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Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang J, Yang J, Xiao X, Shan L, Mao W. Recent discovery and development of AXL inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116475. [PMID: 38714043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116475] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions. It is primarily involved in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, angiogenesis, apoptosis, immune regulation, and chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. Therefore, targeting AXL is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. AXL inhibitors that have entered clinical trials, such as BGB324(1), have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted drugs, such as AXL degraders, offer a potential solution to overcome the limitations of traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors targeting single pathways. We provide an overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL, discusses its correlation with various cancers, and critically analyzes the structure-activity relationship of AXL small-molecule inhibitors in cellular contexts. Additionally, we summarize multiple research and development strategies, offering insights for the future development of innovative AXL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Melrose J. Hippo cell signaling and HS-proteoglycans regulate tissue form and function, age-dependent maturation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and repair. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C810-C828. [PMID: 38223931 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00683.2023] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
This review examined how Hippo cell signaling and heparan sulfate (HS)-proteoglycans (HSPGs) regulate tissue form and function. Despite being a nonweight-bearing tissue, the brain is regulated by Hippo mechanoresponsive cell signaling pathways during embryonic development. HS-proteoglycans interact with growth factors, morphogens, and extracellular matrix components to regulate development and pathology. Pikachurin and Eyes shut (Eys) interact with dystroglycan to stabilize the photoreceptor axoneme primary cilium and ribbon synapse facilitating phototransduction and neurotransduction with bipolar retinal neuronal networks in ocular vision, the primary human sense. Another HSPG, Neurexin interacts with structural and adaptor proteins to stabilize synapses and ensure specificity of neural interactions, and aids in synaptic potentiation and plasticity in neurotransduction. HSPGs also stabilize the blood-brain barrier and motor neuron basal structures in the neuromuscular junction. Agrin and perlecan localize acetylcholinesterase and its receptors in the neuromuscular junction essential for neuromuscular control. The primary cilium is a mechanosensory hub on neurons, utilized by YES associated protein (YAP)-transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) Hippo, Hh, Wnt, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/bone matrix protein (BMP) receptor tyrosine kinase cell signaling. Members of the glypican HSPG proteoglycan family interact with Smoothened and Patched G-protein coupled receptors on the cilium to regulate Hh and Wnt signaling during neuronal development. Control of glycosyl sulfotransferases and endogenous protease expression by Hippo TAZ YAP represents a mechanism whereby the fine structure of HS-proteoglycans can be potentially modulated spatiotemporally to regulate tissue morphogenesis in a similar manner to how Hippo signaling controls sialyltransferase expression and mediation of cell-cell recognition, dysfunctional sialic acid expression is a feature of many tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Laboratory, Institute of Bone and Joint Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School-Northern, University of Sydney at Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Chen P, Sun C, Wang H, Zhao W, Wu Y, Guo H, Zhou C, He Y. YAP1 expression is associated with survival and immunosuppression in small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:636. [PMID: 37752152 PMCID: PMC10522695 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06053-y] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is considered a major breakthrough in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), although its anti-tumor efficacy is limited. With a high degree of malignancy and high heterogeneity, SCLC is difficult to treat in the clinic. A new combination strategy is urgently needed to further improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with SCLC. By immunofluorescence, 100 SCLC patients in a local cohort were classified into the SCLC-A (high ASCL1 expression; n = 36), SCLC-N (high NEUROD1 expression; n = 32), SCLC-P (high POU2F3 expression; n = 14), and SCLC-Y (high YAP1 expression; n = 18) subtypes. Each SCLC molecular subtype represented different prognoses, tumor microenvironment traits, and immunotherapy sensitivities. Analysis of both the local and public cohorts suggested that the SCLC-Y subtype exhibited the worst clinical outcome (p < 0.05) when compared with other subtypes. SCLC with high YAP1 expression was characterized by high PD-L1 expression, high stromal score, T-cell functional impairment, and a close relationship with immune-related pathways. YAP1 upregulated PD-L1 expression and suppressed T cell activation, thus leading to immune evasion. In in vitro experiments, blockade of YAP1 promoted cancer cell apoptosis, immune cell proliferation, T-cell activation, and cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, thus further potentiating the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with the SCLC-Y subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixin Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglong Sun
- Radiotherapy Department, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Hefei, 230041, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Wencheng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyue Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Tongji University, No 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University Medical School Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No 507 Zhengmin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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Zalaquett Z, Catherine Rita Hachem M, Kassis Y, Hachem S, Eid R, Raphael Kourie H, Planchard D. Acquired resistance mechanisms to osimertinib: The constant battle. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 116:102557. [PMID: 37060646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102557] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Detectable driver mutations have now changed the course of lung cancer treatment with the emergence of targeted therapy as a novel strategy that widely improved lung cancer prognosis, especially in metastatic patients. Osimertinib (AZD9291) is an irreversible third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) used to treat stage IV EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. It was initially designed to target both EGFR-activating mutations and the EGFR T790M mutation as well, which is the most common resistance mechanism to first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs. Following the FLAURA trial, osimertinib is now widely used in the first-line setting. However, resistance to osimertinib inevitably develops, with numerous mechanisms leading to its resistance, classified into two main categories: EGFR-dependent and EGFR-independent mechanisms. While EGFR-dependent mechanisms consist mainly of the C797S EGFR mutation, EGFR-independent mechanisms include bypass pathways, oncogenic fusions, and phenotypic transformation, among others. This review summarizes the molecular resistance mechanisms to osimertinib, with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic approaches to overcome osimertinib resistance and improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Zalaquett
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Maria Catherine Rita Hachem
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yara Kassis
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samir Hachem
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Roland Eid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Hampig Raphael Kourie
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Hôtel-Dieu de France University Hospital, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - David Planchard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
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5
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Papavassiliou KA, Marinos G, Papavassiliou AG. Targeting YAP/TAZ in Combination with PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Cells 2023; 12:cells12060871. [PMID: 36980211 PMCID: PMC10047112 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has improved in the last decade as a result of introducing new therapeutics, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, in the clinic. Still, some NSCLC patients do not benefit from these therapies due to intrinsic resistance or the development of acquired resistance and their malignant disease progresses. Further research on the molecular underpinnings of NSCLC pathobiology is required in order to discover clinically relevant molecular targets that regulate tumor immunity and to develop reasonable therapeutic combinations that will promote the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Yes-associated Protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), the final effectors of the Hippo signaling transduction pathway, are emerging as key players in NSCLC development and progression. Herein, we overview studies that have investigated the oncogenic role of YAP/TAZ in NSCLC, focusing on immune evasion, and highlight the therapeutic potential of combining YAP/TAZ inhibitory agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors for the management of NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, “Sotiria” Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Marinos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-746-2508
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Mui CW, Chan WN, Chen B, Cheung AHK, Yu J, Lo KW, Ke H, Kang W, To KF. Targeting YAP1/TAZ in nonsmall-cell lung carcinoma: From molecular mechanisms to precision medicine. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:558-571. [PMID: 35983734 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has underscored the importance of the Hippo-YAP1 signaling in lung tissue homeostasis, whereas its deregulation induces tumorigenesis. YAP1 and its paralog TAZ are the key downstream effectors tightly controlled by the Hippo pathway. YAP1/TAZ exerts oncogenic activities by transcriptional regulation via physical interaction with TEAD transcription factors. In solid tumors, Hippo-YAP1 crosstalks with other signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, receptor tyrosine kinase cascade, Notch and TGF-β to synergistically drive tumorigenesis. As YAP1/TAZ expression is significantly correlated with unfavorable outcomes for the patients, small molecules have been developed for targeting YAP1/TAZ to get a therapeutic effect. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the deregulation of Hippo-YAP1 pathway in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, discuss the molecular mechanisms of its dysregulation in leading to tumorigenesis, explore the therapeutic strategies for targeting YAP1/TAZ, and provide the research directions for deep investigation. We believe that detailed delineation of Hippo-YAP1 regulation in tumorigenesis provides novel insight for accurate therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wai Mui
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Wai Nok Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Bonan Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Alvin Ho-Kwan Cheung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Huixing Ke
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, People's Republic of China
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7
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Albaradei S, Uludag M, Thafar MA, Gojobori T, Essack M, Gao X. Predicting Bone Metastasis Using Gene Expression-Based Machine Learning Models. Front Genet 2021; 12:771092. [PMID: 34858485 PMCID: PMC8631472 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.771092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone is the most common site of distant metastasis from malignant tumors, with the highest prevalence observed in breast and prostate cancers. Such bone metastases (BM) cause many painful skeletal-related events, such as severe bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia, with adverse effects on life quality. Many bone-targeting agents developed based on the current understanding of BM onset's molecular mechanisms dull these adverse effects. However, only a few studies investigated potential predictors of high risk for developing BM, despite such knowledge being critical for early interventions to prevent or delay BM. This work proposes a computational network-based pipeline that incorporates a ML/DL component to predict BM development. Based on the proposed pipeline we constructed several machine learning models. The deep neural network (DNN) model exhibited the highest prediction accuracy (AUC of 92.11%) using the top 34 featured genes ranked by betweenness centrality scores. We further used an entirely separate, "external" TCGA dataset to evaluate the robustness of this DNN model and achieved sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 78.10%, negative predictive value of 80%, and AUC of 85.78%. The result shows the models' way of learning allowed it to zoom in on the featured genes that provide the added benefit of the model displaying generic capabilities, that is, to predict BM for samples from different primary sites. Furthermore, existing experimental evidence provides confidence that about 50% of the 34 hub genes have BM-related functionality, which suggests that these common genetic markers provide vital insight about BM drivers. These findings may prompt the transformation of such a method into an artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic tool and direct us towards mechanisms that underlie metastasis to bone events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayah Albaradei
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmut Uludag
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha A Thafar
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.,College of Computers and Information Technology, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Takashi Gojobori
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magbubah Essack
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xin Gao
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering Division (CEMSE), Computational Bioscience Research Center (CBRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Mohajan S, Jaiswal PK, Vatanmakarian M, Yousefi H, Sankaralingam S, Alahari SK, Koul S, Koul HK. Hippo pathway: Regulation, deregulation and potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 507:112-123. [PMID: 33737002 PMCID: PMC10370464 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Hippo pathway is a master regulator of development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size control. Hippo pathway relays signals from different extracellular and intracellular events to regulate cell behavior and functions. Hippo pathway is conserved from Protista to eukaryotes. Deregulation of the Hippo pathway is associated with numerous cancers. Alteration of the Hippo pathway results in cell invasion, migration, disease progression, and therapy resistance in cancers. However, the function of the various components of the mammalian Hippo pathway is yet to be elucidated in detail especially concerning tumor biology. In the present review, we focused on the Hippo pathway in different model organisms, its regulation and deregulation, and possible therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Mohajan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, USA
| | - Praveen Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC, School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA; Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC, New Orleans, USA
| | - Mousa Vatanmakarian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC, School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC, School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | | | - Suresh K Alahari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC, School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA; Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC, New Orleans, USA
| | - Sweaty Koul
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC, New Orleans, USA
| | - Hari K Koul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC, School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA; Urology, LSUHSC, School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA; Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC, New Orleans, USA.
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9
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von Itzstein MS, Burke MC, Brekken RA, Aguilera TA, Zeh HJ, Beg MS. Targeting TAM to Tame Pancreatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2020; 15:579-588. [PMID: 32996059 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-020-00751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death within the next few years. Current therapeutic strategies have limited effectiveness and therefore there is an urgency to develop novel effective therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of the metastatic, chemoresistant, and immunosuppressive phenotype in pancreatic cancer. TAM inhibitors are promising investigational therapies for pancreatic cancer due to their potential to target multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. Specifically, recent mechanistic investigations and therapeutic combinations in the preclinical setting suggest that TAM inhibition with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy should be evaluated clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S von Itzstein
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Burke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Todd A Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Shaalan Beg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA.
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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10
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Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in FOXA1 with the Progression of Genetic Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2020; 2020:3075837. [PMID: 32411194 PMCID: PMC7204115 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3075837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of FOXA1 gene rs12894364 and rs7144658 and susceptibility to gastric cancer. Methods A case-control study was conducted to select 577 cases of primary gastric cancer and 678 cases of normal control. We extracted whole blood genomic DNA and amplified the target gene fragment by PCR. The genotyping and allele was tested through a snapshot method. Results There was no significant difference in the frequency distribution of genotype between the case group and control group (P > 0.05). Stratified analyses showed the SNPs were not correlated with the susceptibility of GC according to different age, gender, cigarette smoking, and alcohol drinking status. Conclusion There is no significant correlation between the polymorphisms of FOXA1 gene rs12894364 and rs7144658 and the risk of gastric cancer.
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Dawson JC, Serrels B, Byron A, Muir MT, Makda A, García-Muñoz A, von Kriegsheim A, Lietha D, Carragher NO, Frame MC. A Synergistic Anticancer FAK and HDAC Inhibitor Combination Discovered by a Novel Chemical-Genetic High-Content Phenotypic Screen. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:637-649. [PMID: 31784455 PMCID: PMC7611632 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We mutated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) catalytic domain to inhibit binding of the chaperone Cdc37 and ATP, mimicking the actions of a FAK kinase inhibitor. We reexpressed mutant and wild-type FAK in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells from which endogenous FAK had been deleted, genetically fixing one axis of a FAK inhibitor combination high-content phenotypic screen to discover drugs that may synergize with FAK inhibitors. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors represented the major class of compounds that potently induced multiparametric phenotypic changes when FAK was rendered kinase-defective or inhibited pharmacologically in SCC cells. Combined FAK and HDAC inhibitors arrest proliferation and induce apoptosis in a subset of cancer cell lines in vitro and efficiently inhibit their growth as tumors in vivo Mechanistically, HDAC inhibitors potentiate inhibitor-induced FAK inactivation and impair FAK-associated nuclear YAP in sensitive cancer cell lines. Here, we report the discovery of a new, clinically actionable, synergistic combination between FAK and HDAC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Dawson
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bryan Serrels
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Byron
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Morwenna T Muir
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ashraff Makda
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel Lietha
- Cell Signaling and Adhesion Group, Structural Biology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Neil O Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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12
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Zhang Z, Wang C, Zhang Y, Yu S, Zhao G, Xu J. CircDUSP16 promotes the tumorigenesis and invasion of gastric cancer by sponging miR-145-5p. Gastric Cancer 2020; 23:437-448. [PMID: 31776711 PMCID: PMC7165161 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-019-01018-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) as a novel subgroup of non-coding RNAs act a critical role in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). However, the underlying mechanisms by which hsa_circ_0003855 (circDUSP16) contributes to GC are still undocumented. MATERIALS The differentially expressed circRNAs were identified by GEO database. The association of circDUSP16 or miR-145-5p expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis in GC patients was analyzed by FISH and TCGA-seq data set. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments as well as a xenograft tumor model were performed to assess the role of circDUSP16 in GC cells. circDUSP16-specific binding with miR-145-5p was confirmed by bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. RESULTS The expression levels of circDUSP16 were markedly increased in GC tissue samples and acted as an independent prognostic factor of poor survival in patients with GC. Knockdown of circDUSP16 repressed the cell viability, colony formation, and invasive potential in vitro and in vivo, but ectopic expression of circDUSP16 reversed these effects. Moreover, circDUSP16 possessed a co-localization with miR-145-5p in the cytoplasm, and acted as a sponge of miR-145-5p, which attenuated circDUSP16-induced tumor-promoting effects and IVNS1ABP expression in GC cells. MiR-145-5p had a negative correlation with circDUSP16 expression and its low expression was associated with poor survival in GC patients. CONCLUSIONS CircDUSP16 facilitates the tumorigenesis and invasion of GC cells by sponging miR-145-5p, and may provide a novel therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhen Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Chaojie Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Yeqian Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Site Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pu Jian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
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13
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Tang D, Dai Y, Lin L, Xu Y, Liu D, Hong X, Jiang H, Xu S. STUB1 suppresseses tumorigenesis and chemoresistance through antagonizing YAP1 signaling. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:3145-3156. [PMID: 31393050 PMCID: PMC6778644 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a component of the canonical Hippo signaling pathway that is known to play essential roles in modulating organ size, development, and tumorigenesis. Activation or upregulation of YAP1, which contributes to cancer cell survival and chemoresistance, has been verified in different types of human cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of YAP1 upregulation in cancer is still unclear. Here we report that the E3 ubiquitin ligase STUB1 ubiquitinates and destabilizes YAP1, thereby inhibiting cancer cell survival. Low levels of STUB1 expression were correlated with increased protein levels of YAP1 in human gastric cancer cell lines and patient samples. Moreover, we revealed that STUB1 ubiquitinates YAP1 at the K280 site by K48-linked polyubiquitination, which in turn increases YAP1 turnover and promotes cellular chemosensitivity. Overall, our study establishes YAP1 ubiquitination and degradation mediated by the E3 ligase STUB1 as an important regulatory mechanism in gastric cancer, and provides a rationale for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong‐E Tang
- Department of Clinical Medical Research CenterThe Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital Southern, University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Yong Dai
- Department of Clinical Medical Research CenterThe Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital Southern, University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Lie‐Wen Lin
- Department of Clinical Medical Research CenterThe Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital Southern, University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Clinical Medical Research CenterThe Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital Southern, University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Dong‐Zhou Liu
- Department of Clinical Medical Research CenterThe Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital Southern, University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Xiao‐Ping Hong
- Department of Clinical Medical Research CenterThe Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital Southern, University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Hao‐Wu Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for the Study of ItchWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Song‐Hui Xu
- Department of Clinical Medical Research CenterThe Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan UniversityThe First Affiliated Hospital Southern, University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen People's HospitalShenzhenChina
- Department of Biochemistry, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer CenterUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
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14
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Nam RK, Benatar T, Wallis CJD, Kobylecky E, Amemiya Y, Sherman C, Seth A. MicroRNA-139 is a predictor of prostate cancer recurrence and inhibits growth and migration of prostate cancer cells through cell cycle arrest and targeting IGF1R and AXL. Prostate 2019; 79:1422-1438. [PMID: 31269290 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously identified a panel of five microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with biochemical recurrence and metastasis following prostatectomy from prostate cancer patients using next-generation sequencing-based whole miRNome sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based validation analysis. In this study, we examined the mechanism of action of miR-139-5p, one of the downregulated miRNAs identified in the panel. METHODS Using a cohort of 585 patients treated with radical prostatectomy, we examined the prognostic significance of miR-139 (dichotomized around the median) using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. We validated these results using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. We created cell lines that overexpressed miR-139 to confirm its targets as well as examine pathways through which miR-139 may function using cell-based assays. RESULTS Low miR-139 expression was significantly associated with a variety of prognostic factors in prostate cancer, including Gleason score, pathologic stage, margin positivity, and lymph node status. MiR-139 expression was associated with prognosis: the cumulative incidence of biochemical recurrence and metastasis were significantly lower among patients with high miR-139 expression (P = .0004 and .038, respectively). Validation in the TCGA data set showed a significant association between dichotomized miR-139 expression and biochemical recurrence (odds ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.82). Overexpression of miR-139 in prostate cancer cells led to a significant reduction in cell proliferation and migration compared with control cells, with cells arrested in G2 of cell cycle. IGF1R and AXL were identified as potential targets of miR-139 based on multiple miRNA-binding sites in 3'-untranslated regions of both the genes and their association with prostate cancer growth pathways. Luciferase assays verified AXL and IGF1R as direct targets of miR-139. Furthermore, immunoblotting of prostate cancer cells demonstrated IGF1R and AXL protein expression were inhibited by miR-139 treatment, which was reversed by the addition of miR-139 antagomir. Examination of the molecular mechanism of growth inhibition by miR-139 revealed the downregulation of activated AKT and cyclin D1, with upregulation of the CDK inhibitor p21. CONCLUSIONS miR-139 is associated with improved prognosis in patients with localized prostate cancer, which may be mediated through downregulation of IGF1R and/or AXL and associated signaling pathway components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Nam
- Division of Urology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tania Benatar
- Platform Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J D Wallis
- Division of Urology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kobylecky
- Platform Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yutaka Amemiya
- Genomics Core Facility, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Sherman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arun Seth
- Platform Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Genomics Core Facility, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Zhang J, Tang PMK, Zhou Y, Cheng ASL, Yu J, Kang W, To KF. Targeting the Oncogenic FGF-FGFR Axis in Gastric Carcinogenesis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060637. [PMID: 31242658 PMCID: PMC6627225 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most wide-spread malignancies in the world. The oncogenic role of signaling of fibroblast growing factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) in gastric tumorigenesis has been gradually elucidated by recent studies. The expression pattern and clinical correlations of FGF and FGFR family members have been comprehensively delineated. Among them, FGF18 and FGFR2 demonstrate the most prominent driving role in gastric tumorigenesis with gene amplification or somatic mutations and serve as prognostic biomarkers. FGF-FGFR promotes tumor progression by crosstalking with multiple oncogenic pathways and this provides a rational therapeutic strategy by co-targeting the crosstalks to achieve synergistic effects. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the pathogenic mechanisms of FGF-FGFR signaling in gastric adenocarcinoma together with the current targeted strategies in aberrant FGF-FGFR activated GC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglin Zhang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Patrick M K Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yuhang Zhou
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Alfred S L Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Abstract
Cancer is a serious health issue in the world due to a large body of cancer-related human deaths, and there is no current treatment available to efficiently treat the disease as the tumor is often diagnosed at a serious stage. Moreover, Cancer cells are often resistant to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular-targeted therapy. Upon further knowledge of mechanisms of tumorigenesis, aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to treatments, it is necessary to detect the disease at an earlier stage and for a better response to therapy. The hippo pathway possesses the unique capacity to lead to tumorigenesis. Mutations and altered expression of its core components (MST1/2, LATS1/2, YAP and TAZ) promote the migration, invasion, malignancy of cancer cells. The biological significance and deregulation of it have received a large body of interests in the past few years. Further understanding of hippo pathway will be responsible for cancer treatment. In this review, we try to discover the function of hippo pathway in different diversity of cancers, and discuss how Hippo pathway contributes to other cellular signaling pathways. Also, we try to describe how microRNAs, circRNAs, and ZNFs regulate hippo pathway in the process of cancer. It is necessary to find new therapy strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Han
- Department of Pathology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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17
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Mechanotransduction and Cytoskeleton Remodeling Shaping YAP1 in Gastric Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20071576. [PMID: 30934860 PMCID: PMC6480114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The essential role of Hippo signaling pathway in cancer development has been elucidated by recent studies. In the gastrointestinal tissues, deregulation of the Hippo pathway is one of the most important driving events for tumorigenesis. It is widely known that Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and WW domain that contain transcription regulator 1 (TAZ), two transcriptional co-activators with a PDZ-binding motif, function as critical effectors negatively regulated by the Hippo pathway. Previous studies indicate the involvement of YAP1/TAZ in mechanotransduction by crosstalking with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the F-actin cytoskeleton associated signaling network. In gastric cancer (GC), YAP1/TAZ functions as an oncogene and transcriptionally promotes tumor formation by cooperating with TEAD transcription factors. Apart from the classic role of Hippo-YAP1 cascade, in this review, we summarize the current investigations to highlight the prominent role of YAP1/TAZ as a mechanical sensor and responder under mechanical stress and address its potential prognostic and therapeutic value in GC.
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18
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YAP/TAZ Signaling as a Molecular Link between Fibrosis and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113674. [PMID: 30463366 PMCID: PMC6274979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is a pathological condition that is associated with impaired epithelial repair and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibrotic lesions increase the risk of cancer in various tissues, but the mechanism linking fibrosis and cancer is unclear. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and the transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are core components of the Hippo pathway, which have multiple biological functions in the development, homeostasis, and regeneration of tissues and organs. YAP/TAZ act as sensors of the structural and mechanical features of the cell microenvironment. Recent studies have shown aberrant YAP/TAZ activation in both fibrosis and cancer in animal models and human tissues. In fibroblasts, ECM stiffness mechanoactivates YAP/TAZ, which promote the production of profibrotic mediators and ECM proteins. This results in tissue stiffness, thus establishing a feed-forward loop of fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. In contrast, in epithelial cells, YAP/TAZ are activated by the disruption of cell polarity and increased ECM stiffness in fibrotic tissues, which promotes the proliferation and survival of epithelial cells. YAP/TAZ are also involved in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to tumor progression and cancer stemness. Importantly, the crosstalk with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling and Wnt signaling is essential for the profibrotic and tumorigenic roles of YAP/TAZ. In this article, we review the latest advances in the pathobiological roles of YAP/TAZ signaling and their function as a molecular link between fibrosis and cancer.
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19
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Gokey JJ, Snowball J, Sridharan A, Speth JP, Black KE, Hariri LP, Perl AKT, Xu Y, Whitsett JA. MEG3 is increased in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and regulates epithelial cell differentiation. JCI Insight 2018; 3:122490. [PMID: 30185671 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.122490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease causing fibrotic remodeling of the peripheral lung, leading to respiratory failure. Peripheral pulmonary epithelial cells lose normal alveolar epithelial gene expression patterns and variably express genes associated with diverse conducting airway epithelial cells, including basal cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing of pulmonary epithelial cells isolated from IPF lung tissue demonstrated altered expression of LncRNAs, including increased MEG3. MEG3 RNA was highly expressed in subsets of the atypical IPF epithelial cells and correlated with conducting airway epithelial gene expression patterns. Expression of MEG3 in human pulmonary epithelial cell lines increased basal cell-associated RNAs, including TP63, KRT14, STAT3, and YAP1, and enhanced cell migration, consistent with a role for MEG3 in regulating basal cell identity. MEG3 reduced expression of TP73, SOX2, and Notch-associated RNAs HES1 and HEY1, in primary human bronchial epithelial cells, demonstrating a role for MEG3 in the inhibition of genes influencing basal cell differentiation into club, ciliated, or goblet cells. MEG3 induced basal cell genes and suppressed genes associated with terminal differentiation of airway cells, supporting a role for MEG3 in regulation of basal progenitor cell functions, which may contribute to tissue remodeling in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Gokey
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - John Snowball
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Anusha Sridharan
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph P Speth
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Lida P Hariri
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anne-Karina T Perl
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Whitsett
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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20
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Shibata M, Ham K, Hoque MO. A time for YAP1: Tumorigenesis, immunosuppression and targeted therapy. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:2133-2144. [PMID: 29696628 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
YAP1 is one of the most important effectors of the Hippo pathway and has crosstalk with other cancer promoting pathways. YAP1 contributes to cancer development in various ways that include promoting malignant phenotypes, expansion of cancer stem cells and drug resistance of cancer cells. Because pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of YAP1 suppresses tumor progression and increases the drug sensitivity, targeting YAP1 may open a fertile avenue for a novel therapeutic approach in relevant cancers. Recent enormous studies have established the efficacy of immunotherapy, and several immune checkpoint blockades are in clinical use or in the phase of development to treat various cancer types. Immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME) induced by cancer cells, immune cells and associated stromal cells promotes tumor progression and causes drug resistance. Accumulated evidences of scientific efforts from the last few years suggest that YAP1 influences macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T-cells to facilitate immunosuppressive TME. Although the underlying mechanisms is not clearly discerned, it is evident that YAP1 activating pathways in different cellular components induce immunosuppressive TME. In this review, we summarize the evidences involved in the dual roles of YAP1 in cancer development and immunosuppression in the TME. We also discuss the possibility of YAP1 as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Shibata
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kendall Ham
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mohammad Obaidul Hoque
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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21
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YAP and TAZ in Lung Cancer: Oncogenic Role and Clinical Targeting. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10050137. [PMID: 29734788 PMCID: PMC5977110 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10050137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the world and there is no current treatment able to efficiently treat the disease as the tumor is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Moreover, cancer cells are often resistant or acquire resistance to the treatment. Further knowledge of the mechanisms driving lung tumorigenesis, aggressiveness, metastasization, and resistance to treatments could provide new tools for detecting the disease at an earlier stage and for a better response to therapy. In this scenario, Yes Associated Protein (YAP) and Trascriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), the final effectors of the Hippo signaling transduction pathway, are emerging as promising therapeutic targets. Here, we will discuss the most recent advances made in YAP and TAZ biology in lung cancer and, more importantly, on the newly discovered mechanisms of YAP and TAZ inhibition in lung cancer as well as their clinical implications.
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22
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Warren JSA, Xiao Y, Lamar JM. YAP/TAZ Activation as a Target for Treating Metastatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10040115. [PMID: 29642615 PMCID: PMC5923370 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10040115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) and Transcriptional Co-activator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ) have both emerged as important drivers of cancer progression and metastasis. YAP and TAZ are often upregulated or nuclear localized in aggressive human cancers. There is abundant experimental evidence demonstrating that YAP or TAZ activation promotes cancer formation, tumor progression, and metastasis. In this review we summarize the evidence linking YAP/TAZ activation to metastasis, and discuss the roles of YAP and TAZ during each step of the metastatic cascade. Collectively, this evidence strongly suggests that inappropriate YAP or TAZ activity plays a causal role in cancer, and that targeting aberrant YAP/TAZ activation is a promising strategy for the treatment of metastatic disease. To this end, we also discuss several potential strategies for inhibiting YAP/TAZ activation in cancer and the challenges each strategy poses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine S A Warren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
| | - Yuxuan Xiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
| | - John M Lamar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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23
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Gokey JJ, Sridharan A, Xu Y, Green J, Carraro G, Stripp BR, Perl AKT, Whitsett JA. Active epithelial Hippo signaling in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. JCI Insight 2018; 3:98738. [PMID: 29563341 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.98738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippo/YAP signaling plays pleiotropic roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation during organogenesis and tissue repair. Herein we demonstrate increased YAP activity in respiratory epithelial cells in lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a common, lethal form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Immunofluorescence staining in IPF epithelial cells demonstrated increased nuclear YAP and loss of MST1/2. Bioinformatic analyses of epithelial cell RNA profiles predicted increased activity of YAP and increased canonical mTOR/PI3K/AKT signaling in IPF. Phospho-S6 (p-S6) and p-PTEN were increased in IPF epithelial cells, consistent with activation of mTOR signaling. Expression of YAP (S127A), a constitutively active form of YAP, in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3s) increased p-S6 and p-PI3K, cell proliferation and migration, processes that were inhibited by the YAP-TEAD inhibitor verteporfin. Activation of p-S6 was required for enhancing and stabilizing YAP, and the p-S6 inhibitor temsirolimus blocked nuclear YAP localization and suppressed expression of YAP target genes CTGF, AXL, and AJUBA (JUB). YAP and mTOR/p-S6 signaling pathways interact to induce cell proliferation and migration, and inhibit epithelial cell differentiation that may contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Gokey
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, and
| | | | - Yan Xu
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jenna Green
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal and Pulmonary Biology, and
| | - Gianni Carraro
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Barry R Stripp
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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24
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Hong SA, Jang SH, Oh MH, Kim SJ, Kang JH, Hong SH. Overexpression of YAP1 in EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma prior to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is associated with poor survival. Pathol Res Pract 2018; 214:335-342. [PMID: 29487002 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) is approved as first-line treatment for advanced-stage EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LADC). Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a main effector of the Hippo pathway, is associated with adverse prognosis and disruption of EGFR TKI modulation of non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, we demonstrated a prognostic role of YAP1 in EGFR mutant LADC and efficacy of EGFR TKI therapy. A total of 63 patients, including 41 with paired lung cancer specimens before and after EGFR TKI therapy and 22 with non-paired lung cancer specimens prior to EGFR TKI, were enrolled for examination. Expression of YAP1 protein was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Fifteen paired cases (36.6%) with high nuclear YAP1 expression were detected in the pre-EGFR TKI LADC group and 21 paired cases (52.5%) after treatment with EGFR TKI. Nuclear YAP1 expression was significantly upregulated after EGFR TKI therapy (P = .002). Fifteen paired cases with high nuclear YAP1 expression before EGFR TKI LADCs showed poorer overall survival (OS) (P = .023) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P = .041). Among the 63 patients under study, those with high nuclear YAP1 expression before EGFR TKI showed shorter OS (P = .038) and PFS (P < .001). High nuclear YAP1 expression in cases with acquired EGFR exon 20 T790 M mutant LADCs showed poorer OS (P < .001). We demonstrated that YAP1 burden before clinical application of EGFR TKI plays a crucial role in prognosis of EGFR mutant LADC treated using EGFR TKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Auck Hong
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hosptial, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Hyong Jang
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hosptial, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Hye Oh
- Department of Pathology, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hosptial, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Divsion of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyung Kang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook-Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Cho SY, Gwak JW, Shin YC, Moon D, Ahn J, Sol HW, Kim S, Kim G, Shin HM, Lee KH, Kim JY, Kim JS. Expression of Hippo pathway genes and their clinical significance in colon adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2018. [PMID: 29541248 PMCID: PMC5835912 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7911] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a transcriptional regulator of the Hippo pathway, which regulates the development and progression of a number of types of cancer, including that of the colon. In the present study, the expression levels of Hippo pathway genes and their clinical significance were investigated in 458 patients with colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), the most frequently diagnosed neoplastic disease globally, using data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Notably, mRNA expression of YAP1 was higher in COAD than in other types of gastrointestinal tract cancer. Expression of YAP1 mRNA was higher in COAD than in normal colon samples and was significantly higher in Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stages III-IV than in stages I-II. YAP1 protein levels, a protein primarily localized in the nucleus, was greater in TNM stages III-IV than in stages I-II. The level of pYAP1, which is inactive and localized in the cytoplasm, was significantly higher in TNM stages III-IV than in stages I-II. However, the YAP1/pYAP1 ratio, which is representative of activity, was higher in TNM stages III-IV than in stages I-II. High mRNA expression of YAP1, TAZ and TEAD4 was associated with a poor prognosis in patients with COAD. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that YAP1 was associated with DNA duplication, cell proliferation and development. Wnt signaling and transforming growth factor-β signaling were significantly higher in the high-YAP1 group, according to data from Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Taken together, the results indicate that the subcellular distribution of YAP1 and high mRNA expression of YAP1, TAZ and TEAD4 may be associated with poorer overall survival rates in patients with COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Yeon Cho
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Wook Gwak
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Chul Shin
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeju Moon
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyuok Ahn
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyon Woo Sol
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungha Kim
- Clinical Research Department, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwanghun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Mu Shin
- Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ha Lee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Kim
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
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26
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Cui M, Li Z. Downregulation of YAP inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in Eca-109 cells. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:1048-1052. [PMID: 29403552 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study reported that Yes-associated protein (YAP) gene was overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); however, the exact role of YAP in ESCC remains largely unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of YAP inhibition on ESCC. In order to investigate the exact role of YAP in ESCC cells, a stable YAP low-expression ESCC cell line was established using YAP-small interfering RNA. MTT assay was performed to examine the cell proliferation ability, while flow cytometry were used to detect the cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were applied for mRNA and protein level detection, respectively. The results suggested that YAP gene inhibition significantly repressed the ECA-109 cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, whereas this inhibition had no significant effects on cell cycle. Furthermore, the expression levels of cell apoptosis-associated proteins were determined in the current study, and the data demonstrated that the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein ratio and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression were significantly reduced, while the p53 and caspase 3 levels were notably increased in YAP gene-inhibited ECA-109 cells. In conclusion, the current study revealed that YAP gene inhibition suppresses the proliferation and induces apoptosis in ECA-109 cells, indicating that the YAP gene serves as an oncogene in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Cui
- School of Nursing, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Li
- School of Nursing, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, P.R. China
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27
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Identification of microRNA differentially expressed in three subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer and in silico functional analysis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:74554-74566. [PMID: 29088807 PMCID: PMC5650362 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies demonstrated that miRNAs played fundamental roles in lung cancer. In this study, we attempted to explore the clinical significance of the miRNA signature in different histological subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Three miRNome profiling datasets (GSE19945, GSE25508 and GSE51853) containing lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and large cell lung cancer (LCLC) samples were obtained for bioinformatics and survival analysis. Moreover, pathway enrichment and coexpression network were performed to explore underlying molecular mechanism. MicroRNA-375 (miR-375), miR-203 and miR-205 were identified as differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) which distinguished SCC from other NSCLC subtypes. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that Hippo signaling pathway was combinatorically affected by above mentioned three miRNAs. Coexpression analysis of three miRNAs and the Hippo signaling pathway related genes were conducted based on another dataset, GSE51852. Four hub genes (TP63, RERE, TJP1 and YWHAE) were identified as the candidate targets of three miRNAs, and three of them (TP63, TJP1 and YWHAE) were validated to be downregulated by miR-203 and miR-375, respectively. Finally, survival analysis further suggested the prognostic value of three-miRNA signature in SCC patients. Taken together, our study compared the miRNA profiles among three histological subtypes of NSCLC, and suggested that a three-miRNA signature might be potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for SCC patients.
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28
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McGowan M, Kleinberg L, Halvorsen AR, Helland Å, Brustugun OT. NSCLC depend upon YAP expression and nuclear localization after acquiring resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Genes Cancer 2017; 8:497-504. [PMID: 28680534 PMCID: PMC5489647 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a downstream target of the Hippo pathway and has been found to be oncogenic driving many cancers into developing metastatic phenotypes leading to poor survival outcomes. This study investigated if YAP expression is associated with drug resistance in two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines (HCC827 and H1975) generated to become resistant to the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKI) erlotinib, gefitinib or the T790M-specific osimertinib. We found that acquired EGFR TKI resistance was associated with YAP over-expression (osimertinib-resistant cells) or YAP amplification (erlotinib- and gefitinib-resistant cells) along with EMT phenotypic changes. YAP was localized in the nucleus, indicative of active protein. siRNA-mediated silencing of YAP resulted in re-sensitizing the drug-resistant cells to EGFR TKI compared to the negative siRNA controls (p = <0.05). These results suggest YAP is a potential mechanism of EGFR-TKI resistance in NSCLC and may presents itself as a viable therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc McGowan
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Radium Hospital - Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lilach Kleinberg
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Radium Hospital - Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann Rita Halvorsen
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Radium Hospital - Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åslaug Helland
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Radium Hospital - Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Odd Terje Brustugun
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Radium Hospital - Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Oncology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
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29
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Cai WY, Lin LY, Hao H, Zhang SM, Ma F, Hong XX, Zhang H, Liu QF, Ye GD, Sun GB, Liu YJ, Li SN, Xie YY, Cai JC, Li BA. Yes-associated protein/TEA domain family member and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) repress reciprocally to regulate hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and mice. Hepatology 2017; 65:1206-1221. [PMID: 27809333 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Great progress has been achieved in the study of Hippo signaling in regulating tumorigenesis; however, the downstream molecular events that mediate this process have not been completely defined. Moreover, regulation of Hippo signaling during tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. In the present study, we systematically investigated the relationship between Yes-associated protein/TEA domain family member (YAP-TEAD) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) in the hepatocarcinogenesis of HCC cells. Our results indicated that HNF4α expression was negatively regulated by YAP1 in HCC cells by a ubiquitin proteasome pathway. By contrast, HNF4α was found to directly associate with TEAD4 to compete with YAP1 for binding to TEAD4, thus inhibiting the transcriptional activity of YAP-TEAD and expression of their target genes. Moreover, overexpression of HNF4α was found to significantly compromise YAP-TEAD-induced HCC cell proliferation and stem cell expansion. Finally, we documented the regulatory mechanism between YAP-TEAD and HNF4α in rat and mouse tumor models, which confirmed our in vitro results. CONCLUSION There is a double-negative feedback mechanism that controls TEAD-YAP and HNF4α expression in vitro and in vivo, thereby regulating cellular proliferation and differentiation. Given that YAP acts as a dominant oncogene in HCC and plays a crucial role in stem cell homeostasis and tissue regeneration, manipulating the interaction between YAP, TEADs, and HNF4α may provide a new approach for HCC treatment and regenerative medicine. (Hepatology 2017;65:1206-1221).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Yu Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ling-Yun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Han Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sai-Man Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xin-Xin Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qing-Feng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Guo-Dong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Guang-Bin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yun-Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sheng-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jian-Chun Cai
- Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Bo-An Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Engineering Research Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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30
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Gay CM, Balaji K, Byers LA. Giving AXL the axe: targeting AXL in human malignancy. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:415-423. [PMID: 28072762 PMCID: PMC5318970 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL, activated by a complex interaction between its ligand growth arrest-specific protein 6 and phosphatidylserine, regulates various vital cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, motility, and immunologic response. Although not implicated as an oncogenic driver itself, AXL, a member of the TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is overexpressed in several haematologic and solid malignancies, including acute myeloid leukaemia, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric and colorectal adenocarcinomas, and breast and prostate cancers. In the context of malignancy, evidence suggests that AXL overexpression drives wide-ranging processes, including epithelial to mesenchymal transition, tumour angiogenesis, resistance to chemotherapeutic and targeted agents, and decreased antitumor immune response. As a result, AXL is an attractive candidate not only as a prognostic biomarker in malignancy but also as a target for anticancer therapies. Several AXL inhibitors are currently in preclinical and clinical development. This article reviews the structure, regulation, and function of AXL; the role of AXL in the tumour microenvironment; the development of AXL as a therapeutic target; and areas of ongoing and future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl M Gay
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kavitha Balaji
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren Averett Byers
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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31
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Chen TH, Sun W. Prediction of cancer drug sensitivity using high-dimensional omic features. Biostatistics 2016; 18:1-14. [PMID: 27324412 DOI: 10.1093/biostatistics/kxw022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of cancer drugs have been developed to target particular genes/pathways that are crucial for cancer growth. Drugs that share a molecular target may also have some common predictive omic features, e.g., somatic mutations or gene expression. Therefore, it is desirable to analyze these drugs as a group to identify the associated omic features, which may provide biological insights into the underlying drug response. Furthermore, these omic features may be robust predictors for any drug sharing the same target. The high dimensionality and the strong correlations among the omic features are the main challenges of this task. Motivated by this problem, we develop a new method for high-dimensional bilevel feature selection using a group of response variables that may share a common set of predictors in addition to their individual predictors. Simulation results show that our method has a substantially higher sensitivity and specificity than existing methods. We apply our method to two large-scale drug sensitivity studies in cancer cell lines. Both within-study and between-study validation demonstrate the good efficacy of our method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Huei Chen
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Laval University, 1045 Medicine Avenue, office 1056, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, 3101, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7420 and Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109-1024
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32
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Levin PA, Brekken RA, Byers LA, Heymach JV, Gerber DE. Axl Receptor Axis: A New Therapeutic Target in Lung Cancer. J Thorac Oncol 2016; 11:1357-1362. [PMID: 27130831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pavel A Levin
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lauren Averett Byers
- Department of Head and Neck/Thoracic Medical Oncology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - John V Heymach
- Department of Head and Neck/Thoracic Medical Oncology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David E Gerber
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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33
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Hippo pathway effector YAP inhibition restores the sensitivity of EGFR-TKI in lung adenocarcinoma having primary or acquired EGFR-TKI resistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 474:154-160. [PMID: 27105908 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.04.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is significantly limited by various resistance mechanisms to those drugs. The resistance to EGFR-TKI is largely divided by two classes; acquired resistance after EGFR-TKI treatment, and primary resistance marked by cancer cell's dependence on other oncogene, such as KRAS. YAP has emerged as critical oncogene in conferring drug resistance against targeted therapy. In this study, we evaluated the role of YAP in primary and acquired EGFR-TKI resistance using gefitinib-resistant A549 and PC9 cells and their parental cell lines. Our study revealed that EGFR-TKI resistance is associated with enhanced YAP activity. Notably, YAP activation was independent of the Hippo pathway. We confirmed that AXL is a downstream target of YAP that confers EGFR-TKI resistance. And our results showed that YAP can induce ERK activation in lung adenocarcinoma. The combination of YAP inhibition with EGFR-TKI overcomes primary and acquired EGFR-TKI resistance. We also found increased YAP expression in human lung cancer after acquiring EGFR-TKI resistance. Collectively, we suggest a novel EGFR-TKI resistance mechanism involving YAP activation and suggest targeting YAP and EGFR simultaneously may be a breakthrough treatment of primary and acquired EGFR-TKI resistant lung cancer.
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34
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Zhou M, Cui ZL, Guo XJ, Ren LP, Yang M, Fan ZW, Han RC, Xu WG. Blockade of Notch Signalling by γ-Secretase Inhibitor in Lung T Cells of Asthmatic Mice Affects T Cell Differentiation and Pulmonary Inflammation. Inflammation 2016; 38:1281-8. [PMID: 25586485 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-014-0098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Notch is a single-pass transmembrane receptor protein expressed by T cells, which contributes to the pathogenesis of asthma through regulation of the development and differentiation of T cells. γ-Secretase inhibitor (GSI) acts as an effective blocker of Notch signalling. The present study aimed to investigate the role of GSI MW167 in T cell differentiation and antigen-induced airway inflammation. An OVA-induced airway inflammation mouse model was established. Blockade of Notch signalling was achieved using MW167. The expression of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, Notch1 signalling and pro-inflammatory transcription factors in activated lung T cells was evaluated. Finally, the therapeutic effect of MW167 was investigated by haematoxylin and eosin staining, real-time PCR and ELISA. The expression of IL-4 and IL-5 decreased and that of IFN-γ increased significantly, and the protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory transcription factors reduced in active lung T cells after administration of MW167, compared to the control group. MW167 treatment prevented OVA-induced airway inflammation and histological changes. The serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in MW167-treated mice decreased significantly, whereas those of IFN-γ increased, relative to the levels in OVA-challenged animals treated with PBS. Our findings indicate that Notch signalling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma and that MW167 may be a potential therapeutic target for allergen-induced airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
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35
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Ren H, Zhang P, Tang Y, Wu M, Zhang W. Forkhead box protein A1 is a prognostic predictor and promotes tumor growth of gastric cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:3029-39. [PMID: 26527889 PMCID: PMC4621220 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s91035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the cancer-type specific role of forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) in human malignancies. However, the clinical significance of FOXA1 and its biological function in gastric cancer remain unknown. In this study, the expression of FOXA1 in 80 pairs of gastric cancer tissues and corresponding non-tumor tissues was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found that the levels of FOXA1 protein and mRNA in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in matched tumor-adjacent tissues. Furthermore, clinical association analysis indicated that the positive expression of FOXA1 was associated with adverse clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer patients including poor tumor differentiation, large tumor size, and advanced tumor-node-metastasis tumor stage. Notably, gastric cancer patients with positive expression of FOXA1 had a poorer 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival. In addition, FOXA1 knockdown remarkably inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells. In vivo studies indicated that FOXA1 knockdown prominently suppressed tumor growth of gastric cancer in a nude mouse xenograft model. Mechanistically, we disclosed that the expression of Yes-associated protein was decreased accordingly after FOXA1 knockdown in both SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells. Taken together, our data suggest that FOXA1 may serve as a promising prognostic indicator and an attractive therapeutic target of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengping Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Weikang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Wu X, Liu X, Koul S, Lee CY, Zhang Z, Halmos B. AXL kinase as a novel target for cancer therapy. Oncotarget 2015; 5:9546-63. [PMID: 25337673 PMCID: PMC4259419 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and its major ligand, GAS6 have been demonstrated to be overexpressed and activated in many human cancers (such as lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer) and have been correlated with poor prognosis, promotion of increased invasiveness/metastasis, the EMT phenotype and drug resistance. Targeting AXL in different model systems with specific small molecule kinase inhibitors or antibodies alone or in combination with other drugs can lead to inactivation of AXL-mediated signaling pathways and can lead to regained drug sensitivity and improved therapeutic efficacy, defining AXL as a promising novel target for cancer therapeutics. This review highlights the data supporting AXL as a novel treatment candidate in a variety of cancers as well as the current status of drug development targeting the AXL/GAS6 axis and future perspectives in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjay Koul
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chang Youl Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital Hallym University Medical Center, Chuncheon-si Gangwon-do 200-704 Republic of Korea
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Balazs Halmos
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Okimoto RA, Bivona TG. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a therapeutic target in NSCLC. LUNG CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2015; 6:27-34. [PMID: 28210148 PMCID: PMC5217513 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s60438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand, Gas6, regulate key processes in lung cancer growth, metastasis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition-associated drug resistance. Gas6 and AXL expression have been correlated with poor prognosis and advanced clinical stage in patients with lung cancer, and targeting the Gas6/AXL pathway demonstrates antitumor activity, decreases cellular invasion, and restores sensitivity in de novo and acquired drug resistance models. These findings implicate AXL as a promising therapeutic target in lung cancer. In this review, we explore the role of AXL in lung cancer progression, from tumor development to disseminated disease, and highlight the current clinical landscape of anti-AXL therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A Okimoto
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Trever G Bivona
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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38
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Plouffe SW, Hong AW, Guan KL. Disease implications of the Hippo/YAP pathway. Trends Mol Med 2015; 21:212-22. [PMID: 25702974 PMCID: PMC4385444 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is important for controlling organ size and tissue homeostasis. Originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster, the core components of the Hippo pathway are highly conserved in mammals. The Hippo pathway can be modulated by a wide range of stimuli, including G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, changes in the actin cytoskeleton, cell-cell contact, and cell polarity. When activated, the Hippo pathway functions as a tumor suppressor to limit cell growth. However, dysregulation by genetic inactivation of core pathway components or amplification or gene fusion of its downstream effectors results in increased cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis and differentiation. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to tissue overgrowth, tumorigenesis, and many other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Plouffe
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Audrey W Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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39
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Yeung B, Yu J, Yang X. Roles of the Hippo pathway in lung development and tumorigenesis. Int J Cancer 2015; 138:533-9. [PMID: 25644176 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and accounts for one fifth of all cancer deaths worldwide. Although significant progress has been made toward our understanding of the causes of lung cancer, the 5-year survival is still lower than 15%. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel lung cancer biomarkers and drug targets. The Hippo signaling pathway is an emerging signaling pathway that regulates various biological processes. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that the Hippo pathway may play important roles in not only lung development but also lung tumorigenesis. In this review article, we will summarize the most recent advances and predict future directions on this new cancer research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Yeung
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jihang Yu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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40
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Abstract
The control of cellular growth and proliferation is key to the maintenance of homeostasis. Survival, proliferation, and arrest are regulated, in part, by Growth Arrest Specific 6 (Gas6) through binding to members of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family. Activation of the TAM receptors leads to downstream signaling through common kinases, but the exact mechanism within each cellular context varies and remains to be completely elucidated. Deregulation of the TAM family, due to its central role in mediating cellular proliferation, has been implicated in multiple diseases. Axl was cloned as the first TAM receptor in a search for genes involved in the progression of chronic to acute-phase leukemia, and has since been established as playing a critical role in the progression of cancer. The oncogenic nature of Axl is demonstrated through its activation of signaling pathways involved in proliferation, migration, inhibition of apoptosis, and therapeutic resistance. Despite its recent discovery, significant progress has been made in the development of effective clinical therapeutics targeting Axl. In order to accurately define the role of Axl in normal and diseased processes, it must be analyzed in a cell type-specific context.
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41
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Jiao S, Wang H, Shi Z, Dong A, Zhang W, Song X, He F, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Wang W, Wang X, Guo T, Li P, Zhao Y, Ji H, Zhang L, Zhou Z. A peptide mimicking VGLL4 function acts as a YAP antagonist therapy against gastric cancer. Cancer Cell 2014; 25:166-80. [PMID: 24525233 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 451] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway has been implicated in suppressing tissue overgrowth and tumor formation by restricting the oncogenic activity of YAP. However, transcriptional regulators that inhibit YAP activity have not been well studied. Here, we uncover clinical importance for VGLL4 in gastric cancer suppression and find that VGLL4 directly competes with YAP for binding TEADs. Importantly, VGLL4's tandem Tondu domains are not only essential but also sufficient for its inhibitory activity toward YAP. A peptide mimicking this function of VGLL4 potently suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that disruption of YAP-TEADs interaction by a VGLL4-mimicking peptide may be a promising therapeutic strategy against YAP-driven human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Jiao
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Huizhen Wang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhubing Shi
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Aimei Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Nanjing Xiaguan Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210085, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaomin Song
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Feng He
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yicui Wang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wenjia Wang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xin Wang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Tong Guo
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Peixue Li
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hongbin Ji
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- National Center for Protein Science Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.
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