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Weidner FM, Ikonomi N, Werle SD, Schwab JD, Kestler HA. GatekeepR: an R Shiny application for the identification of nodes with high dynamic impact in Boolean networks. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:btae007. [PMID: 38195862 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Boolean networks can serve as straightforward models for understanding processes such as gene regulation, and employing logical rules. These rules can either be derived from existing literature or by data-driven approaches. However, in the context of large networks, the exhaustive search for intervention targets becomes challenging due to the exponential expansion of a Boolean network's state space and the multitude of potential target candidates, along with their various combinations. Instead, we can employ the logical rules and resultant interaction graph as a means to identify targets of specific interest within larger-scale models. This approach not only facilitates the screening process but also serves as a preliminary filtering step, enabling the focused investigation of candidates that hold promise for more profound dynamic analysis. However, applying this method requires a working knowledge of R, thus restricting the range of potential users. We, therefore, aim to provide an application that makes this method accessible to a broader scientific community. RESULTS Here, we introduce GatekeepR, a graphical, web-based R Shiny application that enables scientists to screen Boolean network models for possible intervention targets whose perturbation is likely to have a large impact on the system's dynamics. This application does not require a local installation or knowledge of R and provides the suggested targets along with additional network information and visualizations in an intuitive, easy-to-use manner. The Supplementary Material describes the underlying method for identifying these nodes along with an example application in a network modeling pancreatic cancer. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://www.github.com/sysbio-bioinf/GatekeepR https://abel.informatik.uni-ulm.de/shiny/GatekeepR/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix M Weidner
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Nensi Ikonomi
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Silke D Werle
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Julian D Schwab
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Hans A Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm 89081, Germany
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Werle SD, Ikonomi N, Lausser L, Kestler AMTU, Weidner FM, Schwab JD, Maier J, Buchholz M, Gress TM, Kestler AMR, Kestler HA. A systems biology approach to define mechanisms, phenotypes, and drivers in PanNETs with a personalized perspective. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:22. [PMID: 37270586 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00283-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a rare tumor entity with largely unpredictable progression and increasing incidence in developed countries. Molecular pathways involved in PanNETs development are still not elucidated, and specific biomarkers are missing. Moreover, the heterogeneity of PanNETs makes their treatment challenging and most approved targeted therapeutic options for PanNETs lack objective responses. Here, we applied a systems biology approach integrating dynamic modeling strategies, foreign classifier tailored approaches, and patient expression profiles to predict PanNETs progression as well as resistance mechanisms to clinically approved treatments such as the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors. We set up a model able to represent frequently reported PanNETs drivers in patient cohorts, such as Menin-1 (MEN1), Death domain associated protein (DAXX), Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC), as well as wild-type tumors. Model-based simulations suggested drivers of cancer progression as both first and second hits after MEN1 loss. In addition, we could predict the benefit of mTORC1 inhibitors on differentially mutated cohorts and hypothesize resistance mechanisms. Our approach sheds light on a more personalized prediction and treatment of PanNET mutant phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke D Werle
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nensi Ikonomi
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludwig Lausser
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, 85049, Ingolstadt, Germany
| | | | - Felix M Weidner
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julian D Schwab
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Maier
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Malte Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas M Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps-University Marburg, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Hans A Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Vitale G, Carra S, Alessi Y, Campolo F, Pandozzi C, Zanata I, Colao A, Faggiano A. Carcinoid Syndrome: Preclinical Models and Future Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043610. [PMID: 36835022 PMCID: PMC9961914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinoid syndrome represents a debilitating paraneoplastic disease, caused by the secretion of several substances, occurring in about 10-40% of patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The main signs and symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome are flushing, diarrhea, hypotension, tachycardia, bronchoconstriction, venous telangiectasia, dyspnea and fibrotic complications (mesenteric and retroperitoneal fibrosis, and carcinoid heart disease). Although there are several drugs available for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome, the lack of therapeutic response, poor tolerance or resistance to drugs are often reported. Preclinical models are indispensable tools for investigating the pathogenesis, mechanisms for tumor progression and new therapeutic approaches for cancer. This paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vitro and in vivo models in NETs with carcinoid syndrome, highlighting the future developments and therapeutic approaches in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Geriatric and Oncologic Neuroendocrinology Research, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-6191-12023; Fax: +39-02-6191-13033
| | - Silvia Carra
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Ylenia Alessi
- Endocrine Unit, University Hospital “Gaetano Martino” of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Campolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Pandozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Zanata
- Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, ENETS Center of Excellence, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Li H, Zhong R, He C, Tang C, Cui H, Li R, Liu Y, Lan S, Cheng Y. Colony‑stimulating factor CSF2 mediates the phenotypic plasticity of small‑cell lung cancer by regulating the p‑STAT3/MYC pathway. Oncol Rep 2022; 48:122. [PMID: 35583004 PMCID: PMC9164265 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse and drug resistance are the main causes of mortality in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a key biological mechanism that leads to relapse and drug resistance. Phenotypic plasticity is an important factor that leads to ITH in SCLC, although its mechanisms and key regulatory factors remain to be elucidated. In the present study, cell proliferation and cell switch assay were measured using trypan blue. Alamar Blue was used to test drug sensitivity. Differential genes were screened by RNA sequencing. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to assess the expressions of CSF2/p-STAT3/MYC pathway related molecules, neuroendocrine (NE)/non-neuroendocrine (non-NE), transcription factors and drug-related targets. The present study found that SCLC cell line NCI-H69 exhibited adherent (H69A) and suspensive (H69S) phenotypes, which could switch back and forth. The two phenotypic cells had significant differences in cellular NE and non-NE characteristics, drug sensitivity and expression of drug-related targets. RNA sequencing showed that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [i.e., colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2)] was the main differentially expressed gene between the two phenotypes and that H69A cells highly expressed CSF2. The inhibition of CSF2 promoted the transformation from H69A to H69S, increased drug sensitivity and NE marker expression and decreased the non-NE marker expression in H69A. The STRING, Pathway Commons and Reactome databases showed a potential regulatory relationship between CSF2 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3)/MYC. p-STAT3 and MYC expression was higher in H69A cells than in H69S cells and CSF2 silencing inhibited their expression. Taken together, these results indicated that CSF2 may regulate the phenotypic plasticity of SCLC through the phosphorylated STAT3/MYC pathway, thereby limiting the transformation between cell clones with different phenotypes and changing the sensitivity of specific cell clones to targeted drugs. Targeting CSF2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance in SCLC treatment by influencing ITH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Translational Cancer Research Lab, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhong
- Translational Cancer Research Lab, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Chunying He
- Biobank, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Chenchen Tang
- Biobank, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Heran Cui
- Biobank, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Rixin Li
- Biobank, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- Translational Cancer Research Lab, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Shaowei Lan
- Translational Cancer Research Lab, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Translational Cancer Research Lab, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
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A comprehensive analysis of FOX family in HCC and experimental evidence to support the oncogenic role of FOXH1. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:2268-2286. [PMID: 35255005 PMCID: PMC8954963 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203934] [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: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the second leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Understanding about the molecular biology of HCC and development of targeted therapies are still the main focuses of this type of disease. Here, by connecting the expression levels of FOX proteins with their associated clinical characteristics using TCGA LIHC dataset, we found that 27/40 FOX proteins were highly expressed in HCC tumors compared to normal liver tissues and their expression levels were tightly associated with HCC tumor stage, tumor grade and overall survival. Our experimental results also confirmed that FOXH1 indeed played an oncogenic role in HCC development by promoting cell growth and cell migration/invasion. Mechanistic dissection demonstrated that FOXH1-induced cell growth and cell migration/invasion relied on mTOR signaling because inhibition of mTOR signaling by rapamycin could attenuate FOXH1-mediated phenotypic alterations of HCC cells. The results from orthotopic mouse model also validated that FOXH1 promoted HA22T tumor growth via triggering mTOR activation. Overall, this study not only comprehensively examines the clinical values of FOX proteins in HCC but also provides experimental evidence to support the role of FOXH1 in HCC development, building rationale to develop more effective therapies to treat HCC patients.
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Pereira MG, Voltarelli VA, Tobias GC, de Souza L, Borges GS, Paixão AO, de Almeida NR, Bowen TS, Demasi M, Miyabara EH, Brum PC. Aerobic Exercise Training and In Vivo Akt Activation Counteract Cancer Cachexia by Inducing a Hypertrophic Profile through eIF-2α Modulation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010028. [PMID: 35008195 PMCID: PMC8750332 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic disease-related muscle atrophy is a serious public health problem since it reduces mobility and contributes to increases in hospitalization costs. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for muscle wasting at present. Thus, an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the control of muscle mass and function under chronic diseases can pave the way for the discovery of innovative therapeutic strategies to counteract muscle wasting. Since numerous types of cancer induce cachexia, which has no cure nor an effective treatment, the main proposal here was to study the effects of AET in cancer cachexia, and to investigate, through in vivo manipulation of the Akt/mTORC1 pathway, whether the cachectic muscle still presents conditions to respond adaptively to hypertrophic stimuli. Our results could provide a basis for innovative research lines to better understand muscle plasticity and to investigate potential therapeutic approaches necessary to prevent muscle loss. Abstract Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial and devastating syndrome characterized by severe skeletal muscle mass loss and dysfunction. As cachexia still has neither a cure nor an effective treatment, better understanding of skeletal muscle plasticity in the context of cancer is of great importance. Although aerobic exercise training (AET) has been shown as an important complementary therapy for chronic diseases and associated comorbidities, the impact of AET on skeletal muscle mass maintenance during cancer progression has not been well documented yet. Here, we show that previous AET induced a protective mechanism against tumor-induced muscle wasting by modulating the Akt/mTORC1 signaling and eukaryotic initiation factors, specifically eIF2-α. Thereafter, it was determined whether the in vivo Akt activation would induce a hypertrophic profile in cachectic muscles. As observed for the first time, Akt-induced hypertrophy was able and sufficient to either prevent or revert cancer cachexia by modulating both Akt/mTORC1 pathway and the eIF-2α activation, and induced a better muscle functionality. These findings provide evidence that skeletal muscle tissue still preserves hypertrophic potential to be stimulated by either AET or gene therapy to counteract cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo G. Pereira
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
- Leeds School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- Correspondence: (M.G.P.); (P.C.B.)
| | - Vanessa A. Voltarelli
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
- Sirio-Libanes Hospital, Sao Paulo 01308050, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gabriel C. Tobias
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Lara de Souza
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
| | - Gabriela S. Borges
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
| | - Ailma O. Paixão
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
| | - Ney R. de Almeida
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
| | - Thomas Scott Bowen
- Leeds School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Marilene Demasi
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo 05503900, Brazil;
| | - Elen H. Miyabara
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil;
| | - Patricia C. Brum
- School of Physical Education and Sport, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508030, Brazil; (V.A.V.); (G.C.T.); (L.d.S.); (G.S.B.); (A.O.P.); (N.R.d.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.P.); (P.C.B.)
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Devan AR, Kumar AR, Nair B, Anto NP, Muraleedharan A, Mathew B, Kim H, Nath LR. Insights into an Immunotherapeutic Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:656. [PMID: 34358082 PMCID: PMC8308499 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most lethal cancers worldwide because of its high refractoriness and multi-drug resistance to existing chemotherapies, which leads to poor patient survival. Novel pharmacological strategies to tackle HCC are based on oral multi-kinase inhibitors like sorafenib; however, the clinical use of the drug is restricted due to the limited survival rate and significant side effects, suggesting the existence of a primary or/and acquired drug-resistance mechanism. Because of this hurdle, HCC patients are forced through incomplete therapy. Although multiple approaches have been employed in parallel to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR), the results are varying with insignificant outcomes. In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough approach and has played a critical role in HCC treatment. The liver is the main immune organ of the lymphatic system. Researchers utilize immunotherapy because immune evasion is considered a major reason for rapid HCC progression. Moreover, the immune response can be augmented and sustained, thus preventing cancer relapse over the post-treatment period. In this review, we provide detailed insights into the immunotherapeutic approaches to combat MDR by focusing on HCC, together with challenges in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy R. Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Ayana R. Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Nikhil Ponnoor Anto
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Amitha Muraleedharan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India;
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, and Research Institute of Life Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
| | - Lekshmi R. Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
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Liu S, Zang H, Zheng H, Wang W, Wen Q, Zhan Y, Yang Y, Ning Y, Wang H, Fan S. miR-4634 augments the anti-tumor effects of RAD001 and associates well with clinical prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13079. [PMID: 32753611 PMCID: PMC7403585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70157-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) is involved in the physiological and pathological processes of various malignancies. In this study, miRNA microarray analysis showed that miR-4634 levels in A549 cells increased significantly after everolimus (RAD001) treatment. Decreased expression of miR-4634 was also found in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines and patients’ tumors by qPCR. Additionally, a combination of miR-4634 and RAD001 exerted synergistic antitumor efficacy by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. High expression of miR-4634 was significantly more common in non-cancerous lung tissue than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma tissue (72.8%, 45.7%, and 50.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Furthermore, high expression of miR-4634 was found to be more frequent in patients without lymph node metastasis (P = 0.037) by in-situ hybridization. Importantly, through univariate and multivariate analysis, high miR-4634 expression was associated with better prognosis of NSCLC patients. In conclusion, miR-4634 may act as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC, and to augment the efficacy of RAD001, co-treatment of miR-4634 and RAD001 might be a potential mTOR-targeted cancer therapy strategy for NSCLC patients. High expression of miR-4634 could be an independent good prognostic biomarker for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sile Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hongjing Zang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Hongmei Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuyuan Wen
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yuting Zhan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Ning
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Haihua Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
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Koumarianou A, Alexandraki KI, Wallin G, Kaltsas G, Daskalakis K. Pathogenesis and Clinical Management of Mesenteric Fibrosis in Small Intestinal Neuroendocine Neoplasms: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1777. [PMID: 32521677 PMCID: PMC7357094 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenteric fibrosis (MF) constitutes an underrecognized sequela in patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (SI-NENs), often complicating the disease clinical course. The aim of the present systematic review, carried out by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, is to provide an update in evolving aspects of MF pathogenesis and its clinical management in SI-NENs. Complex and dynamic interactions are present in the microenvironment of tumor deposits in the mesentery. Serotonin, as well as the signaling pathways of certain growth factors play a pivotal, yet not fully elucidated role in the pathogenesis of MF. Clinically, MF often results in significant morbidity by causing either acute complications, such as intestinal obstruction and/or acute ischemia or more chronic conditions involving abdominal pain, venous stasis, malabsorption and malnutrition. Surgical resection in patients with locoregional disease only or symptomatic distant stage disease, as well as palliative minimally invasive interventions in advanced inoperable cases seem clinically meaningful, whereas currently available systemic and/or targeted treatments do not unequivocally affect the development of MF in SI-NENs. Increased awareness and improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of MF in SI-NENs may provide better diagnostic and predictive tools for its timely recognition and intervention and also facilitates the development of agents targeting MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Koumarianou
- Hematology Oncology Unit, Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Krystallenia I. Alexandraki
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Endocrine Unit, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.I.A.); (G.K.); (K.D.)
| | - Göran Wallin
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 85 Örebro, Sweden;
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Endocrine Unit, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.I.A.); (G.K.); (K.D.)
| | - Kosmas Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Endocrine Unit, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.I.A.); (G.K.); (K.D.)
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 701 85 Örebro, Sweden;
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Zou Z, Tao T, Li H, Zhu X. mTOR signaling pathway and mTOR inhibitors in cancer: progress and challenges. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:31. [PMID: 32175074 PMCID: PMC7063815 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00396-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 471] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates cell proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis by participating in multiple signaling pathways in the body. Studies have shown that the mTOR signaling pathway is also associated with cancer, arthritis, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, and other diseases. The mTOR signaling pathway, which is often activated in tumors, not only regulates gene transcription and protein synthesis to regulate cell proliferation and immune cell differentiation but also plays an important role in tumor metabolism. Therefore, the mTOR signaling pathway is a hot target in anti-tumor therapy research. In recent years, a variety of newly discovered mTOR inhibitors have entered clinical studies, and a variety of drugs have been proven to have high activity in combination with mTOR inhibitors. The purpose of this review is to introduce the role of mTOR signaling pathway on apoptosis, autophagy, growth, and metabolism of tumor cells, and to introduce the research progress of mTOR inhibitors in the tumor field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Zou
- 1Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,2Marine Medical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang (GDZJMMRI), Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,3Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Tao Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- 3Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- 1Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,2Marine Medical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang (GDZJMMRI), Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory Zhanjiang, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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11
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Wolin E, Mita A, Mahipal A, Meyer T, Bendell J, Nemunaitis J, Munster PN, Paz-Ares L, Filvaroff EH, Li S, Hege K, de Haan H, Mita M. A phase 2 study of an oral mTORC1/mTORC2 kinase inhibitor (CC-223) for non-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors with or without carcinoid symptoms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221994. [PMID: 31527867 PMCID: PMC6748410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Second-generation mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors such as CC-223 may have theoretical advantages over first-generation drugs by inhibiting TOR kinase in mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), potentially improving clinical efficacy for well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET).Enrolled patients had metastatic, well-differentiated NET of non-pancreatic gastrointestinal or unknown origin, with/without carcinoid symptoms, had failed ≥1 systemic chemotherapy, and were taking a somatostatin analog (SSA). Oral once-daily CC-223 was administered in 28-day cycles starting at 45 mg (n = 24), with a subsequent cohort starting at 30 mg (n = 23). Objectives were to evaluate tolerability, preliminary efficacy, and pharmacokinetic and biomarker profiles of CC-223. Forty-seven patients completed the study, with mean treatment duration of 378 days and mean dose of 26 mg; 26% of patients remained on the starting dose. Most frequent grade ≥3 toxicities were diarrhea (38%), fatigue (21%), and stomatitis (11%). By investigator, 3 of 41 evaluable patients (7%) showed partial response (PR) and 34 (83%) had stable disease (SD) for a disease control rate (DCR) of 90% (95% confidence interval [CI] 76.9–97.3%). Duration of PR was 125–401 days; median SD duration was 297 days (min–max, 50–1519 days). Median progression-free survival was 19.5 months (95% CI 10.4–28.5 months). Carcinoid symptoms of flushing, diarrhea, or both improved in 50%, 41%, and 39% of affected patients, respectively. For the first time, this study describes that a second-generation mTOR pathway inhibitor can result in highly durable tumor regression and control of NET carcinoid symptoms. The manageable safety profile, high DCR, and durable response, coupled with reduction in carcinoid symptoms refractory to SSA, make CC-223 a promising agent for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Wolin
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alain Mita
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Amit Mahipal
- Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Tim Meyer
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna Bendell
- GI Oncology Research, Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Department of Oncology, Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Pam N. Munster
- Early Phase Clinical Research Program, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, CNIO, Universidad Complutense and CiberOnc, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ellen H. Filvaroff
- Translational Medicine, Celgene Corporation, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Shaoyi Li
- Department of Statistics, Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ, United States of America
| | - Kristen Hege
- Translational Medicine, Celgene Corporation, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Hans de Haan
- Translational Medicine, Celgene Corporation, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Monica Mita
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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12
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Lewis CS, Thomas HE, Orr-Asman M, Green LC, Boody RE, Matiash K, Karve A, Hisada YM, Davis HW, Qi X, Mercer C, Lucas FV, Aronow BJ, Mackman N, Versteeg HH, Bogdanov VY. mTOR kinase inhibition reduces tissue factor expression and growth of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. J Thromb Haemost 2019; 17:169-182. [PMID: 30472780 PMCID: PMC6345540 DOI: 10.1111/jth.14342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Essentials Tissue factor (TF) isoforms are expressed in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). TF knockdown inhibits proliferation of human pNET cells in vitro. mTOR kinase inhibitor sapanisertib/MLN0128 suppresses TF expression in human pNET cells. Sapanisertib suppresses TF expression and activity and reduces the growth of pNET tumors in vivo. SUMMARY: Background Full-length tissue factor (flTF) and alternatively spliced TF (asTF) contribute to growth and spread of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. It is unknown, however, if flTF and/or asTF contribute to the pathobiology of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Objective To assess TF expression in pNETs and the effects of mTOR complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2) inhibition on pNET growth. Methods Human pNET specimens were immunostained for TF. Human pNET cell lines QGP1 and BON were evaluated for TF expression and responsiveness to mTOR inhibition. shRNA were used to knock down TF in BON. TF cofactor activity was assessed using a two-step FXa generation assay. TF promoter activity was assessed using transient transfection of human TF promoter-driven reporter constructs into cells. Mice bearing orthotopic BON tumors were treated with the mTORC1/2 ATP site competitive inhibitor sapanisertib/MLN0128 (3 mg kg-1 , oral gavage) for 34 days. Results Immunostaining of pNET tissue revealed flTF and asTF expression. BON and QGP1 expressed both TF isoforms, with BON exhibiting higher levels. shRNA directed against TF suppressed BON proliferation in vitro. Treatment of BON with sapanisertib inhibited mTOR signaling and suppressed TF levels. BON tumors grown in mice treated with sapanisertib had significantly less TF protein and cofactor activity, and were smaller compared with tumors grown in control mice. Conclusions TF isoforms are expressed in pNETs. Sapanisertib suppresses TF mRNA and protein expression as well as TF cofactor activity in vitro and in vivo. Thus, further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical utility of TF-suppressing mTORC1/2 inhibitor sapanisertib in pNET management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton S Lewis
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Hala Elnakat Thomas
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Melissa Orr-Asman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Lisa C Green
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Rachel E Boody
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Kateryna Matiash
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Aniruddha Karve
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Yohei M. Hisada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Harold W Davis
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Carol Mercer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Fred V Lucas
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Bruce J. Aronow
- Computational Medicine and Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
| | - Nigel Mackman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Henri H Versteeg
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center
| | - Vladimir Y Bogdanov
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
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McKenna M, McGarrigle S, Pidgeon GP. The next generation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway inhibitors in breast cancer cohorts. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1870:185-197. [PMID: 30318472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays a role in various oncogenic processes in breast cancer and key pathway aberrations have been identified which drive the different molecular subtypes. Early drugs developed targeting this pathway produced some clinical success but were hampered by pharmacokinetics, tolerability and efficacy problems. This created a need for new PI3K pathway-inhibiting drugs, which would produce more robust results allowing incorporation into treatment regimens for breast cancer patients. In this review, the most promising candidates from the new generation of PI3K-pathway inhibitors is explored, presenting evidence from preclinical and early clinical research, as well as ongoing trials utilising these drugs in breast cancer cohorts. The problems hindering the development of drugs targeting the PI3K pathway are examined, which have created problems for their use as monotherapies. PI3K pathway inhibitor combinations therefore remains a dynamic research area, and their role in combination with immunotherapies and epigenetic therapies is also inspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael McKenna
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah McGarrigle
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Graham P Pidgeon
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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