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Qiao X, Wu X, Chen S, Niu MM, Hua H, Zhang Y. Discovery of novel and potent dual-targeting AXL/HDAC2 inhibitors for colorectal cancer treatment via structure-based pharmacophore modelling, virtual screening, and molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation studies, and biological evaluation. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2295241. [PMID: 38134358 PMCID: PMC10763849 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2295241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Nowadays, owing to the complex mechanism of tumorigenesis, simultaneous inhibition of multiple targets is an important anticancer strategy. Recent studies have demonstrated receptor tyrosine kinase AXL (AXL) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) are closely associated with colorectal cancer. Herein, we identified five hit compounds concurrently targeting AXL and HDAC2 using virtual screening. Inhibitory experiments revealed these hit compounds potently inhibited AXL and HDAC2 in the nanomolar range. Among them, Hit-3 showed the strongest inhibitory effects which were better than that of the positive control groups. Additionally, MD assays showed that Hit-3 could bind stably to the AXL and HDAC2 active pockets. Further MTT assays demonstrated that Hit-3 showed potent anti-proliferative activity. Most importantly, Hit-3 exhibited significant in vivo antitumor efficacy in xenograft models. Collectively, this study is the first discovery of dual-targeting AXL/HDAC2 inhibitors for colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Qiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Shutong Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Miao-Miao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huilian Hua
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China
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Vandewalle N, De Beule N, De Becker A, De Bruyne E, Menu E, Vanderkerken K, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N, De Veirman K. AXL as immune regulator and therapeutic target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: from current progress to novel strategies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:99. [PMID: 39367387 PMCID: PMC11453060 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00566-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Until recently, treatment options for patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) were limited and predominantly relied on various combinations, dosages, or schedules of traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Patients with advanced age, relapsed/refractory disease or comorbidities were often left without effective treatment options. Novel advances in the understanding of leukemogenesis at the molecular and genetic levels, alongside recent progress in drug development, have resulted in the emergence of novel therapeutic agents and strategies for AML patients. Among these innovations, the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL has been established as a promising therapeutic target for AML. AXL is a key regulator of several cellular functions, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in tumor cells, immune regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and the development of chemoresistance. Clinical studies of AXL inhibitors, as single agents and in combination therapy, have demonstrated promising efficacy in treating AML. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted therapies, such as AXL-specific antibodies or antibody fragments, present potential solutions to overcome the limitations associated with traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors or multikinase inhibitors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL under normal physiological conditions, including its role in immune regulation. We also summarize AXL's involvement in cancer, with a specific emphasis on its role in the pathogenesis of AML, its contribution to immune evasion and drug resistance. Moreover, we discuss the AXL inhibitors currently undergoing (pre)clinical evaluation for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Vandewalle
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Nathan De Beule
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Hematology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Ann De Becker
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Hematology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Therapy (LMCT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium.
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Hematology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, 1090, Belgium.
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3
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Niu X, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Li B, Qiu Y, Zhao P, Wang Z, Wang Z. Cancer plasticity in therapy resistance: Mechanisms and novel strategies. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101114. [PMID: 38924995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101114] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Recent insights into cell plasticity as a new paradigm for understanding resistance to treatment: as cancer progresses, cancer cells experience phenotypic and molecular alterations, corporately known as cell plasticity. These alterations are caused by microenvironment factors, stochastic genetic and epigenetic changes, and/or selective pressure engendered by treatment, resulting in tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells display remarkable intrinsic plasticity and reversibly adapt to dynamic microenvironment conditions. Dynamic interactions between cell states and with the surrounding microenvironment form a flexible tumor ecosystem, which is able to quickly adapt to external pressure, especially treatment. Here, this review delineates the formation of cancer cell plasticity (CCP) as well as its manipulation of cancer escape from treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving CCP that promote the development of therapy resistance is summarized. Novel treatment strategies, e.g., inhibiting or reversing CCP is also proposed. Moreover, the review discusses the multiple lines of ongoing clinical trials globally aimed at ameliorating therapy resistance. Such advances provide directions for the development of new treatment modalities and combination therapies against CCP in the context of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China; Experimental Center of BIOQGene, YuanDong International Academy Of Life Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Medical Oncology Department of Thoracic Cancer (2), Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Yinling Zhang
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy 1, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101149, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Zhongmiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
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Mohebbi A, Shahriyary F, Farrokhi V, Bandar B, Saki N. A systematic review of second-generation FLT3 inhibitors for treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Res 2024; 141:107505. [PMID: 38692232 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2024.107505] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex disease with diverse mutations, including prevalent mutations in the FMS-like receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene that lead to poor prognosis. Recent advancements have introduced FLT3 inhibitors that have improved outcomes for FLT3-mutated AML patients, however, questions remain on their application in complex conditions such as relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of second-generation FLT3 inhibitors in treating patients with R/R AML. METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Google Scholar databases was made to identify relevant studies up to January 30, 2024. This study was conducted following the guidelines of the PRISMA. RESULTS The ADMIRAL trial revealed significantly improved overall survival and complete remission rates with gilteritinib compared to salvage chemotherapy, with manageable adverse effects. Ongoing research explores its potential in combination therapies, showing synergistic effects with venetoclax and promising outcomes in various clinical trials. The QuANTUM-R trial suggested longer overall survival with quizartinib compared to standard chemotherapy, although concerns were raised regarding trial design and cardiotoxicity. Ongoing research explores combination therapies involving quizartinib, such as doublet or triplet regimens with venetoclax, showing promising outcomes in FLT3-mutated AML patients. CONCLUSION These targeted therapies offer promise for managing this subgroup of AML patients, but further research is needed to optimize their use. This study underscores the importance of personalized treatment based on genetic mutations in AML, paving the way for more effective and tailored approaches to combat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mohebbi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Shahriyary
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Farrokhi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Bandar
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Najmaldin Saki
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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5
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Sheng Y, Hu W, Chen S, Zhu X. Efferocytosis by macrophages in physiological and pathological conditions: regulatory pathways and molecular mechanisms. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1275203. [PMID: 38779685 PMCID: PMC11109379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1275203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Efferocytosis is defined as the highly effective phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells (ACs) by professional or non-professional phagocytes. Tissue-resident professional phagocytes ("efferocytes"), such as macrophages, have high phagocytic capacity and are crucial to resolve inflammation and aid in homeostasis. Recently, numerous exciting discoveries have revealed divergent (and even diametrically opposite) findings regarding metabolic immune reprogramming associated with efferocytosis by macrophages. In this review, we highlight the key metabolites involved in the three phases of efferocytosis and immune reprogramming of macrophages under physiological and pathological conditions. The next decade is expected to yield further breakthroughs in the regulatory pathways and molecular mechanisms connecting immunological outcomes to metabolic cues as well as avenues for "personalized" therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan−Ran Sheng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen−Ting Hu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siman Chen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao−Yong Zhu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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6
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Terragno M, Vetrova A, Semenov O, Sayan AE, Kriajevska M, Tulchinsky E. Mesenchymal-epithelial transition and AXL inhibitor TP-0903 sensitise triple-negative breast cancer cells to the antimalarial compound, artesunate. Sci Rep 2024; 14:425. [PMID: 38172210 PMCID: PMC10764797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50710-3] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a difficult-to-treat, aggressive cancer type. TNBC is often associated with the cellular program of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that confers drug resistance and metastasis. EMT and reverse mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) programs are regulated by several signaling pathways which converge on a group of transcription factors, EMT- TFs. Therapy approaches could rely on the EMT reversal to sensitise mesenchymal tumours to compounds effective against epithelial cancers. Here, we show that the antimalarial ROS-generating compound artesunate (ART) exhibits higher cytotoxicity in epithelial than mesenchymal breast cancer cell lines. Ectopic expression of EMT-TF ZEB1 in epithelial or ZEB1 depletion in mesenchymal cells, respectively, reduced or increased ART-generated ROS levels, DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. In epithelial cells, ZEB1 enhanced expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase 8 (GPX8) implicated in ROS scavenging. Although SOD2 or GPX8 levels were unaffected in mesenchymal cells in response to ZEB1 depletion, stable ZEB1 knockdown enhanced total ROS. Receptor tyrosine kinase AXL maintains a mesenchymal phenotype and is overexpressed in TNBC. The clinically-relevant AXL inhibitor TP-0903 induced MET and synergised with ART to generate ROS, DNA damage and apoptosis in TNBC cells. TP-0903 reduced the expression of GPX8 and SOD2. Thus, TP-0903 and ZEB1 knockdown sensitised TNBC cells to ART, likely via different pathways. Synergistic interactions between TP-0903 and ART indicate that combination approaches involving these compounds can have therapeutic prospects for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Terragno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan.
| | - Anastassiya Vetrova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Oleg Semenov
- Regulation of Gene Expression Laboratory, Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - A Emre Sayan
- Cancer Sciences Division, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marina Kriajevska
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Eugene Tulchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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7
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Tsukamoto S, Sugi NH, Nishibata K, Nakazawa Y, Ito D, Fukushima S, Nakagawa T, Ichikawa K, Kato Y, Kakiuchi D, Goto A, Itoh-Yagi M, Aota T, Inoue S, Yamane Y, Murai N, Azuma H, Nagao S, Sasai K, Akagi T, Imai T, Matsui J, Matsushima T. ER-851, a Novel Selective Inhibitor of AXL, Overcomes Resistance to Antimitotic Drugs. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:12-24. [PMID: 36279567 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Innate and adaptive resistance to cancer therapies, such as chemotherapies, molecularly targeted therapies, and immune-modulating therapies, is a major issue in clinical practice. Subpopulations of tumor cells expressing the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL become enriched after treatment with antimitotic drugs, causing tumor relapse. Elevated AXL expression is closely associated with drug resistance in clinical samples, suggesting that AXL plays a pivotal role in drug resistance. Although several molecules with AXL inhibitory activity have been developed, none have sufficient activity and selectivity to be clinically effective when administered in combination with a cancer therapy. Here, we report a novel small molecule, ER-851, which is a potent and highly selective AXL inhibitor. To investigate resistance mechanisms and identify driving molecules, we conducted a comprehensive gene expression analysis of chemoresistant tumor cells in mouse xenograft models of genetically engineered human lung cancer and human triple-negative breast cancer. Consistent with the effect of AXL knockdown, cotreatment of ER-851 and antimitotic drugs produced an antitumor effect and prolonged relapse-free survival in the mouse xenograft model of human triple-negative breast cancer. Importantly, when orally administered to BALB/c mice, this compound did not induce retinal toxicity, a known side effect of chronic MER inhibition. Together, these data strongly suggest that AXL is a therapeutic target for overcoming drug resistance and that ER-851 is a promising candidate therapeutic agent for use against AXL-expressing antimitotic-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Tsukamoto
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoko Hata Sugi
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nishibata
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Youya Nakazawa
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sayo Fukushima
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kenji Ichikawa
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yu Kato
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Dai Kakiuchi
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Aya Goto
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Tomoki Aota
- hhc Data Creation Center, Eisai Co., Ltd., Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Yamane
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Norio Murai
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Azuma
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagao
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ken Sasai
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Akagi
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan.,KAN Research Institute, Inc., Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Toshio Imai
- KAN Research Institute, Inc., Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Junji Matsui
- Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, Japan
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Eisenmann ED, Stromatt JC, Fobare S, Huang KM, Buelow DR, Orwick S, Jeon JY, Weber RH, Larsen B, Mims AS, Hertlein E, Byrd JC, Baker SD. TP-0903 Is Active in Preclinical Models of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with TP53 Mutation/Deletion. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:29. [PMID: 36612026 PMCID: PMC9817780 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 confers a dismal prognosis with 3-year overall survival of <5%. While inhibition of kinases involved in cell cycle regulation induces synthetic lethality in a variety of TP53 mutant cancers, this strategy has not been evaluated in mutant TP53 AML. Previously, we demonstrated that TP-0903 is a novel multikinase inhibitor with low nM activity against AURKA/B, Chk1/2, and other cell cycle regulators. Here, we evaluated the preclinical activity of TP-0903 in TP53 mutant AML cell lines, including a single-cell clone of MV4-11 containing a TP53 mutation (R248W), Kasumi-1 (R248Q), and HL-60 (TP 53 null). TP-0903 inhibited cell viability (IC50, 12−32 nM) and induced apoptosis at 50 nM. By immunoblot, 50 nM TP-0903 upregulated pChk1/2 and pH2AX, suggesting induction of DNA damage. The combination of TP-0903 and decitabine was additive in vitro, and in vivo significantly prolonged median survival compared to single-agent treatments in mice xenografted with HL-60 (vehicle, 46 days; decitabine, 55 days; TP-0903, 63 days; combination, 75 days) or MV4-11 (R248W) (51 days; 62 days; 81 days; 89 days) (p < 0.001). Together, these results provide scientific premise for the clinical evaluation of TP-0903 in combination with decitabine in TP53 mutant AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D. Eisenmann
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Jack C. Stromatt
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Sydney Fobare
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Kevin M. Huang
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Daelynn R. Buelow
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Shelley Orwick
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Jae Yoon Jeon
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Robert H. Weber
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Bill Larsen
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Alice S. Mims
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
| | - Erin Hertlein
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Sharyn D. Baker
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, USA
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Dhakal P, Bates M, Tomasson MH, Sutamtewagul G, Dupuy A, Bhatt VR. Acute myeloid leukemia resistant to venetoclax-based therapy: What does the future hold? Blood Rev 2022; 59:101036. [PMID: 36549969 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Venetoclax is a highly selective B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitor, which, combined with a DNA hypomethylating agent or low dose cytarabine, results in high rates of initial responses in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the disease relapses in most patients. Mechanisms of resistance to venetoclax-based therapy include TP53 gene mutations or inactivation of p53 protein, activating kinase mutations such as FLT3 and RAS, and upregulation of other BCL-2 family apoptotic proteins. Current clinical trials are exploring strategies such as doublet or triplet regimens incorporating a p53 activator, an anti-CD47 antibody, or other novel agents that target genes and proteins responsible for resistance to venetoclax. Further studies should focus on identifying predictive biomarkers of response to venetoclax-based therapy and incorporating immunotherapeutic approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and CAR T-cell therapy to improve outcomes for patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwal Dhakal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Melissa Bates
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Michael H Tomasson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Grerk Sutamtewagul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Adam Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, 3202 MERF, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America.
| | - Vijaya Raj Bhatt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology and Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States of America; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986840 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States of America.
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10
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Buelow DR, Bhatnagar B, Orwick SJ, Jeon JY, Eisenmann ED, Stromatt JC, Pabla NS, Blachly JS, Baker SD, Blaser BW. BMX kinase mediates gilteritinib resistance in FLT3-mutated AML through microenvironmental factors. Blood Adv 2022; 6:5049-5060. [PMID: 35797240 PMCID: PMC9631628 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinical benefit associated with gilteritinib in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), most patients eventually develop resistance through unknown mechanisms. To delineate the mechanistic basis of resistance to gilteritinib, we performed targeted sequencing and scRNASeq on primary FLT3-ITD-mutated AML samples. Co-occurring mutations in RAS pathway genes were the most common genetic abnormalities, and unresponsiveness to gilteritinib was associated with increased expression of bone marrow-derived hematopoietic cytokines and chemokines. In particular, we found elevated expression of the TEK-family kinase, BMX, in gilteritinib-unresponsive patients pre- and post-treatment. BMX contributed to gilteritinib resistance in FLT3-mutant cell lines in a hypoxia-dependent manner by promoting pSTAT5 signaling, and these phenotypes could be reversed with pharmacological inhibition and genetic knockout. We also observed that inhibition of BMX in primary FLT3-mutated AML samples decreased chemokine secretion and enhanced the activity of gilteritinib. Collectively, these findings indicate a crucial role for microenvironment-mediated factors modulated by BMX in the escape from targeted therapy and have implications for the development of novel therapeutic interventions to restore sensitivity to gilteritinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daelynn R. Buelow
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Bhavana Bhatnagar
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Wheeling, WV; and
| | - Shelley J. Orwick
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jae Yoon Jeon
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Eric D. Eisenmann
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jack C. Stromatt
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Navjot Singh Pabla
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - James S. Blachly
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Sharyn D. Baker
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Bradley W. Blaser
- Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
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11
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Abstract
The daily removal of billions of apoptotic cells in the human body via the process of efferocytosis is essential for homeostasis. To allow for this continuous efferocytosis, rapid phenotypic changes occur in the phagocytes enabling them to engulf and digest the apoptotic cargo. In addition, efferocytosis is actively anti-inflammatory and promotes resolution. Owing to its ubiquitous nature and the sheer volume of cell turnover, efferocytosis is a point of vulnerability. Aberrations in efferocytosis are associated with numerous inflammatory pathologies, including atherosclerosis, cancer and infections. The recent exciting discoveries defining the molecular machinery involved in efferocytosis have opened many avenues for therapeutic intervention, with several agents now in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Mehrotra
- Unit for Cell Clearance in Health and Disease, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kodi S Ravichandran
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- The Center for Cell Clearance, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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12
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Martínez-Sabadell A, Brasó-Maristany F, Cervera R, Tormo E, Hernando C, Martínez MT, Carbonell-Asins J, Simón S, Poveda J, Moragón S, Zazo S, Martínez D, Rovira A, Burgués O, Rojo F, Albanell J, Bermejo B, Lluch A, Prat A, Arribas J, Eroles P, Cejalvo JM. Targeting HER2-AXL heterodimerization to overcome resistance to HER2 blockade in breast cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk2746. [PMID: 35594351 PMCID: PMC9122332 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk2746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anti-HER2 therapies have markedly improved prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, different mechanisms play a role in treatment resistance. Here, we identified AXL overexpression as an essential mechanism of trastuzumab resistance. AXL orchestrates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and heterodimerizes with HER2, leading to activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in a ligand-independent manner. Genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of AXL restored trastuzumab response in vitro and in vivo. AXL inhibitor plus trastuzumab achieved complete regression in trastuzumab-resistant patient-derived xenograft models. Moreover, AXL expression in HER2-positive primary tumors was able to predict prognosis. Data from the PAMELA trial showed a change in AXL expression during neoadjuvant dual HER2 blockade, supporting its role in resistance. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of targeting AXL in combination with anti-HER2 drugs across HER2-amplified breast cancer patients with high AXL expression. Furthermore, it unveils the potential value of AXL as a druggable prognostic biomarker in HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J. Arenas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Alex Martínez-Sabadell
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Fara Brasó-Maristany
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Tormo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernando
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - María Teresa Martínez
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | | | - Soraya Simón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Jesús Poveda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Santiago Moragón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Débora Martínez
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Ana Rovira
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Octavio Burgués
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Ana Lluch
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona 08008, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Pilar Eroles
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
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13
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Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
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14
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Schremmer C, Steinritz D, Gudermann T, Beech DJ, Dietrich A. An ex vivo perfused ventilated murine lung model suggests lack of acute pulmonary toxicity of the potential novel anticancer agent (-)-englerin A. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1055-1063. [PMID: 35165752 PMCID: PMC8921049 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03235-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
(-)-Englerin A (EA), a potential novel anti-cancer drug, is a potent selective activator of classical transient receptor potential 4 and 5 (TRPC4, TRPC5) channels. As TRPC4 channels are expressed and functional in the lung endothelium, possible side effects such as lung edema formation may arise during its administration. Well-established in vivo rodent models for toxicological testing, however, rapidly degrade this compound to its inactive derivative, englerin B. Therefore, we chose an ex vivo isolated perfused and ventilated murine lung (IPVML) model to detect edema formation due to toxicants, which also reduces the number of incriminating animal experiments required. To evaluate the sensitivity of the IPVML model, short-time (10 min) drops of the pH from 7.4 down to 4.0 were applied, which resulted in linear changes of tidal volumes, wet-to-dry weight ratios and incorporation of FITC-coupled dextran particles from the perfusate. As expected, biological activity of EA was preserved after perfusion in the IPVML model. Concentrations of 50-100 nM EA continuously perfused through the IPVML model did not change tidal volumes and lung weights significantly. Wet-to-dry weight ratios were increased after perfusion of 100 nM EA but permeation of FITC-coupled dextran particles from the perfusate to the lung tissues was not significantly different. Therefore, EA shows little or no significant acute pulmonary toxicity after application of doses expected to activate target ion channels and the IPVML is a sensitive powerful ex vivo model for evaluating acute lung toxicity in accordance with the 3R rules for animal experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schremmer
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Medical Faculty, LMU-Munich, Nussbaum Str. 26, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Steinritz
- Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Medical Faculty, LMU-Munich, Nussbaum Str. 26, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - David J Beech
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, LIGHT Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, England, UK
| | - Alexander Dietrich
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Medical Faculty, LMU-Munich, Nussbaum Str. 26, 80336, Munich, Germany.
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15
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Gilteritinib-induced upregulation of S100A9 is mediated through BCL6 in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2021; 5:5041-5046. [PMID: 34614509 PMCID: PMC9153019 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
S100A9 overexpression promotes gilteritinib resistance in FLT3-ITD+ AML cells. Gilteritinib-induced upregulation of S100A9 is mediated through loss of BCL6 enrichment at the S100A9 promoter.
Drug resistance and relapse are common challenges in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in an aggressive subset bearing internal tandem duplications (ITDs) of the FLT3 receptor (FLT3-ITD+). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor gilteritinib is approved for the treatment of relapse/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations, yet resistance to gilteritinib remains a clinical concern, and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Using transcriptomic analyses and functional validation studies, we identified the calcium-binding proteins S100A8 and S100A9 (S100A8/A9) as contributors to gilteritinib resistance in FLT3-ITD+ AML. Exposure of FLT3-ITD+ AML cells to gilteritinib increased S100A8/A9 expression in vivo and in vitro and decreased free calcium levels, and genetic manipulation of S100A9 was associated with altered sensitivity to gilteritinib. Using a transcription factor screen, we identified the transcriptional corepressor BCL6, as a regulator of S100A9 expression and found that gilteritinib decreased BCL6 binding to the S100A9 promoter, thereby increasing S100A9 expression. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of BCL6 accelerated the growth rate of gilteritinib-resistant FLT3-ITD+ AML cells, suggesting that S100A9 is a functional target of BCL6. These findings shed light on mechanisms of resistance to gilteritinib through regulation of a target that can be therapeutically exploited to enhance the antileukemic effects of gilteritinib.
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16
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Zhang Y, Arner EN, Rizvi A, Toombs JE, Huang H, Warner SL, Foulks JM, Brekken RA. AXL inhibitor TP-0903 reduces metastasis and therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 21:38-47. [PMID: 34675118 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with a 5-year survival less than 5%. Resistance to standard therapy and limited response to immune checkpoint blockade due to the immunosuppressive and stroma-rich microenvironment remain major challenges in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. A key cellular program involved in therapy resistance is epithelial plasticity, which is also associated with invasion, metastasis, and evasion of immune surveillance. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is a key driver of tumor cell epithelial plasticity. High expression and activity of AXL is associated with poor prognosis, metastasis, and therapy resistance in multiple types of cancer including pancreatic. Here, we show that an AXL inhibitor (TP-0903), has anti-tumor and therapy sensitizing effects in pre-clinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). We demonstrate that TP-0903 as a single agent or in combination with gemcitabine and/or anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) antibody has anti-metastatic and anti-tumor effects in PDA tumor bearing mice, leading to increased survival. Additionally, gene expression analysis of tumors demonstrated upregulation of pro-inflammatory and immune activation genes in tumors from TP-0903-treated animals compared to the vehicle, indicating pharmacologic inhibition of AXL activation leads to an immunostimulatory microenvironment. This effect was augmented when TP-0903 was combined with gemcitabine and anti-PD1 antibody. These results provide clear rationale for evaluating TP-0903 in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | - Emily N Arner
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | - Ali Rizvi
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
| | - Jason E Toombs
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | - Huocong Huang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
| | | | | | - Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Dallas, TX.
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Dallas, TX
- Department of Surgery, Dallas, TX
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
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17
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Zavorka Thomas ME, Lu X, Talebi Z, Jeon JY, Buelow DR, Gibson AA, Uddin ME, Brinton LT, Nguyen J, Collins M, Lodi A, Sweeney SR, Campbell MJ, Sweet DH, Sparreboom A, Lapalombella R, Tiziani S, Baker SD. Gilteritinib Inhibits Glutamine Uptake and Utilization in FLT3-ITD-Positive AML. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2207-2217. [PMID: 34518298 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation is an aggressive hematologic malignancy associated with frequent relapse and poor overall survival. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor gilteritinib is approved for the treatment of relapse/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations, yet its mechanism of action is not completely understood. Here, we sought to identify additional therapeutic targets that can be exploited to enhance gilteritinib's antileukemic effect. Based on unbiased transcriptomic analyses, we identified the glutamine transporter SNAT1 (SLC38A1) as a novel target of gilteritinib that leads to impaired glutamine uptake and utilization within leukemic cells. Using metabolomics and metabolic flux analyses, we found that gilteritinib decreased glutamine metabolism through the TCA cycle and cellular levels of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate. In addition, gilteritinib treatment was associated with decreased ATP production and glutathione synthesis and increased reactive oxygen species, resulting in cellular senescence. Finally, we found that the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 enhanced antileukemic effect of gilteritinib in ex vivo studies using human primary FLT3-ITD-positive AML cells harboring mutations in the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate, producing α-ketoglutarate. Collectively, this work has identified a previously unrecognized, gilteritinib-sensitive metabolic pathway downstream of SLC38A1 that causes decreased glutaminolysis and disruption of redox homeostasis. These findings provide a rationale for the development and therapeutic exploration of targeted combinatorial treatment strategies for this subset of relapse/refractory AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Zavorka Thomas
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Xiyuan Lu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Zahra Talebi
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jae Yoon Jeon
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Daelynn R Buelow
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Alice A Gibson
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Muhammad Erfan Uddin
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lindsey T Brinton
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Julie Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Meghan Collins
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Alessia Lodi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Shannon R Sweeney
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Moray J Campbell
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Douglas H Sweet
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Alex Sparreboom
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Stefano Tiziani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Sharyn D Baker
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
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18
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Therapeutic Targeting of the Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189953. [PMID: 34576116 PMCID: PMC8469858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many signaling pathways are dysregulated in cancer cells and the host tumor microenvironment. Aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways promote cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Hence, numerous therapeutic interventions targeting RTKs have been actively pursued. Axl is an RTK that belongs to the Tyro3, Axl, MerTK (TAM) subfamily. Axl binds to a high affinity ligand growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) that belongs to the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins. The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway has been implicated to promote progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance in many cancer types. Therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl have been developed, and promising results have been observed in both preclinical and clinical settings when such agents are used alone or in combination therapy. This review examines the current state of therapeutics targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway in cancer and discusses Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents that have been evaluated preclinically and clinically.
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