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Zhang Z, Westover D, Tang Z, Liu Y, Sun J, Sun Y, Zhang R, Wang X, Zhou S, Hesilaiti N, Xia Q, Du Z. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the development and therapeutic resistance of non-small cell lung cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:565. [PMID: 38872189 PMCID: PMC11170811 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05380-8] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a critical pathway that influences development and therapeutic response of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In recent years, many Wnt regulators, including proteins, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have been found to promote or inhibit signaling by acting on Wnt proteins, receptors, signal transducers and transcriptional effectors. The identification of these regulators and their underlying molecular mechanisms provides important implications for how to target this pathway therapeutically. In this review, we summarize recent studies of Wnt regulators in the development and therapeutic response of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixu Zhang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - David Westover
- High-Throughput Analytics, Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Zhantong Tang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Jinghan Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210018, China
| | - Yunxi Sun
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Runqing Zhang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Xingyue Wang
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Shihui Zhou
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Nigaerayi Hesilaiti
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Qi Xia
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Zhenfang Du
- Department of Genetic and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210003, China.
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2
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Long L, Fei X, Chen L, Yao L, Lei X. Potential therapeutic targets of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1381251. [PMID: 38699644 PMCID: PMC11063389 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1381251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its propensity for metastasis and poor prognosis. TNBC evades the body's immune system recognition and attack through various mechanisms, including the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. This pathway, characterized by heightened activity in numerous solid tumors, exhibits pronounced activation in specific TNBC subtypes. Consequently, targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway emerges as a promising and precise therapeutic strategy for TNBC. The signal transduction cascade of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway predominantly involves receptor tyrosine kinases, the tyrosine kinase JAK2, and the transcription factor STAT3. Ongoing preclinical studies and clinical research are actively investigating this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC treatment. This article comprehensively reviews preclinical and clinical investigations into TNBC treatment by targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway using small molecule compounds. The review explores the role of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in TNBC therapeutics, evaluating the benefits and limitations of active inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras in TNBC treatment. The aim is to facilitate the development of novel small-molecule compounds that target TNBC effectively. Ultimately, this work seeks to contribute to enhancing therapeutic efficacy for patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Long
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiangyu Fei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liucui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liang Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Central Hospital of Hengyang, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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3
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Khodaverdi E, Shabani AA, Madanchi H, Farahmand L. Synthesis of the scFv fragment of anti-Frizzled-7 antibody and evaluation of its effects on triple-negative breast cancer in vitro study. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:231-238. [PMID: 37310573 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03242-1] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Among the most promising antibody formats in terms of inhibiting carcinogenesis are single-stranded variable fragments, whose targeted binding to the Fzd7 receptor has been proven effective at suppressing tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of an anti-Fzd7 antibody fragment against both tumor growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells. METHODS To develop anti-Fzd7 antibodies, bioinformatics approaches were used and the antibodies were expressed recombinantly in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The expression of anti-Fzd7 fragments was verified by Western blotting. Analysis of the antibody's binding capacity to Fzd7 was conducted by flow cytometry. Cell death and apoptosis were assessed by MTT and Annexin V/PI assays. The transwell migration and invasion assays, as well as the scratch method, were used to evaluate cell motility and invasiveness. RESULTS The anti-Fzd7 antibody was expressed successfully as a single band of 31 kDa. It could bind to 21.5% of MDA-MB-231 cells, as opposed to only 0.54% of SKBR-3 cells as negative control. According to MTT assay, induced apoptosis was 73.7% in MDA-MB-231 cells, compared with 29.5% in SKBR-3 cells. Also, the antibody exerted a significant inhibitory effect of 76% and 58% on migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. CONCLUSION The recombinantly developed anti-Fzd7 scFv of this study could exhibit significant antiproliferative and antimigratory properties, along with a high apoptosis-inducing potential, making it suitable for the immunotherapy of triple negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Khodaverdi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Shabani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Hamid Madanchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Drug Design and Bioinformatics Unit, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Farahmand
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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He A, Tian S, Kopper O, Horan DJ, Chen P, Bronson RT, Sheng R, Wu H, Sui L, Zhou K, Tao L, Wu Q, Huang Y, Shen Z, Han S, Chen X, Chen H, He X, Robling AG, Jin R, Clevers H, Xiang D, Li Z, Dong M. Targeted inhibition of Wnt signaling with a Clostridioides difficile toxin B fragment suppresses breast cancer tumor growth. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002353. [PMID: 37943878 PMCID: PMC10635564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are transmitted via 10 homologous frizzled receptors (FZD1-10) in humans. Reagents broadly inhibiting Wnt signaling pathways reduce growth and metastasis of many tumors, but their therapeutic development has been hampered by the side effect. Inhibitors targeting specific Wnt-FZD pair(s) enriched in cancer cells may reduce side effect, but the therapeutic effect of narrow-spectrum Wnt-FZD inhibitors remains to be established in vivo. Here, we developed a fragment of C. difficile toxin B (TcdBFBD), which recognizes and inhibits a subclass of FZDs, FZD1/2/7, and examined whether targeting this FZD subgroup may offer therapeutic benefits for treating breast cancer models in mice. Utilizing 2 basal-like and 1 luminal-like breast cancer models, we found that TcdBFBD reduces tumor-initiating cells and attenuates growth of basal-like mammary tumor organoids and xenografted tumors, without damaging Wnt-sensitive tissues such as bones in vivo. Furthermore, FZD1/2/7-positive cells are enriched in chemotherapy-resistant cells in both basal-like and luminal mammary tumors treated with cisplatin, and TcdBFBD synergizes strongly with cisplatin in inhibiting both tumor types. These data demonstrate the therapeutic value of narrow-spectrum Wnt signaling inhibitor in treating breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina He
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Songhai Tian
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Oded Kopper
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J. Horan
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Barnhill, Indianapolis, United States of America
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Roderick T. Bronson
- Rodent Histopathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ren Sheng
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Vascular Biology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lufei Sui
- Department of Vascular Biology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Vascular Biology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Quan Wu
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Central Laboratory of Medical Research Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujing Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zan Shen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sen Han
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xueqing Chen
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Vascular Biology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xi He
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Alexander G. Robling
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Barnhill, Indianapolis, United States of America
| | - Rongsheng Jin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dongxi Xiang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Li
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Urology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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5
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Banerjee M, Devi Rajeswari V. A novel cross-communication of HIF-1α and HIF-2α with Wnt signaling in TNBC and influence of hypoxic microenvironment in the formation of an organ-on-chip model of breast cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:245. [PMID: 37454033 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The microenvironment role is very important in cancer development. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the cancer cells depends upon specific signaling and microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxic conditions. The crosstalk between hypoxia and Wnt signaling through some molecular mechanism in TNBC is related. Cross-communication between hypoxia and Wnt signaling in cancer cells is known, but the detailed mechanism in TNBC is unknown. This review includes the role of the hypoxia microenvironment in TNBC and the novel crosstalk of the Wnt signaling and hypoxia. When targeted, the new pathway and crosstalk link may be a solution for metastatic TNBC and chemoresistance. The microenvironment influences cancer's metastasis, which changes from person to person. Therefore, organ-on-a-chip is a very novel model to test the drugs clinically before going for human trials, focusing on personalized medications can be done. The effect of the hypoxia microenvironment on breast cancer stem cells is still unknown. Apart from all the published papers, this paper mainly focuses only on the hypoxic microenvironment and its association with the growth of TNBC. The medicines or small proteins, drugs, mimics, and inhibitors targeting wnt and hypoxia genes are consolidated in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manosi Banerjee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V Devi Rajeswari
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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6
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Srivastava N, Usmani SS, Subbarayan R, Saini R, Pandey PK. Hypoxia: syndicating triple negative breast cancer against various therapeutic regimens. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1199105. [PMID: 37492478 PMCID: PMC10363988 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1199105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the deadliest subtypes of breast cancer (BC) for its high aggressiveness, heterogeneity, and hypoxic nature. Based on biological and clinical observations the TNBC related mortality is very high worldwide. Emerging studies have clearly demonstrated that hypoxia regulates the critical metabolic, developmental, and survival pathways in TNBC, which include glycolysis and angiogenesis. Alterations to these pathways accelerate the cancer stem cells (CSCs) enrichment and immune escape, which further lead to tumor invasion, migration, and metastasis. Beside this, hypoxia also manipulates the epigenetic plasticity and DNA damage response (DDR) to syndicate TNBC survival and its progression. Hypoxia fundamentally creates the low oxygen condition responsible for the alteration in Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) signaling within the tumor microenvironment, allowing tumors to survive and making them resistant to various therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for society to establish target-based therapies that overcome the resistance and limitations of the current treatment plan for TNBC. In this review article, we have thoroughly discussed the plausible significance of HIF-1α as a target in various therapeutic regimens such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, adjuvant therapy photodynamic therapy, adoptive cell therapy, combination therapies, antibody drug conjugates and cancer vaccines. Further, we also reviewed here the intrinsic mechanism and existing issues in targeting HIF-1α while improvising the current therapeutic strategies. This review highlights and discusses the future perspectives and the major alternatives to overcome TNBC resistance by targeting hypoxia-induced signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nityanand Srivastava
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Salman Sadullah Usmani
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Rajasekaran Subbarayan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Research, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Educations, Chennai, India
| | - Rashmi Saini
- Department of Zoology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Pranav Kumar Pandey
- Dr. R.P. Centre for Opthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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7
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Ordaz-Ramos A, Tellez-Jimenez O, Vazquez-Santillan K. Signaling pathways governing the maintenance of breast cancer stem cells and their therapeutic implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1221175. [PMID: 37492224 PMCID: PMC10363614 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1221175] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) represent a distinct subpopulation of cells with the ability to self-renewal and differentiate into phenotypically diverse tumor cells. The involvement of CSC in treatment resistance and cancer recurrence has been well established. Numerous studies have provided compelling evidence that the self-renewal ability of cancer stem cells is tightly regulated by specific signaling pathways, which exert critical roles to maintain an undifferentiated phenotype and prevent the differentiation of CSCs. Signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, and Hippo have been implicated in the promotion of self-renewal of many normal and cancer stem cells. Given the pivotal role of BCSCs in driving breast cancer aggressiveness, targeting self-renewal signaling pathways holds promise as a viable therapeutic strategy for combating this disease. In this review, we will discuss the main signaling pathways involved in the maintenance of the self-renewal ability of BCSC, while also highlighting current strategies employed to disrupt the signaling molecules associated with stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ordaz-Ramos
- Innovation in Precision Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, México
| | - Olivia Tellez-Jimenez
- Innovation in Precision Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, México
| | - Karla Vazquez-Santillan
- Innovation in Precision Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
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8
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O'Brien S, Chidiac R, Angers S. Modulation of Wnt-β-catenin signaling with antibodies: therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:354-365. [PMID: 37085400 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Since the recognition that mutations in components of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway underlie some human cancers, considerable attention has been dedicated to developing therapeutic modalities to block its activity. Despite numerous efforts, no drug directly inhibiting Wnt signaling is currently clinically available. Conversely, activating the Wnt pathway in a specific manner has recently been made possible with new molecules mimicking the activity of Wnt proteins, thus offering new possibilities for controlling tissue stem cell activity and for the rational treatment of various degenerative conditions. We describe the landscape of antibody modalities that modulate the Wnt-β-catenin pathway, and detail the advances and challenges in both cancer and regenerative medicine drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan O'Brien
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rony Chidiac
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephane Angers
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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9
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Li K, Mao S, Li X, Zhao H, Wang J, Wang C, Wu L, Zhang K, Yang H, Jin M, Zhou Z, Wang J, Huang G, Xie W. Frizzled-7-targeting antibody (SHH002-hu1) potently suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:2109-2122. [PMID: 36625184 PMCID: PMC10154902 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, and metastasis is considered one of the leading causes of treatment failure in NSCLC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is crucially involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial factor in promoting metastasis, and also contributes to resistance developed by NSCLC to targeted agents. Frizzled-7 (Fzd7), a critical receptor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is aberrantly expressed in NSCLC and has been confirmed to be positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes. SHH002-hu1, a humanized antibody targeting Fzd7, was previously successfully generated by our group. Here, we studied the anti-tumor effects of SHH002-hu1 against NSCLC and revealed the underlying mechanism. First, immunofluorescence (IF) and near-infrared (NIR) imaging assays showed that SHH002-hu1 specifically binds Fzd7+ NSCLC cells and targets NSCLC tissues. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays indicated that SHH002-hu1 significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Subsequently, TOP-FLASH/FOP-FLASH luciferase reporter, IF, and western blot assays validated that SHH002-hu1 effectively suppresses the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and further attenuates the EMT of NSCLC cells. Finally, the subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model of A549/H1975, as well as the popliteal lymph node (LN) metastasis model, was established, and SHH002-hu1 was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of NSCLC xenografts and suppress LN metastasis of NSCLC. Above all, SHH002-hu1 with selectivity toward Fzd7+ NSCLC and the potential of inhibiting invasion and metastasis of NSCLC via disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is indicated as a good candidate for the targeted therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanghua Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyang Mao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijie Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyue Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisha Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Kunchi Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoli Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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10
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Tu X, Zhang J, Yuan W, Wu X, Xu Z, Qing C. Simvastatin Enhanced Anti-tumor Effects of Bevacizumab against Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells via Abating HIF-1α-Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:2083-2094. [PMID: 37587804 DOI: 10.2174/1871520623666230816090914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bevacizumab increased hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) expression attenuates its antitumor effect. Simvastatin can reduce the expression of HIF-1α to exert a tumor-suppressive effect in many in vitro experiments. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether simvastatin could strengthen the anti-tumor activity of bevacizumab in lung adenocarcinoma. OBJECTIVE To determine whether simvastatin could strengthen the anti-tumor activity of bevacizumab in lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS The changes in the biological behavior of A549 cells treated with different drugs were determined through colony forming assay, Cell Counting Assay-8 (CCK-8), transwell assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry. The expressions of pathway-related factors HIF-1α and β-Catenin were determined via qRT-PCR and western blotting. The expressions of proliferation-related proteins, invasion-related proteins, and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by western blotting. In addition, a xenograft non-small cell lung cancer model in nude mice was used to explore in vivo tumor growth. RESULTS We found that simvastatin combined with bevacizumab synergistically suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells while promoting their apoptosis. As demonstrated by qRT-PCR and western blotting experiments, the bevacizumab group displayed a higher expression of pathway-related factors HIF-1α and β-Catenin than the control groups, however simvastatin group showed the opposite trend. Its combination with bevacizumab induced elevation of HIF-1α and β-catenin expressions. During in vivo experiments, simvastatin inhibited tumor growth, and in comparison, the inhibitory effects of its combination with bevacizumab were stronger. CONCLUSION Based on our findings, simvastatin may affect the biological responses of bevacizumab on A549 cells by restraining the HIF-1α-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thus representing a novel and effective combination therapy that can be potentially applied in a clinical therapy for lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuo Qing
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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11
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Liu Q, Guan C, Liu C, Li H, Wu J, Sun C. Targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha: A new strategy for triple-negative breast cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113861. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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12
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Hua Z, Han Y, Liu K, Yang H, Zhou C, Chen F, Nie S, Li M, Yu Q, Wei Y, Wu CCN, Wang X. Antitumor effect and mechanism of FZD7 polypeptide vaccine. Front Oncol 2022; 12:925495. [PMID: 36276155 PMCID: PMC9579692 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.925495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The resistant cells that proliferate after radiotherapy and chemotherapy are primarily tumor stem cells with high stem marker expression, and their presence is the primary cause of tumor dispersion. The Wnt signaling receptor Frizzled family receptor 7 (FZD7) is linked to the maintenance of stem cell features as well as cancer progression. Frizzled-7 (FZD7), a key receptor for Wnt/-catenin signaling, is overexpressed in TNBC, suggesting that it could be a viable target for cancer therapy. We employed bioinformatics to find the best-scoring peptide, chemically synthesized FZD7 epitope antigen, and binding toll-like receptor 7 agonists (T7). Under GMP conditions, peptides for vaccines were produced and purified (>95%). In vivo and vitro tests were used to assess tumor cell inhibition. In vitro, the FZD7-T7 vaccination can boost the maturity of BMDC cells considerably. In mice, the FZD7 - T7 vaccine elicited the greatest immunological response. Significant tumor development inhibition was seen in BALB/c mice treated with FZD7 - T7 in prevention experiments (P < 0.01). Multiple cytokines that promote cellular immune responses, such as interferon (IFN)-γ (P < 0.05), interleukin (IL)-12 (P < 0.05), and IL-2 (P < 0.01), were shown to be considerably elevated in mice inoculated with FZD7- T7. Furthermore, we evaluated safety concerns in terms of vaccine composition to aid in the creation of successful next-generation vaccines. In conclusion, the FZD7-T7 vaccine can activate the immune response in vivo and in vitro, and play a role in tumor suppression. Our findings reveal a unique tumor-suppressive role for the FZD7 peptide in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongke Hua
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Han
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kan Liu
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua Yang
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cai Zhou
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fengyi Chen
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shenglan Nie
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengqing Li
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qinyao Yu
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunpeng Wei
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Christina C. N. Wu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Xiaomei Wang, ; Christina C. N. Wu,
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Lab of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaomei Wang, ; Christina C. N. Wu,
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13
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Huang M, Lin Y, Wang C, Deng L, Chen M, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS, Ye W, Zhang D. New insights into antiangiogenic therapy resistance in cancer: Mechanisms and therapeutic aspects. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 64:100849. [PMID: 35842983 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer and is required for tumor growth and progression. Antiangiogenic therapy has been revolutionarily developing and was approved for the treatment of various types of cancer for nearly two decades, among which bevacizumab and sorafenib continue to be the two most frequently used antiangiogenic drugs. Although antiangiogenic therapy has brought substantial survival benefits to many cancer patients, resistance to antiangiogenic drugs frequently occurs during clinical treatment, leading to poor outcomes and treatment failure. Cumulative evidence has demonstrated that the intricate interplay among tumor cells, bone marrow-derived cells, and local stromal cells critically allows for tumor escape from antiangiogenic therapy. Currently, drug resistance has become the main challenge that hinders the therapeutic efficacies of antiangiogenic therapy. In this review, we describe and summarize the cellular and molecular mechanisms conferring tumor drug resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, which was predominantly associated with redundancy in angiogenic signaling molecules (e.g., VEGFs, GM-CSF, G-CSF, and IL17), alterations in biological processes of tumor cells (e.g., tumor invasiveness and metastasis, stemness, autophagy, metabolic reprogramming, vessel co-option, and vasculogenic mimicry), increased recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (e.g., myeloid-derived suppressive cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and tumor-associated neutrophils), and changes in the biological functions and features of local stromal cells (e.g., pericytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells). We also review potential biomarkers to predict the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients, which mainly consist of imaging biomarkers, cellular and extracellular proteins, a certain type of bone marrow-derived cells, local stromal cell content (e.g., pericyte coverage) as well as serum or plasma biomarkers (e.g., non-coding RNAs). Finally, we highlight the recent advances in combination strategies with the aim of enhancing the response to antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients and mouse models. This review introduces a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with the evasion of antiangiogenic therapy in cancer, providing an outlook for developing more effective approaches to promote the therapeutic efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuning Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chenran Wang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lijuan Deng
- Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Institute for Biotechnology, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Wencai Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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14
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Ning WJ, Liu X, Zeng HY, An ZQ, Luo WX, Xia NS. Recent progress in antibody-based therapeutics for triple-negative breast cancer. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:815-832. [PMID: 35738312 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2093853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of severely aggressive breast cancer that lacks the expression of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and is highly metastatic and related to a poor prognosis. Current standard treatments are still limited to systemic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection. More effective treatments are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED The immunogenicity of TNBC has provided opportunities for the development of targeted immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on the recent development in antibody-based drug modalities, including angiogenesis inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, immunoconjugates, T cell-redirecting bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cells, and their mechanisms of action in TNBC. EXPERT OPINION At present, the treatment of TNBC is still a major challenge that needs to be addressed. Novel immunotherapies are promising opportunities for improving the management of this aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hong-Ye Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wen-Xin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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15
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Abreu de Oliveira WA, El Laithy Y, Bruna A, Annibali D, Lluis F. Wnt Signaling in the Breast: From Development to Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:884467. [PMID: 35663403 PMCID: PMC9157790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.884467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt cascade is a primordial developmental signaling pathway that plays a myriad of essential functions throughout development and adult homeostasis in virtually all animal species. Aberrant Wnt activity is implicated in embryonic and tissue morphogenesis defects, and several diseases, most notably cancer. The role of Wnt signaling in mammary gland development and breast cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression is far from being completely understood and is rather shrouded in controversy. In this review, we dissect the fundamental role of Wnt signaling in mammary gland development and adult homeostasis and explore how defects in its tightly regulated and intricated molecular network are interlinked with cancer, with a focus on the breast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willy Antoni Abreu de Oliveira
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Willy Antoni Abreu de Oliveira, ; Frederic Lluis,
| | - Youssef El Laithy
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alejandra Bruna
- Centre for Paediatric Oncology Experimental Medicine, Centre for Cancer Evolution, Molecular Pathology Division, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela Annibali
- Department of Oncology, Gynecological Oncology Laboratory, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frederic Lluis
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Willy Antoni Abreu de Oliveira, ; Frederic Lluis,
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16
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Jin CL, Ye M, Song ZW, Zhang ZM, Gao CQ, Yan HC, Wang XQ. Lysine Interacts with Frizzled7 to Activate β-Catenin in Satellite Cell-Participated Skeletal Muscle Growth. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:3745-3756. [PMID: 35312309 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This work provided an interesting finding of lysine (Lys) control on skeletal muscle growth besides protein synthesis. According to the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation and molecular docking analyses, we found both in in vivo skeletal muscle and in vitro muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) that the frizzled7 (FZD7) expression level was positively correlated with Lys levels and this was consistent with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. On the other hand, FZD7 inhibition suppressed the Lys-rescued Wnt/β-catenin pathway, FZD7 knockdown caused cell proliferation, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway restrictions could not be compensated for by Lys or Wnt3a. Furthermore, the combination between Lys and recombinant pig frizzled7 (rpFZD7) protein was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry. This finding displayed concrete evidence that Lys is not only a molecular block of protein synthesis but is also a ligand for FZD7 to activate β-catenin to stimulate MuSCs in promoting skeletal muscle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Long Jin
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Mao Ye
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Song
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Zong-Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Chun-Qi Gao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Hui-Chao Yan
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xiu-Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
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17
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Heme Oxygenase-1 Has a Greater Effect on Melanoma Stem Cell Properties Than the Expression of Melanoma-Initiating Cell Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073596. [PMID: 35408953 PMCID: PMC8998882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma-initiating cells (MICs) contribute to the tumorigenicity and heterogeneity of melanoma. MICs are identified by surface and functional markers and have been shown to display cancer stem cell (CSC) properties. However, the existence of MICs that follow the hierarchical CSC model has been questioned by studies showing that single unselected melanoma cells are highly tumorigenic in xenotransplantation assays. Herein, we characterize cells expressing MIC markers (CD20, CD24, CD133, Sca-1, ABCB1, ABCB5, ALDHhigh) in the B16-F10 murine melanoma cell line. We use flow cytometric phenotyping, single-cell sorting followed by in vitro clonogenic assays, and syngeneic in vivo serial transplantation assays to demonstrate that the expression of MIC markers does not select CSC-like cells in this cell line. Previously, our group showed that heme-degrading enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can be upregulated in melanoma and increase its aggressiveness. Here, we show that HO-1 activity is important for non-adherent growth of melanoma and HO-1 overexpression enhances the vasculogenic mimicry potential, which can be considered protumorigenic activity. However, HO-1 overexpression decreases clone formation in vitro and serial tumor initiation in vivo. Thus, HO-1 plays a dual role in melanoma, improving the progression of growing tumors but reducing the risk of melanoma initiation.
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18
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HNRNPA2B1 inhibited SFRP2 and activated Wnt-β/catenin via m6A-mediated miR-106b-5p processing to aggravate stemness in lung adenocarcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 233:153794. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Do M, Wu CCN, Sonavane PR, Juarez EF, Adams SR, Ross J, Rodriguez Y Baena A, Patel C, Mesirov JP, Carson DA, Advani SJ, Willert K. A FZD7-specific Antibody-Drug Conjugate Induces Ovarian Tumor Regression in Preclinical Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:113-124. [PMID: 34667113 PMCID: PMC8742765 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although WNT signaling is frequently dysregulated in solid tumors, drugging this pathway has been challenging due to off-tumor effects. Current clinical pan-WNT inhibitors are nonspecific and lead to adverse effects, highlighting the urgent need for more specific WNT pathway-targeting strategies. We identified elevated expression of the WNT receptor Frizzled class receptor 7 (FZD7) in multiple solid cancers in The Cancer Genome Atlas, particularly in the mesenchymal and proliferative subtypes of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, which correlate with poorer median patient survival. Moreover, we observed increased FZD7 protein expression in ovarian tumors compared with normal ovarian tissue, indicating that FZD7 may be a tumor-specific antigen. We therefore developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate, septuximab vedotin (F7-ADC), which is composed of a chimeric human-mouse antibody to human FZD7 conjugated to the microtubule-inhibiting drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). F7-ADC selectively binds human FZD7, potently kills ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and induces regression of ovarian tumor xenografts in murine models. To evaluate F7-ADC toxicity in vivo, we generated mice harboring a modified Fzd7 gene where the resulting Fzd7 protein is reactive with the human-targeting F7-ADC. F7-ADC treatment of these mice did not induce acute toxicities, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile in patients. Overall, our data suggest that the antibody-drug conjugate approach may be a powerful strategy to combat FZD7-expressing ovarian cancers in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myan Do
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christina C N Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pooja R Sonavane
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Edwin F Juarez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen R Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jason Ross
- Department of Global Creative Studio, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Charmi Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jill P Mesirov
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dennis A Carson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sunil J Advani
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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20
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Shiau JP, Wu CC, Chang SJ, Pan MR, Liu W, Ou-Yang F, Chen FM, Hou MF, Shih SL, Luo CW. FAK Regulates VEGFR2 Expression and Promotes Angiogenesis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121789. [PMID: 34944605 PMCID: PMC8698860 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a significant clinical challenge because of its high vascularity and metastatic and recurrent rates. Tumor angiogenesis is considered an important mediator in the regulation of tumor cell survival and metastasis in TNBC. Angiogenesis is induced by the binding of vascular endothelial growth factor to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays an important role in regulating various cell functions in normal and cancer cells. Previous studies have focused on investigating the function of endothelial FAK in tumor cell angiogenesis. However, the association between tumor FAK and VEGFR2 in tumor angiogenesis and the possible mechanisms of this remain unclear. In this study, we used a public database and human specimens to examine the association between FAK and VEGFR2. At the same time, we verified the association between FAK and VEGFR2 through several experimental methods, such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and next-generation sequencing. In addition, we used the endothelial cell model, zebrafish, and xenograft animal models to investigate the role of FAK in TNBC angiogenesis. We found that FAK and VEGFR2 were positively correlated in patients with TNBC. VEGFR2 and several other angiogenesis-related genes were regulated by FAK. In addition, FAK regulated VEGFR2 and VEGF protein expression in TNBC cells. Functional assays showed that FAK knockdown inhibited endothelial tube formation and zebrafish angiogenesis. An animal model showed that FAK inhibitors could suppress tumor growth and tumor vascular formation. FAK promotes angiogenesis in TNBC cells by regulating VEGFR2 expression. Therefore, targeting FAK could be another antiangiogenic strategy for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ping Shiau
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (J.-P.S.); (C.-C.W.); (F.O.-Y.); (F.-M.C.); (M.-F.H.); (S.-L.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Che Wu
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (J.-P.S.); (C.-C.W.); (F.O.-Y.); (F.-M.C.); (M.-F.H.); (S.-L.S.)
| | - Shu-Jyuan Chang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Wangta Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Fu Ou-Yang
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (J.-P.S.); (C.-C.W.); (F.O.-Y.); (F.-M.C.); (M.-F.H.); (S.-L.S.)
| | - Fang-Ming Chen
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (J.-P.S.); (C.-C.W.); (F.O.-Y.); (F.-M.C.); (M.-F.H.); (S.-L.S.)
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (J.-P.S.); (C.-C.W.); (F.O.-Y.); (F.-M.C.); (M.-F.H.); (S.-L.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Liang Shih
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (J.-P.S.); (C.-C.W.); (F.O.-Y.); (F.-M.C.); (M.-F.H.); (S.-L.S.)
| | - Chi-Wen Luo
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (J.-P.S.); (C.-C.W.); (F.O.-Y.); (F.-M.C.); (M.-F.H.); (S.-L.S.)
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-3121101 (ext. 2260); Fax: +886-7-3165011
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21
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Song X, An Y, Chen D, Zhang W, Wu X, Li C, Wang S, Dong W, Wang B, Liu T, Zhong W, Sun T, Cao H. Microbial metabolite deoxycholic acid promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in intestinal carcinogenesis. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:459-477. [PMID: 34811848 PMCID: PMC8819290 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A high-fat diet (HFD) leads to long-term exposure to gut microbial metabolite secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), in the intestine, which is closely linked to colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence reveals that vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a critical event for the malignant transformation of cancer. Therefore, this study investigated the crucial roles of DCA in the regulation of VM and the progression of intestinal carcinogenesis. The effects of an HFD on VM formation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human CRC tissues were investigated. The fecal DCA level was detected in HFD-treated Apcmin/+ mice. Then the effects of DCA on VM formation, EMT, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrated that compared with a normal diet, an HFD exacerbated VM formation and EMT in CRC patients. An HFD could alter the composition of the gut microbiota and significantly increase the fecal DCA level in Apcmin/+ mice. More importantly, DCA promoted tumor cell proliferation, induced EMT, increased VM formation, and activated VEGFR2, which led to intestinal carcinogenesis. In addition, DCA enhanced the proliferation and migration of HCT-116 cells, and induced EMT process and vitro tube formation. Furthermore, the silence of VEGFR2 reduced DCA-induced EMT, VM formation, and migration. Collectively, our results indicated that microbial metabolite DCA promoted VM formation and EMT through VEGFR2 activation, which further exacerbated intestinal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaping An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Danfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanru Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuqiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sinan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenxiao Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weilong Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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22
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Therapeutic Strategies for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancers: From Negative to Positive. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050455. [PMID: 34065837 PMCID: PMC8150754 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a distinct and immensely complex form of breast cancer. Among all subtypes of breast cancers, TNBC has a comparatively high rate of relapse, a high rate of distant metastasis, and poor overall survival after standard chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimens are an essential component of the management of this estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative, and epidermal growth factor receptor2 negative subtype of breast cancers. Chemotherapy is critical for preventing the recurrence of the disease and for achieving long-term survival. Currently, a couple of agents are approved for the management of this disease, including chemotherapy like eribulin, targeted therapy like PARP inhibitor, as well as an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) to target TROP2. Like many other metastatic cancers, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have also been approved for TNBC patients with PD-L1 positive tumors and high tumor mutational burden. In this review article, we discuss these newly approved and promising novel agents that may change the therapeutic landscape for advanced/metastatic TNBC patients.
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23
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Yang T, Jiang YX, Wu Y, Lu D, Huang R, Wang LL, Wang SQ, Guan YY, Zhang H, Luan X. Resibufogenin Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Angiogenesis by Blocking VEGFR2-Mediated Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:682735. [PMID: 33995111 PMCID: PMC8121540 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.682735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Resibufogenin (RBF), an active compound from Bufo bufonis, has been used for the treatment of multiple malignant cancers, including pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. However, whether RBF could exert its antitumor effect by inhibiting angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the antiangiogenic activity of RBF and its underlying mechanism on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC), and the therapeutic efficacy with regard to antiangiogenesis in vivo using two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. Our results demonstrated that RBF can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. Spheroid sprouts were thinner and shorter after RBF treatment in vitro 3D spheroid sprouting assay. RBF also significantly suppressed VEGF-mediated vascular network formation in vivo Matrigel plug assay. In addition, Western blot analysis was used to reveal that RBF inhibited the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream protein kinases FAK and Src in endothelial cells (ECs). Molecular docking simulations showed that RBF affected the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 by competitively binding to the ATP-bound VEGFR2 kinase domain, thus preventing ATP from providing phosphate groups. Finally, we found that RBF exhibited promising antitumor effect through antiangiogenesis in vivo without obvious toxicity. The present study first revealed the high antiangiogenic activity and the underlying molecular basis of RBF, suggesting that RBF could be a potential antiangiogenic agent for angiogenesis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Xin Jiang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Long-Ling Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Qi Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Yun Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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