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Wang F, Fu K, Wang Y, Pan C, Wang X, Liu Z, Yang C, Zheng Y, Li X, Lu Y, To KKW, Xia C, Zhang J, Shi Z, Hu Z, Huang M, Fu L. Small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:905-952. [PMID: 38486980 PMCID: PMC10935485 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, exemplified by the remarkable clinical benefits of the immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is revolutionizing cancer therapy. They induce long-term tumor regression and overall survival benefit in many types of cancer. With the advances in our knowledge about the tumor immune microenvironment, remarkable progress has been made in the development of small-molecule drugs for immunotherapy. Small molecules targeting PRR-associated pathways, immune checkpoints, oncogenic signaling, metabolic pathways, cytokine/chemokine signaling, and immune-related kinases have been extensively investigated. Monotherapy of small-molecule immunotherapeutic drugs and their combinations with other antitumor modalities are under active clinical investigations to overcome immune tolerance and circumvent immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Here, we review the latest development of small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy by targeting defined pathways and highlighting their progress in recent clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Kenneth Kin Wah To
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Min Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Hunt BG, Fox LH, Davis JC, Jones A, Lu Z, Waltz SE. An Introduction and Overview of RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:517. [PMID: 36833444 PMCID: PMC9956929 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RON is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) of the MET receptor family that is canonically involved in mediating growth and inflammatory signaling. RON is expressed at low levels in a variety of tissues, but its overexpression and activation have been associated with malignancies in multiple tissue types and worse patient outcomes. RON and its ligand HGFL demonstrate cross-talk with other growth receptors and, consequentially, positions RON at the intersection of numerous tumorigenic signaling programs. For this reason, RON is an attractive therapeutic target in cancer research. A better understanding of homeostatic and oncogenic RON activity serves to enhance clinical insights in treating RON-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G. Hunt
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Levi H. Fox
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - James C. Davis
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Angelle Jones
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Zhixin Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
- Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
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Ludwig L, Dobromylskyj M, Wood GA, van der Weyden L. Feline Oncogenomics: What Do We Know about the Genetics of Cancer in Domestic Cats? Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100547. [PMID: 36288160 PMCID: PMC9609674 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is a significant cause of suffering and death in domestic cats. In humans, an understanding of the genetics of different types of cancers has become clinically important for all aspects of patient care and forms the basis for most emerging diagnostics and therapies. The field of ‘oncogenomics’ characterises the alterations of cancer-associated genes that are found in tumours. Such a thorough understanding of the oncogenome of human tumours has only been possible due to a high-quality reference genome and an understanding of the genetic variation that can exist between people. Although a high-quality reference genome for cats has only recently been generated, investigations into understanding the genetics of feline cancers have been underway for many years, using a range of different technologies. This review summarises what is currently known of the genetics of both common and rare types of cancer in domestic cats. Drawing attention to our current understanding of the feline oncogenome will hopefully bring this topic into focus and serve as a springboard for more much-needed research into the genetics of cancer in domestic cats. Abstract Cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in domestic cats. In humans, an understanding of the oncogenome of different cancer types has proven critical and is deeply interwoven into all aspects of patient care, including diagnostics, prognostics and treatments through the application of targeted therapies. Investigations into understanding the genetics of feline cancers started with cytogenetics and was then expanded to studies at a gene-specific level, looking for mutations and expression level changes of genes that are commonly mutated in human cancers. Methylation studies have also been performed and together with a recently generated high-quality reference genome for cats, next-generation sequencing studies are starting to deliver results. This review summarises what is currently known of the genetics of both common and rare cancer types in cats, including lymphomas, mammary tumours, squamous cell carcinomas, soft tissue tumours, mast cell tumours, haemangiosarcomas, pulmonary carcinomas, pancreatic carcinomas and osteosarcomas. Shining a spotlight on our current understanding of the feline oncogenome will hopefully serve as a springboard for more much-needed research into the genetics of cancer in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latasha Ludwig
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | - Geoffrey A. Wood
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Louise van der Weyden
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Correspondence:
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Cazes A, Childers BG, Esparza E, Lowy AM. The MST1R/RON Tyrosine Kinase in Cancer: Oncogenic Functions and Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14082037. [PMID: 35454943 PMCID: PMC9027306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14082037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary MST1R/RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a highly conserved transmembrane protein present on epithelial cells, macrophages, and recently identified in a T-cell subset. RON activation attenuates inflammation in healthy tissue. Interestingly, it is overexpressed in several epithelial neoplasms with increasing levels of expression associated with worse outcomes. Though the mechanisms involved are still under investigation, RON is involved in carcinogenesis via immune modulation of the immune tumor microenvironment, activation of numerous oncogenic pathways, and is protective under cellular stress. Alternatively, inhibition of RON abrogates tumor progression in both animal and human tissue models. Given this, RON is a targetable protein of great interest for cancer treatment. Here, we review RON’s function in tissue inflammation and cancer progression, and review cancer clinical trials to date that have used agents targeting RON signaling. Abstract The MST1R/RON receptor tyrosine kinase is a homologue of the more well-known MET receptor. Like MET, RON orchestrates cell signaling pathways that promote oncogenesis and enable cancer cell survival; however, it has a more unique role in the regulation of inflammation. RON was originally described as a transmembrane receptor expressed on tissue resident macrophages and various epithelial cells. RON is overexpressed in a variety of cancers and its activation modifies multiple signaling pathways with resultant changes in epithelial and immune cells which together modulate oncogenic phenotypes. While several RON isoforms have been identified with differences in structure, activation, and pathway regulation, increased RON expression and/or activation is consistently associated with worse outcomes. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting RON have been developed, making RON an actionable therapeutic target.
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MacNeil IA, Khan SA, Sen A, Soltani SM, Burns DJ, Sullivan BF, Laing LG. Functional signaling test identifies HER2 negative breast cancer patients who may benefit from c-Met and pan-HER combination therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:4. [PMID: 34998412 PMCID: PMC8742957 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00798-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research is revealing the complex coordination between cell signaling systems as they adapt to genetic and epigenetic changes. Tools to uncover these highly complex functional linkages will play an important role in advancing more efficacious disease treatments. Current tumor cell signal transduction research is identifying coordination between receptor types, receptor families, and transduction pathways to maintain tumor cell viability despite challenging tumor microenvironment conditions. Methods In this report, coactivated abnormal levels of signaling activity for c-Met and HER family receptors in live tumor cells were measured by a new clinical test to identify a subpopulation of breast cancer patients that could be responsive to combined targeted therapies. The CELsignia Multi-Pathway Signaling Function (CELsignia) Test uses an impedance biosensor to quantify an individual patient’s ex vivo live tumor cell signaling response in real-time to specific HER family and c-Met co-stimulation and targeted therapies. Results The test identified breast tumors with hyperactive HER1, HER2, HER3/4, and c-Met coordinated signaling that express otherwise normal amounts of these receptors. The supporting data of the pre-clinical verification of this test included analyses of 79 breast cancer patients’ cell response to HER and c-Met agonists. The signaling results were confirmed using clinically approved matching targeted drugs, and combinations of targeted drugs in addition to correlative mouse xenograft tumor response to HER and c-Met targeted therapies. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated the potential benefit of a functional test for identifying a subpopulation of breast cancer patients with coordinated abnormal HER and c-Met signaling for a clinical trial testing combination targeted therapy. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-021-00798-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A MacNeil
- Celcuity, Inc., 16305 36th Ave N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55446, USA
| | - Salmaan A Khan
- Celcuity, Inc., 16305 36th Ave N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55446, USA
| | - Adrish Sen
- Celcuity, Inc., 16305 36th Ave N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55446, USA
| | - Sajjad M Soltani
- Celcuity, Inc., 16305 36th Ave N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55446, USA
| | - David J Burns
- Celcuity, Inc., 16305 36th Ave N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55446, USA
| | - Brian F Sullivan
- Celcuity, Inc., 16305 36th Ave N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55446, USA
| | - Lance G Laing
- Celcuity, Inc., 16305 36th Ave N, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN, 55446, USA.
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6
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Lai SCA, Gundlapalli H, Ekiz HA, Jiang A, Fernandez E, Welm AL. Blocking Short-Form Ron Eliminates Breast Cancer Metastases through Accumulation of Stem-Like CD4+ T Cells That Subvert Immunosuppression. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:3178-3197. [PMID: 34330779 PMCID: PMC8800951 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has potential to prevent and treat metastatic breast cancer, but strategies to enhance immune-mediated killing of metastatic tumors are urgently needed. We report that a ligand-independent isoform of Ron kinase (SF-Ron) is a key target to enhance immune infiltration and eradicate metastatic tumors. Host-specific deletion of SF-Ron caused recruitment of lymphocytes to micrometastases, augmented tumor-specific T-cell responses, and nearly eliminated breast cancer metastasis in mice. Lack of host SF-Ron caused stem-like TCF1+ CD4+ T cells with type I differentiation potential to accumulate in metastases and prevent metastatic outgrowth. There was a corresponding increase in tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, which were also required to eliminate lung metastases. Treatment of mice with a Ron kinase inhibitor increased tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and protected from metastatic outgrowth. These data provide a strong preclinical rationale to pursue small-molecule Ron kinase inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of metastatic breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE The discovery that SF-Ron promotes antitumor immune responses has significant clinical implications. Therapeutic antibodies targeting full-length Ron may not be effective for immunotherapy; poor efficacy of such antibodies in trials may be due to their inability to block SF-Ron. Our data warrant trials with inhibitors targeting SF-Ron in combination with immunotherapy. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2945.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chin Alicia Lai
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Harika Gundlapalli
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - H. Atakan Ekiz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Amanda Jiang
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Elvelyn Fernandez
- Genomics Summer Research for Minorities (GSRM) Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alana L. Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Corresponding Author: Alana L. Welm, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Room 2515, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. Phone: 801-587-4622; E-mail:
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7
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Franco Nitta C, Green EW, Jhamba ED, Keth JM, Ortiz-Caraveo I, Grattan RM, Schodt DJ, Gibson AC, Rajput A, Lidke KA, Wilson BS, Steinkamp MP, Lidke DS. EGFR transactivates RON to drive oncogenic crosstalk. eLife 2021; 10:63678. [PMID: 34821550 PMCID: PMC8654365 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between different receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is thought to drive oncogenic signaling and allow therapeutic escape. EGFR and RON are two such RTKs from different subfamilies, which engage in crosstalk through unknown mechanisms. We combined high-resolution imaging with biochemical and mutational studies to ask how EGFR and RON communicate. EGF stimulation promotes EGFR-dependent phosphorylation of RON, but ligand stimulation of RON does not trigger EGFR phosphorylation – arguing that crosstalk is unidirectional. Nanoscale imaging reveals association of EGFR and RON in common plasma membrane microdomains. Two-color single particle tracking captured formation of complexes between RON and EGF-bound EGFR. Our results further show that RON is a substrate for EGFR kinase, and that transactivation of RON requires formation of a signaling competent EGFR dimer. These results support a role for direct EGFR/RON interactions in propagating crosstalk, such that EGF-stimulated EGFR phosphorylates RON to activate RON-directed signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen W Green
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Elton D Jhamba
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Justine M Keth
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Iraís Ortiz-Caraveo
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Rachel M Grattan
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - David J Schodt
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Aubrey C Gibson
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Ashwani Rajput
- Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Keith A Lidke
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Bridget S Wilson
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Mara P Steinkamp
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
| | - Diane S Lidke
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States
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Chen SL, Wang GP, Shi DR, Yao SH, Chen KD, Yao HP. RON in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers: Pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2507-2520. [PMID: 34092972 PMCID: PMC8160627 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i20.2507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor protein tyrosine kinase RON belongs to the c-MET proto-oncogene family. Research has shown that RON has a role in cancer pathogenesis, which places RON on the frontline of the development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies. Hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) cancers have a poor prognosis, being reported as having higher rates of cancer-related death. Therefore, to combat these malignant diseases, the mechanism underlying the aberrant expression and signaling of RON in HBP cancer pathogenesis, and the development of RON as a drug target for therapeutic intervention should be investigated. Abnormal RON expression and signaling have been identified in HBP cancers, and also act as tumorigenic determinants for HBP cancer malignant behaviors. In addition, RON is emerging as an important mediator of the clinical prognosis of HBP cancers. Thus, not only is RON significant in HBP cancers, but also RON-targeted therapeutics could be developed to treat these cancers, for example, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors. Among them, antibody-drug conjugates have become increasingly popular in current research and their potential as novel anti-cancer biotherapeutics will be determined in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Long Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Guo-Ping Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dan-Rong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shu-Hao Yao
- Department of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University Renji College, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ke-Da Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hang-Ping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Wang Z, Yang Y, Hu S, He J, Wu Z, Qi Z, Huang M, Liu R, Lin Y, Tan C, Xu M, Zhang Z. Short-form RON (sf-RON) enhances glucose metabolism to promote cell proliferation via activating β-catenin/SIX1 signaling pathway in gastric cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2021; 37:35-49. [PMID: 32399910 PMCID: PMC7851020 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-020-09525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) has been implicated in cell proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance of various human malignancies. The short-form RON (sf-RON) encoded by RON transcripts was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, but its regulatory functions remain illustrated. Here, we found that sf-RON promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation by enhancing glucose metabolism. Furthermore, sf-RON was proved to induce the β-catenin expression level through the AKT1/GSK3β signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the binding sites of β-catenin were identified in the promoter region of SIX1 and it was also demonstrated that β-catenin positively regulated SIX1 expression. SIX1 enhanced the promoter activity of key proteins in glucose metabolism, such as GLUT1 and LDHA. Results indicated that sf-RON regulated the cell proliferation and glucose metabolism of gastric cancer by participating in a sf-RON/β-catenin/SIX1 signaling axis and had significant implications for choosing the therapeutic target of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziliang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School Medicine, Shanghai, 200092 China
| | - Yufei Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shuang Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Eye & Ent Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zihao Qi
- Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040 China
| | - Mingzhu Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Rujiao Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Cong Tan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong’an Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
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10
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Wang L, Wang L, Cybula M, Drumond-Bock AL, Moxley KM, Bieniasz M. Multi-kinase targeted therapy as a promising treatment strategy for ovarian tumors expressing sfRon receptor. Genes Cancer 2020; 11:106-121. [PMID: 33488949 PMCID: PMC7805538 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The sfRon kinase is an important therapeutic target in ovarian cancer that contributes to prominent tumor growth and disease progression. We reasoned that a multi-kinase inhibition of sfRon pathway might be an effective strategy to achieve a sustained anti-tumor response, while simultaneously preventing treatment resistance. We performed a detailed dissection of sfRon signaling in vitro and demonstrated that S6K1 is a key component of a multi-kinase targeting strategy in sfRon expressing ovarian tumors. We selected AD80 compound that targets several kinases within sfRon pathway including AKT and S6K1, and compared its efficacy with inhibitors that selectively target either sfRon or PI3 kinase. Using human ovarian xenografts and clinically relevant patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), we demonstrated that in vivo treatment with single agent AD80 shows superior efficacy to a standard-care chemotherapy (cisplatin/paclitaxel), or to the direct inhibition of sfRon kinase by BMS777607. Our findings indicate that ovarian tumors expressing sfRon are most effectively treated with multi-kinase inhibitors simultaneously targeting AKT and S6K1, such as AD80, which results in long-term anti-tumor response and prevents metastasis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | | | - Katherine M Moxley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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RON signalling promotes therapeutic resistance in ESR1 mutant breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:191-206. [PMID: 33257837 PMCID: PMC7782501 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oestrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations are frequently acquired in oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients who were treated with aromatase inhibitors (AI) in the metastatic setting. Acquired ESR1 mutations are associated with poor prognosis and there is a lack of effective therapies that selectively target these cancers. Methods We performed a proteomic kinome analysis in ESR1 Y537S mutant cells to identify hyperactivated kinases in ESR1 mutant cells. We validated Recepteur d’Origine Nantais (RON) and PI3K hyperactivity through phospho-immunoblot analysis, organoid growth assays, and in an in vivo patient-derived xenograft (PDX) metastatic model. Results We demonstrated that RON was hyperactivated in ESR1 mutant models, and in acquired palbociclib-resistant (PalbR) models. RON and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) interacted as shown through pharmacological and genetic inhibition and were regulated by the mutant ER as demonstrated by reduced phospho-protein expression with endocrine therapies (ET). We show that ET in combination with a RON inhibitor (RONi) decreased ex vivo organoid growth of ESR1 mutant models, and as a monotherapy in PalbR models, demonstrating its therapeutic efficacy. Significantly, ET in combination with the RONi reduced metastasis of an ESR1 Y537S mutant PDX model. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that RON/PI3K pathway inhibition may be an effective treatment strategy in ESR1 mutant and PalbR MBC patients. Clinically our data predict that ET resistance mechanisms can also contribute to CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. ![]()
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12
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Millar R, Kilbey A, Remak S, Severson TM, Dhayade S, Sandilands E, Foster K, Bryant DM, Blyth K, Coffelt SB. The MSP-RON axis stimulates cancer cell growth in models of triple negative breast cancer. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1868-1880. [PMID: 32484599 PMCID: PMC7400785 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis and high rates of relapse. The lack of actionable targets for TNBC has contributed to the high mortality rates of this disease, and new candidate molecules for potential manipulation are urgently required. Here, we show that macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) and its tyrosine kinase receptor, Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), are potent drivers of cancer cell growth and tumor progression in a mouse model of TNBC driven by the loss of Trp53 and Brca1. After comparison of two genetically engineered mouse models of TNBC, we found that mammary tumors from K14-Cre;Brca1F/F ;Trp53F/F (KB1P) mice exhibit high endogenous levels of MSP and RON expression. We show that MSP stimulates serine/threonine kinase 1 and extracellular regulated MAPK activation as well as cancer cell growth in cell lines derived from the two mouse models, while genetic and pharmacological inhibition of RON prevents these effects. Similarly, KB1P tumor progression in mice was robustly attenuated by treatment with a RON inhibitor with accompanied reduction in the proliferation marker, Ki-67. Analysis of human gene expression data confirmed that the genes encoding MSP and RON are robustly expressed in human TNBC as well as other subsets of breast cancer. Our findings uncover a mouse model where MSP expression and RON expression are naturally increased, and they provide evidence that this receptor and its ligand are viable candidate molecules for targeted treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhona Millar
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Anna Kilbey
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Sarah‐Jane Remak
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Tesa M. Severson
- Division of OncogenesisNetherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Emma Sandilands
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Kyla Foster
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - David M. Bryant
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Seth B. Coffelt
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
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13
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Antibody-drug conjugates targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase as a novel strategy for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1160-1173. [PMID: 32479905 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenge to oncologists. Currently, the lack of effective therapy has fostered a major effort to discover new targets and therapeutics to combat this disease. The recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) receptor has been implicated in the pathogenesis of TNBC. Clinical studies have revealed that aberrant RON expression is crucial in regulating TNBC malignant phenotypes. Increased RON expression also has prognostic value for breast cancer progress. These features provide the rationale to target RON for TNBC treatment. In this review, we discuss the importance of RON in TNBC tumorigenesis and the development of anti-RON antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for clinical application. The findings from preclinical studies lay the foundation for clinical trials of this novel biotherapeutic for TNBC therapy.
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14
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Baird AM, Easty D, Jarzabek M, Shiels L, Soltermann A, Klebe S, Raeppel S, MacDonagh L, Wu C, Griggs K, Kirschner MB, Stanfill B, Nonaka D, Goparaju CM, Murer B, Fennell DA, O'Donnell DM, Barr MP, Mutti L, Reid G, Finn S, Cuffe S, Pass HI, Opitz I, Byrne AT, O'Byrne KJ, Gray SG. When RON MET TAM in Mesothelioma: All Druggable for One, and One Drug for All? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:89. [PMID: 30863365 PMCID: PMC6399142 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive inflammatory cancer with a poor survival rate. Treatment options are limited at best and drug resistance is common. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets in this disease in order to improve patient outcomes and survival times. MST1R (RON) is a trans-membrane receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), which is part of the c-MET proto-oncogene family. The only ligand recognized to bind MST1R (RON) is Macrophage Stimulating 1 (MST1), also known as Macrophage Stimulating Protein (MSP) or Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Like Protein (HGFL). In this study, we demonstrate that the MST1-MST1R (RON) signaling axis is active in MPM. Targeting this pathway with a small molecule inhibitor, LCRF-0004, resulted in decreased proliferation with a concomitant increase in apoptosis. Cell cycle progression was also affected. Recombinant MST1 treatment was unable to overcome the effect of LCRF-0004 in terms of either proliferation or apoptosis. Subsequently, the effect of an additional small molecular inhibitor, BMS-777607 (which targets MST1R (RON), MET, Tyro3, and Axl) also resulted in a decreased proliferative capacity of MPM cells. In a cohort of MPM patient samples, high positivity for total MST1R by IHC was an independent predictor of favorable prognosis. Additionally, elevated expression levels of MST1 also correlated with better survival. This study also determined the efficacy of LCRF-0004 and BMS-777607 in xenograft MPM models. Both LCRF-0004 and BMS-777607 demonstrated significant anti-tumor efficacy in vitro, however BMS-777607 was far superior to LCRF-0004. The in vivo and in vitro data generated by this study indicates that a multi-TKI, targeting the MST1R/MET/TAM signaling pathways, may provide a more effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MPM as opposed to targeting MST1R alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Baird
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Easty
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Monika Jarzabek
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Shiels
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alex Soltermann
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Klebe
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | | | - Lauren MacDonagh
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chengguang Wu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim Griggs
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Michaela B. Kirschner
- Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bryan Stanfill
- The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daisuke Nonaka
- Department of Histopathology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chandra M. Goparaju
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bruno Murer
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Venice, Italy
| | - Dean A. Fennell
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester and Leicester University Hospitals, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Martin P. Barr
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luciano Mutti
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Glen Reid
- Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Finn
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinead Cuffe
- HOPE Directorate, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Harvey I. Pass
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University (NYU) Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Isabelle Opitz
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette T. Byrne
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kenneth J. O'Byrne
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- HOPE Directorate, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Division of Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Steven G. Gray
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, Labmed Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Steven G. Gray
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15
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Maniscalco L, Guil-Luna S, Iussich S, Gattino F, Trupia C, Millan Y, de Las Mulas JM, Cespedez RS, Saeki K, Accornero P, De Maria R. Expression of the Short Form of RON/STK in Feline Mammary Carcinoma. Vet Pathol 2018; 56:220-229. [PMID: 30558510 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818806967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RON is a tyrosine kinase receptor activated by the macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) ligand that is overexpressed in human breast cancer. In humans, RON protein can be present in different isoforms, and the most studied isoform is represented by the short form of RON ( sf-RON), which is generated by an alternative promoter located in intron 10 of the RON complementary DNA (cDNA). It plays an important role in breast cancer progression. Considering the many similarities between feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) and human breast cancer, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of both RON and MSP in FMCs and to identify the presence of the sf-RON transcript. Tissue samples of spontaneous mammary tumors were collected from 60 queens (10 benign lesions, 50 carcinomas). All of the samples were tested for RON and MSP expression by immunohistochemistry; moreover, RNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue samples, and the cDNA was tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to identify the presence of sf-RON. Immunohistochemistry detected the expression of RON and MSP in 34 of 50 (68%) and 29 of 50 (58%) FMCs, respectively. RT-PCR revealed the presence of the short-form in 18 of 47 (38%) FMCs. This form originates, as in humans, from an alternative promoter (P2), and it codes for the proper feline short form ( sf-RON). sf-RON expression was associated with poorly differentiated tumors and with a shorter disease-free ( P < .05; hazard ratio [HR], 2.2) period and a shorter survival ( P < .05; HR, 2.2). These results support FMC as a suitable model in comparative oncology and identify sf-RON expression as potential predictor of outcomes for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorella Maniscalco
- 1 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Silvia Guil-Luna
- 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Pathology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,3 Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba, IMIBIC, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Selina Iussich
- 1 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Francesca Gattino
- 1 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Calogero Trupia
- 1 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Yolanda Millan
- 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Pathology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juana Martín de Las Mulas
- 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Pathology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Raquel Sanchez Cespedez
- 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Comparative Pathology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - K Saeki
- 4 Laboratory of Veterinary Surgery, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paolo Accornero
- 1 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Raffaella De Maria
- 1 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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16
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Faham N, Zhao L, Welm AL. mTORC1 is a key mediator of RON-dependent breast cancer metastasis with therapeutic potential. NPJ Breast Cancer 2018; 4:36. [PMID: 30456298 PMCID: PMC6226524 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-018-0091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the biggest challenge in treating breast cancer, and it kills >40,000 breast cancer patients annually in the US. Aberrant expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase in breast tumors correlates with poor prognosis and has been shown to promote metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern how RON promotes metastasis, and how to block it, are still largely unknown. We sought to determine critical effectors of RON using a combination of mutational and pharmacologic strategies. High-throughput proteomic analysis of breast cancer cells upon activation of RON showed robust phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6. Further analysis revealed that RON strongly signals through mTORC1/p70S6K, which is mediated predominantly by the PI3K pathway. A targeted mutation approach to modulate RON signaling validated the importance of PI3K/mTORC1 pathway for spontaneous metastasis in vivo. Finally, inhibition of mTORC1 with an FDA-approved drug, everolimus, resulted in transient shrinkage of established RON-dependent metastases, and combined blockade of mTORC1 and RON delayed progression. These studies have identified a key downstream mediator of RON-dependent metastasis in breast cancer cells and revealed that inhibition of mTORC1, or combined inhibition of mTORC1 and RON, may be effective for treatment of metastatic breast cancers with elevated expression of RON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najme Faham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
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17
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Ekiz HA, Lai SCA, Gundlapalli H, Haroun F, Williams MA, Welm AL. Inhibition of RON kinase potentiates anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy to shrink breast tumors and prevent metastatic outgrowth. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1480286. [PMID: 30228950 PMCID: PMC6140584 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1480286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of immune checkpoint blockade as a new strategy for immunotherapy has changed the outlook for many aggressive cancers. Although complete tumor eradication is attainable in some cases, durable clinical responses are observed only in a small fraction of patients, underlining urgent need for improvement. We previously showed that RON, a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in macrophages, suppresses antitumor immune responses, and facilitates progression and metastasis of breast cancer. Here, we investigated the molecular changes that occur downstream of RON activation in macrophages, and whether inhibition of RON can cooperate with checkpoint immunotherapy to eradicate tumors. Activation of RON by its ligand, MSP, altered the gene expression profile of macrophages drastically and upregulated surface levels of CD80 and PD-L1, ligands for T-cell checkpoint receptors CTLA-4 and PD-1. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of RON in combination with anti-CTLA-4, but not with anti-PD-1, resulted in improved clinical responses against orthotopically transplanted tumors compared to single-agent treatment groups, resulting in complete tumor eradication in 46% of the animals. Positive responses to therapy were associated with higher levels of T-cell activation markers and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Importantly, co-inhibition of RON and anti-CTLA-4 was also effective in clearing metastatic breast cancer cells in lungs, resulting in clinical responses in nearly 60% of the mice. These findings suggest that RON inhibition can be a novel approach to potentiate responses to checkpoint immunotherapy in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huseyin Atakan Ekiz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Shu-Chin Alicia Lai
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Harika Gundlapalli
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Fadi Haroun
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Matthew A Williams
- Department of Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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18
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Ling Y, Kuang Y, Chen LL, Lao WF, Zhu YR, Wang LQ, Wang D. A novel RON splice variant lacking exon 2 activates the PI3K/AKT pathway via PTEN phosphorylation in colorectal carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:39101-39116. [PMID: 28388571 PMCID: PMC5503598 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal expression of the Recepteur d'Origine Nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase is accompanied by the generation of multiple splice or truncated variants, which mediate many critical cellular functions that contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we report a new RON splice variant in the human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line HT29. This variant is a 165 kda protein generated by alternative pre-mRNA splicing that eliminates exon 2, causing an in-frame deletion of 63 amino acids in the extracellular domain of the RON β chain. The deleted transcript was a single chain expressed in the intracellular compartment. Although it lacked tyrosine phosphorylation activity, the RONΔ165E2 variant could phosphorylate phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), thereby activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the RONΔ165E2 promoted cell migration and tumor growth. Finally, in an investigation of 67 clinical CRC samples, the variant was highly expressed in about 58% of the samples, and was positively correlated with the invasive depth of the tumor (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the novel RONΔ165E2 variant promoted tumor progression while activating the PI3K/AKT pathway via PTEN phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ling
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yeye Kuang
- Biomedical Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Lin Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Feng Lao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao-Ru Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Le-Qi Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, People's Republic of China
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19
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Chakedis J, French R, Babicky M, Jaquish D, Mose E, Cheng P, Holman P, Howard H, Miyamoto J, Porras P, Walterscheid Z, Schultz-Fademrecht C, Esdar C, Schadt O, Eickhoff J, Lowy AM. Characterization of RON protein isoforms in pancreatic cancer: implications for biology and therapeutics. Oncotarget 2018; 7:45959-45975. [PMID: 27323855 PMCID: PMC5216774 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The RON tyrosine kinase receptor is under investigation as a novel target in pancreatic cancer. While RON mutations are uncommon, RON isoforms are produced in cancer cells via a variety of mechanisms. In this study we sought to: 1) characterize RON isoform expression in pancreatic cancer, 2) investigate mechanisms that regulate isoform expression, and 3) determine how various isoforms effect gene expression, oncogenic phenotypes and responses to RON directed therapies. We quantified RON transcripts in human pancreatic cancer and found expression levels 2500 fold that of normal pancreas with RON isoform expression comprising nearly 50% of total transcript. RNA seq studies revealed that the short form (sfRON) and P5P6 isoforms which have ligand independent activity, induce markedly different patterns of gene expression than wild type RON. We found that transcription of RON isoforms is regulated by promoter hypermethylation as the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine decreased all RON transcripts in a subset of pancreatic cancer cell lines. The viability of sfRON-expressing HPDE cells was reduced by a RON specific small molecule inhibitor, while a therapeutic monoclonal antibody had no demonstrable effects. In summary, RON isoforms may comprise half of total RON transcript in human pancreatic cancer and their expression is regulated at least in part by promoter hypermethylation. RON isoforms activate distinct patterns of gene expression, have transforming activity and differential responses to RON directed therapies. These findings further our understanding of RON biology in pancreatic cancer and have implications for therapeutic strategies to target RON activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery Chakedis
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Randall French
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michele Babicky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dawn Jaquish
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Evangeline Mose
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Peter Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Patrick Holman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Haleigh Howard
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Miyamoto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paula Porras
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zakk Walterscheid
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew M Lowy
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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20
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Targeting PDK1 for Chemosensitization of Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9100140. [PMID: 29064423 PMCID: PMC5664079 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9100140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid development in the field of oncology, cancer remains the second cause of mortality worldwide, with the number of new cases expected to more than double in the coming years. Chemotherapy is widely used to decelerate or stop tumour development in combination with surgery or radiation therapy when appropriate, and in many cases this improves the symptomatology of the disease. Unfortunately though, chemotherapy is not applicable to all patients and even when it is, there are many cases where a successful initial treatment period is followed by chemotherapeutic drug resistance. This is caused by a number of reasons, ranging from the genetic background of the patient (innate resistance) to the formation of tumour-initiating cells (acquired resistance). In this review, we discuss the potential role of PDK1 in the development of chemoresistance in different types of malignancy, and the design and application of potent inhibitors which can promote chemosensitization.
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HRAS, EGFR, MET, and RON Genes Are Recurrently Activated by Provirus Insertion in Liver Tumors Induced by the Retrovirus Myeloblastosis-Associated Virus 2. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00467-17. [PMID: 28768863 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00467-17] [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: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloblastosis-associated virus 2 (MAV-2) is a highly tumorigenic simple avian retrovirus. Chickens infected in ovo with MAV-2 develop tumors in the kidneys, lungs, and liver with a short latency, less than 8 weeks. Here we report the results of molecular analyses of MAV-2-induced liver tumors that fall into three classes: hepatic hemangiosarcomas (HHSs), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs), and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Comprehensive inverse PCR-based screening of 92 chicken liver tumors revealed that in ca. 86% of these tumors, MAV-2 provirus had integrated into one of four gene loci: HRAS, EGFR, MET, and RON Insertionally mutated genes correlated with tumor type: HRAS was hit in HHSs, MET in ICCs, RON mostly in ICCs, and EGFR mostly in HCCs. The provirus insertions led to the overexpression of the affected genes and, in the case of EGFR and RON, also to the truncation of exons encoding the extracellular ligand-binding domains of these transmembrane receptors. The structures of truncated EGFR and RON closely mimic the structures of oncogenic variants of these genes frequently found in human tumors (EGFRvIII and sfRON).IMPORTANCE These data describe the mechanisms of oncogenesis induced in chickens by the MAV-2 retrovirus. They also show that molecular processes converting cellular regulatory genes to cancer genes may be remarkably similar in chickens and humans. We suggest that the MAV-2 retrovirus-based model can complement experiments performed using mouse models and provide data that could translate to human medicine.
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Yang SY, Nguyen TT, Ung TT, Jung YD. Role of Recepteur D'origine Nantais on Gastric Cancer Development and Progression. Chonnam Med J 2017; 53:178-186. [PMID: 29026705 PMCID: PMC5636756 DOI: 10.4068/cmj.2017.53.3.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) is a receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the subfamily of which c-MET is the prototype. Large epidemiologic studies have confirmed the strong association between RON and gastric cancer development. Constitutive activation of RON signaling directly correlates with tumorigenic phenotypes of gastric cancer and a poor survival rate in advanced gastric cancer patients. In this review, we focus on recent evidence of the aberrant expression and activation of RON in gastric cancer tumors and provide insights into the mechanism of RON signaling associated with gastric cancer progression and metastasis. Current therapeutics against RON in gastric cancer are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Yeul Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Thi Thinh Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Trong Thuan Ung
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young Do Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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23
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RON as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer. Meta Gene 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Faham N, Welm AL. RON Signaling Is a Key Mediator of Tumor Progression in Many Human Cancers. COLD SPRING HARBOR SYMPOSIA ON QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2017; 81:177-188. [PMID: 28057847 DOI: 10.1101/sqb.2016.81.031377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
With an increasing body of literature covering RON receptor tyrosine kinase function in different types of human cancers, it is becoming clear that RON has prominent roles in both cancer cells and in the tumor-associated microenvironment. RON not only activates several oncogenic signaling pathways in cancer cells, leading to more aggressive behavior, but also promotes an immunosuppressive, alternatively activated phenotype in macrophages and limits the antitumor immune response. These two unique functions of this oncogene, the strong correlation between RON expression and poor outcomes in cancer, and the high tolerability of a new RON inhibitor make it an exciting therapeutic target, the blocking of which offers an advantage toward improving the survival of cancer patients. Here, we discuss recent findings on the role of RON signaling in cancer progression and its potential in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najme Faham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
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25
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Greenbaum A, Rajput A, Wan G. RON kinase isoforms demonstrate variable cell motility in normal cells. Heliyon 2016; 2:e00153. [PMID: 27656686 PMCID: PMC5021793 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2016.e00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aberrant RON (Recepteur d'Origine Nantais) tyrosine kinase activation causes the epithelial cell to evade normal growth pathways, resulting in unregulated cell proliferation, increased cell motility and decreased apoptosis. Wildtype (wt) RON has been shown to play a role in metastasis of epithelial malignancies. It presents an important potential therapeutic target for colorectal, breast, gastric and pancreatic cancer. Little is known about functional differences amongst RON isoforms RON155, RON160 and RON165. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various RON kinase isoforms on cell motility. METHODS Cell lines with stable expression of wtRON were generated by inserting the coding region of RON in pTagRFP (tagged red fluorescence protein plasmid). The expression constructs of RON variants (RON155, RON160 and RON165) were generated by creating a mutagenesis-based wtRON-pTag RFP plasmid and stably transfected into HEK 293 cells. The wound closure scratch assay was used to investigate the effect on cell migratory capacity of wild type RON and its variants. RESULTS RON transfected cells demonstrated increased cell motility compared to HEK293 control cells. RON165 cell motility was significantly increased compared to RON160 (mean percentage of wound covered 37.37% vs. 32.40%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS RON tyrosine kinase isoforms have variable cell motility. This may reflect a difference in the behavior of malignant epithelial cells and their capacity for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Greenbaum
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, MSC 10 5610, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Ashwani Rajput
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, MSC 07 4025, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Guanghua Wan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, MSC 07 4025, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
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Abstract
Short-form Ron (sfRon) is an understudied, alternative isoform of the full-length Ron receptor tyrosine kinase. In contrast to Ron, which has been shown to be an important player in many cancers, little is known about the role of sfRon in cancer pathogenesis. Here we report the striking discovery that sfRon expression is required for development of carcinogen-induced malignant ovarian tumors in mice. We also show that sfRon is expressed in several subtypes of human ovarian cancer including high-grade serous carcinomas, which is in contrast to no detectable expression in healthy ovaries. In addition, we report that introduction of sfRon into OVCAR3 cells resulted in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, activation of the PI3K and PDK1 pathway, and inhibition of the MAPK pathway. We demonstrated that sfRon confers an aggressive cancer phenotype in vitro characterized by increased proliferation and migration, and decreased adhesion of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the in vivo studies show that OVCAR3 tumors expressing sfRon exhibit significantly more robust growth and spreading to the abdominal cavity when compared with the parental sfRon negative OVCAR3 cells. These data suggest that sfRon plays a significant role in ovarian cancer initiation and progression, and may represent a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment.
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27
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Chakedis J, French R, Babicky M, Jaquish D, Howard H, Mose E, Lam R, Holman P, Miyamoto J, Walterscheid Z, Lowy AM. A novel protein isoform of the RON tyrosine kinase receptor transforms human pancreatic duct epithelial cells. Oncogene 2016; 35:3249-59. [PMID: 26477314 PMCID: PMC4837108 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The MST1R gene is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer producing elevated levels of the RON tyrosine kinase receptor protein. While mutations in MST1R are rare, alternative splice variants have been previously reported in epithelial cancers. We report the discovery of a novel RON isoform discovered in human pancreatic cancer. Partial splicing of exons 5 and 6 (P5P6) produces a RON isoform that lacks the first extracellular immunoglobulin-plexin-transcription domain. The splice variant is detected in 73% of xenografts derived from pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients and 71% of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Peptides specific to RON P5P6 detected in human pancreatic cancer specimens by mass spectrometry confirm translation of the protein isoform. The P5P6 isoform is found to be constitutively phosphorylated, present in the cytoplasm, and it traffics to the plasma membrane. Expression of P5P6 in immortalized human pancreatic duct epithelial (HPDE) cells activates downstream AKT, and in human pancreatic epithelial nestin-expressing cells, activates both the AKT and MAPK pathways. Inhibiting RON P5P6 in HPDE cells using a small molecule inhibitor BMS-777607 blocked constitutive activation and decreased AKT signaling. P5P6 transforms NIH3T3 cells and induces tumorigenicity in HPDE cells. Resultant HPDE-P5P6 tumors develop a dense stromal compartment similar to that seen in pancreatic cancer. In summary, we have identified a novel and constitutively active isoform of the RON tyrosine kinase receptor that has transforming activity and is expressed in human pancreatic cancer. These findings provide additional insight into the biology of the RON receptor in pancreatic cancer and are clinically relevant to the study of RON as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chakedis
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R French
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M Babicky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - D Jaquish
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - H Howard
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - E Mose
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R Lam
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - P Holman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Miyamoto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Z Walterscheid
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - A M Lowy
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Feng L, Yao HP, Zhou YQ, Zhou J, Zhang R, Wang MH. Biological evaluation of antibody-maytansinoid conjugates as a strategy of RON targeted drug delivery for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:70. [PMID: 27102688 PMCID: PMC4840490 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0347-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Aberrant expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase, a member of the MET proto-oncogene family, in breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has therapeutic implication. Here we evaluated the efficacy of a novel anti-RON antibody-drug maytansinoid conjugate Zt/g4-DM1 for treatment of breast and NSCLC xenograft tumors in mouse models and explored a treatment strategy by combination of Zt/g4-DM1 with chemotherapeutics to achieve the maximal therapeutic activity. Methods Mouse monoclonal antibody Zt/g4 (IgG1a/κ) specific to human RON was conjugated to DM1 via thioether linkage to form Zt/g4-DM1 with a drug-antibody ratio of 4:1. Several breast cancer and NSCLC cell lines, expressing different levels of RON, were used as the model. Immunofluorescence was used to determine Zt/g4-induced RON internalization. Flow cytometric analysis and cell viability assay were used to determine the effect of Zt-g4-DM1 on cell cycle and death. Mouse xenograft NSCLC models were used in vivo to determine the therapeutic efficacy of Zt/g4-DM1 alone or in combination with chemotherapeutics. Results In vitro, Zt/g4 treatment of breast cancer and NSCLC cells rapidly induced cell surface RON internalization, which results in intracellular delivery of DM1 sufficient to arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase, reduce cell viability, and cause massive cell death. In mouse tumor xenograft models, Zt/g4-DM1 at 20 mg/kg in a Q12 × 2 regimen effectively blocked breast cancer and NSCLC cell- mediated tumor growth. More than 95 % inhibition of tumor growth among three tumor xenograft models tested was achieved according to the measured tumor volume. The minimal dose to balance the tumor growth and inhibition (tumoristatic concentration) was established at 2.02 mg/kg for H2228, 1.94 mg/kg for H358 cell, and 6.25 mg/kg for T-47D cell-mediated xenograft tumors. Conclusion Zt/g4 is highly effective in RON-directed drug delivery for targeted inhibition of NSCLC cell-derived tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. This work provides the basis for clinical development of humanized Zt/g4-DM1 for potential cancer therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, 1406 Coulter Street, Suite 1117, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Hang-Ping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, 1406 Coulter Street, Suite 1117, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Yong-Qing Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology & Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University School of Public Health, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Ming-Hai Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases and Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, 1406 Coulter Street, Suite 1117, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
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Ha JR, Siegel PM, Ursini-Siegel J. The Tyrosine Kinome Dictates Breast Cancer Heterogeneity and Therapeutic Responsiveness. J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:1971-90. [PMID: 27392311 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phospho-tyrosine signaling networks control numerous biological processes including cellular differentiation, cell growth and survival, motility, and invasion. Aberrant regulation of the tyrosine kinome is a hallmark of malignancy and influences all stages of breast cancer progression, from initiation to the development of metastatic disease. The success of specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors strongly validates the clinical relevance of tyrosine phosphorylation networks in breast cancer pathology. However, a significant degree of redundancy exists within the tyrosine kinome. Numerous receptor and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases converge on a core set of signaling regulators, including adaptor proteins and tyrosine phosphatases, to amplify pro-tumorigenic signal transduction pathways. Mutational activation, amplification, or overexpression of one or more components of the tyrosine kinome represents key contributing events responsible for the tumor heterogeneity that is observed in breast cancers. It is this molecular heterogeneity that has become the most significant barrier to durable clinical responses due to the development of therapeutic resistance. This review focuses on recent literature that supports a prominent role for specific components of the tyrosine kinome in the emergence of unique breast cancer subtypes and in shaping breast cancer plasticity, sensitivity to targeted therapies, and the eventual emergence of acquired resistance. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1971-1990, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline R Ha
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter M Siegel
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Josie Ursini-Siegel
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Bieniasz M, Radhakrishnan P, Faham N, De La O JP, Welm AL. Preclinical Efficacy of Ron Kinase Inhibitors Alone and in Combination with PI3K Inhibitors for Treatment of sfRon-Expressing Breast Cancer Patient-Derived Xenografts. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:5588-600. [PMID: 26289070 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies have demonstrated that short-form Ron (sfRon) kinase drives breast tumor progression and metastasis through robust activation of the PI3K pathway. We reasoned that upfront, concurrent inhibition of sfRon and PI3K might enhance the antitumor effects of Ron kinase inhibitor therapy while also preventing potential therapeutic resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We used patient-derived breast tumor xenografts (PDX) as high-fidelity preclinical models to determine the efficacy of single-agent or dual Ron/PI3K inhibition. We tested the Ron kinase inhibitor ASLAN002 with and without coadministration of the PI3K inhibitor NVP-BKM120 in hormone receptor-positive [estrogen receptor (ER)(+)/progesterone receptor (PR)(+)] breast PDXs with and without PIK3CA gene mutation. RESULTS Breast PDX tumors harboring wild-type PIK3CA showed a robust response to ASLAN002 as a single agent. In contrast, PDX tumors harboring mutated PIK3CA demonstrated partial resistance to ASLAN002, which was overcome with addition of NVP-BKM120 to the treatment regimen. We further demonstrated that concurrent inhibition of sfRon and PI3K in breast PDX tumors with wild-type PIK3CA provided durable tumor stasis after therapy cessation, whereas discontinuation of either monotherapy facilitated tumor recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides preclinical rationale for targeting sfRon in patients with breast cancer, with the important stipulation that tumors harboring PIK3CA mutations may be partially resistant to Ron inhibitor therapy. Our data also indicate that tumors with wild-type PIK3CA are most effectively treated with an upfront combination of Ron and PI3K inhibitors for the most durable response. Clin Cancer Res; 21(24); 5588-600. ©2015 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Bieniasz
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Program in Immunobiology and Cancer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| | | | - Najme Faham
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Program in Immunobiology and Cancer, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | - Alana L Welm
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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31
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Batth IS, Yun H, Kumar AP. Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON), more than a kinase: Role in castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Mol Carcinog 2015; 54:937-46. [PMID: 26152593 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCA) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the United States. It is natural for a hormone-driven malignancy such as prostate cancer that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) would be the preferred treatment for clinical disease management. However, after initial treatment response a vast majority of patients develop metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is fatal. While great headway has been made to understand the possible mechanisms that drive castrate-resistant disease, a bonafide cure remains elusive. Reactivation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling partly contributes to the emergence of CRPC. Here we briefly examine some of the known mechanisms of AR reactivation including intratumoral synthesis of androgens, modulation of AR coregulators, and AR variants with constitutive activity as well as activation of receptor tyrosine kinases. We primarily focus on the emerging dual function of the receptor tyrosine kinase (recepteur d'origine nantais; RON) as a traditional tyrosine kinase and transcription factor. We further discuss activation of RON as an alternate mechanism in the development of CRPC and available therapeutic approaches for clinical management of CRPC by combined inhibition of RON and AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izhar Singh Batth
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Huiyoung Yun
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Addankl P Kumar
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas
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Sehrawat A, Singh SV. Short-form RON overexpression augments benzyl isothiocyanate-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:473-85. [PMID: 25857724 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chemoprevention of breast cancer is feasible with the use of non-toxic phytochemicals from edible and medicinal plants. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is one such plant compound that prevents mammary cancer development in a transgenic mouse model in association with tumor cell apoptosis. Prior studies from our laboratory have demonstrated a role for reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent Bax activation through the intermediary of c-Jun N-terminal kinases in BITC-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. The present study demonstrates that truncated Recepteur d'Origine Nantais (sfRON) is a novel regulator of BITC-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Overexpression of sfRON in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-361 cells resulted in augmentation of BITC-induced apoptosis when the apoptotic fraction was normalized against vehicle control for each cell type (untransfected and sfRON overexpressing cells). ROS generation and G2 /M phase cell cycle arrest resulting from BITC treatment were significantly attenuated in sfRON overexpressing cells after normalization with vehicle control for each cell type. Increased BITC-induced apoptosis by sfRON overexpression was independent of c-Jun N-terminal kinase or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase hyperphosphorylation. On the other hand, activation of Bax and Bak following BITC exposure was markedly more pronounced in sfRON overexpressing cells than in controls. sfRON overexpression also augmented apoptosis induction by structurally diverse cancer chemopreventive phytochemicals including withaferin A, phenethyl isothiocyanate, and D,L-sulforaphane. In conclusion, the present study provides novel mechanistic insights into the role of sfRON in apoptosis regulation by BITC and other electrophilic phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Sehrawat
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Shivendra V Singh
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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33
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The RON receptor tyrosine kinase promotes metastasis by triggering MBD4-dependent DNA methylation reprogramming. Cell Rep 2014; 6:141-54. [PMID: 24388747 PMCID: PMC5312658 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of death in cancer patients, yet the genetic and epigenetic programs that drive metastasis are poorly understood. Here, we report an epigenetic reprogramming pathway that is required for breast cancer metastasis. Concerted differential DNA methylation is initiated by the activation of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase by its ligand, macrophage stimulating protein (MSP). Through PI3K signaling, RON/MSP promotes expression of the G:T mismatch-specific thymine glycosylase MBD4. RON/MSP and MBD4-dependent aberrant DNA methylation results in the misregulation of a specific set of genes. Knockdown of MBD4 reverses methylation at these specific loci and blocks metastasis. We also show that the MBD4 glycosylase catalytic residue is required for RON/MSP-driven metastasis. Analysis of human breast cancers revealed that this epigenetic program is significantly associated with poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, inhibition of Ron kinase activity with a pharmacological agent blocks metastasis of patient-derived breast tumor grafts in vivo.
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Zeng JY, Sharma S, Zhou YQ, Yao HP, Hu X, Zhang R, Wang MH. Synergistic activities of MET/RON inhibitor BMS-777607 and mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 to polyploid cells derived from pancreatic cancer and cancer stem cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:37-48. [PMID: 24233399 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor BMS-777067 is an inhibitor of RON/MET receptor tyrosine kinases currently under clinical trials. Here, we report the synergistic activity of BMS-777607 in combination with mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 in killing chemoresistant pancreatic cancer and cancer stem cells. Treatment of pancreatic cancer L3.6pl cells with BMS-777607 alone inhibited clonogenic growth and moderately induced apoptotic death. However, BMS-777607 caused extensive polyploidy in L3.6pl cells through inhibition of aurora kinase B activity, independent of RON expression. In contrast, L3.6pl-derived cancer stem cells were highly resistant to BMS-777607-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. The effect of BMS-777607 on induction of cancer stem cell polyploidy was also weak. BMS-777607-induced polyploidy features a predominant cell population with 8N chromosome content in both L3.6pl and cancer stem cells. These cells also showed decreased sensitivity toward chemotherapeutics by increased survival of IC(50) values in response to doxorubicin, cisplatin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracial, and gemcitabine. Among a panel of chemical inhibitors that target different signaling proteins, we found that BMS-777607 in combination with mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 exerted synergistic effects on L3.6pl and cancer stem cells. More than 70% of L3.6pl and cancer stem cells lost their viability when both inhibitors were used. Specifically, BMS-777607 in combination with inhibition of mTORC2, but not mTORC1, was responsible for the observed synergism. Our findings demonstrate that BMS-777607 at therapeutic doses exerts inhibitory activities on pancreatic cancer cells but also induces polyploidy insensitive to chemotherapeutics. Combination of BMS-777607 with AZD8055 achieves the maximal cytotoxic effect on pancreatic cancer and cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ying Zeng
- Corresponding Author: M.H. Wang, Department of Biomedical Sciences; School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1406 South Coulter Street, Suite 1117, Amarillo, TX 79106.
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Wang MH, Zhang R, Zhou YQ, Yao HP. Pathogenesis of RON receptor tyrosine kinase in cancer cells: activation mechanism, functional crosstalk, and signaling addiction. J Biomed Res 2013; 27:345-56. [PMID: 24086167 PMCID: PMC3783819 DOI: 10.7555/jbr.27.20130038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The RON receptor tyrosine kinase, a member of the MET proto-oncogene family, is a pathogenic factor implicated in tumor malignancy. Specifically, aberrations in RON signaling result in increased cancer cell growth, survival, invasion, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Biochemical events such as ligand binding, receptor overexpression, generation of structure-defected variants, and point mutations in the kinase domain contribute to RON signaling activation. Recently, functional crosstalk between RON and signaling proteins such as MET and EFGR has emerged as an additional mechanism for RON activation, which is critical for tumorigenic development. The RON signaling crosstalk acts either as a regulatory feedback loop that strengthens or enhances tumorigenic phenotype of cancer cells or serves as a signaling compensatory pathway providing a growth/survival advantage for cancer cells to escape targeted therapy. Moreover, viral oncoproteins derived from Friend leukemia or Epstein-Barr viruses interact with RON to drive viral oncogenesis. In cancer cells, RON signaling is integrated into cellular signaling network essential for cancer cell growth and survival. These activities provide the molecular basis of targeting RON for cancer treatment. In this review, we will discuss recent data that uncover the mechanisms of RON activation in cancer cells, review evidence of RON signaling crosstalk relevant to cancer malignancy, and emphasize the significance of the RON signaling addiction by cancer cells for tumor therapy. Understanding aberrant RON signaling will not only provide insight into the mechanisms of tumor pathogenesis, but also lead to the development of novel strategies for molecularly targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hai Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, and
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Abstract
Since the discovery of MSP (macrophage-stimulating protein; also known as MST1 and hepatocyte growth factor-like (HGFL)) as the ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase RON (also known as MST1R) in the early 1990s, the roles of this signalling axis in cancer pathogenesis has been extensively studied in various model systems. Both in vitro and in vivo evidence has revealed that MSP-RON signalling is important for the invasive growth of different types of cancers. Currently, small-molecule inhibitors and antibodies blocking RON signalling are under investigation. Substantial responses have been achieved in human tumour xenograft models, laying the foundation for clinical validation. In this Review, we discuss recent advances that demonstrate the importance of MSP-RON signalling in cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Ping Yao
- Viral Oncogenesis Section in State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis & Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P. R. China
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Kim SH, Sehrawat A, Singh SV. Dietary chemopreventative benzyl isothiocyanate inhibits breast cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2013; 6:782-90. [PMID: 23661606 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-13-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A small subset of mammary tumor-initiating cells (also known as breast cancer stem cells; bCSC), characterized by expression of different markers [CD44(high)/CD24(low)/epithelial-specific antigen (ESA)+], aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1) activity, and ability to form mammospheres under ultra-low attachment culture conditions, are suspected to evade conventional therapies leading to disease recurrence. Elimination of both therapy-sensitive epithelial tumor cells and therapy-resistant bCSC is therefore necessary for prevention of breast cancer. We have shown previously that a nontoxic small-molecule constituent of edible cruciferous vegetables (benzyl isothiocyanate; BITC) inhibits mammary cancer development in mouse mammary tumor virus-neu (MMTV-neu) transgenic mice by causing epithelial tumor cell apoptosis. The present study shows efficacy of BITC against bCSC in vitro and in vivo. Mammosphere formation frequency and CD44(high)/CD24(low)/ESA+ and/or ALDH1+ populations in cultured MCF-7 (estrogen receptor-positive) and SUM159 (triple-negative) human breast cancer cells were decreased significantly in the presence of plasma achievable concentrations of BITC. BITC administration in the diet (3 μmol BITC/g diet for 29 weeks) resulted in a marked decrease in bCSCs in the MMTV-neu mice tumors in vivo. Overexpression of full-length Ron as well as its truncated form (sfRon), but not urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, conferred near complete protection against BITC-mediated inhibition of bCSCs in MCF-7 cells. The BITC treatment downregulated protein levels of Ron and sfRon in cultured breast cancer cells and in tumor xenografts. Ron overexpression resulted in upregulation of bCSC-associated genes Oct-4, SOX-2, and Nanog. In conclusion, the present study indicates that BITC treatment eliminates bCSCs in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hyeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Tactacan CM, Chang DK, Cowley MJ, Humphrey ES, Wu J, Gill AJ, Chou A, Nones K, Grimmond SM, Sutherland RL, Biankin AV, Daly RJ. RON is not a prognostic marker for resectable pancreatic cancer. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:395. [PMID: 22958871 PMCID: PMC3532183 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The receptor tyrosine kinase RON exhibits increased expression during pancreatic cancer progression and promotes migration, invasion and gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic cancer cells in experimental models. However, the prognostic significance of RON expression in pancreatic cancer is unknown. Methods RON expression was characterized in several large cohorts, including a prospective study, totaling 492 pancreatic cancer patients and relationships with patient outcome and clinico-pathologic variables were assessed. Results RON expression was associated with outcome in a training set, but this was not recapitulated in the validation set, nor was there any association with therapeutic responsiveness in the validation set or the prospective study. Conclusions Although RON is implicated in pancreatic cancer progression in experimental models, and may constitute a therapeutic target, RON expression is not associated with prognosis or therapeutic responsiveness in resected pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole M Tactacan
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
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