1
|
Herzog M, Verdenik I, Kobal B, Černe K. Higher EpCAM-Positive Extracellular Vesicle Concentration in Ascites Is Associated with Shorter Progression-Free Survival of Patients with Advanced High-Grade Serous Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6780. [PMID: 38928484 PMCID: PMC11204144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Platinum-resistant high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is an incurable disease, so biomarkers that could help with timely treatment adjustments and personalized approach are extensively being sought. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can be isolated from ascites and blood of HGSC patients are such promising biomarkers. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression is upregulated in most epithelium-derived tumors; however, studies on prognostic value of EpCAM overexpression in ovarian carcinoma have shown contradictory results. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential of total and EpCAM-positive EVs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers for advanced HGSC. Flow cytometry was used to determine the concentration of total and EpCAM-positive EVs in paired pretreatment ascites and plasma samples of 37 patients with advanced HGSC who underwent different first-line therapy. We found that higher EpCAM-positive EVs concentration in ascites is associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) regardless of treatment strategy. We also found a strong correlation of EpCAM-positive EVs concentration between ascites and plasma. Our findings indicate that EpCAM-positive EVs in ascites of patients with advanced HGSC have the potential to serve as prognostic biomarkers for predicting early recurrence and thereby likelihood of more aggressive tumor biology and development of chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maruša Herzog
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.H.); (I.V.); (B.K.)
| | - Ivan Verdenik
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.H.); (I.V.); (B.K.)
| | - Borut Kobal
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.H.); (I.V.); (B.K.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Černe
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen CW, Zeng XY, Cheng CC, Wang CF, Chen JK. LSPR Sensing of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecules through Sphere and Cavity Plasmons of a Composite Ring Array of Poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]/Gold Nanoparticles. Anal Chem 2022; 94:17779-17786. [PMID: 36519823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Self-organization facilitates the formation of specific structures as a result of constituent interactions. In this study, the bottom of a 600 nm hole array photoresist template, which was deposited with a hydrophobic atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator, was wetted by treatment with oxygen plasma. After the removal of the photoresist template, ring patterns of the ATRP initiator were formed at the interface between the hydrophobic and wetting regions. Poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) was grafted from the ring array of the initiator to immobilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a uniform ring array on a silicon substrate via repeated swelling/shrinking cycles. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak of the PDMAEMA-AuNP hybrid ring (PAHR) red-shifted after 12 swelling/shrinking cycles. In comparison to gold nanoparticles, scalable gold nanorings can effectively develop a variety of nanostructures to design LSPR-based sensors and optimize the sensing accuracy and stability. To detect epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAM) during the structural change from a ring to a disk, antiEpCAM was anchored onto the PAHR as a biosensor during swelling/shrinking. The coupling of antiEpCAM and EpCAM led to asymptotical convergence from rings to disks as well as blue shifts of the LSPR peaks. Linear correlation between the blue shift and EpCAM concentration showed a limit of detection of ∼27 pg mL-1 and a linear range of 25-200 pg mL-1 for the detection of EpCAM within 30 min. The simple method of combining lithography and plasma technology provides a versatile platform for developing the scalable ring structure of AuNPs for highly sensitive and selective biosensing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan710, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Occupational Safety and Health/Institute of Industrial Safety and Disaster Prevention, College of Sustainable Environment, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan717, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Materials and Science Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, 43, Section 4, Keelung Road, Taipei106, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Xiang-Yun Zeng
- Department of Materials and Science Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, 43, Section 4, Keelung Road, Taipei106, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Chia Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Advanced Membrane Materials Research Center, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei106, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Feng Wang
- Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Advanced Membrane Materials Research Center, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei106, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jem-Kun Chen
- Department of Materials and Science Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, 43, Section 4, Keelung Road, Taipei106, Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A Defucosylated Anti-EpCAM Monoclonal Antibody (EpMab-37-mG 2a-f) Exerts Antitumor Activity in Xenograft Model. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11040074. [PMID: 36546899 PMCID: PMC9774109 DOI: 10.3390/antib11040074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a stem cell and carcinoma antigen, which mediates cellular adhesion and proliferative signaling by the proteolytic cleavage. In contrast to low expression in normal epithelium, EpCAM is frequently overexpressed in various carcinomas, which correlates with poor prognosis. Therefore, EpCAM has been considered as a promising target for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Using the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method, we previously established an anti-EpCAM monoclonal antibody (EpMab-37; mouse IgG1, kappa). In this study, we investigated the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and an antitumor activity by a defucosylated mouse IgG2a-type of EpMab-37 (EpMab-37-mG2a-f) against a breast cancer cell line (BT-474) and a pancreatic cancer cell line (Capan-2), both of which express EpCAM. EpMab-37-mG2a-f recognized BT-474 and Capan-2 cells with a moderate binding-affinity [apparent dissociation constant (KD): 2.9 × 10-8 M and 1.8 × 10-8 M, respectively] by flow cytometry. EpMab-37-mG2a-f exhibited ADCC and CDC for both cells by murine splenocytes and complements, respectively. Furthermore, administration of EpMab-37-mG2a-f significantly suppressed the xenograft tumor development compared with the control mouse IgG. These results indicated that EpMab-37-mG2a-f exerts antitumor activities and could provide valuable therapeutic regimen for breast and pancreatic cancers.
Collapse
|
4
|
Development of a Novel Anti-EpCAM Monoclonal Antibody for Various Applications. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11020041. [PMID: 35735360 PMCID: PMC9220218 DOI: 10.3390/antib11020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a cell surface glycoprotein, which is widely expressed on normal and cancer cells. EpCAM is involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, survival, stemness, and tumorigenesis. Therefore, EpCAM is thought to be a promising target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this study, we established anti-EpCAM monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method. We characterized them using flow cytometry, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. One of the established recombinant anti-EpCAM mAbs, recEpMab-37 (mouse IgG1, kappa), reacted with EpCAM-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells (CHO/EpCAM) or a colorectal carcinoma cell line (Caco-2). In contrast, recEpMab-37 did not react with EpCAM-knocked out Caco-2 cells. The KD of recEpMab-37 for CHO/EpCAM and Caco-2 was 2.0 × 10−8 M and 3.2 × 10−8 M, respectively. We observed that EpCAM amino acids between 144 to 164 are involved in recEpMab-37 binding. In Western blot analysis, recEpMab-37 detected the EpCAM of CHO/EpCAM and Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, recEpMab-37 could stain formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded colorectal carcinoma tissues by immunohistochemistry. Taken together, recEpMab-37, established by the CBIS method, is useful for detecting EpCAM in various applications.
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen J, Zhuang X, Zheng J, Yang R, Wu F, Zhang A, Fang B. Aptamer-based cell-free detection system to detect target protein. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2021; 6:209-215. [PMID: 34466691 PMCID: PMC8374636 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers of disease, especially protein, show great potential for diagnosis and prognosis. For detecting a certain protein, a binding assay implementing antibodies is commonly performed. However, antibodies are not thermally stable and may cause false-positive when the sample composition is complicated. In recent years, a functional nucleic acid named aptamer has been used in many biochemical analysis cases, which is commonly selected from random sequence libraries by using the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) techniques. Compared to antibodies, the aptamer is more thermal stable, easier to be modified, conjugated, and amplified. Herein, an Aptamer-Based Cell-free Detection (ABCD) system was proposed to detect target protein, using epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as an example. We combined the robustness of aptamer in binding specificity with the signal amplification ability of CRISPR-Cas12a′s trans-cleavage activity in the ABCD system. We also demonstrated that the ABCD system could work well to detect target protein in a relatively low limit of detection (50–100 nM), which lay a foundation for the development of portable detection devices. This work highlights the superiority of the ABCD system in detecting target protein with low abundance and offers new enlightenment for future design and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Chen
- XMU-China Team, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhuang
- XMU-China Team, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Jiyang Zheng
- XMU-China Team, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Ruofan Yang
- XMU-China Team, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Fei Wu
- XMU-China Team, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Aihui Zhang
- XMU-China Team, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,The Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| | - Baishan Fang
- XMU-China Team, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China.,The Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Key Lab for Synthetic Biotechnology of Xiamen City, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Functional Implications of the Dynamic Regulation of EpCAM during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070956. [PMID: 34209658 PMCID: PMC8301972 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial tissues. EpCAM forms intercellular, homophilic adhesions, modulates epithelial junctional protein complex formation, and promotes epithelial tissue homeostasis. EpCAM is a target of molecular therapies and plays a prominent role in tumor biology. In this review, we focus on the dynamic regulation of EpCAM expression during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the functional implications of EpCAM expression on the regulation of EMT. EpCAM is frequently and highly expressed in epithelial cancers, while silenced in mesenchymal cancers. During EMT, EpCAM expression is downregulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and EMT transcription factors, as well as by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The functional impact of EpCAM expression on tumor biology is frequently dependent on the cancer type and predominant oncogenic signaling pathways, suggesting that the role of EpCAM in tumor biology and EMT is multifunctional. Membrane EpCAM is cleaved in cancers and its intracellular domain (EpICD) is transported into the nucleus and binds β-catenin, FHL2, and LEF1. This stimulates gene transcription that promotes growth, cancer stem cell properties, and EMT. EpCAM is also regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the EpCAM ectoderm (EpEX) is an EGFR ligand that affects EMT. EpCAM is expressed on circulating tumor and cancer stem cells undergoing EMT and modulates metastases and cancer treatment responses. Future research exploring EpCAM’s role in EMT may reveal additional therapeutic opportunities.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sankpal NV, Brown TC, Fleming TP, Herndon JM, Amaravati AA, Loynd AN, Gillanders WE. Cancer-associated mutations reveal a novel role for EpCAM as an inhibitor of cathepsin-L and tumor cell invasion. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:541. [PMID: 33980181 PMCID: PMC8114703 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background EpCAM (Epithelial cell adhesion molecule) is often dysregulated in epithelial cancers. Prior studies implicate EpCAM in the regulation of oncogenic signaling pathways and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. It was recently demonstrated that EpCAM contains a thyroglobulin type-1 (TY-1) domain. Multiple proteins with TY-1 domains are known to inhibit cathepsin-L (CTSL), a cysteine protease that promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Analysis of human cancer sequencing studies reveals that somatic EpCAM mutations are present in up to 5.1% of tested tumors. Methods The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database was queried to tabulate the position and amino acid changes of cancer associated EpCAM mutations. To determine how EpCAM mutations affect cancer biology we studied C66Y, a damaging TY-1 domain mutation identified in liver cancer, as well as 13 other cancer-associated EpCAM mutations. In vitro and in vivo models were used to determine the effect of wild type (WT) and mutant EpCAM on CTSL activity and invasion. Immunoprecipitation and localization studies tested EpCAM and CTSL protein binding and determined compartmental expression patterns of EpCAM mutants. Results We demonstrate that WT EpCAM, but not C66Y EpCAM, inhibits CTSL activity in vitro, and the TY-1 domain of EpCAM is responsible for this inhibition. WT EpCAM, but not C66Y EpCAM, inhibits tumor cell invasion in vitro and lung metastases in vivo. In an extended panel of human cancer cell lines, EpCAM expression is inversely correlated with CTSL activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that EpCAM germline mutations can prevent EpCAM from being expressed at the cell surface. We demonstrate that C66Y and multiple other EpCAM cancer-associated mutations prevent surface expression of EpCAM. Cancer-associated mutations that prevent EpCAM cell surface expression abrogate the ability of EpCAM to inhibit CTSL activity and tumor cell invasion. Conclusions These studies reveal a novel role for EpCAM as a CTSL inhibitor, confirm the functional relevance of multiple cancer-associated EpCAM mutations, and suggest a therapeutic vulnerability in cancers harboring EpCAM mutations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08239-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Narendra V Sankpal
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Taylor C Brown
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Timothy P Fleming
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 124 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, 85013, AZ, USA
| | - John M Herndon
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Anusha A Amaravati
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Allison N Loynd
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - William E Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA. .,Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Choi JW, Yoon J, Lim J, Shin M, Lee SN. Graphene/MoS 2 Nanohybrid for Biosensors. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 14:518. [PMID: 33494525 PMCID: PMC7865552 DOI: 10.3390/ma14030518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Graphene has been studied a lot in different scientific fields because of its unique properties, including its superior conductivity, plasmonic property, and biocompatibility. More recently, transition metal dicharcogenide (TMD) nanomaterials, beyond graphene, have been widely researched due to their exceptional properties. Among the various TMD nanomaterials, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has attracted attention in biological fields due to its excellent biocompatibility and simple steps for synthesis. Accordingly, graphene and MoS2 have been widely studied to be applied in the development of biosensors. Moreover, nanohybrid materials developed by hybridization of graphene and MoS2 have a huge potential for developing various types of outstanding biosensors, like electrochemical-, optical-, or surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based biosensors. In this review, we will focus on materials such as graphene and MoS2. Next, their application will be discussed with regard to the development of highly sensitive biosensors based on graphene, MoS2, and nanohybrid materials composed of graphene and MoS2. In conclusion, this review will provide interdisciplinary knowledge about graphene/MoS2 nanohybrids to be applied to the biomedical field, particularly biosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Woo Choi
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Jinho Yoon
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joungpyo Lim
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Minkyu Shin
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Sogang University, 35 Baekbeom-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| | - Sang-Nam Lee
- Uniance Gene Inc., 1107 Teilhard Hall, 35 Baekbeom-Ro, Mapo-Gu, Seoul 04107, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ajani JA, Xu Y, Huo L, Wang R, Li Y, Wang Y, Pizzi MP, Scott AW, Harada K, Ma L, Yao X, Jin J, Zhao W, Dong X, Badgwell BD, Shanbhag ND, Tatlonghari G, Estrella JS, Roy Chowdhuri S, Kobayashi M, Vykouka JV, Hanash S, Calin GA, Peng G, Lee JS, Johnson RL, Wang Z, Wang L, Song S. YAP1 mediates gastric adenocarcinoma peritoneal metastases that are attenuated by YAP1 inhibition. Gut 2021; 70:55-66. [PMID: 32345613 PMCID: PMC9832914 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC; malignant ascites or implants) occurs in approximately 45% of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) patients and associated with a poor survival. The molecular events leading to PC are unknown. The yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) oncogene has emerged in many tumour types, but its clinical significance in PC is unclear. Here, we investigated the role of YAP1 in PC and its potential as a therapeutic target. METHODS Patient-derived PC cells, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and patient-derived orthotopic (PDO) models were used to study the function of YAP1 in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and single-cell RNA-Seq (sc-RNA-Seq) were used to elucidate the expression of YAP1 and PC cell heterogeneity. LentiCRISPR/Cas9 knockout of YAP1 and a YAP1 inhibitor were used to dissect its role in PC metastases. RESULTS YAP1 was highly upregulated in PC tumour cells, conferred cancer stem cell (CSC) properties and appeared to be a metastatic driver. Dual staining of YAP1/EpCAM and sc-RNA-Seq revealed that PC tumour cells were highly heterogeneous, YAP1high PC cells had CSC-like properties and easily formed PDX/PDO tumours but also formed PC in mice, while genetic knockout YAP1 significantly slowed tumour growth and eliminated PC in PDO model. Additionally, pharmacologic inhibition of YAP1 specifically reduced CSC-like properties and suppressed tumour growth in YAP1high PC cells especially in combination with cytotoxics in vivo PDX model. CONCLUSIONS YAP1 is essential for PC that is attenuated by YAP1 inhibition. Our data provide a strong rationale to target YAP1 in clinic for GAC patients with PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaffer A. Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Shumei Song, PhD, tel.: 713-834-6144, ,; Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA. Jaffer A. Ajani, MD, Tel: 713-792-2828, ; Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, P.R. China
| | - Longfei Huo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ruiping Wang
- Detartment of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Melissa Pool Pizzi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ailing W. Scott
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kazuto Harada
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lang Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaodan Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiankang Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaochuan Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brian D. Badgwell
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Namita D. Shanbhag
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ghia Tatlonghari
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeannelyn S. Estrella
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sinchita Roy Chowdhuri
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Makoto Kobayashi
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jody V. Vykouka
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Samir Hanash
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - George A. Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guang Peng
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Randy L. Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, P.R. China
| | - Linghua Wang
- Detartment of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Song L, Xue J, Zhang J, Li S, Liu D, Zhou T. Mechanistic prediction of first-in-human dose for bispecific CD3/EpCAM T-cell engager antibody M701, using an integrated PK/PD modeling method. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 158:105584. [PMID: 33039565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM M701 is a bispecific CD3/EpCAM T-cell engager antibody to treat malignant ascites. This study aimed to predict in vivo exposure-cytotoxicity relationship and human pharmacokinetics (PK) characteristics of M701, as well as to design optimal starting dose and effective dose for M701 first-in-human (FIH) study. METHOD Mechanistic in vitro PK/PD model was firstly developed based on in vitro data of M701's cytotoxicity and binding affinities with targeting receptors. The cell killing effect of M701 in vitro was driven by tri-molecular synapse, which formed by binding drug to both CD3 receptor on T cells and EpCAM receptor on tumor cells. Human exposure-response (E-R) curve in ascites was estimated using the same model structure with clinical systemic model parameters. Human PK was predicted by allometrically scaling monkey PK data, which was characterized using a two compartment model. Human PK model was integrated into in vivo synapse-based cell killing model to provide human PK/PD characteristics. Integrated human PK/PD model was applied in FIH dose design. Clinical starting dose and effective dose were suggested as the simulated drug concentration in human ascites that achieved the estimated in vivo minimally anticipated biological effect level (MABEL) and pharmacologically active level. Other approaches including PK-driven and receptor occupancy calculation were also employed in this study to verify the starting dose prediction. RESULTS In vitro M701 cytotoxicity curves under 24, 48, 72 h incubations were well captured by mechanistic synapse-based cell killing model. Human E-R curve in ascites was obtained based on in vitro model structure and clinical systematic parameters. We defined 10~20% and 80% of maximum cytotoxicity effect as in vivo MABEL and pharmacologically active level. Human E-R curve indicated in vivo EC10, EC20 and EC80 were 0.56, 1.26 and 31.6 ng/mL. For human PK model, clearance (CL, CLd), distribution volumes (Vc, Vp) and absorption rate were allometrically scaled using exponent of 0.9, 1 and -0.25. Predicted clearance and volume were 0.53- and 1.19-fold of observed data. Simulated average ascites M701 concentrations (calculated as Cave_ ascites = AUCτ/τ) were 0.81 and 32.5 ng/mL under dose of 5 and 200 μg within 2-hour i.p. infusion. By integrating human E-R curve and the simulated PK profile in ascites, we suggested 5 and 200 μg within 2-hour i.p. infusion as MABEL dose and pharmacologically active dose (PAD) for M701 FIH study. PK-driven approach predicted a starting dose of 5 μg, which was comparable to that predicted via PK/PD-driven approach. CONCLUSIONS This study predicted human ascites PK and E-R curve by integrating human PK model into in vivo synapse-based cell killing model. Optimal clinical MABEL dose and PAD of bispecific T cell engager antibody M701 were suggested based on current integrated PK/PD approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Junsheng Xue
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, HuBei, 430075, China
| | - Si Li
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, HuBei, 430075, China
| | - Dongyang Liu
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Tianyan Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery System, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Y, Zhao J, Yu H, Li P, Liang W, Liu Z, Lee GB, Liu L, Li WJ, Wang Z. Detection and isolation of free cancer cells from ascites and peritoneal lavages using optically induced electrokinetics (OEK). SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba9628. [PMID: 32821829 PMCID: PMC7406364 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba9628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Detection of free gastric cancer cells in peritoneal lavages and ascites plays a vital role in gastric cancer. However, due to the low content of cancer cells in patients' peritoneal lavages, traditional detection methods lack sensitivity and cannot satisfy clinical demand. In this study, we used an optically induced electrokinetics (OEK) microfluidic method for label-free separation and characterization of patient gastric cancer cells. This method showed high effectiveness and sensitivity. We successfully separated cancer cells from a simulated peritoneal lavage mixture of gastric cancer cell lines and peritoneal lavage cells in a ratio of 1:1000. We further separated gastric cancer cells from six patients' ascites with purity up to 71%. In addition, we measured the cell membrane capacitances, which may be used as a biomarker for gastric cancer cells. Thus, our method can be used to effectively and rapidly detect peritoneal metastasis and to acquire cellular electrical information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junhua Zhao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Pan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenfeng Liang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Shenyang Jianzhu University, Shenyang 110168, China
| | - Zhu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Gwo-Bin Lee
- Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Wen Jung Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
In silico design and validation of high-affinity RNA aptamers targeting epithelial cellular adhesion molecule dimers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:8486-8493. [PMID: 32234785 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1913242117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers hold great promise for therapeutic applications due to their favorable intrinsic properties, as well as high-throughput experimental selection techniques. Despite the utility of the systematic evolution of ligands by the exponential enrichment (SELEX) method for aptamer determination, complementary in silico aptamer design is highly sought after to facilitate virtual screening and increased understanding of important nucleic acid-protein interactions. Here, with a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we have developed two optimal epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EpCAM) aptamers. Our structure-based in silico method first predicts their binding modes and then optimizes them for EpCAM with molecular dynamics simulations, docking, and free energy calculations. Our isothermal titration calorimetry experiments further confirm that the EpCAM aptamers indeed exhibit enhanced affinity over a previously patented nanomolar aptamer, EP23. Moreover, our study suggests that EP23 and the de novo designed aptamers primarily bind to EpCAM dimers (and not monomers, as hypothesized in previous published works), suggesting a paradigm for developing EpCAM-targeted therapies.
Collapse
|
13
|
Fonseca ICCFE, da Luz FAC, Uehara IA, Silva MJB. Cell-adhesion molecules and their soluble forms: Promising predictors of "tumor progression" and relapse in leukemia. Tumour Biol 2018; 40:1010428318811525. [PMID: 30486756 DOI: 10.1177/1010428318811525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Some surface markers are used to discriminate certain leukemic subpopulations that retain a greater oncogenic potential than others, and, for this reason, they were termed as leukemic stem cells, similar to the concept of cancer stem cells in carcinoma. Among these surface markers are proteins involved in cell-cell adhesion or cell-matrix adhesion, and they may play a role in the relapse of leukemia, similar to metastasis in carcinomas. The most important are epithelial cadherin, neural cadherin, epithelial cell-adhesion molecule, and CD44, which can be cleaved and released, and their soluble forms were found increased in serum levels of cancer patients, being implicated, in some cases, with progression, metastases, and relapse. In this review, we highlighted the role of these four adhesion molecules in carcinomas and hematological malignancies, mainly leukemia, and discuss if the serum levels of soluble forms can be correlated with the surface protein status on the leukemic cells. Accession of the soluble forms looks attractive, but their use as markers in cancer must be studied in association with other parameters, as there are significant changes in levels in other pathological conditions besides cancer. Studies correlating the levels of the forms with the status of the membrane-bound proteins in leukemic (stem) cells and correlating those parameters with relapse in leukemia may afford important knowledge and applicability of those serum markers in clinical practice. For instance, the expression of the membrane-bound forms of these adhesion proteins may have promising clinical use in leukemia and other hematological malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Felipe Andrés Cordero da Luz
- 1 Laboratory of Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
- 2 Nucleus of Cancer Prevention and Research, Cancer Hospital, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Isadora Akemi Uehara
- 1 Laboratory of Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- 1 Laboratory of Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pan M, Schinke H, Luxenburger E, Kranz G, Shakhtour J, Libl D, Huang Y, Gaber A, Pavšič M, Lenarčič B, Kitz J, Jakob M, Schwenk-Zieger S, Canis M, Hess J, Unger K, Baumeister P, Gires O. EpCAM ectodomain EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that counteracts EGF-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition through modulation of phospho-ERK1/2 in head and neck cancers. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006624. [PMID: 30261040 PMCID: PMC6177200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are characterized by outstanding molecular heterogeneity that results in severe therapy resistance and poor clinical outcome. Inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was recently revealed as a major parameter of poor clinical outcome. Here, we addressed the expression and function of the therapeutic target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and of the major determinant of epithelial differentiation epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in clinical samples and in vitro models of HNSCCs. We describe improved survival of EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh HNSCC patients (n = 180) and provide a molecular basis for the observed disparities in clinical outcome. EGF/EGFR have concentration-dependent dual capacities as inducers of proliferation and EMT through differential activation of the central molecular switch phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) Snail, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1), and Slug. Furthermore, soluble ectodomain of EpCAM (EpEX) was identified as a ligand of EGFR that activates pERK1/2 and phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) and induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but represses EGF-mediated EMT, Snail, Zeb1, and Slug activation and cell migration. EMT repression by EpEX is realized through competitive modulation of pERK1/2 activation strength and inhibition of EMT-TFs, which is reflected in levels of pERK1/2 and its target Slug in clinical samples. Accordingly, high expression of pERK1/2 and/or Slug predicted poor outcome of HNSCCs. Hence, EpEX is a ligand of EGFR that induces proliferation but counteracts EMT mediated by the EGF/EGFR/pERK1/2 axis. Therefore, the emerging EGFR/EpCAM molecular cross talk represents a promising target to improve patient-tailored adjuvant treatment of HNSCCs. Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) display poor survival, with death rates above 55%. Major factors affecting survival are metastases’ formation and therapy resistance. Phenotypic changes during partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) provide tumor cells with increased migration, invasion, and therapy resistance. Understanding molecular mechanisms of EMT, as a central process of the metastatic cascade and the development of therapy resistance, is therefore important. In the present work, we identified molecular cross talk between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as a novel determinant of clinical outcome in HNSCCs. Low levels of EGFR but high levels of EpCAM (EGFRlow/EpCAMhigh) were associated with favorable prognosis, with survival rates above 90%, whereas EGFRhigh/EpCAMlow correlated with poor survival, below 10%. EGFR was shown to have a concentration-dependent capacity to induce proliferation and EMT. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) produces a ligand of EGFR that induces EGFR-dependent proliferation but counteracts EGF-induced EMT. We delineate an EGFR/extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)/EpCAM signaling axis that may be a promising therapeutic target for HNSCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Elke Luxenburger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julius Shakhtour
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Darko Libl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Institute Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Julia Kitz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mark Jakob
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group “Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer“, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen J, Shang B, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Chen L, Wang H, Ran F, Chen Q, Chen J. Enzyme-free ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of epithelial cell adhesion molecules based on a toehold-aided DNA recycling amplification strategy. RSC Adv 2018; 8:14798-14805. [PMID: 35541343 PMCID: PMC9079946 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra01362d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecules (EpCAMs) play a significant role in tumorigenesis and tumor development. EpCAMs are considered to be tumor signaling molecules for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Herein, an enzyme-free and highly sensitive fluorescent biosensor, with a combined aptamer-based EpCAM recognition and toehold-aided DNA recycling amplification strategy, was developed for sensitive and specific fluorescence detection of EpCAMs. Due to highly specific binding between EpCAMs and corresponding aptamers, strand a, which is released from the complex of aptamer/strand a in the presence of EpCAMs which is bound to the corresponding aptamer, triggered the toehold-mediated strand displacement process. An amplified fluorescent signal was achieved by recycling strand a for ultrasensitive EpCAM detection with a detection limit as low as 0.1 ng mL−1, which was comparable or superior to that of reported immunoassays and biosensor strategies. In addition, high selectivity towards EpCAMs was exhibited when other proteins were selected as control proteins. Finally, this strategy was successfully used for the ultrasensitive fluorescence detection of EpCAMs in human serum samples with satisfactory results. Importantly, the present strategy may be also expanded for the detection of other targets using the corresponding aptamers. A fluorescent biosensor with a combined aptamer-based EpCAM recognition and toehold-aided DNA recycling amplification strategy was developed.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jishun Chen
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Bing Shang
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Zhengpeng Zhu
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Long Chen
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Fengying Ran
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Qinhua Chen
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| | - Jun Chen
- Affiliated Dongfeng Hospital
- Hubei University of Medicine
- Hubei Shiyan 442008
- China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hoseini SS, Cheung NKV. Immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma using chimeric antigen receptors and bispecific antibodies. Cancer Lett 2017; 399:44-52. [PMID: 28428075 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide with an overall survival rate of less than 15% in developed countries. Despite attempts at new therapeutic strategies, the majority of patients succumb to this cancer. Buttressed by the highly successful clinical impact in melanoma, immunotherapy is gaining momentum as the next treatment modality for many human cancers. Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) contain the antigen binding moieties of a monoclonal antibody and the co-stimulatory and signaling domains associated with effector receptor signaling. Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) combine the binding specificities of two different monoclonal antibodies, one activating a receptor on a killer effector cell, while the other engaging a tumor-associated antigen to initiate tumor cytotoxicity. In this review, we survey the HCC targets for which CARs and bispecific antibodies have been generated. The pros and cons of these targets for T-cell and Natural Killer cell based immunotherapy will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
A fluorescence turn-on biosensor based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) nanosheets for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 93:182-188. [PMID: 27614683 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This paper presents a "turn-on" fluorescence biosensor based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets for rapid and sensitive detection of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). PEGylated GQDs were used as donor molecules, which could not only largely increase emission intensity but also prevent non-specific adsorption of PEGylated GQD on MoS2 surface. The sensing platform was realized by adsorption of PEGylated GQD labelled EpCAM aptamer onto MoS2 surface via van der Waals force. The fluorescence signal of GQD was then quenched by MoS2 nanosheets via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. In the presence of EpCAM protein, the stronger specific affinity interaction between aptamer and EpCAM protein could detach GQD labelled EpCAM aptamer from MoS2 nanosheets, leading to the restoration of fluorescence intensity. By monitoring the change of fluorescence signal, the target EpCAM protein could be detected sensitively and selectively with a linear detection range from 3nM to 54nM and limit of detection (LOD) around 450pM. In addition, this nanobiosensor has been successfully used for EpCAM-expressed breast cancer MCF-7 cell detection.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim S, Kim B, Song YS. Ascites modulates cancer cell behavior, contributing to tumor heterogeneity in ovarian cancer. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1173-8. [PMID: 27297561 PMCID: PMC5021036 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant ascites constitute a unique tumor microenvironment providing a physical structure for the accumulation of cellular and acellular components. Ascites is initiated and maintained by physical and biological factors resulting from underlying disease and forms an ecosystem that contributes to disease progression. It has been demonstrated that the cellular contents and the molecular signatures of ascites change continuously during the course of a disease. Over the past decade, increasing attention has been given to the characterization of components of ascites and their role in the progression of ovarian cancer, the most malignant gynecologic cancer in women. This review will discuss the role of ascites in disease progression, in terms of modulating cancer cell behavior and contributing to tumor heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soochi Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boyun Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Nano System Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. .,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. .,Biomodulation, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Detection of soluble EpCAM (sEpCAM) in malignant ascites predicts poor overall survival in patients treated with catumaxomab. Oncotarget 2016; 6:25017-23. [PMID: 26296970 PMCID: PMC4694811 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
EpCAM is an attractive target for cancer therapy and the EpCAM-specific antibody catumaxomab has been used for intraperitoneal treatment of EpCAM-positive cancer patients with malignant ascites. New prognostic markers are necessary to select patients that mostly benefit from catumaxomab. Recent data showed that soluble EpCAM (sEpCAM) is capable to block the effect of catumaxomab in vitro. This exploratory retrospective analysis was performed on archived ascites samples to evaluate the predictive role of sEpCAM in catumaxomab-treated patients. Sixty-six catumaxomab-treated patients with an available archived ascites sample were included in this study and tested for sEpCAM by sandwich ELISA. All probes were sampled before treatment start and all patients received at least one catumaxomab infusion. Overall survival, puncture-free survival and time to next puncture were compared between sEpCAM-positive and -negative patients. We detected sEpCAM in ascites samples of 9 patients (13.6%). These patients showed a significantly shorter overall survival. The prognostic significance of sEpCAM in ascites was particularly strong in patients with ovarian cancer. Puncture-free survival and time to next puncture were not significantly different between sEpCAM-positive and -negative patients. We propose sEpCAM in malignant ascites as a potential predictive marker in cancer patients treated with catumaxomab. Prospective studies with larger patients samples are urgently needed to confirm these findings and studies testing dose-intensified catumaxomab in patients with sEpCAM-positive ascites should be envisaged.
Collapse
|
20
|
Seeber A, Untergasser G, Spizzo G, Terracciano L, Lugli A, Kasal A, Kocher F, Steiner N, Mazzoleni G, Gastl G, Fong D. Predominant expression of truncated EpCAM is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and predicts poor overall survival in colorectal cancer. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:657-63. [PMID: 26996277 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) has been shown to be an important mechanism for oncogenic activation of EpCAM through nuclear translocation of the intracellular domain EpICD. Recently, we identified two different membranous EpCAM variants namely EpCAM(MF) (full-length) and EpCAM(MT) (truncated) to be expressed in the majority of human epithelial tumors. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential role of these two protein variants as additional prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer. In most studies only one antibody targeting the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) has been used, whereas in the present study additionally an antibody which detects the intracellular domain (EpICD) was applied to discriminate between different EpCAM variants. Using immunohistochemistry, we analyzed the expression of EpCAM(MF) and EpCAM(MT) variants in 640 patients with colorectal cancer and determined their correlations with other prognostic factors and clinical outcome. A statistically significant association was observed for EpCAM(MT) with advanced tumor stage (p < 0.001), histological grade (p = 0.01), vascular (p < 0.001) and marginal (p = 0.002) invasion. Survival analysis demonstrated reduced overall survival (p < 0.004) in patients with tumors expressing the EpCAM(MT) phenotype when compared to patients with tumors expressing the EpCAM(MF) variant. In conclusion, this study for the first time indicates that expression of EpCAM(MT) is associated with a more aggressive phenotype and predicts poor survival in patients with colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Seeber
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Oncotyrol-Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gerold Untergasser
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Oncotyrol-Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.,Haemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Italy
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Lugli
- Translational Research Unit (TRU), Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Armin Kasal
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Bolzano, Italy
| | - Florian Kocher
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Normann Steiner
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Guenther Gastl
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominic Fong
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Oncotyrol-Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.,Haemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|