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Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for Cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;.
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Krencz I, Sztankovics D, Sebestyén A, Pápay J, Dankó T, Moldvai D, Lutz E, Khoor A. RICTOR amplification is associated with Rictor membrane staining and does not correlate with PD-L1 expression in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611593. [PMID: 38706776 PMCID: PMC11066283 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
RICTOR gene, which encodes the scaffold protein of mTORC2, can be amplified in various tumor types, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung. RICTOR amplification can lead to hyperactivation of mTORC2 and may serve as a targetable genetic alteration, including in lung SCC patients with no PD-L1 expression who are not expected to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This study aimed to compare RICTOR amplification detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with Rictor and PD-L1 protein expression detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in SCC of the lung. The study was complemented by analysis of the publicly available Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma (TCGA, Firehose legacy) dataset. RICTOR amplification was observed in 20% of our cases and 16% of the lung SCC cases of the TCGA dataset. Rictor and PD-L1 expression was seen in 74% and 44% of the cases, respectively. Rictor IHC showed two staining patterns: membrane staining (16% of the cases) and cytoplasmic staining (58% of the cases). Rictor membrane staining predicted RICTOR amplification as detected by FISH with high specificity (95%) and sensitivity (70%). We did not find any correlation between RICTOR amplification and PD-L1 expression; RICTOR amplification was detected in 18% and 26% of PD-L1 positive and negative cases, respectively. The TCGA dataset analysis showed similar results; RICTOR copy number correlated with Rictor mRNA and protein expression but showed no association with PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression. In conclusion, the correlation between RICTOR amplification and Rictor membrane staining suggests that the latter can potentially be used as a surrogate marker to identify lung SCC cases with RICTOR amplification. Since a significant proportion of PD-L1 negative SCC cases harbor RICTOR amplification, analyzing PD-L1 negative tumors by RICTOR FISH or Rictor IHC can help select patients who may benefit from mTORC2 inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Krencz
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Sztankovics
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Sebestyén
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Pápay
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Titanilla Dankó
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Moldvai
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Elmar Lutz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Andras Khoor
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
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Choudhry M, Gamallat Y, Ghosh S, Bismar TA. Cleavage and Polyadenylation-Specific Factor 4 (CPSF4) Expression Is Associated with Enhanced Prostate Cancer Cell Migration and Cell Cycle Dysregulation, In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12961. [PMID: 37629142 PMCID: PMC10455462 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Potential oncogene cleavage and polyadenylation specific factor 4 (CPSF4) has been linked to several cancer types. However, little research has been conducted on its function in prostate cancer (PCa). In benign, incidental, advanced, and castrate resistant PCa (CRPCa) patient samples, protein expression of CPSF4 was examined on tissue microarray (TMAs) of 353 PCa patients using immunohistochemistry. Using the 'The Cancer Genome Atlas' Prostate Adenocarcinoma (TCGA PRAD) database, significant correlations were found between high CPSF4 expression and high-risk genomic abnormalities such as ERG-fusion, ETV1-fusion, and SPOP mutations. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of CPSF4 revealed evidence for the increase in biological processes such as cellular proliferation and metastasis. We further examined the function of CPSF4 in vitro and confirmed CPSF4 clinical outcomes and its underlying mechanism. Our findings showed a substantial correlation between Gleason groups and CPSF4 protein expression. In vitro, CPSF4 knockdown reduced cell invasion and migration while also causing G1 and G2 arrest in PC3 cell lines. Our findings demonstrate that CPSF4 may be used as a possible biomarker in PCa and support its oncogenic function in cellular proliferation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Choudhry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (M.C.); (Y.G.)
- Department of Oncology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Yaser Gamallat
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (M.C.); (Y.G.)
- Department of Oncology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada;
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada
| | - Tarek A. Bismar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (M.C.); (Y.G.)
- Department of Oncology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Tom Baker Cancer Center, Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Xiao Y, Liu P, Wei J, Zhang X, Guo J, Lin Y. Recent progress in targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1125547. [PMID: 36909198 PMCID: PMC9994183 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1125547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The high morbidity and mortality of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have always been major threats to people's health. With the identification of carcinogenic drivers in non-small cell lung cancer and the clinical application of targeted drugs, the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer patients has greatly improved. However, in a large number of non-small cell lung cancer cases, the carcinogenic driver is unknown. Identifying genetic alterations is critical for effective individualized therapy in NSCLC. Moreover, targeted drugs are difficult to apply in the clinic. Cancer drug resistance is an unavoidable obstacle limiting the efficacy and application of targeted drugs. This review describes the mechanisms of targeted-drug resistance and newly identified non-small cell lung cancer targets (e.g., KRAS G12C, NGRs, DDRs, CLIP1-LTK, PELP1, STK11/LKB1, NFE2L2/KEAP1, RICTOR, PTEN, RASGRF1, LINE-1, and SphK1). Research into these mechanisms and targets will drive individualized treatment of non-small cell lung cancer to generate better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Xiao
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China.,Peking University Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
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Li Q, Li Z, Luo T, Shi H. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways for cancer therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:47. [PMID: 36539659 PMCID: PMC9768098 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways are commonly activated by mutations and chromosomal translocation in vital targets. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is dysregulated in nearly all kinds of neoplasms, with the component in this pathway alternations. RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascades are used to conduct signaling from the cell surface to the nucleus to mediate gene expression, cell cycle processes and apoptosis. RAS, B-Raf, PI3K, and PTEN are frequent upstream alternative sites. These mutations resulted in activated cell growth and downregulated cell apoptosis. The two pathways interact with each other to participate in tumorigenesis. PTEN alterations suppress RAF/MEK/ERK pathway activity via AKT phosphorylation and RAS inhibition. Several inhibitors targeting major components of these two pathways have been supported by the FDA. Dozens of agents in these two pathways have attracted great attention and have been assessed in clinical trials. The combination of small molecular inhibitors with traditional regimens has also been explored. Furthermore, dual inhibitors provide new insight into antitumor activity. This review will further comprehensively describe the genetic alterations in normal patients and tumor patients and discuss the role of targeted inhibitors in malignant neoplasm therapy. We hope this review will promote a comprehensive understanding of the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways in facilitating tumors and will help direct drug selection for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Ting Luo
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Breast, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Huashan Shi
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, P. R. China
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Yang Z, Zhou L, Ge H, Shen W, Shan L. Identification of autophagy-related biomarkers in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension based on bioinformatics analysis. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:1148-1157. [PMID: 35859795 PMCID: PMC9263897 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy participates in the regulation of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the role of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) in the pathogenesis of the PAH is still unclear. This study aimed to identify the ARGs in PAH via bioinformatics analysis. A microarray dataset (GSE113439) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to identify differentially expressed ARGs (DEARGs). Protein–protein interactions network, gene ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to screen hub genes and the underlying molecular mechanisms of PAH. Finally, the mRNA expression of the hub genes was validated using the GSE53408 dataset. Twenty-six DEARGs were identified, all of which were upregulated. Enrichment analyses revealed that these DEARGs were mainly enriched in the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, response to hypoxia, response to nutrient levels, and autophagy. Among these hub genes, the mRNA expression levels of HSP90AA1, HIF1A, MET, IGF1, LRRK2, CLTC, DNM1L, MDM2, RICTOR, and ROCK2 were significantly upregulated in PAH patients than in healthy individuals. Ten hub DEARGs were identified and may participate in the pathogenesis of the PAH via the regulation of autophagy. The present study may provide novel therapeutic targets for PAH prevention and treatment and expand our understanding of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhisong Yang
- Department of Emergency, Daqing Longnan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163453, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Daqing Longnan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163453, China
| | - Haiyan Ge
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Huadong Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Weimin Shen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Huadong Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lin Shan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Huadong Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China
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