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Pecoraro C, Carbone D, Scianò F, Terrana F, Xu G, Bergonzini C, Roeten MSF, Cascioferro S, Cirrincione G, Diana P, Giovannetti E, Parrino B. Exploring the therapeutic potential of a novel series of imidazothiadiazoles targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for pancreatic cancer treatment: synthesis, mechanistic insights and promising antitumor and safety profile. J Drug Target 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39067009 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2385557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase that plays a crucial role in various oncogenic processes related to cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. The strategic targeting of FAK represents a burgeoning approach to address resistant tumours, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Herein, we report a new series of twenty imidazo[2,1-b][1, 3, 4]thiadiazole derivatives assayed for their antiproliferative activity against the National Cancer Institute (NCI-60) panel and a wide panel of PDAC models. Lead compound 10l exhibited effective antiproliferative activity against immortalised (SUIT-2, CAPAN-1, PANC-1, PATU-T, BxPC-3), primary (PDAC-3) and gemcitabine-resistant clone (PANC-1-GR) PDAC cells, eliciting IC50 values in the low micromolar range (1.04-3.44 µM), associated with a significant reduction in cell-migration and spheroid shrinkage in vitro. High-throughput kinase arrays revealed a significant inhibition of the FAK signalling network, associated to induction of cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, suppression of tumour cell invasion and apoptosis induction. The high selectivity index/toxicity prompted studies using PDAC mouse xenografts, demonstrating significant inhibition of tumour growth and safety. In conclusion, compound 10l displayed antitumor activity and safety in both in vitro and in vivo models, emerging as a highly promising lead for the development of FAK inhibitors in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pecoraro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Scianò
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lumobiotics, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Francesca Terrana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geng Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Bergonzini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Margot S F Roeten
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stella Cascioferro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Laboratory, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Deiana C, Agostini M, Brandi G, Giovannetti E. The trend toward more target therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:525-565. [PMID: 38768098 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2357802] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the considerable progress made in cancer treatment through the development of target therapies, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to exhibit resistance to this category of drugs. As a result, chemotherapy combination regimens remain the primary treatment approach for this aggressive cancer. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an in-depth analysis of past and ongoing trials on both well-known and novel targets that are being explored in PDAC, including PARP, EGFR, HER2, KRAS, and its downstream and upstream pathways (such as RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR), JAK/STAT pathway, angiogenesis, metabolisms, epigenetic targets, claudin, and novel targets (such as P53 and plectin). We also provide a comprehensive overview of the significant trials for each target, allowing a thorough glimpse into the past and future of target therapy. EXPERT OPINION The path toward implementing a target therapy capable of improving the overall survival of PDAC is still long, and it is unlikely that a monotherapy target drug will fulfill a meaningful role in addressing the complexity of this cancer. Thus, we discuss the future direction of target therapies in PDAC, trying to identify the more promising target and combination treatments, with a special focus on the more eagerly awaited ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Margherita Agostini
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, San Giuliano, Italy
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Piersma SR, Valles-Marti A, Rolfs F, Pham TV, Henneman AA, Jiménez CR. Inferring kinase activity from phosphoproteomic data: Tool comparison and recent applications. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024; 43:725-751. [PMID: 36156810 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant cellular signaling pathways are a hallmark of cancer and other diseases. One of the most important signaling mechanisms involves protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Protein phosphorylation is catalyzed by protein kinases, and over 530 protein kinases have been identified in the human genome. Aberrant kinase activity is one of the drivers of tumorigenesis and cancer progression and results in altered phosphorylation abundance of downstream substrates. Upstream kinase activity can be inferred from the global collection of phosphorylated substrates. Mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic experiments nowadays routinely allow identification and quantitation of >10k phosphosites per biological sample. This substrate phosphorylation footprint can be used to infer upstream kinase activities using tools like Kinase Substrate Enrichment Analysis (KSEA), Posttranslational Modification Substrate Enrichment Analysis (PTM-SEA), and Integrative Inferred Kinase Activity Analysis (INKA). Since the topic of kinase activity inference is very active with many new approaches reported in the past 3 years, we would like to give an overview of the field. In this review, an inventory of kinase activity inference tools, their underlying algorithms, statistical frameworks, kinase-substrate databases, and user-friendliness is presented. The most widely-used tools are compared in-depth. Subsequently, recent applications of the tools are described focusing on clinical tissues and hematological samples. Two main application areas for kinase activity inference tools can be discerned. (1) Maximal biological insights can be obtained from large data sets with group comparisons using multiple complementary tools (e.g., PTM-SEA and KSEA or INKA). (2) In the oncology context where personalized treatment requires analysis of single samples, INKA for example, has emerged as tool that can prioritize actionable kinases for targeted inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander R Piersma
- OncoProteomics Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Valles-Marti
- OncoProteomics Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Rolfs
- OncoProteomics Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- OncoProteomics Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex A Henneman
- OncoProteomics Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jiménez
- OncoProteomics Laboratory Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Li D, Weng S, Zeng K, Xu H, Wang W, Shi J, Chen J, Chen C. Long non-coding RNAs and tyrosine kinase-mediated drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Gene 2024; 895:148007. [PMID: 37981080 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148007] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant tumors with a dismal survival rate, this is primarily due to inevitable chemoresistance. Dysfunctional tyrosine kinases (TKs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect the drug resistance and prognosis of PC. Here, we summarize the mechanisms by which TKs or lncRNAs mediate drug resistance and other malignant phenotypes. We also discuss that lncRNAs play oncogenic or tumor suppressor roles and different mechanisms including lncRNA-proteins/microRNAs to mediate drug resistance. Furthermore, we highlight that lncRNAs serve as upstream regulators of TKs mediating drug resistance. Finally, we display the clinical significance of TKs (AXL, EGFR, IGF1R, and MET), clinical trials, and lncRNAs (LINC00460, PVT1, HIF1A-AS1). In the future, TKs and lncRNAs may become diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers or drug targets to overcome the drug resistance of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dangran Li
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shiting Weng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Kai Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Hanmiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wenyueyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jinsong Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Jinghua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Chen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Hu HH, Wang SQ, Shang HL, Lv HF, Chen BB, Gao SG, Chen XB. Roles and inhibitors of FAK in cancer: current advances and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1274209. [PMID: 38410129 PMCID: PMC10895298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1274209] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that exhibits high expression in various tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. FAK activation promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. Moreover, FAK is crucial for sustaining the tumor microenvironment. The inhibition of FAK impedes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer. Therefore, developing targeted inhibitors against FAK presents a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, numerous FAK inhibitors, including IN10018, defactinib, GSK2256098, conteltinib, and APG-2449, have been developed, which have demonstrated positive anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies and are undergoing clinical trials for several types of tumors. Moreover, many novel FAK inhibitors are currently in preclinical studies to advance targeted therapy for tumors with aberrantly activated FAK. The benefits of FAK degraders, especially in terms of their scaffold function, are increasingly evident, holding promising potential for future clinical exploration and breakthroughs. This review aims to clarify FAK's role in cancer, offering a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of FAK-targeted therapy and combination approaches. The goal is to provide valuable insights for advancing anti-cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai-Li Shang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui-Fang Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei-Bei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - She-Gan Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Chakkera M, Foote JB, Farran B, Nagaraju GP. Breaking the stromal barrier in pancreatic cancer: Advances and challenges. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189065. [PMID: 38160899 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189065] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide due to the absence of early detection methods and the low success rates of traditional therapeutic strategies. Drug resistance in PC is driven by its desmoplastic stroma, which creates a barrier that shields cancer niches and prevents the penetration of drugs. The PC stroma comprises heterogeneous cellular populations and non-cellular components involved in aberrant ECM deposition, immunosuppression, and drug resistance. These components can influence PC development through intricate and complex crosstalk with the PC cells. Understanding how stromal components and cells interact with and influence the invasiveness and refractoriness of PC cells is thus a prerequisite for developing successful stroma-modulating strategies capable of remodeling the PC stroma to alleviate drug resistance and enhance therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we explore how non-cellular and cellular stromal components, including cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-associated macrophages, contribute to the immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting effects of the stroma. We also examine the signaling pathways underlying their activation, tumorigenic effects, and interactions with PC cells. Finally, we discuss recent pre-clinical and clinical work aimed at developing and testing novel stroma-modulating agents to alleviate drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohana Chakkera
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Jeremy B Foote
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Batoul Farran
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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Tan X, Yan Y, Song B, Zhu S, Mei Q, Wu K. Focal adhesion kinase: from biological functions to therapeutic strategies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:83. [PMID: 37749625 PMCID: PMC10519103 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, is a vital participant in primary cellular functions, such as proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. In addition, FAK regulates cancer stem cell activities and contributes to the formation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Importantly, increased FAK expression and activity are strongly associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and metastatic characteristics in numerous tumors. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that modulating FAK activity by application of FAK inhibitors alone or in combination treatment regimens could be effective for cancer therapy. Based on these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. This article briefly describes the structure and function of FAK, as well as research progress on FAK inhibitors in combination therapies. We also discuss the challenges and future directions regarding anti-FAK combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximin Tan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuheng Yan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bin Song
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Shuangli Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Resovi A, Persichitti P, Brunelli L, Minoli L, Borsotti P, Garattini G, Tironi M, Dugnani E, Redegalli M, De Simone G, Pastorelli R, Bani MR, Piemonti L, Mosher DF, Giavazzi R, Taraboletti G, Belotti D. Fibronectin fragments generated by pancreatic trypsin act as endogenous inhibitors of pancreatic tumor growth. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:201. [PMID: 37559126 PMCID: PMC10411016 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02778-y] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pancreatic microenvironment has a defensive role against cancer but it can acquire tumor-promoting properties triggered by multiple mechanisms including alterations in the equilibrium between proteases and their inhibitors. The identification of proteolytic events, targets and pathways would set the basis for the design of new therapeutic approaches. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we demonstrate that spheroids isolated from human and murine healthy pancreas and co-transplanted orthotopically with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in mouse pancreas inhibited tumor growth. The effect was mediated by trypsin-generated fibronectin (FN) fragments released by pancreatic spheroids. Tumor inhibition was observed also in a model of acute pancreatitis associated with trypsin activation. Mass spectrometry proteomic analysis of fragments and mAb against different FN epitopes identified the FN type III domain as responsible for the activity. By inhibiting integrin α5β1, FAK and FGFR1 signaling, the fragments induced tumor cell detachment and reduced cell proliferation. Consistent with the mutual relationship between the two pathways, FGF2 restored both FGFR1 and FAK signaling and promoted PDAC cell adhesion and proliferation. FAK and FGFR inhibitors additively inhibited PDAC growth in vitro and in orthotopic in vivo models. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies a novel role for pancreatic trypsin and fibronectin cleavage as a mechanism of protection against cancer by the pancreatic microenvironment. The finding of a FAK-FGFR cross-talk in PDAC support the combination of FAK and FGFR inhibitors for PDAC treatment to emulate the protective effect of the normal pancreas against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Resovi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Perla Persichitti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Brunelli
- Department of Environmental Science, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Minoli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Borsotti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Garattini
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Tironi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Erica Dugnani
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Miriam Redegalli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia De Simone
- Department of Environmental Science, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Pastorelli
- Department of Environmental Science, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Bani
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Deane F Mosher
- Departments of Biomolecular Chemistry and Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raffaella Giavazzi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Taraboletti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy
| | - Dorina Belotti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo and Milan, Italy.
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Feng W, Chen J, Huang W, Wang G, Chen X, Duan L, Yin Y, Chen X, Zhang B, Sun M, Luo X, Nie Y, Fan D, Wu K, Xia L. HMGB1-mediated elevation of KLF7 facilitates hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis through upregulating TLR4 and PTK2. Theranostics 2023; 13:4042-4058. [PMID: 37554278 PMCID: PMC10405848 DOI: 10.7150/thno.84388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Metastasis is a major cause of HCC-related deaths with no effective pharmacotherapies. Chronic inflammation promotes HCC dissemination, however, its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of Krüppel-like factor 7 (KLF7) in inflammation-provoked HCC metastasis and proposed therapeutic strategies for KLF7-positive patients. Methods: The expression of KLF7 in human HCC specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR. The luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the transcriptional regulation related to KLF7. Orthotopic xenograft models and DEN/CCl4-induced HCC models were established to evaluate HCC progression and metastasis. Results: KLF7 overexpression promotes HCC metastasis through transactivating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) expression. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) upregulates KLF7 expression through the TLR4/advanced glycosylation end-product specific receptor (RAGE)-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB pathway, forming an HMGB1-KLF7-TLR4 positive feedback loop. The HMGB1-KLF7-TLR4/PTK2 axis is gradually activated during the progression of inflammation-HCC transition. Genetic depletion of KLF7 impedes HMGB1-mediated HCC progression and metastasis. The combined application of TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 and PTK2 inhibitor defactinib alleviates HCC progression and metastasis induced by the HMGB1-KLF7 axis. In human HCCs, KLF7 expression is positively correlated with cytoplasmic HMGB1, p-p65, TLR4, and PTK2 levels, and patients positively co-expressing HMGB1/KLF7, p-p65/KLF7, KLF7/TLR4 or KLF7/PTK2 exhibit the worst prognosis. Conclusions: HMGB1-induced KLF7 overexpression facilitates HCC progression and metastasis by upregulating TLR4 and PTK2. Genetic ablation of KLF7 via AAV gene therapy and combined blockade of TLR4 and PTK2 represents promising therapy strategies for KLF7-positive HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibo Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Guodong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xilang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lili Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases; Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Clinical Medicine Research Center for Hepatic Surgery of Hubei Province; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Mengyu Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kaichun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Limin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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10
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Vallés-Martí A, Mantini G, Manoukian P, Waasdorp C, Sarasqueta AF, de Goeij-de Haas RR, Henneman AA, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Knol JC, Giovannetti E, Bijlsma MF, Jiménez CR. Phosphoproteomics guides effective low-dose drug combinations against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112581. [PMID: 37269289 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a limited set of known driver mutations but considerable cancer cell heterogeneity. Phosphoproteomics provides a readout of aberrant signaling and has the potential to identify new targets and guide treatment decisions. Using two-step sequential phosphopeptide enrichment, we generate a comprehensive phosphoproteome and proteome of nine PDAC cell lines, encompassing more than 20,000 phosphosites on 5,763 phospho-proteins, including 316 protein kinases. By using integrative inferred kinase activity (INKA) scoring, we identify multiple (parallel) activated kinases that are subsequently matched to kinase inhibitors. Compared with high-dose single-drug treatments, INKA-tailored low-dose 3-drug combinations against multiple targets demonstrate superior efficacy against PDAC cell lines, organoid cultures, and patient-derived xenografts. Overall, this approach is particularly more effective against the aggressive mesenchymal PDAC model compared with the epithelial model in both preclinical settings and may contribute to improved treatment outcomes in PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vallés-Martí
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Pharmacology Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Pharmacology Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paul Manoukian
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Waasdorp
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Richard R de Goeij-de Haas
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alex A Henneman
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaco C Knol
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Pharmacology Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jiménez
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, OncoProteomics Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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11
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Liu F, Wu Q, Dong Z, Liu K. Integrins in cancer: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108458. [PMID: 37245545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are vital surface adhesion receptors that mediate the interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells and are essential for cell migration and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Aberrant integrin activation promotes initial tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Recently, many lines of evidence have indicated that integrins are highly expressed in numerous cancer types and have documented many functions of integrins in tumorigenesis. Thus, integrins have emerged as attractive targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms by which integrins contribute to most of the hallmarks of cancer. We focus on recent progress on integrin regulators, binding proteins, and downstream effectors. We highlight the role of integrins in the regulation of tumor metastasis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and other hallmarks of cancer. In addition, integrin-targeted immunotherapy and other integrin inhibitors that have been used in preclinical and clinical studies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
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12
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Gao J, Yao Y, Liu C, Xie X, Li D, Liu P, Wang Z, Zhang B, Ren R. Synergism of FAK and ROS1 inhibitors in the treatment of CDH1-deficient cancers mediated by FAK-YAP signaling. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2711-2724. [PMID: 37324948 PMCID: PMC10266074 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.81918] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CDH1 deficiency is common in diffuse gastric cancer and triple negative breast cancer patients, both of which still lack effective therapeutics. ROS1 inhibition results in synthetic lethality in CDH1-deficient cancers, but often leads to adaptive resistance. Here, we demonstrate that upregulation of the FAK activity accompanies the emergence of resistance to ROS1 inhibitor therapy in gastric and breast CDH1-deficient cancers. FAK inhibition, either by FAK inhibitors or by knocking down its expression, resulted in higher cytotoxicity potency of the ROS1 inhibitor in CDH1-deficient cancer cell lines. Co-treatment of mice with the FAK inhibitor and ROS1 inhibitors also showed synergistic effects against CDH1-deficient cancers. Mechanistically, ROS1 inhibitors induce the FAK-YAP-TRX signaling, decreasing oxidative stress-related DNA damage and consequently reducing their anti-cancer effects. The FAK inhibitor suppresses the aberrant FAK-YAP-TRX signaling, reinforcing ROS1 inhibitor's cytotoxicity towards cancer cells. These findings support the use of FAK and ROS1 inhibitors as a combination therapeutic strategy in CDH1-deficient triple negative breast cancer and diffuse gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Gao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunying Yao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxuan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Xie
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghe Li
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zaiqi Wang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruibao Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- International Center for Aging and Cancer, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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13
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Beutel AK, Halbrook CJ. Barriers and opportunities for gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer therapy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C540-C552. [PMID: 36571444 PMCID: PMC9925166 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00331.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths across the world. A lack of durable responses to standard-of-care chemotherapies renders its treatment particularly challenging and largely contributes to the devastating outcome. Gemcitabine, a pyrimidine antimetabolite, is a cornerstone in PDA treatment. Given the importance of gemcitabine in PDA therapy, extensive efforts are focusing on exploring mechanisms by which cancer cells evade gemcitabine cytotoxicity, but strategies to overcome them have not been translated into patient care. Here, we will introduce the standard treatment paradigm for patients with PDA, highlight mechanisms of gemcitabine action, elucidate gemcitabine resistance mechanisms, and discuss promising strategies to circumvent them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alica K Beutel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christopher J Halbrook
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, California
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14
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Zhang Z, Li J, Jiao S, Han G, Zhu J, Liu T. Functional and clinical characteristics of focal adhesion kinases in cancer progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1040311. [PMID: 36407100 PMCID: PMC9666724 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1040311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and an adaptor protein that primarily regulates adhesion signaling and cell migration. FAK promotes cell survival in response to stress. Increasing evidence has shown that at the pathological level, FAK is highly expressed in multiple tumors in several systems (including lung, liver, gastric, and colorectal cancers) and correlates with tumor aggressiveness and patient prognosis. At the molecular level, FAK promotes tumor progression mainly by altering survival signals, invasive capacity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the tumor microenvironment, the Warburg effect, and stemness of tumor cells. Many effective drugs have been developed based on the comprehensive role of FAK in tumor cells. In addition, its potential as a tumor marker cannot be ignored. Here, we discuss the pathological and pre-clinical evidence of the role of FAK in cancer development; we hope that these findings will assist in FAK-based clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyu Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Simin Jiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Guangda Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiaming Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tianzhou Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Tianzhou Liu,
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15
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Gonzalez-Molina J, Moyano-Galceran L, Single A, Gultekin O, Alsalhi S, Lehti K. Chemotherapy as a regulator of extracellular matrix-cell communication: Implications in therapy resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:224-236. [PMID: 35331851 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of most solid cancers, including pancreatic, breast, lung, liver, and ovarian cancer, involves a desmoplastic reaction: a process of major remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) affecting the ECM composition, mechanics, and microarchitecture. These properties of the ECM influence key cancer cell functions, including treatment resistance. Furthermore, emerging data show that various chemotherapeutic treatments lead to alterations in ECM features and ECM-cell communication. Here, we summarize the current knowledge around the effects of chemotherapy on both the ECM remodeling and ECM-cell signaling and discuss the implications of these alterations on distinct mechanisms of chemoresistance. Additionally, we provide an overview of current therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials utilizing anti-cancer drugs to target the ECM-cell communication and explore the future challenges of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Gonzalez-Molina
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew Single
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Okan Gultekin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shno Alsalhi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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16
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Shi M, Chen T, Wei S, Zhao C, Zhang X, Li X, Tang X, Liu Y, Yang Z, Chen L. Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, and Free Energy Calculation Insights into the Binding Mechanism between VS-4718 and Focal Adhesion Kinase. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:32442-32456. [PMID: 36119979 PMCID: PMC9476166 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a 125 kDa nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in many carcinomas. Thus, the targeting of FAK by small molecules is considered to be promising for cancer therapy. Some FAK inhibitors have been reported as potential anticancer drugs and have entered into clinical development; for example, VS-4718 is currently undergoing clinical trials. However, the lack of crystal structural data for the binding of VS-4718 with FAK has hindered the optimization of this anticancer agent. In this work, the VS-4718/FAK interaction model was obtained by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The binding free energies of VS-4718/FAK were also calculated using the molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area method. It was found that the aminopyrimidine group formed hydrogen bonds with the C502 residue of the hinge loop, while the D564 residue of the T-loop interacted with the amide group. In addition, I428, A452, V484, M499, G505, and L553 residues formed hydrophobic interactions with VS-4718. The obtained results therefore provide an improved understanding of the interaction between human FAK and VS-4718. Based on the obtained binding mechanism, 47 novel compounds were designed to target the adenosine 5'-triphosphate-binding pocket of human FAK, and ensemble docking was performed to assess the effects of these modifications on the inhibitor binding affinity. This work is also expected to provide additional insights into potential future target design strategies based on VS-4718.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingsong Shi
- State
Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China
Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China
Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Siping Wei
- Key
Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Chenyu Zhao
- West
China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- West
China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinghui Li
- West
China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyi Tang
- West
China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China
Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuang Yang
- State
Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China
Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- . Phone: +86-28-85164063
| | - Lijuan Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China
Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
- . Phone: +86-28-85164063
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17
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Focal adhesion kinase priming in pancreatic cancer, altering biomechanics to improve chemotherapy. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1129-1141. [PMID: 35929603 PMCID: PMC9444069 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The dense desmoplastic and fibrotic stroma is a characteristic feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), regulating disease progression, metastasis and response to treatment. Reciprocal interactions between the tumour and stroma are mediated by bidirectional integrin-mediated signalling, in particular by Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK). FAK is often hyperactivated and overexpressed in aggressive cancers, promoting stromal remodelling and inducing tissue stiffness which can accelerate cancer cell proliferation, survival and chemoresistance. Therapeutic targeting of the PDAC stroma is an evolving area of interest for pre-clinical and clinical research, where a subtle reshaping of the stromal architecture prior to chemotherapy may prove promising in the clinical management of disease and overall patient survival. Here, we describe how transient stromal manipulation (or ‘priming’) via short-term FAK inhibition, rather than chronic treatment, can render PDAC cells exquisitely vulnerable to subsequent standard-of-care chemotherapy. We assess how our priming publication fits with the recent literature and describe in this perspective how this could impact future cancer treatment. This highlights the significance of treatment timing and warrants further consideration of anti-fibrotic therapies in the clinical management of PDAC and other fibrotic diseases.
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18
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Kosibaty Z, Brustugun OT, Zwicky Eide IJ, Tsakonas G, Grundberg O, De Petris L, McGowan M, Hydbring P, Ekman S. Ras-Related Protein Rab-32 and Thrombospondin 1 Confer Resistance to the EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Osimertinib by Activating Focal Adhesion Kinase in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143430. [PMID: 35884490 PMCID: PMC9317954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Osimertinib is a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and the standard of care therapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients harboring EGFR-activating mutations. However, even for patients treated with osimertinib, resistance inevitably occurs leading to disease progression. Here, we utilized two osimertinib-resistant cell lines and investigated their RNA profiles. We found that Ras-related protein Rab-32 (RAB32) and thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) were upregulated and associated with resistance in osimertinib-resistant cells as well as in liquid biopsies from patients with disease progression following osimertinib treatment. Moreover, we found RAB32 and THBS1 to be mechanistically linked to activation of the focal adhesion pathway where combination of osimertinib with a FAK inhibitor resulted in a synergistic suppression of viability of osimertinib-resistant cells. Our findings propose a potential therapeutic strategy for overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib in non-small cell lung cancer. Abstract Treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) osimertinib is the standard of care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Osimertinib is also used in T790M-positive NSCLC that may occur de novo or be acquired following first-line treatment with other EGFR TKIs (i.e., gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, or dacomitinib). However, patients treated with osimertinib have a high risk of developing resistance to the treatment. A substantial fraction of the mechanisms for resistance is unknown and may involve RNA and/or protein alterations. In this study, we investigated the full transcriptome of parental and osimertinib-resistant cell lines, revealing 131 differentially expressed genes. Knockdown screening of the genes upregulated in resistant cell lines uncovered eight genes to partly confer resistance to osimertinib. Among them, we detected the expression of Ras-related protein Rab-32 (RAB32) and thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) in plasmas sampled at baseline and at disease progression from EGFR-positive NSCLC patients treated with osimertinib. Both genes were upregulated in progression samples. Moreover, we found that knockdown of RAB32 and THBS1 reduced the expression of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Combination of osimertinib with a FAK inhibitor resulted in synergistic toxicity in osimertinib-resistant cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic drug combination for overcoming resistance to osimertinib in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Kosibaty
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden; (Z.K.); (G.T.); (L.D.P.); (P.H.)
| | - Odd Terje Brustugun
- Section of Oncology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 3004 Drammen, Norway; (O.T.B.); (I.J.Z.E.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Inger Johanne Zwicky Eide
- Section of Oncology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 3004 Drammen, Norway; (O.T.B.); (I.J.Z.E.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Georgios Tsakonas
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden; (Z.K.); (G.T.); (L.D.P.); (P.H.)
- Thoracic Oncology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Oscar Grundberg
- Thoracic Oncology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Luigi De Petris
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden; (Z.K.); (G.T.); (L.D.P.); (P.H.)
- Thoracic Oncology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Marc McGowan
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Institute for Cancer Research, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden; (Z.K.); (G.T.); (L.D.P.); (P.H.)
| | - Simon Ekman
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden; (Z.K.); (G.T.); (L.D.P.); (P.H.)
- Thoracic Oncology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Akademiska Straket 1, BioClinicum J6:20, 17164 Solna, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-725721111
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19
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Zhao YY, Wang MM, Cui JF. New progress in the mechanism of microenvironment-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance in digestive system tumors. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2022; 30:341-348. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v30.i8.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is the cornerstone of the survival of tumor cells. It generally presents unique physical and chemical characteristics such as hypoxia, immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and matrix stiffening, which not only offer suitable soil to support tumorigenesis and progression, but also resist the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we summarize new progress in the mechanism of hypoxia, immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and matrix stiffness-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance in digestive system tumors, and discuss the new intervention strategy against matrix stiffness-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance, which underlines the contribution of physical and chemical characteristics of tumor microenvironment in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mi-Mi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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20
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Anobile DP, Niso M, Puerta A, Fraga Rodrigues SM, Abatematteo FS, Avan A, Abate C, Riganti C, Giovannetti E. New Pharmacological Strategies against Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: The Multifunctional Thiosemicarbazone FA4. Molecules 2022; 27:1682. [PMID: 35268783 PMCID: PMC8911630 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A new sigma-2 (σ2) receptor ligand (FA4) was efficiently synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic, proapoptotic, and antimigratory activity on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) primary cell cultures, which restrained the aggressive and chemoresistant behavior of PDAC. This compound showed relevant antiproliferative activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.701 to 0.825 μM. The cytotoxic activity was associated with induction of apoptosis, resulting in apoptotic indexes higher than those observed after exposure to a clinically relevant concentration of the gemcitabine, the first-line drug used against PDAC. Interestingly, FA4 was also able to significantly inhibit the migration rate of both PDAC-1 and PDAC-2 cells in the scratch wound-healing assay. In conclusion, our results support further studies to improve the library of thiosemicarbazones targeting the σ-2 receptor for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the biological activity of these compounds and the development of more efficient anticancer compounds against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario P. Anobile
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5/bis, 10026 Torino, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Adrian Puerta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- BioLab, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica “Antonio González” (IUBO-AG), Universidad de La Laguna, c/Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Stephanie M. Fraga Rodrigues
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Francesca S. Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Amir Avan
- Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran;
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Italy
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21
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A New Oxadiazole-Based Topsentin Derivative Modulates Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 Expression and Exerts Cytotoxic Effects on Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010019. [PMID: 35011251 PMCID: PMC8746667 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal form of cancer characterized by drug resistance, urging new therapeutic strategies. In recent years, protein kinases have emerged as promising pharmacological targets for the treatment of several solid and hematological tumors. Interestingly, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is overexpressed in PDAC tissues and has been correlated to the aggressive nature of these tumors because of its key role in cell cycle progression and resistance to the induction of apoptosis. For these reasons, CDK1 is one of the main causes of chemoresistance, representing a promising pharmacological target. In this study, we report the synthesis of new 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds and evaluate their ability to inhibit the cell growth of PATU-T, Hs766T, and HPAF-II cell lines and a primary PDAC cell culture (PDAC3). Compound 6b was the most active compound, with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 10.7 µM. Molecular docking of 6b into the active site of CDK1 showed the ability of the compound to interact effectively with the adenosine triphosphate binding pocket. Therefore, we assessed its ability to induce apoptosis (which increased 1.5- and 2-fold in PATU-T and PDAC3 cells, respectively) and to inhibit CDK1 expression, which was reduced to 45% in Hs766T. Lastly, compound 6b passed the ADME prediction, showing good pharmacokinetic parameters. These data demonstrate that 6b displays cytotoxic activity, induces apoptosis, and targets CDK1, supporting further studies for the development of similar compounds against PDAC.
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22
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Wu Y, Li N, Ye C, Jiang X, Luo H, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Zhang Q. Focal adhesion kinase inhibitors, a heavy punch to cancer. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:52. [PMID: 35201485 PMCID: PMC8777493 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00449-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinases are the ideal druggable targets for diseases and especially were highlighted on cancer therapy. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and its aberrant signaling extensively implicates in the progression of most cancer types, involving in cancer cell growth, adhesion, migration, and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling. FAK is commonly overexpressed and activated in a variety of cancers and plays as a targetable kinase in cancer therapy. FAK inhibitors already exhibited promising performance in preclinical and early-stage clinical trials. Moreover, substantial evidence has implied that targeting FAK is more effective in combination strategy, thereby reversing the failure of chemotherapies or targeted therapies in solid tumors. In the current review, we summarized the drug development progress, chemotherapy strategy, and perspective view for FAK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueling Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Ning Li
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Chengfeng Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Xingmei Jiang
- Graduate School of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Hui Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China
| | - Baoyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China.
| | - Qingyu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524001, China.
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524023, China.
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23
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Ge P, Luo Y, Chen H, Liu J, Guo H, Xu C, Qu J, Zhang G, Chen H. Application of Mass Spectrometry in Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research. Front Oncol 2021; 11:667427. [PMID: 34707986 PMCID: PMC8544753 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.667427] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive tract worldwide, with increased morbidity and mortality. In recent years, with the development of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, and the change of the medical thinking model, remarkable progress has been made in researching comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of PC. However, the present situation of diagnostic and treatment of PC is still unsatisfactory. There is an urgent need for academia to fully integrate the basic research and clinical data from PC to form a research model conducive to clinical translation and promote the proper treatment of PC. This paper summarized the translation progress of mass spectrometry (MS) in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and PC treatment to promote the basic research results of PC into clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ge
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yalan Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haiyang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haoya Guo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Caiming Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jialin Qu
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guixin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hailong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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24
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Pecoraro C, Faggion B, Balboni B, Carbone D, Peters GJ, Diana P, Assaraf YG, Giovannetti E. GSK3β as a novel promising target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 58:100779. [PMID: 34461526 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence and poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and intrinsic chemoresistance. Most pancreatic cancer patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease characterized by inherent resistance to chemotherapy. These features pose a series of therapeutic challenges and new targets are urgently needed. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase, which regulates key cellular processes including cell proliferation, DNA repair, cell cycle progression, signaling and metabolic pathways. GSK3β is implicated in non-malignant and malignant diseases including inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and cancer. GSK3β recently emerged among the key factors involved in the onset and progression of pancreatic cancer, as well as in the acquisition of chemoresistance. Intensive research has been conducted on key oncogenic functions of GSK3β and its potential as a druggable target; currently developed GSK3β inhibitors display promising results in preclinical models of distinct tumor types, including pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the latest findings about GSK-3β biology and its role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we discuss therapeutic agents targeting GSK3β that could be administered as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs to surmount chemoresistance. Several studies are also defining potential gene signatures to identify patients who might benefit from GSK3β-based therapeutic intervention. This detailed overview emphasizes the urgent need of additional molecular studies on the impact of GSK3β inhibition as well as structural analysis of novel compounds and omics studies of predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Beatrice Faggion
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Beatrice Balboni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Computational and Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy, and Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme (Pisa), Italy.
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25
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Digiacomo G, Volta F, Garajova I, Balsano R, Cavazzoni A. Biological Hallmarks and New Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of PDAC. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11080843. [PMID: 34440587 PMCID: PMC8400856 DOI: 10.3390/life11080843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors and is estimated to become a leading cause of cancer-related death in coming years. Despite advances in surgical approaches and the emergence of new chemotherapy options, its poor prognosis has not improved in the last decades. The current treatment for PDAC is the combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. However, PDAC shows resistance to many antineoplastic therapies with rapid progression. Although PDAC represents a heterogeneous disease, there are common alterations including oncogenic mutations of KRAS, and the frequent inactivation of different cell cycle regulators including the CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene. An emerging field of investigation focuses on inhibiting the function of proteins that suppress the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1, with activation of the endogenous immune response. To date, all conventional immunotherapies have been less successful in patients with PDAC compared to other tumors. The need for new targets, associated with an extended molecular analysis of tumor samples could give new pharmacological options for the treatment of PDAC. It is, therefore, important to push for a broader molecular approach in PDAC research. Here, we provide a selected summary of emerging strategy options for targeting PDAC using CDK4/6 inhibitors, RAS inhibitors, and new drug combinations with immune checkpoint agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Digiacomo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.V.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-903965
| | - Francesco Volta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.V.); (A.C.)
| | - Ingrid Garajova
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy; (I.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Rita Balsano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy; (I.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Andrea Cavazzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (F.V.); (A.C.)
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26
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Tyrosine Phosphoproteomics of Patient-Derived Xenografts Reveals Ephrin Type-B Receptor 4 Tyrosine Kinase as a Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143404. [PMID: 34298619 PMCID: PMC8303779 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143404] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest solid malignancies. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma accounts for 90% of pancreatic cancer cases with minimal response to traditional chemotherapies. Protein tyrosine kinases have been shown to be hyperactivated in cancers and thus can serve as therapeutic targets. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) in animal models such as mice are an appropriate resource to identify such activated kinases. PDXs models are excellent for the identification of therapeutic targets as compared to cell line models as they better reflect an in vivo environment. We identified ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4) as hyperactivated in PDXs derived from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a recalcitrant tumor with minimal response to conventional chemotherapeutic approaches. Oncogenic signaling by activated tyrosine kinases has been implicated in cancers resulting in activation of diverse effector signaling pathways. Thus, the discovery of aberrantly activated tyrosine kinases is of great interest in developing novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment and management of pancreatic cancer. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) in mice serve as potentially valuable preclinical models as they maintain the histological and molecular heterogeneity of the original human tumor. Here, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with immunoaffinity purification using anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies to profile tyrosine phosphoproteome across 13 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PDX models. This analysis resulted in the identification of 1199 tyrosine-phosphorylated sites mapping to 704 proteins. The mass spectrometric analysis revealed widespread and heterogeneous activation of both receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Preclinical studies confirmed ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4) as a potential therapeutic target based on the efficacy of human serum albumin-conjugated soluble EphB4 in mice bearing orthotopic xenografts. Immunohistochemistry-based validation using tissue microarrays from 346 patients with PDAC showed significant expression of EphB4 in >70% of patients. In summary, we present a comprehensive landscape of tyrosine phosphoproteome with EphB4 as a promising therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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