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Bouchareb E, Dallel S, De Haze A, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Renaud Y, Baabdaty E, Vialat M, Fabre J, Pouchin P, De Joussineau C, Degoul F, Sanmukh S, Gendronneau J, Sanchez P, Gonthier-Gueret C, Trousson A, Morel L, Lobaccaro JM, Kocer A, Baron S. Liver X Receptors Enhance Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2776. [PMID: 39199549 PMCID: PMC11353074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in men. Metastasis is the leading cause of death in prostate cancer patients. One of the crucial processes involved in metastatic spread is the "epithelial-mesenchymal transition" (EMT), which allows cells to acquire the ability to invade distant organs. Liver X Receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors that have been demonstrated to regulate EMT in various cancers, including hepatic cancer. Our study reveals that the LXR pathway can control pro-invasive cell capacities through EMT in prostate cancer, employing ex vivo and in vivo approaches. We characterized the EMT status of the commonly used LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines through molecular and immunohistochemistry experiments. The impact of LXR activation on EMT function was also assessed by analyzing the migration and invasion of these cell lines in the absence or presence of an LXR agonist. Using in vivo experiments involving NSG-immunodeficient mice xenografted with PC3-GFP cells, we were able to study metastatic spread and the effect of LXRs on this process. LXR activation led to an increase in the accumulation of Vimentin and Amphiregulin in PC3. Furthermore, the migration of PC3 cells significantly increased in the presence of the LXR agonist, correlating with an upregulation of EMT. Interestingly, LXR activation significantly increased metastatic spread in an NSG mouse model. Overall, this work identifies a promoting effect of LXRs on EMT in the PC3 model of advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Bouchareb
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sarah Dallel
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Service d’Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Maladies Métaboliques, CHU Clermont Ferrand, Hôpital Gabriel Montpied, 63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Angélique De Haze
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoan Renaud
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Elissa Baabdaty
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marine Vialat
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Fabre
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Pouchin
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cyrille De Joussineau
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Françoise Degoul
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Swapnil Sanmukh
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Juliette Gendronneau
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Phelipe Sanchez
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Gonthier-Gueret
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Amalia Trousson
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurent Morel
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean Marc Lobaccaro
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Silvère Baron
- iGReD, CNRS UMR 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (E.B.); (S.D.); (C.D.-S.); (Y.R.); (E.B.); (M.V.); (J.F.); (P.P.); (C.D.J.); (F.D.); (S.S.); (J.G.); (P.S.); (C.G.-G.); (A.T.); (L.M.); (J.M.L.)
- Groupe Cancer Clermont Auvergne, 28, Place Henri Dunant, BP38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Middonti E, Astanina E, Vallariello E, Hoza RM, Metovic J, Spadi R, Cristiano C, Papotti M, Allavena P, Novelli F, Parab S, Cappello P, Scarpa A, Lawlor R, Di Maio M, Arese M, Bussolino F. A neuroligin-2-YAP axis regulates progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1886-1908. [PMID: 38413734 PMCID: PMC11014856 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00104-x] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumor with a dismal prognosis that arises from precursor lesions called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs). Progression from low- to high-grade PanINs is considered as tumor initiation, and a deeper understanding of this switch is needed. Here, we show that synaptic molecule neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is expressed by pancreatic exocrine cells and plays a crucial role in the regulation of contact inhibition and epithelial polarity, which characterize the switch from low- to high-grade PanIN. NLGN2 localizes to tight junctions in acinar cells, is diffusely distributed in the cytosol in low-grade PanINs and is lost in high-grade PanINs and in a high percentage of advanced PDACs. Mechanistically, NLGN2 is necessary for the formation of the PALS1/PATJ complex, which in turn induces contact inhibition by reducing YAP function. Our results provide novel insights into NLGN2 functions outside the nervous system and can be used to model PanIN progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Middonti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Elena Astanina
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vallariello
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Roxana Maria Hoza
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Jasna Metovic
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Rosella Spadi
- SC Oncologia Medica, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Carmen Cristiano
- SC Oncologia Medica, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Division of Pathology at Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Allavena
- IRCCS, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Sushant Parab
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Applied Research Center (ARC-NET), University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita Lawlor
- Applied Research Center (ARC-NET), University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, 10128, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Arese
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy.
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Jing X, Han C, Li Q, Li F, Zhang J, Jiang Q, Zhao F, Guo C, Chen J, Jiang T, Wang X, Chen Y, Huang C. IGF2BP3-EGFR-AKT axis promotes breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell growth. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119542. [PMID: 37474008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is an emerging prognostic indicator, and its elevated expression correlates with malignancy in a broad spectrum of cancers. However, its regulatory networks have not yet been reported. In this study, we identified the regulatory targets of IGF2BP3 in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells using RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) and high-throughput RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). We discovered that these targets were enriched in the inflammatory response, endoplasmic reticulum stress, cell cycle, and cancer-related pathways, providing a new perspective for better understanding the functional mechanisms of IGF2BP3. Moreover, we identified that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a downstream target, is regulated by IGF2BP3. IGF2BP3 binds to and protects EGFR mRNA from degradation and facilitates cell proliferation via the EGFR/AKT pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, IGF2BP3 expression was robust and could not be altered by stimulation with EGF and anti-EGFR siRNA or EGFR signaling pathway inhibitors (gefitinib, LY294002 and SL-327). These results demonstrate that IGF2BP3, as a stubborn oncogene, promotes triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation by strengthening the role of the EGFR-AKT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Jing
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cong Han
- Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710077, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinyuan Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiuyu Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinfeng Chen
- Target Discovery Institute, NDM Research Building, Oxford Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Ting Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Biomedical Experimental Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanke Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environmentally and Genetically Associated Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Health Science Center, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Hedegger K, Blutke A, Hommel T, Auer KE, Nataraj NB, Lindzen M, Yarden Y, Dahlhoff M. Trapping all ERBB ligands decreases pancreatic lesions in a murine model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:2415-2431. [PMID: 37341059 PMCID: PMC10620123 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13473] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest of cancers. Attempts to develop targeted therapies still need to be established. Some oncogenic mechanisms in PDAC carcinogenesis harness the EGFR/ERBB receptor family. To explore the effects on pancreatic lesions, we attempted simultaneous blockade of all ERBB ligands in a PDAC mouse model. To this end, we engineered a molecular decoy, TRAP-FC , comprising the ligand-binding domains of both EGFR and ERBB4 and able to trap all ERBB ligands. Next, we generated a transgenic mouse model (CBATRAP/0 ) expressing TRAP-FC ubiquitously under the control of the chicken-beta-actin promoter and crossed these mice with KRASG12D/+ mice (Kras) to generate Trap/Kras mice. The resulting mice displayed decreased emergence of spontaneous pancreatic lesion areas and exhibited reduced RAS activity and decreased activities of ERBBs, with the exception of ERBB4, which showed increased activity. To identify the involved receptor(s), we employed CRISPR/Cas9 DNA editing to singly delete each ERBB receptor in the human pancreatic carcinoma cell line Panc-1. Ablation of each ERBB family member, especially the loss of EGFR or ERBB2/HER2, altered signaling downstream of the other three ERBB receptors and decreased cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth. We conclude that simultaneously blocking the entire ERBB receptor family is therapeutically more effective than individually inhibiting only one receptor or ligand in terms of reducing pancreatic tumor burden. In summary, trapping all ERBB ligands can reduce pancreatic lesion area and RAS activity in a murine model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma; hence, it might represent a promising approach to treat PDAC in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Hedegger
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene CenterLMU MünchenGermany
| | - Andreas Blutke
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Center for Clinical Veterinary MedicineLMU MünchenGermany
| | - Theresa Hommel
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
| | - Kerstin E. Auer
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
| | - Nishanth B. Nataraj
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative BiologyWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
- Bugworks Research Inc, CCAMPBengaluruIndia
| | - Moshit Lindzen
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative BiologyWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative BiologyWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
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5
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Novel mutant KRAS addiction signature predicts response to the combination of ERBB and MEK inhibitors in lung and pancreatic cancers. iScience 2023; 26:106082. [PMID: 36852277 PMCID: PMC9958355 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are prevalent in pancreatic and lung cancers, but not all mutant (mt) KRAS tumors are addicted to mt KRAS. Here, we discovered a 30-gene transcriptome signature "KDS30" that encodes a novel EGFR/ERBB2-driven signaling network and predicts mt KRAS, but not NRAS or HRAS, oncogene addiction. High KDS30 tumors from mt KRAS lung and pancreatic cancer patients are enriched in genes upregulated by EGFR, ERBB2, mt KRAS or MEK. EGFR/ERBB2 (neratinib) and MEK (cobimetinib) inhibitor combination inhibits tumor growth and prolongs mouse survival in high, but not low, KDS30 mt KRAS lung and pancreatic xenografts, and is synergistic only in high KDS30 mt KRAS patient-derived organoids. Furthermore, mt KRAS high KDS30 lung and pancreatic cancer patients live significantly shorter lives than those with low KDS30. Thus, KDS30 can identify lung and pancreatic cancer patients whose tumors are addicted to mt KRAS, and predicts EGFR/ERBB2 and MEK inhibitor combination response.
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6
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Lofgren KA, Reker NC, Sreekumar S, Kenny PA. Pan-cancer distribution of cleaved cell-surface Amphiregulin, the target of the GMF-1A3 antibody drug conjugate. Antib Ther 2022; 5:226-231. [PMID: 36110096 PMCID: PMC9469882 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbac020] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphiregulin is a transmembrane protein which, when cleaved by the TACE/ADAM17 protease, releases a soluble epidermal growth factor receptor ligand domain that promotes proliferation of normal and malignant cells. We previously described a rabbit monoclonal antibody, GMF-1A3, that selectively recognizes the cell-associated cleaved amphiregulin epitope. Antibody-drug conjugates had anti-tumor activity against human breast cancer xenografts. Several tumor types express amphiregulin, but evidence for a functional requirement for amphiregulin in these malignancies is limited. By directly evaluating amphiregulin cleavage with immunohistochemistry, GMF-1A3 provides a more direct measure of amphiregulin activity. Using 370 specimens from 10 tumor types (as well as normal controls), we demonstrate that cleaved amphiregulin is widely expressed in solid tumors and is especially common (> 50% of cases) in breast, prostate, liver and lung cancer. As a potential companion diagnostic for this antibody-drug conjugate, this assay allows identification of tumors with high levels of the cleaved amphiregulin target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher A Lofgren
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute , Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicolette C Reker
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute , Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sreeja Sreekumar
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute , Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Paraic A Kenny
- Kabara Cancer Research Institute , Gundersen Medical Foundation, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medicine , University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Singh SS, Chauhan SB, Ng SSS, Corvino D, de Labastida Rivera F, Engel JA, Waddell N, Mukhopadhay P, Johnston RL, Koufariotis LT, Nylen S, Prakash Singh O, Engwerda CR, Kumar R, Sundar S. Increased amphiregulin expression by CD4 + T cells from individuals with asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1396. [PMID: 35663920 PMCID: PMC9136704 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives There is an urgent need to be able to identify individuals with asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infection, so their risk of progressing to VL and transmitting parasites can be managed. This study examined transcriptional markers expressed by CD4+ T cells that could distinguish asymptomatic individuals from endemic controls and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Methods CD4+ T cells were isolated from individuals with asymptomatic L. donovani infection, endemic controls and VL patients. RNA was extracted and RNAseq employed to identify differentially expressed genes. The expression of one gene and its protein product during asymptomatic infection were evaluated. Results Amphiregulin (AREG) was identified as a distinguishing gene product in CD4+ T cells from individuals with asymptomatic L. donovani infection, compared to VL patients and healthy endemic control individuals. AREG levels in plasma and antigen-stimulated whole-blood assay cell culture supernatants were significantly elevated in asymptomatic individuals, compared to endemic controls and VL patients. Regulatory T (Treg) cells were identified as an important source of AREG amongst CD4+ T-cell subsets in asymptomatic individuals. Conclusion Increased Treg cell AREG expression was identified in individuals with asymptomatic L. donovani infection, suggesting the presence of an ongoing inflammatory response in these individuals required for controlling infection and that AREG may play an important role in preventing inflammation-induced tissue damage and subsequent disease in asymptomatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Sankar Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Shashi Bhushan Chauhan
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Susanna SS Ng
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneAustralia
- Institute for Experimental OncologyUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Dillon Corvino
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneAustralia
- Institute for Experimental OncologyUniversity of BonnBonnGermany
| | | | | | - Nic Waddell
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Pamela Mukhopadhay
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Rebecca L Johnston
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Lambros T Koufariotis
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Susanne Nylen
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell BiologyKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | | | | | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and SurgeryInstitute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiIndia
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8
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Maille E, Levallet J, Dubois F, Antoine M, Danel C, Creveuil C, Mazieres J, Margery J, Greillier L, Gounant V, Moro‐Sibilot D, Molinier O, Léna H, Monnet I, Bergot E, Langlais A, Morin F, Scherpereel A, Zalcman G, Levallet G. A Defect of Amphiregulin Release Predicted Longer Survival Independently of YAP Expression in Patients with Pleural Mesothelioma in the IFCT-0701 MAPS Phase 3 Trial. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1889-1904. [PMID: 35262190 PMCID: PMC9545369 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway effector YAP is dysregulated in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). YAP's target genes include the secreted growth factor amphiregulin (AREG), which is overexpressed in a wide range of epithelial cancers and plays an elusive role in MPM. We assayed the expression of YAP and AREG in MPM pathology samples and that of AREG additionally in plasma samples of patients from the randomized phase 3 IFCT‐0701 Mesothelioma Avastin Cisplatin Pemetrexed Study (MAPS) using immunohistochemistry and ELISA assays, respectively. MPM patients frequently presented high levels of tumor AREG (64.3%), a high cytosolic AREG expression being predictive of a better prognosis with longer median overall and progression‐free survival. Surprisingly, tumor AREG cytosolic expression was not correlated with secreted plasma AREG. By investigating the AREG metabolism and function in MPM cell lines H2452, H2052, MSTO‐211H and H28, in comparison with the T47D ER+ breast cancer cell line used as a positive control, we confirm that AREG is important for cell invasion, growth without anchorage, proliferation and apoptosis in mesothelioma cells. Yet, most of these MPM cell lines failed to correctly execute AREG posttranslational processing by metalloprotease ADAM17/tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐converting enzyme (TACE) and extracell secretion. The favorable prognostic value of high cytosolic AREG expression in MPM patients could therefore be sustained by default AREG posttranslational processing and release. Thus, the determination of mesothelioma cell AREG content could be further investigated as a prognostic marker for MPM patients and used as a stratification factor in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Maille
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
| | - Jérôme Levallet
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
| | - Fatéméh Dubois
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Department of PathologyCHU de CaenCaenFrance
| | | | - Claire Danel
- Department of PathologyHôpital Bichat‐Claude Bernard, AP‐HP, Université Paris‐DiderotParisFrance
| | - Christian Creveuil
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Biomedical Research UnitCHU de CaenCaenFrance
| | - Julien Mazieres
- Department of PulmonologyHôpital Larrey, CHU de ToulouseToulouseFrance
| | - Jacques Margery
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | - Laurent Greillier
- Department of Multidisciplinary Oncology and Therapeutic InnovationsAssistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Université Aix‐Marseille UM015MarseilleFrance
| | - Valérie Gounant
- Department of PulmonologyHôpital Tenon, AP‐HPParisFrance
- Department of Thoracic Oncology & CIC 1425University Hospital Bichat‐Claude Bernard, AP‐HP, Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Denis Moro‐Sibilot
- Pôle Thorax et Vaisseaux, University Hospital of Grenoble‐AlpesLa TroncheFrance
| | - Olivier Molinier
- Department of PulmonologyCentre Hospitalier Le MansLe MansFrance
| | - Hervé Léna
- Department of PulmonologyUniversity Hospital PontchaillouRennesFrance
| | - Isabelle Monnet
- Department of PulmonologyCentre Hospitalier Intercommunal de CréteilCréteilFrance
| | - Emmanuel Bergot
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Department of Pulmonology and Thoracic OncologyUniversity Hospital of CaenCaenFrance
| | | | - Franck Morin
- Intergroupe Francophone de Cancérologie Thoracique (IFCT)ParisFrance
| | - Arnaud Scherpereel
- Department of Pulmonary and Thoracic OncologyCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Lille, University of Lille, U1019 INSERM, Center of Infection and Immunity of LilleLilleFrance
| | - Gérard Zalcman
- Department of Thoracic Oncology & CIC 1425University Hospital Bichat‐Claude Bernard, AP‐HP, Université de ParisParisFrance
- U830 INSERM, “Cancer, Hétérogénéité, Instabilité et Plasticité” Centre de Recherche, Institut CurieParisFrance
| | - Guénaëlle Levallet
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, CNRS, ISTCT‐UMR6030CaenGIP CYCERONFrance
- Department of PathologyCHU de CaenCaenFrance
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9
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Investigation of the Antitumor Effects of Tamoxifen and Its Ferrocene-Linked Derivatives on Pancreatic and Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030314. [PMID: 35337112 PMCID: PMC8950591 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is a long-known anti-tumor drug, which is the gold standard therapy in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer patients. According to previous studies, the conjugation of the original tamoxifen molecule with different functional groups can significantly improve its antitumor effect. The purpose of this research was to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind the cytotoxicity of different ferrocene-linked tamoxifen derivates. Tamoxifen and its ferrocene-linked derivatives, T5 and T15 were tested in PANC1, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 cells, where the incorporation of the ferrocene group improved the cytotoxicity on all cell lines. PANC1, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 express ERα and GPER1 (G-protein coupled ER 1). However, ERβ is only expressed by MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Tamoxifen is a known agonist of GPER1, a receptor that can promote tumor progression. Analysis of the protein expression profile showed that while being cytotoxic, tamoxifen elevated the levels of different tumor growth-promoting factors (e.g., Bcl-XL, Survivin, EGFR, Cathepsins, chemokines). On the other hand, the ferrocene-linked derivates were able to lower these proteins. Further analysis showed that the ferrocene-linked derivatives significantly elevated the cellular oxidative stress compared to tamoxifen treatment. In conclusion, we were able to find two molecules possessing better cytotoxicity compared to their unmodified parent molecule while also being able to counter the negative effects of the presence of the GPER1 through the ER-independent mechanism of oxidative stress induction.
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10
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Singh SS, Chauhan SB, Kumar A, Kumar S, Engwerda CR, Sundar S, Kumar R. Amphiregulin in cellular physiology, health, and disease: Potential use as a biomarker and therapeutic target. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1143-1156. [PMID: 34698381 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Amphiregulin (AREG), which acts as one of the ligands for epidermal receptor growth factor receptor (EGFR), plays a crucial role in tissue repair, inflammation, and immunity. AREG is synthesized as membrane-anchored pre-protein, and is excreted after proteolytic cleavage, and serves as an autocrine or paracrine factor. After engagement with the EGFR, AREG triggers a cascade of signaling events required for many cellular physiological processes including metabolism, cell cycle, and proliferation. Under different inflammatory and pathogenic conditions, AREG is expressed by various activated immune cells that orchestrate both tolerance and host resistance mechanisms. Several factors including xenobiotics, cytokines, and inflammatory lipids have been shown to trigger AREG gene expression and release. In this review, we discuss the structure, function, and regulation of AREG, its role in tissue repair, inflammation, and homeostasis as well as the potential of AREG as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth S Singh
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shashi B Chauhan
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Awnish Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Shashi Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Christian R Engwerda
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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11
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Construction of a five-gene prognostic model based on immune-related genes for the prediction of survival in pancreatic cancer. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229064. [PMID: 34143198 PMCID: PMC8252190 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20204301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To identify differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) and construct a model with survival-related DEIRGs for evaluating the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods: Six microarray gene expression datasets of PC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort) were used to identify DEIRGs. RNA sequencing and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program-Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PAAD) database were used to establish the prognostic model. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the final variables of the prognostic model. The median risk score was used as the cut-off value to classify samples into low- and high-risk groups. The prognostic model was further validated using an internal validation set of TCGA and an external validation set of GSE62452. Results: In total, 142 DEIRGs were identified from six GEO datasets, 47 were survival-related DEIRGs. A prognostic model comprising five genes (i.e., ERAP2, CXCL9, AREG, DKK1, and IL20RB) was established. High-risk patients had poor survival compared with low-risk patients. The 1-, 2-, 3-year area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model reached 0.85, 0.87, and 0.93, respectively. Additionally, the prognostic model reflected the infiltration of neutrophils and dendritic cells. The expression of most characteristic immune checkpoints was significantly higher in the high-risk group versus the low-risk group. Conclusions: The five-gene prognostic model showed reliably predictive accuracy. This model may provide useful information for immunotherapy and facilitate personalized monitoring for patients with PC.
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12
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Hedegger K, Algül H, Lesina M, Blutke A, Schmid RM, Schneider MR, Dahlhoff M. Unraveling ERBB network dynamics upon betacellulin signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in mice. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1653-1669. [PMID: 32335999 PMCID: PMC7400790 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) will soon belong to the top three cancer killers. The only approved specific PDAC therapy targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Although EGFR is a crucial player in PDAC development, EGFR-based therapy is disappointing. In this study, we evaluated the role of the EGFR ligand betacellulin (BTC) in PDAC. The expression of BTC was investigated in human pancreatic cancer specimen. Then, we generated a BTC knockout mouse model by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and a BTC overexpression model. Both models were crossed with the Ptf1aCre/+ ;KRASG12D/+ (KC) mouse model (B-/- KC or BKC, respectively). In addition, EGFR, ERBB2, and ERBB4 were investigated by the pancreas-specific deletion of each receptor using the Cre-loxP system. Tumor initiation and progression were analyzed in all mouse lines, and the underlying molecular biology of PDAC was investigated at different time points. BTC is expressed in human and murine PDAC. B-/- KC mice showed a decelerated PDAC progression, associated with decreased EGFR activation. BKC mice developed severe PDAC with a poor survival rate. The dramatically increased BTC-mediated tumor burden was EGFR-dependent, but also ERBB4 and ERBB2 were involved in PDAC development or progression, as depletion of EGFR, ERBB2, or ERBB4 significantly improved the survival rate of BTC-mediated PDAC. BTC increases PDAC tumor burden dramatically by enhanced RAS activation. EGFR signaling, ERBB2 signaling, and ERBB4 signaling are involved in accelerated PDAC development mediated by BTC indicating that targeting the whole ERBB family, instead of a single receptor, is a promising strategy for the development of future PDAC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Hedegger
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and BiotechnologyGene Center of the LMU MunichGermany
| | - Hana Algül
- Second Department of Internal MedicineKlinikum rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichGermany
| | - Marina Lesina
- Second Department of Internal MedicineKlinikum rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichGermany
| | - Andreas Blutke
- Research Unit Analytical PathologyHelmholtz Zentrum MünchenNeuherbergGermany
| | - Roland M. Schmid
- Second Department of Internal MedicineKlinikum rechts der IsarTechnical University of MunichGermany
| | - Marlon R. Schneider
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and BiotechnologyGene Center of the LMU MunichGermany
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and BiotechnologyGene Center of the LMU MunichGermany
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13
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Wang L, Wang L, Zhang H, Lu J, Zhang Z, Wu H, Liang Z. AREG mediates the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells via the EGFR/ERK/NF‑κB signalling pathway. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1558-1568. [PMID: 32323797 PMCID: PMC7107775 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphiregulin (AREG) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and is expressed in a plethora of cancers. The biological roles of AREG in the regulation of the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer remain unclear. To investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and AREG in pancreatic cancer cell lines, RT‑qPCR, western blot analysis, and ELISA were performed. RNAi and exogenous AREG treatment were used to alter AREG expression. Wound‑healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate cell migration and invasion abilities. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to detect the expression of EMT markers. The protein expression of potential key factors involved in EMT, as well as those of the ERK, AKT, STAT3 and NF‑κB pathways, were analysed by western blotting. The role of AREG in tumour growth in vivo was further determined using an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer. Knockdown of AREG inhibited AsPC‑1 cell migration and invasion. AREG knockdown upregulated E‑cadherin but downregulated vimentin, Snail and Slug expression in AsPC‑1 cells. In addition, AREG stimulation increased cell migration, invasion and EMT in PANC‑1 cells, and an NF‑κB inhibitor decreased AREG‑induced cell migration, invasion and EMT in PANC‑1 cells. AREG stimulation increased the nuclear accumulation of NF‑κB through the EGFR/ERK signalling pathway to induce EMT. Tumour growth and metastasis were decreased by AREG silencing in an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer. AREG may play a critical role in cell migration, invasion, and EMT by activating the EGFR/ERK/NF‑κB signalling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Center for Molecular Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Center for Molecular Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Center for Molecular Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Junliang Lu
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Center for Molecular Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Zhiwen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Center for Molecular Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Huanwen Wu
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Center for Molecular Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Liang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Research Center for Molecular Pathology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
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14
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Marková I, Koníčková R, Vaňková K, Leníček M, Kolář M, Strnad H, Hradilová M, Šáchová J, Rasl J, Klímová Z, Vomastek T, Němečková I, Nachtigal P, Vítek L. Anti-angiogenic effects of the blue-green alga Arthrospira platensis on pancreatic cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:2402-2415. [PMID: 31957261 PMCID: PMC7028863 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrospira platensis, a blue-green alga, is a popular nutraceutical substance having potent antioxidant properties with potential anti-carcinogenic activities. The aim of our study was to assess the possible anti-angiogenic effects of A platensis in an experimental model of pancreatic cancer. The effects of an A platensis extract were investigated on human pancreatic cancer cells (PA-TU-8902) and immortalized endothelial-like cells (Ea.hy926). PA-TU-8902 pancreatic tumours xenografted to athymic mice were also examined. In vitro migration and invasiveness assays were performed on the tested cells. Multiple angiogenic factors and signalling pathways were analysed in the epithelial, endothelial and cancer cells, and tumour tissue. The A platensis extract exerted inhibitory effects on both migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer as well as endothelial-like cells. Tumours of mice treated with A platensis exhibited much lesser degrees of vascularization as measured by CD31 immunostaining (P = .004). Surprisingly, the VEGF-A mRNA and protein expressions were up-regulated in pancreatic cancer cells. A platensis inhibited ERK activation upstream of Raf and suppressed the expression of ERK-regulated proteins. Treatment of pancreatic cancer with A platensis was associated with suppressive effects on migration and invasiveness with various anti-angiogenic features, which might account for the anticancer effects of this blue-green alga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Marková
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Renata Koníčková
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Kateřina Vaňková
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Martin Leníček
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Informatics and ChemistryFaculty of Chemical TechnologyUniversity of Chemistry and TechnologyPragueCzech Republic
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jana Šáchová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jan Rasl
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Cell BiologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Zuzana Klímová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Tomáš Vomastek
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Ivana Němečková
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesFaculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KraloveCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Petr Nachtigal
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesFaculty of Pharmacy in Hradec KraloveCharles UniversityHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - Libor Vítek
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory DiagnosticsFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
- 4th Department of Internal MedicineFaculty General Hospital and 1st Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
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15
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Ma Y, Pu Y, Peng L, Luo X, Xu J, Peng Y, Tang X. Identification of potential hub genes associated with the pathogenesis and prognosis of pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma using bioinformatics meta-analysis of multi-platform datasets. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:6741-6751. [PMID: 31807183 PMCID: PMC6876339 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant type of cancer with a low five-year survival rate. Gene alterations are crucial to the molecular pathogenesis of PDAC. Therefore, the present study analyzed gene expression profiles to reveal genes involved in the tumorigenesis of PDAC. A total of eight gene expression profiles (GSE15471, GSE16515, GSE41368, GSE62165, GSE62452, GSE71729, GSE71989 and GSE91035) and a PDAC dataset were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using functional annotation, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. A Cox proportional hazards model was then constructed and used to analyze the data. A total of 136 DEGs (67 up- and 69 downregulated genes) were identified between PDAC tissues and normal tissues. The ‘extracellular matrix-related’ genes were the most enriched in the GO term analysis. ‘Pancreatic secretion’, ‘phosphoinositide-3-kinase–protein kinase B/Akt (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway’, ‘protein digestion and absorption’ and ‘ECM-receptor interaction’ were the most enriched categories in KEGG pathway analysis. Following PPI network construction, the 10 most significant genes [albumin, epidermal growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, epidermal growth factor receptor, fibronectin 1, MMP1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) and PLAU receptor) exhibiting a high degree of connectivity, were identified as the hub genes likely to be associated with the pathogenesis of PDAC. In addition, a prognostic predictive system for PDAC, composed of five genes (laminin subunit γ 2, laminin subunit β 3, serpin family B member 5, amphiregulin and secreted frizzled related protein 4), was constructed. This was validated in the GSE62452 dataset (using 66 PDAC samples with outcome data) and TCGA PDAC dataset (using 146 PDAC samples with outcome data). In conclusion, the present study revealed potential hub genes involved in PDAC progression, providing directive significance for individualized clinical decision-making and molecular-targeting therapy in patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, P.R. China
| | - Yinquan Pu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, P.R. China
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, P.R. China
| | - Xujuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, P.R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, P.R. China
| | - Yan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646099, P.R. China
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16
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Keratin 17 identifies the most lethal molecular subtype of pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11239. [PMID: 31375762 PMCID: PMC6677817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47519-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the overall five-year survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is dismal, there are survival differences between cases with clinically and pathologically indistinguishable characteristics, suggesting that there are uncharacterized properties that drive tumor progression. Recent mRNA sequencing studies reported gene-expression signatures that define PDAC molecular subtypes that correlate with differences in survival. We previously identified Keratin 17 (K17) as a negative prognostic biomarker in other cancer types. Here, we set out to determine if K17 is as accurate as molecular subtyping of PDAC to identify patients with the shortest survival. K17 mRNA was analyzed in two independent PDAC cohorts for discovery (n = 124) and validation (n = 145). Immunohistochemical localization and scoring of K17 immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in a third independent cohort (n = 74). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazard regression models were analyzed to determine cancer specific survival differences in low vs. high mRNA K17 expressing cases. We established that K17 expression in PDACs defines the most aggressive form of the disease. By using Cox proportional hazard ratio, we found that increased expression of K17 at the IHC level is also associated with decreased survival of PDAC patients. Additionally, within PDACs of advanced stage and negative surgical margins, K17 at both mRNA and IHC level is sufficient to identify the subgroup with the shortest survival. These results identify K17 as a novel negative prognostic biomarker that could inform patient management decisions.
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17
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Linder M, Glitzner E, Srivatsa S, Bakiri L, Matsuoka K, Shahrouzi P, Dumanic M, Novoszel P, Mohr T, Langer O, Wanek T, Mitterhauser M, Wagner EF, Sibilia M. EGFR is required for FOS-dependent bone tumor development via RSK2/CREB signaling. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 10:emmm.201809408. [PMID: 30361264 PMCID: PMC6220323 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a rare tumor of the bone occurring mainly in young adults accounting for 5% of all childhood cancers. Because of the limited therapeutic options, there has been no survival improvement for OS patients in the past 40 years. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in OS; however, its clinical relevance is unclear. Here, we employed an autochthonous c‐Fos‐dependent OS mouse model (H2‐c‐fosLTR) and human OS tumor biopsies for preclinical studies aimed at identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic benefits of anti‐EGFR therapies. We show that EGFR deletion/inhibition results in reduced tumor formation in H2‐c‐fosLTR mice by directly inhibiting the proliferation of cancer‐initiating osteoblastic cells by a mechanism involving RSK2/CREB‐dependent c‐Fos expression. Furthermore, OS patients with co‐expression of EGFR and c‐Fos exhibit reduced overall survival. Preclinical studies using human OS xenografts revealed that only tumors expressing both EGFR and c‐Fos responded to anti‐EGFR therapy demonstrating that c‐Fos can be considered as a novel biomarker predicting response to anti‐EGFR treatment in OS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Linder
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Glitzner
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sriram Srivatsa
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Latifa Bakiri
- Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Parastoo Shahrouzi
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Dumanic
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Novoszel
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Mohr
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Langer
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Thomas Wanek
- Center for Health & Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,LBI Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin F Wagner
- Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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TMEM16A controls EGF-induced calcium signaling implicated in pancreatic cancer prognosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:13026-13035. [PMID: 31182586 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1900703116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly and has poor survival rates. Here, we report that the calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A is a biomarker for pancreatic cancer with a poor prognosis. TMEM16A is up-regulated in 75% of cases of pancreatic cancer and high levels of TMEM16A expression are correlated with low patient survival probability. TMEM16A up-regulation is associated with the ligand-dependent EGFR signaling pathway. In vitro, TMEM16A is required for EGF-induced store-operated calcium entry essential for pancreatic cancer cell migration. TMEM16A also has a profound impact on phosphoproteome remodeling upon EGF stimulation. Moreover, molecular actors identified in this TMEM16A-dependent EGFR-induced calcium signaling pathway form a gene set that makes it possible not only to distinguish neuro-endocrine tumors from other forms of pancreatic cancer, but also to subdivide the latter into three clusters with distinct genetic profiles that could reflect their molecular underpinning.
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19
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Fagman JB, Ljungman D, Falk P, Iresjö BM, Engström C, Naredi P, Lundholm K. EGFR, but not COX-2, protein in resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with poor survival. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:5361-5368. [PMID: 31186753 PMCID: PMC6507389 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of EGFR and COX-2 protein overexpression on clinical outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the protein expression of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in tumor cells in surgically resected PDAC, in comparison with clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes. Immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue derived from surgically resected tumors was performed. Tissue slides were evaluated for membrane wild-type EGFR and cytoplasmic COX-2 staining using a histoscore system. Statistical associations between EGFR and COX-2 staining and clinicopathological characteristics were examined to predict survival. In a cohort of 32 resected PDAC patients, high EGFR protein expression in tumor cells was significantly associated with shorter median overall survival (7.9 vs. 39.2 months, P=0.0038). The corresponding hazard ratio (HR) for patients with high EGFR protein expression in tumor cells was 3.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39–7.00, P=0.006]. COX-2 protein expression was not associated with survival (22.6 vs. 24.5 months P=0.60; HR 1.22 95% CI: 0.59–2.51, P=0.60). Following multivariate Cox regression analysis, high EGFR protein expression in tumor cells (P=0.043) remained as significant independent prognostic factor for survival. In conclusion, high wild-type EGFR protein expression, but not COX-2 protein expression, in tumor cells is a prognostic factor for reduced overall survival following pancreatic tumor resection, supporting a role for EGFR in identifying resected patients that may benefit from EGFR-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Bourghardt Fagman
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Ljungman
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Falk
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Britt-Marie Iresjö
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Engström
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Naredi
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kent Lundholm
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
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20
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Steponaitis G, Kazlauskas A, Skiriute D, Vaitkiene P, Skauminas K, Tamasauskas A. Significance of Amphiregulin (AREG) for the Outcome of Low and High Grade Astrocytoma Patients. J Cancer 2019; 10:1479-1488. [PMID: 31031857 PMCID: PMC6485216 DOI: 10.7150/jca.29282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amphiregulin (AREG) is one of the ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor which levels was shown to have a tight coherence with various types of cancer. AREG was also designated to be a promising marker for several types of cancer however precious little data about AREG role in the most frequent and generally lethal human brain tumours - astrocytomas reported up to date. The aim of the study was to investigate how AREG changes at epigenetic and expression levels reflect on astrocytoma malignancy and patient outcome. Methods: In total 205 low and high grade astrocytoma samples (15 pilocytic astrocytomas, 56 diffuse astrocytomas, 32 anaplastic astrocytomas and 102 glioblastomas) were used for target mRNA, protein expression and DNA methylation analysis applying qRT-PCR, Western-Blot and MS-PCR assays, respectively. Results: Present research revealed that AREG expression level and methylation in cancer tissue is dependent on the grade of astrocytoma. GBM tissue disclosed elevated AREG mRNA expression but reduced AREG protein level as compared to grade II and grade III astrocytomas (p<0.001). Increased methylation frequency was also more abundant in GBM (74%) than grade I, II and III astrocytomas (25%, 34%, and 36%, respectively). The survival analysis revealed relevant differences in patient overall survival between AREG methylation, mRNA and protein expression groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis encompassing only malignant tumours showed similar results indicating that AREG is associated with astrocytoma patient survival independently from astrocytoma grade. Conclusions: Current findings demonstrate that AREG appearance is associated with patient survival as well as astrocytomas malignancy indicating its influence on tumour progression and suggest its applicability as a promising marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giedrius Steponaitis
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, Kaunas, LT 50161, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Kazlauskas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, Kaunas, LT 50161, Lithuania
| | - Daina Skiriute
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, Kaunas, LT 50161, Lithuania
| | - Paulina Vaitkiene
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, Kaunas, LT 50161, Lithuania
| | - Kestutis Skauminas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, Kaunas, LT 50161, Lithuania
| | - Arimantas Tamasauskas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurooncology, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu str. 4, Kaunas, LT 50161, Lithuania
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21
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Romero-Calvo I, Weber CR, Ray M, Brown M, Kirby K, Nandi RK, Long TM, Sparrow SM, Ugolkov A, Qiang W, Zhang Y, Brunetti T, Kindler H, Segal JP, Rzhetsky A, Mazar AP, Buschmann MM, Weichselbaum R, Roggin K, White KP. Human Organoids Share Structural and Genetic Features with Primary Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Tumors. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:70-83. [PMID: 30171177 PMCID: PMC6647028 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Patient-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) organoid systems show great promise for understanding the biological underpinnings of disease and advancing therapeutic precision medicine. Despite the increased use of organoids, the fidelity of molecular features, genetic heterogeneity, and drug response to the tumor of origin remain important unanswered questions limiting their utility. To address this gap in knowledge, primary tumor- and patient-derived xenograft (PDX)-derived organoids, and 2D cultures for in-depth genomic and histopathologic comparisons with the primary tumor were created. Histopathologic features and PDAC representative protein markers (e.g., claudin 4 and CA19-9) showed strong concordance. DNA- and RNA-sequencing (RNAseq) of single organoids revealed patient-specific genomic and transcriptomic consistency. Single-cell RNAseq demonstrated that organoids are primarily a clonal population. In drug response assays, organoids displayed patient-specific sensitivities. In addition, the in vivo PDX response to FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine/abraxane treatments were examined, which was recapitulated in vitro with organoids. This study has demonstrated that organoids are potentially invaluable for precision medicine as well as preclinical drug treatment studies because they maintain distinct patient phenotypes and respond differently to drug combinations and dosage. IMPLICATIONS: The patient-specific molecular and histopathologic fidelity of organoids indicate that they can be used to understand the etiology of the patient's tumor and the differential response to therapies and suggests utility for predicting drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Romero-Calvo
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christopher R Weber
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mohana Ray
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Miguel Brown
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kori Kirby
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rajib K Nandi
- The Computer Science Department, Division of the Physical Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tiha M Long
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Samantha M Sparrow
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrey Ugolkov
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Center for Development Therapeutics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
- Tempus Labs, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wenan Qiang
- Center for Development Therapeutics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | | | - Tonya Brunetti
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hedy Kindler
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeremy P Segal
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrey Rzhetsky
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrew P Mazar
- Center for Development Therapeutics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary M Buschmann
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ralph Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and the Ludwig Center for Metastasis, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kevin Roggin
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Kevin P White
- Institute for Genomic & Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
- Tempus Labs, Chicago, Illinois
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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22
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Yes-associated protein (YAP) in pancreatic cancer: at the epicenter of a targetable signaling network associated with patient survival. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2018; 3:11. [PMID: 29682330 PMCID: PMC5908807 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-017-0005-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is generally a fatal disease with no efficacious treatment modalities. Elucidation of signaling mechanisms that will lead to the identification of novel targets for therapy and chemoprevention is urgently needed. Here, we review the role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW-domain-containing Transcriptional co-Activator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in the development of PDAC. These oncogenic proteins are at the center of a signaling network that involves multiple upstream signals and downstream YAP-regulated genes. We also discuss the clinical significance of the YAP signaling network in PDAC using a recently published interactive open-access database (www.proteinatlas.org/pathology) that allows genome-wide exploration of the impact of individual proteins on survival outcomes. Multiple YAP/TEAD-regulated genes, including AJUBA, ANLN, AREG, ARHGAP29, AURKA, BUB1, CCND1, CDK6, CXCL5, EDN2, DKK1, FOSL1,FOXM1, HBEGF, IGFBP2, JAG1, NOTCH2, RHAMM, RRM2, SERP1, and ZWILCH, are associated with unfavorable survival of PDAC patients. Similarly, components of AP-1 that synergize with YAP (FOSL1), growth factors (TGFα, EPEG, and HBEGF), a specific integrin (ITGA2), heptahelical receptors (P2Y2R, GPR87) and an inhibitor of the Hippo pathway (MUC1), all of which stimulate YAP activity, are associated with unfavorable survival of PDAC patients. By contrast, YAP inhibitory pathways (STRAD/LKB-1/AMPK, PKA/LATS, and TSC/mTORC1) indicate a favorable prognosis. These associations emphasize that the YAP signaling network correlates with poor survival of pancreatic cancer patients. We conclude that the YAP pathway is a major determinant of clinical aggressiveness in PDAC patients and a target for therapeutic and preventive strategies in this disease. Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling contributes to pancreatic cancer progression and is associated with poor patient survival. Previous studies have shown that YAP activates genes involved in cell proliferation to incite tumor growth and metastasis. Enrique Rozengurt and colleagues at University of California Los Angeles review the latest knowledge on YAP signaling and used the open access database The Human Protein Atlas to analyze the gene expression profile and prognosis of 176 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Activation of upstream or downstream elements of the YAP signaling pathway correlated with shorter survival in patients. Conversely, the activation of signaling pathways that oppose YAP signaling were associated with a more favorable prognosis. These findings highlight YAP signaling pathway components as both prognostic markers and potential targets for developing much needed therapeutic and preventative strategies.
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23
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miRNA-34c-5p inhibits amphiregulin-induced ovarian cancer stemness and drug resistance via downregulation of the AREG-EGFR-ERK pathway. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e326. [PMID: 28459431 PMCID: PMC5525454 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer mainly due to late diagnosis, easy spreading and rapid development of chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells are considered to be one of the main mechanisms for chemoresistance, as well as metastasis and recurrent disease. To explore the stemness characteristics of ovarian cancer stem cells, we successfully enriched ovarian cancer stem-like cells from an established ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-I6) and a fresh ovarian tumor-derived cell line (OVS1). These ovarian cancer stem-like cells possess important cancer stemness characteristics including sphere-forming and self-renewing abilities, expressing important ovarian cancer stem cell and epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers, as well as increased drug resistance and potent tumorigenicity. Microarray analysis of OVS1-derived sphere cells revealed increased expression of amphiregulin (AREG) and decreased expression of its conserved regulatory microRNA, miR-34c-5p, when compared with the OVS1 parental cells. Overexpression of AREG and decreased miR-34c-5p expression in SKOV-I6 and OVS1 sphere cells were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Luciferase reporter assay and mutant analysis confirmed that AREG is a direct target of miR-34c-5p. Furthermore, AREG-mediated increase of sphere formation, drug resistance toward docetaxel and carboplatin, as well as tumorigenicity of SKOV-I6 and OVS1 cells could be abrogated by miR-34c-5p. We further demonstrated that miR-34c-5p inhibited ovarian cancer stemness through downregulation of the AREG-EGFR-ERK pathway. Overexpression of AREG was found to be correlated with advanced ovarian cancer stages and poor prognosis. Taken together, our data suggest that AREG promotes ovarian cancer stemness and drug resistance via the AREG-EGFR-ERK pathway and this is inhibited by miR-34c-5p. Targeting AREG, miR-34c-5p could be a potential strategy for anti-cancer-stem cell therapy in ovarian cancer.
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