1
|
Stauffer S, Roth JS, Hernandez ER, Kowalczyk JT, Sealover NE, Hebron KE, James A, Isanogle KA, Riffle LA, Ileva L, Luo X, Chen JQ, Kedei N, Kortum RL, Lei H, Shern JF, Kalen JD, Edmondson EF, Hall MD, Difilippantonio S, Thiele CJ, Yohe ME. Preclinical Therapeutic Efficacy of RAF/MEK/ERK and IGF1R/AKT/mTOR Inhibition in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2320. [PMID: 39001383 PMCID: PMC11240493 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway are observed in relapsed neuroblastoma. Preclinical studies indicate that these tumors have an increased sensitivity to inhibitors of the RAS/MAPK pathway, such as MEK inhibitors. MEK inhibitors do not induce durable responses as single agents, indicating a need to identify synergistic combinations of targeted agents to provide therapeutic benefit. We previously showed preclinical therapeutic synergy between a MEK inhibitor, trametinib, and a monoclonal antibody specific for IGF1R, ganitumab in RAS-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma. Neuroblastoma cells, like rhabdomyosarcoma cells, are sensitive to the inhibition of the RAS/MAPK and IGF1R/AKT/mTOR pathways. We hypothesized that the combination of trametinib and ganitumab would be effective in RAS-mutated neuroblastoma. In this study, trametinib and ganitumab synergistically suppressed neuroblastoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in cell culture. We also observed a delay in tumor initiation and prolongation of survival in heterotopic and orthotopic xenograft models treated with trametinib and ganitumab. However, the growth of both primary and metastatic tumors was observed in animals receiving the combination of trametinib and ganitumab. Therefore, more preclinical work is necessary before testing this combination in patients with relapsed or refractory RAS-mutated neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Stauffer
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Jacob S Roth
- Early Translation Branch, Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Edjay R Hernandez
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joshua T Kowalczyk
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nancy E Sealover
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Services, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Katie E Hebron
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Amy James
- Animal Research Technical Support, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kristine A Isanogle
- Animal Research Technical Support, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lisa A Riffle
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lilia Ileva
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Xiaoling Luo
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jin-Qiu Chen
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Robert L Kortum
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Services, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Haiyan Lei
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jack F Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joseph D Kalen
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Elijah F Edmondson
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Matthew D Hall
- Early Translation Branch, Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Simone Difilippantonio
- Animal Research Technical Support, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marielle E Yohe
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van der Ark-Vonk EM, Puijk MV, Pasterkamp G, van der Laan SW. The Effects of FABP4 on Cardiovascular Disease in the Aging Population. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2024; 26:163-175. [PMID: 38698167 PMCID: PMC11087245 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-024-01196-5] [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] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) plays a role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. In this paper, we cover FABP4 biology, its implications in atherosclerosis from observational studies, genetic factors affecting FABP4 serum levels, and ongoing drug development to target FABP4 and offer insights into future FABP4 research. RECENT FINDINGS FABP4 impacts cells through JAK2/STAT2 and c-kit pathways, increasing inflammatory and adhesion-related proteins. In addition, FABP4 induces angiogenesis and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. FABP4 is established as a reliable predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease in specific at-risk groups. Genetic studies robustly link PPARG and FABP4 variants to FABP4 serum levels. Considering the potential effects on atherosclerotic lesion development, drug discovery programs have been initiated in search for potent inhibitors of FABP4. Elevated FABP4 levels indicate an increased cardiovascular risk and is causally related to acceleration of atherosclerotic disease, However, clinical trials for FABP4 inhibition are lacking, possibly due to concerns about available compounds' side effects. Further research on FABP4 genetics and its putative causal role in cardiovascular disease is needed, particularly in aging subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M van der Ark-Vonk
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, Division Laboratory, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mike V Puijk
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, Division Laboratory, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, Division Laboratory, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander W van der Laan
- Central Diagnostics Laboratory, Division Laboratory, Pharmacy, and Biomedical Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fanfarillo F, Ferraguti G, Lucarelli M, Francati S, Barbato C, Minni A, Ceccanti M, Tarani L, Petrella C, Fiore M. The Impact of ROS and NGF in the Gliomagenesis and their Emerging Implications in the Glioma Treatment. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:449-462. [PMID: 37016521 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230403105438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules derived from molecular oxygen (O2). ROS sources can be endogenous, such as cellular organelles and inflammatory cells, or exogenous, such as ionizing radiation, alcohol, food, tobacco, chemotherapeutical agents and infectious agents. Oxidative stress results in damage of several cellular structures (lipids, proteins, lipoproteins, and DNA) and is implicated in various disease states such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging. A large body of studies showed that ROS plays an important role in carcinogenesis. Indeed, increased production of ROS causes accumulation in DNA damage leading to tumorigenesis. Various investigations demonstrated the involvement of ROS in gliomagenesis. The most common type of primary intracranial tumor in adults is represented by glioma. Furthermore, there is growing attention on the role of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in brain tumor pathogenesis. NGF is a growth factor belonging to the family of neurotrophins. It is involved in neuronal differentiation, proliferation and survival. Studies were conducted to investigate NGF pathogenesis's role as a pro- or anti-tumoral factor in brain tumors. It has been observed that NGF can induce both differentiation and proliferation in cells. The involvement of NGF in the pathogenesis of brain tumors leads to the hypothesis of a possible implication of NGF in new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have focused on the role of neurotrophin receptors as potential targets in glioma therapy. This review provides an updated overview of the role of ROS and NGF in gliomagenesis and their emerging role in glioma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Francati
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Che J, Bing S, Lu J, Jin Z, Gao J, Sheng H, Li D, Yang B, He Q, Ying M, Dong X. Discovery of Novel Oxazepine Derivatives as Akt/ROCK Inhibitors for Growth Arrest and Differentiation Induction in Neuroblastoma Treatment. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13530-13555. [PMID: 37749892 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Patients with high-risk neuroblastoma face limited treatment choices, typically involving a combination of cytotoxic and differentiation maintenance therapies due to a scarcity of drugs. Evidence suggests that targeted inhibitors may provide opportunities for inducing neuroblastoma differentiation while inhibiting proliferation. Here, we demonstrate the synergistic effect of inhibiting Akt and ROCK in antineuroblastoma and present the design and discovery of a new Akt/ROCK inhibitor, B12. It displays strong antiproliferative effects and excellent differentiation inducing activity against Neuro2a cells. Treatment with B12 results in the arrest of G0/G1 cell cycles, a significant decrease in N-myc protein level, and an increase in differentiation markers. The administration of B12 effectively suppresses xenograft tumor growth and promotes differentiation. Overall, the discovery of B12 based on the Akt/ROCK dual inhibition strategy may provide hope for the development of more effective and targeted therapies for this challenging disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Che
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shaowei Bing
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jialiang Lu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zegao Jin
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Haichao Sheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Dan Li
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Meidan Ying
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Pediatric Cancer Research Center, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim MY, Kim MJ, Lee C, Lee J, Kim SS, Hong S, Kim HT, Seo J, Yoon KJ, Han S. Trametinib activates endogenous neurogenesis and recovers neuropathology in a model of Alzheimer's disease. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2177-2189. [PMID: 37779138 PMCID: PMC10618442 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01073-2] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancing adult neurogenesis in the brain has been suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD. We developed a screening platform, ATRIVIEW®, for molecules that activate neuronal differentiation of adult mouse NSCs. The most potent hit from an FDA-approved drug library was SNR1611 (trametinib), a selective MEK1/2 inhibitor. We found that trametinib increases the levels of P15INK4b and Neurog2, suggesting a mechanism by which MEK1/2 inhibition induces neuronal differentiation. Oral administration of trametinib increased adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and subventricular zone of the 5XFAD AD mouse model. Surprisingly, we also found that trametinib enhanced adult neurogenesis in the cortex. Consequently, trametinib rescued AD pathologies such as neuronal loss and cognitive impairment in 5XFAD mice. Finally, trametinib induced neurogenic differentiation of NSCs derived from AD patient iPSCs, which suggests its potential therapeutic application. Altogether, we suggest that restoration of endogenous adult neurogenesis by trametinib may be a promising therapeutic approach to AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Yeon Kim
- Neuroscience Research Center, Genuv Inc., Seoul, 03175, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Kim
- Neuroscience Research Center, Genuv Inc., Seoul, 03175, Republic of Korea
| | - Changyeob Lee
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Juwon Lee
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Seong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University ERICA, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Hong
- Computational Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hyoung Tae Kim
- Neuroscience Research Center, Genuv Inc., Seoul, 03175, Republic of Korea
- Shaperon Inc., Seoul, 06373, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsoo Seo
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- KAIST Stem Cell Center, KAIST, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungho Han
- Neuroscience Research Center, Genuv Inc., Seoul, 03175, Republic of Korea.
- Head Office, Genuv Inc., Seoul, 04520, Republic of Korea.
- Genuv US Subsidiary, Genuv Inc., Cambridge, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bedoya-Cardona JE, Rubio-Carrasquilla M, Ramírez-Velásquez IM, Valdés-Tresanco MS, Moreno E. Identifying Potential Molecular Targets in Fungi Based on (Dis)Similarities in Binding Site Architecture with Proteins of the Human Pharmacolome. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28020692. [PMID: 36677748 PMCID: PMC9860719 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections represent a public health problem that worsens over the years with the increasing resistance to current antimycotic agents. Therefore, there is a compelling medical need of widening the antifungal drug repertoire, following different methods such as drug repositioning, identification and validation of new molecular targets and developing new inhibitors against these targets. In this work we developed a structure-based strategy for drug repositioning and new drug design, which can be applied to infectious fungi and other pathogens. Instead of applying the commonly accepted off-target criterion to discard fungal proteins with close homologues in humans, the core of our approach consists in identifying fungal proteins with active sites that are structurally similar, but preferably not identical to binding sites of proteins from the so-called "human pharmacolome". Using structural information from thousands of human protein target-inhibitor complexes, we identified dozens of proteins in fungal species of the genera Histoplasma, Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and Fusarium, which might be exploited for drug repositioning and, more importantly, also for the design of new fungus-specific inhibitors. As a case study, we present the in vitro experiments performed with a set of selected inhibitors of the human mitogen-activated protein kinases 1/2 (MEK1/2), several of which showed a marked cytotoxic activity in different fungal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcela Rubio-Carrasquilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Medellín, Medellin 050026, Colombia
- Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellin 050034, Colombia
| | - Iliana M. Ramírez-Velásquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Medellín, Medellin 050026, Colombia
- Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellin 050034, Colombia
| | | | - Ernesto Moreno
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad de Medellín, Medellin 050026, Colombia
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin L, Miao L, Lin H, Cheng J, Li M, Zhuo Z, He J. Targeting RAS in neuroblastoma: Is it possible? Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108054. [PMID: 34915055 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a common solid tumor in children and a leading cause of cancer death in children. Neuroblastoma exhibits genetic, morphological, and clinical heterogeneity that limits the efficacy of current monotherapies. With further research on neuroblastoma, the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is found to be complex, and more and more treatment therapies are needed. The importance of personalized therapy is growing. Currently, various molecular features, including RAS mutations, are being used as targets for the development of new therapies for patients with neuroblastoma. A recent study found that RAS mutations are frequently present in recurrent neuroblastoma. RAS mutations have been shown to activate the MAPK pathway and play an important role in neuroblastoma. Treating RAS mutated neuroblastoma is a difficult challenge, but many preclinical studies have yielded effective results. At the same time, many of the therapies used to treat RAS mutated tumors also have good reference values for treating RAS mutated neuroblastoma. The success of KRAS-G12C inhibitors has greatly stimulated confidence in the direct suppression of RAS. This review describes the biological role of RAS and the frequency of RAS mutations in neuroblastoma. This paper focuses on the strategies, preclinical, and clinical progress of targeting carcinogenic RAS in neuroblastoma, and proposes possible prospects and challenges in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lin
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Miao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiran Lin
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jiwen Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China; Laboratory Animal Center, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Jing He
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu Y, Zhao R, Qin X, Mao X, Li Q, Fang S. Cobimetinib Sensitizes Cervical Cancer to Paclitaxel via Suppressing Paclitaxel-Induced ERK Activation. Pharmacology 2022; 107:398-405. [DOI: 10.1159/000524305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Chemoresistance remains the main cause of treatment failure in cervical cancer and novel therapeutic strategies are required. Cobimetinib, a potent yet selective inhibitor of MEK1 and 2, is currently used to treat melanoma clinically. In this work, we identified cobimetinib as a promising candidate for treating cervical cancer. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The in vitro and in vivo efficacies of cobimetinib were examined using cervical cancer cell cultures and xenograft mouse model. Its combination with paclitaxel was analyzed using the combination index. Immunoblotting was performed on MAPK and ERK pathways. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Cobimetinib displays a potent anti-cervical cancer activity in a panel of cell lines regardless of cellular origin and HPV presence, and its combination with paclitaxel is synergistic in inhibiting cervical cancer cells. This is achieved by the growth inhibition and caspase-dependent apoptosis induction, through inhibiting MAPK/ERK activation. In addition, paclitaxel activates ERK in cervical cancer cells, and this can be reversed by cobimetinib. We finally confirm the efficacy of cobimetinib alone and its combination with paclitaxel in the cervical cancer xenograft mouse model. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Our preclinical findings will accelerate the initialization of clinical trials to use combination of cobimetinib and paclitaxel for treating cervical cancer. Our work also emphasizes the therapeutic value of targeting MAPK/ERK to overcome chemoresistance in cervical cancer.
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang S, Li S, Chang J. Discovery of Cobimetinib as a novel A-FABP inhibitor using machine learning and molecular docking-based virtual screening. RSC Adv 2022; 12:13500-13510. [PMID: 35520131 PMCID: PMC9066360 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra01057g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP, also called FABP4, aP2) is an adipokine identified as a critical regulator of metabolic function due to its dual functions of fatty acid transport and pro-inflammation. Because of the high therapeutic potential of A-FABP inhibition for the treatment of metabolic diseases and related vascular complications, numerous inhibitors have been developed against A-FABP. However, none of these inhibitors have been approved for use in patients due to severe side effects. Here, we used a virtual screening (VS) strategy to identify potential inhibitors of A-FABP in the latest FDA-approved drug library (∼2600 compounds), aiming to explore the existing drugs with proven safety profiles. We firstly combined ligand-based machine learning and structure-based molecular docking to develop a screening pipeline for identifying A-FABP inhibitors. The screening of FDA-approved drugs identified four compounds (Cobimetinib, Larotrectinib, Pantoprazole, and Vildagliptin) with the highest scores, whose inhibitory effects on A-FABP were further assessed in cellular assays. Among the selected compounds, Cobimetinib significantly inhibited the activation of the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway by A-FABP in mouse macrophages without causing obvious cytotoxicity. In summary, we present an integrated VS pipeline for A-FABP inhibitor screening, and identified Cobimetinib as a novel A-FABP inhibitor that may be repurposed for the treatment of metabolic diseases and associated vascular complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilun Yang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xueyuan Blvd 1068 Shenzhen 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Simeng Li
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xueyuan Blvd 1068 Shenzhen 518055 Guangdong China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Junlei Chang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Xueyuan Blvd 1068 Shenzhen 518055 Guangdong China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Synthetic Heterocyclic Derivatives as Kinase Inhibitors Tested for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237069. [PMID: 34885651 PMCID: PMC8658969 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, small molecules endowed with different heterocyclic scaffolds have been developed as kinase inhibitors. Some of them are being tested at preclinical or clinical levels for the potential treatment of neuroblastoma (NB). This disease is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood and is responsible for 10% to 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. Despite the availability of some treatments, including the use of very toxic cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, high-risk (HR)-NB patients still have a poor prognosis and a survival rate below 50%. For these reasons, new pharmacological options are urgently needed. This review focuses on synthetic heterocyclic compounds published in the last five years, which showed at least some activity on this severe disease and act as kinase inhibitors. The specific mechanism of action, selectivity, and biological activity of these drug candidates are described, when established. Moreover, the most remarkable clinical trials are reported. Importantly, kinase inhibitors approved for other diseases have shown to be active and endowed with lower toxicity compared to conventional cytotoxic agents. The data collected in this article can be particularly useful for the researchers working in this area.
Collapse
|
11
|
Togashi Y, Tanaka T, Takemoto M, Takeuchi Y, Higashi M, Fumino S, Tajiri T. Anti-relapse effect of trametinib on a local minimal residual disease neuroblastoma mouse model. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:1233-1239. [PMID: 33863557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We reported the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of trametinib, an MEK inhibitor, on neuroblastoma. However, long-term trametinib administration for bulky tumors failed to prevent local relapse. In this study, we established a local minimal residual disease (L-MRD) model to develop an optimal clinical protocol. METHODS We prepared an l-MRD model by implanting neuroblastoma cells (SK-N-AS) into the renal capsule of nude mice with total tumorectomy or sham operation 14 days later. These mice received post-operative administration of trametinib or vehicle for eight weeks. Relapse was measured once weekly. Flow cytometry was performed with SK-N-AS cells treated by trametinib. RESULTS Tumorectomy+trametinib dramatically suppressed relapse, and all mice survived during trametinib administration, while other treatments failed to suppress relapse. The survival rates for other groups were 20% in sham+trametinib, 17% in tumorectomy+vehicle, and 0% in sham+vehicle. Relapse occurred in the tumorectomy+trametinib group after withdrawal of trametinib administration. Flow cytometry revealed G1 arrest in SK-N-AS cells treated with trametinib. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that trametinib was able to suppress relapse from minimal residual tumor cells. Therefore, we propose that trametinib be administered as an option for maintenance therapy after surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments for neuroblastoma in future clinical protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Togashi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Masakazu Takemoto
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yuki Takeuchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Mayumi Higashi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Fumino
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Tajiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang L, Xie D, Lei Y, Na A, Zhu L. Preclinical activity of cobimetinib alone or in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapies in renal cell carcinoma. Future Oncol 2021; 17:3051-3060. [PMID: 33906367 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The poor outcome of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) necessitates new treatments. Cobimetinib is a MEK inhibitor and approved for the treatment of melanoma. This work investigated the efficacy of cobimetinib alone and in combination with anti-RCC drugs. Methods: Proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed, and combination index was analyzed on RCC cell lines (CaKi-2, 786-O, A-704, ACHN and A489) and xenograft models. Immunoblotting analysis was conducted to investigate the MAPK pathway. Results: Cobimetinib was active against RCC cells, with IC50 at 0.006-0.8μM, and acted synergistically with standard-of-care therapy. Cobimetinib at nontoxic doses prevented tumor formation, inhibited tumor growth and enhanced efficacy of 5-fluorouracil, sorafenib and sunitinib via suppressing Raf/MEK/ERK, leading to MAPK pathway inhibition. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the potent anti-RCC activity of cobimetinib and its synergism with RCC standard-of-care drugs, and confirm the underlying mechanism of the action of cobimetinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lichen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, 644000, PR China
| | - Deqiong Xie
- Department of Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, 644000, PR China
| | - Yonghua Lei
- Department of Urology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi, 710038, PR China
| | - Aoli Na
- Department of Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, 644000, PR China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, 644000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Peerzada MN, Hamel E, Bai R, Supuran CT, Azam A. Deciphering the key heterocyclic scaffolds in targeting microtubules, kinases and carbonic anhydrases for cancer drug development. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107860. [PMID: 33895188 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heterocyclic scaffolds are widely utilized for drug design by taking into account the molecular structure of therapeutic targets that are related to a broad spectrum of ailments, including tumors. Such compounds display various covalent and non-covalent interactions with the specific residues of the target proteins while causing their inhibition. There is a substantial number of heterocyclic compounds approved for cancer treatment, and these compounds function by interacting with different therapeutic targets involved in tumorogenesis. In this review, we trace and emphasize the privileged heterocyclic pharmacophores that have immense potency against several essential chemotherapeutic tumor targets: microtubules, kinases and carbonic anhydrases. Potent compounds currently undergoing pre-clinical and clinical studies have also been assessed for ascertaining the effective class of chemical scaffolds that have significant therapeutic potential against multiple malignancies. In addition, we also describe briefly the role of heterocyclic compounds in various chemotherapy regimens. The optimized molecular hybridization of delineated motifs may result in the discovery of more active anticancer therapeutics and circumvent the development of resistance by specific targets in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mudasir Nabi Peerzada
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ernest Hamel
- Molecular Pharmacology Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ruoli Bai
- Molecular Pharmacology Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Polo Scientifico, Via U. Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Amir Azam
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jin Z, Lu Y, Wu Y, Che J, Dong X. Development of differentiation modulators and targeted agents for treating neuroblastoma. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112818. [PMID: 32937281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common pediatric malignancies. Easy metastasis, poor prognosis, and a high degree of heterogeneity of NB hinder its successful treatment. Several different therapeutic strategies have been developed to overcome these problems, including differentiation and targeted therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent development of differentiation modulators and targeted agents for treating NB. Several promising targets of NB were also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zegao Jin
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Yang Lu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Yizhe Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Jinxin Che
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Targeted MEK inhibition by cobimetinib enhances doxorubicin's efficacy in osteosarcoma models. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:622-628. [PMID: 32736683 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The limited effectiveness and high toxicity of current treatments in osteosarcoma necessitate new therapeutic strategy. Cobimetinib is a FDA-approved MEK inhibitor and is clinically used in combination with standard of care to treat melanomas. Here, we report that targeted MEK inhibition by cobimetinib enhances doxorubicin's efficacy in osteosarcoma models. We found that cobimetinib potently inhibited growth and survival of osteosarcoma cells. We revealed that cobimetinib had anti-metastasis activity as it inhibited osteosarcoma cell migration. Notably, the effective concentrations of cobimetinib are clinically achievable. We further found that cells with the most sensitivity had highest p-ERK and cells with the least sensitivity had lowest p-ERK, suggesting the possible correlation of ERK activation with cobimetinib sensitivity in osteosarcoma. We further confirmed that inhibition of MEK/ERK signaling pathway is the mechanism of cobimetinib's action in osteosarcoma, leading to inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and anti-apoptotic pathway, as well as activation of pro-apoptotic pathway. Using xenograft mice model, we found that cobimetinib at the tolerable dose significantly inhibited osteosarcoma formation and growth. In addition, the combination of cobimetinib and doxorubicin at sublethal dose completely arrested tumor growth without further progression. The ability of cobimetinib in enhancing doxorubicin's efficacy in osteosarcoma models makes cobimetinib as a useful addition to the treatment armamentarium for osteosarcoma. Our findings also emphasize the therapeutic value of MEK/ERK pathway to improve the clinical management of osteosarcoma.
Collapse
|
16
|
Valencia-Sama I, Ladumor Y, Kee L, Adderley T, Christopher G, Robinson CM, Kano Y, Ohh M, Irwin MS. NRAS Status Determines Sensitivity to SHP2 Inhibitor Combination Therapies Targeting the RAS-MAPK Pathway in Neuroblastoma. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3413-3423. [PMID: 32586982 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Survival for high-risk neuroblastoma remains poor and treatment for relapsed disease rarely leads to long-term cures. Large sequencing studies of neuroblastoma tumors from diagnosis have not identified common targetable driver mutations other than the 10% of tumors that harbor mutations in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. However, at neuroblastoma recurrence, more frequent mutations in genes in the RAS-MAPK pathway have been detected. The PTPN11-encoded tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is an activator of the RAS pathway, and we and others have shown that pharmacologic inhibition of SHP2 suppresses the growth of various tumor types harboring KRAS mutations such as pancreatic and lung cancers. Here we report inhibition of growth and downstream RAS-MAPK signaling in neuroblastoma cells in response to treatment with the SHP2 inhibitors SHP099, II-B08, and RMC-4550. However, neuroblastoma cell lines harboring endogenous NRAS Q61K mutation (which is commonly detected at relapse) or isogenic neuroblastoma cells engineered to overexpress NRASQ61K were distinctly resistant to SHP2 inhibitors. Combinations of SHP2 inhibitors with other RAS pathway inhibitors such as trametinib, vemurafenib, and ulixertinib were synergistic and reversed resistance to SHP2 inhibition in neuroblastoma in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest for the first time that combination therapies targeting SHP2 and other components of the RAS-MAPK pathway may be effective against conventional therapy-resistant relapsed neuroblastoma, including those that have acquired NRAS mutations. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that conventional therapy-resistant, relapsed neuroblastoma may be effectively treated via combined inhibition of SHP2 and MEK or ERK of the RAS-MAPK pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivette Valencia-Sama
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yagnesh Ladumor
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lynn Kee
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Teresa Adderley
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Claire M Robinson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yoshihito Kano
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michael Ohh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Meredith S Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review aims to highlight the frequency of RAS mutations in pediatric leukemias and solid tumors and to propose strategies for targeting oncogenic RAS in pediatric cancers. RECENT FINDINGS The three RAS genes (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) comprise the most frequently mutated oncogene family in human cancer. RAS mutations are commonly observed in three of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States, namely lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. The association of RAS mutations with these aggressive malignancies inspired the creation of the National Cancer Institute RAS initiative and spurred intense efforts to develop strategies to inhibit oncogenic RAS, with much recent success. RAS mutations are frequently observed in pediatric cancers; however, recent advances in anti-RAS drug development have yet to translate into pediatric clinical trials. SUMMARY We find that RAS is mutated in common and rare pediatric malignancies and that oncogenic RAS confers a functional dependency in these cancers. Many strategies for targeting RAS are being pursued for malignancies that primarily affect adults and there is a clear need for inclusion of pediatric patients in clinical trials of these agents.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kosti A, Du L, Shivram H, Qiao M, Burns S, Garcia JG, Pertsemlidis A, Iyer VR, Kokovay E, Penalva LOF. ELF4 Is a Target of miR-124 and Promotes Neuroblastoma Proliferation and Undifferentiated State. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:68-78. [PMID: 31624087 PMCID: PMC6942226 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
13-Cis-retinoic acid (RA) is typically used in postremission maintenance therapy in patients with neuroblastoma. However, side effects and recurrence are often observed. We investigated the use of miRNAs as a strategy to replace RA as promoters of differentiation. miR-124 was identified as the top candidate in a functional screen. Genomic target analysis indicated that repression of a network of transcription factors (TF) could be mediating most of miR-124's effect in driving differentiation. To advance miR-124 mimic use in therapy and better define its mechanism of action, a high-throughput siRNA morphologic screen focusing on its TF targets was conducted and ELF4 was identified as a leading candidate for miR-124 repression. By altering its expression levels, we showed that ELF4 maintains neuroblastoma in an undifferentiated state and promotes proliferation. Moreover, ELF4 transgenic expression was able to counteract the neurogenic effect of miR-124 in neuroblastoma cells. With RNA sequencing, we established the main role of ELF4 to be regulation of cell-cycle progression, specifically through the DREAM complex. Interestingly, several cell-cycle genes activated by ELF4 are repressed by miR-124, suggesting that they might form a TF-miRNA regulatory loop. Finally, we showed that high ELF4 expression is often observed in neuroblastomas and is associated with poor survival. IMPLICATIONS: miR-124 induces neuroblastoma differentiation partially through the downregulation of TF ELF4, which drives neuroblastoma proliferation and its undifferentiated phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kosti
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Liqin Du
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
| | - Haridha Shivram
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Mei Qiao
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Suzanne Burns
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Juan Gabriel Garcia
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Alexander Pertsemlidis
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Pediatrics, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Vishwanath R Iyer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Erzsebet Kokovay
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Luiz O F Penalva
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
MEK inhibition by cobimetinib suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 523:147-152. [PMID: 31836141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma which is featured with the extensive vascularization is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths with limited therapeutic options, particularly for advanced disease. Cobimetinib, a MEK inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of melanomas with a BRAF mutation. In this work, we investigated the efficacy of cobimetinib in sensitive and resistant HCC cells. Using a panel of HCC cell lines and normal hepatocellular cells as control, we showed that cobimetinib is active against HCC cells and spare normal hepatocellular cells. Cobimetinib at nanomolar concentration inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells (Hep3B-r), suggesting its ability to overcome HCC resistance to standard of care. This was further demonstrated by our results that cobimetinib significantly augmented the inhibitory effects of sorafenib and doxorubicin in HCC cells. Notably, cobimetinib dose-dependently inhibited tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting HCC endothelial cell (HCCEC) growth, survival and capillary network work formation. Cobimetinib suppressed ERK/RSK without affecting JNK or p38 signaling pathways in Hep3B-r and HCCEC cells. In addition, cobimetinib negatively influenced the apoptosis pathways by increasing pro-apoptotic protein Bim and decreasing anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-2. In addition, we validated the in vitro findings in HCC xenograft mouse model and demonstrated that cobimetinib inhibited ERK signaling, promoted apoptosis, and was active against resistant HCC growth and angiogenesis in vivo, without causing significant toxicity in mice. Our findings support the clinical trials of cobimetinib for HCC treatment and highlight the therapeutic value of inhibiting MEK/ERK/RSK to overcome HCC resistance.
Collapse
|
20
|
Nunes-Xavier CE, Zaldumbide L, Aurtenetxe O, López-Almaraz R, López JI, Pulido R. Dual-Specificity Phosphatases in Neuroblastoma Cell Growth and Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051170. [PMID: 30866462 PMCID: PMC6429076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) are important regulators of neuronal cell growth and differentiation by targeting proteins essential to neuronal survival in signaling pathways, among which the MAP kinases (MAPKs) stand out. DUSPs include the MAPK phosphatases (MKPs), a family of enzymes that directly dephosphorylate MAPKs, as well as the small-size atypical DUSPs, a group of low molecular-weight enzymes which display more heterogeneous substrate specificity. Neuroblastoma (NB) is a malignancy intimately associated with the course of neuronal and neuroendocrine cell differentiation, and constitutes the source of more common extracranial solid pediatric tumors. Here, we review the current knowledge on the involvement of MKPs and small-size atypical DUSPs in NB cell growth and differentiation, and discuss the potential of DUSPs as predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets in human NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Nunes-Xavier
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48903, Spain.
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital HF Radiumhospitalet, Oslo 0424, Norway.
| | - Laura Zaldumbide
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48903, Spain.
| | - Olaia Aurtenetxe
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48903, Spain.
| | - Ricardo López-Almaraz
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48903, Spain.
| | - José I López
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48903, Spain.
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48903, Spain.
| | - Rafael Pulido
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48903, Spain.
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48011, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
SYK Inhibition Potentiates the Effect of Chemotherapeutic Drugs on Neuroblastoma Cells in Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020202. [PMID: 30744170 PMCID: PMC6406899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a malignancy arising from the developing sympathetic nervous system and the most common and deadly cancer of infancy. New therapies are needed to improve the prognosis for high-risk patients and to reduce toxicity and late effects. Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) has previously been identified as a promising drug target in various inflammatory diseases and cancers but has so far not been extensively studied as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. In this study, we observed elevated SYK gene expression in neuroblastoma compared to neural crest and benign neurofibroma. While SYK protein was detected in the majority of examined neuroblastoma tissues it was less frequently observed in neuroblastoma cell lines. Depletion of SYK by siRNA and the use of small molecule SYK inhibitors significantly reduced the cell viability of neuroblastoma cell lines expressing SYK protein. Moreover, SYK inhibition decreased ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation. The SYK inhibitor BAY 61-3606 enhanced the effect of different chemotherapeutic drugs. Transient expression of a constitutive active SYK variant increased the viability of neuroblastoma cells independent of endogenous SYK levels. Collectively, our findings suggest that targeting SYK in combination with conventional chemotherapy should be further evaluated as a treatment option in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
|
22
|
Takeuchi Y, Tanaka T, Higashi M, Fumino S, Iehara T, Hosoi H, Sakai T, Tajiri T. In vivo effects of short- and long-term MAPK pathway inhibition against neuroblastoma. J Pediatr Surg 2018; 53:2454-2459. [PMID: 30266481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE It was reported that almost 80% of relapsed neuroblastomas showed MAPK pathway mutations. In our previous study, both trametinib (MEK inhibitor) and CH5126766 (RAF/MEK inhibitor) showed in vitro antitumor effects on neuroblastoma cells with ERK phosphorylation (pERK). In this study, we analyzed the in vivo effects of MAPK pathway inhibition in neuroblastoma xenografts. METHODS Xenograft mice with IMR5, CHP-212, or SK-N-AS received daily oral administration of either trametinib or CH5126766 for two weeks (short term) or eight weeks (long term). The tumors were measured twice weekly and harvested after treatment for histopathological analyses, including pERK and Ki67 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In short-term treatment, both inhibitors showed significant growth inhibition in CHP-212 and SK-N-AS xenografts, which were pERK-positive before treatment. The number of pERK- and Ki67-positive cells decreased after treatment. Conversely, IMR5 xenografts, which were pERK-negative, were resistant to treatment. During long-term treatment, SK-N-AS xenografts started to regrow from about six weeks with partial differentiation. pERK-positive cells reincreased in these regrown tumors. CONCLUSIONS MAPK pathway inhibition was effective for treating pERK-positive neuroblastoma in vivo. Therefore, pERK immunohistochemistry might be a convenient biomarker for MAPK pathway inhibition in neuroblastoma treatment. However, neuroblastomas developed acquired drug resistance after long-term treatment. Further studies to overcome acquired resistance are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takeuchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mayumi Higashi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigehisa Fumino
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Hosoi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sakai
- Department of Molecular-Targeting Cancer Prevention, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Tajiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lu X, Wan X, Li X, Pan K, Maimaitiaili W, Zhang Y. Expression of TLR4 gene is downregulated in acquired immune deficiency syndrome-associated Kaposi's sarcoma. Exp Ther Med 2018; 17:27-34. [PMID: 30651761 PMCID: PMC6307526 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and proteins involved in its associated signaling pathways in patients with classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-associated KS (AIDS-KS) in Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. A total of 35 patients with KS were enrolled in the present study between May 2011 and July 2013, including 26 cases of AIDS-KS and 9 cases of classic KS. Another 10 healthy subjects of the Uygur ethnic group were included in the normal control group. KS tissues were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. To measure the expression of mRNA, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed. To determine protein expression, western blot analysis was employed. AIDS-KS was mainly distributed in the face and limbs, while classic KS was mainly distributed in the limbs. The histopathological characteristics of AIDS-KS and classic KS tissues were different from those of normal tissues. TLR4 was mainly distributed in the dermis of KS tissues. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4 were reduced in classic KS and AIDS-KS. The protein expression levels of RAS, RAF, nuclear factor (NF)-κB P65 and P50 as well as inhibitor of NF-κB-α of the TLR4 signaling pathway in AIDS-KS and KS tissues were higher than those in normal tissues. In conclusion, the expression of TLR4 gene in KS tissues was decreased, while the expression of proteins of the TLR4 signaling pathway was upregulated in KS. Downregulation of TLR4 may be associated with the occurrence and development of AIDS-KS, while its restoration may represent a novel therapeutic approach for AIDS-KS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Xuefeng Wan
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Kejun Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Wubuli Maimaitiaili
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| | - Yuexin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tümmler C, Snapkov I, Wickström M, Moens U, Ljungblad L, Maria Elfman LH, Winberg JO, Kogner P, Johnsen JI, Sveinbjørnsson B. Inhibition of chemerin/CMKLR1 axis in neuroblastoma cells reduces clonogenicity and cell viability in vitro and impairs tumor growth in vivo. Oncotarget 2017; 8:95135-95151. [PMID: 29221117 PMCID: PMC5707011 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cells, cytokines, and chemokines are essential in promoting a tumor supporting microenvironment. Chemerin is a chemotactic protein and a natural ligand for the receptors CMKLR1, GPR1, and CCRL2. The chemerin/CMKLR1 axis is involved in immunity and inflammation, and it has also been implicated in obesity and cancer. In neuroblastoma, a childhood tumor of the peripheral nervous system we identified correlations between high CMKLR1 and GPR1 expression and reduced overall survival probability. CMKLR1, GPR1, and chemerin RNA and protein were detected in neuroblastoma cell lines and neuroblastoma primary tumor tissue. Chemerin induced calcium mobilization, increased MMP-2 synthesis as well as MAP-kinase- and Akt-mediated signaling in neuroblastoma cells. Stimulation of neuroblastoma cells with serum, TNFα or IL-1β increased chemerin secretion. The small molecule CMKLR1 antagonist α-NETA reduced the clonogenicity and viability of neuroblastoma cell lines indicating the chemerin/CMKLR1 axis as a promoting factor in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Furthermore, nude mice carrying neuroblastoma SK-N-AS cells as xenografts showed impaired tumor growth when treated daily with α-NETA from day 1 after tumor cell injection. This study demonstrates the potential of the chemerin/CMKLR1 axis as a prognostic factor and possible therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conny Tümmler
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Igor Snapkov
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Malin Wickström
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Linda Ljungblad
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lotta Helena Maria Elfman
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Olof Winberg
- Tumor Biology Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Per Kogner
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Baldur Sveinbjørnsson
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.,Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
MEK inhibitors as a novel therapy for neuroblastoma: Their in vitro effects and predicting their efficacy. J Pediatr Surg 2016; 51:2074-2079. [PMID: 27686482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2016.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent study reported that relapsed neuroblastomas had frequent RAS-ERK pathway mutations. We herein investigated the effects and pathways of MEK inhibitors, which inhibit the RAS-ERK pathway, as a new molecular-targeted therapy for refractory neuroblastomas. METHOD Five neuroblastoma cell lines were treated with trametinib (MEK inhibitor) or CH5126766 (RAF/MEK inhibitor). Growth inhibition was analyzed using a cell viability assay. ERK phosphorylation and the MYCN expression were analyzed by immunoblotting or immunohistochemistry. RAS/RAF mutations were identified by direct sequencing or through the COSMIC database. RESULTS Both MEK inhibitors showed growth inhibition effects on cells with ERK phosphorylation, but almost no effect on cells without. In immunoblotting analyses, ERK phosphorylation and MYCN expression were suppressed in ERK active cells by these drugs. Furthermore, phosphorylated-ERK immunohistochemistry corresponded to the drug responses. Regarding the relationship between RAS/Raf mutations and ERK phosphorylation, ERK was phosphorylated in one cell line (NLF) without RAS/Raf mutations. CONCLUSION MEK inhibitors are a promising molecular-targeted therapeutic option for ERK active neuroblastomas. The efficacy of MEK inhibitors corresponds to ERK phosphorylation, while RAS/RAF mutations are not always detected in drug-sensitive cells. Phosphorylated-ERK immunohistochemistry is thus a useful method to analyze ERK activity and predict the therapeutic effects of MEK inhibitors.
Collapse
|
26
|
Aloe L, Rocco ML, Balzamino BO, Micera A. Nerve growth factor: role in growth, differentiation and controlling cancer cell development. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:116. [PMID: 27439311 PMCID: PMC4955168 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0395-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent progress in the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) research has shown that this factor acts not only outside its classical domain of the peripheral and central nervous system, but also on non-neuronal and cancer cells. This latter observation has led to divergent hypothesis about the role of NGF, its specific distribution pattern within the tissues and its implication in induction as well as progression of carcinogenesis. Moreover, other recent studies have shown that NGF has direct clinical relevance in certain human brain neuron degeneration and a number of human ocular disorders. These studies, by suggesting that NGF is involved in a plethora of physiological function in health and disease, warrant further investigation regarding the true role of NGF in carcinogenesis. Based on our long-lasting experience in the physiopathology of NGF, we aimed to review previous and recent in vivo and in vitro NGF studies on tumor cell induction, progression and arrest. Overall, these studies indicate that the only presence of NGF is unable to generate cell carcinogenesis, both in normal neuronal and non-neuronal cells/tissues. However, it cannot be excluded the possibility that the co-expression of NGF and pro-carcinogenic molecules might open to different consequence. Whether NGF plays a direct or an indirect role in cell proliferation during carcinogenesis remains to demonstrate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Aloe
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64 I-00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Luisa Rocco
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, CNR, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64 I-00143, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Micera
- IRCCS - G.B. Bietti Foundation, Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 6 I-00184, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|