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Whitehead CE, Ziemke EK, Frankowski-McGregor CL, Mumby RA, Chung J, Li J, Osher N, Coker O, Baladandayuthapani V, Kopetz S, Sebolt-Leopold JS. A first-in-class selective inhibitor of EGFR and PI3K offers a single-molecule approach to targeting adaptive resistance. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:1250-1266. [PMID: 38992135 PMCID: PMC11357990 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-024-00781-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in precision oncology, adaptive resistance mechanisms limit the long-term effectiveness of molecularly targeted agents. Here we evaluated the pharmacological profile of MTX-531 that was computationally designed to selectively target two key resistance drivers, epidermal growth factor receptor and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K). MTX-531 exhibits low-nanomolar potency against both targets with a high degree of specificity predicted by cocrystal structural analyses. MTX-531 monotherapy uniformly resulted in tumor regressions of squamous head and neck patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The combination of MTX-531 with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase or KRAS-G12C inhibitors led to durable regressions of BRAF-mutant or KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer PDX models, resulting in striking increases in median survival. MTX-531 is exceptionally well tolerated in mice and uniquely does not lead to the hyperglycemia commonly seen with PI3K inhibitors. Here, we show that MTX-531 acts as a weak agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, an attribute that likely mitigates hyperglycemia induced by PI3K inhibition. This unique feature of MTX-531 confers a favorable therapeutic index not typically seen with PI3K inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Whitehead
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- MEKanistic Therapeutics, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Rachel A Mumby
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - June Chung
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jinju Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nathaniel Osher
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Oluwadara Coker
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Veerabhadran Baladandayuthapani
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Judith S Sebolt-Leopold
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- MEKanistic Therapeutics, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Thi Thanh Nguyen N, Yoon Lee S. Celecoxib and sulindac sulfide elicit anticancer effects on PIK3CA-mutated head and neck cancer cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116221. [PMID: 38641308 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Gain-of-function mutation in the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit alpha gene (PIK3CA) is a significant factor in head and neck cancer (HNC). Patients with HNC harboring PIK3CA mutations receive therapeutic benefits from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. Here, we examined the Detroit562 and FaDu cell lines as HNC models with and without a hyperactive PIK3CA mutation (H1047R), respectively, regarding their possible distinct responses to the NSAIDs celecoxib and sulindac sulfide (SUS). Detroit562 cells exhibited relatively high PI3K/Akt pathway-dependent cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, associated with cell proliferation. Celecoxib treatment restricted cell proliferation and upregulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related markers, including GRP78, C/EBP-homologous protein, activating transcription factor 4, death receptor 5, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These effects were much stronger in Detroit562 cells than in FaDu cells and were largely COX-2-independent. SUS treatment yielded similar results. Salubrinal (an ER stress inhibitor) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (a ROS scavenger) prevented NSAID-induced ROS generation and ER stress, respectively, indicating crosstalk between ER and oxidative stress. In addition, celecoxib and/or SUS elevated cleaved caspase-3 levels, Bcl-2-associated X protein/Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death expression, and mitochondrial damage, which was more pronounced in Detroit562 than in FaDu cells. Salubrinal and N-acetyl-L-cysteine attenuated celecoxib-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, our results suggest that celecoxib and SUS efficiently suppress activating PIK3CA mutation-harboring HNC progression by inducing ER and oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to apoptotic cell death, further supporting NSAID treatment as a useful strategy for oncogenic PIK3CA-mutated HNC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nga Thi Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Yoon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ajou University Graduate School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea; Institute of Medical Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea.
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Close DA, Johnston PA. WITHDRAWN: Detection and impact of hypoxic regions in multicellular tumor spheroid cultures formed by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells lines. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 29:130. [PMID: 38101574 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David A Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA.
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Klaophimai S, Pouyfung P, Wongnoppavich A, Chairatvit K. Induction of S arrest and apoptosis in human oral cancer cells by Rhinacanthin-C extracted from Rhinacanthus nasutus via modulating Akt and p38 signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116813. [PMID: 37348799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The search for effective herbal medicines for complementary treatments is on the rise due to the high incidence of recurrence and mortality rate in human oral cancer. Rhinacanthus nasutus KURZ., an annual herb found mostly in Southeast Asia including Thailand, has been wildly used as a traditional folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases including cancer. However, the anti-cancer effect of Rhinacanthin-C (Rh-C) as a major naphthoquinone compound found in R. nasutus and the underlying mechanism of its action on human oral cancer cells remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the anti-cancer mechanism of Rh-C extracted from R. nasutus in human oral cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-proliferative effect of Rh-C on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC4) was determined and compared to normal oral cells (human gingival fibroblasts, HGF, and normal oral keratinocytes, NOK) using the SRB colorimetric method. The molecular mechanism of Rh-C was explored using flow cytometry, colorimetric assay, in vitro human topoisomerase II assay, and Western blotting. RESULTS Rh-C displayed a time- and concentration-dependent growth inhibition on HSC4 and was much less effective on both tested normal oral cells. Rh-C inhibited Akt phosphorylation whereas over-activated p38 MAPK phosphorylation in HSC4 but not in HGF. Rh-C also inhibited topoisomerase II activity. As a result, the cell cycle was arrested in S-phase as the expression of CDK1/2 and Cyclin A2 was decreased. Eventually, the induction of HSC4 cell apoptosis was mediated by increased caspase 3 activity. CONCLUSIONS Rh-C isolated from R. nasutus possesses anti-cancer properties on human oral cancer cells by causing the S arrest and the apoptotic induction via modulating Akt/p38 signaling pathways. The results provide molecular bases for further developing Rh-C as a potential drug candidate or a complementary treatment for oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinthip Klaophimai
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Phisit Pouyfung
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand.
| | - Ariyaphong Wongnoppavich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Kongthawat Chairatvit
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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5
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Arutyunyan I, Jumaniyazova E, Makarov A, Fatkhudinov T. In Vitro Models of Head and Neck Cancer: From Primitive to Most Advanced. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1575. [PMID: 38003890 PMCID: PMC10672510 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
For several decades now, researchers have been trying to answer the demand of clinical oncologists to create an ideal preclinical model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that is accessible, reproducible, and relevant. Over the past years, the development of cellular technologies has naturally allowed us to move from primitive short-lived primary 2D cell cultures to complex patient-derived 3D models that reproduce the cellular composition, architecture, mutational, or viral load of native tumor tissue. Depending on the tasks and capabilities, a scientific laboratory can choose from several types of models: primary cell cultures, immortalized cell lines, spheroids or heterospheroids, tissue engineering models, bioprinted models, organoids, tumor explants, and histocultures. HNSCC in vitro models make it possible to screen agents with potential antitumor activity, study the contribution of the tumor microenvironment to its progression and metastasis, determine the prognostic significance of individual biomarkers (including using genetic engineering methods), study the effect of viral infection on the pathogenesis of the disease, and adjust treatment tactics for a specific patient or groups of patients. Promising experimental results have created a scientific basis for the registration of several clinical studies using HNSCC in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Arutyunyan
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.); (A.M.); (T.F.)
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Enar Jumaniyazova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.); (A.M.); (T.F.)
| | - Andrey Makarov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.); (A.M.); (T.F.)
- Histology Department, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.); (A.M.); (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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Preclinical models in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1819-1827. [PMID: 36765175 PMCID: PMC10147614 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02186-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most frequent cancer type. Drug resistance and toxicity are common challenges of the existing therapies, making the development of reliable preclinical models essential for the study of the involved molecular mechanisms as well as for eventual intervention approaches that improve the clinical outcome. Preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been traditionally based on cell lines and murine models. In this review, we will go over the most frequently used preclinical models, from immortalised-cell and primary tumour cultures in monolayer or 3D, to the currently available animal models. We will scrutinise their efficiency in mimicking the molecular and cellular complexity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, the challenges and the opportunities of other envisaged putative approaches, as well as the potential of the preclinical models to further develop personalised therapies will be discussed.
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7
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Gurbi B, Brauswetter D, Pénzes K, Varga A, Krenács T, Dános K, Birtalan E, Tamás L, Csala M. MEK Is a Potential Indirect Target in Subtypes of Head and Neck Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032782. [PMID: 36769112 PMCID: PMC9917750 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is partly due to the lack of reliable prognostic and predictive markers. The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is often activated by overexpressed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and stimulates the progression of HNSCCs. Our research was performed on three human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative HNSCC-cell lines: Detroit 562, FaDu and SCC25. Changes in cell viability upon EGFR and/or MEK inhibitors were measured by the MTT method. The protein-expression and phosphorylation profiles of the EGFR-initiated signaling pathways were assessed using Western-blot analysis. The EGFR expression and pY1068-EGFR levels were also studied in the patient-derived HNSCC samples. We found significant differences between the sensitivity of the tumor-cell lines used. The SCC25 line was found to be the most sensitive to the MEK inhibitors, possibly due to the lack of feedback Akt activation through EGFR. By contrast, this feedback activation had an important role in the FaDu cells. The observed insensitivity of the Detroit 562 cells to the MEK inhibitors might have been caused by their PIK3CA mutation. Among HNSCC cell lines, EGFR-initiated signaling pathways are particularly versatile. An ERK/EGFR feedback loop can lead to Akt-pathway activation upon MEK inhibition, and it is related not only to increased amounts of EGFR but also to the elevation of pY1068-EGFR levels. The presence of this mechanism may justify the combined application of EGFR and MEK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka Gurbi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Diána Brauswetter
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: (D.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Kinga Pénzes
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Varga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Krenács
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kornél Dános
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ede Birtalan
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Tamás
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Semmelweis University, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Voice, Speech and Swallowing Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Csala
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: (D.B.); (M.C.)
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8
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Zhang SM, Cao J, Yan Q. KDM5 Lysine Demethylases in Pathogenesis, from Basic Science Discovery to the Clinic. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1433:113-137. [PMID: 37751138 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-38176-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The histone lysine demethylase 5 (KDM5) family proteins are Fe2+ and α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, with jumonji C (JmjC) domain as their catalytic core and several plant homeodomains (PHDs) to bind different histone methylation marks. These enzymes are capable of demethylating tri-, di- and mono-methylated lysine 4 in histone H3 (H3K4me3/2/1), the key epigenetic marks for active chromatin. Thus, this H3K4 demethylase family plays critical roles in cell fate determination during development as well as malignant transformation. KDM5 demethylases have both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions in a cancer type-dependent manner. In solid tumors, KDM5A/B are generally oncogenic, whereas KDM5C/D have tumor suppressive roles. Their involvement in de-differentiation, cancer metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor immunoevasion indicated that KDM5 family proteins are promising drug targets for cancer therapy. Significant efforts from both academia and industry have led to the development of potent and selective KDM5 inhibitors for preclinical experiments and phase I clinical trials. However, a better understanding of the roles of KDM5 demethylases in different physiological and pathological conditions is critical for further developing KDM5 modulators for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Min Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Jian Cao
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale Center for Research on Aging, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208023, New Haven, CT, 06520-8023, USA.
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9
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Sanders LM, Chandra R, Zebarjadi N, Beale HC, Lyle AG, Rodriguez A, Kephart ET, Pfeil J, Cheney A, Learned K, Currie R, Gitlin L, Vengerov D, Haussler D, Salama SR, Vaske OM. Machine learning multi-omics analysis reveals cancer driver dysregulation in pan-cancer cell lines compared to primary tumors. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1367. [PMID: 36513728 PMCID: PMC9747808 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell lines have been widely used for decades to study biological processes driving cancer development, and to identify biomarkers of response to therapeutic agents. Advances in genomic sequencing have made possible large-scale genomic characterizations of collections of cancer cell lines and primary tumors, such as the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). These studies allow for the first time a comprehensive evaluation of the comparability of cancer cell lines and primary tumors on the genomic and proteomic level. Here we employ bulk mRNA and micro-RNA sequencing data from thousands of samples in CCLE and TCGA, and proteomic data from partner studies in the MD Anderson Cell Line Project (MCLP) and The Cancer Proteome Atlas (TCPA), to characterize the extent to which cancer cell lines recapitulate tumors. We identify dysregulation of a long non-coding RNA and microRNA regulatory network in cancer cell lines, associated with differential expression between cell lines and primary tumors in four key cancer driver pathways: KRAS signaling, NFKB signaling, IL2/STAT5 signaling and TP53 signaling. Our results emphasize the necessity for careful interpretation of cancer cell line experiments, particularly with respect to therapeutic treatments targeting these important cancer pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Sanders
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Biomolecular Engineering, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Rahul Chandra
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Navid Zebarjadi
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Holly C. Beale
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - A. Geoffrey Lyle
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Analiz Rodriguez
- grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - Ellen Towle Kephart
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Jacob Pfeil
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Biomolecular Engineering, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Allison Cheney
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Katrina Learned
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Biomolecular Engineering, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Rob Currie
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Biomolecular Engineering, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Leonid Gitlin
- grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California USA
| | - David Vengerov
- grid.419799.b0000 0004 4662 4679Oracle Labs, Oracle Corporation, Pleasanton, CA USA
| | - David Haussler
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Biomolecular Engineering, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Sofie R. Salama
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Biomolecular Engineering, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Howard Hughes Medical Institute, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
| | - Olena M. Vaske
- grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, Santa Cruz, CA USA ,grid.205975.c0000 0001 0740 6917Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA USA
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10
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Yoo J, Kim GW, Jeon YH, Kim JY, Lee SW, Kwon SH. Drawing a line between histone demethylase KDM5A and KDM5B: their roles in development and tumorigenesis. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:2107-2117. [PMID: 36509829 PMCID: PMC9794821 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00902-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinct epigenetic modifiers ensure coordinated control over genes that govern a myriad of cellular processes. Growing evidence shows that dynamic regulation of histone methylation is critical for almost all stages of development. Notably, the KDM5 subfamily of histone lysine-specific demethylases plays essential roles in the proper development and differentiation of tissues, and aberrant regulation of KDM5 proteins during development can lead to chronic developmental defects and even cancer. In this review, we adopt a unique perspective regarding the context-dependent roles of KDM5A and KDM5B in development and tumorigenesis. It is well known that these two proteins show a high degree of sequence homology, with overlapping functions. However, we provide deeper insights into their substrate specificity and distinctive function in gene regulation that at times divert from each other. We also highlight both the possibility of targeting KDM5A and KDM5B to improve cancer treatment and the limitations that must be overcome to increase the efficacy of current drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Yoo
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983 Republic of Korea
| | - Go Woon Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983 Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Hyun Jeon
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983 Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yoon Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983 Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Wu Lee
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983 Republic of Korea
| | - So Hee Kwon
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983 Republic of Korea
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11
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Combined Application of Patient-Derived Cells and Biomaterials as 3D In Vitro Tumor Models. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102503. [PMID: 35626107 PMCID: PMC9139582 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For years, cancer has remained the second leading cause of death in U.S. and Europe even though cancer mortality has decreased, as new advances in medical treatment have made this decrease possible. Chemotherapy has remained the gold standard and “one-size-fits-all” treatment for cancer, yet this approach has lacked precision and, at times, failed. Recent studies attempt to mimic the spatial microenvironment of cancer tissue to better study chemotherapy agents by combining patient-derived cells and three-dimensional (3D) scaffold, bioprinting, spheroid, and hydrogel culturing. This commentary aims to collect and discuss recent findings concerning the combined application of biomaterials with patient-derived cancer cells to better study and test therapies in vitro, that will further personalize and facilitate the treatment of various cancers, and also address the limitation and challenges in developing these 3D models. Abstract Although advances have been made in cancer therapy, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the U.S. and Europe, and thus efforts to continue to study and discover better treatment methods are ongoing. Three-dimensional (3D) tumor models have shown advantages over bi-dimensional (2D) cultures in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy. This commentary aims to highlight the potential of combined application of biomaterials with patient-derived cancer cells as a 3D in vitro model for the study and treatment of cancer patients. Five studies were discussed which demonstrate and provided early evidence to create 3D models with accurate microenvironments that are comparable to in vivo tumors. To date, the use of patient-derived cells for a more personalized approach to healthcare in combination with biomaterials to create a 3D tumor is still relatively new and uncommon for application in clinics. Although highly promising, it is important to acknowledge the current limitations and challenges of developing these innovative in vitro models, including the need for biologists and laboratory technicians to become familiar with biomaterial scaffolds, and the effort for bioengineers to create easy-to-handle scaffolds for routine assessment.
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12
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The Emerging Significance of Histone Lysine Demethylases as Prognostic Markers and Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061023. [PMID: 35326475 PMCID: PMC8946939 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic aberrations, associated with altered DNA methylation profiles and global changes in the level of histone modifications, are commonly detected in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Recently, histone lysine demethylases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of HNSCC and emerged as potential molecular targets. Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) catalyze the removal of methyl groups from lysine residues in histones. By affecting the methylation of H3K4, H3K9, H3K27, or H3K36, these enzymes take part in transcriptional regulation, which may result in changes in the level of expression of tumor suppressor genes and protooncogenes. KDMs are involved in many biological processes, including cell cycle control, senescence, DNA damage response, and heterochromatin formation. They are also important regulators of pluripotency. The overexpression of most KDMs has been observed in HNSCC, and their inhibition affects cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility, invasiveness, and stemness. Of all KDMs, KDM1, KDM4, KDM5, and KDM6 proteins are currently regarded as the most promising prognostic and therapeutic targets in head and neck cancers. The aim of this review is to present up-to-date knowledge on the significance of histone lysine demethylases in head and neck carcinogenesis and to discuss the possibility of using them as prognostic markers and pharmacological targets in patients’ treatment.
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13
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Close DA, Johnston PA. Detection and impact of hypoxic regions in multicellular tumor spheroid cultures formed by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells lines. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:39-54. [PMID: 35058175 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In solid tumors like head and neck cancer (HNC), chronic and acute hypoxia have serious adverse clinical consequences including poorer overall patient prognosis, enhanced metastasis, increased genomic instability, and resistance to radiation-, chemo-, or immuno-therapies. However, cells in the two-dimensional monolayer cultures typically used for cancer drug discovery experience 20%-21% O2 levels (normoxic) which are 4-fold higher than O2 levels in normal tissues and ≥10-fold higher than in the hypoxic regions of solid tumors. The oxygen electrodes, exogenous bio-reductive markers, and increased expression of endogenous hypoxia-regulated proteins like HIF-1α generally used to mark hypoxic regions in solid tumors are impractical in large sample numbers and longitudinal studies. We used a novel homogeneous live-cell permeant HypoxiTRAK™ (HPTK) molecular probe compatible with high content imaging detection, analysis, and throughput to identify and quantify hypoxia levels in live HNC multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) cultures over time. Accumulation of fluorescence HPTK metabolite in live normoxic HNC MCTS cultures correlated with hypoxia detection by both pimonidazole and HIF-1α staining. In HNC MCTSs, hypoxic cytotoxicity ratios for the hypoxia activated prodrugs (HAP) evofosfamide and tirapazamine were much smaller than have been reported for uniformly hypoxic 2D monolayers in gas chambers, and many viable cells remained after HAP exposure. Cells in solid tumors and MCTSs experience three distinct O2 microenvironments dictated by their distances from blood vessels or MCTS surfaces, respectively; oxic, hypoxic, or intermediate levels of hypoxia. These studies support the application of more physiologically relevant in vitro 3D models that recapitulate the heterogeneous microenvironments of solid tumors for preclinical cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences1, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences1, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center2, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA..
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14
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Li H, Peyser ND, Zeng Y, Ha PK, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. NSAIDs Overcome PIK3CA Mutation-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibition in Head and Neck Cancer Preclinical Models. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030506. [PMID: 35158773 PMCID: PMC8833811 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but remain under active clinical investigation for the treatment of both newly diagnosed and recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite EGFR expression in the majority of HNSCC tumors, the levels of total or phosphorylated EGFR have not consistently been correlated with a response to EGFR targeting agents. The lack of predictive biomarkers represents a major obstacle to successful use of these drugs. Activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling by mutation of the PIK3CA oncogene represents a plausible mechanism for EGFR inhibitor drug resistance. We compared the impact of EGFR inhibitors, alone or in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in preclinical HNSCC models harboring mutant versus wild-type PIK3CA. Our results demonstrate additive or synergistic effects of NSAIDs and EGFR inhibitors in vitro and in vivo in PIK3CA-mutated HNSCC models. These findings suggest that the addition of NSAIDs to EGFR inhibitors for the treatment of HNSCC may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in PIK3CA-mutated cancers.
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15
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den bossche VV, Zaryouh H, Vara-Messler M, Vignau J, Machiels JP, Wouters A, Schmitz S, Corbet C. Microenvironment-driven intratumoral heterogeneity in head and neck cancers: clinical challenges and opportunities for precision medicine. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 60:100806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Jin N, Keam B, Cho J, Lee MJ, Kim HR, Torosyan H, Jura N, Ng PK, Mills GB, Li H, Zeng Y, Barbash Z, Tarcic G, Kang H, Bauman JE, Kim MO, VanLandingham NK, Swaney DL, Krogan NJ, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Therapeutic implications of activating noncanonical PIK3CA mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e150335. [PMID: 34779417 PMCID: PMC8592538 DOI: 10.1172/jci150335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpelisib selectively inhibits the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3Kα and is approved for treatment of breast cancers harboring canonical PIK3CA mutations. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), 63% of PIK3CA mutations occur at canonical hotspots. The oncogenic role of the remaining 37% of PIK3CA noncanonical mutations is incompletely understood. We report a patient with HNSCC with a noncanonical PIK3CA mutation (Q75E) who exhibited a durable (12 months) response to alpelisib in a phase II clinical trial. Characterization of all 32 noncanonical PIK3CA mutations found in HNSCC using several functional and phenotypic assays revealed that the majority (69%) were activating, including Q75E. The oncogenic impact of these mutations was validated in 4 cellular models, demonstrating that their activity was lineage independent. Further, alpelisib exhibited antitumor effects in a xenograft derived from a patient with HNSCC containing an activating noncanonical PIK3CA mutation. Structural analyses revealed plausible mechanisms for the functional phenotypes of the majority of the noncanonical PIK3CA mutations. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of characterizing the function of noncanonical PIK3CA mutations and suggest that patients with HNSCC whose tumors harbor activating noncanonical PIK3CA mutations may benefit from treatment with PI3Kα inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Jin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Janice Cho
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michelle J. Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hye Ryun Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Natalia Jura
- Cardiovascular Research Institute and
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Patrick K.S. Ng
- Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gordon B. Mills
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Hyunseok Kang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julie E. Bauman
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Mi-Ok Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and
| | - Nathan K. VanLandingham
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Danielle L. Swaney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nevan J. Krogan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel E. Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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17
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Bouhaddou M, Lee RH, Li H, Bhola NE, O'Keefe RA, Naser M, Zhu TR, Nwachuku K, Duvvuri U, Olshen AB, Roy R, Hechmer A, Bolen J, Keysar SB, Jimeno A, Mills GB, Vandenberg S, Swaney DL, Johnson DE, Krogan NJ, Grandis JR. Caveolin-1 and Sox-2 are predictive biomarkers of cetuximab response in head and neck cancer. JCI Insight 2021; 6:151982. [PMID: 34546978 PMCID: PMC8564908 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151982] [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: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab is the only FDA-approved oncogene-targeting therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite variable treatment response, no biomarkers exist to stratify patients for cetuximab therapy in HNSCC. Here, we applied unbiased hierarchical clustering to reverse-phase protein array molecular profiles from patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors and revealed 2 PDX clusters defined by protein networks associated with EGFR inhibitor resistance. In vivo validation revealed unbiased clustering to classify PDX tumors according to cetuximab response with 88% accuracy. Next, a support vector machine classifier algorithm identified a minimalist biomarker signature consisting of 8 proteins — caveolin-1, Sox-2, AXL, STING, Brd4, claudin-7, connexin-43, and fibronectin — with expression that strongly predicted cetuximab response in PDXs using either protein or mRNA. A combination of caveolin-1 and Sox-2 protein levels was sufficient to maintain high predictive accuracy, which we validated in tumor samples from patients with HNSCC with known clinical response to cetuximab. These results support further investigation into the combined use of caveolin-1 and Sox-2 as predictive biomarkers for cetuximab response in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bouhaddou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and.,Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rex H Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and
| | - Neil E Bhola
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and
| | | | - Mohammad Naser
- Histology and Biomarkers Core, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository and Tissue Biomarker Technology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tian Ran Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and
| | | | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adam B Olshen
- Computational Biology and Informatics Core and.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ritu Roy
- Computational Biology and Informatics Core and
| | | | - Jennifer Bolen
- Histology and Biomarkers Core, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository and Tissue Biomarker Technology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephen B Keysar
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Scott Vandenberg
- Histology and Biomarkers Core, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Biorepository and Tissue Biomarker Technology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Danielle L Swaney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and.,Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Nevan J Krogan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and.,Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
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18
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Evaluation of the Targeting and Therapeutic Efficiency of Anti-EGFR Functionalised Nanoparticles in Head and Neck Cancer Cells for Use in NIR-II Optical Window. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101651. [PMID: 34683944 PMCID: PMC8537270 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles have been indicated for use in a diagnostic and/or therapeutic role in several cancer types. The use of gold nanorods (AuNRs) with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the second near-infrared II (NIR-II) optical window promises deeper anatomical penetration through increased maximum permissible exposure and lower optical attenuation. In this study, the targeting and therapeutic efficiency of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-antibody-functionalised AuNRs with an SPR at 1064 nm was evaluated in vitro. Four cell lines, KYSE-30, CAL-27, Hep-G2 and MCF-7, which either over- or under-expressed EGFR, were used once confirmed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Optical microscopy demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.0001) between targeted AuNRs (tAuNRs) and untargeted AuNRs (uAuNRs) in all four cancer cell lines. This study demonstrated that anti-EGFR functionalisation significantly increased the association of tAuNRs with each EGFR-positive cancer cell. Considering this, the MTT assay showed that photothermal therapy (PTT) significantly increased cancer cell death (>97%) in head and neck cancer cell line CAL-27 using tAuNRs but not uAuNRs, apoptosis being the major mechanism of cell death. This successful targeting and therapeutic outcome highlight the future use of tAuNRs for molecular photoacoustic imaging or tumour treatment through plasmonic photothermal therapy.
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19
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Swaney DL, Ramms DJ, Wang Z, Park J, Goto Y, Soucheray M, Bhola N, Kim K, Zheng F, Zeng Y, McGregor M, Herrington KA, O'Keefe R, Jin N, VanLandingham NK, Foussard H, Von Dollen J, Bouhaddou M, Jimenez-Morales D, Obernier K, Kreisberg JF, Kim M, Johnson DE, Jura N, Grandis JR, Gutkind JS, Ideker T, Krogan NJ. A protein network map of head and neck cancer reveals PIK3CA mutant drug sensitivity. Science 2021; 374:eabf2911. [PMID: 34591642 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf2911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Swaney
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Dana J Ramms
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Zhiyong Wang
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jisoo Park
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Yusuke Goto
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Margaret Soucheray
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Neil Bhola
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kyumin Kim
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Fan Zheng
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Yan Zeng
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael McGregor
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Kari A Herrington
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Center for Advanced Light Microscopy at UCSF, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rachel O'Keefe
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nan Jin
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nathan K VanLandingham
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Helene Foussard
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - John Von Dollen
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Mehdi Bouhaddou
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - David Jimenez-Morales
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Kirsten Obernier
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Jason F Kreisberg
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Minkyu Kim
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Jura
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Trey Ideker
- The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA.,Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Department of Computer Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The Cancer Cell Map Initiative, San Francisco and La Jolla, CA
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20
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Hsu CM, Yang MY, Tsai MS, Chang GH, Yang YH, Tsai YT, Wu CY, Chang SF. Dihydroisotanshinone I as a Treatment Option for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168881. [PMID: 34445585 PMCID: PMC8396193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the most common cancers of the head and neck, and their prevalence is rapidly increasing. HNSCCs present a clinical challenge because of their high recurrence rate, therapeutic resistance to radiation and chemotherapy drugs, and adverse effects. Hence, traditional Chinese herbal treatment may be advantageous to therapeutic strategies for HNSCCs. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a well-known Chinese herb, has been extensively applied in treatments for various diseases, including cancer, because of its high degree of safety and low rate of adverse effects despite its unclear mechanism. Thus, we aimed to explore the possible anticancer effects and mechanisms of dihydroisotanshinone I (DT), a compound in danshen (extract from danshen), on HNSCCs. Three HNSCCs cell lines were used for in vitro studies, and a Detroit 562 xenograft mouse model was chosen for in vivo studies. Our in vitro results showed that DT could initiate apoptosis, resulting in cell death, and the p38 signaling partially regulated DT-initiated cell apoptosis in the Detroit 562 model. In the xenograft mouse model, DT reduced tumor size with no obvious adverse effect of hepatotoxicity. The present study suggests that DT is a promising novel candidate for anti-HNSCCs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Ming Hsu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan; (C.-M.H.); (M.-S.T.); (G.-H.C.); (Y.-T.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yu Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shao Tsai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan; (C.-M.H.); (M.-S.T.); (G.-H.C.); (Y.-T.T.)
| | - Geng-He Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan; (C.-M.H.); (M.-S.T.); (G.-H.C.); (Y.-T.T.)
| | - Yao-Hsu Yang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan;
| | - Yao-Te Tsai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan; (C.-M.H.); (M.-S.T.); (G.-H.C.); (Y.-T.T.)
| | - Ching-Yuan Wu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan;
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.W.); (S.-F.C.)
| | - Shun-Fu Chang
- Department of Medical Research and Development, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-Y.W.); (S.-F.C.)
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21
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Elmusrati A, Wang J, Wang CY. Tumor microenvironment and immune evasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oral Sci 2021; 13:24. [PMID: 34341329 PMCID: PMC8329257 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-021-00131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), an aggressive malignancy, is characterized by high morbidity and low survival rates with limited therapeutic options outside of regional surgery, conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, and irradiation. Increasing studies have supported the synergistic role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer advancement. The immune system, in particular, plays a key role in surveillance against the initiation, development, and progression of HNSCC. The understanding of how neoplastic cells evolve and evade the immune system whether through self-immunogenicity manipulation, or expression of immunosuppressive mediators, provides the foundation for the development of advanced therapies. Furthermore, the crosstalk between cancer cells and the host immune system have a detrimental effect on the TME promoting angiogenesis, proliferation, and metastasis. This review provides a recent insight into the role of the key inflammatory cells infiltrating the TME, with a focus on reviewing immunological principles related to HNSCC, as cancer immunosurveillance and immune escape, including a brief overview of current immunotherapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeg Elmusrati
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Justin Wang
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Cun-Yu Wang
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA
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22
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Kabzinski J, Maczynska M, Kaczmarczyk D, Majsterek I. Influence of Arg399Gln, Arg280His and Arg194Trp XRCC1 gene polymorphisms of Base Excision Repair pathway on the level of 8-oxo-guanine and risk of head and neck cancer in the Polish population. Cancer Biomark 2021; 32:317-326. [PMID: 34151836 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-203163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced efficiency of DNA repair systems has long been a suspected factor in increasing the risk of cancer. OBJECTIVE In this work we investigate influence of three selected polymorphisms of DNA repair gene XRCC1 and level of oxidative damage (measured as level of 8-oxo-guanine) on modulation of the risk of HNSCC. METHODS In group of 359 patients with HNSCC (diagnosed with OSCC) the occurrence of polymorphic variants in Arg399Gln, Arg280His and Arg194Trp of XRCC1 were studied with TaqMan technique. In addition we determined level of 8-oxo-guanine with ELISA. RESULTS Arg399Gln polymorphism and Arg194Trp polymorphism of XRCC1 gene increases the risk of HNSCC. The coexistence of Arg399Gln and Arg194Trp simultaneously enhances this effect. At the same time, their coexistence with His280His raises the risk to a level higher than in the absence of such coexistence, although the His280His itself is not associated with an increased risk of HNSCC. Patients have higher levels of 8-oxo-guanine than control group, and His280His is polymorphism with highest mean value of 8-oxoG level among studied. CONCLUSION Patients with HNSCC not only have an increased level of 8-oxoguanine and the Arg399Gln and Arg/Trp of XRCC1 modulate risk of cancer, but there is also a relationship between these two phenomena, and it can be explained using intragenic combinations revealing that a high level of 8-oxoG could be a potential mechanism behind the modulation of HNSCC risk by the polymorphisms studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Kabzinski
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Łodz, Poland
| | - Monika Maczynska
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Łodz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Head and Neck Neoplasm Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Łodz, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Łodz, Poland
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23
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Close DA, Kirkwood JM, Fecek RJ, Storkus WJ, Johnston PA. Unbiased High-Throughput Drug Combination Pilot Screening Identifies Synergistic Drug Combinations Effective against Patient-Derived and Drug-Resistant Melanoma Cell Lines. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2021; 26:712-729. [PMID: 33208016 PMCID: PMC8128935 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220970917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We describe the development, optimization, and validation of 384-well growth inhibition assays for six patient-derived melanoma cell lines (PDMCLs), three wild type (WT) for BRAF and three with V600E-BRAF mutations. We conducted a pilot drug combination (DC) high-throughput screening (HTS) of 45 pairwise 4×4 DC matrices prepared from 10 drugs in the PDMCL assays: two B-Raf inhibitors (BRAFi), a MEK inhibitor (MEKi), and a methylation agent approved for melanoma; cytotoxic topoisomerase II and DNA methyltransferase chemotherapies; and drugs targeting the base excision DNA repair enzyme APE1 (apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-1/redox effector factor-1), SRC family tyrosine kinases, the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) molecular chaperone, and histone deacetylases.Pairwise DCs between dasatinib and three drugs approved for melanoma therapy-dabrafenib, vemurafenib, or trametinib-were flagged as synergistic in PDMCLs. Exposure to fixed DC ratios of the SRC inhibitor dasatinib with the BRAFis or MEKis interacted synergistically to increase PDMCL sensitivity to growth inhibition and enhance cytotoxicity independently of PDMCL BRAF status. These DCs synergistically inhibited the growth of mouse melanoma cell lines that either were dabrafenib-sensitive or had acquired resistance to dabrafenib with cross resistance to vemurafenib, trametinib, and dasatinib. Dasatinib DCs with dabrafenib, vemurafenib, or trametinib activated apoptosis and increased cell death in melanoma cells independently of their BRAF status or their drug resistance phenotypes. These preclinical in vitro studies provide a data-driven rationale for the further investigation of DCs between dasatinib and BRAFis or MEKis as candidates for melanoma combination therapies with the potential to improve outcomes and/or prevent or delay the emergence of disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Departments of Medicine, Dermatology, Translational Science, and Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Ronald J. Fecek
- Department of Microbiology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA
| | - Walter J. Storkus
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Departments of Dermatology, Immunology, Bioengineering and Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Paul A. Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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24
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Lee TW, Lai A, Harms JK, Singleton DC, Dickson BD, Macann AMJ, Hay MP, Jamieson SMF. Patient-Derived Xenograft and Organoid Models for Precision Medicine Targeting of the Tumour Microenvironment in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3743. [PMID: 33322840 PMCID: PMC7763264 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient survival from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the seventh most common cause of cancer, has not markedly improved in recent years despite the approval of targeted therapies and immunotherapy agents. Precision medicine approaches that seek to individualise therapy through the use of predictive biomarkers and stratification strategies offer opportunities to improve therapeutic success in HNSCC. To enable precision medicine of HNSCC, an understanding of the microenvironment that influences tumour growth and response to therapy is required alongside research tools that recapitulate the features of human tumours. In this review, we highlight the importance of the tumour microenvironment in HNSCC, with a focus on tumour hypoxia, and discuss the fidelity of patient-derived xenograft and organoids for modelling human HNSCC and response to therapy. We describe the benefits of patient-derived models over alternative preclinical models and their limitations in clinical relevance and how these impact their utility in precision medicine in HNSCC for the discovery of new therapeutic agents, as well as predictive biomarkers to identify patients' most likely to respond to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tet Woo Lee
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (T.W.L.); (A.L.); (J.K.H.); (D.C.S.); (B.D.D.); (M.P.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Amy Lai
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (T.W.L.); (A.L.); (J.K.H.); (D.C.S.); (B.D.D.); (M.P.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Julia K. Harms
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (T.W.L.); (A.L.); (J.K.H.); (D.C.S.); (B.D.D.); (M.P.H.)
| | - Dean C. Singleton
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (T.W.L.); (A.L.); (J.K.H.); (D.C.S.); (B.D.D.); (M.P.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Benjamin D. Dickson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (T.W.L.); (A.L.); (J.K.H.); (D.C.S.); (B.D.D.); (M.P.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Andrew M. J. Macann
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Michael P. Hay
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (T.W.L.); (A.L.); (J.K.H.); (D.C.S.); (B.D.D.); (M.P.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
| | - Stephen M. F. Jamieson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (T.W.L.); (A.L.); (J.K.H.); (D.C.S.); (B.D.D.); (M.P.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand;
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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25
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Shao X, Wang Y, Lu X, Hu Y, Liao J, Li J, Chen X, Yu Y, Ai N, Ying M, Fan X. A Clinical Genomics-Guided Prioritizing Strategy Enables Selecting Proper Cancer Cell Lines for Biomedical Research. iScience 2020; 23:101748. [PMID: 33225250 PMCID: PMC7662851 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101748] [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: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Selecting appropriate cell lines to represent a disease is crucial for the success of biomedical research, because the usage of less relevant cell lines could deliver misleading results. However, systematic guidance on cell line selection is unavailable. Here we developed a clinical Genomics-guided Prioritizing Strategy for Cancer Cell Lines (CCL-cGPS) and help to guide this process. Statistical analyses revealed CCL-cGPS selected cell lines were among the most appropriate models. Moreover, we observed a linear correlation between the drug response and CCL-cGPS score of cell lines for breast and thyroid cancers. Using RT4 cells selected by CCL-GPS, we identified mebendazole and digitoxin as candidate drugs against bladder cancer and validate their promising anticancer effect through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, a web tool was developed. In conclusion, CCL-cGPS bridges the gap between tumors and cell lines, presenting a helpful guide to select the most suitable cell line models. Cell lines were ranked by the resemblance of transcriptional signatures to tumors Among 44 tumor subtypes, CCL-cGPS provides proper cell lines for each subtype CCL-cGPS was verified by the computational analysis, in vitro and in vivo assays A web tool was developed to guide the selection of the most suitable cell lines
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Shao
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Liao
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Junying Li
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuechun Chen
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yunru Yu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ni Ai
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Meidan Ying
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
- Corresponding author
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26
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Künzel J, Gribko A, Lu Q, Stauber RH, Wünsch D. Nanomedical detection and downstream analysis of circulating tumor cells in head and neck patients. Biol Chem 2020; 400:1465-1479. [PMID: 30903749 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2019-0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of novel biomarkers in liquid biopsies of cancer patients has come more into focus in prognostic and diagnostic research efforts. Due to their prognostic relevance disseminated tumor cells or circulating tumor cells are the subject of intensive research and are discussed as early diagnostic indicators for treatment failure and the formation of micrometastases. A potential association of this early-systemic tumor component with poor prognosis of cancer patients could be already demonstrated for various entities including breast, colon, lung, melanoma, ovarian and prostate cancers. Thus, the detection of circulating tumor cells seems to be also applicable for minimal-invasive monitoring of therapy progress in head and neck cancer patients. A major problem of the use in clinical routine is that circulating tumor cells could not be detected by modern imaging techniques. To overcome these limitations highly sensitive detection methods and techniques for their molecular characterization are urgently needed allowing mechanistic understanding and targeting of circulating tumor cells. Especially the medical application of nanotechnology (nanomedical methods) has made valuable contributions to the field. Here, we want to provide a comprehensive overview on (nanomedical) detection methods for circulating tumor cells and discuss their merits, pitfalls and future perspectives especially for head and neck solid squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Künzel
- Nanobiomedicine Department/Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/ENT, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Alena Gribko
- Nanobiomedicine Department/Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/ENT, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Qiang Lu
- Nanobiomedicine Department/Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/ENT, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Roland H Stauber
- Nanobiomedicine Department/Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/ENT, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Désirée Wünsch
- Nanobiomedicine Department/Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/ENT, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, D-55131 Mainz, Germany
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27
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Novotný J, Bandúrová V, Strnad H, Chovanec M, Hradilová M, Šáchová J, Šteffl M, Grušanović J, Kodet R, Pačes V, Lacina L, Smetana K, Plzák J, Kolář M, Vomastek T. Analysis of HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Paired Normal Mucosae Reveals Cyclin D1 Deregulation and Compensatory Effect of Cyclin D2. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E792. [PMID: 32224897 PMCID: PMC7226528 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of the cell cycle is a typical feature of all forms of cancer. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), it is often associated with the overexpression of cyclin D1 (CCND1). However, it remains unclear how CCND1 expression changes between tumor and normal tissues and whether human papillomavirus (HPV) affects differential CCND1 expression. Here, we evaluated the expression of D-type cyclins in a cohort of 94 HNSCC patients of which 82 were subjected to whole genome expression profiling of primary tumors and paired normal mucosa. Comparative analysis of paired samples showed that CCND1 was upregulated in 18% of HNSCC tumors. Counterintuitively, CCND1 was downregulated in 23% of carcinomas, more frequently in HPV-positive samples. There was no correlation between the change in D-type cyclin expression and patient survival. Intriguingly, among the tumors with downregulated CCND1, one-third showed an increase in cyclin D2 (CCND2) expression. On the other hand, one-third of tumors with upregulated CCND1 showed a decrease in CCND2. Collectively, we have shown that CCND1 was frequently downregulated in HNSCC tumors. Furthermore, regardless of the HPV status, our data suggested that a change in CCND1 expression was alleviated by a compensatory change in CCND2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Novotný
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.N.)
- Department of Informatics and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Bandúrová
- Institute of Anatomy, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (V.B.); (K.S.J.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Faculty Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.N.)
| | - Martin Chovanec
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.N.)
| | - Jana Šáchová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.N.)
| | - Martin Šteffl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josipa Grušanović
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Kodet
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and Faculty Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Václav Pačes
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.N.)
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (V.B.); (K.S.J.)
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (V.B.); (K.S.J.)
| | - Jan Plzák
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Faculty Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (J.N.)
| | - Tomáš Vomastek
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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28
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Ghanemi M, Pourshohod A, Ghaffari MA, Kheirollah A, Amin M, Zeinali M, Jamalan M. Specific Targeting of HER2-Positive Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Line HN5 by Idarubicin-ZHER2 Affibody Conjugate. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:65-73. [PMID: 28460618 DOI: 10.2174/1568009617666170427105417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell line HN5 can be employed with great opportunities of success for specific targeting of anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents. OBJECTIVE In the current study, HER2-specific affibody molecule, ZHER2:342 (an engineered protein with great affinity for HER2 receptors) was selected for conjugation to idarubicin (an anti-neoplastic antibiotic). METHOD ZHER2:342 affibody gene with one added cysteine code at the its 5' end was synthesized de novo and then inserted into pET302 plasmid and transferred to E. Coli BL21 hosting system. After induction of protein expression, the recombinant ZHER2 affibody molecules were purified using Ni- NTA resin and purity was analyzed through SDS-PAGE. Affinity-purified affibody molecules were conjugated to idarubicin through a heterobifunctional crosslinker, sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(Nmaleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (Sulfo-SMCC). Specific toxicity of idarubicin-ZHER2 affibody conjugate against two HER2-positive cells, HN5 and MCF-7 was assessed through MTT assay after an exposure time of 48 hours with different concentrations of conjugate. RESULTS Idarubicin in the non-conjugated form showed potent toxic effects against both cell lines, while HN5 cells were significantly more sensitive compared to MCF-7 cells. Dimeric ZHER2 affibody showed a mild decreasing effect on growth of both HN5 and MCF-7 cells at optimum concentration. Idarubicin-ZHER2 affibody conjugate at an optimum concentration reduced viability of HN5 cell line more efficiently compared to MCF-7 cell line. CONCLUSION In conclusion, idarubicin-ZHER2 affibody conjugate in optimum concentrations can be used for specific targeting and killing of HN5 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ghanemi
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Medical School, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Aminollah Pourshohod
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Medical School, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ghaffari
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Medical School, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Kheirollah
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Science, Medical School, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mansour Amin
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Majid Zeinali
- Biotechnology Research Center, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI), Tehran, Iran
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29
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Vellichirammal NN, Albahrani A, Banwait JK, Mishra NK, Li Y, Roychoudhury S, Kling MJ, Mirza S, Bhakat KK, Band V, Joshi SS, Guda C. Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals the Diverse Landscape of Novel Sense and Antisense Fusion Transcripts. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:1379-1398. [PMID: 32160708 PMCID: PMC7044684 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Gene fusions that contribute to oncogenicity can be explored for identifying cancer biomarkers and potential drug targets. To investigate the nature and distribution of fusion transcripts in cancer, we examined the transcriptome data of about 9,000 primary tumors from 33 different cancers in TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) along with cell line data from CCLE (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia) using ChimeRScope, a novel fusion detection algorithm. We identified several fusions with sense (canonical, 39%) or antisense (non-canonical, 61%) transcripts recurrent across cancers. The majority of the recurrent non-canonical fusions found in our study are novel, unexplored, and exhibited highly variable profiles across cancers, with breast cancer and glioblastoma having the highest and lowest rates, respectively. Overall, 4,344 recurrent fusions were identified from TCGA in this study, of which 70% were novel. Additional analysis of 802 tumor-derived cell line transcriptome data across 20 cancers revealed significant variability in recurrent fusion profiles between primary tumors and corresponding cell lines. A subset of canonical and non-canonical fusions was validated by examining the structural variation evidence in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data or by Sanger sequencing of fusion junctions. Several recurrent fusion genes identified in our study show promise for drug repurposing in basket trials and present opportunities for mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abrar Albahrani
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jasjit K Banwait
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core. University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Nitish K Mishra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - You Li
- HitGen, South Keyuan Road 88, Chengdu, China
| | - Shrabasti Roychoudhury
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mathew J Kling
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sameer Mirza
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kishor K Bhakat
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Vimla Band
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core. University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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30
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Guan Y, Wang G, Fails D, Nagarajan P, Ge Y. Unraveling cancer lineage drivers in squamous cell carcinomas. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 206:107448. [PMID: 31836455 PMCID: PMC6995404 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer hijacks embryonic development and adult wound repair mechanisms to fuel malignancy. Cancer frequently originates from de-regulated adult stem cells or progenitors, which are otherwise essential units for postnatal tissue remodeling and repair. Cancer genomics studies have revealed convergence of multiple cancers across organ sites, including squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), a common group of cancers arising from the head and neck, esophagus, lung, cervix and skin. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the molecular drivers of SCCs, including these five major organ sites. We especially focus our discussion on lineage dependent driver genes and pathways, in the context of squamous development and stratification. We then use skin as a model to discuss the notion of field cancerization during SCC carcinogenesis, and cancer as a wound that never heals. Finally, we turn to the idea of context dependency widely observed in cancer driver genes, and outline literature support and possible explanations for their lineage specific functions. Through these discussions, we aim to provide an up-to-date summary of molecular mechanisms driving tumor plasticity in squamous cancers. Such basic knowledge will be helpful to inform the clinics for better stratifying cancer patients, revealing novel drug targets and providing effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglu Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Danielle Fails
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Priyadharsini Nagarajan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Yejing Ge
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
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Kochanek SJ, Close DA, Camarco DP, Johnston PA. Maximizing the Value of Cancer Drug Screening in Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Cultures: A Case Study in Five Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:329-349. [PMID: 31983262 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219896999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
With approval rates <5% and the probability of success in oncology clinical trials of 3.4%, more physiologically relevant in vitro three-dimensional models are being deployed during lead generation to select better drug candidates for solid tumors. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) resemble avascular tumor nodules, micrometastases, or the intervascular regions of large solid tumors with respect to morphology, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contacts, and volume growth kinetics. MCTSs develop gradients of nutrient and oxygen concentration resulting in diverse microenvironments with differential proliferation and drug distribution zones. We produced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) MCTSs in 384-well U-bottom ultra-low-attachment microtiter plates and used metabolic viability and imaging methods to measure morphologies, growth phenotypes and the effects of 19 anticancer drugs. We showed that cell viability measurements underestimated the impact of drug exposure in HNSCC MCTS cultures, but that incorporating morphology and dead-cell staining analyses increased the number of drugs judged to have substantially impacted MCTS cultures. A cumulative multiparameter drug impact score enabled us to stratify MCTS drug responses into high-, intermediate-, and low-impact tiers, and maximized the value of these more physiologically relevant tumor cultures. It is conceivable that the viable cells present in MCTS cultures after drug exposure arise from drug-resistant populations that could represent a source of drug failure and recurrence. Long-term monitoring of treated MCTS cultures could provide a strategy to determine whether these drug-resistant populations represent circumstances where tumor growth is delayed and may ultimately give rise to regrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanton J Kochanek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David A Close
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel P Camarco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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O’Keefe RA, Bhola NE, Lee DS, Johnson DE, Grandis JR. Interleukin 6 is increased in preclinical HNSCC models of acquired cetuximab resistance, but is not required for maintenance of resistance. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227261. [PMID: 31914141 PMCID: PMC6948745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor cetuximab is the only oncogene-targeted agent that has been FDA approved for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Currently, there are no biomarkers used in the clinic to predict which HNSCC tumors will respond to cetuximab, and even in tumors that regress with treatment, acquired resistance occurs in the majority of cases. Though a number of mechanisms of acquired resistance to cetuximab have been identified in preclinical studies, no therapies targeting these resistance pathways have yet been effectively translated into the clinic. To address this unmet need, we examined the role of the cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) in acquired cetuximab resistance in preclinical models of HNSCC. We found that IL-6 secretion was increased in PE/CA-PJ49 cells that had acquired resistance to cetuximab compared to the parental cells from which they were derived. However, addition of exogenous IL-6 to parental cells did not promote cetuximab resistance, and inhibition of the IL-6 pathway did not restore cetuximab sensitivity in the cetuximab-resistant cells. Further examination of the IL-6 pathway revealed that expression of IL6R, which encodes a component of the IL-6 receptor, was decreased in cetuximab-resistant cells compared to parental cells, and that treatment of the cetuximab-resistant cells with exogenous IL-6 did not induce phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, suggesting that the IL-6 pathway was functionally impaired in the cetuximab-resistant cells. These findings demonstrate that, even if IL-6 is increased in the context of cetuximab resistance, it is not necessarily required for maintenance of the resistant phenotype, and that targeting the IL-6 pathway may not restore sensitivity to cetuximab in cetuximab-refractory HNSCC.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Carbazoles
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cetuximab/pharmacology
- Cetuximab/therapeutic use
- Cisplatin/pharmacology
- Cisplatin/therapeutic use
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/immunology
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Gene Knockdown Techniques
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/immunology
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Humans
- Interleukin-6/genetics
- Interleukin-6/immunology
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/immunology
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/immunology
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. O’Keefe
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Neil E. Bhola
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - David S. Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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33
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Naghavi AO, Kim Y, Yang GQ, Ahmed KA, Caudell JJ. Alterations in genetic pathways following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2019; 42:312-320. [PMID: 31833149 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy (RT) is an integral component in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC).We hypothesized there would be alterations in gene-expression and pathway activity in HNC samples obtained in recurrent HNC that were previously treated with RT, when compared to RT-naïve disease. METHODS Patient data was abstracted from a prospectively maintained database. Linear-microarray analysis and supervised gene-set enrichment-analysis were employed to compare RT-naive and recurrent disease after prior-RT. RESULTS A total of 157 patients were analyzed, 96 (61%) were RT-naive and 61 (39%) had RT.After radiation, there was upregulation of genes associated with angiogenesis, protein-translation-machinery, cell-cycle regulation, and growth factors, and downregulation associated with Myc activity, and hypoxic response (all P < .001).Previously irradiated HNC was associated with downregulation in 19/42 genes in the Wnt/B-catenin-pathway (P = .045)and 119/199 genes involved in the MYC target pathway (P = .024). CONCLUSION Patients with recurrences salvaged surgically post-RT had significant alterations in gene-expression and in Wnt/B-catenin and MYC-target pathways. These pathways may represent potential targets to prevent development of resistance to RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash O Naghavi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Youngchul Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - George Q Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kamran A Ahmed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jimmy J Caudell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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Meister KS, Godse NR, Khan NI, Hedberg ML, Kemp C, Kulkarni S, Alvarado D, LaVallee T, Kim S, Grandis JR, Duvvuri U. HER3 targeting potentiates growth suppressive effects of the PI3K inhibitor BYL719 in pre-clinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9130. [PMID: 31235758 PMCID: PMC6591241 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45589-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BYL719 is a PI3K inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. BYL719 exerts its therapeutic effect by suppressing AKT and other proliferative signaling mechanisms. Despite PI3K inhibition and AKT suppression, residual activity of protein S6, a core marker of proliferative activation, has been observed. HER3, either via dimerization or activation by its ligand neurgeulin (NRG), is known to activate PI3K. Thus, we hypothesized that co-targeting HER3 and PI3K would lead to greater suppression of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and greater tumor suppression than with BYL719 alone. We investigated biochemical expression and activation of the HER3-PI3K-AKT-S6 pathway in HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Antitumor effects of HER3 and PI3K inhibitors alone and in combination were evaluated in cell culture and murine models. Treatment of HNSCC cell lines with BYL719 significantly reduced AKT activation and suppressed tumor growth. However, S6 was persistently activated despite suppression of AKT. Combination treatment with KTN3379, a monoclonal antibody targeted against HER3, and BYL719 led to enhanced suppression of in vitro and in vivo cancer growth and durable suppression of AKT and S6. Therefore, inhibition of HER3 with KTN3379 enhanced the effects of PI3K inhibition in pre-clinical HNSCC models. These data support co-targeting HER3 and PI3K for the treatment of HSNCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara S Meister
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Neal R Godse
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Nayel I Khan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Matthew L Hedberg
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Carolyn Kemp
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Sucheta Kulkarni
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | | | | | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Suite 500, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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The cancer driver genes IDH1/2, JARID1C/ KDM5C, and UTX/ KDM6A: crosstalk between histone demethylation and hypoxic reprogramming in cancer metabolism. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-17. [PMID: 31221981 PMCID: PMC6586683 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on mutations in cancer genomes have distinguished driver mutations from passenger mutations, which occur as byproducts of cancer development. The cancer genome atlas (TCGA) project identified 299 genes and 24 pathways/biological processes that drive tumor progression (Cell 173: 371-385 e318, 2018). Of the 299 driver genes, 12 genes are involved in histones, histone methylation, and demethylation. Among these 12 genes, those encoding the histone demethylases JARID1C/KDM5C and UTX/KDM6A were identified as cancer driver genes. Furthermore, gain-of-function mutations in genes encoding metabolic enzymes, such as isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH)1/2, drive tumor progression by producing an oncometabolite, D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG), which is a competitive inhibitor of α-ketoglutarate, O2-dependent dioxygenases such as Jumonji domain-containing histone demethylases, and DNA demethylases. Studies on oncometabolites suggest that histone demethylases mediate metabolic changes in chromatin structure. We have reviewed the most recent findings regarding cancer-specific metabolic reprogramming and the tumor-suppressive roles of JARID1C/KDM5C and UTX/KDM6A. We have also discussed mutations in other isoforms such as the JARID1A, 1B, 1D of KDM5 subfamilies and the JMJD3/KDM6B of KDM6 subfamilies, which play opposing roles in tumor progression as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on the cancer cell type. Genes involved in the removal of methyl groups from histones associated with DNA can promote or suppress tumor growth depending on the metabolic status of the cancer cell. Hyunsung Park and colleagues at the University of Seoul, South Korea, review current knowledge of two genes encoding histone demethylases which have been identified by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project as cancer driver genes. Because these demethylase enzymes rely on cellular metabolites to function, their effect is influenced by metabolic conditions in the tumor microenvironment such as low oxygen. The mechanisms through which changes in histone methylation affect the expression of genes involved in tumor progression remain unknown. Further understanding of how cancer metabolism affects the modification of histones will help guide the development of more effective cancer treatments.
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Abdeyrim A, Cheng X, Lian M, Tan Y. miR‑490‑5p regulates the proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition of pharyngolaryngeal cancer cells by targeting mitogen‑activated protein kinase kinasekinase 9. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:240-252. [PMID: 31115491 PMCID: PMC6559303 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA/miR) has been identified to be a promising tool in treating pharyngolaryngeal cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR‑490‑5p in the regulation of proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) of pharyngolaryngeal cancer cells. The data of miR‑490‑5p expression levels of 45 cases were obtained from the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the prediction of the target of miR‑490‑5p was conducted by bioinformatics and verified using a luciferase assay. Cell viability was determined by cell counting kit‑8. Migration and invasion rates were measured by wound healing test and Transwell apparatus, respectively. Colony formation rate was measured by plate colony formation assay. mRNA and protein levels were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. miR‑490‑5p expression was significantly depressed in primary pharyngolaryngeal cancer tissues and cell lines, leading to an unfavorable prognosis. Evidently, miR‑490‑5p overexpression decreased the cell viabilities of BICR 18 and FaDu cells. Mechanically, miR‑490‑5p could target mitogen‑activated protein kinase kinasekinase 9 (MAP3K9). The overexpression of MAP3K9 could promote cell viability, migration and invasion rates, EMT process and ability of cloning, miR‑490‑5p could target MAP3K9 and further modulate the proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT of pharyngolaryngeal cancer cells. The results of the present study provide a novel entry point to the treatment of pharyngolaryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arikin Abdeyrim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ürümqi, Xinjiang 830001, P.R. China
| | - Xiuqin Cheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ürümqi, Xinjiang 830001, P.R. China
| | - Meng Lian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyouan Tan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ürümqi, Xinjiang 830001, P.R. China
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Oweida AJ, Bhatia S, Van Court B, Darragh L, Serkova N, Karam SD. Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment. J Vis Exp 2019:10.3791/59195. [PMID: 31058896 PMCID: PMC6659716 DOI: 10.3791/59195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating and deadly disease with a high prevalence of recurrence and treatment failure. To develop better therapeutic strategies, understanding tumor microenvironmental factors that contribute to the treatment resistance is important. A major impediment to understanding disease mechanisms and improving therapy has been a lack of murine cell lines that resemble the aggressive and metastatic nature of human HNSCCs. Furthermore, a majority of murine models employ subcutaneous implantations of tumors which lack important physiological features of the head and neck region, including high vascular density, extensive lymphatic vasculature, and resident mucosal flora. The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize an orthotopic model of HNSCC. We employ two genetically distinct murine cell lines and established tumors in the buccal mucosa of mice. We optimize collagenase-based tumor digestion methods for the optimal recovery of single cells from established tumors. The data presented here show that mice develop highly vascularized tumors that metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Single-cell multiparametric mass cytometry analysis shows the presence of diverse immune populations with myeloid cells representing the majority of all immune cells. The model proposed in this study has applications in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and preclinical development of novel therapeutics. The resemblance of the orthotopic model to clinical features of human disease will provide a tool for enhanced translation and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman J Oweida
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus;
| | - Shilpa Bhatia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Benjamin Van Court
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Laurel Darragh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Natalie Serkova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus; Division of Radiology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus
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Lakshmanachetty S, Balaiya V, High WA, Koster MI. Loss of TP63 Promotes the Metastasis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Activating MAPK and STAT3 Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1279-1293. [PMID: 30910837 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-1355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
TP63 is frequently amplified or overexpressed in primary head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Nevertheless, the role of TP63 in the initiation and progression of HNSCCs is not known. Using archival HNSCC tissue sections, we found that TP63 expression is often downregulated in late-stage human HNSCCs. To establish a causal link between TP63 loss and HNSCC tumorigenesis, we developed a genetically engineered mouse model in which Trp63 (the mouse homolog of human TP63) was ablated from head and neck epithelia. Upon exposure of the mice to a chemical carcinogen, we found that Trp63 ablation accelerated HNSCC initiation and progression. To determine whether these findings are relevant for human HNSCCs, we generated TP63 knockdown HNSCC cell lines. These cells were implanted into the tongue of athymic nude mice to generate orthotopic xenografts. We found that loss of TP63 promoted HNSCC progression and metastasis. Furthermore, we determined that tumor metastasis is dependent on MAPK activation in TP63 knockdown HNSCCs. The significance of these findings is underscored by our finding that pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK activity by trametinib drastically impaired HNSCC metastasis mediated by TP63 loss. In conclusion, our data provide novel mechanistic insights into the role of TP63 loss in HNSCC initiation and progression, and provide a rationale for the development of new therapeutic approaches specifically targeting TP63-dependent tumor pathways. IMPLICATIONS: Our findings uncover a novel functional role for TP63 loss in HNSCC metastasis and identify MAPK signaling as a potential therapeutic target for treating HNSCCs with low TP63 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilnath Lakshmanachetty
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Velmurugan Balaiya
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Whitney A High
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Maranke I Koster
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado. .,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Sambandam V, Frederick MJ, Shen L, Tong P, Rao X, Peng S, Singh R, Mazumdar T, Huang C, Li Q, Pickering CR, Myers JN, Wang J, Johnson FM. PDK1 Mediates NOTCH1-Mutated Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma Vulnerability to Therapeutic PI3K/mTOR Inhibition. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:3329-3340. [PMID: 30770351 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is driven largely by the loss of tumor suppressor genes, including NOTCH1, but lacks a biomarker-driven targeted therapy. Although the PI3K/mTOR pathway is frequently altered in HNSCC, the disease has modest clinical response rates to PI3K/mTOR inhibitors and lacks validated biomarkers of response. We tested the hypothesis that an unbiased pharmacogenomics approach to PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors would identify novel, clinically relevant molecular vulnerabilities in HNSCC with loss of tumor suppressor function.Experimental Design: We assessed the degree to which responses to PI3K/mTOR inhibitors are associated with gene mutations in 59 HNSCC cell lines. Apoptosis in drug-sensitive cell lines was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. NOTCH1 pathway components and PDK1 were manipulated with drugs, gene editing, knockdown, and overexpression. RESULTS PI3K/mTOR inhibition caused apoptosis and decreased colony numbers in HNSCC cell lines harboring NOTCH1 loss-of-function mutations (NOTCH1 MUT) and reduced tumor size in subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models. In all cell lines, NOTCH1 MUT was strongly associated with sensitivity to six PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. NOTCH1 inhibition or knockout increased NOTCH1 WT HNSCC sensitivity to PI3K/mTOR inhibition. PDK1 levels dropped following PI3K/mTOR inhibition in NOTCH1 MUT but not NOTCH1 WT HNSCC, and PDK1 overexpression rescued apoptosis in NOTCH1 MUT cells. PDK1 and AKT inhibitors together caused apoptosis in NOTCH1 WT HNSCC but had little effect as single agents. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that NOTCH1 MUT predicts response to PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, which may lead to the first biomarker-driven targeted therapy for HNSCC, and that targeting PDK1 sensitizes NOTCH1 WT HNSCC to PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Sambandam
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pan Tong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiayu Rao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shaohua Peng
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tuhina Mazumdar
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chenfei Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Qiuli Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffery N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. .,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
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40
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Kochanek SJ, Close DA, Johnston PA. High Content Screening Characterization of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Cultures Generated in 384-Well Ultra-Low Attachment Plates to Screen for Better Cancer Drug Leads. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2018; 17:17-36. [PMID: 30592624 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2018.896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) cultures represent more physiologically relevant in vitro cell tumor models that recapitulate the microenvironments and cell-cell or cell-extracellular matrix interactions which occur in solid tumors. We characterized the morphologies, viability, and growth behaviors of MCTSs produced by 11 different head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines seeded into and cultured in ultra-low attachment microtiter plates (ULA-plates) over extended periods of time. HNSCC MCTS cultures developed microenvironments, which resulted in differences in proliferation rates, metabolic activity, and mitochondrial functional activity between cells located in the outer layers of the MCTS and cells in the interior. HNSCC MCTS cultures exhibited drug penetration and distribution gradients and some developed necrotic cores. Perhaps the most profound effect of culturing HNSCC cell lines in MCTS cultures was their dramatically altered and varied growth phenotypes. Instead of the exponential growth that are characteristic of two-dimensional HNSCC growth inhibition assays, some MCTS cultures displayed linear growth rates, categorized as rapid, moderate, or slow, dormant MCTSs remained viable but did not grow, and some MCTSs exhibited death phenotypes that were either progressive and slow or rapid. The ability of MCTS cultures to develop microenvironments and to display a variety of different growth phenotypes provides in vitro models that are more closely aligned with solid tumors in vivo. We anticipate that the implementation MCTS models to screen for new cancer drugs for solid tumors like HNSCC will produce leads that will translate better in in vivo animal models and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanton J Kochanek
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David A Close
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul A Johnston
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,2 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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41
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Ruicci KM, Meens J, Sun RX, Rizzo G, Pinto N, Yoo J, Fung K, MacNeil D, Mymryk JS, Barrett JW, Boutros PC, Ailles L, Nichols AC. A controlled trial of HNSCC patient-derived xenografts reveals broad efficacy of PI3Kα inhibition in controlling tumor growth. Int J Cancer 2018; 145:2100-2106. [PMID: 30468243 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) frequently harbor alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis, particularly in the PIK3CA gene. PI3K-targeted agents have therefore gained considerable preclinical and clinical interest as emerging therapies for HNSCC. Identification of predictive biomarkers of response would advance the clinical application of PI3K-targeted drugs for patients, in order to achieve maximal benefit. To date, studies of drug biomarkers have largely focused on screening cell lines, with much more limited in vivo testing, usually only as validation. This approach has rarely enabled accurate predictions of clinical efficacy. Recently, clinical trials of PDX models (PDX clinical trials) have been introduced as a preclinical approach to interrogate interpatient response heterogeneity. Already, PDX clinical trial responses have been demonstrated to correlate closely with patient outcomes. Here, using both an HNSCC specific, 28-cell line panel and a PDX clinical trial of 80 xenografts derived from 20 unique HNSCC tumors, we systematically examine patterns of response to PI3K inhibition in HNSCC. We find EGFR, AKT1 and CSMD1 copy number aberrations, but not PIK3CA mutations, to be associated with responsiveness to PI3K-targeted drugs. Further, we reveal PI3Kα inhibition to be almost globally tumoristatic in HNSCC xenografts regardless of PIK3CA mutational status, emphasizing its potential as a stabilizing neoadjuvant therapy for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara M Ruicci
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Jalna Meens
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ren X Sun
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Giananthony Rizzo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Nicole Pinto
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada
| | - John Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Kevin Fung
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Danielle MacNeil
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - John W Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laurie Ailles
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Canada.,Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
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42
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Close DA, Wang AX, Kochanek SJ, Shun T, Eiseman JL, Johnston PA. Implementation of the NCI-60 Human Tumor Cell Line Panel to Screen 2260 Cancer Drug Combinations to Generate >3 Million Data Points Used to Populate a Large Matrix of Anti-Neoplastic Agent Combinations (ALMANAC) Database. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018; 24:242-263. [PMID: 30500310 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218812429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Animal and clinical studies demonstrate that cancer drug combinations (DCs) are more effective than single agents. However, it is difficult to predict which DCs will be more efficacious than individual drugs. Systematic DC high-throughput screening (HTS) of 100 approved drugs in the National Cancer Institute's panel of 60 cancer cell lines (NCI-60) produced data to help select DCs for further consideration. We miniaturized growth inhibition assays into 384-well format, increased the fetal bovine serum amount to 10%, lengthened compound exposure to 72 h, and used a homogeneous detection reagent. We determined the growth inhibition 50% values of individual drugs across 60 cell lines, selected drug concentrations for 4 × 4 DC matrices (DCMs), created DCM master and replica daughter plate sets, implemented the HTS, quality control reviewed the data, and analyzed the results. A total of 2620 DCMs were screened in 60 cancer cell lines to generate 3.04 million data points for the NCI ALMANAC (A Large Matrix of Anti-Neoplastic Agent Combinations) database. We confirmed in vitro a synergistic drug interaction flagged in the DC HTS between the vinca-alkaloid microtubule assembly inhibitor vinorelbine (Navelbine) tartrate and the epidermal growth factor-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib (Iressa) in the SK-MEL-5 melanoma cell line. Seventy-five percent of the DCs examined in the screen are not currently in the clinical trials database. Selected synergistic drug interactions flagged in the DC HTS described herein were subsequently confirmed by the NCI in vitro, evaluated mechanistically, and were shown to have greater than single-agent efficacy in mouse xenograft human cancer models. Enrollment is open for two clinical trials for DCs that were identified in the DC HTS. The NCI ALMANAC database therefore constitutes a valuable resource for selecting promising DCs for confirmation, mechanistic studies, and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Close
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Allen Xinwei Wang
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stanton J Kochanek
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tongying Shun
- 2 University of Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie L Eiseman
- 3 Cancer Therapeutics Program, The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,4 Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,5 University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Paul A Johnston
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,5 University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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43
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Ludwig ML, Kulkarni A, Birkeland AC, Michmerhuizen NL, Foltin SK, Mann JE, Hoesli RC, Devenport SN, Jewell BM, Shuman AG, Spector ME, Carey TE, Jiang H, Brenner JC. The genomic landscape of UM-SCC oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Oral Oncol 2018; 87:144-151. [PMID: 30527230 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2018.10.031] [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: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to describe the genetic complexity of 14 UM-SCC oral cavity cancer cell lines that have remained uncharacterized despite being used as model systems for decades. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed exome sequencing on 14 oral cavity UM-SCC cell lines and denote the mutational profile of each line. We used a SNP array to profile the multiple copy number variations of each cell line and use immunoblotting to compare alterations to protein expression of commonly amplified genes (EGFR, PIK3CA, etc.). RNA sequencing was performed to characterize the expression of genes with copy number alterations. RESULTS The cell lines displayed a highly complex network of genetic aberrations that was consistent with alterations identified in the HNSCC TCGA project including PIK3CA amplification, CDKN2A deletion, as well as TP53 and CASP8 mutations, enabling genetic stratification of each cell line in the panel. Copy number FISH and spectral karyotyping analysis demonstrate that cell lines retain chromosomal heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we developed an important resource for future oral cavity HNSCC cell line studies and highlight the complexity of genomic aberrations in cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Ludwig
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, United States
| | - Aditi Kulkarni
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States
| | | | - Nicole L Michmerhuizen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Department of Pharmacology, United States
| | - Susan K Foltin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States
| | - Jacqueline E Mann
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Department of Pathology, United States
| | - Rebecca C Hoesli
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States
| | - Samantha N Devenport
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, United States
| | | | - Andrew G Shuman
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Matthew E Spector
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Thomas E Carey
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Department of Pharmacology, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - J Chad Brenner
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States; Department of Pharmacology, United States; Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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44
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Cheng H, Yang X, Si H, Saleh AD, Xiao W, Coupar J, Gollin SM, Ferris RL, Issaeva N, Yarbrough WG, Prince ME, Carey TE, Van Waes C, Chen Z. Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterization Links Cell Lines with Aggressive Head and Neck Cancers. Cell Rep 2018; 25:1332-1345.e5. [PMID: 30380422 PMCID: PMC6280671 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell lines are important tools for biological and preclinical investigation, and establishing their relationship to genomic alterations in tumors could accelerate functional and therapeutic discoveries. We conducted integrated analyses of genomic and transcriptomic profiles of 15 human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative and 11 HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) lines to compare with 279 tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified recurrent amplifications on chromosomes 3q22-29, 5p15, 11q13/22, and 8p11 that drive increased expression of more than 100 genes in cell lines and tumors. These alterations, together with loss or mutations of tumor suppressor genes, converge on important signaling pathways, recapitulating the genomic landscape of aggressive HNSCCs. Among these, concurrent 3q26.3 amplification and TP53 mutation in most HPV(-) cell lines reflect tumors with worse survival. Our findings elucidate and validate genomic alterations underpinning numerous discoveries made with HNSCC lines and provide valuable models for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cheng
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Xinping Yang
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Han Si
- Translational Bioinformatics, MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Anthony D Saleh
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wenming Xiao
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Jamie Coupar
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Susanne M Gollin
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Departments of Otolaryngology, Radiation Oncology, and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Natalia Issaeva
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Molecular Virology Research Program, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wendell G Yarbrough
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Molecular Virology Research Program, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mark E Prince
- Cancer Biology Program, Program in the Biomedical Sciences, Rackham Graduate School, and the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Thomas E Carey
- Cancer Biology Program, Program in the Biomedical Sciences, Rackham Graduate School, and the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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45
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Bauman JE, Duvvuri U, Thomas S, Gooding WE, Clump DA, Karlovits B, Wehbe A, Miller FR, Kim S, Sen M, Heron DE, Grandis JR, Argiris A. Phase 1 study of EGFR-antisense DNA, cetuximab, and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer with preclinical correlatives. Cancer 2018; 124:3881-3889. [PMID: 30291796 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cetuximab combined with radiation therapy (RT) is an evidence-based treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, locoregional failure remains the primary cause of cancer-related death in this disease. Intratumoral injection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-antisense plasmid DNA (EGFR-AS) is safe and has been associated with promising lesional responses in patients who have recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. For the current study, the authors investigated the antitumor effects of cetuximab and EGFR-AS in preclinical HNSCC models and reported their phase 1 experience adding intratumoral EGFR-AS to cetuximab RT. METHODS Antitumor mechanisms were investigated in cell line and xenograft models. Phase 1 trial eligibility required stage IVA through IVC HNSCC and a measurable lesion accessible for repeat injections. Patients received standard cetuximab was for 9 weeks. EGFR-AS was injected weekly until they achieved a lesional complete response. RT was delivered by conventional fractionation for 7 weeks, starting at week 3. Research biopsies were obtained at baseline and week 2. RESULTS When added to cetuximab, EGFR-AS decreased cell viability and xenograft growth compared with EGFR-sense control, partially mediated by reduced EGFR expression. Six patients were enrolled in the phase 1 cohort. No grade 2 or greater EGFR-AS-related adverse events occurred. The best lesional response was a complete response (4 patients), and 1 patient each had a partial response and disease progression. EGFR expression decreased in 4 patients who had available paired specimens. CONCLUSIONS In preclinical models, dual EGFR inhibition with cetuximab and EGFR-AS enhanced antitumor effects. In a phase 1 cohort, intratumoral EGFR-AS injections, cetuximab, and RT were well tolerated. A phase 2 trial is needed to conduct an extended evaluation of safety and to establish efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie E Bauman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sufi Thomas
- Departments of Otolaryngology and Cancer Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - William E Gooding
- Biostatistics Facility, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David A Clump
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian Karlovits
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ahmad Wehbe
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Frank R Miller
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Malabika Sen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Dwight E Heron
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Athanassios Argiris
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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46
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Domingues CSDC, Serambeque BP, Laranjo Cândido MS, Marto CMM, Veiga FJDB, Sarmento Antunes Cruz Ribeiro AB, Figueiras ARR, Botelho MFR, Dourado MDARF. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and microRNAs: Challenges and future perspectives in oral cancer. Head Neck 2018; 40:2304-2313. [PMID: 30120853 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) being the most representative type. OSCC is a public health problem with high morbidity and poor survival rate. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is emerging as a hallmark in OSCC. METHODS In this study, we described the role of microRNAs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulation in OSCC based on a PubMed search using articles published in English between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2018. RESULTS MicroRNA's regulatory networks seem to be a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in OSCC pathophysiology becoming a growing challenge to design new studies and strategies from biology to clinical applications. CONCLUSION Therefore, we propose that targeting therapies to epithelial-mesenchymal transition-type cells, namely, coordinating microRNAs and/or hydrophobic drugs, such as conventional therapy, could be a promising strategy to improve the outcomes of patients with OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Sofia da Costa Domingues
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Prazeres Serambeque
- CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Sofia Laranjo Cândido
- CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC/IBILI, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Miguel Machado Marto
- CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC/IBILI, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Experimental Pathology Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco José de Baptista Veiga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC/IBILI, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento Antunes Cruz Ribeiro
- CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC/IBILI, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Ramalho Figueiras
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Roque Botelho
- CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Biophysics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC/IBILI, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marília de Assunção Rodrigues Ferreira Dourado
- CIMAGO, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology (LOH) and University Clinic of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Pathophysiology Course Unit, Dentistry Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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47
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Gao L, Zhang W, Zhong WQ, Liu ZJ, Li HM, Yu ZL, Zhao YF. Tumor associated macrophages induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition via the EGFR/ERK1/2 pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2018; 40:2558-2572. [PMID: 30132555 PMCID: PMC6151899 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is closely associated with inflammation. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), the largest population of inflammatory cells in the tumor stroma, serve an important role in accelerating cancer progression. The present study aimed to investigate the role of TAMs in the metastasis of HNSCC. TAM biomarkers and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins were detected using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining in HNSCC. Then, direct and indirect co-culture systems of TAMs and HNSCC cells were established. The EMT-associated proteins and associated signaling pathways in HNSCC cells of the co-culture system were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Finally, hierarchical clustering was performed to analyze associations among TAM biomarkers, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), activated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and EMT-associated proteins in HNSCC tissues. The results indicated that the expression of EMT-associated proteins was positively associated with M2 macrophage biomarkers in HNSCC tissues. Cal27 cells were isolated from the co-culture system by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and it was identified that E-cadherin was downregulated in Cal27 cells, while Vimentin and Slug were upregulated. Furthermore, the results indicated that EGF released by M2 macrophages in the co-culture served an important role by activating ERK1/2. The correlation and cluster analyses indicated that activated ERK1/2 was positively correlated with cluster of differentiation-163, EGFR, Vimentin and Slug. This suggested that TAMs may induce the EMT of cancer cells by activating the EGFR/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in HNSCC, which may be a promising approach to suppressing cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gao
- Department of Oral Anatomy, College of Stomotology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‑MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Qun Zhong
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‑MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo-Jue Liu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‑MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Min Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‑MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Li Yu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‑MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Fang Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‑MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
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48
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Khaznadar SS, Khan M, Schmid E, Gebhart S, Becker ET, Krahn T, von Ahsen O. EGFR overexpression is not common in patients with head and neck cancer. Cell lines are not representative for the clinical situation in this indication. Oncotarget 2018; 9:28965-28975. [PMID: 29989001 PMCID: PMC6034751 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Based on expression data, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) emerged as therapeutic target in Head and Neck Cancer but clinical efficacy of EGFR inhibitors was very limited. We reinvestigated the EGFR expression and activation status necessary for response in cell lines and compared that to clinical samples. Methods Clinical samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC, n=63), mostly from late stage (IV) and poorly or undifferentiated character and cultured cell lines (n=14) were tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) (n=55) and sandwich immunoassays (n=63) for expression and phosphorylation of EGFR (Tyrosine-1173). Response of 14 different HNSCC cell lines to Erlotinib was tested in proliferation assays. Results Most HNSCC cell lines respond to Erlotinib. EGFR is phosphorylated in these cell lines. Resistant cell lines display very low level EGFR expression and phosphorylation. EGFR activity in clinical samples is significantly below that observed in cell lines. In clinical samples, EGFR is not overexpressed on the single cellular level. We show similar levels of EGFR expression in growing keratinocytes and tumor cells. Conclusions Cell lines are not representative of the clinical situation in HNSCC. Larger studies should investigate whether patient subgroups with activating EGFR mutations or overexpression can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Sebastian Khaznadar
- Biomarker Research, Bayer AG, 13353 Berlin, Germany.,Present address: University Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Khan
- Charite, Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.,Present address: Klinikum Dahme-Spreewald GmbH, 15711 Königs-Wusterhausen, Germany
| | - Elke Schmid
- Biomarker Research, Bayer AG, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Krahn
- Biomarker Research, Bayer AG, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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49
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Ghasemi F, Black M, Sun RX, Vizeacoumar F, Pinto N, Ruicci KM, Yoo J, Fung K, MacNeil D, Palma DA, Winquist E, Mymryk JS, Ailles LA, Datti A, Barrett JW, Boutros PC, Nichols AC. High-throughput testing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma identifies agents with preferential activity in human papillomavirus-positive or negative cell lines. Oncotarget 2018; 9:26064-26071. [PMID: 29899842 PMCID: PMC5995257 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer diagnosis worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, HNSCC has very poor survival outcomes, emphasizing an ongoing need for development of improved therapeutic options. The distinct tumor characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive vs. HPV-negative disease necessitate development of treatment strategies tailored to tumor HPV-status. High-throughput robotic screening of 1,433 biologically and pharmacologically relevant compounds at a single dose (4 μM) was carried out against 6 HPV-positive and 20 HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines for preliminary identification of therapeutically relevant compounds. Statistical analysis was further carried out to differentiate compounds with preferential activity against cell lines stratified by the HPV-status. These analyses yielded 57 compounds with higher activity in HPV-negative cell lines, and 34 with higher-activity in HPV-positive ones. Multi-point dose-response curves were generated for six of these compounds (Ryuvidine, MK-1775, SNS-032, Flavopiridol, AZD-7762 and ARP-101), confirming Ryuvidine to have preferential potency against HPV-negative cell lines, and MK-1775 to have preferential potency against HPV-positive cell lines. These data comprise a valuable resource for further investigation of compounds with therapeutic potential in the HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Ghasemi
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Morgan Black
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ren X Sun
- Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, MaRS Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frederick Vizeacoumar
- Cancer Research Cluster, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Nicole Pinto
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kara M Ruicci
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Fung
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle MacNeil
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David A Palma
- Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Winquist
- Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joe S Mymryk
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laurie A Ailles
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alessandro Datti
- Network Biology Collaborative Centre, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - John W Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul C Boutros
- Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, MaRS Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony C Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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50
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Leonard B, Brand TM, O'Keefe RA, Lee ED, Zeng Y, Kemmer JD, Li H, Grandis JR, Bhola NE. BET Inhibition Overcomes Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Mediated Cetuximab Resistance in HNSCC. Cancer Res 2018; 78:4331-4343. [PMID: 29792310 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cetuximab, the FDA-approved anti-EGFR antibody for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), has displayed limited efficacy due to the emergence of intrinsic and acquired resistance. We and others have demonstrated that cetuximab resistance in HNSCC is driven by alternative receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), including HER3, MET, and AXL. In an effort to overcome cetuximab resistance and circumvent toxicities associated with the administration of multiple RTK inhibitors, we sought to identify a common molecular target that regulates expression of multiple RTK. Bromodomain-containing protein-4 (BRD4) has been shown to regulate the transcription of various RTK in the context of resistance to PI3K and HER2 inhibition in breast cancer models. We hypothesized that, in HNSCC, targeting BRD4 could overcome cetuximab resistance by depleting alternative RTK expression. We generated independent models of cetuximab resistance in HNSCC cell lines and interrogated their RTK and BRD4 expression profiles. Cetuximab-resistant clones displayed increased expression and activation of several RTK, such as MET and AXL, as well as an increased percentage of BRD4-expressing cells. Both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of BRD4 abrogated cell viability in models of acquired and intrinsic cetuximab resistance and was associated with a robust decrease in alternative RTK expression by cetuximab. Combined treatment with cetuximab and bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 significantly delayed acquired resistance and RTK upregulation in patient-derived xenograft models of HNSCC. These findings indicate that the combination of cetuximab and bromodomain inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with HNSCC.Significance: Inhibition of bromodomain protein BRD4 represents a potential therapeutic strategy to circumvent the toxicities and financial burden of targeting the multiple receptor tyrosine kinases that drive cetuximab resistance in HNSCC and NSCLC.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/15/4331/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(15); 4331-43. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Leonard
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Toni M Brand
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Rachel A O'Keefe
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Eliot D Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Yan Zeng
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jacquelyn D Kemmer
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Neil E Bhola
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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