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Pasquale EB. Eph receptors and ephrins in cancer progression. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:5-27. [PMID: 37996538 PMCID: PMC11015936 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence implicating Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands (that together make up the 'Eph system') in cancer development and progression has been accumulating since the discovery of the first Eph receptor approximately 35 years ago. Advances in the past decade and a half have considerably increased the understanding of Eph receptor-ephrin signalling mechanisms in cancer and have uncovered intriguing new roles in cancer progression and drug resistance. This Review focuses mainly on these more recent developments. I provide an update on the different mechanisms of Eph receptor-ephrin-mediated cell-cell communication and cell autonomous signalling, as well as on the interplay of the Eph system with other signalling systems. I further discuss recent advances in elucidating how the Eph system controls tumour expansion, invasiveness and metastasis, supports cancer stem cells, and drives therapy resistance. In addition to functioning within cancer cells, the Eph system also mediates the reciprocal communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment. The involvement of the Eph system in tumour angiogenesis is well established, but recent findings also demonstrate roles in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. Lastly, I discuss strategies under evaluation for therapeutic targeting of Eph receptors-ephrins in cancer and conclude with an outlook on promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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2
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Ullah A, Razzaq A, Zhou C, Ullah N, Shehzadi S, Aziz T, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Iqbal H. Biological Significance of EphB4 Expression in Cancer. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:244-255. [PMID: 37909437 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037269589231017055642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands comprise a vital cell communication system with several functions. In cancer cells, there was evidence of bilateral Eph receptor signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting actions. As a member of the Eph receptor family, EphB4 has been linked to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis, which makes it a viable and desirable target for drug development in therapeutic applications. Many investigations have been conducted over the last decade to elucidate the structure and function of EphB4 in association with its ligand ephrinB2 for its involvement in tumorigenesis. Although several EphB4-targeting drugs have been investigated, and some selective inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical trials. This article addresses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyses its possibility as an anticancer therapeutic target, and summarises knowledge of EphB4 kinase inhibitors. To summarise, EphB4 is a difficult but potential treatment option for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ullah
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anam Razzaq
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chuanzan Zhou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 818 Nelson Ave, 71272, USA
| | - Somia Shehzadi
- University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Westlake University, School of Engineering, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Mohammad Y Alfaifi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haroon Iqbal
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
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Gupta C, Sali AP, Jackovich A, Ma B, Sadeghi S, Quinn D, Gill P, Gill I. EphrinB2: Expression of a novel potential target in renal cell carcinoma. Indian J Urol 2023; 39:223-227. [PMID: 37575160 PMCID: PMC10419785 DOI: 10.4103/iju.iju_92_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is primarily managed by surgery with the use of systemic targeted therapy in a metastatic setting. Newer targeted therapeutic options are evolving; Eph-ephrin is a potential new pathway. The therapeutic potential of targeting the EphB4-EphrinB2 pathway has been demonstrated in many solid tumors; however, its expression in RCC has only been evaluated in a few studies with limited cases. We herein determine the immunohistochemical expression of EphrinB2 in RCC. Methods A tissue microarray comprising 110 cases of different histological subtypes of RCC and 10 normal kidney tissues were stained with monoclonal anti-EphrinB2 antibody (Abcam, AB201512). The tumor and endothelial cells expressing the EphrinB2 were examined and its expression was correlated with sex, histological subtypes, and tumor nodes metastasis (TNM) stage. Results Twenty cases of urothelial carcinoma and two unsatisfactory conventional clear cell RCC cases were excluded, and EphrinB2 expression was interpreted in the remaining 88 tumors. EphrinB2 was expressed in 42 out of 88 tumors (47.7%) and was negative in the normal renal parenchyma. There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of EphrinB2 in males (55%) and females (32%). However, no such difference of expression was noted for the histological subtypes and the stages. Half (51%) of Stage 1 (n = 30) and Stage 2 (n = 11) tumors showed EphrinB2 positivity. Conclusions EphrinB2 is expressed in approximately half of RCC cases. EphrinB2 expression in the early stage cancer might indicate its induction as an early event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhavi Gupta
- Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Karkinos Healthcare Private Limited, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Akash Pramod Sali
- Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Karkinos Healthcare Private Limited, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Alexandra Jackovich
- Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Binyun Ma
- Department of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarmad Sadeghi
- Department of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Quinn
- Department of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Parkash Gill
- Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Inderbir Gill
- Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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4
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Oh ST, Yang KJ, Bae JM, Park HJ, Yoo DS, Park YM. The differential expression of EPHB4 and ephrin B2 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma according to the grade of tumor differentiation: a clinicopathological study. Int J Dermatol 2021; 60:736-741. [PMID: 33598934 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EPHB4 and its ligand, ephrin B2, which are receptor tyrosine kinases of the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (EPH) family, are known to be linked to several human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate their expression patterns in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in association with tumor differentiation and other variable clinical characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemical staining for EPHB4 and ephrin B2 was performed in 32 cases of CSCC with different histologic grades. The clinical characteristics and histologic grades of CSCC were evaluated in association with EPHB4 and ephrin B2 expression patterns. RESULTS EPHB4 and ephrin B2 expression levels were significantly inversely proportional to the grade of differentiation of CSCC (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION These results indicated that EPHB4 and ephrin B2 can be useful markers for poorly differentiated CSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Taek Oh
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keum Jin Yang
- Clinical Research Institute, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | | | - Hyun Jeong Park
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Soo Yoo
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Min Park
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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5
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Scalia P, Giordano A, Martini C, Williams SJ. Isoform- and Paralog-Switching in IR-Signaling: When Diabetes Opens the Gates to Cancer. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121617. [PMID: 33266015 PMCID: PMC7761347 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin receptor (IR) and IR-related signaling defects have been shown to trigger insulin-resistance in insulin-dependent cells and ultimately to give rise to type 2 diabetes in mammalian organisms. IR expression is ubiquitous in mammalian tissues, and its over-expression is also a common finding in cancerous cells. This latter finding has been shown to associate with both a relative and absolute increase in IR isoform-A (IR-A) expression, missing 12 aa in its EC subunit corresponding to exon 11. Since IR-A is a high-affinity transducer of Insulin-like Growth Factor-II (IGF-II) signals, a growth factor is often secreted by cancer cells; such event offers a direct molecular link between IR-A/IR-B increased ratio in insulin resistance states (obesity and type 2 diabetes) and the malignant advantage provided by IGF-II to solid tumors. Nonetheless, recent findings on the biological role of isoforms for cellular signaling components suggest that the preferential expression of IR isoform-A may be part of a wider contextual isoform-expression switch in downstream regulatory factors, potentially enhancing IR-dependent oncogenic effects. The present review focuses on the role of isoform- and paralog-dependent variability in the IR and downstream cellular components playing a potential role in the modulation of the IR-A signaling related to the changes induced by insulin-resistance-linked conditions as well as to their relationship with the benign versus malignant transition in underlying solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Scalia
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA; (A.G.); (C.M.); (S.J.W.)
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Network, Functional Research Unit, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA and 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA; (A.G.); (C.M.); (S.J.W.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 52100 Siena, Italy
| | - Caroline Martini
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA; (A.G.); (C.M.); (S.J.W.)
| | - Stephen J. Williams
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA; (A.G.); (C.M.); (S.J.W.)
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Network, Functional Research Unit, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA and 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
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6
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Wan X, Saban DV, Kim SN, Weng Y, Dammann P, Keyvani K, Sure U, Zhu Y. PDCD10-Deficiency Promotes Malignant Behaviors and Tumor Growth via Triggering EphB4 Kinase Activity in Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1377. [PMID: 32850441 PMCID: PMC7427606 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported an angiogenic and tumor-suppressor-like function of programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) in glioblastoma (GBM). However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that loss of PDCD10 activates GBM cells and tumor progression via EphB4. To this end, PDCD10 was knocked down in U87 and T98g by lentiviral mediated shRNA transduction (shPDCD10). GBM cell phenotype in vitro and tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model were investigated in presence or absence of the treatment with a specific EphB4 kinase inhibitor NVP-BHG712 (NVP). We demonstrated that knockdown of PDCD10 in GBM cells significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of EphB4 accompanied by the activation of Erk1/2. EphB4 kinase activity, reflected by phospho-EphB4, significantly increased in shPDCD10 GBM cells, and in tumors derived from shPDCD10 GBM xenografts, which was abolished by the treatment with NVP. Furthermore, NVP treatment significantly suppressed PDCD10-knockdown mediated aggressive GBM cell phenotype in vitro and extensive tumor cell proliferation, the tumor neo-angiogenesis, and a quick progression of tumor formation in vivo. In summary, loss of PDCD10 activates GBM cells and promotes tumor growth via triggering EphB4. Targeting EphB4 might be an effective strategy particularly for the personalized therapy in GBM patients with PDCD10-deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dino Vitali Saban
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Su Na Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yinlun Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Philipp Dammann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathy Keyvani
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sure
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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7
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Indovina P, Forte IM, Pentimalli F, Giordano A. Targeting SRC Family Kinases in Mesothelioma: Time to Upgrade. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071866. [PMID: 32664483 PMCID: PMC7408838 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a deadly tumor mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, no current treatment is able to change significantly the natural history of the disease, which has a poor prognosis in the majority of patients. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase SRC and other SRC family kinase (SFK) members are frequently hyperactivated in many cancer types, including MM. Several works have indeed suggested that SFKs underlie MM cell proliferation, survival, motility, and invasion, overall affecting multiple oncogenic pathways. Consistently, SFK inhibitors effectively counteracted MM cancerous features at the preclinical level. Dasatinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor targeting SFKs, was also assessed in clinical trials either as second-line treatment for patients with unresectable MM or, more recently, as a neoadjuvant agent in patients with resectable MM. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms implicating SFKs in MM progression and discuss possible strategies for a more successful clinical application of SFK inhibitors. Our aim is to stimulate discussion and further consideration of these agents in better designed preclinical and clinical studies to make the most of another class of powerful antitumoral drugs, which too often are lost in translation when applied to MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Indovina
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Institute for High Performance Computing and Networking, National Research Council of Italy (ICAR-CNR), I-80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.I.); (F.P.)
| | - Iris Maria Forte
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, I-80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, I-80131 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (P.I.); (F.P.)
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, Italy
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Du E, Li X, He S, Li X, He S. The critical role of the interplays of EphrinB2/EphB4 and VEGF in the induction of angiogenesis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4681-4690. [PMID: 32488576 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05470-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The significant role of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) as an angiogenesis inducer is well recognized. Besides VEGF, EphrinB2/EphB4 also plays essential roles in vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis. Compared with classical proangiogenic factors, not only does EphrinB2/EphB4 promote sprouting of new vessels, it is also involved in the vessel maturation. Given their involvement in many physiologic and pathological conditions, EphB4 and EphrinB2 are increasingly recognized as attractive therapeutic targets for angiogenesis-related diseases through modulating their expression and function. Previous works mainly focused on the individual role of VEGF and EphrinB2/EphB4 in angiogenesis, respectively, but the correlation between EphrinB2/EphB4 and VEGF in angiogenesis has not been fully disclosed. Here, we summarize the structure and bidirectional signaling of EphrinB2/EphB4, provide an overview on the relationship between EphrinB2/EphB4 signaling and VEGF pathway in angiogenesis and highlight the associated potential usefulness in anti-angiogenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enming Du
- Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Xue Li
- Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Siyu He
- Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.,Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China.
| | - Shikun He
- Henan Eye Institute, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, Henan, China. .,Departments of Pathology and Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, USC Roski Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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9
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EphrinB2 expression in prostate adenocarcinoma: Implications for targeted therapy. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:152967. [PMID: 32362422 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.152967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is managed by surgery, androgen deprivation and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is emerging as an important pillar in cancer therapeutics, however, efficacy in prostate cancer has been limited. Eph-ephrin is a novel pathway that is upregulated in prostate cancer and promotes the initiation and progression of cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical expression of ephrinB2 in prostate adenocarcinoma. METHODS A tissue microarray comprising of prostate adenocarcinoma of different grade groups was stained with a monoclonal anti-ephrinB2 antibody (Abcam, AB201512). The tumor and endothelial cells expressing the ephrinB2 positivity were noted. The statistical analysis was performed to determine the difference in expression based on grade groups and the TNM stage. RESULTS EphrinB2 was expressed in 40 out of 72 cases (55.5 %) of prostate adenocarcinoma and was predominantly negative in the normal prostatic tissue. There was no significant difference in the expression of ephrinB2 in various grade groups (p = 0.7) or stages (p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS EphrinB2 is expressed in a significant number of prostate adenocarcinoma regardless of grade and stage. Hence, there is a potential to target this molecule in the low-grade tumors with localized disease as well as high grade, high volume tumors with metastatic disease.
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10
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Core Element Cloning, Cis -Element Mapping and Serum Regulation of the Human EphB4 Promoter: A Novel TATA-Less Inr/MTE/DPE -Like Regulated Gene. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10120997. [PMID: 31810288 PMCID: PMC6947382 DOI: 10.3390/genes10120997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The EphB4 gene encodes for a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor involved in embryonic blood vessel differentiation and cancer development. Although EphB4 is known to be regulated at the post-translational level, little is known about its gene regulation. The present study describes the core promoter elements’ identification and cloning, the cis-regulatory elements’ mapping and the serum regulation of the human EphB4 gene promoter region. Using bioinformatic analysis, Sanger sequencing and recombinant DNA technology, we analyzed the EphB4 gene upstream region spanning +40/−1509 from the actual transcription start site (TSS) and proved it to be a TATA-less gene promoter with dispersed regulatory elements characterized by a novel motif-of-ten element (MTE) at positions +18/+28, and a DPE-like motif and a DPE-like-repeated motif (DRM) spanning nt +27/+30 and +32 +35, respectively. We also mapped both proximal (multiple Sp1) and distal (HoxA9) trans-activating/dispersed cis-acting transcription factor (TF)-binding elements on the region we studied and used a transient transfection reporter assay to characterize its regulation by serum and IGF-II using EphB4 promoter deletion constructs with or without the identified new DNA-binding elements. Altogether, these findings shed new light on the human EphB4 promoter structure and regulation, suggesting mechanistic features conserved among Pol-II TATA-less genes phylogenetically shared from Drosophila to Human genomes.
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11
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Identification of a novel EphB4 phosphodegron regulated by the autocrine IGFII/IR A axis in malignant mesothelioma. Oncogene 2019; 38:5987-6001. [PMID: 31270394 PMCID: PMC8075896 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0854-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly disease with limited therapeutic options. EphB4 is an oncogenic tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in malignant mesothelioma as well as in a variety of cancers. It is involved in tumor microenvironment mediating angiogenesis and invasive cellular effects via both EphrinB2 ligand-dependent and independent mechanisms. The molecular network underlying EphB4 oncogenic effects is still unclear. Here we show that EphB4 expression in malignant mesothelioma cells is markedly decreased upon neutralization of cancer-secreted IGF-II. In particular, we demonstrate that EphB4 protein expression in malignant mesothelioma cells depend upon a degradation rescue mechanism controlled by the autocrine IGF-II-insulin receptor-A specific signaling axis. We show that the regulation of EphB4 expression is linked to a competing post-translational modification of its carboxy-terminal tail via phosphorylation of its tyrosine 987 by the Insulin receptor isoform-A kinase-associated activity in response to the autocrine IGF-II stimuli. Neutralization of this autocrine-induced EphB4-phosphorylation by IGF-II associates with the increased ubiquitination of EphB4 carboxy-terminal tail and with its rapid degradation. We also describe a novel Ubiquitin binding motif in the targeted region as part of the identified EphB4 phosphodegron and provide 3D modeling data supporting a possible model for the acute EphB4 PTM-driven regulation by IGF-II. Altogether, these findings disclose a novel molecular mechanism for the maintenance of EphB4-expression in malignant mesothelioma cells and other IGF-II-secreting cancers (IGF2omas).
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12
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Garrido-Laguna I, Krop I, Burris HA, Hamilton E, Braiteh F, Weise AM, Abu-Khalaf M, Werner TL, Pirie-Shepherd S, Zopf CJ, Lakshminarayanan M, Holland JS, Baffa R, Hong DS. First-in-human, phase I study of PF-06647263, an anti-EFNA4 calicheamicin antibody-drug conjugate, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:1798-1808. [PMID: 30680712 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PF-06647263, a novel antibody-drug conjugate consisting of an anti-EFNA4 antibody linked to a calicheamicin payload, has shown potent antitumor activity in human xenograft tumor models, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In the dose-escalation part 1 of this multicenter, open-label, phase I study (NCT02078752), successive cohorts of patients (n, 48) with advanced solid tumors and no available standard therapy received PF-06647263 every 3 weeks (Q3W) or every week (QW), following a modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI) method (initial dosing: 0.015 mg/kg Q3W). Primary objective in part 1 was to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and select the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). In part 2 (dose-expansion cohort), 12 patients with pretreated, metastatic TNBC received PF-06647263 at the RP2D to further evaluate tumor response and overall safety. PF-06647263 QW administration (n, 23) was better tolerated than the Q3W regimen (n, 25) with only 1 DLT reported (thrombocytopenia). The most common AEs with the QW regimen (fatigue, nausea, vomiting, mucosal inflammation, thrombocytopenia, and diarrhea) were mostly mild to moderate in severity. The MTD was not estimated. PF-06647263 exposures increased in a dose-related manner across the doses evaluated. The RP2D was determined to be 0.015 mg/kg QW. Six (10%) patients achieved a confirmed partial response and 22 (36.7%) patients had stable disease. No correlations were observed between tumor responses and EFNA4 expression levels. Study findings showed manageable safety and favorable PK for PF-06647263 administered QW at the RP2D, with preliminary evidence of limited antitumor activity in patients with TNBC and ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Garrido-Laguna
- Department of Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Ian Krop
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Center/Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Howard A Burris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN
| | - Erika Hamilton
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN
| | - Fadi Braiteh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada and University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV
| | - Amy M Weise
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
| | - Maysa Abu-Khalaf
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Theresa L Werner
- Department of Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David S Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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13
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Salgia R, Kulkarni P, Gill PS. EphB4: A promising target for upper aerodigestive malignancies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1869:128-137. [PMID: 29369779 PMCID: PMC5955724 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that include two major subclasses, EphA and EphB. They form an important cell communication system with critical and diverse roles in a variety of biological processes during embryonic development. However, dysregulation of the Eph/ephrin interactions is implicated in cancer contributing to tumour growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Here, we focus on EphB4 and review recent developments in elucidating its role in upper aerodigestive malignancies to include lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and mesothelioma. In particular, we summarize information regarding EphB4 structure/function and role in disease pathobiology. We also review the data supporting EphB4 as a potential pharmacological and immunotherapy target and finally, progress in the development of new therapeutic strategies including small molecule inhibitors of its activity is discussed. The emerging picture suggests that EphB4 is a valuable and attractive therapeutic target for upper aerodigestive malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Mesothelioma/drug therapy
- Mesothelioma/genetics
- Mesothelioma/metabolism
- Mesothelioma/pathology
- Mesothelioma, Malignant
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Receptor, EphB4/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, EphB4/genetics
- Receptor, EphB4/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, United States.
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Prakash S Gill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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14
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Targeted therapies in hematological malignancies using therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against Eph family receptors. Exp Hematol 2017; 54:31-39. [PMID: 28751189 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and molecules derived from them has achieved considerable attention and success in recent years, establishing this mode of therapy as an important therapeutic strategy in many cancers, in particular hematological tumors. mAbs recognize cell surface antigens expressed on target cells and mediate their function through various mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity, or immune system modulation. The efficacy of mAb therapy can be improved when they are conjugated to a highly potent payloads, including cytotoxic drugs and radiolabeled isotopes. The Eph family of proteins has received considerable attention in recent years as therapeutic targets for treatment of both solid and hematological cancers. High expression of Eph receptors on cancer cells compared with low expression levels in normal adult tissues makes them an attractive candidate for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we detail the modes of action of antibody-based therapies with a focus on the Eph family of proteins as potential targets for therapy in hematological malignancies.
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15
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Oweida A, Bhatia S, Hirsch K, Calame D, Griego A, Keysar S, Pitts T, Sharma J, Eckhardt G, Jimeno A, Wang XJ, Parkash G, Califano J, Karam SD. Ephrin-B2 overexpression predicts for poor prognosis and response to therapy in solid tumors. Mol Carcinog 2016; 56:1189-1196. [PMID: 27649287 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ephrin B2 is variably expressed on tumor cells and its blockade has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in animal models of pancreatic, colorectal, lung and head, and neck squamous cell carcinomas. However, the implications of ephrinB2 expression in cancer patients have remained elusive. In this study, we analyzed the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) for ephrinB2 expression. We report significant correlations between EFNB2 expression, overall survival and disease-free survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC, n = 519), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 186), and bladder urothelial carcinoma (n = 410). In HNSCC patients, high-EFNB2 mRNA expression was associated with tumor HPV negativity, oral cavity location, alcohol intake, higher TP53 mutation, and EGFR amplification. EphrinB2 overexpression also correlated with worse response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The therapeutic potential of blocking ephrinB2 was validated in HNSCC patient-derived tumor xenografts and showed significant improvement in survival and tumor growth delay. Our data shows that ephrinB2 overexpression can serve as a critical biomarker for patient prognosis and response to therapy. These results should guide design of future clinical trials exploring EphrinB2 inhibition in cancer patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Oweida
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Shilpa Bhatia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Kellen Hirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Dylan Calame
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Anastacia Griego
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Steve Keysar
- Department of Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Todd Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Jaspreet Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Gail Eckhardt
- Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Department of Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
| | - Xiao Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Gill Parkash
- Vasgene Therapeutics, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Southern California
| | - Joseph Califano
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Southern California, San Diego, Southern California
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
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16
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EphB4 promotes the proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis of human colorectal cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2016; 100:402-8. [PMID: 27072105 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eph/Ephrin signalling plays an important role in tumorigenesis, neovascularization, and vasculogenesis. However, studies concerning the role of EphB4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) show inconsistent results, and the function of EphB4 in the formation of CRC-related blood vessels is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the EphB4 expression in CRC and the role of EphB4 in tumour angiogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS EphB4 and EphrinB2 expressions were detected in 200 CRC samples and 50 paired colorectal mucosae by immunohistochemistry. Xenograft animal models were established by stable knockdown and stable overexpression of EphB4, and control cell lines were used to investigate the role of EphB4 in CRC. Microvessels were stained with anti-CD34, and microvessel density (MVD) was assessed. RESULTS EphB4 protein was more highly expressed in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal mucosae (P<0.05), while EphrinB2 levels were unchanged. Modulation of EphB4 levels in colon cancer cell line SW480 resulted in significant effects on tumour growth and invasion in vivo, with stable overexpression of EphB4 associated with faster growth and invasion. Furthermore, microvessel density values in xenograft tumours were significantly correlated with EphB4 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EphB4 acts as a tumour promoter associated with proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis, and may be used as a potential CRC therapeutic target.
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17
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Liersch-Löhn B, Slavova N, Buhr HJ, Bennani-Baiti IM. Differential protein expression and oncogenic gene network link tyrosine kinase ephrin B4 receptor to aggressive gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. Int J Cancer 2015; 138:1220-31. [PMID: 26414866 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transmembrane tyrosine-kinase Ephrin receptors promote tumor progression and/or metastasis of several malignancies including leukemia, follicular lymphoma, glioma, malignant pleural mesothelioma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, sarcomas and ovarian, breast, bladder and non-small cell lung cancers. They also drive intestinal stem cell proliferation and positioning, control intestinal tissue boundaries and are involved in liver, pancreatic and colorectal cancers, indicating involvement in additional digestive system malignancies. We investigated the role of Ephrin-B4 receptor (EPHB4), and its ligand EFNB2, in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers in patient cohorts through computational, mathematical, molecular and immunohistochemical analyses. We show that EPHB4 is upregulated in preneoplastic gastroesophageal lesions and its expression further increased in gastroesophageal cancers in several independent cohorts. The closely related EPHB6 receptor, which also binds EFNB2, was downregulated in all tested cohorts, consistent with its tumor-suppressive properties in other cancers. EFNB2 expression is induced in esophageal cells by acidity, suggesting that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may constitute an early triggering event in activating EFNB2-EPHB4 signaling. Association of EPHB4 to both Barrett's esophagus and to advanced tumor stages, and its overexpression at the tumor invasion front and vascular endothelial cells intimate the notion that EPHB4 may be associated with multiple steps of gastroesophageal tumorigenesis. Analysis of oncogenomic signatures uncovered the first EPHB4-associated gene network (false discovery rate: 7 × 10(-90) ) composed of a five-transcription factor interconnected gene network that drives proliferation, angiogenesis and invasiveness. The EPHB4 oncogenomic network provides a molecular basis for its role in tumor progression and points to EPHB4 as a potential tumor aggressiveness biomarker and drug target in gastroesophageal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Liersch-Löhn
- Department of Surgery, Sana Klinikum Lichtenberg Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadia Slavova
- Department of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinz J Buhr
- Department of General, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.,German Society for General and Visceral Surgery, Haus Der Bundespressekonferenz, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Dimasi N, Fleming R, Hay C, Woods R, Xu L, Wu H, Gao C. Development of a Trispecific Antibody Designed to Simultaneously and Efficiently Target Three Different Antigens on Tumor Cells. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:3490-501. [PMID: 26176328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Targeting Eph (erythropoietin producing hepatoma) receptors with monoclonal antibodies is being explored as therapy for several types of cancer. To test whether simultaneous targeting of EphA2, EphA4, and EphB4 would be an effective approach to cancer therapy, we generated a recombinant trispecific antibody using the variable domain genes of anti-EphA2, anti-EphA4, and anti-EphB4 monoclonal antibodies. A multidisciplinary approach combining biochemical, biophysical, and cellular-based assays was used to characterize the trispecific antibody in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrate that the trispecific antibody is expressed at high levels by mammalian cells, monodispersed in solution, thermostable, capable of simultaneously binding the three receptors, and able to activate the three targets effectively as evidenced by receptor internalization and degradation both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic analysis using tumor-bearing nude mice showed that the trispecific antibody remains in the circulation similarly to its respective parental antibodies. These results indicate that simultaneous blockade of EphA2, EphA4, and EphB4 could be an attractive approach to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazzareno Dimasi
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Ryan Fleming
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Carl Hay
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Rob Woods
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Linda Xu
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Herren Wu
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Changshou Gao
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
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19
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Targeting the glucose-regulated protein-78 abrogates Pten-null driven AKT activation and endometrioid tumorigenesis. Oncogene 2015; 34:5418-26. [PMID: 25684138 PMCID: PMC4537850 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Rates of the most common gynecologic cancer, endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC), continue to rise, mirroring the global epidemic of obesity, a well-known EAC risk factor. Thus, identifying novel molecular targets to prevent and/or mitigate EAC is imperative. The prevalent Type 1 EAC commonly harbors loss of the tumor suppressor, Pten, leading to AKT activation. The major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, GRP78, is a potent pro-survival protein to maintain ER homeostasis, and as a cell surface protein, is known to regulate the PI3K/AKT pathway. To determine whether targeting GRP78 could suppress EAC development, we created a conditional knockout mouse model utilizing progesterone receptor (PR)-Cre-recombinase to achieve Pten and Grp78 (cPtenf/fGrp78f/f) deletion in the endometrial epithelium. Mice with a single Pten (cPtenf/f) deletion developed well-differentiated EAC by 4 weeks. In contrast, no cPtenf/fGrp78f/f mice developed EAC, even after more than 8 months of observation. Histologic examination of uteri from cPtenf/fGrp78f/f mice also revealed no complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH), a well-established EAC precursor. These histologic observations among the cPtenf/fGrp78f/f murine uteri also corresponded to abrogation of AKT activation within the endometrium. We further observed that GRP78 co-localized with activated AKT on the surface of EAC thus providing an opportunity for therapeutic targeting. Consistent with previous findings that cell surface GRP78 is an upstream regulator of PI3K/AKT signaling, we show here that in vivo short-term systemic treatment with a highly specific monoclonal antibody against GRP78 suppressed AKT activation and increased apoptosis in the cPtenf/f tumors. Collectively, these findings present GRP78-targeting therapy as an efficacious therapeutic option for EAC.
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20
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Tsai YL, Zhang Y, Tseng CC, Stanciauskas R, Pinaud F, Lee AS. Characterization and mechanism of stress-induced translocation of 78-kilodalton glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) to the cell surface. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:8049-64. [PMID: 25673690 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.618736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose-regulated protein (GRP78)/BiP, a major chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum, is recently discovered to be preferably expressed on the surface of stressed cancer cells, where it regulates critical oncogenic signaling pathways and is emerging as a target for anti-cancer therapy while sparing normal organs. However, because GRP78 does not contain classical transmembrane domains, its mechanism of transport and its anchoring at the cell surface are poorly understood. Using a combination of biochemical, mutational, FACS, and single molecule super-resolution imaging approaches, we discovered that GRP78 majorly exists as a peripheral protein on plasma membrane via interaction with other cell surface proteins including glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins. Moreover, cell surface GRP78 expression requires its substrate binding activity but is independent of ATP binding or a membrane insertion motif conserved with HSP70. Unexpectedly, different cancer cell lines rely on different mechanisms for GRP78 cell surface translocation, implying that the process is cell context-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Li Tsai
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California 90089-9176 and
| | - Yi Zhang
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California 90089-9176 and
| | - Chun-Chih Tseng
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California 90089-9176 and
| | | | - Fabien Pinaud
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089
| | - Amy S Lee
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California 90089-9176 and
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21
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Ferguson BD, Tretiakova MS, Lingen MW, Gill PS, Salgia R. Expression of the EPHB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in head and neck and renal malignancies--implications for solid tumors and potential for therapeutic inhibition. Growth Factors 2014; 32:202-6. [PMID: 25391996 PMCID: PMC4278660 DOI: 10.3109/08977194.2014.980904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Solid malignancies are often characterized by overexpression of various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) against which many targeted therapies are currently in use and in active development. EPHB4 has recently emerged as a frequently overexpressed RTK in many types of cancer. Here, we demonstrate expression patterns of EPHB4 in two solid malignancies: squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), by immunohistochemical analysis. We demonstrate the first association between EPHB4 expression and progression of HNSCC from normal tissue to dysplasia and to cancer. Interestingly, most RCC subtypes exhibited expression patterns that were opposite from that found in HNSCC, possibly owing to their unique biology and high degree of organ and tumor vasculature. Taken together, these results suggest a possible role for EPHB4 as a therapeutic target in these malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Ferguson
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Maria S. Tretiakova
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mark W. Lingen
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Parkash S. Gill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Corresponding author: , + 1 773-702-4399
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22
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Mikami K, Nagaya H, Gotoh A, Kanno T, Tsuchiya A, Nakano T, Nishizaki T. Naftopidil is useful for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pharmacology 2014; 94:163-9. [PMID: 25301502 DOI: 10.1159/000368050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Naftopidil, an α1-adrenoceptor blocker, induced apoptosis of human malignant pleural mesothelioma NCI-H2052 cells. Naftopidil upregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA in these cells. Naftopidil, alternatively, increased FasL secretion from NCI-H2052 cells, without affecting the expression of FasL mRNA and protein, and activated caspase-3 and -8 in NCI-H2052 cells. Naftopidil drastically suppressed tumor growth in mice inoculated with these cells. The results of the present study indicate that naftopidil induces apoptosis of NCI-H2052 cells by upregulating the expression of TNF-α and stimulating the secretion of FasL, a ligand for the death receptor Fas, both to activate caspase-8 and the effector caspase-3, leading to the suppression of NCI-H2052 cell proliferation in vivo. This raises the possibility that naftopidil could be developed as an effective drug for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Mikami
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
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23
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Kanteti R, Dhanasingh I, Kawada I, Lennon FE, Arif Q, Bueno R, Hasina R, Husain AN, Vigneswaran W, Seiwert T, Kindler HL, Salgia R. MET and PI3K/mTOR as a potential combinatorial therapeutic target in malignant pleural mesothelioma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105919. [PMID: 25221930 PMCID: PMC4164360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Studies have shown that both MET and its key downstream intracellular signaling partners, PI3K and mTOR, are overexpressed in MPM. Here we determined the combinatorial therapeutic efficacy of a new generation small molecule inhibitor of MET, ARQ 197, and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors NVP-BEZ235 and GDC-0980 in mesothelioma cell and mouse xenograft models. Cell viability results show that mesothelioma cell lines were sensitive to ARQ 197, NVP-BEZ235 and GDC-0980 inhibitors. The combined use of ARQ 197 with either NVP-BEZ235 or GDC-0980, was synergistic (CI<1). Significant delay in wound healing was observed with ARQ 197 (p<0.001) with no added advantage of combining it with either NVP-BEZ235 or GDC-0980. ARQ 197 alone mainly induced apoptosis (20±2.36%) that was preceded by suppression of MAPK activity, while all the three suppressed cell cycle progression. Both GDC-0980 and NVP-BEZ235 strongly inhibited activities of PI3K and mTOR as evidenced from the phosphorylation status of AKT and S6 kinase. The above observation was further substantiated by the finding that a majority of the MPM archival samples tested revealed highly active AKT. While the single use of ARQ 197 and GDC-0980 inhibited significantly the growth of MPM xenografts (p<0.05, p<0.001 respectively) in mice, the combination of the above two drugs was highly synergistic (p<0.001). Our results suggest that the combined use of ARQ 197/NVP-BEZ235 and ARQ 197/GDC-0980 is far more effective than the use of the drugs singly in suppressing MPM tumor growth and motility and therefore merit further translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Kanteti
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Immanuel Dhanasingh
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ichiro Kawada
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Frances E. Lennon
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Qudsia Arif
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Raphael Bueno
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rifat Hasina
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Aliya N. Husain
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Wickii Vigneswaran
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tanguy Seiwert
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Hedy L. Kindler
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Thompson JK, Westbom CM, Shukla A. Malignant mesothelioma: development to therapy. J Cell Biochem 2014; 115:1-7. [PMID: 23959774 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer of the mesothelium caused by asbestos. Asbestos use has been reduced but not completely stopped. In addition, natural or man-made disasters will continue to dislodge asbestos from old buildings into the atmosphere and as long as respirable asbestos is available, MM will continue to be a threat. Due to the long latency period of MM development, it would still take decades to eradicate this disease if asbestos was completely removed from our lives today. Therefore, there is a need for researchers and clinicians to work together to understand this deadly disease and find a solution for early diagnosis and treatment. This article focuses on developmental mechanisms as well as current therapies available for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce K Thompson
- Pathology Department, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont
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25
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Li X, Choi WW, Yan R, Yu H, Krasnoperov V, Kumar SR, Schuckman A, Klumpp DJ, Pan CX, Quinn D, Gill IS, Gill PS, Liu R. The differential expression of EphB2 and EphB4 receptor kinases in normal bladder and in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105326. [PMID: 25148033 PMCID: PMC4141800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder requires early diagnosis. Identifying novel molecular markers in TCC would guide the development of diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Ephrins mediate signals via tyrosine kinase activity that modulates diverse physiologic and developmental processes, and ephrins are increasingly implicated in carcinogenesis. The aim of our study was to examine the differential regulation of EphB4 and EphB2 in normal bladder and in TCC of the bladder in 40 patients undergoing radical cystectomy for curative intent. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed that normal urothelium expresses EphB2 (20 of 24 cases, 83% of the time) not EphB4 (0 of 24 cases, 0%). In sharp contrast, TCC specimens show loss of EphB2 expression (0 of 34 cases, 0%) and gain of EphB4 expression (32 of 34, 94%). Furthermore, EphB4 signal strength statistically correlated with higher tumor stage, and trended toward the presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS). These results are confirmed by analysis of normal urothelial and tumor cell lines. EphB2 is not a survival factor in normal urothelium, while EphB4 is a survival factor in TCC. Treatment of bladder tumor xenograft with an EphB4 inhibitor sEphB4-HSA leads to 62% tumor regression and complete remission when combined with Bevacizumab. Furthermore, tissue analysis revealed that sEphB4-HSA led to increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and reduced vessel density, implicating direct tumor cell targeting as well as anti-angiogenesis effect. In summary loss of EphB2 and gain of EphB4 expression represents an inflection point in the development, growth and possibly progression of TCC. Therapeutic compounds targeting EphB4 have potential for diagnosing and treating TCC.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Bevacizumab
- Carcinoma in Situ/genetics
- Carcinoma in Situ/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Survival/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Male
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Receptor, EphB2/genetics
- Receptor, EphB2/metabolism
- Receptor, EphB4/genetics
- Receptor, EphB4/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Urinary Bladder/metabolism
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/metabolism
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology
- Urothelium/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqing Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Wesley W. Choi
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Rui Yan
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Central South University National Hepatobiliary & Enteric Surgery Research Center, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Valery Krasnoperov
- VasGene Therapeutics Incorporated, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - S. Ram Kumar
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Anne Schuckman
- Department of Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David J. Klumpp
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California at Davis Comprehensive Cancer, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - David Quinn
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Inderbir S. Gill
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Parkash S. Gill
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RL); (PSG)
| | - Ren Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RL); (PSG)
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