in patients with CRC. Linc-A may be served as a candidate prognostic biomarker for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, NO. 1, 4th Keyuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Can Gan
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, NO. 1, 4th Keyuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, NO. 1, 4th Keyuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linhao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanting Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiyin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengwei Tang
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, NO. 1, 4th Keyuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, NO. 1, 4th Keyuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Andrikopoulou A, Liontos M, Koutsoukos K, Dimopoulos MA, Zagouri F. The emerging role of BET inhibitors in breast cancer. Breast 2020; 53:152-163. [PMID: 32827765 PMCID: PMC7451423 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic molecules that regulate the expression of multiple genes involved in carcinogenesis. Breast cancer is an heterogenous disease emerging from aberrant gene expression and epigenetic alteration patterns. Amplification or overexpression of BET proteins has been identified in breast tumors highlighting their clinical significance. Development of BET inhibitors that disrupt BET protein binding to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin and suppress transcription of various oncogenes has shown promising results in breast cancer cells and xenograft models. Currently, Phase I/II clinical trials explore safety and efficacy of BET inhibitors in solid tumors and breast cancer. Treatment-emergent toxicities have been reported, including thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal disorders. Preliminary results demonstrated greater response rates to BET inhibitors in combination with already approved anticancer agents. Consistently, BET inhibition sensitized breast tumors to chemotherapy drugs, hormone therapy and PI3K inhibitors in vitro. This article aims to review all existing preclinical and clinical evidence regarding BET inhibitors in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Andrikopoulou
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Michalis Liontos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Koutsoukos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
| | - Flora Zagouri
- Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
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20
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Vaidya A, Wang H, Qian V, Gilmore H, Lu ZR. Overexpression of Extradomain-B Fibronectin is Associated with Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081826. [PMID: 32756405 PMCID: PMC7463489 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast tumor heterogeneity is a major impediment to oncotherapy. Cancer cells undergo rapid clonal evolution, thereby acquiring significant growth and invasive advantages. The absence of specific markers of these high-risk populations precludes efficient therapeutic and diagnostic management of the disease. Given the critical function of tumor microenvironment in the oncogenic circuitry, we sought to determine the expression profile of the extracellular matrix oncoprotein, extradomain-B fibronectin (EDB-FN) in invasive breast cancer. Analyses of TCGA/GTEx databases and immunostaining of clinical samples found a significant overexpression of EDB-FN in breast tumors, which correlated with poor overall survival. Significant upregulation of EDB-FN was observed in invasive cell populations generated from relatively less invasive MCF7 and MDA-MB-468 cells by long-term TGF-β treatment and acquired chemoresistance. Treatment of the invasive cell populations with an AKT inhibitor (MK2206-HCl) reduced their invasive potential, with a concomitant decrease in their EDB-FN expression, partly through the phosphoAKT-SRp55 pathway. EDB-FN downregulation, with direct RNAi of EDB-FN or indirectly through RNAi of SRp55, also resulted in reduced motility of the invasive cell populations, validating the correlation between EDB-FN expression and invasion of breast cancer cells. These data establish EDB-FN as a promising molecular marker for non-invasive therapeutic surveillance of aggressive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Vaidya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.V.); (H.W.); (V.Q.)
| | - Helen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.V.); (H.W.); (V.Q.)
| | - Victoria Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.V.); (H.W.); (V.Q.)
| | - Hannah Gilmore
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (A.V.); (H.W.); (V.Q.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-216-368-0187
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21
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Liu X, Long MJC, Hopkins BD, Luo C, Wang L, Aye Y. Precision Targeting of pten-Null Triple-Negative Breast Tumors Guided by Electrophilic Metabolite Sensing. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:892-902. [PMID: 32607436 PMCID: PMC7318068 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.9b00893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Off-target effects continue to impede disease interventions, particularly when targeting a specific protein within a family of similar proteins, such as kinase isoforms that play tumor-subtype-specific roles in cancers. Exploiting the specific electrophilic-metabolite-sensing capability of Akt3, versus moderate or no sensing, respectively, by Akt2 and Akt1, we describe a first-in-class functionally Akt3-selective covalent inhibitor [MK-H(F)NE], wherein the electrophilic core is derived from the native reactive lipid metabolite HNE. Mechanistic profiling and pathway interrogations point to retention of the metabolite's structure-as opposed to implicit electrophilicity-as being essential for biasing isoform preference, which we found translates to tumor-subtype specificity against pten-null triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). MK-H(F)NE further enables novel downstream target identification specific to Akt3-function in disease. In TNBC xenografts, MK-H(F)NE fares better than reversible pan-Akt-inhibitors and does not show commonly observed side-effects associated with Akt1-inhibition. Inhibitors derived from native-metabolite sensing are thus an enabling plan-of-action for unmasking kinase-isoform-biased molecular targets and tumor-subtype-specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Liu
- School
of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- The
Heart Research Institute, Newtown, New South Wales 2042, Australia
| | - Marcus J. C. Long
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York 14850, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Hopkins
- Department
of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn
School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Chaosheng Luo
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lingxi Wang
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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22
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Effects of PKB/Akt inhibitors on insulin-stimulated lipogenesis and phosphorylation state of lipogenic enzymes in white adipose tissue. Biochem J 2020; 477:1373-1389. [PMID: 32215608 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We investigated acute effects of two allosteric protein kinase B (PKB) inhibitors, MK-2206 and Akti-1/2, on insulin-stimulated lipogenesis in rat epididymal adipocytes incubated with fructose as carbohydrate substrate. In parallel, the phosphorylation state of lipogenic enzymes in adipocytes and incubated epididymal fat pads was monitored by immunoblotting. Preincubation of rat epididymal adipocytes with PKB inhibitors dose-dependently inhibited the following: insulin-stimulated lipogenesis, increased PKB Ser473 phosphorylation, increased PKB activity and decreased acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) Ser79 phosphorylation. In contrast, the effect of insulin to decrease the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) at Ser293 and Ser300 was not abolished by PKB inhibition. Insulin treatment also induced ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) Ser454 phosphorylation, but this effect was less sensitive to PKB inhibitors than ACC dephosphorylation by insulin. In incubated rat epididymal fat pads, Akti-1/2 treatment reversed insulin-induced ACC dephosphorylation, while ACL phosphorylation by insulin was maintained. ACL and ACC purified from white adipose tissue were poor substrates for PKBα in vitro. However, effects of wortmannin and torin, along with Akti-1/2 and MK-2206, on recognized PKB target phosphorylation by insulin were similar to their effects on insulin-induced ACL phosphorylation, suggesting that PKB could be the physiological kinase for ACL phosphorylation by insulin. In incubated epididymal fat pads from wild-type versus ACC1/2 S79A/S212A knockin mice, effects of insulin to increase lipogenesis from radioactive fructose or from radioactive acetate were reduced but not abolished. Together, the results support a key role for PKB in mediating insulin-stimulated lipogenesis by decreasing ACC phosphorylation, but not by decreasing PDH phosphorylation.
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23
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Akt-targeted therapy as a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer - A comprehensive review from chemotherapy to immunotherapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 156:104806. [PMID: 32294525 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in women. Chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy has been used to treat breast cancer. Atezolizumab targeting the protein programmed cell death-ligand (PD-L1) in combination with paclitaxel was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), the most incurable type of breast cancer. However, the use of such drugs is restricted by genotype and is effective only for those TNBC patients expressing PD-L1. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy with drugs such as lapatinib, geftinib, and tamoxifen can develop. In this review, we address chemoresistance in breast cancer and discuss Akt as the master regulator of drug resistance and several oncogenic mechanisms in breast cancer. Akt not only directly interacts with the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway to affect PD-L1 expression, but also has crosstalk with Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways involved in cell migration and breast cancer stem cell integrity. In this review, we discuss the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on Akt activation as well as the mechanism of Akt signaling in drug resistance. Akt also has a crucial role in mitochondrial metabolism and migrates into mitochondria to remodel breast cancer cell metabolism while also functioning in responses to hypoxic conditions. The Akt inhibitors ipatasertib, capivasertib, uprosertib, and MK-2206 not only suppress cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, but may also inhibit cytokine regulation and PD-L1 expression. Ipatasertib and uprosertib are undergoing clinical investigation to treat TNBC. Inhibition of Akt and its regulators can be used to control breast cancer progression and also immunosuppression, while discovery of additional compounds that target Akt and its modulators could provide solutions to resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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24
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Le Grand M, Kimpton K, Gana CC, Valli E, Fletcher JI, Kavallaris M. Targeting Functional Activity of AKT Has Efficacy against Aggressive Neuroblastoma. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:148-160. [PMID: 32259094 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma is one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer and remains a significant clinical challenge. Direct pharmacological inhibition of MYCN is not currently achievable. One strategy could be to target the AKT/GSK3β pathway, which directly regulates the stability of the MYCN protein. Numerous potent and isoform-specific small-molecule AKT inhibitors have been developed. However, the selection of the right drug combinations in the relevant indication will have a significant impact on AKT inhibitor clinical success. To maximally exploit the potential of AKT inhibitors, a better understanding of AKT isoform functions in cancer is crucial. Here using RNAi to downregulate specific AKT isoforms, we demonstrated that loss of total AKT activity rather than isoform-specific expression was necessary to decrease MYCN expression and cause a significant decrease in neuroblastoma cell proliferation. Consistent with these observations, isoform-specific pharmacological inhibition of AKT was substantially less effective than pan-AKT inhibition in combination with cytotoxic drugs in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. The allosteric pan-AKT inhibitor perifosine had promising in vitro and in vivo activity in combination with conventional cytotoxic drugs in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells. Our results demonstrated that perifosine drug combination was able to induce apoptosis and downregulate ABC transporter expression. Collectively, this study shows that selecting pan-AKT inhibitors rather than isoform-specific drugs to synergize with first-line chemotherapy treatment should be considered for clinical trials for aggressive neuroblastoma and, potentially, other MYCN -driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Le Grand
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Kathleen Kimpton
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Christine C Gana
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Emanuele Valli
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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25
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You I, Erickson EC, Donovan KA, Eleuteri NA, Fischer ES, Gray NS, Toker A. Discovery of an AKT Degrader with Prolonged Inhibition of Downstream Signaling. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 27:66-73.e7. [PMID: 31859249 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT signaling cascade is one of the most commonly dysregulated pathways in cancer, with over half of tumors exhibiting aberrant AKT activation. Although potent small-molecule AKT inhibitors have entered clinical trials, robust and durable therapeutic responses have not been observed. As an alternative strategy to target AKT, we report the development of INY-03-041, a pan-AKT degrader consisting of the ATP-competitive AKT inhibitor GDC-0068 conjugated to lenalidomide, a recruiter of the E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate adaptor Cereblon (CRBN). INY-03-041 induced potent degradation of all three AKT isoforms and displayed enhanced anti-proliferative effects relative to GDC-0068. Notably, INY-03-041 promoted sustained AKT degradation and inhibition of downstream signaling effects for up to 96 h, even after compound washout. Our findings suggest that AKT degradation may confer prolonged pharmacological effects compared with inhibition, and highlight the potential advantages of AKT-targeted degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inchul You
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Emily C Erickson
- Department of Pathology, Medicine and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nicholas A Eleuteri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology, Medicine and Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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26
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Hinz N, Jücker M. Distinct functions of AKT isoforms in breast cancer: a comprehensive review. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:154. [PMID: 31752925 PMCID: PMC6873690 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0450-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKT, also known as protein kinase B, is a key element of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, AKT regulates the hallmarks of cancer, e.g. tumor growth, survival and invasiveness of tumor cells. After AKT was discovered in the early 1990s, further studies revealed that there are three different AKT isoforms, namely AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3. Despite their high similarity of 80%, the distinct AKT isoforms exert non-redundant, partly even opposing effects under physiological and pathological conditions. Breast cancer as the most common cancer entity in women, frequently shows alterations of the PI3K/AKT signaling. MAIN CONTENT A plethora of studies addressed the impact of AKT isoforms on tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis of breast cancer as well as on therapy response and overall survival in patients. Therefore, this review aimed to give a comprehensive overview about the isoform-specific effects of AKT in breast cancer and to summarize known downstream and upstream mechanisms. Taking account of conflicting findings among the studies, the majority of the studies reported a tumor initiating role of AKT1, whereas AKT2 is mainly responsible for tumor progression and metastasis. In detail, AKT1 increases cell proliferation through cell cycle proteins like p21, p27 and cyclin D1 and impairs apoptosis e.g. via p53. On the downside AKT1 decreases migration of breast cancer cells, for instance by regulating TSC2, palladin and EMT-proteins. However, AKT2 promotes migration and invasion most notably through regulation of β-integrins, EMT-proteins and F-actin. Whilst AKT3 is associated with a negative ER-status, findings about the role of AKT3 in regulation of the key properties of breast cancer are sparse. Accordingly, AKT1 is mutated and AKT2 is amplified in some cases of breast cancer and AKT isoforms are associated with overall survival and therapy response in an isoform-specific manner. CONCLUSIONS Although there are several discussed hypotheses how isoform specificity is achieved, the mechanisms behind the isoform-specific effects remain mostly unrevealed. As a consequence, further effort is necessary to achieve deeper insights into an isoform-specific AKT signaling in breast cancer and the mechanism behind it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Hinz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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27
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Shariati M, Meric-Bernstam F. Targeting AKT for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:977-988. [PMID: 31594388 PMCID: PMC6901085 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1676726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Targeted therapies in cancer aim to inhibit specific molecular targets responsible for enhanced tumor growth. AKT/PKB (protein kinase B) is a serine threonine kinase involved in several critical cellular pathways, including survival, proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Although phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) is the key regulator of AKT activation, numerous stimuli and kinases initiate pro-proliferative AKT signaling which results in the activation of AKT pathway to drive cellular growth and survival. Activating mutations and amplification of components of the AKT pathway are implicated in the pathogenesis of many cancers including breast and ovarian. Given its importance, AKT, it has been validated as a promising therapeutic target.Areas covered: This article summarizes AKT's biological function and different classes of AKT inhibitors as anticancer agents. We also explore the efficacy of AKT inhibitors as monotherapies and in combination with cytotoxic and other targeted therapies.Expert opinion: The complex mechanism following AKT inhibition requires the addition of other therapies to prevent resistance and improve clinical response. Further studies are necessary to determine additional rational combinations that can enhance efficacy of AKT inhibitors, potentially by targeting compensatory mechanisms, and/or enhancing apoptosis. The identification of biomarkers of response is essential for the development of successful therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shariati
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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28
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Roy R, Winteringham LN, Lassmann T, Forrest ARR. Expression Levels of Therapeutic Targets as Indicators of Sensitivity to Targeted Therapeutics. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:2480-2489. [PMID: 31467181 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer precision medicine aims to predict the drug likely to yield the best response for a patient. Genomic sequencing of tumors is currently being used to better inform treatment options; however, this approach has had a limited clinical impact due to the paucity of actionable mutations. An alternative to mutation status is the use of gene expression signatures to predict response. Using data from two large-scale studies, The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity of Cancer (GDSC) and The Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP), we investigated the relationship between the sensitivity of hundreds of cell lines to hundreds of drugs, and the relative expression levels of the targets these drugs are directed against. For approximately one third of the drugs considered (73/222 in GDSC and 131/360 in CTRP), sensitivity was significantly correlated with the expression of at least one of the known targets. Surprisingly, for 8% of the annotated targets, there was a significant anticorrelation between target expression and sensitivity. For several cases, this corresponded to drugs targeting multiple genes in the same family, with the expression of one target significantly correlated with sensitivity and another significantly anticorrelated suggesting a possible role in resistance. Furthermore, we identified nontarget genes that are significantly correlated or anticorrelated with drug sensitivity, and find literature linking several to sensitization and resistance. Our analyses provide novel and important insights into both potential mechanisms of resistance and relative efficacy of drugs against the same target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riti Roy
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Louise N Winteringham
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Timo Lassmann
- Telethons Kids Institute, Perth's Children Hospital, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alistair R R Forrest
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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29
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Long MJC, Liu X, Aye Y. Chemical Biology Gateways to Mapping Location, Association, and Pathway Responsivity. Front Chem 2019; 7:125. [PMID: 30949469 PMCID: PMC6437114 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we discuss, how by applying chemical concepts to biological problems, methods have been developed to map spatiotemporal regulation of proteins and small-molecule modulation of proteome signaling responses. We outline why chemical-biology platforms are ideal for such purposes. We further discuss strengths and weaknesses of chemical-biology protocols, contrasting them against classical genetic and biochemical approaches. We make these evaluations based on three parameters: occupancy; functional information; and spatial restriction. We demonstrate how the specific choice of chemical reagent and experimental set-up unite to resolve biological problems. Potential improvements/extensions as well as specific controls that in our opinion are often overlooked or employed incorrectly are also considered. Finally, we discuss some of the latest emerging methods to illuminate how chemical-biology innovations provide a gateway toward information hitherto inaccessible by conventional genetic/biochemical means. Finally, we also caution against solely relying on chemical-biology strategies and urge the field to undertake orthogonal validations to ensure robustness of results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuyu Liu
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yimon Aye
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Lausanne, Switzerland
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30
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Ramanujan VK. Quantitative Imaging of Morphometric and Metabolic Signatures Reveals Heterogeneity in Drug Response of Three-Dimensional Mammary Tumor Spheroids. Mol Imaging Biol 2019; 21:436-446. [DOI: 10.1007/s11307-019-01324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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31
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Al-Sha'er MA, Taha MO. Ligand-based modeling of Akt3 lead to potent dual Akt1/Akt3 inhibitor. J Mol Graph Model 2018; 83:153-166. [PMID: 29456101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Akt1 and Akt3 are important serine/threonine-specific protein kinases involved in G2 phase required by cancer cells to maintain cell cycle and to prevent cell death. Accordingly, inhibitors of these kinases should have potent anti-cancer properties. This prompted us to use pharmacophore/QSAR modeling to identify optimal binding models and physicochemical descriptors that explain bioactivity variation within a set of 74 diverse Akt3 inhibitors. Two successful orthogonal pharmacophores were identified and further validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. The pharmacophoric models and associated QSAR equation were applied to screen the national cancer institute (NCI) list of compounds for new Akt3 inhibitors. Six hits showed significant experimental anti-Akt3 IC50 values, out of which one compound exhibited dual low micromolar anti-Akt1 and anti-Akt3 inhibitory profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mutasem O Taha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
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32
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Heavey S, Dowling P, Moore G, Barr MP, Kelly N, Maher SG, Cuffe S, Finn SP, O'Byrne KJ, Gately K. Development and characterisation of a panel of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase - mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor resistant lung cancer cell lines. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1652. [PMID: 29374181 PMCID: PMC5786033 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19688-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K-mTOR pathway is involved in regulating all hallmarks of cancer, and is often dysregulated in NSCLC, making it an attractive therapeutic target in this setting. Acquired resistance to PI3K-mTOR inhibition is a major hurdle to overcome in the success of PI3K-mTOR targeted agents. H460, A549, and H1975 resistant cells were generated by prolonged treatment in culture with Apitolisib (GDC-0980), a dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitor over a period of several months, from age-matched parent cells. Resistance was deemed to have developed when a log fold difference in IC50 had been achieved. Resistant cell lines also exhibited resistance to another widely investigated PI3K-mTOR dual inhibitor; Dactolisib (BEZ235). Cell lines were characterised at the level of mRNA (expression array profiling expression of >150 genes), miRNA (expression array profiling of 2100 miRNAs), protein (bottoms-up label-free mass spectrometry) and phosphoprotein (expression array profiling of 84 phospho/total proteins). Key alterations were validated by qPCR and Western blot. H1975 cells were initially most sensitive to Apitolisib (GDC-0980), but developed resistance more quickly than the other cell lines, perhaps due to increased selective pressure from the impressive initial effect. In-depth molecular profiling suggested epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may play a role in resistance to PI3K-mTOR dual inhibition in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Heavey
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | - Gillian Moore
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin P Barr
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Kelly
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen G Maher
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Cuffe
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen P Finn
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Kathy Gately
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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33
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Hu X, Wang J, He W, Zhao P, Ye C. MicroRNA-433 targets AKT3 and inhibits cell proliferation and viability in breast cancer. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:3998-4004. [PMID: 29556282 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer pathogenesis are not fully understood. The present study examined the role of miR-433 in breast cancer and investigated its underlying molecular mechanisms of action. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to analyze the level of microRNA (miRNA/miR)/mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Additionally, MTT assay was used to determined cell proliferation and viability. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the identity of the downstream target of miR-433. The results revealed that miR-433 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-433 inhibited cell proliferation and cell viability in BT-549 cells, whereas downregulation of miR-433 increased cell proliferation and cell viability in MDA-MB-231 cells. Further flow cytometry analysis revealed that miR-433 was able to induce apoptosis and also alter the levels of proteins expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 and Bcl-associated X. Bioinformatics analysis showed that RAC-γ serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT3) was one of the downstream targets of miR-433, and luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that AKT3 is a direct target of miR-433. The knockdown of AKT3 was able to inhibit proliferation and viability in BT-549 cells. Overexpression of AKT3 prevented the inhibitory effects of miR-433 on proliferation and viability in BT-549 cells. The level of AKT3 mRNA expression was upregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with normal tissues and was inversely correlated with miR-433 expression levels. In summary, the results of the present study results indicate that the tumor-suppressive role of miR-433 may be mediated by regulating AKT3. miR-433 may therefore serve as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wang
- Clinical Nutrition Department, The 458th Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510620, P.R. China
| | - Wan He
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Pan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Medical Research, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Changsheng Ye
- Department of Breast Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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34
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García-Aranda M, Redondo M. Protein Kinase Targets in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122543. [PMID: 29186886 PMCID: PMC5751146 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
With 1.67 million new cases and 522,000 deaths in the year 2012, breast cancer is the most common type of diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death in women around the world. Despite the success of screening programs and the development of adjuvant therapies, a significant percentage of breast cancer patients will suffer a metastatic disease that, to this day, remains incurable and justifies the research of new therapies to improve their life expectancy. Among the new therapies that have been developed in recent years, the emergence of targeted therapies has been a milestone in the fight against cancer. Over the past decade, many studies have shown a causal role of protein kinase dysregulations or mutations in different human diseases, including cancer. Along these lines, cancer research has demonstrated a key role of many protein kinases during human tumorigenesis and cancer progression, turning these molecules into valid candidates for new targeted therapies. The subsequent discovery and introduction in 2001 of the kinase inhibitor imatinib, as a targeted treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia, revolutionized cancer genetic pathways research, and lead to the development of multiple small-molecule kinase inhibitors against various malignancies, including breast cancer. In this review, we analyze studies published to date about novel small-molecule kinase inhibitors and evaluate if they would be useful to develop new treatment strategies for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilina García-Aranda
- Biochemistry Department, Hospital Costa del Sol, Carretera de Cádiz km, 187, 29600 Marbella, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Maximino Redondo
- Biochemistry Department, Hospital Costa del Sol, Carretera de Cádiz km, 187, 29600 Marbella, Málaga, Spain.
- Biochemistry Department, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Málaga, Bulevar Louis Pasteur 32, 29010 Málaga, Spain.
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Lin Y, Cheng K, Wang T, Xie Q, Chen M, Chen Q, Wen Q. miR-217 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion via targeting AKT3 in thyroid cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1718-1724. [PMID: 28962076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were to test the influence of miR-217 on the proliferation, invasion, migration of thyroid cancer and the relevant mechanism. METHOD miR-217 expression levels in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometer, wound healing, transwell invasion assays were applied to evaluate the effect of miR-217 on proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of thyroid cells. The luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot were used to identify target of miR-217. Relative relationship of expression level between miR-217 and AKT3 was analyzed in thyroid cancer tissues. Xenograft transplantation was performed to test effect of miR-217 in vivo. RESULTS We found that the expression of miR-217 was significantly decreased in thyroid cancer tissues cell lines. Significantly, decreased miR-217 expression were associated with the clinical stage and lymph node metastasis. Function studies revealed that miR-217 overexpression in thyroid cancer cells inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Subsequently, AKT3 was identified as a target of miR-217 in thyroid cancer. AKT3 expression was upregulated in thyroid cancer tissues, was inversely correlated with miR-217expression. Besides, overexpression of AKT3 efficiently abrogates suppressive effect on proliferation, migration and invasion in thyroid cancer cells caused by overexpression of miR-217. CONCLUSION These data demonstrated a tumor suppressor role for miR-217 in thyroid cancer development and progression by targeting AKT3, suggesting miR-217 might be a potential target for thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqiang Lin
- Department of Ultrasonography, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, ErDao District, Changchun 13033, China
| | - Kailiang Cheng
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, ErDao District, Changchun 13033, China
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, ErDao District, Changchun 13033, China
| | - Qian Xie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, ErDao District, Changchun 13033, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, ErDao District, Changchun 13033, China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, ErDao District, Changchun 13033, China.
| | - Qiang Wen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai Street, ErDao District, Changchun 13033, China.
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Suyama K, Yao J, Liang H, Benard O, Loudig OD, Amgalan D, McKimpson WM, Phillips GR, Segall J, Wang Y, Fineberg S, Norton L, Kitsis RN, Hazan RB. An Akt3 Splice Variant Lacking the Serine 472 Phosphorylation Site Promotes Apoptosis and Suppresses Mammary Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2017; 78:103-114. [PMID: 29038347 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-1462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Akt pathway is a well-known promoter of tumor malignancy. Akt3 is expressed as two alternatively spliced variants, one of which lacks the key regulatory serine 472 phosphorylation site. Whereas the function of full-length Akt3 isoform (Akt3/+S472) is well-characterized, that of Akt3/-S472 isoform remains unknown. Despite being expressed at a substantially lower level than Akt3/+S472 in triple-negative breast cancer cells, specific ablation of Akt3/-S472 enhanced, whereas overexpression, suppressed mammary tumor growth, consistent with a significant association with patient survival duration relative to Akt3/+S472. These effects were due to striking induction of apoptosis, which was mediated by Bim upregulation, leading to conformational activation of Bax and caspase-3 processing. Bim accumulation was caused by marked endocytosis of EGF receptors with concomitant ERK attenuation, which stabilizes BIM. These findings demonstrate an unexpected function of an endogenously expressed Akt isoform in promoting, as opposed to suppressing, apoptosis, underscoring that Akt isoforms may exert dissonant functions in malignancy.Significance: These results illuminate an unexpected function for an endogenously expressed Akt isoform in promoting apoptosis, underscoring the likelihood that different Akt isoforms exert distinct functions in human cancer. Cancer Res; 78(1); 103-14. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimita Suyama
- Department of Pathology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Jiahong Yao
- Department of Pathology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Huizhi Liang
- Department of Pathology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Outhiriaradjou Benard
- Department of Pathology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Olivier D Loudig
- Department of Pathology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Dulguun Amgalan
- Department of Medicine and Cell Biology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Wendy M McKimpson
- Department of Medicine and Cell Biology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Greg R Phillips
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, New York
| | - Jeffrey Segall
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Yihong Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Susan Fineberg
- Department of Pathology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Larry Norton
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard N Kitsis
- Department of Medicine and Cell Biology, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Rachel B Hazan
- Department of Pathology and Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
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Ocaña A, Nieto-Jiménez C, Pandiella A. BET inhibitors as novel therapeutic agents in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:71285-71291. [PMID: 29050361 PMCID: PMC5642636 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumoral cells not only depend on oncogenic abnormalities to maintain its malignant phenotype but on non-oncogenic vulnerabilities. Targeting epigenomics can modify specific cellular functions required for malignant transformation. The Bromodomain (BRD) family mediates their effect by recruiting proteins of the transcription machinery, recognizing acetylated-lysine residues in nucleosomal histones. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors have shown to produce growth inhibition in several tumors through the inhibition of the expression of several transcription factors. In this review we will discuss the current knowledge regarding BET inhibitors in breast cancer. Recent data demonstrates their antiproliferative effect in several cancer subtypes, including the triple negative subtype, or when combined with cell signaling inhibitors. We will also describe options for therapeutic combinations or potential mechanisms of resistance, with special emphasis on their future clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ocaña
- Unidad de Investigación Traslacional, Hospital Universitario de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Cristina Nieto-Jiménez
- Unidad de Investigación Traslacional, Hospital Universitario de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer and CIBERONC, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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38
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Differential control of ageing and lifespan by isoforms and splice variants across the mTOR network. Essays Biochem 2017; 61:349-368. [PMID: 28698309 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20160086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ageing can be defined as the gradual deterioration of physiological functions, increasing the incidence of age-related disorders and the probability of death. Therefore, the term ageing not only reflects the lifespan of an organism but also refers to progressive functional impairment and disease. The nutrient-sensing kinase mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) is a major determinant of ageing. mTOR promotes cell growth and controls central metabolic pathways including protein biosynthesis, autophagy and glucose and lipid homoeostasis. The concept that mTOR has a crucial role in ageing is supported by numerous reports on the lifespan-prolonging effects of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin in invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms. Dietary restriction increases lifespan and delays ageing phenotypes as well and mTOR has been assigned a major role in this process. This may suggest a causal relationship between the lifespan of an organism and its metabolic phenotype. More than 25 years after mTOR's discovery, a wealth of metabolic and ageing-related effects have been reported. In this review, we cover the current view on the contribution of the different elements of the mTOR signalling network to lifespan and age-related metabolic impairment. We specifically focus on distinct roles of isoforms and splice variants across the mTOR network. The comprehensive analysis of mouse knockout studies targeting these variants does not support a tight correlation between lifespan prolongation and improved metabolic phenotypes and questions the strict causal relationship between them.
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Identification of Significant Pathways Induced by PAX5 Haploinsufficiency Based on Protein-Protein Interaction Networks and Cluster Analysis in Raji Cell Line. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5326370. [PMID: 28316978 PMCID: PMC5339483 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5326370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
PAX5 encodes a transcription factor essential for B-cell differentiation, and PAX5 haploinsufficiency is involved in tumorigenesis. There were few studies on how PAX5 haploinsufficiency regulated genes expression to promote tumorigenesis. In this study, we constructed the cell model of PAX5 haploinsufficiency using gene editing technology in Raji cells, detected differentially expressed genes in PAX5 haploinsufficiency Raji cells, and used protein-protein interaction networks and cluster analysis to comprehensively investigate the cellular pathways involved in PAX5 haploinsufficiency. The clusters of gene transcription, inflammatory and immune response, and cancer pathways were identified as three important pathways associated with PAX5 haploinsufficiency in Raji cells. These changes hinted that the mechanism of PAX5 haploinsufficiency promoting tumorigenesis may be related to genomic instability, immune tolerance, and tumor pathways.
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40
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Lin A, Hu Q, Li C, Xing Z, Ma G, Wang C, Li J, Ye Y, Yao J, Liang K, Wang S, Park PK, Marks JR, Zhou Y, Zhou J, Hung MC, Liang H, Hu Z, Shen H, Hawke DH, Han L, Zhou Y, Lin C, Yang L. The LINK-A lncRNA interacts with PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 to hyperactivate AKT and confer resistance to AKT inhibitors. Nat Cell Biol 2017; 19:238-251. [PMID: 28218907 PMCID: PMC5332298 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) mediates signaling pathways as a second messenger in response to extracellular signals. Although primordial functions of phospholipids and RNAs have been hypothesized in the “RNA world”, physiological RNA-phospholipid interactions and their involvement in essential cellular processes has remained a mystery. We explicate the contribution of lipid-binding long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer cells. Among them, Long Intergenic Noncoding RNA for Kinase Activation (LINK-A) directly interacts with AKT pleckstrin homology domain and PIP3 at the single nucleotide level, facilitating AKT-PIP3 interaction and consequent enzymatic activation. LINK-A-dependent AKT hyperactivation leads to tumorigenesis and resistance to AKT inhibitors. Genomic deletions of the LINK-A PIP3-binding motif dramatically sensitized breast cancer cells to AKT inhibitors. Furthermore, meta-analysis showed the correlation between LINK-A expression and incidence of a SNP (rs12095274: A>G), AKT phosphorylation status, and poor outcomes for breast and lung cancer patients. PIP3-binding lncRNA modulates AKT activation with broad clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifu Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Qingsong Hu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Chunlai Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Zhen Xing
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Guolin Ma
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Lab for Modern Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of System Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yin Ye
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ke Liang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Peter K Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Marks
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Science, Duke University, School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Yixing People's Hospital, Yixing 214200, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Han Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of System Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Zhibin Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Lab for Modern Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hongbing Shen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Lab for Modern Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - David H Hawke
- Department of System Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Leng Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Han P, Li H, Jiang X, Zhai B, Tan G, Zhao D, Qiao H, Liu B, Jiang H, Sun X. Dual inhibition of Akt and c-Met as a second-line therapy following acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Oncol 2017; 11:320-334. [PMID: 28164434 PMCID: PMC5527443 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib displays a limited efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Some patients with HCC initially respond to sorafenib, but eventually succumb to the disease, indicating that the acquired resistance to sorafenib reduces its beneficial effects. No alternative drugs are available after the failure of sorafenib therapy. Therefore, investigation of the mechanisms underlying the acquired resistance and development of second-line treatments for sorafenib-resistant HCC are urgently required. In this study, sorafenib-resistant HCC cells generated from sorafenib-sensitive human HCC cells were shown to overproduce hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and overexpress c-Met kinase and its phosphorylated form, leading to the activation of Akt and ERK (extracellular signaling-regulated kinase) pathways. Use of specific c-Met inhibitors enhanced the effects of sorafenib by inhibiting the growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC cells. Akt inhibitors, a class of second-line therapeutic drugs under investigation for treating HCC in clinical trials, enhanced the effects of sorafenib, but also activated the c-Met pathway in sorafenib-resistant cells. Dual inhibition of Akt and c-Met by their respective inhibitors, MK2206 and capmatinib, additively or synergistically suppressed sorafenib-resistant HCC cells in vitro and sorafenib-resistant HCC xenografts in mice. The anticancer activities of MK2206 mainly rely on its ability to induce cell apoptosis and autophagic death, while capmatinib treatment leads to cell cycle arrest at phase G1. These results provide strong evidence for further investigation on the clinical utility of dual inhibition of Akt and c-Met, particularly MK2206 and capmatinib, as a second-line therapy for advanced HCC that has acquired resistance to sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Han
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Hali Li
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Bo Zhai
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China.,Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Gang Tan
- Department of General Surgery, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Dali Zhao
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Haiquan Qiao
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Bing Liu
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Hongchi Jiang
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Xueying Sun
- The Hepatosplenic Surgery Center, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, China
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Regulation of PI3K effector signalling in cancer by the phosphoinositide phosphatases. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20160432. [PMID: 28082369 PMCID: PMC5301276 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20160432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) generates phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) at the plasma membrane in response to growth factors, activating a signalling cascade that regulates many cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, survival, migration and metabolism. The PI3K pathway is commonly dysregulated in human cancer, and drives tumorigenesis by promoting aberrant cell growth and transformation. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 facilitates the activation of many pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing proteins including the serine/threonine kinase AKT. There are three AKT isoforms that are frequently hyperactivated in cancer through mutation, amplification or dysregulation of upstream regulatory proteins. AKT isoforms have converging and opposing functions in tumorigenesis. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signalling is degraded and terminated by phosphoinositide phosphatases such as phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), proline-rich inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (PIPP) (INPP5J) and inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B). PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 is rapidly hydrolysed by PIPP to generate phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4)P2), which is further hydrolysed by INPP4B to form phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P). PtdIns(3,4)P2 and PtdIns3P are also important signalling molecules; PtdIns(3,4)P2 together with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 are required for maximal AKT activation and PtdIns3P activates PI3K-dependent serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK3) signalling. Loss of Pten, Pipp or Inpp4b expression or function promotes tumour growth in murine cancer models through enhanced AKT isoform-specific signalling. INPP4B inhibits PtdIns(3,4)P2-mediated AKT activation in breast and prostate cancer; however, INPP4B expression is increased in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), melanoma and colon cancer where it paradoxically promotes cell proliferation, transformation and/or drug resistance. This review will discuss how PTEN, PIPP and INPP4B distinctly regulate PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signalling downstream of PI3K and how dysregulation of these phosphatases affects cancer outcomes.
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